April
2001 Ageless herbal newsletter
Many people admire the smooth complexion of others and think that they are just blessed with good genes, and although a good genetic history will help in having a good complexion, it does however take some effort and work from our side as well.
Next time you come back home late, think twice about just falling into bed without first cleansing and moisturizing your face - and this goes for both women and men.
The days of rugged unkempt ruggedness as a mark of manliness is long gone, and society does expect all members to look presentable.
We all have our own brand of skincare that we prefer, but we thought that you might be interested in learning a very simple and cheap face pack to perk up your face. It is messy and does not look terribly elegant, but is does give your skin a boost, leaving it soft, and looking years younger.
Take 3 dessertspoons of raw oats and crush finely in a pestle and mortar, or between spoons. After the oats are reduced to fine pieces and dust, mix in honey to form a consistency of a smooth paste.
Wash your face well and apply this mixture in soft circular movements. The soft scrubbing effect of the oats will help remove dead and dull cells, and will help to bring forth the healthy skin underneath. But be gentle - do not over scrub.
Leave this mixture on for at least 20 minutes, while relaxing on your bed. To prevent any of the mixture messing on to your bedding, place a towel under your head. After the time has lapsed rinse it off well with lots of tepid water. After drying your skin gently, apply your favorite moisturizer.
Should you be allergic to bees or bee products, please check for allergic reactions before applying this face pack.
Although this face pack is messy to apply, it is a very cheap way of helping your skin look younger and healthier.
Although we sell both apple cider vinegar with gotu kola capsules (as well as liquid), (www.anyvitamins.com/applecider.htm) and the very popular Millenium 2000 (www.anyvitamins.com/millenium2000.htm) slimming capsules, we do think that it is interesting to note that your mental attitude may also assist in losing weight.
Although slimming supplements facilitate weight loss, a well balanced diet is still important, and here we can look at the Éclat diet, which promotes the fact that protein and carbohydrates should not be taken together. (You can get a FREE copy of the diet by sending a blank e-mail to diet@anyvitamins.com)
Another factor that very seldom receives any attention, because it is classed as "alternative" or hocus-pocus, is visualizing and concentration/meditation. The mind is an extremely powerful ally to use in your fight for the ideal weight, and even if you do not believe that it will help, it will at least relax your body and mind.
Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Lie flat on your back on the floor with your arms next to you and your legs uncrossed. Close your eyes and imagine that you are seeing your body.
Start relaxing your entire body from your feet upward - feel how the tension moves out of your toes, bridges of your feet, your calves, upper legs, buns, abdomen, chest, upper and lower arms, neck, face and scalp.
It might take some time to get your whole body relaxed, and some people fall into a very light sleep in the beginning. As you practice this more, you will be able to relax totally without falling asleep.
While doing the exercise make sure that you breathe deeply and evenly - fill your entire lungs - not just the top part of the lungs, as we are so inclined to sometimes do.
Next, see your entire body bathed in a bright white light, which is warming your body and calming it. Stay like this for a couple of minutes and enjoy the relaxed weightless feeling.
Now start to visualize your body the way in which you would like to see it - more erect, slimmer, healthier and more vibrant. Imagine every detail - from your well groomed fingers to your well kept hair and your slimmer healthier body.
Keep these images for some time, and store them away for you to refer to in everyday life. The saying of "where the mind goes the body will follow" is very true, and this exercise will help you train your mind to visualize yourself the way you would like to be.
While doing this exercise, do not feel a sense of urgency to achieve the desired look - your body will follow your mind at the right time. Do however feel that you are worth it to look good and that you are worthy to achieve your desired body.
After you have let the image fade from your mind, start consciously feeling your body as it is lying on the floor, and feel the energy washing over you from your feet to your scalp - in the same way that you did when you relaxed.
When your body feels totally energized, you can get up. Get up slowly and enjoy the relaxed way you are now feeling.
Many people have benefited from visualizing and concentration - give it a try and see what you can achieve. You should do these exercises at least once a day.
Many people look for products containing Selenium, but are not fully aware why there is so much talk about this trace element.
One of the main activities of this mineral is its anti-aging properties and its ability to help rid the body of free radicals, as well as toxic minerals such as mercury, lead and cadmium.
It is helpful in fighting infections since it stimulates increased antibody response to infections, promotes more energy in the body, helps alleviate menopausal symptoms in women and assists the male in producing healthy sperm.
In certain cases Selenium has also proven effective in helping to fight cold sores and shingles, which are both caused by the herpes virus. Some researchers have shown that in selenium-deficient animals that a harmless virus can mutate into a virulent form capable of causing damage and death. This has also been followed up with other studies, which seem to indicate that Selenium helps to keep the spread and multiplying of viruses in check.
Selenium is also used against arthritis and multiple sclerosis and if provided in adequate amounts it is thought to help prevent cancer as well. Tissue elasticity and pancreatic function is also dependant on this mineral. In a study it was shown that Selenium could be useful in treating certain cancers, and is also helpful in making the blood less "sticky", which is helpful in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
When taking Selenium, it is also useful to take other antioxidants as well, such as Vitamins C and E and grape seed extract. Green tea could also be used to compliment this nutrient.
In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind. The RDA of Selenium is 70 micrograms, while therapeutic doses of 200 mcg are often taken. However, do NOT exceed 900 mcg per day, as you are then on toxicity level. Symptoms of toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, depression, nail loss, numbness in hands and feet and a possible garlic-like body odor.
Ingredients: ½ cup long-grained rice, sea salt and freshly ground pepper, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, squeeze of lemon, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon.
Cook rice in salted boiling water until tender and drain. While still hot, stir in sea salt and freshly ground pepper, olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice.
When the rice has cooled mix in the chopped herbs and serve cold with fish, meat or any vegetarian meal.
We wish all our readers and clients a good month ahead, and let's remember what Thomas Edison said "I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward" - hopefully we will be able to discard all the "wrong attempts" in our lives to live a better and fuller life.
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