Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, literally ‘scent treatment’, is the practice of using essential oils extracted from trees, flowers, and herbs as an alternative medicine to ease all kinds of ailments and conditions including stress, depression, and cold symptoms. Essential oils stimulate our mood sensors while providing germ-killing power, as well as medicinal properties to ease symptoms of disease and illness. The restorative powers found in the molecules of essential oils can be inhaled through the nose with the aid of steam or vapor. Essential oils are also used in products such as massage oil, soap, and lotions to be absorbed into the skin. The idea behind aromatherapy is that the natural chemicals found in an essential oil work in synergy with each other and with our bodies to stimulate our brains.

The use of essential oils has been around for centuries, documented in the Bible and ancient Egyptian manuscripts. Remember the Magi bringing gifts of Frankincense and Myrrh? Most likely you’ve experienced the power of aromatherapy without realizing it. Does the smell of popcorn remind you of the move theater? How about the smell of your mother’s perfume conjuring up memories of your childhood? Have you ever used Vick’s VapoRub to clear congestion or rubbed aloe vera on a sunburn? Do you burn citronella candles to keep the bugs away in the summer? All these examples demonstrate the foundation of how aromatherapy works. For an extensive library of articles on the benefits of aromatherapy including recipes and safety tips visit AromaWeb.

Which Essential Oils are Best for Colds and Flu

Essential Oils

There may not be a cure for the common cold or flu virus, but there’s no need to suffer through the miserable symptoms. Introducing essential oil vapor into a room can keep your space bacteria-free. Inhaling the essences can kill bacterial and viral infections once they’re in your body. Continues use can also boost your immune system to keep from catching colds in the first place.  There are several common essential oils that are recommended for prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms.

Eucalyptus- This essential oil is steam distilled from Australia’s blue forests. Used in common over-the-counter cold remedies, it is known to clear up mucus in the lungs and heal the throat and nasal passages. Eucalyptus is a strong antiseptic and can be used on wounds or as a germ-killing sanitizer. It is also known to boost energy levels.

Tea Tree Oil- Sometimes called a ‘medicine cabinet in a bottle’, tea tree oil is distilled from the Melaleuca tree in Australia. It’s been studied by the medical community and proven to have healing benefits even where other medicines fail. Used for everything from acne to lice to bad breath, it serves as a killer of all types of infections: viral, bacterial, and fungal. It can be used to clear up sinus infections and other respiratory ailments including runny nose, cough and sore throat. As an anti-viral, it can fight off the flu.

Peppermint- One of the most widely used essential oils, peppermint is most well-known for benefits to the digestive system. It is often recommended to pregnant women to aid in morning sickness and bloating. But it has other wonderful qualities to help with a cold or flu. Peppermint is a natural pain reliever and kills viral infections. It can clear chest congestion when steam inhaled or mixed in a chest rub. Experts agree it is a strong mental stimulant and can improve concentration. Some even claim it’s an aphrodisiac.

Bergamot- If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of Earl Grey tea, then you’ve experienced the aroma of Bergamot. Some may find the fruity scent more pleasing than the earthy aromas of the Eucalyptus or Tea Tree oils. Bergamot helps stave off viruses including the flu and the chicken pox. It also has antibiotic properties to combat sinus infections. Inhale Bergamot at night as a relaxant if your cold is keeping you awake.

Lemon and Orange- The oils from lemons and oranges are cold pressed for extraction. Lemons have been used to soothe coughs and sore throats for centuries. The oil stimulates the immune system to fight infection. Oranges have a mood lifting property that will help ease the exhaustion that often comes with the flu.

Lavender- A Mediterranean herb used long ago by the Romans in their famous baths, Lavender is best known as a stress aid. It can be used for pain relief, easing muscle cramps and headaches as well as an antiseptic to treat infections. Lavender has one of the most pleasing and well-loved floral scent. It’s also been known to lift depression and can help with those winter blues.

