It’s Thanksgiving.  I LOVE Thanksgiving!  (Little known fact about me–I like Thanksgiving best of all the holidays, because it’s the least commercialized.)  I like the idea of giving thanks to God for providing for us.  In fact, I think that we would all be a lot happier if we focused on the blessings in our lives instead of dwelling on the bad things we encounter.  One of the things I have been especially thankful for is natural healing methods. 

That being said, this year Thanksgiving is tough for me.  I really don’t feel thankful for my blessings.  I don’t feel like “feasting” on turkey and all the trimmings.  I don’t feel like visiting and playing games with my family.  I feel like sleeping through the whole thing!  Why?  Well, the last few months have been very difficult for me.  I feel as though natural healing methods have failed me.  One of my clients died earlier this month.  I’ve lost clients before, and I’m sure I will again, but this one was particularly difficult for me because it was my dear mother-in-law.  She passed away from pancreatic cancer just 5 weeks from diagnosis.

I’ve had many people ask how that is even possible with the work I do?!  In fact, I often thought that by being proactive about healing modalities, my family would escape sickness.  But the reality is that we live in a world where bad things happen…even to good, healthy, proactive people.  My family isn’t immune to viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungal infections, or even cancer.  Alternative healing such as the use of herbs has prevented many trips to the doctor, but it isn’t 100% fail proof.  Just as medical doctors call their office a “practice”, alternative providers call their branch of medicine an “art”.  God didn’t create all people exactly the same, and a standardized system of treatment doesn’t work for all people.  Well, didn’t I see this coming?!  No, I didn’t.  You see just a few months before Mom got sick, she had the best readings of her life.  She felt great!  Sometimes the computer won’t detect abnormally dividing cells, sometimes cancer moves in that quick, and sometimes…even when we find something on the computer or have a medical diagnosis, we don’t have time to fix it.

So, what’s the point of being proactive?  Should we just “chuck” the whole thing, and let the chips fall where they may?  I don’t believe so.  The Bible says in Romans 12 to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God”.  How can we be of service to God if we don’t care for our bodies?!  Research clearly indicates that people who care for their bodies by eating right, exercising, taking nutritional supplements, sleeping, and enjoying meaningful emotional and spiritual relationships generally live longer and healthier lives than those who don’t.  Notice, research mentions generally not always.  It was interesting though, that the surgeon who met with Mom told her that “she was the healthiest sick person the surgeon had ever seen”!  Mom enjoyed good health most of her life.  My kids enjoyed a grandma who was fun and spunky;  my husband enjoyed a mother who loved him unconditionally;  my father-in-law enjoyed a wife who served him joyfully; and I enjoyed a friend to live an abundant life with me!  Because of the care that Mom had given her body in the years before cancer, she was able to remain relatively pain-free and use her remaining days on earth to minister the Gospel of Christ to all who came to visit her.  Her zeal for Jesus, and her energy for life were evident to the physicians, the neighbors, and her family.  Mom believed in Christ’s sacrifice for her and is now celebrating and worshiping in heaven.  I’ll see her again in heaven some day, but for now, God has called me to continue to share the “art” of alternative medicine with those He places in my path.  I don’t know how long I have to live…no one does.  Ultimately GOD decides when a person’s life begins, and when it ends.

This Thanksgiving season is hard for me because I have to process through emotions of sadness, hurt, and frustration.  I have to grieve for moments that I will never again have with a woman I loved with all my heart.  But I AM thankful…I’m thankful that I had the chance to live life with her…I’m thankful for the wisdom she imparted to me…I’m thankful for the opportunity to care for her…I’m thankful for my family…I’m thankful for health…I’m thankful for LIFE (both here on earth and forever in eternity with Christ)…and yes, I’m even thankful for alternative medicine, because even though it doesn’t always work, it often does, and I’m thankful every time someone e-mails or calls to say how healthy and happy they feel since they’ve been to see me that God chose to call me into this line of work. 

So, my challenge to you today is what has God chosen to call you to that you are willing to thank Him for today?  Happy Thanksgiving!

For Health,

Summer Joy

     School has begun!  The ringing of bells, the commotion of children, and the sharpening of pencils herald the start of another year of potential brain development all over this country.

     The brain is an amazing organ.  It controls all our movements, our sleeping, eating, body function, memories, and emotions.  It forms synapses, or connections, where learning occurs.  It is at these synapses that the supplementation of Omega 3 Fatty Acids can play a critical part in brain development and restoration.  Omega 3, in the form of DHA and EPA, can actually reverse brain damage.  In light of the beginning of another school sports schedule, I’d like to highlight the role of DHA and EPA as a substantial tool for restoring nervous system function after injury.

     Sports are fun!  They can also be a little dangerous.  Especially at risk for injuries are adolescent children who are still growing.  Their muscles, skeletal system, and nervous system are particularly vulnerable to permanent damage due to repetitive injury.  Traumatic brain injuries that occur in adolescence can lead to increased risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and MS later in life.

