www.bornforhealth.com/us/org

This newsletter changes weekly so be sure to keep coming back for information on current health topics that can help you maintain and regain health. You can read a year's worth of past messages!

Keep informed--Keep Healthy.

Herbal eGram #845 Are you getting enough? D--that is!

Good Morning

          Sunshine and actually sitting in it, is going to be a precious commodity in the coming months. September is usually when I ask my clients to boost their source of vitamin D3 due to the infrequency of sunshine. Most of the experts are saying that between 70-100ng/ml are recommended to treat chronic or degenerative diseases. It is our lack of sunlight that has made this an epidemic deficiency. According to one large-scale study, optimal vitamin D levels can slash your risk of cancer by as much as 60 percent. Keeping your levels optimized can help prevent at least 16 different types of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, ovarian, prostate, and skin cancers.

          What is your level? What we know is that it can vary according to the seasons and location. If you live in Arizona and are a "sun worshipper", you may not have to worry about your levels but you should still test to see where they are: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/vitamin-d-tests if you do not have a doctor. Most doctors will test for vitamin D and is paid for by insurance. However, many doctors believe that between 20-40nl/mg is sufficient. It isn't optimal if you want to prevent disease.

          Aside from cancer studies showing the importance of high levels of vitamin D there has been other studies showing the relationship to heart disease, diabetes, depression, Osteoporosis and even auto immune disorders. It is estimated that up to 85 percent of people have insufficient levels of vitamin D and are unaware of their deficient state. While conventional media and medicine promote sun avoidance, doing so can actually put your health in grave danger and cause vitamin D deficiency. So, if you live in a place like Michigan where you can't go out and "sunbathe" most of the year, you will need to supplement.

          People who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder particularly need extra D; also those who tend to feel a lack of energy and are depressed need extra D. You can choose vitamin D3 or ElderberryD3fense as your source. Do not count on your multi-vitamin for enough D. Even if your calcium supplement contains vitamin D (which it should because it is needed to metabolize calcium along with Magnesium), this too isn't enough to get your levels where they can prevent disease according to the experts.

          NSP recommendations are at least 2000-3000 IU and I believe that this should be taken in the morning. So two to three Vitamin D3 tablets or two to three capsules of ElderberryD3fense. The capsules can be opened up and put in your morning smoothie to help your immune system fight off infections. Whether you take public transportation, work with a group of people, go to school with others or shopping. Boosting your immune system is key to staying healthy during the coming Holidays and winter months.

          I also recommend using Silver gel on your hands and face every morning before you leave the house. This gel has been proven effective for up to 4 hours even if you wash your hands. Creating a protective barrier against cold and flu germs is just plain good sense. There are handy sizes to take in your brief case or purse for in between. It is a good thing to keep handy in case your need that extra protection while shopping or using other people's phones or computers. Just a dab does it. Rub all over hands and then nose and mouth--breathing in germs is often the way they get in. If your immune system is healthy, you will destroy the germs once in the stomach but most people do not have enough enzymes to do this job properly.

          In your home make sure you diffuse the essential oil combination: Essential Shield. This wonderful smelling oil protects the home and destroys pathogens that will challenge health. And don't forget to wash surfaces with our new Essential Shield concentrated cleaner. This cleaner can make about a hundred quarts of cleaner which works on sinks, counter tops, stoves, bathroom tile and toilets; basically safe for all surfaces. It contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances or colors, and no acids! Yet, it is very effective. The essential oils can clean up pathogens and keep your home smelling refreshed while protecting your family from harmful germs. I like to put a few drops in the toilet bowl and swish it; leave overnight and the next morning it is beautifully clean.

          Make this winter the best and healthiest yet.  

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #843 Cooling Down

Good Morning!

          Last Wednesday it was 100 degrees and this morning it was in the 50's! Autumn is fast approaching and with it comes ragweed season. This may not mean much to some people but for those who have allergies, it means congestion! I think many people confuse golden rod with ragweed. They are very different plants. Golden rod is a feathery pretty yellow flower and causes no allergic responses whereas ragweed can cause stuffiness, congestion, coughing and respiratory distress. This time of year is very high in pollen count.

          There are wonderful herbal supports to help move congestion without giving you the sleepy side effects that most OTC drugs have when you take them. Some of my clients see great results by taking Sinus Support EF. You can take it hourly without sleepy side effects. It also doesn't keep you awake, so if you need to take it in the evening, you can. It will help inflammation and respiratory infection. It will help expel mucus  and clear respiratory congestion in most cases.

          If you have the opposite problem where your nose is constantly flowing and eyes are watering, you might want to try HistaBlock. This herbal combination is a natural anti-histamine that helps calm mast cell production of histamines that contribute to allergic responses like runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing and narrowing of bronchi. HistaBlock can be taken every 15 minutes until symptoms begin to subside and then every hour after that.