Using Essential Oils in Treating Colds and Flu

Using Essential Oils to Treat Colds and Flu

Now that you know which essential oils will relieve your symptoms, what do you do with them? To get started at a basic level, the only thing you’ll need to purchase is the oil itself. From there you can experiment with different methods of using the oil. You may want to purchase an aromatherapy diffuser.

Steam Inhalation-  In the same way that a hot shower can relieve chest and nasal congestion, you can use essential oils to inhale in steam form. Start by boiling 2 cups of water, pour into a bowl, then add a few drops of oil, such as Eucalyptus. Keeping your face about a foot away from the bowl, breathe in the steam for about 5-10 minutes. You can place a towel around your head to keep the steam concentrated, but be sure to inhale slowly and keep your eyes closed.

Quick Inhalation- Place a few drops of the oil or a mixture of the oils, such as peppermint and tea tree, on a tissue to carry around with you. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. This is a good solution if you’re on the go. Stash it under your pillow at night.

Massage or Bath- You can also mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with an ounce of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or olive oil. Pour it into a running bath or use it as a massage oil.

Overall Room Diffuser- Following the steps for steam inhalation, but instead of direct inhalation, leave the bowl of boiled water mixed with the essential oil placed in a room to disperse naturally. You can use a few more drops of oil for this method.

Aromatherapy Diffusers

A more efficient way to fill a room with aromatherapy is to use a diffuser. There are various types of aromatherapy diffusers available for purchase. One choice would be a diffuser that uses a tealight candle to warm the oil. Advantages of a candle diffuser are that they are inexpensive and don’t require electricity or batteries. They can also be more aesthetically pleasing than other diffusers, with some being works of art in themselves. Disadvantages are that one must be very cautious since essential oils are flammable and the aroma produced by this method is light and doesn’t last long. Heat can compromise the components of the oil and therefore the therapeutic qualities may not be as strong as with a cold air method. But if you’re just getting started in aromatherapy, then a candle diffuser, such as this one, may be a good option. Just keep it out of reach of kids and pets.

Joy Soapstone Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser

This hand carved oil diffuser is made of 100% natural soapstone. You mix a few drops of essential oil with  purified water into the removable bowl. The candle is placed through the opening underneath the bowl. Soapstone is a dense and non-porous stone which disperses the heat evenly for a quick and steady release of the aroma.

You can get the Joy Soapstone Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser on Amazon.

By far the most efficient way to get the most out of your essential oils is to use a high quality nebulizer. It should be noted that an aromatherapy nebulizer is not the same as a medical nebulizer that’s used for asthma and croup patients. A nebulizer for aromatherapy breaks up the molecules of essential oils to disperse smaller particles into the room. The smaller molecules are easier to inhale and therefore increase the healing power of the essential oil. While these devices are more expensive than other methods, a nebulizer allows you to use less of the essential oils since it transforms the oil more efficiently. This will save money in the long run.

Aroma-Pro Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser / Nebulizer

Made in USA, this nebulizer from Aroma-Pro uses the classic style glass bulb to disperse vapors using an air pump to break up the molecules of the essential oils. The air pump can be placed out of sight. The oil sits in a well to allow for mixing and refilling while the unit is running. The style of the bulb offers the full healing benefit of direct inhalation. Or you can use it as a room diffuser. The figure 8 shaped well is specially coated to protect the integrity of the essential oils. This glass bulb system is highly recommended by professional aromatherapists for optimal therapeutic benefits.

The Aroma-Pro Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser/Nebulizer sells on Amazon for $99.95.

Ultrasonic Nebulizers

If you have kids, a more practical option may be an ultrasonic aromotherapy nebulizer. Using ultrasonic technology, these units break up the essential oils into smaller molecules much like the air pump nebulizer. The oils are mixed with water and using high frequency vibrations create a cold mist for inhalation or room distribution. These nebulizers are also able to handle the thicker oils such as sandalwood and patchouli without getting clogged like the glass bulb model sometimes can.

