Oils for Better Health

Keeping the bugs away

2011-06-10T23:42:00.002-06:00

What do you do to keep the bugs away?

For the past few years I have been more concerned about the foods we eat as a family. I choose to buy fresh organic produce and raw (unpasteurized) milk products along with making healthy choices. I believe the benefits of this far out weighs the higher costs involved. I have also been very interested in planting a garden year after year and using only organic products to protect my produce.

One issue I had was how do I keep the bugs (worms) away from my plants and fruit trees? The methods of the past 70 years or so is to use pesticides that leach into our soil and food and then stay in our bodies causing all kinds of toxic symptoms. So what are we to do?

Of course I turn to essential oils and the wisdom of Dr. Dana Young. One of the oils blends that he recommends for this issue is Spice for Life by Be Young essential oils.

The best time to use this oil blend to spray your fruit trees is just as the blossoms fall off.

This is what I use:

In a sprayer that you attach to your hose put 1/2 bottle of Spice for Life and 3-4 Tbs of liquid soap.
Spray the tree until it is dripping and saturated, making sure you get up under the branches and under the leaves.
You will find that the aroma while spraying is very pleasant and there is no need to worry if you get it on your skin. (I often wonder what my neighbors think when they see me spray with no protection)

This recipe has been very effective although I still get some worms from time to time but it is far better and healthier than spraying with pesticides. You may need to re-apply after a heavy or extended rainy period. I end up spraying only about two to three times per summer.
You can use this same solution for other plants and for the produce in your garden. I use this to spray my hedges that seem to always get something that likes to eat them for lunch. Last year the carnivores didn't even show up at all. I sprayed just in case they did.

(By the way-to keep ants from entering in to your home, spray the threshold with Peppermint in a spray bottle with water)

As for the other kind of bugs that come your way?

Spice for Life can be very effective in helping to fight the bugs that come your way especially during flu season. Take a drop of Spice for life every morning to keep your immune system strong.

To regulate the amount, make a fist, drop on the oil between your thumb and forefinger and lick it off.
You can also make a tea, using honey to sweeten and a little lemon with the Spice for Life. (Helps to sooth a sore or scratchy throat) For a treat, take time to smell the aroma before you drink.

Some people brush their teeth with Spice for life to help kill bacteria or infections in their gums or mouth.

Spice of Life: use for immune system support. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health. Analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, choleretic, cytophylactic, diaphoretic, diuretic, fungicidal, parasiticide.

ABC'c of handwashing

2011-02-24T10:47:00.005-07:00

For a long time I have known that antibacterial soaps could not be good for you.
I was pleased when I read the following article and thought I would pass it along.
For many years we have eliminated anti-bacterial products in our home and we hardly ever get sick.

A good tip to follow:

Instead of antibacterial soap, use a mild liquid soap and add essential oils to the mix.

You will not have to worry about the spread of disease because most E.O.'s are anti-bacterial and anti-viral.

Try Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree or Spice for Life.

I always trust BeYoung oils because of their purity. A few drops will do.

I love this article taken from Dr. Mercola's site. Take time to read the whole thing.It answers all your questions and gives you great advice.

Becker's ASC Review reveals nine widely held myths about washing your hands. Here are a few of them:

Hot water is better than cold water for effective handwashing
Scientists have found that various temperatures had "no effect on transient or resident bacterial reduction." Not only does hot water not show any benefit, but it might increase the "irritant capacity" of some soaps, causing dermatitis.
Hand sanitizers kill germs more effectively than soap
Using alcohol-based hand-hygiene products is in general not more effective than washing your hands with plain soap and water.
Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizers promotes healthy skin
In fact, contact dermatitis can develop from frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, exposure to chemicals and glove use.
Soap with triclosan is an effective antimicrobial for handwashing
A recent study compared an antibacterial soap containing triclosan with a non-antibacterial soap. The results showed that the antibacterial soap did not provide any additional benefit. In addition, concerns have been raised about the use of triclosan because of the potential development of bacterial resistance.

Becker’s ASC Review January 2011

Common Dreams January 25, 2011

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Did you know that antibacterial soaps are tied to a public health crisis? It's true. The fervent use of antibacterial soaps and other antimicrobial products significantly contribute to a growing scourge: antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic-resistant disease is a problem that few pay attention to, despite the fact that it's been a known, growing phenomenon for several decades. It's now become one of the most serious public health threats of the 21^st Century. Antibiotic-resistant infections now claim more lives each year than the "modern plague" of AIDS, and cost the American health care system some $20 billion a year.
According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 18,600 people died from invasive MRSA infections in the United States in 2005. And that's just ONE antibiotic-resistant bug. The list of resistant microbes is steadily growing.
What will it take before it's taken seriously?

