Aerospace Engineer & Naturapath Knows Food

Loving Your Lymph

I seem to be talking about the lymphatic system a lot these days.  It's my favorite body system and the unsung hero in maintaining optimal health.  Anyone that hangs out around me long enough, either by taking a class, stopping by the shop or just having tea, eventually all health conversations eventually lead to lymph.

For those of you that have taken classes with Dr Kim Balas and Steven Horne you are probably familiar with the concept of ABC+D.  Well when you give your lymph some TLC you hit all four principles.  Here's how:  It activates the emotional healing response, provides nutrient transport to build, assists with detoxification or cleansing, and works as a direct aid for many ailments.  I find working with the lymphatic system useful for respiratory issues, male & female reproductive challenges, and anyone struggling with multiple emotional blockages.  By the way, if you haven't take this course yet, I highly recommend it if you want to either be a better herbalist or just take better care of yourself.

So when working with the lymph where do you start?  Essential oils and flower essences are a great place to start.  When we talk about different organs holding on to specific emotions I find that the lymph system is very much connected.  So if you find you've been unable to work through a specific emotional concern look to adding some lymphatic support.

Herbally, I love Nature's Sunshine Lymphatic Drainage and Lymphomax and find adding these to any of your herbal protocols will enhance their effectiveness.  Manual lymphatic drainage is very useful.  It is a very light touch, noninvasive therapy, usually performed by a licensed massage therapist.  I personally had a breast fibroid disappear after just one session.

Making good food choices is critical if you want to maintain a healthy lymph system.  Avoiding commercial dairy products is huge.  Most of today's dairy products, organics included is very mucus forming and congests the lymph.  Choose raw dairy from a local farm and take some time to understand the A2 factor.  The Amasai from Beyond Organic seems to be working well for many people.

Lastly, I cannot say enough about the benefits of cultured whey for the lymphatic system.  I've been personally consuming the one from Beyond Organic (Suero Viv) consistently for the past six months and it has become my favorite elixir.  I still drink my kombucha and coconut water but as far as having an affinity for the lymph system nothing comes close.  It's my new "secret" ingredient that seems to be making my herbal protocols all work faster.   Also a great detox option, read my post on The Suero Cleanse.

Whether you are a natural health professional or someone looking to take better care of yourself, I can promise you that the more you understand and love your lymph the better you will look and feel.

Tampa's Going Green Guru

Living a green lifestyle is important to Lisa Custer, founder of Going Green. She has always strongly believed in recycling, reusing and avoiding consumerism. This is one of the reasons she started the website, GoingGreenTampa.com and is a partner in The Recycled Jeans Shop.

Lisa wanted to help get the word out about eco-friendly companies and events in the Tampa area in order to attract the mainstream consumer. She has since been chosen as a 2012 recipient for the Earth Charter Awards and sponsored numerous eco-friendly events in the greater Tampa area.

Along with that, Lisa believes that we should be nourishing our bodies with the best foods we can get. Although she is not a vegetarian, she would forgo eating meat at most meals simply because she does not like the factory farm product. She wants to know where her food comes from and that it was raised in a clean environment. This has lead her to be a loyal customer at many local CSA's and Co-op's. Over the past year, she has found herself talking more and more about the importance of knowing your food source as well as learning more about a nutrient dense diet and educating yourself on the role that diet plays in our health.

She is encouraged by Beyond Organic’s mission of changing the way we eat and is excited to be with a company that is passionate about educating and nourishing the consumer. She chose to be a part of Beyond Organic because of the passion that Jordan Rubin has for health and the quality, benefits and convenience of the products. Her family enjoys the products and she doesn't have to worry about what is in it before she gives it to them.

Stop The Nail Fungus!

Combat unwanted nail fungus with JennScents Nail Fungus Serum! Plant based enzymes will nourish and hydrate cells, breaking down thick protein walls and combating fungus.  A combination of 100% pure essential oils offer antifungal, antibacterial, anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano is historically known to enhance circulation, fight against parasites and eliminate fungus.  Patchouli, often known for its grounding and balancing benefits, is a powerful antifungal, combating candida, parasites, yeast and athlete's foot. Check us out on Facebook for a special offer on this great product, just in time for the summer flip-flop season.

New Green Protein Drink - Fabulous

Nature's Sunshine just introduced a new green, protein drink made with nutrient-dense plants, fruits and herbs; 75% of the Daily Value for 18 essential vitamins and minerals, green foods, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, nutritive herbs, fiber and more. It also provides 13g of vegetable protein per serving.
This vegan, dairy-free and lactose-free protein shake not only tastes great, but supports the intestinal and circulatory systems as well and overall health, energy and vitality.

Nature’s Harvest drink mix packs powerful nutrition. It contains a vegetable Protein Blend such as pea protein, adzuki beans, black beans, garbanzo beans and rice protein. Other nutritious ingredients include spirulina, quinoa, flax seed hull lignans, chia, chlorella, millet, alfalfa, carrot, broccoli, artichoke, spinach, asparagus, kale, beet, parsley, chlorophyll, sunflower fiber Blend (short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides [scfos], soluble dietary vegetable fiber, pea fiber, bamboo fiber), Essential Fatty Acid Blend (flax seed, borage oil), Antioxidant Fruit Blend (mangosteen, goji, watermelon, blueberry, cranberry, grape skin, grape seed, pomegranate, acerola, lemon bioflavonoid), medium-chain triglycerides, Herbal Blend (ceremonial grade matcha, lemongrass, chicory, horsetail and more.

It is so simple to make as well. I added a little almond milk, with water adn pineapple juice...and is sooooo delicious! Check it out at one of our Herb Shoppe's or visit www.mynsp.com/jennscents to purchase online.

Fennel - powerful to break down fat

As we begin to prepare for spring, and Spring Break, we are evaluating ourselves and wondering, how can we get in shape to sport a healthy, bikini body. Well, let me share a popular herb that I'm sure you've heard of...Fennel.

Most people think of digestion when you say Fennel. Or a galactagogue (increasing breast milk). But I bet you didn't know that it also works directly to reduce adipose
tissue. It contains ketones which are historically known to break down fat.

Because of its ketone action, it is a great remedy to help induce weight loss, primarily due to its diuretic and laxative actions, as well as a decongestant for the liver and gall bladder. Fennel not only assists in weight loss but it also restores rhythmic function to help balance the fluids in our body, assimilation of nutrients and stregthen detoxification processes. You can find this in our Herb Shoppe's as an herbal tea, liquid tincture, herbal formula and in an aromatherapy body spray and body lotion (best application).

Nature's Sunshine Health Seminar - April 28, 2012

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 9:00a-5:00p
Nature's Sunshine Educational Health Seminar with Lawrence Smith, ND
@ the Wesley Center in Clermont, FL
$35 pp (must be registered by April 20, 2012)

An introduction to Natural Health Body System School...Learn the fundamentals of natural health, discuss basic health needs and the keys to being healthier. Study all 10 body systems in depth including biology, basic functions, common problems of each system and health supplements that support each system. Find out how to get yourself and your family on a path to better health. Review Nature's Sunshine Products benefits, tools, quality, loyalty rewards program, proven business strategies and more. Bring your family and friends as you won't be disappointed. Includes educational materials.

Location: Wesley Center @ United Methodist Church (corner of Highway 50 & 7th Streets, 2 blocks from the Clermont Herb Shoppe). This will be 1 of 16 locations for this class and the only location in Florida. (must be registered by April 20, 2012) with Nature's Sunshine at 800-223-8225.