Tips for Buying Essential Oils

Eden's Garden Essential Oils

Don’t be confused by other terms such as “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil”. These are not essential oils used for aromatherapy. There should not be any other ingredients other than the plant itself- no added chemicals or fragrance. Essential oils should always be stored in glass bottles, preferably dark in color. Avoid products sold in plastic. The oil can eat through plastic which will compromise the quality. You should also not store a rubber dropper in the bottle for this same reason, as the rubber can disintegrate into the bottle.

It may be a better idea to buy certified organic essential oils. These oils have been extracted from plants that have been raised without the use of pesticides and are generally reported to be of superior quality by aromatherapists. Don’t buy from companies who sell all their products at the same price. You probably won’t be getting what you pay for. For example, Jasmine is going to be much more costly than the more common Lavender oil.

Good sources of essential oils are Mountain Rose Herbs and Eden’s Garden. You can get the set pictured on Amazon to get you started on the road to wellness. It sells for about $22.00 and includes Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Orange.

Update: Recently, the FDA concluded that mercury filling have safety issues, see this news story.

Sweden, Denmark and Norway have banned them. Germany and Austria have discouraged use. Yet, in the United States, dental amalgams, the “silver” fillings that have been commonly used in dental practices for decades, are still used frequently as an inexpensive and popular treatment for cavities. Many consumers are unaware that the metal fillings in their teeth are comprised of 50% mercury, a known, proven neurotoxin.

Turn on the news or pick up a newspaper and you’re likely to see a report on the dangers of eating fish because of the levels of toxic mercury they contain. Many consumers are limiting the amount of fish they eat each week because of the danger the mercury level presents, yet have a mouth full of fillings that are damaging to their health. To make a comparison between fish and mercury fillings, an average amalgam contains 0.5 grams of mercury, according to Britain’s Daily Mail.  One half of a gram doesn’t seem like much, but if that amount of mercury was found in a 10-acre lake, a warning about eating the fish found in it would result. And, according to a World Health Organization study, the absorption of mercury from amalgams is four times higher than the absorption from fish consumption.

Even still, the FDA’s latest ruling, in 2009, found that amalgams were safe. FDA spokesperson Susan Runner, DDS, said, “The best available scientific evidence supports the conclusion that patients with dental amalgam fillings are not at risk for mercury-associated adverse health effects.” The American Dental Association agreed, despite the fact that it is proven that amalgams release mercury continuously from the time they are placed in the mouth. Simply chewing puts enough strain on the filling to cause a release of the mercury as vapor. Incidentally, it has been proven that there is no harmless level of mercury vapor exposure, as it is absorbed at a rate of 80% through the lungs into the arterial blood.

We worry about lead poisoning from our paint and arsenic poisoning from accidental ingestion of pesticides, but mercury is a more toxic substance than either one of those. Mercury from amalgams is stored principally in the kidneys, liver and brain and can cause severe problems from kidney damage to autoimmune diseases to Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, mercury has been linked to depletion of the immune system, a number of severe allergies and impairment of the reproductive system. Ironically, mercury can have negative effects on the mouth, as well. Exposure to the substance may lead to soft and spongy gums, loose teeth and mouth sores.

Infants and Children

As with many toxins, the greatest danger is to children and infants, especially fetuses. During pregnancy, it seems that mercury from amalgams travels to the fetus and is stored there before the mother, according to a study by MJ Vimy, a member of the medical faculty of the University of Calgary. In fact, eight times more mercury is stored in the fetus, and, later on, breast milk, than in the mother’s own tissues. Therefore, both fetuses and infants are at greater risk of side effects from their pregnant mother’s amalgam fillings than she is herself.

What You Can Do

The good news is, it’s fairly easy to remove and replace amalgams by a dental professional that is trained in amalgam removal. If you are already pregnant, however, it’s generally better to wait until after the pregnancy to remove the fillings, as the fetus could get a large, one-time dose of mercury vapor exposure that could be harmful. Today, many dentists have discontinued use of amalgam fillings not only because they are potentially harmful but also because there are other options available. White composite and porcelain filling materials serve the same purpose and, as an added bonus, blend with the teeth, whereas silver amalgams tend to be noticeable. The only drawback? These alternatives are more costly than amalgams, but are generally considered as effective long term without the possible health consequences.