          Tei Fu oil is a great congestion buster! You can put it in a nasal inhaler (much like Vicks comes in). I have them in the office for $10. You simply put a few drops on the cotton and place the cotton in the tube. Close it up and take a sniff! Relief is on its way. It is a disinfectant and decongestant all rolled into one. If you want a more clinical approach to killing sinus infection you might want to use a nasal sprayer filled with Silver Liquid and one drop of Tei Fu. Spritz this up the nostril and open those sinuses. The silver will kill bacteria, fungus and viruses.

          For children with nasal congestion you can put Tei Fu in a carrier like aloe and rub it into their chest at night to help them breathe. Vicks is a time honored decongestant but the fact that it is mixed in a petroleum (toxic) base; I would much rather use a more natural approach. Children also respond well to liquid ALJ. My grandchildren have been using this for years with great success. I sometimes will mix it with Ultimate Echinacea (half teaspoon of each for 6-12 year olds). For infants you can put a drop or two in a nipple mixed with purified water. For toddlers: mix 5-6 drops with a tablespoon of water. Do this every half hour or so until there is no more congestion.

          Autumn also means more rain and mold. Falling leaves can mix with the rain and create a mold issue for many. It is unlawful to burn leaves in our area but it is still okay in most.  The visible smoke from burning leaves is made up almost entirely of tiny particles that can reach deep into lung tissue and cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath. Aside from the pollution problem, this could mean trouble to those neighbors with respiratory conditions. Mulching leaves is a better answer.

          I hope that some of the suggestions above trigger better ways of dealing with allergies that are inherent to this season. Having these products on hand is smart. My medicine chest is filled with essential oils and herbal remedies that I can turn to at a moment's notice. You won't find OTC drugs there, only natural remedies. When I have pain I take Relief Formula. It is a great anti-inflammatory and healing can take place much faster.

          I have an "Emergency Tool Kit" posted on my website to help you start your Herbal First Aid kit. Check it out and print it! http://bornforhealth.com/newsletteregram/emergencytoolkit.html  I hope it helps you understand your options. Herbs can be fast acting if you know what to take and when.

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #842 Fog

Good Morning!

          Autumn is known for foggy mornings. The other day there was a slight fog hanging over the lake and when the sun came up it cleared. One time visiting France we were driving in "Pea Soup Fog" and the cars were whizzing by us. It was very scary but those people probably drove that road every day. For us it was "white knuckle time". If you've been living in a fog for a long time you've probably learned how to navigate through life. But, once this fog lifts it is amazing how much clearer things become and how little energy you have to expend to function.

          Have you ever had a foggy brain? It's when you just don't seem clear headed and thinking becomes a challenge. You spend a great deal of time looking for things that you've misplaced because you just can't seem to remember where you were when you last had it. If you don't drink enough water, this disorientation can be a simple sign of dehydration. Your body needs water! A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. This can be chlorophyll or lemon water but does not include soda, caffeine drinks or other beverages. Some herbal tea can be counted but it is really good just to drink water.

          Tap water has chlorine and fluoride in it so it is not the healthiest. There are many wonderful filters out there that can at least get rid of these. Heavy metals are also in our water and so are other toxins. The best filtration system I have found is a reverse osmosis. You can find these available on line. If it includes a carbon filter--that will also get rid of chlorine and fluoride. Alkaline water and distilled water should only be used on a temporary basis as far as I'm concerned. For daily use drink reverse osmosis.

          The loss of memory and mental sharpness is not a natural part of aging. It is an accumulation of causes and deficiencies over the years. As people get older they tend not to drink enough water and they tend to eat food that is convenient. These two choices add up to major deficiencies. When interviewed many busy people would come home to a bowl of cereal for dinner. Brits have coined the phrase "brinner" due to the popularity of the custom. But just because something is popular doesn't make it healthy.

          Nothing can replace good nutrition! With so many people having issues with grains it seems to me cereal should not be a choice for the health conscious person. A quick omelet with veggies would be a better choice if you wanted to have breakfast in lieu of dinner. At least you'd be getting some of those suggested 5-6 servings of veggies in a day. Another choice might be a smoothie.

          Healthy smoothies are easy. NSP has several base powders to choose from such as whey, pea and soy. All organic of course. Most deliver 20 grams of protein and around 5 grams of healthy fat. All are under 200 calories per serving. You can add avocado, spinach, kale, or fruit to keep it interesting. Want more protein? Add cottage cheese or Chia seeds. If you feel like you want to chew something along with it eat an apple or some nuts. This is a fast meal with packed energy.

