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| Pure & Simple Discourse on Health Facts and Fallacies |
Excerpt from Pure & Simple Newsletter
Relaxation
How many times have you been told to relax? Have you ever caught yourself driving the car, for example, stewing over being late and realize that your
fingers are gripping the steering wheel so tightly that your fingers leave indents in the steering wheel?
Relaxing is a necessary part of our lives. It allows the body and mind to get on with restoring optimum working abilities. This includes healing both
mentally and physically.
Internally, a constant barrage of stress inhibits the body’s ability to rejuvenate and uses up your daily intake of vitamins. Simply driving to work can use up
that vitamin C pill you this morning.
Don’t kid yourself into thinking that you get to de-stress and relax every night while sleeping. Ever wake up with a sore neck? Unfortunately we are very
attached to our stress and carry it over into the sleep state. That’s if you actually get some sleep.
So what can you do about it? Some therapies go back thousands of years. Many modalities are methods of relaxation. Choosing a method is a
personal matter, which you need to decide by yourself, by determining your comfort level and the balance of your chequebook. We are going to look at the
inexpensive options, things you can do at home. Start with simple things.
- Spend time with people you enjoy, make a point to meet or talk to them often to unwind
- Quiet time – remove excess noise, turn off the radio, TV and everything else that makes noise and
just listen
- Walking is a simple way of relaxing, take time to smell the roses or in a Muskoka winter, just smell
that fresh crisp air
- Some people enjoy burning candles while they relax. Make it worthwhile and burn pure beeswax
- Listening to a waterfall can ease stress
- Warm bath with pleasant smelling bath salts or oils
- Visualization or a good book can take your mind elsewhere
- Essential oils are nature’s gift to de-stress, think about smelling a beautiful smelling flower
Our weather doesn’t allow for year round flowers but we can still enjoy our favourite scent. Simply sprinkling a few drops of essential oil on a tissue to
inhale can be a wonderful uplifting experience. Or ask your aromatherapist to make you a personal perfume. Choose carefully as some oils stimulate
the mind, which defeats the purpose. Talk to an Aromatherapist and experiment with different essential oils to find what works for you.
Artificial fragrances won’t count they don’t work the same way as the natural essence and do not contain the components that beneficially affect the brain
functions.
Relaxing is a life long practice, start now so you can enjoy a long life!
Infusions - Decoctions - Oxymel?
Ever get reading only to find reference to preparation instructions and you don't know what they are talking about? Well the following is a brief introduction
to some terms that don't necessarily come up in day to day conversations. Infusion: ever have a really good cuppa (tea)? Well you just created an
infusion. Normally they are drunk hot, which is best for medicinal purposes. When making an infusion, use a china or glass teapot which has been
warmed, (pour in very hot tap water or boiling water and let sit), put in one teaspoonful of the dried herb or herb mixture for each cup of tea. Pour in a cup
of boiling water for each teaspoonful of herb. Put on the lid and let steep for ten to fifteen minutes. You can purchase small muslin bags, heat seal tea
bags or strainers, which make the whole process much less messy to clean up, and eliminates floating bits of herb in your tea. Decoctions: used
whenever the herb is hard and woody, to ensure that the soluble contents of the herb actually are extracted. If the herb is woody it contains a higher
content of volatile oils. Use powder if possible and then make an infusion instead of a decoction to ensure that much of the volatile oils don't boil away.
infusions and Decoctions can keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 days but its' best to use them right away. Microorganisms will thrive on the mixture and cause
fermentation. Tinctures: in general alcohol is a better solvent than water for extracting plant constituents. Tinctures are stronger than infusions.