A Shift in Thinking is Required to Quell Growing Health Threat

It may seem like there's nothing you, as an individual, can do about the rise in antibiotic-resistant disease, but that's not true. You're either part of the solution or part of the problem when it comes to the rampant over-use of antibiotic drugs and antibacterial products.
Drug companies keep pushing the use of antibiotics; doctors keep prescribing these drugs for viral infections they can't treat; patients keep asking for them for every ill; parents and schools keep insisting on using antibacterial cleansers and wipes; and the food industry keeps injecting them into their livestock, which eventually ends up on your dinner plate...
But you can be part of the solution in each and every one of these scenarios.
You can turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to drug advertisements; you can question your doctor's prescription; you can resist asking for an antibiotic unless absolutely necessary and appropriate; you can avoid buying conventional farm-raised beef; and you can avoid using antibacterial products in your own home.
The last recommendation in particular is one of the easiest, and it will save you money to boot. Proper hygiene does NOT require you to use harsh antibacterial agents. On the contrary, they can cause far more harm than good, both in the long- and short-term.

Handwashing—Your First Line of Defense Against Infectious Disease

Washing your hands is your number one protection against the acquisition and spread of infectious disease. But you do not need to use antimicrobial soap to get the job done. Studies have shown that people who use antibacterial soaps and cleansers develop a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms just as often as people who use regular soaps.
Part of the reason for this is because most of these symptoms are actually caused by viruses, which antibacterial soaps can't kill.
But even for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, which may be caused by bacteria, those who used regular soaps still had no greater risk than those who used antibacterial products. So, the rational conclusion is antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary for the purpose of washing away bacteria.
A 2007 systematic review published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases confirmed that antibacterial soap containing triclosan did not provide any additional benefit compared with a non-antibacterial soap.
The authors concluded:
"The lack of an additional health benefit associated with the use of triclosan-containing consumer soaps over regular soap, coupled with laboratory data demonstrating a potential risk of selecting for drug resistance, warrants further evaluation by governmental regulators regarding antibacterial product claims and advertising."
There have been no changes made to the claims products are allowed to make, or how they're allowed to advertise these products, but why wait for federal regulation that may or may not come? It's been repeatedly shown that washing your hands with plain soap and water can kill germs that cause:
The common cold
Influenza
Pneumonia
Hepatitis A
Acute gastroenteritis
Stomach infections such as salmonella, campylobacter and norovirus
Other contagious illnesses and surgical wound complications, including MRSA

Proper Hand Washing Technique

However, it's important to use proper hand washing technique. To make sure you're actually removing the germs when you wash your hands, follow these guidelines:
Use warm water
Use a mild soap
Work up a good lather, all the way up to your wrists, for at least 20 seconds
Make sure you cover all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and around and below your fingernails
Rinse thoroughly under running water
Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry
In public places, use a paper towel to open the door as a protection from germs that the handles may harbor
Also remember that your skin is actually your primary defense against bacteria, not the soap, so resist the urge to become obsessive about washing your hands. Over-washing can easily reduce the protective oils in your skin (especially in the winter and dry dessert environments) and cause your skin to crack—offering easy entry for bacteria and viruses into your body.
Instead, simply wash your hands when they look dirty, and prior to, or after, performing certain tasks that could spread infection, such as in these instances:
Before and after preparing food, especially when handling raw meat and poultry
Before eating
Before and after treating wounds or taking/giving medicine
Before touching a sick or injured person
Before inserting contact lenses
After using the toilet or changing a diaper
After touching an animal, its toys, leashes, or waste
After blowing your nose or coughing/sneezing into your hands
After handling garbage or potentially contaminated waste

Antibacterial Products Pose Several Health Risks

Once you understand that good-old-fashioned soap and water are just as effective as modern antibacterials, the second issue becomes that of side effects. Traditional soap will not harm your health, other than perhaps dry your skin if used too frequently, whereas antibacterial products like triclosan comes with an array of potentially dangerous side effects.
In a recent press release, Dr. Sarah Janssen of the Natural Resources Defense Council is quoted as saying:
"It's about time FDA has finally stated its concerns about antibacterial chemicals like triclosan.
The public deserves to know that these so-called antibacterial products are no more effective in preventing infections than regular soap and water and may, in fact, be dangerous to their health in the long run."
This truth may be tough to swallow for some people because of highly successful advertising, but it's true nonetheless. Please understand that the idea that "clean" equals sterile is not based in reality. A massive, highly profitable market has been created based on the premise that germs must be eradicated and that they're hard to kill.
As a result, many, particularly the younger generations, have been brainwashed into believing that regular soap isn't good enough; you need that "magic ingredient" that will ensure your safety and cleanliness. Unfortunately, you're just paying extra for the privilege of having been hoodwinked by slick advertising.
You're also paying more while putting your health at risk in a number of ways, including:
Contributing to the creation of hardier, more resistant bacterial strains. The antimicrobial triclosan, for example, is known to promote the growth of resistant bacteria. Even the American Medical Association (AMA) does not recommend antibacterial soaps for this very reason.
Adding to your body’s toxic burden.
Triclosan, the active ingredient in most antibacterial soap, not only kills bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells, and has been shown to act as an endocrine disrupter.
In addition, these products kill both bad AND good bacteria, which is another explanation for how they contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and potentially also to allergic diseases like asthma and hay fever.
A child raised in an environment devoid of dirt and germs, and who is given antibiotics that kill off all of the good and bad bacteria in his gut, is not able to build up natural resistance to disease, and becomes vulnerable to illnesses later in life. This theory, known as the hygiene hypothesis, is likely one reason why many allergies and immune-system diseases have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled in the last few decades.