          If you're a member of NSP and have recently placed an order, you may have received some free packets of a product called "Purify". It's a total body cleanse but it can really be deemed a brain cleanser. Getting rid of a build-up of toxic residue can be the right thing to do in the Fall. Doing a daily cleanse that includes chlorophyll and fiber is really helpful in today's toxic environment. A build-up of toxins can lead to disease, not just faulty thinking.

          Feeling sluggish may be your body telling you it is burdened and needs some help in getting rid of toxins. If you smoke, drink alcohol, use cell phones daily or work on other wifi equipment, you would do well in drinking Purify daily. It's much easier to get rid of a bit of junk at a time than getting sick and dumping a whole lot. If you're a person who gets the flu or a cold every Fall, maybe you ought to think about doing a cleanse so your body doesn't have to do it for you. A fever is your body's way of burning up toxins.

          If you don't want to have sick symptoms, you should consider getting rid of the junk now before your body decides it's had enough. Purify drink mix tastes good and mixes well with water. Just down it once a day and help your body detoxify gently.

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #841 Fight It!

Good Morning!

          Do you really know how your immune system works? For years I've taught how our body is wonderfully made to fight off infection if given the right tools. It's much like the story of the three pigs. We are trying to have optimal health by building our body with straw-like support. The standard diet of low nutrition; existing on minimal sleep; driving our body to achieve; drinking stimulant drinks and eating sugary carbohydrate foods will take its toll.

          Modern medicine has the model that disease comes from outside the body and we have to kill it before it kills us. Natural medicine has always held that the immune system has the ability to fight off disease. Vaccines have interrupted that ability. Vaccines and the connection to auto immune conditions. Fever is one of the first lines of detoxification. The body is intelligent enough to know that many irritants live in proteins and fats and heating the body helps to move these fluids and eliminate the toxins. A fever above 105 can create harm but increasing the body temperature by doing saunas or even a hot steamy bath can help detox our body.

          When we get symptoms of fever or tiredness we tend to not want to deal with them and so we take aspirin or take a stimulant to kick ourselves in gear. This ignoring of symptoms drives them deeper and profoundly effects the body's ability to get well. We don't want to take time to take care of ourselves. We live in a toxic and stressful world and when we don't even give the body what it needs--it takes its toll.

          The average adult is made up of 60% water. Keeping that "water" clear and uncongested takes movement and eating the right food. Most of us consume things that create congested water which Dr. Cowan (in above interview) discusses as gel. Much like anything that gels there are the liquid stage and the gelled stage. To clear the toxins out of the body heat must increase the temperature of the gel to a liquid state. Sweating helps to release these toxins if the skin is working properly. The kidneys (urinary system) must also eliminate these toxins.

          Most of us will cough up mucus from the lungs because this is the only working system. Not the best of options. Sweating and urinating are much better options. So doing a water flush with chlorophyll is helpful. You can also do lemon water. These liquid cleanses help clear the gel of toxins. There are herbs that assist the body in getting rid of these toxins through the urinary system.

          Mixing Lymphatic Drainage and Kidney Drainage in chlorophyll water and taking sips of this throughout the day will assist the body in moving this fluid and getting it to dump toxins. Also do an Epsom salt bath putting 2 cups of Epsom salt into water that is as hot as you can comfortably sit in and sweat out toxins. I like adding ginger (dried powdered kind) 1 tablespoon in the above Epsom salt. I also like adding the essential oil combination called: Essential shield (10 drops).

          Another thing I have found is that when the body is congested, enzymes will help break down the proteins and fats that bind with the toxins. When you eliminate thickened mucus you are getting rid of toxins. If you find that there is a lump in your throat and you can't cough out the mucus, try taking some Proactazyme. It works for me. I take two Proactazyme and within a half hour I am able to either cough or blow my nose and get rid of the congested mucus.

          The big connection to health is the gut. Being able to digest and assimilate good nutrition can give the body the tools it needs to keep you healthy. The problem is that our food has been compromised with GMO material. We eat too much sugar and drink too many stimulant drinks. We run out of digestive material in our 20's and can't break the food down and so when it passes the gut lining, it actually irritates it and perforates it. This condition is called leaky gut which is the beginning of disease where all allergies start and then leads to auto immune disease.

          If you don't do anything else at least take enzymes with your meals and even some plant enzymes between meals. " The embryologist Dr. John Beard proposed in 1906 that pancreatic proteolytic digestive enzymes represent the body's main defense against cancer, and that enzyme therapy would be useful as a treatment for all types of cancer."  Why wait for disease? Prevent disease with better digestion! I have for 40 years been recommending enzymes as part of a health protocol.

          Enzymes are not probiotics! Media has us believing that probiotics help the gut and digestion which is only partly true. Probiotics create the right environment in the gut to assimilate nutrition. But they do not break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. A good enzyme has the ability to efficiently assist in digestion and should be used by everyone older than 30.

