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Essential Oils: Roman Chamomile

Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is commonly ingested today in tea form, often before bed or stressful situations. This herb has dozens of properties on its own, but here are the most popular benefits of its essential oil.

1. Relief of Seasonal Allergies: Chamomile is an antimicrobial and an antioxidant. The oil can reduce congestion, swelling, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies. Topically applied over skin irritation, chamomile can soothe the area.
2. Reduces PMS Symptoms: Every woman dreads it. The back aches, headaches, cramps, bloating, etc. Roman Chamomile can relieve all of these symptoms, and even clear acne breakouts, reduce bouts of depression, and uplift your mood.
3. Relief of Insomnia: Insomnia is a condition where one has difficulty falling asleep, sleeping through the night, and waking up. Roman Essential Oil can be inhaled, and even sprayed on your pillows and bed sheets, to ease your insomnia.
4. Reduces Depression and Anxiety: Roman Chamomile promotes relaxation, as well as uplifts moods and soothes depression. It has been used for that purpose for thousands of years, and still does so today.
5. It can relieve Arthritis based pain: Since Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, it can be topically applied to knees, wrists, back, fingers, and other areas wracked with pain from Arthritis to relieve pain.
6. Can Help with Cancer: This essential oil can weaken the lining of cancer cells, though further testing and study is needed to verify this information in humans.
7. Your Children can Ingest it: The oil is gentle enough that children can be treated with it. People have treated children’s ear infections, stomach aches, fevers, and even tantrums.
8. It can make your Skin Healthier: Because of its ability to soothe skin irritations, it can be used as an alternative treatment for skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. It can also treat ulcers, open wounds, burns, chicken pox, poison ivy, gout and infections.
9. It can promote Heart and Digestive Health: Chamomile can reduce risk of death for heart diseases and digestive diseases, like coronary heart disease and acid reflux.

Here are ways you can use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil:

1. Topically: topical application is directly applying the oil to the skin. You can apply it on areas that are inflamed, to reduce inflammation. Areas with bruises and burns can be treated topically, as well as eczema and psoriasis patches. In order to improve your digestive system, apply it to your abdomen, using (typically) two to three drops.
2. Aromatherapy: Diffusers can be purchased to make this process easier. You fill the diffuser with water, add a few drops of the oil, and over a period of time the oil will be atomized into the air. Aromatherapy applications can be used to improve sleep, reduce anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms, and to ease nausea.   
3. Ingesting: Always speak to your doctor before ingesting any essential oils, especially if you take daily medications. Ingesting Roman Chamomile essential oil can help with digestion issues, like leaky gut. Children can ingest the oil when it is combined with a mixing medium, or carrier oil, like coconut oil or almond oil. Ingesting the combination helps with diarrhea, and colic, a condition in which children and babies experience pain because of gas or intestinal blockage. 

Chamomile: A History

There are two main strains of chamomile that humans use, German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. Though it is named Roman chamomile, the herb was also used in Ancient Egypt.

In order to make an essential oil, you must steam the herb or fruit until their oils are extracted. The oil is commonly used today, as it has been for thousands of years, to treat dozens of medical conditions. The herb has antispasmodic (the ability to relieve muscle spasms) properties, and is commonly used to treat conditions like heartburn, anxiety, gout, insomnia, fevers, and even small seizures.

European doctors kept chamomile on hand because of its ability to treat inflammation, to ease colic and to help with pain. From Ancient Egyptian cosmetics and medicine, to modern day medicine, this herb has saturated human history with its properties.

Warnings

Do not use the oil, or ingest the herb of Roman Chamomile during pregnancy. It can increase blood flow and blood circulation in the pelvis, and should not be taken if you think you are pregnant. It can harm the fetus.

Do not ingest Roman Chamomile every day. Use it for a maximum of two weeks at a time!

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Common Additives To Avoid In Everyday Products

With more and more artificial products filling the shelves each day, it seems almost too easy to pop a pill or use any brand – no questions asked. But as the years go on, an overwhelming natural health trend is surfacing and people are asking questions. Previously no one would second guess the paracetamol medication they used for their headaches or even read the ingredients on their shampoo bottle. This has changed. With the world heading towards a more natural approach to health and wellness, plant-based supplements and organic products free of potentially harmful additives are fast becoming more commonplace (click here for more info).  From skin care to everyday medication, and everything in between – the products we use are jam-packed with preservatives, colorants and other chemical ingredients that are in essence bad for you.