Antibacterial Soap Mixed with Chlorinated Water is a Dangerous Mix

As if that wasn't enough, when triclosan mixes with the chlorine in your tap water, chloroform is formed, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified as a probable human carcinogen. I warned about this compounding danger over five years ago.
In tests that closely mirror typical dishwashing habits and conditions, researchers have found that triclosan reacts with free chlorine to generate more than 50 parts per billion (ppb) of chloroform in your dishwater. And, when combined with other disinfection byproducts (DBPs), the additional chloroform could easily drive the concentration of total trihalomethanes above the EPA's maximum allowable amount.
As I've discussed before, trihalomethanes are some of the most dangerous chemical byproducts there are. The maximum annual average of THMs in your local water supply cannot exceed 80 ppb (parts-per-billion), but there really is no "safe" level of these chemicals.
Trihalomethanes (THMs) are Cancer Group B carcinogens, meaning they've been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Disinfection byproducts (DPBs) have also been linked to reproductive problems in both animals and humans.
Furthermore, once these antimicrobial chemicals flow down your drain, they contaminate the environment and become part of the food chain. Researchers have determined that about 75 percent of another popular antimicrobial, triclocarban (TCC), resists water treatments meant to break it down and ends up in surface water and in municipal sludge used as fertilizer.
TCC is also known to cause cancer and reproductive problems.
So, the release of antimicrobials into the environment is yet another way that these products contribute to the increase in resistance of pathogens to clinical antibiotics.

Why Use Something that Has NO Clear Health Benefits and Plenty of Health Hazards?

The research clearly shows that you do not need antimicrobial soap to effectively protect yourself from germs. All you need is plain soap and warm water. Ditto for your dishes and your laundry.
So please, avoid using antibacterial soaps and other products containing these hazardous ingredients. They're just harming you, the environment, and adding to a significant public health problem. They also cost more.
Instead, just use a gentle, chemical-free soap. Local health food stores typically carry a variety of natural soaps that will do the trick without harsh chemicals.

Beautiful smells while you clean

2011-02-19T09:11:00.017-07:00

I love this article from one of my favorite blogs on household cleaning products that are so much safer that the commercial brands. Don't forget to add some pure essential oils to help with the disinfecting properties and to add a beautiful aroma while you clean. I recommend Lemon, Lavender, peppermint and Tea tree.

Whistle while you work!

Homemade Cleaning Products {Non-Toxic, safe cleaning formulas to easily make yourself}

It has been beautiful these past couple of days which makes me want to get a jump on spring cleaning so I can devote all my time to playing outside once the warm weather is here is stay. In preparation, I thought it would be fun to share some homemade cleaning formulas for this week's Saturday Inspiration that are super easy to put together and budget friendly too!

Although non-toxic, 'safe' household cleaners are becoming more and more readily available and easy to find; there are several good old homemade substitutions you can easily make yourself. These natural alternatives are not only healthier but environmentally friendly as well...not to mention extremely inexpensive compared to commercial cleaners.

{All Purpose Cleaners}

{photo Source}

Formula No 1
1/2 Cup of Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Baking Soda {or 2 teaspoons of Borax}
1/2 Gallon of Water

Formula No 2
1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
2 teaspoons of Borax
1/2 Teaspoon of Liquid Soap or Detergent
2 Cups of Hot Water

Formula No 3
Fill Spray Bottle half way with White Vinegar
Fill the rest with Water
Optional - Add 10-20 Drops of Essential Oils

Tip: Microfiber Cloths
lift dirt, dust and grease without the need of cleaners. They are naturally formulated to penetrate and trap dirt.