          The next time you get a fever, think about taking the day off and rest; get plenty of fluids in the form of chlorophyll or lemon water; take a hot bath and sweat it off. Symptoms are the body's way of communicating to you that something is wrong. Listen to your body and do something about the symptoms (which means not ignore or try to get rid of them). Take vitamin C at least! Help your body be healthy and fight off disease.

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #840 Folic Acid or Folate?

Good Morning!

          This past Saturday I presented a class on Methylation. One of the factors of methylation is converting Folic Acid into Folate. Those people who have had the test for the MTHFR gene and have been found they have it, cannot methylate Folic Acid--can't convert it to the active form of B9. This can have a huge affect on health.

          Folate is used to help prevent heart attack or stroke because it is instrumental in keeping homocysteine in check. This pro-inflammatory chemical can create havoc and is a sign that the body is not methylating properly. It is quite easy to supplement with folate. Many companies sell folic acid but one should take the more natural form as we are finding out more than half of us carry the MTHFR gene. If you take Folic Acid and can't break it down, it's like not having it at all.

          B9 is being used to help prevent colon and cervical cancer. It is being studied by many researchers and the results have been published in many recognized journals. Both Folate and B12 are essential for red blood cell production and it is being said that one should also take a complex B vitamin when taking a single B supplement to keep the balance of these water soluble vitamins in check. It is suggested that the complex B vitamin be taken at a different time than the target B vitamin. B12 is not to be taken without also taking a complex B at another time during the day.

          I'm proud to say that NSP's favorite selling B vitamin, Nutri Calm, now has Folate in it and eventually all the complex B vitamins will follow. Nutri Calm has been one of my top selling products because it is natural with herbs to support the nervous system. When herbs are in a product, they will help whatever is with it to metabolize quicker. We live in a high stress society and taking this supplement can help feed the nervous system and keep you calm. One of the wonderful ingredients in this formula is Bee Pollen.

          Bee Pollen is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fatty acids. It provides a wonderful complex of B vitamins and C. It includes trace minerals and enzymes. Although commonly used to enhance energy and stamina when taken in this combination it will provide a steady feeling of well being. It is an immune supportive food that is beneficial alone or in combination.

          Also included in Nutri Calm are the herbs Valerian root, Passion Flower and Hops which are all known to support nervous system health. Valerian root is regarded as a natural sedative and anti-anxiety herb. It has been shown to support pain reduction and is approved by the German Commission E as a sleep aid that helps reduce insomnia without producing side effects. Passion flower helps to alleviate cyclical self chatter that can interrupt one's ability to concentrate. Hops has a history of helping one overcome restlessness and irritability. Hops extract may be a safe alternative to ibuprofen in the treatment of inflammation and pain.

          Schizandra is a Chinese adaptogenic herb that has shown positive results for stress reduction. It helps with energy to keep one task oriented and increasing work performance. It also accelerates recovery time from intense exercise. It has been studied and shown to be an effective antioxidant that enhances liver glutathione. Furthermore experimental evidence suggests that schizandra exhibits  antibacterial activity and supports the immune system.

          Nutri Calm has many other ingredients all supporting the B vitamins to assist with repair of the nervous system and increase health. It supports the circulatory system with Lemon Bioflavonoids by inhibiting LDL cholesterol and reducing the tendency toward blood clots. It helps prevent free-radical damage to blood vessel walls that contribute to the buildup of cholesterol. Taking 1 each meal will help ease and support the nervous system. Some people test for 4-6 per day but you should be able to see a difference by taking Nutri Calm with each meal within 10 days.

          Methyl folate combination helps with B9 deficiencies. These deficiencies contribute to not only nervous system imbalances but also can be a huge factor in not being able function successfully. Anxiety and depression are rampant in our culture. We need to defend and supplement our diets with the best supplements we can get. If you can feel better and have less anxiety, don't you owe it to yourself to try something that has little to no side effects before reaching for drugs? You may have a vitamin deficiency that no drug is going to change.

          Drugs only suppress symptoms and eventually the body recognizes what you are doing and you need to change medications or take higher doses to get the response you want. NSP offers risk free purchases. If something doesn't seem to be working, you can return it within a reasonable time. Call 800-223-8225 to find out how. Also, check out the Quality Control video: https://www.naturessunshine.com/us/company/c1/product-quality/  You'll see why I've been using NSP for almost 40 years!

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #839 Ticks be off!

Good Morning!

          Recently a friend of mine was bitten by a tick and because of where it was located, it had swollen to twice its size by the time it was discovered. They love to burrow in under bra straps; creases and folds of skin, pant legs and even socks. Make sure you check children for them if walking in the woods and have someone else check you because sure enough they hide in places you can't readily see.