Let’s take a look at different additives you should avoid and why they could be harmful to your health.

Parabens

This preservative is commonly found in cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals and even in some processed foods. Also known as a series of chemical compounds parahydroxybenzoates, parabens are used for bactericidal and fungicidal properties. As one of the most common additives around, parabens are generally used at low levels, however, many products have much higher levels included in them.

Why You Should Avoid It

Parabens are easily absorbed through the skin and it has been suggested that there is a link between breast cancer and the use of products containing this additive. Parabens have the ability to mimic artificial estrogen, and there have been instances where tumors in the breast have had parabens present.

Sulfates

Sulfates are salts that turn into sulfuric acid when it is mixed with other chemicals. Used to describe a broader base of artificial sulfate-chemicals, these compounds are mostly found in personal care and cleaning products. The synthetic sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are the most commonly found forms of these additives – linked to some concerns.

Why You Should Avoid It

While derived from some plant-based oils, the sulfates found in everyday products are most likely to come from petroleum, which is of concern in long-term usage. Some of the dangers associated with sulfates include; irritation of the lungs and skin. Sulfates could also be contaminated with a substance known as  1,4-dioxane, which has been shown to potentially cause cancer.

Formaldehyde

This common chemical compound has many forms and is generally a colorless, smelly and flammable substance typically associated with the embalming process. Used in many industries such as the manufacturing of materials for building, it can also be found in medical products as a sterilizer.

Why You Should Avoid It

Exposure to formaldehyde has shown to cause eye irritation, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and headaches. This chemical compound has also been classified to be anticipated as a carcinogen in humans, with possible risks of cancer.

Phthalates

This family of chemical compounds is typically used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl flexible and pliant. Also referred to as plasticizers, this plastic chemical is also used to helps creams, lotions, and makeup soften and penetrate the skin, which is concerning considering its industrial application.

Why You Should Avoid It

Recently, this chemical compound has been associated with a host of negative effects, including; respiratory problems such as asthma, breast cancer, diabetes, autism as well as fertility issues.

Titanium Oxide

Titanium oxide is an element that is found in the earth’s crust and in some plants as well as animals. While it is found in nature, this fine white powder is also artificially produced and most commonly associated with sunscreen and provides a bright, white pigment. Used for its ability to block and filter the sun’s UV rays, titanium dioxide is also present in many beauty products, foods, soaps and even toothpaste.

Why You Should Avoid It

While the use of titanium oxide has some benefits with regard to sun protection, there are potential health concerns surrounding this compound.  Titanium oxide nanoparticles  ( caused when titanium dioxide powder is further ground into microscopic particles) is believed to cause free radical damage, inflammation as well as neurological issues. It may also be a carcinogen.

Sodium Benzoate

This synthetic chemical compound is produced when benzoic acid is combined with sodium hydroxide. As a sodium salt, this compound can be found naturally (in extremely low levels) in many fruits and spices. In its natural form, sodium benzoate is safe for consumption, however, its synthesized counterpart which is included in many soft drinks and canned foods can have negative effects. As this compound can react with the metal inside the can.

Why You Should Avoid It

This compound has been linked to asthma attacks, hives, and allergic reactions, particularly in those hypersensitive to this additive. Another danger of sodium benzoate is when it is combined with ascorbic acid. When mixed together these ingredients forms a cancer-causing chemical known as benzene, which has been associated with leukemia and other types of blood cancer.

Sodium Nitrate

This preservative is a type of salt used to extend the shelf life of preserved foods. Prominently featured in cured meats such as bacon, ham, hot dogs and smoked fish – this compound acts as an antimicrobial and affects flavor. While it is also present in some plants, as it is an essential part of plant growth, large amounts of or artificial forms of this additive have some associated negative health effects.

Why You Should Avoid It

As nitrates form part of any diet as a neutral compound, excessive levels of this additive have been shown to cause many health-related problems. Sodium nitrate has been linked to various cancers such as leukemia, thyroid, pancreatic, ovarian, esophageal and colorectal cancer. It is also said to play a role in heart diseases and high blood pressure.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

More commonly known as MSG, monosodium glutamate is a widely used food additive that has the E-number E621 and is included in foods for the purpose of enhancing the taste. Derived from the glutamic acid ( the most abundant amino acid found in nature), glutamate is non-essential and is present in most processed food around the world.