     Medical doctors use NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to treat the pain and inflammation associated with injuries.  However, NSAIDS, such as Vioxx, Celebrex, naproxen sodium, and even aspirin, have side effects such as increased risk for ulcers and heart disease.  Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, a neuro-surgeon who worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has found that by adding 2-3 grams of EPA/DHA daily, he has been able to cut the use of NSAIDs in his practice due to the anti-inflammatory nature of Omega 3’s! 

     In addition to reducing the lasting effects of trauma, Omega 3’s help increase IQ, reduce symptoms of neurological disease, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, and help individuals with depression.  Natural Alternatives uses quality Omega 3 oils that are free from contaminants including mercury and lead.  Feel free to contact our office for more information on Omega 3’s and have an injury-free school year!

     For Health,

     Summer Joy

Father’s Day is tomorrow. This day is typically filled with all kinds of fun outdoor activities: fishing at the lake, playing tag football, grilling with the family, etc. Besides fun and food, the item all these activities have in common is bugs: mosquitoes, ticks, mites, etc. Yuck! I really dislike bugs!

A few years ago when our area of United States finally began experiencing adequate rainfall, the mosquitoes (in particular) became quite bad. With these stinging pests came the threat of West Nile Virus, a particularly nasty parasite that leads to flu-like symptoms ranging from mild to severe complications on the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In horses, West Nile is often fatal. Since we own several valuable geldings, our veterinarian suggested using a chemical insect repellent on our horses. After reading the warning label on the repellent (which included advise on wearing latex gloves during application, and NOT to be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant) we decided that the chemical may be as bad as the disease and began using essential oils to create our own safe insect repellent for our pets.

“Fly Away” all-natural insect repellent works on mosquitos, ticks, flys (of all varieties), and other insects. It is made with ingredients found in most kitchens and a blend of essential oils including melaleuca oil. You can learn how to make “Fly Away” at our essential oils class, or it can be purchased from Natural Alternatives.

Melaleuca (or “tea tree”) oil is harvested from the melaleuca tree in Australia. This pungent oil is antimicrobial, immune stimulating, and particularly anti-fungal making it a great choice for pest repellents, athlete’s foot, dandruff, and dermatitis, just to name a few. This oil is one of my “first aid oils” as helps in respiratory issues.

“Fly Away” doesn’t have terribly pleasant smell, so we don’t recommend using it as a personal insect repellent, just for pets. However, it is safe to use on wood making it excellent choice for decks, door frames, window wells, and other areas prone to insect-home breech. Enjoy your Father’s Day….bug free!
 

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We were visited by Pepe Le Pewe at our house today.  Unfortunately Mrs. Skunk decided our barn would be a wonderful place to birth her litter of stink bombs.  Our dutiful dog, however, had other plans for Madame Smelly, and his challenge of her agenda triggered a release of “scentsationalism”!  OiY!! 

Anyway, the fragrance that is now wafting over our ranch got me to thinking about the other times I have been “overcome” by my olfactory system.  Most of those times involve chemicals….the cleaning aisle at Walmart, paint fumes at the auto body shop, and who can forget Sister So-n-so’s perfume in church?!  I don’t like any of these smells, but other than a mild headache, I’ll eventually get over them.  Some of my clients, however, aren’t as blessed.  Individuals with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) can literally become bedridden for weeks just by making one trip to their local department store.  Church events become things of the past as one whiff of incense sets off an asthma attack.  Theatres, concerts, and parties cannot be tolerated due to chemical smells in shampoo, deodorant, and cologne residues.

I often wonder, has our incessive need for personal hygiene added to the growing problem of MCS?  Not that I’m advocating the degredation of cleanliness, but it seems to me that fragrance is added to everything from laundry soap to shampoo to garbage can liners!  The majority of these fragrances are petroleum based.  Petroleum is a common sensitivity in many individuals and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, skin rashes, itching, hives, post nasal drip, asthma, and many others.  

So, other than offending those around you with an “all-natural” odor, what can be done to safely deal with fragrances?  Well, I propose first of all that people go with the CLEAN smell!  Instead of using scented fabric softener, how about hanging clothes on the line for that wonderful “sun-dried” smell?  Or, try rinsing out dishes as you use them instead of letting them sit in the sink for days to develop the nasty odor of sour milk!  Practicing pro-active habits could help cut down on the use of unnessecary fragrance.

That being said, it is nice to catch a hint of soft fragrance now and then.  It is especially nice in the form of an essential oil.  Peppermint, for example, makes an excellent breath freshener.  Citrus oils compliment the fresh smell of clean in kitchens and bathrooms.  Soft flower essences gently tickle the air in bedrooms.  Experimenting with essential oil scents that work in your home is not only fun, but can be done without the detrimental side effects of air fresheners! 

Currently I am using Wild Orange in our home.  It sure beats ala Skunk!!

Over the weekend I accomplished Herculean task… I finished decorating my girls’ bedroom! As a finishing touch, I vacuumed their room adding lavender oil to the water in the vacuum cleaner. Why? Well, first of all lavender is kind of a “girly” scent, but also, lavender induces a sense of relaxation and restfulness.