If you’re thinking of replacing your old amalgams, consider this: patients who had amalgams removed have been cured of health problems such as fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease. Multiple Sclerosis patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

The bottom line here is that there is no reason to put yourself at risk if you don’t have to.  Talk to your dentist about creating a sensible plan to replace amalgams and, moving forward, look for alternatives to maintain both your smile and your health.

We brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash to keep our teeth healthy, strong and fresh. Unfortunately, some of the very things we are doing to protect ourselves from disease could be making us sick. The ingredients listed on the back of our toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles might be things we’ve never given too much consideration, but, as it turns out, maybe we should. There is growing concern among consumers, activists and medical professionals that the most basic parts of our daily routines could be a double-edged sword. While there are many chemicals in dental products that have come under attack in the past several years, one in particular that is on the chopping block is being taken seriously by dentists, consumers and even the FDA. Triclosan, a chemical that you might be familiar with, as it is included in many antibacterial products, is supposed to help prevent plaque formation and treat gingivitis. According to Dental Health Magazine, however, Triclosan is so strong that it has been reported to disrupt the endocrine system and can contribute to the formation of the “superbugs” currently plaguing the American medical system. The European Union and many other countries have already banned the use of Triclosan and, in response to pressure from researchers, the FDA is conducting further studies on the safety of the chemical, due to be completed in spring of 2011.

Another chemical to avoid when looking for dental products (or any products, really) is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This surfectant is toxic and irritating, according to Dental Health Magazine, and, according to Dr. Harold Katz, the founder of TheraBreath, has been proven to cause damage to oral tissue, lead to canker sore production and cause bad breath.

Saccharin is also commonly found in dental products, as it makes the products taste sweeter without contributing to the tooth decay that can be caused by sugar. If you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ve probably heard about the dangers of saccharin and might be trying to stay away from it in the food and drinks you and your family consume. In addition to causing allergic reactions, headaches, diarrhea, skin eruptions and, ironically, weight gain, this chemical is considered a possible carcinogen even by the FDA.

The good news is, staying away from dangerous chemicals in your toothpaste and mouthwash is a relatively easy task, thanks to a number of companies who have stepped up to make oral care products that are safe and effective. Some may be skeptical of finding natural or organic products that are as effective as their current, chemical-laden ones, but many of these brands contain essential oils, which are nature’s answer to killing viruses and bacteria, eliminating damaged cells and regenerating new ones. Here are a couple of options that we think are winners:

Toothpaste:

For those who are open to trying something that feels a little different than their traditional toothpaste, Tooth Soap is a great option. Made from organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, distilled water, Himalayan Crystal Salt, coral calcium and essential oils,  Tooth Soap was given a score of 0 on the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, meaning that is considered very low hazard. It is also Kosher certified Star-K and claims to remove oils, residue and contaminants from teeth, creating a healthy oral environment. Reviewers love it and claim it healed a variety of dental problems from sensitivity to gum disease to frequent canker sores, but warn that, as it is a liquid, it feels a little different than average toothpaste. Tooth Soap is available at Amazon.

For those who prefer a product that feels a little more like their old toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine Natural Antiplaque Plus Whitening Gel is another great option. Formulated without artificial ingredients or abrasives, Tom’s uses purified hydrated silica to clean and remove stains and has no chemicals or animal ingredients. In addition, it was given a score of 1 from the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, meaning it has a low risk of being hazardous to your health. This toothpaste is also available from Amazon.

Mouthwash:

Jason PowerSmile Mouthwash uses peppermint essential oil to freshen breath, Perilla Seed Extract, which is naturally anti-bacterial, to prevent tartar build-up and three natural whiteners to keep teeth bright. It received a score of 1 on the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, indicating it is low risk. This mouthwash is available at Amazon.