Professionally prepared tinctures are based on different water/alcohol ratios for each herb. Tinctures can be added to baths, used on a compress,
added to a cup of hot water, which allows some of the alcohol to evaporates, or taken orally straight up or with a bit of water. Tinctures can be made
using vinegar or glycerin. In the case of vinegar be sure its apple cider vinegar. For particularly bad tasting tinctures a syrup can be made up due to the
sugar content it should be only used for gargles and cough medicines. In the case of an infusion or decoction simply mix sugar or honey directly in the
warm liquid. Oxymel: is used when a really powerful tasting herb is needed, such as garlic or squill. An Oxymel base is made with five parts honey to
one part vinegar. If using herbs it's best to consult a reliable practitioner. The strength can differ depending on the how where the herbs are grown and
how old they are. Some herbs can be contraindicating depending on your personal health. (Resource: The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal).
Clean Combs & Brushes
Don't forget to occasionally clean your combs, hairbrushes and makeup applicators. Let stand for 20 minutes in a container with 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2
cup white vinegar, and 20 drops of Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, or Eucalyptus essential oil. Rinse well and let air dry. Some types of foam
sponges will break down in this solution so test first.
Relaxation
How many times have you been told to relax? Have you ever caught yourself driving the car, for example, stewing over being late and realize that your
fingers are gripping the steering wheel so tightly that your fingers leave indents in the steering wheel?
Relaxing is a necessary part of our lives. It allows the body and mind to get on with restoring optimum working abilities. This includes healing both
mentally and physically.
Internally, a constant barrage of stress inhibits the body’s ability to rejuvenate and uses up your daily intake of vitamins. Simply driving to work can use up
that vitamin C pill you this morning.
Don’t kid yourself into thinking that you get to de-stress and relax every night while sleeping. Ever wake up with a sore neck? Unfortunately we are very
attached to our stress and carry it over into the sleep state. That’s if you actually get some sleep.
So what can you do about it? Some therapies go back thousands of years. Many modalities are methods of relaxation. Choosing a method is a
personal matter, which you need to decide by yourself, by determining your comfort level and the balance of your chequebook. We are going to look at the
inexpensive options, things you can do at home. Start with simple things.
- Spend time with people you enjoy, make a point to meet or talk to them often to unwind
- Quiet time – remove excess noise, turn off the radio, TV and everything else that makes noise and
just listen
- Walking is a simple way of relaxing, take time to smell the roses or in a Muskoka winter, just smell
that fresh crisp air
- Some people enjoy burning candles while they relax. Make it worthwhile and burn pure beeswax
- Listening to a waterfall can ease stress
- Warm bath with pleasant smelling bath salts or oils
- Visualization or a good book can take your mind elsewhere
- Essential oils are nature’s gift to de-stress, think about smelling a beautiful smelling flower
Our weather doesn’t allow for year round flowers but we can still enjoy our favourite scent. Simply sprinkling a few drops of essential oil on a tissue to
inhale can be a wonderful uplifting experience. Or ask your aromatherapist to make you a personal perfume. Choose carefully as some oils stimulate
the mind, which defeats the purpose. Talk to an Aromatherapist and experiment with different essential oils to find what works for you.
Artificial fragrances won’t count they don’t work the same way as the natural essence and do not contain the components that beneficially affect the brain
functions.
Relaxing is a life long practice, start now so you can enjoy a long life!
Infusions - Decoctions - Oxymel?
Ever get reading only to find reference to preparation instructions and you don't know what they are talking about? Well the following is a brief introduction
to some terms that don't necessarily come up in day to day conversations. Infusion: ever have a really good cuppa (tea)? Well you just created an
infusion. Normally they are drunk hot, which is best for medicinal purposes. When making an infusion, use a china or glass teapot which has been
warmed, (pour in very hot tap water or boiling water and let sit), put in one teaspoonful of the dried herb or herb mixture for each cup of tea. Pour in a cup
of boiling water for each teaspoonful of herb. Put on the lid and let steep for ten to fifteen minutes. You can purchase small muslin bags, heat seal tea
bags or strainers, which make the whole process much less messy to clean up, and eliminates floating bits of herb in your tea. Decoctions: used
whenever the herb is hard and woody, to ensure that the soluble contents of the herb actually are extracted. If the herb is woody it contains a higher
content of volatile oils. Use powder if possible and then make an infusion instead of a decoction to ensure that much of the volatile oils don't boil away.
infusions and Decoctions can keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 days but its' best to use them right away. Microorganisms will thrive on the mixture and cause
fermentation. Tinctures: in general alcohol is a better solvent than water for extracting plant constituents. Tinctures are stronger than infusions.
