In my background as a yoga therapist, I can vouch for the fact that very often, physical pain is the result of emotional stress. Once the emotions are felt and released, the physical body responds and someone with years of chronic pain may suddenly find themselves pain-free once and for all.

The same mind-body theory applies to back pain, a common malady suffered by 55 million Americans. Dr. John Sarno, author of Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection, suggests that 75% of back pain is emotionally related, particularly linked with repressed anger. This anger results in diminished blood and oxygen flow, causing muscle spasms and nerve dysfunction, i.e., pain. By admitting to the anger and working through it, the back pain will be relieved. Keep in mind that anger and stress amplify pain anyway, so there’s a lot to be gained by relaxing.

Of course, it’s important to maintain proper posture and strengthen your core muscles; these are the best preventions for back pain. Accidents and injuries may contribute to slipped disks and pinched nerves, causing pain, and these should not be ignored. But if you’ve been checked out physically and the pain won’t go away no matter how much stretching or massage you do, you’ve got nothing to lose by digging a little deeper into your psyche and smoothing the emotional kinks that may be showing up as pain in your back.

Image: vonSchnauzer

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A few years ago, a dentist told me I’d need dentures by the time I was 50 – that’s how bad my teeth and gums were. Granted, they didn’t look bad – my teeth are strong, straight and pearly white – but my gums were already declining. I was brushing twice a day, but I wasn’t flossing and I was eating plenty of sweets.

After two root canals (and I’m only 30!), I take much better care. I still don’t floss as often as I should, but at least it’s more than I used to. I’d like to save my teeth, and save money too. Here are my natural dental care tips:

First and foremost, use a tongue cleaner. I know, it sounds icky, but the slimy stuff on your tongue when you wake up is plaque. It’s ickier to leave it on.
You have to floss. There’s no way around it. Do anything to make it fun! My husband and I have made a pact to remind each other to floss every morning. Do we always remember? No, but it’s a start!
Use ayurvedic toothpaste for the best blend of warming, astringent and detoxifying herbs. These herbs will promote gum circulation, tightening and cleansing.
Sprinkle baking soda on your toothpaste for extra cleansing and whitening.
Brush a few times a week with a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Rub this on your gums too.
Rinse with green tea for a natural fluoride wash.
If you get a toothache after all that, clove oil works wonders. Apply directly to the painful tooth with a Q-tip so you don’t get the burning oil on your gums. A paste of ginger and cayenne powder also works.
Check out Pristine Planet’s dental care page for a variety of natural products for teeth and gums.

May as well green up the routine, too! Use a Preserve toothbrush made from recycled plastic.

I often grumble about all the work and time it takes to care for my teeth, but I suppose it’s better to have teeth to take care of in the first place! Let us know your own dental care tips in the comments below.

Image: ninette_luz

The post Do You Know These 9 Natural Tooth Care Tips? appeared first on EcoSalon.

So you think beauty is only skin deep? It actually goes much deeper; beauty has a lot to do with your diet, too. Although topical creams and oils can help your skin and hair look more radiant, the best way to glow is from within – and that means eating right. So think twice about filling up that beauty drawer with ever more cosmetics and spend the money on these delicious foods instead.

Requirements for Radiant Skin

Antioxidants. These protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation and may help prevent skin cancer. Foods high in antioxidants include green tea, citrus fruits, cacao, blueberries, prunes and leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach.

Hydration. If you’re thirsty, so is your skin! It’s essential to drink plenty of water (filtered or spring water) every day, but juicy fruits and vegetables (like apples, strawberries, watermelons and celery) help with your hydration needs.

Selenium. This mineral is used by your body to create a protein with antioxidant properties. The absolute best source for selenium is a handful of brazil nuts. If you can’t find those, other nuts will do. Fish, turkey, whole wheat pasta and brown rice will also help, but nothing compares to nuts!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3’s maintain healthy cell membranes to keep your cells hydrated and free of toxins. Hemp, flax and chia seeds are excellent sources of Omega-3’s. Wild salmon, walnuts and sardines can also give your skin cells a boost.

Handbook for Healthy Hair

Vitamins A and C. These vitamins help your body produce sebum, the oil secreted by hair follicles that serves as a natural conditioner. (Beware shampoos that strip away too much oil and leave your hair dry!) Spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard are great sources for both of these vitamins.

Protein. Your hair needs plenty of protein to grow. Beans, lentils and other legumes are great sources of protein, iron and zinc.

Snacks for a Super Smile

Avoid Processed and Refined Carbs. Chewy carbohydrates like bread and crackers tend to get stuck under the gums and promote bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water with meals and snacks to wash all those little food particles away.

