Agave--Healthy??

From RealAge.com (for the record...I'm a Stevia fan myself :O)

True or False: Agave’s the Healthiest Sweetener Out There
Could it be true? Is there really an all-natural, low-calorie sweetener -- with no aftertaste -- that doesn’t send your blood sugar into the stratosphere? Fans say agave (ah-GAH-vay) nectar fits that description. And to judge by the flood of agave-sweetened foods and drinks on supermarket shelves -- hundreds have been introduced in the last 2 years -- the new sweet stuff has a lot of believers. It’s even showing up in cocktails at trendy bars. So, is it true? Or too good to be?

T or F: Agave is super sweet.
True indeed! It’s four times sweeter than white sugar. Just 1/4 teaspoon of agave nectar/syrup approximates the sweetness of 1 teaspoon of sugar, costing you just 4 calories instead of 16.

T or F: Agave is all natural.
True, sort of. But “all natural” doesn’t mean “not processed.” Agave comes from the desert-dwelling succulent Agave tequilana, which is also the source of tequila. However, turning the plant’s juicy sap into a syrupy nectar you can drizzle on yogurt or stir into tea takes some doing. Some manufacturers heat the sap; others use enzymes to convert it into table-ready syrup.

T or F: Agave has no flavor.
True and false. It depends on whether the syrup is light or dark. The lightest types are virtually flavorless, but darker varieties have a maple- or caramel-like taste that you may take to . . . or not.

T or F: Agave has a low glycemic index (GI).
True. Because agave nectar is mostly fructose, it makes a pit stop for processing in the liver, which lowers its glycemic index (GI) -- a measurement of how quickly a food makes blood sugar rise. Table sugar is about half glucose, which goes straight to the bloodstream and sends blood sugar zooming in minutes.

T or F: Agave is a healthy sweetener.
More false than true. The major health benefit is that you may use less agave than sugar to get the same sweetness. But that’s about where the health-buck stops. People who’ve heard all the bad press about high-fructose corn syrup -- and avoid it like the plague -- need to realize that agave nectar is a high-fructose syrup (at least 75% fructose). Many health experts believe high-fructose foods are not good for you. “Perhaps most worrisome is that excessive fructose may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes,” says Richard Johnson, MD, author of The Sugar Fix: The High-Fructose Fallout That is Making You Fat and Sick (2008). It also triggers a combination of unhealthy effects that can eventually lead to a host of troubles, including heart disease and stroke, according to Johnson and others.

Bottom line: If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, a little agave syrup now and then may help you control calories and blood sugar spikes. But that’s as far as it goes -- and the trade-offs aren’t great. Sorry about that.

IN YOUR GARDEN (Meditation)

Meditation channeled on the 7th January, `2008 by the group Lazarus.
This is a guided meditation for the beginning of a circle, or just
for a reprieve to ground yourself after a stressful day.

Sit comfortably, feet on the floor and hands resting gently on your
lap. Take three deep and cleansing breathes and centre yourself.

Now with eyes closed, let your subconscious bring into your vision a
gate! Let it come as it will and take gentle note of it, what it is made of, the height, width and structure.

Approach the gate and although you may see a lock on it, know that
it will open for you.This is your own boundary, one you have put there; no-one else can get in except you. Now the gate will open and you will walk in to YOUR garden.
Take a moment and turn around to look at the rest of your boundary, see what the gate is attached to, or not as the case may be. Just take gentle note, then turn around and face your garden.

Here there is perfect peace, here you can see all there is to see.
Look around and take note. No-one else can come here and the only living beings will be animals, so if you see them take a note, and then explore where you are.

Please do not have any perceptions of what you will see, allow the
higher guide (your sub-conscious)to show you what is you, a meadow, a lakeside, a beach or a mountain side, it depends on you.

Take a few minutes to look and relax, and when you are ready, sit
down and breathe in the air.Just relax with yourself knowing that you cannot be disturbed, and when you are ready to come back look at your feet.

When you look at your feet, you will see a beam of white light
touching them.On looking up at the beam you will see that it stretches in the far
horizon and is without end.Watch as the beam gentle moves over you and completely encompassesyou within its light.As the light enfolds you, you are surrounded by protection, by love
and by the divine healing that is your right.

The light will transport you back to your chair, safely and with
gentleness, and when you are ready,you will open your eyes and be back again.

Footnote:

The garden represents you, the inner you. On reflection of what you
have been shown, a great deal of where and why things are as they are should/could be made easier to understand.

