Did you know that regular use of castor oil might stimulate and increase hair growth, reduce and prevent breakage, and condition and moisturize the hair and scalp? Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture to the skin and hair. The antibacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid in castor oil protects the scalp against hair loss, while making hair stronger, smoother, and less frizzy. To use, dilute the castor oil with another oil (think argan, coconut, or sweet almond). Castor oil is very thick, which can make it hard to apply. Warm the oils and start with damp, but not wet hair. Massage your head with your fingertips using small, circular motions. Use your fingers to comb your hair; this helps distribute the oil. For best results, treat yourself to castor oil twice a week.
Community News
Perfect Gift Idea: Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps make a perfect gift for anyone! These softly glowing lamps are made from pure, food grade, Himalayan salt crystals. These beautiful lamps have gained massive popularity recently, and there are many benefits attributed to them. Besides offering a soothing glow, they can attract pollutants in the air and even help neutralize the effects electromagnetic radiation. Probably the most wellknown benefit – and why the majority of people use them – is due to their incredible power to remove dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air. They may also help boost mood and energy levels, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Himalayan salt lamps create beautiful ambient lighting around the house. They come in an assortment of sizes and styles, perfect for anyone on your list! www.nutritionplus.com
Primary Immune Deficiency (PID)
Most of us are blessed with good health including a normal immune system that can help the body fight infections. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID), where the immune system is impaired, is a set of rare chronic diseases. PID patients are susceptible to infections if untreated. Fortunately, with proper medical care, many patients live full and independent lives by undergoing antibody replacement therapy. If you are 18-65 years, in good health and >110 pounds, you may be able to help these individuals through a blood or plasma donation. Over 1000 healthy donors are required to contribute to a plasma pool, that is separated using special fractionation processes into what is called Immune Globulin Intravenous (IGIV). This product contains, IgG, a key component of the immune system that is required to fight infections. When infused into PID patients monthly, they can lead normal lives. www.prometic.com
Re-Think Omega Fatty Acids!
Fat could be your biggest ally in health maintenance and cardiovascular disease prevention. But we need to think about the RIGHT fats. Omega fatty acids are crucial for helping to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. They are essential to maintaining our nervous system and act as an anti-inflammatory to fight diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Some forms of omega-3 can also reduce fat while improving lean body mass. But which omega fatty acids do we REALLY need? The ones most North Americans need is omega-3 from FISH OIL, as the typical Western diet does not give enough of it. When you are looking for an omega-3 product from the pharmacy, keep in mind a few tips: 1. Look for omega-3s from fish oil instead of krill oil. This is because krill oil contains very little omega-3. 2. Look for ingredients of EPA/DHA as opposed to alpha-linolenic acid as EPA/DHA is the form of omega-3 that the body can use most efficiently.
Teresa Giesbrecht, www.careathomepharmacy.ca
Book Club: The Dirt Cure:
Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil. In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Mark Hyman, and Andrew Weil, pioneering integrative pediatric neurologist Maya ShetreatKlein, MD, reveals the shocking contents of children’s food, how it’s seriously harming their bodies and brains, and what we can do about it. www.dirtcure.com
Natural Product Review: pureWash® Pro
pureWash® Pro is a breakthrough in home laundry purification. As it turns out, your laundry has been keeping a dirty little secret, (It’s really not that clean at all!). Detergent may leave clothes smelling clean, but it does not eliminate the mold and bacteria that builds up from sports activities, pets, and everyday living. pureWash® Pro cleans clothes with the disinfecting power of oxygen, not detergent. This same technology is used in Hospitals and Hotels. It’s clinically proven to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and mold, plus it’s both safe for the environment and for family members of all ages! If you have sensitive skin, you will not get skin irritations as you do from detergent. Detergent build-up promotes mold growth and does not kill bacteria. Independent, scientific studies have proven pureWash® Pro kills 99.9% of both with cold water. The power of naturally oxygenated water eliminates dirt, bacteria, and mold better than detergent!