Polyphenols. Found in black and green teas, polyphenols prevent plaque and reduce the chance of developing cavities.

Cranberries. These tart berries have a compound that prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, but make sure your cranberry juice isn’t loaded with extra sugar or else, what’s the point?

It makes sense that balance in your body shows up as beauty on the outside, and whole, healthy foods will keep you looking and feeling fantastic. The emphasis here is on whole foods, not supplements. Although supplements can be good for people who have a particular deficiency, it’s always better to get your nutrition from the best foods you can find. Eat well and be beautiful!

Read more at the State.

SEE ALSO:

20 Foods to Give You Energy

20 Foods To Supercharge Your Brain

20 Foods for Increased Energy and Better Sex Drive

20 Foods To Boost Your Metabolism

20 Foods To Help You Sleep Better

20 Foods To Banish Belly Fat

Image: lanuiop

The post 20 Best Foods for Radiant Skin, Healthy Hair & a Super Smile appeared first on EcoSalon.

Back in March, I was trying to organise a wedding for 110 guests from the other side of the world and slim down to look great in my bridal dress, as well as doing my day job. I was one stressed-out bunny!

At the time I wrote about the steps I was taking to manage stress and why. When we are busy, looking after our mind and body can get sidelined – right at the point where it’s more crucial than ever. I believe that the stress we put on our body is a metaphor for the stress we put on the planet. For me it’s a practical mirror as well – I’m far more likely to look for the easy, not-so-green solution when I’m stressed.

As well as using my common sense and listening to what my body needed, I went to a workshop on understanding stress at Neal’s Yard Remedies in London to try to learn more about it. In this post, I’ll share with you the highlights of what I learned – and how effective it was when I put it into practice.

At the workshop we were told that 90% of illnesses today are caused by stress, from headaches and backaches to insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome. Stress is cumulative an one major stressful event is enough to tip you over the edge. If you reach 300 on the Holmes-Rahe scale, it leads to ill health, and divorce is worth 73 points just on its own. So it’s important to manage stress well in your daily life – if your underlying stress levels are low, then you are physically, emotionally and mentally equipped to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Understanding stress is a personal journey – your stress triggers and how it manifests itself in your body will be different to mine. We were advised to keep a diary to track our stress levels, rating it from number 10 as maximum stress and number one as the least stressed. The diary should record what we’ve eaten, how we were feeling emotionally and physically, whether we had slept much the night before and what had been going on during the day, while women should also note their menstrual cycle. We were told to keep the diary for two to three weeks to give it enough time for patterns to emerge.

As I thought, a healthy diet is extremely important. However, dietary changes should be gentle and aimed at nurturing rather than punishing the body. Interestingly, we were told never to do a detox in the cold months – if we want to detox, then it should be in spring and for a maximum of three or four days. Otherwise, we were told the odd glass of wine was fine when managing stress – and even helpful because it can help with relaxation. Treats, such as wine, chocolate, or a treatment such as massage and acupuncture, are highly effective in alleviating stress. Yay!

I learned that Vitamin B – found in brown rice, eggs, some red meat, bran, sesame seeds and brewer’s yeast – is crucial in the fight against stress. Vitamin C – found in citrus, kiwi, strawberries and other fruit and vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage – is also important. As well as the dietary sources, both Vitamin B and C can be taken as a supplement. If the digestive system is not working properly, then fibre is especially useful, while warm water with a slice of lemon can help get things moving again.

Exercise is great because it burns up adrenaline and cortisol and produces endorphins to help you deal with stress. Again, it’s important not to overdo it, especially if you are not already physically fit, instead aiming to do a little every day, including cardiovascular exercise such as walking or jogging but also activities such as yoga and pilates, with a focus on breath. Meditation can also be useful in calming the mind and promoting overall well being.

I rarely have problems getting a good night’s sleep, but for some people stress manifests itself as insomnia, which can obviously compound the problem very quickly. The workshop advocated “sleep hygiene” – trying to leave the bedroom uncluttered, without televisions or computers that emit energy. I love to read before I go to sleep but if you have trouble sleeping, it’s apparently a good idea to restrict this to the living room to trick the brain into thinking that bed means sleep. We were told never to take work to bed and to keep a notepad next to the bed so we can jot down things that worry us to get it out of our head. Drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in an oil burner before you go to bed can also help you sleep.