Why You Should Avoid It

This flavor enhancer has been used in the manufacturing of food for decades and has been linked to a variety of adverse reactions, mainly associated with allergic reactions.  These effects include headaches, sweating, nausea, chest pain, rapid heart rate and swelling.

Acesulfame-K

Acesulfame-K is a calorie-free sweetening agent that is said to be up to 200 times sweeter than sugar. Also referred to as Ace-K, this ingredient is predominantly found in sugar-free products and is a white, crystal-like powder that has a bitter or sour aftertaste. As the main ingredient in many soft drinks, protein powders, candies, frozen desserts and many other food products, the long-term use of this compound has been linked to some questionable effects.

Why You Should Avoid It

This compound is not broken down in the body once consumed and is quickly absorbed and excreted. While the general use of Ace-K has been approved in some parts of the world, those critical of this substance have made claims that it may be carcinogenic. It has also been linked to tumors and issues during pregnancy.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole

BHA as it is more commonly known as an antioxidant, which exists as a combination of two isomeric compounds. This waxy solid substance is predominantly used as a preservative and additive in rubber, animal feed foods, and medicine. While BHA stops food and other products with fat content going rancid, there are some health concerns.

Why You Should Avoid It

Butylated hydroxyanisole mimics estrogen and has been anticipated to be a human carcinogen. We absorb this substance through the skin and consumption, and as an endocrine disruptor, BHA could lead to conditions including; testosterone imbalances, low thyroxine levels, sperm count and cause behavioral problems in adolescents.

Artificial Coloring

Food dyes and artificial colorants have a bad wrap in the healthcare community. Found in almost all colored drinks, candies and other foods these artificial additives have been banned in many countries around the world due to their potentially harmful effects. Caramel color, red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6 and blue 1 are only some of these vibrant culprits.

Why You Should Avoid It

While these colorants are still in use, many studies have suggested that there may be a link between hyperactivity in children and these additives. Other potentially harmful effects of consuming these artificial dyes include the increased risk of cancer. This is because red 40, yellow 5 and yellow 6 may contain levels of contaminants (benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and 4-aminoazobenzene) which are known carcinogens.

Although many everyday products contain long lists of artificial additives, avoiding them is quite simple. Ensure that you read labels and product information carefully – in this way you can cut common additives from your diet and personal care routine, without fear of their potentially harmful effects.

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Powdered Greens – The Most Complete Supplement?

The odds are pretty good that you aren’t eating anywhere near as many or as many vegetables as you should be – even if you feel like you are getting in plenty of healthy foods on a daily basis.

The overwhelming majority of folks out there today are starting to clean up their diet for sure, paying close attention to the foods that they are putting into their bodies and the impact that they have on their overall health and well-being, but at the same time – for one reason or another – none of us seem to be quite as many servings of greens and as many servings of quality fruits and vegetables as we could or should be.

Why Should I Use A Greens Powder?

It doesn’t help that the amount of greens that we have to eat to get even just a single serving into our bodies is almost sky-high.

These foods are ridiculously low in calories, which makes them great for losing weight and curbing cravings, but it does force you to be more food than you might otherwise be comfortable eating – just because you have to eat more to get the benefits that they bring to the table.

Thankfully though, with the help of powdered greens – quality powdered greens – you don’t have to worry about that hassle or headache any longer.

You’ll be able to enjoy all of the significant benefits that quality greens bring to the table without having to stuff your body every time you sit down to eat, making this one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your daily diet.

Here are nine quick reasons why adding powdered greens to your daily diet will have you leading the healthy and happy lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!

You’ll be able to boost your energy levels dramatically

Right out of the gate, by getting more greens into your body and infusing your bloodstream with all of the quality nutrients they have to offer, you’ll be able to enjoy a big boost to your overall energy levels.

You’ll see an almost immediate transformation, and it isn’t going to be subtle, either.

Better than that, though, is the fact that it’s not going to be the kind of energy bump you get when you consume a bunch of sugar or caffeine. You don’t have to worry about significant peaks of energy followed by ridiculously low valleys of feeling worn out.

This is steady, even, and long-lasting energy that you will be to come day after day.

Powdered greens are very flexible

Unlike traditional greens that you have to prepare a handful of ways for them to palatable, powdered greens can be mixed in with your favorite protein powders, your favorite smoothies, or your ideal weight loss strings without any negative impact whatsoever.