Tom’s of Maine also has a great Baking Soda Mouthwash that is alcohol-free, saccharin-free and has vitamin C, aloe vera, witch hazel and baking soda to nourish the mouth. Peppermint oil lends this mouthwash its refreshing flavor, and it was given a score of 2 by the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, meaning it has a low risk of being hazardous. Tom’s Mouthwash is available from Amazon.

They are the two words that no patient wants to hear while sitting in the dental chair: root canal. The root canal procedure, which is used to save a badly infected or decayed tooth, involves removing the nerve and pulp inside a tooth and cleaning and sealing it, thus preventing the tissue surrounding the tooth to become infected or abscesses to form. If you’ve ever experienced the pain, sensitivity and swelling that is usually a precursor to a root canal, you might have found the procedure a relief. There are, however, some dangers associated with having a root canal, and, as such, many holistic dentists and health care professionals are recommending using alternatives to a root canal when at all possible.

According to Dr. George Meinig, DDS, a retired endodontist and founder of the American Association of Endodontists and author of Root Canal Cover-Up, when a root canal is performed, bacteria become entrenched in the structure of tooth causing chronic degenerative diseases such as circulatory and heart diseases and diseased of the joints and arthritis. Fortunately, there are some alternatives to this painful and often costly procedure that can help protect your health.

Extraction

Dr. Irineo Marvin Pantangco, III, the inventor of the BreathDr System and dentist at the Center of Natural Dentistry, says that, the only truly safe alternative to a root canal is an extraction. He agrees with Dr. Meinig’s theory that even the root canal itself can be a dangerous option because, when a root canal is performed on a tooth, the roots aren’t completely filled or sterilized. Therefore, bacteria are sealed into the tooth by the root canal. Because blood flow can’t reach the trapped bacteria and flush it away, the infection can end up causing other problems.

Of course, while an extraction is a less-expensive alternative to a root canal, it also necessitates replacing the tooth by some other method such as a bridge or implant. Otherwise, problems such as TMJ can result, not to mention the patient is left with a hole in his or her mouth and can no longer chew in that area.

Medication

If you’ve ever called your dentist with a throbbing tooth, he or she likely prescribed you an oral antibiotic and pain reliever to heal the infection inside the tooth before a root canal was performed. For a good number of patients, the antibiotic provides on temporary relief, but, for some, that medication can become a permanent fix and, once the infection is relieved, it never recurs.

Adhesives

Some dentists are avoiding root canals in patients by using adhesives to seal the exposed nerve. If the nerve is already infected, this procedure isn’t a possibility, but, if the nerve isn’t yet infected, the dentist can clean the exposed nerve area thoroughly and then seal it. The same liquid plastic that contact lenses are made out of is used to seal the nerve and the tooth, thus removing any future sensitivity. Dr. Michael Teitelbaum, a New York dentist who uses the adhesive therapy told Web MD that a good number of dentists don’t use adhesive therapy because older methods had such a high failure rate. Now, however, with newer and better adhesives being introduced, this is becoming a more viable alternative. Plus, if the adhesive fails, the worst-case scenario is that the patient ends up having the root canal they would have had to have anyway. Because the adhesive procedure is inexpensive, Dr. Teitelbaum says most patients see very little downside to at least trying the procedure.

Sedative Filling

For a cavity that is extremely close to the nerve, where sensitivity is present but infection isn’t, the dentist might recommend a sedative filling instead of a root canal. After the cavity has been removed and thoroughly cleaned, the dentist applies a medication to the tooth and places a temporary filling. If the sensitivity and pain go away, a permanent filling is then placed. If the pain continues, however, it’s a sign that a root canal might be a better course of action. As with the adhesive, there is little downside to trying the sedative filling before moving forward with a root canal or extraction.