We talked about complementary remedies for stress relief – herbal tinctures and teas, flower remedies, essential oils and homeopathy. This part of the workshop was a useful eye-opener into the range of treatment available, although it comes down to personal judgement what is useful for you. For example, I am sceptical about homeopathy since the scientific evidence consensus does not support it and I’ve never personally had success with the treatment, but I love the herbs, aromatherapy and flower remedies. Also, we were advised that anyone who is taking conventional medication needs to approach complementary medicine with care, since some herbs can interfere with some drugs. If in doubt, it’s best to check with a qualified herbalist first.

Since that didn’t apply to me, I decided to try a selection of treatment. I bought a herbal supplement called rhodiola rosea that is meant to be good for stress relief and emotional support. I also took home a herbal tea blend of chamomile, passiflora (passion flower), lemon balm and rose, which I drank two or three times a day. I felt immediately soothed when I drank the tea but apparently the effects also build up over time.

I found the flower remedies especially useful – I’m sure scientists would tell me it was a placebo effect, but I really felt like I could feel them working immediately. Bach flower remedies or Australian bush flower remedies both work int the same way – the flower essences are infused in an alcohol solution and you take drops directly under the tongue, or dilute it into a glass of water. Some have a strong immediate effect, while others are slower and cumulative, but we were told not to take them for longer than 12 weeks if they weren’t working.

I took the Focus blend – larch, elm, white chestnut, hornbeam, gentian and clematis – to help me concentrate on specific tasks during the day. I’m usually a big procrastinator but it really helped my productivity. Then when I needed to relax, I tried Unwind – vervain, impatiens, agrimony, rock water, walnut, aspen and white chestnut – which helped me let go of tension knots. I was so impressed with the results that I made sure I had some Rescue Remedy (also known as S.O.S. blend) on hand for my wedding day in case I had an attack of nerves.

I also tried the dual approach with aromatherapy – buying basil essential oil to help me concentrate during working hours and lavender to help me unwind at night. It’s best to invest in an oil burner but you can also get effective results by dropping oil in a bowl of boiling water or on tissue paper to sit on top of the radiator.

At the end of the workshop I bought a copy of the booklet Understanding Stress: Natural Solutions that Really Work by Susan Curtis for £2.50. It’s also on sale through Amazon Canada. It gives a clear, concise summary of stress, looking at why it happens, what the symptoms are and how to overcome it through supporting your body, emotional balance and spiritual health.

Through the workshop and my follow-up reading and experimentation I discovered a lot about complementary medicine and what works for me. I’m interested in continuing this journey further. I am grateful that I live in a world with modern medicine and that I personally have access to that. However, the health system is more about treating illness and I’m interested in going beyond that to promoting wellness.

Managing the symptoms of stress is important if you want to prevent it damaging your body, mental wellbeing and relationships. However, equally important is exploring the underlying causes. I believe chronic stress and environmental damage are both symptoms of our modern lifestyle. If we can get that back in balance, our health and the planet will both benefit.

Image: Vincent Boiteau

The post Treating Stress the Natural Way appeared first on EcoSalon.

Mosquito season is here, and although I’ve found my personal zen with them it’s no fun to find yourself flailing, yelping and slapping when those little critters come buzzing around. You can preserve your personal comfort this summer by making (or growing) your own mosquito repellent.

The recipe goes like this:

2 ½ teaspoons of any mixture of the following essential oils: basil, catnip, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium or rosemary.
½ cup of 190-proof grain alcohol (such as high quality vodka)
½ cup distilled, filtered or spring water
Put this mixture in a small spray bottle, shake it up and you’re set.

Many commercial repellents contain DEET, which rates a 6 (moderately dangerous) in the Cosmetic Safety Database. Your skin absorbs everything you put on it and carries it to the rest of your body, so if you choose to buy mosquito repellent, check the ingredients and go natural.

And if you’ve already been bit, rub some crushed plantain on the itchy spot. A common “weed,” plantain (plantago) is nature’s best bug bite remedy. You can also stick a small strip of regular Scotch tape over the bite – the adhesive will draw out the irritating liquid and help to relieve the itching.

Image: James Jordan

The post How to Make Your Own Non-Toxic Mosquito Repellent appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sweet dreams – got “Ëœem? Many of us don’t. For some, bedtime is a nightly battle of tossing, turning and exhausted frustration; believe me, I’ve been there myself. As with any of life’s imbalances, there’s usually an underlying reason for insomnia and although stress and tension are usually the root cause, there are natural solutions to help you get the rest you deserve. Try some of these ideas and see which ones work for you.

Before going to bed, stretch out.

The day’s tensions are held in your body, so a gentle, relaxing stretching session – even a brief one – can do you a world of good.

Wear comfortable clothing – or none!

You might be surprised to find that going to sleep in your birthday suit helps you get more relaxed. Or, simply changing the type of PJ’s you wear can work wonders. If you’ve been sticking to cotton or flannel, try bamboo, which breathes well.