{Disinfectants}

{photo source}

Formula No 1
2 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
2 Teaspoons of Borax

Formula No 2
2 Teaspoons of Borax
4 Tablespoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water

Formula No 3
1/4 Cup Vinegar
1 Teaspoon of Scent Free Plain Liquid Dish Detergent
20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil

Formula No 4
2 Teaspoons of Borax
4 Teaspoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
1/4 Teaspoon of Castile Soap

{Window Cleaner}

{photo source}

Formula No 1
2 Teaspoons of White Vinegar
1 Quart of Warm Water

Formula No 2
1 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol
1 Cup of Water
1 Teaspoon of Vinegar

Tips:
Wash one side of the window with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical so you can pinpoint which side may have streaks.

Don't clean windows when the sun is shining directly on them or if they are warm - the heat dries the cleaning solution prior to having time to polish the windows correctly.

Eliminate tiny scratches in glass by polishing them with toothpaste

To give an extra shine to windows polish with newspapers or a clean cotton cloth. Rub a blackboard eraser over cleaned windows for a diamond bright shine.

{Kitchen Cleaners}

{photo source}

Garbage Disposal
Grind the skins of lemons, oranges and limes in the disposal along with ice cubes.{The ice will sharpen the blades}

Dishwasher Soap
1 Cup of Borax
1 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Citric Acid Powder
1/2 Cup Kosher Salt

Dishwasher Rinsing Agent
Fill with Plain White Vinegar

Scouring Powder
Baking Soda or Table Salt can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Sprinkle on sponge or surface and scour.

{Bathroom Cleaners}

{photo source}

Bath Mold or Mildew
Mix One Part Hydrogen Peroxide with Two Parts Water
Spray on - Wait one hour before rinsing

Tub and Tile Cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and water
Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda and 1 Cup of Vinegar
Pour into basin and let sit - scrub with a brush and rinse

Showerheads
Please 1/2 cup of undiluted vinegar into a food storage bag and secure to the showerhead with a rubber band - let sit over night, rinse.

{Floor Cleaners}

{photo source}

Vinyl and Linoleum
1 Cup of Vinegar
Few Drops of Baby Oil
1 Gallon of Warm Water

Brick and Stone Tiles
1 Cup of White Vinegar
1 Gallon of Water
Rinse with clear water

Carpet Stain Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Salt, 1/4 Cup of Borax, 1/4 Cup of Vinegar
Rub into carpet - leave for a few hours - vacuum

Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets and let sit one hour prior to vacuuming

{Metal Cleaners Polishes}

{photo source}

Silver
Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Immerse silver and poilsh with a soft cloth.

Stainless Steel
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar

Chrome
Polish with baby oil or vinegar

Aluminum
Clean with a solution of Cream of Tarter and Water using a soft cloth

Copper
Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots

Gold
Clean with Toothpaste or a paste mix of salt, vinegar and flour

Brass or Bronze
Polish with a soft cloth dipped in equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda or Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots

{Laundry}

{photo source}

Powder Laundry Detergent
1 Cup of Ivory Soap or Fels-Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup of Borax

Liquid Laundry Detergent
10 Homemade Laundry Soap Recipes {here} at TipNut

Stain Remover
1 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix and store in spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit overnight.

Grass Stain Remover
Wet the Stain with water and cover with salt. Let sit one hour and wash as usual.

Mothballs
Cedar Chips in a cheesecloth square or Cedar oil in an absorbent cloth.

Homemade Moth repelling sachets can be made from Lavender, Rosemary, Vetiver, and Rose Petals.

Dried Lemon Peels are also a moth deterrent.

{Miscellaneous}

{photo source}

Furniture Polish
Mix 2 Teaspoons of Olive Oil and 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice -Apply with a soft cloth

Varnished Wood Polish
Add a few drops of Lemon Oil to 1/2 Cup of Warm Water. Spray onto soft cloth - wipe and finish by wiping with a soft dry cotton cloth.

Water Rings on Wood
Apply toothpaste or mayonnaise with a soft damp cloth and rub into ring.

Rust Remover
Sprinkle rust spot with salt and squeeze a lime on top until salt is well soaked. Leave mixture sit for 2-3 hours then scrub residue with the lime rind.

Oil and Grease Spots in Garage
For small spots on garage floor, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.

{photo source}

Keep colds at bay- part 2

2010-11-22T10:11:00.002-07:00

This is part 2 of Doctor Mercola's article on keeping colds at bay.

Supplements That Send Pathogens Packin'

Supplements can be beneficial for colds, but they should be used only as an adjunct to the lifestyle measures already discussed.
Some of the more helpful options for cold (and flu) -- above and beyond vitamin D -- are:
Vitamin C: A very potent antioxidant; use a natural form such as acerola, which contains associated micronutrients. You can take several grams every hour till you are better unless you start developing loose stools
Oregano Oil: The higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active antimicrobial agent in oregano oil.
Propolis: A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response and even fight cancer.
A tea made from a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.
Olive leaf extract: Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health-promoting uses and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.