          Most websites recommend that you take tweezers to yank them off but this gives them the last opportunity to inject more toxins. There is a French video showing a better way. Take a lump of warm butter, shea butter or even suntan cream. You want to smother the tick with the cream; leave it on for about 10 minutes and when you wipe it off the tick will come with it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmkVUdZt98o And there is a video showing how to remove a tick from a dog without pain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bYsyRy4888 I feel that this was time consuming and while you are doing this you should have someone else check for ticks that might be burrowing in during the removal. The other concern I had was the tick was still alive and he had it in his hand. I'd wear gloves to make sure the tick didn't bite me.

          However you remove the tick what I want to share with you is what to do after! This is very important. You want to draw out the toxins as fast as possible so you should have on hand Black Ointment. This drawing salve helps pull out bee stingers, toxins, cysts and whatever poisons that may be near the skin. If you can pull out the toxins before it enters the blood stream you can save yourself a whole lot of pain and discomfort.

          Always follow a tick removal with this ointment until you are sure there is no more infection. The faster you act on the poisons the better. Apply the ointment to the infected area (it may be red or have a rash). I like to apply it with a popsicle stick (you can get 100 of them at the dollar store). Or, you can use gloves. Once you've covered the area with the ointment cover it with gauze or a band aid. Leave for about 8-12 hours and then wash off. I like to use a cotton ball saturated with Silver Shield. This helps to sanitize the area. If the skin is still red or even pink (or showing signs of infection), do the application again. Keep doing it until the skin is the normal color and there is no more itching or burning.

          Once the blood is infected, it can go systemic and that presents another problem, or stage to deal with.  When the toxins have entered the blood stream the liver will filter out the toxins and you will want to take something like Milk Thistle Combination to help strengthen the liver and gently detoxify.   Milk thistle is one of the world's most commonly prescribed herbal medicines because of its extensive research data backing up its effectiveness in supporting liver function. It is a wonderful antioxidant for the liver.

          The CDC has a list of tickborne illnesses. These include fevers and chills as well as pain and inflammation and extend to Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and more. Taking a Milk Thistle supplement can help support the liver and perhaps have a lessening of symptoms. So, if you are a hiker, camper or like to take walks in the woods, it would be a great idea to have some of these things in your First Aid Kit.

          The least you can do is to apply some Silver gel to the area. Add some Recover essential oil to it and help reduce pain and inflammation while sanitizing the area. A lot of sites recommend rubbing alcohol but this does nothing to reduce pain. Recover has White Camphor in it and this is well-known for its ability to desensitize an area. It can help block pain receptors. It isn't an anesthetic but is a natural pain reducer for epidermal sensory nerves. Because it is an analgesic as well, it can help with muscle cramps, charley horses and tight muscles. You can see how this would be a perfect addition to a First Aid Kit. Make sure you write down what to do and how to do it so that others know how to use these natural pain supports.

          Helichrysum is in this recipe as well and I've talked about the benefits of this essential oil in helping to reduce inflammation, scar prevention and removal, wound healing and anti-bruising effects. Also, in this formula is Clove and we know that is an old time helper for numbing and supporting healing while reducing inflammation. Recover also comes in a handy ready-to-use roll on. It is already mixed in a massage oil blend that makes it ready to apply directly to an area. Aside from all these healing benefits it smells awesome. So it can help calm the emotions while its helping to heal.

          Finding natural answers to pain relief is a great way to teach children not to depend on drugs. We have an epidemic in this country of people depending on drugs for pain relief. We need to help others learn that there are other methods of helping the body heal while reducing pain and inflammation. The aspirin business is a multi-billion dollar asset to the drug companies. I can honestly say I have not taken an aspirin or OTC pain medication since I've learned about natural pain relievers. I'd love to teach another class on natural pain relief if there were enough interested.

          Be sure to stock your First Aid Kit with natural options. If you have questions you can contact me. Here is a list of things you can stock your kit with: http://bornforhealth.com/newsletteregram/emergencytoolkit.html

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #838 Obsessive Thinking

Good Morning!

          "What, me worry?" In the early 1980's MAD magazine coined this phrase and popularized it along with its iconic happy faced guy. Recently the Washington Post said we should re-popularize this quote for 2018! The magazine was known for a "tell it as it is" attitude and in its satirical way kept us up on political happenings. The news now is spun by who owns the media, so finding the facts can be a difficult procedure.

          We do know that almost half of Americans worry. We call it Obsessive thinking. It can be as minimal as "did I lock the door" to getting old (which happens to be top on a list compiled by Independent News). Most of what we worry about never happens. This is a well known fact. But, how do we stop our brains from going on and on?

