What’s Trending in Health - Signs of TransformationI was really surprised to see that one of the leading trends in healthcare cited in Stanford’s Health Trends Report was,“Encouraging patients to take an active role in their own care and to adopt healthier lifestyles.”Is this a sign of things to come? Is the growing DIY revolution possibly taking root in the traditional medical model of healthcare? In my own clinical practice the response and recovery rate of my clients is significantly higher, at 80% or more, for those who are actively engaged in their own care. Can a patient’s “active role” in care be seen as a major turning point for our drug driven traditional model of healthcare in the US?...

If you are formulating something that contains fluids like water, milk, and even hydrosols, you will have to preserve the product in some way, or store it in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days.So what “natural” preservatives can you use to extend the life of your homemade product?Natural product manufacturers have used essential oils to preserve their products and so can you.Many studies have demonstrated essential oils to have both antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.The percentage of essential oil required to adequately protect a product from microbial growth and oxidation usually exceeds the recommendations for safe amounts of essential oils to use in skin care products. However, high concentration of essential oil can be used in aromatic room sprays.  If...

 Why would you choose to buy aromatherapy products made using traditional "artisan" aromatherapy methods of manufacturing that are "preservative-free"?I've always been a champion of Mother Nature and her natural way of life! A commercial product bought from a store is never natural.Seldom will you see traditional 'artisan' custom crafted aromatherapy products for sale in a commercial store. If you do, they will be more expensive because of the additional amount time required to custom craft the product.Processed and manufactured products are usually loaded with preservatives which give them the illusion of freshness and an "unnaturally" long shelf lifePreservatives allow a product that is manufactured using machinery to appear to be “fresh” for months or even years until the time when...

Hot flash is thought to be caused by fluctuations in hormones and often associated with menopause though hot flash can occur at any age and for both men and women. Symptoms include sudden intense heat, profuse sweating, visible reddening of the skin, feeling faint, and rapid pulse.  Symptoms can last for a couple of minutes or up to half an hour. Hot flash may occur sporadically, or be a common occurrence and disrupt the quality of one’s life. Accompanying symptoms include “night sweats” that interrupt sleep, insomnia, depression, poor mood, inability to focus and pay attention. According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) certain foods and lifestyle habits aggravate symptoms of hot flash. These include hot and spicy foods, alcohol and...

The female psyche is very open and sensitive to the environment and environmental influences. Being in the world can deplete a woman's energy reserves which need daily replenishing with sufficient rest and recovery time. As you know hormonal balance plays a crucial role in your sense of well-being, level of emotional comfort and security. Nourishing your hormonal system with proper nutrition, exercise and time for rest and recovery help to keep the hormonal system naturally balanced. Female Toner Recipe A blend of plant phytoestrogens from essential oils can play a role in keeping your hormonal system naturally balanced and healthy. Try this simple, yet potent blend of essential oils. Research has shown that the essential oils in this Female Toner...