Professionally prepared tinctures are based on different water/alcohol ratios for each herb. Tinctures can be added to baths, used on a compress,
added to a cup of hot water, which allows some of the alcohol to evaporates, or taken orally straight up or with a bit of water. Tinctures can be made
using vinegar or glycerin. In the case of vinegar be sure its apple cider vinegar. For particularly bad tasting tinctures a syrup can be made up due to the
sugar content it should be only used for gargles and cough medicines. In the case of an infusion or decoction simply mix sugar or honey directly in the
warm liquid. Oxymel: is used when a really powerful tasting herb is needed, such as garlic or squill. An Oxymel base is made with five parts honey to
one part vinegar. If using herbs it's best to consult a reliable practitioner. The strength can differ depending on the how where the herbs are grown and
how old they are. Some herbs can be contraindicating depending on your personal health. (Resource: The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal).
Clean Combs & Brushes
Don't forget to occasionally clean your combs, hairbrushes and makeup applicators. Let stand for 20 minutes in a container with 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2
cup white vinegar, and 20 drops of Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, or Eucalyptus essential oil. Rinse well and let air dry. Some types of foam
sponges will break down in this solution so test first.
Interesting stories, tidbits and just good advice.
From time to time I will be adding more articles to this page for your enjoyment. Some will be excerpts from my old
newsletter, Pure & Simple and some will be new. Please feel free to email me you have any comments or
questions. Let me know if there is any topic you'd like to see covered here. If I've made a mistake on content please
feel free to let me know so I can make corrections. If it's grammar or spelling? ... Well, just live with it.
From time to time I will be adding more articles to this page for your enjoyment. Some will be excerpts from my old
newsletter, Pure & Simple and some will be new. Please feel free to email me you have any comments or
questions. Let me know if there is any topic you'd like to see covered here. If I've made a mistake on content please
feel free to let me know so I can make corrections. If it's grammar or spelling? ... Well, just live with it.
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Fact Sheet on Allergies
by Gerald Crawford
Allergies are not rare. In fact, on any given day, a nasty fit of sneezing, itching or rash breakouts is making the life of one individual in every three quite
miserable. There is no permanent cure which can definitely end these pervasive conditions. Presently, the best way that allergy sufferers can deal with
their predicament is to arm themselves with a thorough knowledge of what allergies are and how the intensity of allergic symptoms can be reduced. This
fact sheet prepares the readers with what to expect from allergies.
Definition
Whenever the body perceives a substance (the allergen) to be harmful, the immune system reacts abnormally. This abnormal reaction is called an
allergy. An immune system under the threat of an attack usually produces anti-bodies that churn out histamine, the protein responsible for effecting
allergic symptoms such as an itchy throat or a runny nose. What makes allergies extremely inconvenient for the sufferer is that they occur every time the
body comes into contact with the same allergen.
Symptoms
Allergic symptoms can either be mild or severe. Mild symptoms may include itching of the skin or eyes or getting a runny nose accompanied with some
sneezing (which is how the body usually expels irritants from the nose). Severe symptoms may include strenuous breathing, an inflamed throat or lips,
giddiness and fainting. Although rare, extreme or anaphylactic reactions such as those that might be triggered by peanut or bee stings require instant
medical treatment and the daily vigilance of the sufferer against allergic triggers.
Sufferers
Why some individuals develop allergies on a substance which others find totally harmless remains a mystery. However, one of the most common
hypotheses on allergies is that sufferers of an allergy most likely involve any parents and their children. What this means is that when one parent suffers
from an allergy, the child faces a high risk of developing the same allergy.