Please remember that you and only you are the only one allowed in
the garden.If another being is there, even a guide, then there is a problem
with your control.You are allowing others to control you and even when it is with
love, it is truly in my opinion, not the best state of affairs.


Walk in light
Rose
www.onebigcircle. org

Woman

My Birthday Extravaganza!

My birtday is on the 17th of Feb. but we celebrated on Monday the 16th because everyone was off for a holiday. Since we (Greg & I) had some willing friends on the way to where we were going, we dumped the kids and went to dinner at Maxine's in Girdwood:O)We were the only ones there so it was very quiet. The staff is really nice, it's a neat place, a little hippie & very Alaskan :O)

Expensive, but we were so full, we liked everything. I told the waitress I was going to lick the plates it was so good:O) Greg said it was the first perfectly cooked medium rare steak he has had in AK, and as many of you know he doesn't compliment much of anything,lol.

It's actualy called Maxine's Glacier City Bistro. I found it, looking at different cuisines, under French. Never would have guessed we would like a French place especially Greg. If I hadn't seen what it looked like on the web site, we wouldn't have noticed it...the sign was missing,lol, no one else was there, and like I said, it's AKN!

They served this bread that's hard to describe, airy and dense at the same time, with a dipping sauce that was balsamic vinegar, roasted garlic and I think walnut oil. Then we shared 2 appetizers, crab & artichoke spring rolls with wild arugula emultion, wild alaskan weathervane scallops with pistachio butter and lemon thyme gastrique. I really did want to lick the plate LOL did my best with my fork, and couldn't help dipping my finger :O)

Greg laughs at me when I get around really good food.

My meal was Rosted red pepper stufffed with quiona zuchinni served on swiss chard with saffron cream. Greg had a filet (duh!) served with bacon, shrimp & cornbread stuffed portobello with burbon pepper sauce & yukon gold mashed potatoes. You should have seen his face when they served it piled up and all fruffy! HUH?! He really liked it though.:O) I also had to try Maxine's chef's version of creme brulle, it was good if you like that sort of thing :O)

We also had beer (duh!) and mine were really good! I don't remember if his were or even what kind he drank,lol, it was all about ME :O) I drank 2, wonderfully perfect with the food, porters who's name escapes me. Something about mud and fish. Darn! wish I could remember so I could get some more..Oh well! guess I'll have to go back to Maxine's to find out!

I love the names of micro beers and wines, the micros have some great names and labels besides being really good!

Maxine's floors and walls are crooked, the ceiling noticably sectioned, and decorated in a eclectic casual upscale kind of way and felt very warm and inviting. They replaced all their chairs last year when the Alyeska Prince sold theirs :O

It was a wonderful experience! And so nice to be "alone". :O) Peace and Joy to you all :O) Mary

Organic Gardening class

Learn How to Garden— Organically!

5 Friday evenings + a Saturday field trip.
Starts this Friday Evening 6 to 8:30 pm
Come join the fun—You’ll learn how to:

Control slugs, aphids, and other pests without poisons

Make fantastic compost (a hands-on lab experience)

Optimize soil for great flowers, fruits, and vegetables

Protect plants from the cold

Go home with an arm-load of:

information, catalogs & expert help

What: 1 credit, Pass/No Pass. Lab fee: $15

Where: Mat-Su College, Snodgrass Hall, Room 117

Dates: Feb 20, 27, March 6, 20, 27, and field trip on Saturday, March 28

Instructor: Ellen Vande Visse
TO REGISTER: Call 745-9746 for information or register on line at www.uaa.alaska.edu and follow Wolf Link for Organic Gardening,

Agri 138, Spring 2009


Ellen Vande Visse
Good Earth Garden School
www.goodearthgardenschool.com

Herbs for Love, Passion & Healthy Heart

February is the month of the heart, for love, lovers and passion. Throughout history herbs and oils have been used in ritual, magic & everyday potions to invoke passion and attract, strengthen and keep love, and to strengthen the hearts ability to sustain life. Love and passion do not necessarily mean physical love or sexual attraction, but rather bringing into your life the things that you are passionate about …a cause, a job, a new goal. Try the following ideas to attract, renew or strengthen your passions, your love & your heart.

Love
If you love spiced wine as much as I do, you will enjoy this unusual variation. And don’t worry; if you are not a drinker, you can substitute grape juice or cider. LOVE WINE: combine 3t cinnamon, 3t ginger, 1 one-inch piece of vanilla bean, scored along it’s length, 2 cups of red wine and 2t rhubarb juice (if available). Try substituting lemon juice for the rhubarb. Store for 3 days before drinking. The recipe can also be gently heated, served warm and enjoyed immediately. Don’t forget to share with a friend!