          Managing thoughts and worry takes effort. So, having some things handy helps. First of all--breathing. When you find yourself obsessing about something that either happened or may happen, breathe! Shallow breathing only adds to the problem of anxiety. Learning to take breaths that involve the belly will help you get centered and calm down. http://www.coreexercisesolutions.com/belly-breathing/ These exercises help you strengthen the core and allow you to relax.

          When you take a deep breath in and your diaphragm contracts down, it stimulates the vagus nerve. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, this sends a message back up to the brain telling you to relax. Lots of wonderful things happen when we relax. We sleep better, we poop easier, sex is better and food digests better. So, there are a lot of advantages to taking diaphragm breaths.

          Some of us have a stuck diaphragm and before we can take that deep breath we have to un-stick it. Using the essential oil combination "Core" in a ready to use roll-on right under the rib cage can help. Just take the roll-on and rub across the area under the ribs on each side. This will help the diaphragm relax and allow for deeper breathing. It also has oils in it that relax and calm anxiety. It's easy to put in a purse or brief case or even carry in a pocket. Try to do this 3-4 times a day.

          If you have had a trauma and are dealing with the ramifications of it, use the flower essence Distress Remedy. This is a non-scented energetic medicine that helps one relax in the face of upset. It is most helpful for those who have had an accident or those dealing with divorce or death. Our thoughts can get away from us as to what the next step is and how we respond to it. It works with the emotions to help calm and minimize cellular damage. It helps one remain composed and able to make good decisions in the midst of a crisis. This remedy should be in everyone's first aid kit.

          Taking the Distress Remedy can be done by the dropper full every 10 minutes or until you feel you are once again in control and able to think clearly. It is safe for children and pets. For children under five you can add it to water or unsweetened apple sauce. For pets you can add it to their water or put it on the pads of their paws. Just drop it on one and rub it in. They may lick it and that's okay. The reason I like this remedy over Rescue by Bach is that it contains no alcohol. It also includes Arnica.

          Arnica is a pain killer. Whether one is dealing with emotional or physical pain, this remedy seems to help. It tends to speed recovery time. I love the Distress Remedy and add it to sprays and creams for quicker healing. When blended with Lavender essential oil in a spray it can help bumps and bruises heal much faster. In a spray bottle filled with purified water add one or two droppers full of Distress Remedy and 10 drops of Lavender. Shake well and spray on bumps and bruises then briskly rub to allow for better circulation. If it is bleeding: spray and put a gauze pad on it; press hard, release and then press hard again. When the bleeding stops do the light stroking again to move the blood and allow for damaged cells to leave the area.

          So, back to obsessive thoughts: For some people the answer is prayer--leave it to God and let go! To others it can be Yoga or meditation. Most people unfortunately depend on alcohol or drugs. Talk to yourself and stay positive. Find some words that make you realize that it will be okay. We really have very little control over circumstances and obsessing about them only brings more negativity to us. Try thinking about the outcome you would rather see happen. What would that feel like? Concentrate on that feeling--really focus on it. Take a deep breath and move on.

          I have worked with people for over 35 years helping them find ways to move energy that is pulling them down. Don't let obsessive thinking drag you into the mud. When was the last time you found this to be helpful? Try never! It may be a habit and it may be tough to kick. But boot it out of your head and feel better with the hints I've given you above.

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #837 I Am...

Good Morning!

          Who do you say you are? What is your self talk saying? We all talk to ourselves, some of us out loud. Do you call yourself a dummy, stupid, clumsy, ugly or any other derogatory explanative? We often don't even realize we are saying it. The first step would be to catch ourselves in the act. Since most of it goes on in our head this takes a bit of doing. Habits are difficult to stop but if we can change them, especially our self talk, it would mean a great deal in our healing process.

          It is a fact that what we continually say to ourselves--we believe. A good exercise in helping your body in health is to stop repeating negative self talk. How about, "I'm old", I'm sick, or I'm tired? Catch yourself and change your talk to something positive. Most of the time what we are saying isn't even true. Sometimes it is true but we wish it weren't. Change it!

          Put a timer on your phone and when it rings ask yourself, "What is in my head?". Is it a negative thought about yourself? How can you change it to be more positive and effective? Self Talk Therapy is discussed in this article in Psychology Today. Perhaps you can't go from, "I'm tired" to "I'm Full of Energy" but at least you can learn some techniques that can help you improve your health both mentally and physically.

          One theory to changing your self talk is to say your name. For example: I'm tired!

I would say instead: "Mary, I know you think you're tired right now and you don't want to finish the project at hand, however if you spend just 5 minutes more on this you may not have to come back later and finish. Think of how that will feel!" By interjecting a more positive feeling into the thought just may give you the push to change how you feel.

          A study recently published in Nature.com showed how Cognitive Behavioral Self Talk can assist in healing. Vibrations are set off by our brain that triggers mechanisms and functions in the body. Self talk can initiate tasks that can either contribute to health, or deplete it. Which would you prefer?