Skip the bedtime TV show.

I know a lot of people like to fall asleep to the TV, and if that works for you, great. But if you find yourself wired after watching Colbert or the midnight sci-fi flick, take the hint and turn off the tube. With all those flashing images, TV stimulates the brain and that’s the last thing you need if you’re trying to sleep.

Unplug electrical appliances in your bedroom at night.

The subtle electrical hum might just be enough to keep you awake, not to mention digital numbers or standby lights. If you use an alarm to wake up, keep it at least 3 feet from your bed.

Keep your workspace separate from your bedroom.

Using your laptop in bed, or even having your desk right next to your bed will keep stress and sleep intertwined – not a good combination. If you can, remove clutter your sleeping space and make it harmonious and beautiful. Perhaps some beautiful art or make an altar of special objects – anything but the office supplies!

Snack smart.

Is it too health-nut of me to remind you not to drink coffee or eat sugary snacks before bedtime? Hey, even a few bites of dark chocolate were enough to keep me up an extra few hours one night recently, so watch what you eat in the evening. Good choices are nuts, cheese, and nut butters.

Is your mattress uncomfortable?

Are you using the right pillow? Make sure your sleeping situation is exactly right for you. If you’re tossing and turning on a regular basis, it’s probably time for a different mattress.

Keep oxygen circulating in your bedroom.

If you don’t like to leave your windows open, at least crack them or use a small, circulating fan. The white noise might help you sleep better, too.

Aromatherapy

Try aromatherapy to help you relax and sleep. Some good essential oil choices are lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine or sandalwood. Nectar Essences has a misting spray – appropriately called Sleep – made of relaxing flower essences and essential oils.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that regulates sleep cycles and synthetic melatonin pills are a gentle, over-the-counter option for helping you get to sleep. There are a few contraindications and potential side-effects, so do your research before taking it, but in general melatonin is considered a very mild and helpful supplement.

Listen to relaxing music.

Try ocean sounds or a meditation podcast, but make sure your stereo doesn’t stay on all night with lights and electrical feedback to keep you awake!

Tea

Try the old standard for nighttime relaxation: chamomile tea. If that’s too wimpy for you, check out the recipe for EcoSalon’s Sweet Dream Elixir. If you consume dairy, a glass of plain old warm milk can help, as well.

Save shower or bath time for your evening ritual.

The warmth and the water will help you relax, unwind and wash away the stresses of your day. This is especially effective if you use some of those essential oils in your bath.

Valerian root

This is a well known drowsiness-inducing herb. It is generally considered safe, with few side-effects, but as with any supplement, do some research and chat with your health care practitioner before deciding if it’s the right remedy for you.

Kava

The Hawaiian kava root is also well known for its relaxing properties. I tried it a few times when I was living on Maui and I can tell you that it does have a soothing, relaxing effect without any major hangover or side effects. But kava root is not the ideal herb for everyone. Do some research before trying it, and get pure kava powder.

Wear a sleep mask.

We sleep best in total darkness, and those little slivers of light from the streetlamp outside your window or the bright numbers of your digital alarm clock are enough to be a distraction. Simply slip on a mask and enter your own dark cocoon.

Save bedtime for relaxing activities.

You’ve turned off the TV, now what? Read a book (but not a thriller!) or journal just before going to bed. Or, try a little yoga.

Write your worries or your to-do list.

If your mind is racing, grab a notebook and write everything down. Write write write until you’re out of things to write about, until you’re tired, even bored… then you’ll be able to shut your eyes and sleep.

Use a pleasantly scented dream pillow.

It sounds strange, but German scientists found that certain smells help us dream better, while other, unpleasant smells play a part in disturbing our dreams.

Slow, deep breathing.

Before you go to bed, do some deep breathing – this will help relax you. Anytime you notice your mind has drifted away from your breath, gently bring it back. Or do this meditation lying down in bed and you’re sure to fall fast asleep.

Images: Raul A., j/f/photos, helgasm, Aaron Escobar, buidl-lemmy, avlxyz, bedzine, Bohman, bitmask, kanko, krikit, ClatieK, nhhsp, fabaudrey, OUCHcharley, craftycrafty, tranchis, kaibara87, lepiaf.geo, Stephen Mitchell

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Do you suffer from asthma, heartburn, arthritis, ulcers, back pain or migraines? Here’s your prescription: Drink two glasses of water and call me in the morning.

The premise is simple enough. Chronic dehydration keeps the body from operating properly, metabolizing efficiently and flushing out toxins which then accumulate in various parts of the body. Dehydration is a recipe for health problems.