Remember This Tip: Wash Your Hands Sensibly

Washing your hands frequently is one of the easiest ways to wipe out germs and viruses and reduce your chances of becoming sickened by them. Thorough hand-washing truly is an important step, as you are at far greater risk of passing on an infection by shaking someone's hand than even by sharing a kiss.
One report even found that regular hand washing may be more effective than drugs in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza.
When you wash up, plain soap and water will do. Do not make the mistake of using antibacterial cleansers, as their widespread use is leading to strains of resistant bacteria, or "superbugs," which cause the ingredients to lose effectiveness for the times when they really are needed, such as for surgeons prior to surgery.
Further, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. But not only does triclosan kill bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells.
Antibacterial soaps are also no more effective than regular soaps. One study found people who used antibacterial soaps and cleansersdeveloped a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms just as often as people who used products that did not contain antibacterial ingredients. So please avoid making the mistake of using antibacterial liquids and soaps.

Too Much Hand-Washing Can Backfire …

There is another important caveat to remember, and that is your skin is actually your primary defense against bacteria -- not the soap.
So resist the urge to become obsessive about washing your hands. If you wash them too frequently you can actually extract many of the protective oils in your skin, which can cause your skin to crack and bleed.
It is rare for a germ on your skin to cause a problem -- it is typically only an issue when you transfer that to your nose, mouth or an open wound like cracked skin. So obsessive-compulsive washing can actually increase your risk of getting sick by providing an entryway for potentially dangerous pathogens.
So mild to moderate washing is wise, but excessive washing, especially with harsh soaps, will actually be highly counterproductive.

Avoid the Antibiotics!

More than 300 different viruses can cause colds, so each time you have a cold it is caused by a distinct virus (i.e. adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus). A virus is much smaller than a bacteria; it is a tiny cluster of genetic material surrounded by a protein wrapper.
There are currently NO drugs available that can kill these viruses. Antibiotics, including penicillin, do not have any effect on viruses, but unfortunately have been vastly over-prescribed for this very (useless) purpose. That, coupled with the excessive use of antibiotics in agriculture, has contributed to a steep rise in antibiotic-resistant diseases.
Antibiotic-resistant infections now claim more lives each year than the "modern plague" of AIDS, and cost the American health care system some $20 billion a year!
Further, according to one meta-analysis, the health risk from over-use of antibiotics is also a very personal one, as opposed to simply raising the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in the general population over time.
Whenever you use an antibiotic, you're increasing your susceptibility to developing infections with resistance to that antibiotic -- and you can become the carrier of this resistant bug, and spread it to others.
So please, if you have a simple cold remember that an antibiotic will do far more harm than good.

When Should You Call Your Physician?

Sinus, ear and lung infections (bronchitis and pneumonia) are examples of bacterial infections that do respond to antibiotics. If you develop any of the following symptoms, these are signs you may be suffering from a bacterial infection rather than a cold virus, and you should call your physician's office:
Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)
Ear pain
Pain around your eyes, especially with a green nasal discharge
Shortness of breath or a persistent uncontrollable cough
Persistently coughing up green and yellow sputum
Generally speaking, however, if you have a cold medical care is not necessary. Rest and attention to the lifestyle factors noted above will help you to recover quickly and, if you stick to them, will significantly reduce your chances of catching another one anytime soon.

Keep your cold at bay- Part 1

2010-11-22T10:03:00.002-07:00

A Simple, Inexpensive Trick to Cure a Cold

Dr. Mercola

Each year Americans catch more than one billion colds, making the cold virus the most common infectious disease in the United States.
It accounts for more school absences and missed work than any other illness, and it's the number one reason people visit their physicians -- even though most physicians have little to offer in the form of treatment.
It's a widespread misconception that colds are caused by bacteria. Colds are actually triggered by a virus, which means if your physician prescribes you an antibiotic, it will be absolutely useless.
More on this shortly, but before I delve into simple prevention and treatment strategies it's important you know how colds are contracted in the first place.

How Do You Catch a Cold?

The most common way cold viruses are spread is not from being around coughing or sneezing, or walking barefoot in the rain, but rather from hand-to-hand contact. For instance, someone with a cold blows their nose then shakes your hand or touches surfaces that you also touch.
Cold viruses can live on pens, computer keyboards, coffee mugs and other objects for hours, so it's easy to come into contact with such viruses during daily life.
However, the key to remember is that just being exposed to a cold virus does not have to mean that you'll catch a cold. If your immune system is operating at its peak, it should actually be quite easy for you to fend off the virus without ever getting sick.
If your immune system is impaired, on the other hand, it's akin to having an open-door policy for viruses; they'll easily take hold in your body. So the simple and short answer is, you catch a cold due to impairment in your immune system. There are many ways this can result, but the more common contributing factors are:
Eating too much sugar and too many grains
Not getting enough rest
Using insufficient strategies to address emotional stressors in your life
Vitamin D deficiency, as discussed below
Any combination of the above