Passion
Anoint yourself, or use in ritual, a combination of 3 drops ginger oil, 2 drops rosemary oil, 1 drop of clove oil and 1 drop of petitgrain to invoke the powers of fire…energy, courage, strength, love, passion & will power. Add the same to salts or an oil base of your choice and add to your bath water, soak in it 15-20 minutes while visualizing the desired effects. The herbs can also be burned as incense or simmered in a pot to achieve the same effects. Some other useful herbs/oils: Basil, Bay, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Coriander, Frankincense, Galangal, Juniper, Lime, nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Rose Geranium & Tangerine.

Healthy Heart
Protecting, maintaining and optimizing your hearts health will insure you will be able to enjoy your loves and passions. The most researched herbal remedies for reducing blood fats and for obtaining other cardiovascular benefits include, garlic, hawthorne, ginger, horse chestnut, bilberry, reishi mushroom and guggul. Other herbs, like mineral rich, alfalfa, horsetail, nettle & pau d’arco, calming black cohosh, oat straw, passionflower, valerian root, skullcap, and strengthening hawthorne berries, motherwort, ginger root, and ginkgo biloba, can all help strengthen, regulate & protect your hearts function.

And don’t forget the antioxidant properties of green tea!

The opinions and ideas of the author and this publication are in no way intended to be taken as sound medical advice. When using herbs, oils or any new product; “natural” or not…educate yourself, about the use of herbs and possible drug interactions, and when necessary consult a medical professional, before deciding whether or not to use them.

Inspiring Herbal Creations

At this time each year with Winter coming to a close and Spring not quite here there is a yearning for something new, something different, something that will inspire and satisfy the need to create. Try these projects, inspired and created by natural gifts around you. You can add your own personal touch and energy to make the projects even more powerful in their intent.

WARM A HOUSE with an herbal gift inside a fresh bell pepper. Choose any color bell pepper, slice off the stem end and clean out the seeds and membranes. Line a plate or shallow basket with herb sprigs (or greenery) and colorful whole spices (or berries). Place the clean pepper in the middle and fill with a variety of fresh herb sprigs. This heartwarming and thoughtful gift may “inspire” the recipient to cook “creatively”! Try using a squash, pumpkin or other fruit or vegetable.


SEND A NOTE or make a set of note cards made of herbal paper. Place a 2 foot wide piece of waxed paper on a non-porous work surface. Scatter (aprox 1-2 tablespoons) flower petals, leaves, herbs, spices or similar material all over the waxed paper. Separate enough facial tissues into single ply to cover the petals, overlapping ¼”. In a spray bottle, combine ½ c white glue and ½ cup water. Spray the top of the tissue, covering the entire area. You may not use all of the mixture. Gently dab glue mixture on any tiny areas not covered. Let dry for 24 hours. Loosen any part that may have stuck to the work surface with a kitchen knife. Cover the wax paper side with light cotton fabric and iron on medium heat. Press each area for only a few seconds to avoid scorching. This assures all areas will adhere. Cut your paper the size you want the outside of the card to be, and fold it in half. Use decorative scissors around the edges if desired. Next, cut a piece of card stock paper, in any color, ½” smaller than the flower paper. Fold it in half and glue it to the inside. Now your paper is ready to share.


Make ANGELS FROM THE GARDEN to bless a beloved home with warm tidings of love. This angel may last for years if handled gently. Use fresh herbs, if possible, for a heavenly scent as the herbs dry. Or use dried herbs and spray with scent(s) to match the herbs. Attach an 8” piece of ¼” dowel across a long stemmed poppy pod, wrapping with raffia in a crisscross fashion, knot tightly. Cover the dowel with lavender stems, burlap, grasses or cornhusks. Wrap with raffia ½” from the ends (to form hands) and crisscross across the center (bodice). Trim hand ends. Create a small bouquet of herbs, flowers, leaves, etc and secure with a rubber band. Attach with raffia just under the arms. Cover the bodice area, across and over with colorful leaves. Secure the back ends with raffia or hot glue. Tuck a few more leaves under the front leaves to form an apron. Tightly wrap raffia around the midsection, forming a waist. Knot tightly. Hot glue 2 leaves to the back for wings & Spanish moss for hair. Add tiny bits of herbs, flowers etc to the waistband for decoration. Glue or tie a raffia loop on back for hanging. Fill in any blank spots as needed. Bless a loved one.