I use lavender for respiratory distress. When one of my kids has a cold, I will rub mixture of lavender and tea tree or eucalyptus oil in sesame oil on their feet and chest. I also drop lavender oil on a Kleenex and hang it on headboard. Sometimes, I will let them take a hot bath and add 3-5 drops directly to bath water. Lavender helps to relax bronchial and sinus passage ways to promote drainage and soothe coughs.

Lavender this most known for calming properties and can therefore used for other ailments such as anxiety, joint inflammation, diarrhea, athlete’s foot, and burns.

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Did you know you can use essential oils in cooking?  Oils like oregano, sage, basil, and garlic can make a delicious Italian spaghetti, pizza, or marinara.  Oils like peppermint, lemon, and even lavender can help you whip up decadent dessert.  The advantage of using essential oils in your spice cabinet is that essential oils are extremely concentrated making them stay fresh and potent for much longer than dried herbs, and they are so much more convenient than trying to grow your own fresh herbs (especially during the cold winter months).  Do remember, however, that because essential oils are so concentrated that a spaghetti sauce recipe calling for 1 tsp. of oregano probably only needs 1-2  drops of oregano oil.  You be the taste judge–you can always add more, but it’s impossible to take 1 drop back out!  We will be discussing how to cook with essential oils at our class on May 21st.  There are only 2 more days to sign up, so hurry!

Did you know that the essential oil of Frankincense is mentioned in the Bible?  The wise men  brought gifts to the Christ Child of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mark 2:11); or, as my 4 yr. old son informed his sister the other day, gifts of gold, frankincense, and manure!

Frankincense has anti-tumor,  anti-infectious, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties making it an effective essential oil to use for issues such as:  allergies,  bronchitis, insect and snake bites,   colds,  diarrhea, coughs, gonorrhea, diphtheria,  headaches, high blood pressure levels, herpes, jaundice, inflammation, meningitis, laryngitis, prostate problems, nervous conditions, respiratory problems, pneumonia, sciatica,  sores, staph, stress, strep, syphilis, tonsillitis, tension, wounds, typhoid and warts.   Frankincense  may exceed the blood-brain barrier, thereby helping to oxygenate the pituitary and pineal glands and increase the production of white blood cells which help fight infection. 

Frankincense is one of the oils we will be discussing at the class in May.  Deadline for registration is MAY 10, so be sure to contact us if you want more information on this class!

     People say the only thing that is certain in this life is death and taxes.  After the week we’ve had in America, I’d also add “unpredictable weather” to the list of certainties.  Watching people walk away from the indescribable destruction in the tornado strewn mess of the south, and being without electricity due to a blizzard in North Dakota (in May, mind you!), I am reminded that during disasters many of the amenities we have come to depend on cease to exist.  Not only is power and clean water scarce, but with the disasters often comes great medical demand and very little supply.  Do you know how to care for your family if disaster strikes?  Not many of us do.  Just one day without electricity can remind you very quickly how inadequately prepared most families are for disaster.

     One of the ways that my family stays preparedis with a “natural” first aid kit.  Some of the items in that kit are essential oils.  I used to think that essential oils were just a pretty smelling aphrodisiac, or worse a patchouli-soaked hippy soap-box (I can’t stand the smell of patchouli!).  But then, after a particularly nasty case of croup, I changed my mind and truly put them in the ESSENTIAL category.  I have successfully used essential oils in my home to enhance my family’s immune system, fought ear infections, restored breathing in a sick child, and conquered morning sickness all with essential oils. 

     Natural Alternatives is offering an introductory class on essential oils May 21st from 10 to 3.  This class will cover several “key” oils such as lavender, lemon, peppermint, melaleuca, oregano, and frankincense, plus a few others.  We will learn about specific health and wellness solutions, and how to cook and clean with essential oils.  Deadline to sign up for this class is May 10, so contact us soon for more information if you are interested in added this knowledge to your emergency arsenal!  Over the next few weeks I’ll write more about essential oils.

For Health,

Summer Joy

My family, like all others, has had numerous issues requiring opinions from medical doctors, nurses, naturopaths, and nutritionists.  What I’ve learned from all these interactions with professionals is this….I need to be diligent about taking responsibility for my family’s health!  No doctor, nurse, naturopath, or nutritionist knows my family’s health signs, symptoms, and habits as well as I do, because they aren’t with them all the time.  I know what’s normal for my body and my family’s bodies.  I have the most invested in these people, and I care more about them than anyone else.  I am also noticing that if I double check everything I’m told, research drug interactions, diseases, and remedies, then we are less likely to suffer with side effects, and more likely to recover quickly.

Since I am spending far less time at the office these days, I am committed to blogging about issues that are important to my clients’ familys; issues that can help them take charge of their family’s health.  If you have topics you’d like to see addressed, please contact me, and I’d be happy to blog about it.  Until next time…

Summer Joy

Natural Alternatives now has a blog!  Feel free to post comments and ask questions about the natural solutions you have found helpful. 

We are interested in posting articles that are of interest to you or that you may have questions about.  If there is something particular that you would like to learn more about please send us the topic using the form at http://www.naturalalternativeshealth.com/contact-us.html and we will try to include it in one of our future posts.

Stay tuned……