Vitamin D Deficiency: Another Reason You May "Catch" a Cold

It's estimated that the average U.S. adult typically has two to four colds each year, while children may have up to 12! One reason for the widespread prevalence may be that vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common in the United States, especially during the winter months when cold (and flu) viruses are at their peak.
Research has confirmed that "catching" colds and flu may actually be a symptom of an underlying vitamin D deficiency. Less than optimal vitamin D levels will significantly impair your immune response and make you far more susceptible to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections.
In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date, involving about 19,000 Americans, people with the lowest vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu -- and the risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.
At least five additional studies also show an inverse association between lower respiratory tract infections and vitamin D levels, and you can read about them in detail here. But the research is very clear, the higher your vitamin D level, the lower your risk of contracting colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.
It's not surprising, then, that the average American gets so many colds each year, as current guidelines for optimal intake and normal vitamin D levels are far too low -- and since most people do not get adequate sun exposure on a daily basis (which is what produces vitamin D in your skin) many are deficient. I strongly believe you could avoid colds and influenza entirely by maintaining your vitamin D level in the optimal range.

How Long Do Colds Last … and How Can You Make Your Cold Go Away Faster?

Most uncomplicated colds last between eight and nine days, but about 25 percent last two weeks, and 5-10 percent last three weeks. Even the most stubborn colds will typically resolve in a few weeks' time; this is actually one of the ways you can distinguish a cold from allergies.
A cold will last, at most, a few weeks, but allergy symptoms can last all season.
How quickly you bounce back is typically defined by you and your collective lifestyle habits -- and this does not mean popping over-the-counter cough and cold remedies or fever reducers. In fact, as long as your temperature remains below 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) there is no need to lower it.
Cold viruses do not reproduce at higher body temperatures, so a slight fever should help you get rid of the virus quicker and help you to feel better much sooner.
You should avoid taking over-the-counter pain-relief medications as well, as a study showed that people who take aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) suppress their body's ability to produce antibodies to destroy the cold virus. Aspirin has even been linked to lung complications including pulmonary edema, an abnormal build up of fluid in your lungs, when taken in excess.
You should only use these medications when absolutely necessary, such as if you have a temperature greater than 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C), severe muscle aches or weakness.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Simple Trick to Beat a Cold

I don't advise over-the-counter medications, but one simple treatment you can try that is surprisingly effective against upper respiratory infections is hydrogen peroxide.
Many patients at my Natural Health Center have had remarkable results in curing colds and flu within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation.
Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3 percent solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars or less. It is simply amazing how many people respond to this simple, inexpensive treatment.

So What Else Can You do to Recover From a Cold, Quicker … and Prevent One in the First Place?

As I said above, the number one way to conquer a cold (or flu) is vitamin D. Vitamin D is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. So optimizing your levels will not only help send a cold virus packing … it will help ward off cold viruses in the first place.
The best source for vitamin D is direct sun exposure. But for many of us, this just isn't practical during the winter. The next best option to sunlight is the use of a safe indoor tanning device. If neither natural nor artificial sunlight is an option, then using oral vitamin D3 supplements is your best bet.
Based on the latest research, many experts now agree you need about 35 IU's of vitamin D per pound of body weight. This recommendation also includes children, the elderly and pregnant women.
However, keep in mind that vitamin D requirements are highly individual, as your vitamin D status is dependent on numerous factors, such as the color of your skin, your location, and how much sunshine you're exposed to on a regular basis. So, although these recommendations may put you closer to the ballpark of what most people likely need, it is simply impossible to make a blanket recommendation that will cover everyone's needs.
The only way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested. Ideally, you'll want to maintain a vitamin D level of 50-65 ng/ml year-round.
For an in-depth explanation of everything you need to know before you get tested, please read my latest updates in Test Values and Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency.