Dietary Changes

While there is little evidence of healing tooth problems with changes to the diet, there are testimonials from patients of tooth decay and pain being healed by dietary changes — and there is little doubt that dietary changes can help prevent future tooth decay and sensitivity. (See our post on Nutrition and Oral Health.) If you are interested in exploring this option, dietary guidelines for healing infection include eliminating all processed sugar, avoiding all flour products and eating raw milk from pasture-raised animals, and raw, yellow butter. See also the book Cure Tooth Decay for more tips.

If an alternative treatment such as dietary change, medication, adhesive or sedative filling works for you, that is wonderful. If not, talk with your dentist about whether a root canal or extraction is a better way to go for your personal health.

When it comes to living well and feeling your best, few things have a larger impact than taking care of your body. But finding the purest, most organic and efficient nutrition for your body — to take care of it inside and out — can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, there’s Mountain Rose Herbs, a company that is certified organic through Oregon Tilth and the the USDA, fair trade certified, kosher certified and produces zero waste.

Note From Editor: After testing many Herbal Supply companies over the years, I’ve found Mountain Rose to the most reliable. I like their no-frills approach — they don’t have coupons or free-offers, or other gimmicks. In my experience, their attention is on the quality of the products.

Whether you’re looking for organic herbs and spices, pure supplements or body care products, Mountain Rose Herbs has a product line to meet your unique needs. Check out some of these great finds from their site.

Rooibos Green Tea

Mountain Rose Herbs: Rooibos Green Tea

This organic, fair trade certified Rooibos Green Tea is chock full of antioxidants, trace minerals and nutrients, such as Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium. A light, slightly herbal taste makes it appealing to most palates. Plus, it doesn’t contain caffeine, so you can drink it any time of day without feeling jittery.

This tea is available for $4.25 for 4 ounces at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

Mountain Rose Herbs: Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

If you’re a health nut, you’ve likely heard the buzz about coconut oil and its incredible health benefits. Rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids our bodies need, this Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil has been found to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition, studies performed on populations in the Pacific Islands and southeast Asia, where people use coconut oil as a primary source of fat, are considerably less prone to heart disease.

It’s great when used for health from the inside out, but this coconut oil is also great for making scrubs, masks, lip balms, nail treatments, hair care and massage oil. Whether you use it inside or out, the benefits of coconut oil are something not to be missed.

This oil is available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $37.00 for one gallon.

Liver Care Capsules

Mountain Rose Herbs: Liver Care Capsules

If you’re looking to create good overall health, cleansing and nourishing your liver, the organ that has the sometimes overwhelming task of detoxifying the body, is a great place to start. Knowing what to take and how to take it can be tricky, though, when it comes to herbal formulations. Formulas and quality vary greatly from company to company.

Fortunately, Mountain Rose Herbs offers a variety of combination herbal capsules, including Liver-Care Capsules, that are made of organic or ethically wild-harvested herbs without preservatives, additives or anything else undesirable. Plus, their capsules are Vegi-caps and are gelatin free.

A blend of organic Milk Thistle Seed, organic Burdock Root, organic Artichoke Leaf, organic Dandelion Root, wild harvested Oregon Grape Root and organic Turmeric keep your liver functioning at its highest level, ensuring that your body is cleansing itself as efficiently as possible.

Liver-Care Capsules are available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $14.75, as well as an assortment of other great capsules addressing a range of health concerns.

Herbal Facial Steam

Mountain Rose Herbs: Herbal Facial Steam

Many of us know that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we put in them. Sometimes, though, finding that perfect product to keep our skin looking great without parabens and chemicals is nearly impossible.

Fortunately, Mountain Rose Herbs offers a variety of skin-care products that keep your face looking great without harsh chemicals. Their facial steam, for example, formulated from organic herbs and essential oils, is perfect for restoring skin’s vitality and giving your pores the deep clean they need, without scrubbing away healthy oils necessary for proper skin balance.

As relaxing as it is good for your skin, this Facial Steam is available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $5.90.