Children are definitely the most vulnerable parties to allergies. Interestingly, with the exception of asthma, girls than boys seem to exhibit greater immunity
to allergens. Adolescents and adults are not exempt from developing allergies either. Allergy cases to pollen (hay fever) have been recorded among
sufferers who are way past their childhood years. Some individuals who experience the onset of hay fever during their geriatric years may enjoy, upon
aging, a decrease or a complete halt of the allergic symptoms.
Asthma has fewer sufferers among children who were born in large families. The explanation given by the hygiene hypothesis is that the siblings within a
large family often expose each other to infections, thereby keeping each other’s immune system busy and less reactive to possible allergens.
In terms of location, there are more documented allergy sufferers in urban communities and industrialized countries than in the country side.
Causes
The generic term given to whatever causes an allergy is “allergen.” Life is practically surrounded by allergens, and they may be present in or could be the
very food that people eat. Some food items that are known to cause allergies in some people include nuts, soy, wheat products, dairy products, eggs and
seafood. Allergic reactions to food usually include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pains and rashes or hives. Generally, people do not know they are
allergic to a certain food item unless they have tried eating it once.
While food items are easy to identify, airborne allergens are not. Airborne allergens may be the seasonal type. An example is the pollen that comes from
flowers, grasses and trees. They may also be the non-seasonal type. An example is the dust mite found in common household dust. Frequent vacuum
cleaning is necessary to keep the airborne allergen count at a minimum, but controlling the allergic symptoms induced by these airborne allergens may
often require the sufferer to take medications.
Some allergens are found in animals. Particularly, animal dander or the fine skin cells of animals is notorious for inducing allergies. Animals and pets
usually shed off some of their dander when they scratch about or groom themselves.
The whole line of toiletries and cleaning products may actually be allergens themselves: perfumes, cosmetics, latex items, laundry detergents and more.
The chemicals these products contain may cause eczema, a form of dermatitis which usually manifests itself as rashes or hives.
The same goes for gold and nickel which are metals popularly used to craft jewelry pieces. Whenever they wear this type of metallic jewelry, people with
sensitive skin may suffer from red rashes, skin inflammation and skin itching. The sporting of titanium rings and other stainless steel accessories is
currently replacing the old-fashioned gold and nickel trend. Titanium or stainless steel is hypoallergenic.
Even some medications are suspected allergens. For instance, some individuals have been known to exhibit sudden or eventual allergic reactions to
aspirin or penicillin. It is very important that medical treatment be sought immediately upon the allergy sufferer’s slightest suspicion of anaphylaxis.
Diagnosis
Fundamentally, there are two ways to diagnose allergies. The first means can be easily undertaken by the sufferer through a careful observation and
analysis of individual habits and circumstances. Food allergens for instance can be effortlessly identified then avoided by a simple process of elimination.
In contrast, the second means is more complicated since it already requires the professional expertise of a physician or the services of a specialist. For
instance, blood tests and skin tests may have to be conducted before the allergen can be properly diagnosed by the medical professional.
Identifying then completely avoiding the diagnosed allergen is easier said than done with airborne allergies. Because total avoidance to some allergens
is not always possible, a medical professional’s diagnosis of the allergen is often accompanied by prescription vaccines or medications which can help
alleviate the allergy sufferer’s condition.
Medications
To date, not a single medication which can fully cure allergies exists. There are however several medications that can help relieve the discomfiting
symptoms of allergic reactions. Physicians may recommend the use of nasal sprays or the ingestion of steroids or anti-histamine pills to ease an allergy
sufferer’s cold-like symptoms.
Allergy sufferers may get a prescribed shot of epinephrine during cases wherein allergy attacks could be life-threatening. Patients with a record for
anaphylactic reactions are strongly encouraged by their attending physicians to sport a MedicAlert bracelet which outlines the sufferer’s allergy and
contains vital contact information in case of emergencies.