Dietary Strategies to Kick a Cold

If you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu, this is NOT the time to be eating ANY sugar, artificial sweeteners or processed foods. Sugar is particularly damaging to your immune system -- which needs to be ramped up, not suppressed, in order to combat an emerging infection.
So if you are fighting a cold, you'll want to avoid all sugar like the plague, and this includes sugar in the form of fruit juice and even grains (which break down as sugar in your body).
Ideally, you must address nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress issues the moment you first feel yourself getting a bug. This is when immune-enhancing strategies will be most effective.
So when you're coming down with a cold, it's time to address ALL of the contributing factors immediately, which includes tweaking your diet in favor of foods that will strengthen your immune response. Good choices include:
Raw, grass-fed organic milk, and/or high-quality whey protein
Fermented foods such as raw kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, etc, which are rich in probiotics, or good bacteria. Scientific research shows that 80 percent of your immune system resides inside your digestive tract, so eating probiotic-rich foods, or taking a high-quality probiotic, will help support your immune system health.
Raw, organic eggs from free-ranging, preferably local, chickens
Grass-fed beef
Coconuts and coconut oil
Animal-based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil
Locally grown fruits and vegetables, appropriate for your nutritional type
Mushrooms, especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake, which contain beta glucans (which have immune-enhancing properties)
Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ideally this should be in fresh form, eaten raw and crushed with a spoon just before eating.
Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores: Turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves (for more on ORAC, visit www.oracvalues.com)
Make sure you are drinking plenty of fresh, pure water. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body and will help with nose stuffiness and loosening secretions. You should drink enough water so that your urine is a light, pale yellow.
And what about the old wives' tale of chicken soup for your cold?
Chicken soup can help reduce your symptoms. Chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily.
Processed, canned soups won't work as well as the homemade version, however.
For best results, make up a fresh batch yourself (or ask a friend or family member to do so) and make the soup hot and spicy with plenty of pepper. The spices will trigger a sudden release of watery fluids in your mouth, throat, and lungs, which will help thin down the respiratory mucus so it's easier to cough up and expel.

Three Cold-Busting Lifestyle Strategies

Vitamin D, check! Hydrogen peroxide, check! Healthy diet, check! We've covered several of the primary "weapons" you should have in your cold-fighting arsenal, but there are others, too.
High-Quality Sleep, and Plenty of It

Pay attention to how you are sleeping. If you aren't getting enough sleep, or enough restorative sleep, you'll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover. Your immune system is also the most effective when you're not sleep-deprived, so the more rested you are the quicker you'll recover. You can find 33 secrets for a good night's sleep here.
Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is a crucial strategy for increasing your resistance to illness. There is evidence that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your risk for respiratory illness by boosting your immune system. In fact, one study found that people who exercised regularly (five or more days a week) cut their risk of having a cold by close to 50 percent. And, in the event they did catch a cold, their symptoms were much less severe than among those who did not exercise.
Exercise likely cuts your risk of colds so significantly because it triggers a rise in immune system cells that can attack any potential invaders. Each time you exercise you can benefit from this boost to your immune system.
Ideally, establish a regular fitness program, such as Peak Fitness, now, to help you ward off colds and other illness.
However, if you're already feeling sick don't overdo it. Over-exercising can actually place more stress on your body, which can suppress your immune system -- and you don't want that either. You might just go for a walk if you are coming down with a cold, or simply tone down your regular workout.
Any rise in body temperature will be an unwelcome climate for a viral invader, though, so some exercise is likely to be beneficial.
Address Your Emotional Stress

Emotional stressors can also predispose you to an infection while making cold symptoms worse. Finding ways to manage daily stress as well as your reactions to circumstances beyond your control will contribute to a strong and resilient immune system.
My favorite tool for this is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a system that helps balance your body's subtle energies and repair emotional "short-circuits." EFT may even help you overcome cold symptoms.

Why Helichyrsum is my favorite oil today

2010-09-29T21:05:00.014-06:00

Last night my daughter called.
She said that her husband just got stung by a scorpion.

Living in Montana I have never worried about scorpions but I am concerned about the possibility of being bit by a hobo spider. I wasn't quite sure what to do.

I asked her what oils she had.
Lavender, Peppermint, and Guardian. Okay we can work with two of these.

I told her to create a foot bath with bath salts and Lavender and soak his foot and after to put on Lavender and Peppermint.
My hope was the salt would draw out the venom , the Lavender would be soothing and the Peppermint would help the pain. The peppermint did help the pain but the venom had moved up the leg because they had waited a while to call. In the mean time I called my daughter-in-law who lives close by and she had Helichrysum. I told my daughter to put the Helichrysum on every so often and to continue to use peppermint for the pain.
It was a painful night and the next day her husband stayed home from work because of the stiffness. Today things are better but still painful. He still is using Helichrysum and Peppermint. He thinks that he will make it to work tomorrow.

Helichrysum can also be used for spider bites, cold sores, moles, poor hearing, anything to do with the nerve endings, trauma, bruises, spots, reducing inflammation, healing old scars and for stretch marks just to name a few.

My husband just tried it on a cold sore today. " Worked great" he said.

Essential oils are so amazing. Be young essential oils are the purest. I have tested many and I always trust these oils. www.beyoungeo.com

Check out Be Young on Face book

New design, New resolve

2010-09-18T11:10:00.007-06:00

Well, I changed the design of the bog because I now have a new resolve to keep up with my blogging and I thought this would a good time to have a new look.

I am going to give you great info in the next few weeks on how you can keep healthy using pure therapeutic essential oils.

Be Young has such great oils. So pure only one drop will do the job.
No diluting, no additives and no extending. Amazing!