Dulse Flakes

Mountain Rose Herbs: Dulse Flakes

If you’re looking to get the most possible bang for your nutrition buck, Dulse, a red seaweed harvested in cool waters of the Atlantic coast of Canada and along the shores of Norway and Ireland, is a great place to start. Containing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, calcium, iron, potassium and — perhaps most notably — iodine, Dulse flakes have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes and are indicated for their assistance in creating thyroid hormones.

These flakes have a slightly salty taste and can be added to food. A quarter-teaspoon a day provides the minerals you need to keep your thyroid functioning properly.

Dulse flakes are available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $4.75.

Work. Kids. Marriage. Financial Problems. There are one hundred little things in any given day that can really stress us out — and all that worrying is bad for our health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that up to 90% of doctor visits in the United States are stress related. Autoimmune diseases, obesity, depression, sleep problems and digestive disorders are just a few of the conditions that can be caused or exacerbated by stress. It’s enough to make anyone want to reach for the Prozac.

Fortunately, prescription drugs might not be the only route for managing stress in daily life. Mother Nature has provided us with a variety of plants known as “adaptogens,” which Dr. Martha Libster, in Delmar’s Integrative Herb Guide for Nurses, defines as “plants that seemingly assist the human body in adapting to environmental stressors.” In essence, because plants are always adapting to an ever-changing environment, certain ones, when used properly, can help us adapt to stress as well.

Stress relief without an Rx? Now that’s good news. There are many, many adaptogens out there, but here are a few that are popular, safe and proven to work.

Siberian Ginseng

Adaptogens: Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero is often used in herbalism as an adaptogen. In addition to helping regulate stress, it has been shown in human studies to inhibit disease and increase physical work capacity. It is also used to improve selective memory and increase sleep duration. More than 1,000 studies have been performed on Eleuthero, many on humans, and it has been used effectively for 2,000 years. Talk about a track record.

Plus, it’s easy to find. Mountain Rose Herbs offers Eleuthero Root Capsules for those who prefer pills and Organic Eleuthero Root Extract for those who prefer a tincture. Additionally, popular companies such as Gaia Herbs offer a Siberian Ginseng Tincture and Now Eleuthero comes in a convenient pill form.

Rhodiola

Adaptogens: Rhodiola

Rhodiola is another popular adaptogen that has been used for centuries in Russia and Scandanavian countries to combat fatigue, poor attention span and decreased memory, according to DrWeil.com. Herbalgram, the Journal of the American Botanical Council reported in 2002 that human and animal studies show that Rhodiola can also ramp up immune function, increase sexual energy and functions as an antioxidant.

Rhodiola is also featured in Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief, by David Winston and Steven Maimes, as an herb that can improve sleep quality and regulate sleep disorders.

Even Oprah has gotten on board with Rhodiola. Dr. Mehmet Oz prepared an anti-stress tonic on the show mixing equal parts of 80-proof vodka and Rhodiola Rosea.

New Chapter offers Rhodiolaforce VCaps, and Mountain Rose Herbs has Rhodiola Root Powder for those who prefer to mix their own tonic ala Oprah.

Holy Basil

Adaptogens: Holy Basil

Holy Basil or Tulsi is another adaptogen that not only helps control the affects of stress but also can be useful in treating medical problems related to stress. In addition to having anti-stress qualities Holy Basil is recommended in Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief for improving skin elasticity, regulating cortisol — a hormone associated with stress — and easing digestive stress. This herb has also been found effective at combating a bevy of diseases including cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis.

Source Naturals Holy Basil Extract is one of many capsules on the market that contains this herb. Tulsi Tea is a popular and delicious way to harness the healing effects of Holy Basil for those who prefer an alternative to pills.

No matter which adaptogen you choose to try, make sure you run it by your healthcare professional first.

Pure Organic Snack Bar

A MetaEfficient snack bar. Unlike other nutrient bars I’ve tasted, this one’s delicious. My topic pick is the Orange Cranberry Bar. It’s made by a company called PURE, based in Holland, Michigan.  The supplier of the dates uses a natural enzyme to separate the protein from the carbohydrate (no heat is used so the product retains its nutrients).