Allergy shots could be administered as well. By injecting the patient with small quantities of the allergen, physicians are able to theoretically boost the
patent’s immune system. Increased body tolerance entails reduced symptoms, and this is how allergy shots can somewhat control the toll of the allergy
on the sufferer’s overall well-being.
Remedial Tips
Avoiding contact with animals is strongly advised. Pets should be kept well groomed and should be prohibited from entering any person’s bedroom.
Avoiding the use of carpets and rugs is strongly advised. These accessories invite dust and make floor cleaning difficult for the homeowner.
Daily vacuum cleaning is strongly advised. This type of cleaning is necessary to keep dust and pollen count in check at all times.
Using specially covered mattresses and pillows is strongly advised. The seal effectively keeps away dust mites.
Staying indoors, keeping all windows closed and leaving the air conditioner running are strongly advised, especially when pollens are in season.
Purchasing hypoallergenic detergents or cosmetics is strongly advised. Hypoallergenic labels usually indicate that the product is dye-free and perfume-
free.
Wearing titanium jewelry instead of nickel or gold pieces is strong advised. Titanium is hypoallergenic and therefore gentle on sensitive skin.
by Gerald Crawford
Allergies are not rare. In fact, on any given day, a nasty fit of sneezing, itching or rash breakouts is making the life of one individual in every three quite
miserable. There is no permanent cure which can definitely end these pervasive conditions. Presently, the best way that allergy sufferers can deal with
their predicament is to arm themselves with a thorough knowledge of what allergies are and how the intensity of allergic symptoms can be reduced. This
fact sheet prepares the readers with what to expect from allergies.
Definition
Whenever the body perceives a substance (the allergen) to be harmful, the immune system reacts abnormally. This abnormal reaction is called an
allergy. An immune system under the threat of an attack usually produces anti-bodies that churn out histamine, the protein responsible for effecting
allergic symptoms such as an itchy throat or a runny nose. What makes allergies extremely inconvenient for the sufferer is that they occur every time the
body comes into contact with the same allergen.
Symptoms
Allergic symptoms can either be mild or severe. Mild symptoms may include itching of the skin or eyes or getting a runny nose accompanied with some
sneezing (which is how the body usually expels irritants from the nose). Severe symptoms may include strenuous breathing, an inflamed throat or lips,
giddiness and fainting. Although rare, extreme or anaphylactic reactions such as those that might be triggered by peanut or bee stings require instant
medical treatment and the daily vigilance of the sufferer against allergic triggers.
Sufferers
Why some individuals develop allergies on a substance which others find totally harmless remains a mystery. However, one of the most common
hypotheses on allergies is that sufferers of an allergy most likely involve any parents and their children. What this means is that when one parent suffers
from an allergy, the child faces a high risk of developing the same allergy.
Children are definitely the most vulnerable parties to allergies. Interestingly, with the exception of asthma, girls than boys seem to exhibit greater immunity
to allergens. Adolescents and adults are not exempt from developing allergies either. Allergy cases to pollen (hay fever) have been recorded among
sufferers who are way past their childhood years. Some individuals who experience the onset of hay fever during their geriatric years may enjoy, upon
aging, a decrease or a complete halt of the allergic symptoms.
Asthma has fewer sufferers among children who were born in large families. The explanation given by the hygiene hypothesis is that the siblings within a
large family often expose each other to infections, thereby keeping each other’s immune system busy and less reactive to possible allergens.
In terms of location, there are more documented allergy sufferers in urban communities and industrialized countries than in the country side.
Causes
The generic term given to whatever causes an allergy is “allergen.” Life is practically surrounded by allergens, and they may be present in or could be the
very food that people eat. Some food items that are known to cause allergies in some people include nuts, soy, wheat products, dairy products, eggs and
seafood. Allergic reactions to food usually include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pains and rashes or hives. Generally, people do not know they are
allergic to a certain food item unless they have tried eating it once.