          This isn't to suggest you shouldn't recognize when your body actually is signaling you to slow down, take a rest or other such functions. This is when we are giving in to a record that plays in our head set up to sabotage success. It seems it is ridiculous that we would want to deliberately seek failure but, in my years of emotional healing, it's true. Somehow we've been told by a parent, teacher, coach or other authority figure that we couldn't possibly aspire to be great at anything, so this record plays in our head.      

          If you remember who it was that put a road block in your way--talk to them in your head and tell them to get out! A great book: "Don't Let Others Rent Space in Your Head" by Gary Coxe. It's a great workbook that can help you change your spinning thoughts into positive energy that propels you to success. If you believe that you can have perfect health, age gracefully with full cognition, you have to work on it. It doesn't just happen. Most of the time we are working against these goals because we don't know how to be proactive.

          Some of you may be thinking this is all hogwash! There is nothing as powerful as thought! One of Henry Ford's most quoted sayings: "If You Think You Can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't". Which are you? What you put in your head matters. What are you filling your head with? Do you read inspiring books? Are you learning 10 things every day? Who do you associate with and are they positive or negative? But, most importantly who is living in your head? I hope this has given you something to think about and how you can help yourself starting now.

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #835 Cling On

Good Morning!

          Have you ever had the experience of a "cling on"? Many animals will have a burdock seed cling to its fur and you have to decide to pull it out or cut it. When the bloom of the burdock plant dies it leaves a spiny seed packet that attaches itself to clothing and fur. The seed itself is not used medicinally, but the root of the burdock is highly prized in Asian gastronomy.

          Slivers of it can be found in many dishes and the health benefits abound. After peeling the cleaned root, cut it into shoestring shapes and use it in stir fry. It really is quite good. I also like to add some Swiss chard, chopped onions and red pepper and chopped cooked chicken. Add a pint of chicken stock and let simmer. This is great served over rice.

          Burdock is a wonderful astringent plant and very beneficial for purifying the blood. Asian medical studies have shown it particularly effective in helping with skin  problems such as acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis. When the skin is showing signs of distress generally the blood needs purifying. Plugged sweat glands can create a problem when trying to detoxify. Astringents like Burdock are especially beneficial in reducing edema.

          This herb has been used to help reduce inflammation in joints; prevent kidney stones; and when used as a snuff can help deter nasal polyps. It can be brewed as a tea but it is quite bitter. Taking the dehydrated plant in powdered form as a capsule is probably the best and easiest way to help reduce inflammation.

          When taken internally, Burdock has shown to be a protective herb for the gastro-intestinal system as it can recreate the mucus lining while detoxifying. This is very soothing for someone dealing with inflammatory bowel disease. What is even better is that it has been shown to provide protection for the liver!  Even though it is quite astringent, Burdock has been shown to help increase digestive fluids and therefore improve digestion.

          Many astringents like White Oak Bark should be taken away from food as it can interrupt digestion due to its ability to dehydrate and eliminated fluids. White Oak bark is particularly beneficial when used along with tooth paste to improve the tone of gums. Just add toothpaste to your brush add a little water and put on teeth. Take wet toothbrush and dunk into a portion of White Oak Bark powder and continue brushing and spitting as usual.

          Burdock tea can be made. Here is a recipe: https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/burdock.aspx If you want to make a poultice for applying to the skin you can make the tea and then when it cools dunk a clean cloth into the liquid, squeeze out the excess and apply the cloth to the affected area. This can be applied to Ulcerative tissues, cuts that won't heal and even bruises. After applying the cloth for about 20 minutes follow up with some Silver gel. Doing this twice a day will speed healing and kill off infection.

          Many weeds are beneficial plants. Learn how to use them and benefit by them. Look around your garden and home for unsprayed weeds and check them out on the internet to find out what properties they contain and how they can be used. This is the cheapest and often most effective treatment. God has given us the plants to help our bodies heal--make use of them. Get yourself a good plant identification book and have some fun making poultices, teas and healing lotions.

          So, if you find a plant that resembles rhubarb and has purple globe like flowers--you might check out what burdock looks like and dig up the root. You can disguise it in soups and stir fries and support your health and those you care about. The tea can be given to dogs to help with their digestive system. But, it should not be used extensively for pregnancy as it can create uterine contractions. Which at the end of the pregnancy may be helpful but certainly not at the beginning. Using red raspberry leaves in a tea is a better herb for pregnancy as it helps to tone the uterus and get that muscle ready for labor.

          If a "cling on" happens to attach itself to you, mark where you've been and dig up that root!

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.

Herbal eGram #834 Balmy

Good Morning!

          I'm not a fan of hot weather and am so glad we have air conditioning during these very hot days. Last year was wonderful for me but my husband complained we had no summer. This year Mother Nature is making it his summer!