I think Dana Young has a such a calling and he is able to do so much to help others by bring forth these oils.
You have to experience them for yourself.

The most important thing I do each day.

2010-02-18T19:48:00.010-07:00

Good Morning Liver Cleanse:

• 1 Tablespoon of freshly squeezed Lemon juice.

• One drop of pure therapeutic grade Peppermint essential Oil -

• One drop of pure therapeutic grade Lemon essential Oil -

• Mix Lemon juice, lemon and peppermint oil. Best if taken before eating in the morning. (Can be diluted with a few ounces of water, but should still drink all at once.)

Repeat each morning for 28 days then rest for one week and then resume.

Supporting your liver may just be the missing key to your optimum health! This diverse organ has well over three hundred different functions! It is the first line of defense against any poisons – its role is to change harmful toxins into substances that can be safely eliminated from the body. In addition, all the nourishment obtained through the gastrointestinal tract enters the blood by way of the liver.

The daily liver cleanse is known to help with allergies, constipation, depression, fatigue, gallbladder disease, hormonal imbalances, headaches, liver support, and skin rashes.

Start today!

Super Liver Cleanse

2009-03-14T11:53:00.009-06:00

This is a conversation I had with one of my oil users. I think this can be a benefit to all

Hi Terry,

I really like reading about these different oils. My brother just came home last nite and he has had gout for about a week now. I noticed that the defense oil is suppose to help that. Do you have any of that on hand? if so how much & how does he use it? I also like the fact that you can use it as a hand sanitizer. as well as part of a bacterial & liver cleanse. I may be interested in doing those as well, but I would consult you before I do that.
Laurie

Defense oil* is one of my favorite oil blends since its introduction this past fall. I use one drop daily as a maintenance and to protect me from the colds and flus that go around. I am the only one in my family that has not gotten sick this winter with that nasty flu that is going around. As far as a hand sanitizer put Defense in your soft soap dispenser (about 10-15 drops) and it is better that any anti-bacterial soap. I carry peppermint and lemon in my purse at all times. When I go into (or shortly after) the grocery store I rub it on my hands and breathe it in. This kills the germs I get from the cart and any airborne bacteria that I breathe in. I also do this if I am flying sometimes substituting it for orange. I rub it on just before entering the plane because of the close contact with people in such a small place . You could use Defense in any of these applications as well. Don't be to paranoid though. If you are using your oils your immune system will be up and that will protect you as well.
The Bacterial liver cleanse is great to do every so often. It is basically the liver cleanse on steroids and Dana would say.

Only do this if you have been on the regular liver cleanse for at least 30 days
(It will be to hard on you if you don't)

Super Liver Cleanse
2-4 T of fresh squeeze lemon juice
2-4 T pure maple syrup* ( can substitute honey or molasses)*high in B vitamins.
3-5 drops lemon oil
3-5 drops peppermint oil
20 oz of water
dash of cayenne pepper

Sip throughout the day or drink it all at once
do this for 30 days.
For the Bacterial cleanse take 1 drop of Defense internally 3X a day along with the super liver cleanse

Just a side note about the Super Liver cleanse-- Dana told us in the last boot camp that it would get rid of astigmatism.
I decided to try because I have it in my left eye. I took it sporadically over the year but always did the normal liver cleanse faithfully.I just got my eyes checked last week . The astigmatism's is gone. I asked that optometrist if that was normal? He said, " not really." I didn't say any thing about the cleanse but I sure will pass it on.

*Defense is an oil blend from Be Young essential oils
Always use good quality oils. If you want to learn more or order some oils contact me. terrycmoss@centurytel.net

Essential oils are such a big part of my life

2009-01-28T01:02:00.005-07:00

I first got started with oils two years ago when my sister called and said she had found something to help her with the issues she had been having concerning her health. It peaked my interest and I jumped in with two feet. I started out with an LSA reading (more about that later) From there I started the oils to help me with the health issues that I had. I didn't have a lot going on or so I thought at the time. Just a lot of fatigue and some infections in my sinuses. Little did I know what a journey I had just embarked on. I started having great success with the essential oils. The LSA reading revealed that I had more going on than I realized. I started having more energy. The candida and chronic fatigue went away. My liver, kidneys, lymph's, started working properly. I used the oils for my hormones and my emotions. I used them for headaches and pains and stiffness. I was loving it.
My sister called me and said, "They are having a training camp to learn how to use these oils. Do you want to go?" I was all over it. I have never looked back. Not only I have been able to help my friends and family but also may other people that I have met or have found me. They were desperate and had tried everything they could think of. It has been very rewarding to say the least. I am grateful for these oils. Through this blog I hope to educate you about oils and their uses and anything else you want to know. If I don't know the answer I think I could find someone who does.

I hope you enjoy your Journey!

"there's and oil for that"