While food items are easy to identify, airborne allergens are not. Airborne allergens may be the seasonal type. An example is the pollen that comes from
flowers, grasses and trees. They may also be the non-seasonal type. An example is the dust mite found in common household dust. Frequent vacuum
cleaning is necessary to keep the airborne allergen count at a minimum, but controlling the allergic symptoms induced by these airborne allergens may
often require the sufferer to take medications.
Some allergens are found in animals. Particularly, animal dander or the fine skin cells of animals is notorious for inducing allergies. Animals and pets
usually shed off some of their dander when they scratch about or groom themselves.
The whole line of toiletries and cleaning products may actually be allergens themselves: perfumes, cosmetics, latex items, laundry detergents and more.
The chemicals these products contain may cause eczema, a form of dermatitis which usually manifests itself as rashes or hives.
The same goes for gold and nickel which are metals popularly used to craft jewelry pieces. Whenever they wear this type of metallic jewelry, people with
sensitive skin may suffer from red rashes, skin inflammation and skin itching. The sporting of titanium rings and other stainless steel accessories is
currently replacing the old-fashioned gold and nickel trend. Titanium or stainless steel is hypoallergenic.
Even some medications are suspected allergens. For instance, some individuals have been known to exhibit sudden or eventual allergic reactions to
aspirin or penicillin. It is very important that medical treatment be sought immediately upon the allergy sufferer’s slightest suspicion of anaphylaxis.
Diagnosis
Fundamentally, there are two ways to diagnose allergies. The first means can be easily undertaken by the sufferer through a careful observation and
analysis of individual habits and circumstances. Food allergens for instance can be effortlessly identified then avoided by a simple process of elimination.
In contrast, the second means is more complicated since it already requires the professional expertise of a physician or the services of a specialist. For
instance, blood tests and skin tests may have to be conducted before the allergen can be properly diagnosed by the medical professional.
Identifying then completely avoiding the diagnosed allergen is easier said than done with airborne allergies. Because total avoidance to some allergens
is not always possible, a medical professional’s diagnosis of the allergen is often accompanied by prescription vaccines or medications which can help
alleviate the allergy sufferer’s condition.
Medications
To date, not a single medication which can fully cure allergies exists. There are however several medications that can help relieve the discomfiting
symptoms of allergic reactions. Physicians may recommend the use of nasal sprays or the ingestion of steroids or anti-histamine pills to ease an allergy
sufferer’s cold-like symptoms.
Allergy sufferers may get a prescribed shot of epinephrine during cases wherein allergy attacks could be life-threatening. Patients with a record for
anaphylactic reactions are strongly encouraged by their attending physicians to sport a MedicAlert bracelet which outlines the sufferer’s allergy and
contains vital contact information in case of emergencies.
Allergy shots could be administered as well. By injecting the patient with small quantities of the allergen, physicians are able to theoretically boost the
patent’s immune system. Increased body tolerance entails reduced symptoms, and this is how allergy shots can somewhat control the toll of the allergy
on the sufferer’s overall well-being.
Remedial Tips
Avoiding contact with animals is strongly advised. Pets should be kept well groomed and should be prohibited from entering any person’s bedroom.
Avoiding the use of carpets and rugs is strongly advised. These accessories invite dust and make floor cleaning difficult for the homeowner.
Daily vacuum cleaning is strongly advised. This type of cleaning is necessary to keep dust and pollen count in check at all times.
Using specially covered mattresses and pillows is strongly advised. The seal effectively keeps away dust mites.
Staying indoors, keeping all windows closed and leaving the air conditioner running are strongly advised, especially when pollens are in season.
Purchasing hypoallergenic detergents or cosmetics is strongly advised. Hypoallergenic labels usually indicate that the product is dye-free and perfume-
free.
Wearing titanium jewelry instead of nickel or gold pieces is strong advised. Titanium is hypoallergenic and therefore gentle on sensitive skin.