          I love balmy temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees. It is where I can be most productive and feel energetic. If you're like me, then in then read on. I have a lovely recipe for Lemon Balm tea that helps your body deal with high temperatures. Recently, my friend Mike sent me this recipe.

Recipe for Lemon Balm tea:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup rinsed, fresh lemon balm, tightly packed (or 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm or 4 lemon balm tea bags)
1 liter hot water
1/3 cup lemon juice
2-3 tbsp raw honey (or less if you like it tart)
2-3 lemon slices
1 cup raspberries (optional--can use strawberries or blueberries frozen)
1 cup ice
Make tea: Place the rinsed, fresh lemon balm in a tea pot or small pot and top with hot water. Let steep for at least 1 hour. Strain the lemon balm leaves and stir in lemon juice and raw honey. Place a couple lemon slices, raspberries and ice in each serving glass and top with the tea. Makes 3-4 servings depending on how much ice is used.

          Also I've found the Keep Cool in a spray with peppermint to be very helpful. So adding this to the tea will add no taste but will add a bit of calmness and ability to keep your cool. Lemon Balm is known to help support thyroid, adrenal and calm anxiety. Here's how else you can use the tea besides drinking it as a lovely beverage:

          Once the lemon balm has been steeped you can put it in a spray bottle and use as a non toxic bug repellant. Yep! It works against mosquitoes and if you add a dash of lemon grass essential oil it repels black flies. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. I've added sage and mint to the tea and that worked well too. I also have sprayed my plants with a mixture of NSP Concentrate (1 teaspoon) to a quart of water and peppermint oil (10 drops). This has discouraged box elder bugs and ear wigs. For discouraging mold use tea tree oil instead of the peppermint.

          This summer make a pledge not to use toxic sunscreens. Besides contributing to hormone imbalances, it is harmful for other things such as the coral reef, fish, and more importantly--your brain. If you are looking for a good quality sunscreen: https://thrivemarket.com/p/babo-botanicals-sheer-zinc-lotion-sunscreen-spf-30

          Or you can make your own with zinc oxide and hand and body lotion. The skin is an eliminative and absorbent organ. Studies show that toxins from sunscreen are found in the blood stream within as little as two hours after application. Wear clothing that helps to screen the harsh sunrays but remember a little sun exposure helps raise vitamin D levels to help protect against cancer.

          The best way to determine what your vitamin D levels are is by getting a blood test. Most MDs will now order this test without question. They will tell you that 40nl mg. is normal but you don't just want normal vitamin D levels, you want optimum to prevent cancer and Osteoporosis. What most experts are saying now is that desirable levels are between 50-70nl mg of vitamin D and if you want to support better heart health and treat cancer it should be between 70-100nl mg.

          Vitamin D from the sun relies on skin exposure of at least 20-30 minutes then it converts to Vitamin D2 in the skin; from there it converts to Vitamin D3 in the liver. If you have a poor functions liver (which many people do because we live in a toxic world) you should take a Vitamin D3 supplement. When you take in the supplement it further converts in the kidneys to D4 which is the active form and can then be utilized by the body in its many functions.

          An ideal complement to the vitamin D3 is Krill with K2. This combo can really pack a punch and support immune health. Krill has been known to be one of the most beneficial oils because it has antioxidants in it and goes right to supporting brain health. Vitamin D is supported by K2 for absorption and utilization. A growing body of evidence shows that vitamin D plays a crucial role in disease prevention and maintaining optimal health. There are about 30,000 genes in your body, and vitamin D affects nearly 3,000 of them, as well as vitamin D receptors located throughout your body.

          So, unless you are out there sunbathing on a daily basis, you should continue your vitamin D supplements during the summer months. There is no report of a vitamin D overdose--so don't worry about getting too much. The only caution out there is not to take mega doses with Calcium. Take your calcium supplement at night (if you take one) and take your vitamin D during the day--preferably morning.

          Even if the weather isn't balmy, try to keep yourself cool with these helpful hints.

Yours, For The Health Of It,

Dr. Mary

Mary Born, ND CNHP CNC

DrMary@bornforhealth.com

For more info on other products, and how to get them at wholesale direct (member cost) click:

http://www.mynsp.com/born; and then go to Products A-Z. If already a member, click on www.naturessunshine.com. If you want to get member prices and you need to be sponsored use account 9256 or: http://hartonweb.com/nsp-herbs/bornforhealth.com

If you have any questions or comments, please email me, or for an appointment Call: 248-559-6763.  

If you find it valuable—send it on. This message is for information only. It is not intended to diagnose nor prescribe as that is the realm of a medical doctor. If you have specific symptoms, see an appropriate health professional. Please seek the advice of a health practitioner for specific ailments.