I found myself repeatedly fascinated and surprised by Dr. Batmanghelidj’s book Your Body’s Many Cries for Water. The name says it all.

Dr. Batmanhelidj has spent over two decades researching the connection between dehydration and many of the body’s most common ailments. His basic argument is that most of the time we don’t need any kind of medicine at all – just plenty of water.

Image: darkpatator

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My boss has hypertension. And about two years ago, he nearly died. He was hundreds of pounds overweight, but because of a disciplined diet and exercise regimen, he’s lost 150 pounds (with more to go) and is feeling much better.

One of his newly found secrets? He eats a banana a day. The potassium helps him lower his blood pressure.

Hypertension, the clinical name for chronic high blood pressure, is caused by a variety of factors, namely stress, obesity, high sodium intake and low potassium. So eating a diet high in potassium can help lower blood pressure. Potassium helps your body excrete sodium more effectively, thereby getting all that extra salt out of your system.

If high blood pressure is something you struggle with, minimize your sodium intake and add more potassium to your diet. High potassium foods include:

Milk and yogurt
Fruits like apricot, avocado, banana, cantaloupe, dates, nectarines, prunes and raisins
Fresh (not canned) veggies like carrots, celery, baked potatoes, spinach, winter squash and tomatoes.
Fish and poultry
Molasses and unsalted nuts

Image: House of Sims

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After suffering through months of frigid weather and barren tree branches, spring is finally on the way. Pretty soon, the frost will melt away, the days will grow longer, birds will begin chattering, trees will turn green, buds will plump and the bees will start buzzing.

But, along with the joys of this season of renewal comes one majorly irritating nuisance: allergies. Decongestants and antihistamines aren’t your only remedy for itchy eyes and a runny nose. Here are some natural tips to make this transition easier on your sinuses.

Dust and dirt trap pollen, so thorough spring cleaning is a must. While you’re at it, install new air conditioning filters as well.

That thick head of hair acts as a nest for pollen. Take a shower before you hit the sack to avoid transferring pollen to your sheets and pillowcases.

Invest in an air purifier to eliminate airborne contaminants like pollen, dust, mildew and mold, which can exacerbate your allergies.

Drink plenty of water to flush those allergens out of your system. Cut down on caffeinated drinks and salty snacks or increase your water intake accordingly to counterbalance ingestion of these types of beverages and foods.

Start your mornings with a shot of wheatgrass juice. This healthy fluid is rich in nutrients like protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron to help detoxify your body. Imbibing just two ounces is equivalent to eating almost five pounds of vegetables.

Stick to a good workout routine. Cardiovascular exercise bolsters your respiratory system, not to mention all those toxins you’ll sweat out in the process.

The post How to: 6 Tips to Ease Allergies Naturally This Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Uh oh. You feel that little tickle in the back of your throat. You want to deny it. It’s nothing, really, it’ll go away after a cup of tea. But it doesn’t. By the end of the day you have to admit, you’ve got a full-on, hurts-to-swallow sore throat.

Don’t rush for the antibiotics just yet; most sore throats are caused by the flu or common cold, which are viruses and won’t respond to antibiotics. Sometimes your sore throat might simply be a symptom of mouth breathing, sudden changes in the weather or air that’s too dry.

Of course, strep throat, caused by bacteria, is always a possibility too. If a severe sore throat persists for more than a few days, there’s white pus on your tonsils or you have a fever, you should seek medical attention. Otherwise, try these tips:

The old standard: gargle with warm salt water (1 tsp salt dissolved in one glass of water) at least a few times a day.

Try using a humidifier if you suspect dry air may be the culprit.

As with any condition signifying an imbalance in your body, rest and drink plenty of water (acidic drinks like orange juice can cause more pain).

Avoid fried or cold foods, too-cold drinks and anything sour. These can aggravate a sore throat.

Suck on throat lozenges. Try St. Claire’s Organic Throat Soothers, or anything with zinc or slippery elm, which is soothing to a scratchy throat.

A folk remedy worth trying is to gargle with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water. Repeat a few times a day. The acidity of the vinegar will help to kill bacteria, if your infection is in fact bacterial.

Avoid dairy products, which can cause excess mucus in your throat. Drink licorice tea to clear up any mucus you may have.

Apply a warm heating pad or compress to your throat to help relieve pain.

Use the silent treatment. Avoid straining your throat by talking too much, especially talking loudly.

Let us know if there are other sore throat remedies that have worked for you.

Images: chaparral, nate steiner, easement, blmurch, Jake Spurlock, partycja, tambako the jaguar, Ross C., billaday,

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