Peppermint

Peppermint is more than just a delicious herb or fresh scent.  Did you know that there are plenty of health benefits and nutrients that come from Peppermint?

If you would like to experience the full health benefits of Peppermint, be sure to avoid the Peppermint Candies that are just full of sugar. Sadly, the sugar defeats the purpose of the Peppermint. Good thing there is plenty of ways to enjoy the health benefits of Peppermint without the unnecessary sugar.

Benefits

• Contains calcium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, Vitamins C, B2, and A.

• Relieves Stress and Anxiety

• May lower blood pressure levels

• Helps relieve Nausea

• Muscle relaxer, which may reduce any Menstrual Pain

• Anti-Inflamatory effects

• Known to have Antiseptic and Antibacterial properties

• Natural Decongestant

• Helps aide digestion, including helping  with Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)

• Relieves Migraines or Headaches (if constricted blood vessels is the cause of the pain)

• Natural Pest Control (repels ants, rodents, fleas, and even lice)

Intake

Dried – The dried Peppermint leaves are commonly used in teas.

Oil- Peppermint Oil can be used for culinary as well as medicinal purposes.

Precautions

Peppermint should be avoided if you suffer from acid reflux disease, heart burn,  GERD, or gallstones. Peppermint does not go well with cyclosporine or any other medication that has the purpose of preventing the rejection of transplants. Peppermint is not recommended for infants, and peppermint in high doses is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

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Tags: health benefits, Herbs, medicinal, peppermint, Spices

Stop Morning Sickness

You were so excited to get pregnant – that is, until the Morning Sickness crept up on you.  Don’t let the morning sickness ruin the fun of being pregnant. Here are some tips that can help you get rid of that sick feeling…

Acupressure- This technique is different from Acupuncture. A huge plus is that there are no needles involved. Acupressure involves working with specific pressure points to relieve the morning sickness. Women who put pressure on the area above the wrist on the inside of the forearm (it’s called the Neiguan or “P6″ point) have been shown to help with Morning Sickness. Try this technique several times a day to help with the nausea.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - This technique has some similarities with Acupressure, where you end up tapping on different pressure points on your face, upper body, and hands while saying specific affirmations aloud. You don’t have to understand exactly how or why this works – just know that it does.

Natural Remedies – There are plenty of proven Natural remedies that you can take for your Morning sickness. You can choose among Ginger, Raspberry Leaves, Chamomile, Peppermint, and Vitamin B6.  You can also try taking Vitamin K  - just be sure to take Vitamin C with it.

Eating Habits – Sometimes a pregnant woman just needs to eat on a more regular basis. Instead of 3 regular sized meals a day, perhaps 6 small meals a day can help relieve some of that morning sickness.

Some pregnant woman try to go on a “diet” – you shouldn’t be on a diet while you are pregnant, but you should focus on eating healthy foods that will provide nutrients to your baby’s body as well as your own.

Sources: The Journal of Reproductive Medicine September 2001; 46:811-814, 835-839

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Tags: acupressure, chamomile, EFT, Ginger, Health, Healthy, Healthy Eating, morning sickness, Natural Remedies, nausea, No Diet, peppermint, Pregnancy, pregnancy sickness, Raspberry leaves, vitamin B6, vitamin C, Vitamin K

Organic Lip Balm by Dr. Bronner’s

Throw away your Chapstick, because I am going to introduce to you a new way to keep your lips hydrated and healthy.

Is Chapstick bad for you?

Chapstick, Smackers, SoftLips, Vaseline, Carmex, and other popular brands out there are actually something you may just want to avoid. Why? They contain Mineral Oil and Petroleum, which actually dries up your lips rather than helping them. If Chapstick causes addiction, it would be better for you to avoid it rather than keep using it.

Alternative

What I love about Organic Lip Balm by Dr. Bronner’s, is that is actually helps heal your lips, without causing an addiction, or a constant need to keep using it over and over again. If my lips ever feel chapped, I can use this Lip Balm a couple of times, and then that’s it. I can go weeks without feeling like I have to need to use the Lip Balm, which is the way it should be- not a constant application.

What’s in Organic Lip Balm by Bronner’s?

In the Peppermint “flavored” Organic Lip Balm by Bronner’s, the ingredients include the following; Organic Avacado Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, and Natural Tocopherols. That’s right, no Mineral Oil or  Petroleum.

Avoid Chapped Lips Naturally

If you need a quick and instant fix, I definitely recommend this Organic Lip Balm. If you want to prevent and really take care of chapped lips, the best thing you can do is hydrate your body with lots of water. Never underestimate the powerful effects of drinking enough water.

Whether it is the Winter cold or Summer heat – you are now ready to take on any season with chap-less lips!

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