The Orange Cranberry Bar ingredients:

• Organic Dates
• Organic Cranberries (with Organic Apple Juice Concentrate and Organic Sunflower Oil)
• Organic Walnuts
• Organic Cashews
• Organic Brown Rice Protein
• Organic Almonds
• Organic Agave Nectar
• Organic Orange Peel
• Organic Orange Oil

The Chocolate Brownie Bar ingredients are:

• Organic Deglet Noor Dates)
• Organic Walnuts
• Organic Agave Nectar
• Organic Almonds
• Organic Cashews
• Organic Brown Rice Protein
• Organic Cocoa

Pure Organic Nutrition Bars

It’s available at Whole Foods and Amazon.

Raw Pistachio Nuts

Enzymes are metaefficient. My top picks are raw pistachios and raw cacao. Both have optimal enzyme levels when unadulterated.

Raw Cacao Pod and Beans

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to purify water is to bubble ozone through it. Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms ( O₃₎. It disinfects water very effectively, through a process called oxidation. Ozone ruptures the cellular structure of organisms, killing them. It also oxides toxic organic chemicals, minerals and metals by reducing them to their insoluble form, so that they can be filtered out. This means it neutralizes most of the compounds that cause odor and off-tastes. Note, however, that ozonation does not remove nitrates, sulfates or heavy metals (see my article on water filters to find how to remove these).

In Europe and Asia, ozone is used in place of chlorine to purify public drinking water. Ozone is able to oxidize organic contaminants more completely and quickly than chlorine. It is healthier to use than chlorine because ozone does not form chlorine disinfection by-products like THMs. Instead any residual ozone dissolves into oxygen.

To produce ozone in your home, you can purchase a device called a ozone generator or ozonator. Ozonators generate ozone by passing air through a high-frequency electric field. These devices are commonly sold to purify the water in hot tubs and spas.

I’ve been testing an A2Z Ozone Generator. This $70 ozonator uses corona discharge to produce ozone, this involves using an electric discharge brought on by the ionization of a fluid . It produces ozone at a rate of 600 mg/h per hour. The ozone is pushed through a tube, and comes out through a bubbler stone. The ozone it produces smells like fresh, metallic oxygen.

Using this generator you can purify 5 gallons of water in 10 minutes, by placing the bubbler in a container of water. You can also use it your bath or hot tub. Ozone also destroys airborne odors caused by wet carpets, cigarette smoke or basement mold. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set safety standards for ozone concentration in the air.

For a comprehensive look at all the uses of ozone, see the books Flood Your Body With Oxygen by Ed McCabe, and the The Oxygen Prescription by Nathaniel Altman.

For more information on using ozone for water purification see The Drinking Water Book by Colin Ingram, and Don’t Drink The Water by Lono Kahuna Kupua A’O.

High-grade essential oils are the most efficient killers of microorganisms (for more information see  The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils, The Complete Book Of Essential Oils or The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Essential Oils). Basically, essential oils are great disinfectants, and they are also healthy to inhale. They have other beneficial effects on the body and mind. Surround yourself with Eucalyptus during the winter for example, to kill airborne microorganisms. The most efficient way of dispersing an essential oil is to use a nebulizer. Burners and other diffusion methods do not create super-fine particles of the oil. There’s a much greater chance of these particles coming into contact with mold spores, germs, and other airborne bacteria.

A good glass-based nebulizer is made by Young Living. The nebulizer has a small pump which funnels and disperses the oil using a glass chamber but without using heat. This retains the therapeutic benefits of the oil. Other non-heating diffusers and nebulizers are also good, as long as they do not using plastic parts that may contaminate the diffused material.

Many people have bad impressions of aromatic substances. Mostly this is because they are accustomed to inhaling inferior or synthetic versions of essential oils. Look for organic essential oils or hydrosols from a trustworthy source. A good vendor is Mountain Rose, for example.