You can also add powdered greens to pancake batter, eggs, and you can even make them into powdered green cookies or snack bars that you can take with you to the gym.

Powdered greens are super convenient

The biggest challenge that people have when they get ready to overhaul the way they eat and their daily diet, in general, is finding ways to integrate all of these new foods into their meals, essentially rewriting the way that they go about eating.

Powdered greens are incredibly convenient. All you need to do is pop a scoop of them into a quick protein shake, mix them up into their smoothie, or take them with you on the go to use them as often as you’re able to in as many different ways as you can come up with.

In less than two minutes you can have a powdered green shake ready to rock ‘n roll.

Powdered greens are designed to be effortlessly digested and absorbed

The beautiful thing about powdered greens is that they have been explicitly “engineered” to be as bioavailable as possible.

One of the ugly little secrets about the health food community is that not all health foods are created equally, and it doesn’t matter so much what you eat as much as what gets absorbed and used by your body before everything else is pushed out as waste.

Powdered greens are synthesized in a way to make them almost entirely bioavailable, guaranteeing that your body can make the most of everything that these health boosters have to offer.

Powdered greens are clinically proven to fight back against chronic disease

Not only are dark, leafy greens loaded with all the vitamins and minerals you need to support a proper baseline of good health, but they are also rich in antioxidants and carotenoids.

These elements work with your body and its biochemistry to find free radicals wherever they may be located, the kinds of cells and mutations that cause cancer as well as a host of other deadly and dangerous diseases. Once they are found, these elements go to work fighting the free radicals, giving your body every opportunity to avoid succumbing to these kinds of conditions.

Powdered greens have even been proven to reduce the risk of blood clots, better regulate triglyceride levels, will improve and even out your cholesterol levels, and dramatically reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Powdered greens are incredibly concentrated

As we highlighted above, one of the problems in getting as many greens as you should into your daily diet is that you have to eat so many of them to get the benefits that you are looking for.

With powdered greens, however, you don’t have to worry about eating a mountain of greens to get the results you are after – they are powdered in synthesized so that only the most essential nutrients and elements in the greens find their way into these powders, giving you a highly concentrated health boosting supplement that you won’t find anywhere else.

A single scoop of powdered greens contains more nutrients than you get out of five or six bowls of traditional greens prepared in a variety of different ways. This is the way to go!

Powdered greens will reduce inflammation across the board

Inflammation in the body has been linked some of the most dangerous and potentially deadly health conditions we face as humans today.

We’re talking about problems like cancer, arthritis, obesity, and diabetes, the kinds of issues that are causing epidemic like conditions across all nations and becoming more of a global problem than anything else.

To fight back against inflammation you need to use your own body’s biochemistry, and powdered greens provide everything your body needs to support the cascade of biochemical reactions necessary to eliminate inflammation while protecting against flare-ups from happening in the future as well.

Powdered greens will have your skin looking fantastic

You’ll be able to notice an almost immediate transformation in regards to your overall skin clarity and skin quality after you begin to supplement with powdered greens, fighting back against Father Time while eliminating laugh lines, wrinkles, and evening out blemishes.

This is one of the best advantages of utilizing powdered greens, not only because it has you looking so much younger but also because it shows you the positive impact of this health-boosting food almost right out of the gate.

Powdered greens are an effective solution for elevating weight loss rates

If you’re looking for the answer to, “Do super greens help you lose weight?”…

The answer is, YES.

While there are a ton of green juice powder benefits… weight loss is definitely the main highlight.

Losing weight is significantly more complicated than “calories in versus calories out,” and you’ll never be able to get the body of your dreams just by spending hours and hours blasting it out on a treadmill throwing weights around in the gym.

By focusing on your diet, providing your body with everything it needs to heal and repair itself naturally – as well as an accessible and endless source of energy – you allow it to focus on more secondary things rather than survival, helping to melt fat faster while kicking your metabolism into high gear.

What is the best organic greens powder?

While there are tons of different choices on the market for the best green powder supplement, it’s important to read reviews.

When searching for the best greens powder in 2018, carefully read through the greens powder benefits, the best  the best superfood superfood powder reviews, the best greens powder for weightloss, and how much each may cost you.

The Best Greens Powder 2018

Athletic greens is pretty popular… but I personally prefer Organifi.

Out of the 8 different greens powders I’ve tasted, Organifi has been, by FAR, my favorite.

The guy who makes it is pretty cute, too

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