Kevin Shale, Low Environmental Impact Technologies, Leit.ca
3 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System
It’s officially cold and flu season. Here are five simple things you can do to improve your body’s natural immunity: 1. Drink a TON of Water: Ensuring you are hydrated is an important part of keeping your immune system strong. Try to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day to keep your body in tiptop shape and ready to fight cold and flu bugs. 2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: The body regenerates and repairs itself while you sleep. Getting a proper night’s rest – between six and eight hours – is important for keeping your body’s natural defenses at optimum efficiency. 3. Take a Hot/Cold Shower: The next time you take a shower try alternating hot and cold water. Research shows the body’s immune system is stimulated when it tries to warm itself up in between the extreme temperature changes. White blood cell production is increased and endorphins are released that help you relax and relieve pain.
Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcredit.webs.com
Who Are You?
Poets and writers have said the same thing for centuries, “Know yourself, follow your dreams, and live your passions.” It is good advice. However, we live in an “instant” society where we have everything we need literally at our fingertips. Truly getting to know ourselves is not something that happens quickly, and we won’t experience a sense of fulfillment until we know what it is that brings meaning to our lives. Journaling is a good place to start in your quest for self-knowledge. It only requires a few minutes a day, but the important thing is the process (writing requires time because you must slow down and reflect). It’s this time that is largely missing for many of us. So what should you journal about? A good place to start is by looking at your self-concept. Who is the real you and does your life reflect your authentic self? Happy hunting!
Dr. Lori Doan, Ph.D., www.drloridoan.com
Natural Product Review
Oil of Oregano is no average herb. Before modern science could point the finger at bacteria, herbalists and traditional doctors used oregano to effectively treat infections of all kinds, both topically and internally. Oil of Oregano is a potent herbal antimicrobial that effectively tackles bacterial, yeast, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is also a powerful antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals and preventing cellular damage. It is a more potent antioxidant than vitamin E, and is four times higher in antioxidants than blueberries, and 12 times higher than oranges. Oil of oregano has anti-inflammatory qualities as well as demonstrated anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Natural Factors Organic Oil of Oregano is available in both liquid and convenient softgel formats. The oil can also be used topically on bug bites and minor skin irritations as well as to relieve muscle pain.
Nutrition Plus
What is Kirtan?
Kirtan is a means of finding our way back to the core of our being, to our heart, and to our connection with each other. It is a very simple and powerful way to meditate. It’s effortless and joyful. The music does the work for you as you flow with the melody and rhythm. It is the art of ecstatic chant. You are invited to share yourself on all levels: your joys, your sorrows, your love, and your pain. You can channel them into song; calling out to the creative energies of the Universe for support in gratitude and grievance alike. Based on ancient chants, Kitran has the ability to quiet the mind if listened to with intention. As you sing with each other, you experience a deep connection. When the music stops, your mind is quiet. All are welcome and encouraged to share their voices through this meditative spiritual practice.
Karma Yoga Winnipeg, www.karmayogawinnipeg.com
Mindful Holiday Eating
It’s not the shortbread or chocolates that’ll get you. It’s what you THINK about the shortbread and chocolates that’ll do it every year. It’s the extreme all or nothing thinking, the good food/bad food mindset that’ll turn a couple cookies into ten. It sounds something like this: “get it while you can and lose it in January” or “I’m not gaining an ounce this year.” Mindful eating is the middle ground. Conscious eating decisions that leave you feeling better after eating, holidays or not. Less food provides more joy and satisfaction which lends itself well to savoring all the season has to offer. The basics to ask yourself this season before eating and drinking: 1. “Am I Hungry?” 2. “How Hungry Am I?” 3. “What do I REALLY want? 4. “How much will satisfy my hunger/craving while leaving me feeling peaceful? 5. “How do I want to feel in my body after I’m done eating?”
Lisa Kehler, www.offyourplatenutrition.ca