Boost your creativity with the inspirational herbs lavender, rosemary, chamomile, fennel, feverfew, calendula, vervain & mugwort.

I'm not sure anymore where I found these projects, but remember the Angel came from Herb Companion, so the others likely did as well. Enjoy! Mary

Eco-Seminars

To Register for all classes:
www.goodearthgardenschool.com
and sign up for the courses you would
like to take.

When you come, get a free packet of
coffee grounds to fertilize your garden
and repel slugs!

More Information:
Linda at 562-2259
www.terrabellacoffee.com

Location:
Terra Bella Bakery Café
601 E. Dimond, Anchorage
Next to Bed Bath and Beyond,
across from Dimond Mall

Make & Take an Indoor Greens Garden
Grow Your Very Own Baby Greens(Babies due in April!) Yum!
Create and take home a window sill garden with proper seed mix for flavor and color.
Become the first kid on the block to savor your own succulent baby greens—before the snow melts outdoors! Learn about soil nutrition as well.

When: Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18
10 am–Noon
Two identical, repeated classes.
Room for 10 participants each.
$25 for materials and instruction.
Register early.

Free Movie!
Saturday Matinee
Come watch and then discuss the film: Cancer, Nutrition, and Healing
More than 7 years ago, eco-consultant Jerry Brunetti received word that
without aggressive chemotherapy treatment he would be dead in as little as
six months from an aggressive form of lymphoma. He opted not to travel that
route, and instead embarked on his own journey seeking advice, treatments,
alternative protocols and hands-on care from a wide variety of sources. The
result has been depth of understanding that is almost beyond compare, steady improvement in his own overall health, and a return to normalcy of the affected lymph nodes. Oh, and he’s very much alive.

Learn about: strengthening immunity, holistic treatment protocols,
health-boosting recipes, supplements and detoxification, supplementing
conventional therapies, foods to eat, and foods to avoid.

When: Saturday, March 21
Time: 4 – 6 pm.
Cost: free!

Shopping for Foods You Can Trust
Join us to sample fruits and vegetables grown both chemically and organically. Taste ‘em. Compare ‘em. Hear their childhood stories.

Find out…
*when to choose organic and when it is not so crucial
*how to shop for the highest nutritional density for the cost
*how to take control of your diet, nourishment, and health

Go home feeling empowered, no matter what your grocery budget.

When: Wed, February 25. Time: 4-6pm (come hungry)
Cost: $16 or $12 ea for 3 or more signing up together.

Good Earth Garden School Schedule of Classes
Feb-Mar 2009

Tue Feb 17 - Grow Your own Windowsill Greens
Terra Bella, Anchorage

Wed Feb 18 - Grow Your own Windowsill Greens
(Repeated Class) Terra Bella, Anchorage

Fri Feb 20 - Organic Gardening
Agri 138 credit course starts
Mat-Su College

Wed Feb 25 - Sampling Foods You Can Trust
Terra Bella, Anchorage

Sat-Sun Feb 28 & Mar 1
Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat-Sun March 7 & 8
Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Anchorage

Sat March 14
Advanced Co-Creative Organic Gardening, Palmer

Sat March 21
Free Movie Matinee at Terra Bella, Anchorage
Terra Bella Bakery•Café Announces

Eco-Seminars, 2009
With Ellen Vande Visse, sustainable agriculture instructor, Good Earth Garden School
and author of Ask Mother Nature, a Conscious Gardener’s Guide

Reiki Training/Certification

REIKI I and II Training and Certification
This is an intensive class designed to provide you with the initiations, training, and practical experience for Reiki I and II certification. Upon completion, students are eligible to join a number of national and international Reiki practitioner associations for further recognition and fellowship. Students may also elect to move into mastership and teacher training. The book “Essential Reiki: A Complete guide To An Ancient Healing Art”, by Diane Stein is recommended. Other information and training materials are provided with the class. Advanced registration required; limited class size.

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley PhD; C.Ht; RMT
(907)275-3397
Sunday, March 22, 2009 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM $240.


REIKI Master/ Teacher Certification
The Reiki Master/ Teacher certification program involves a commitment of instruction and training through six months, with 4 in person classes and outside classroom homework. The first class is an intensive and all day. The subsequent three classes will be schedules after the first meeting. Reiki I and II certification are prerequisites. Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and initiation techniques and well as develop and fine tune there Reiki practice to the master level. The book “Essential Reiki: A Complete guide To An Ancient Healing Art”, by Diane Stein is recommended. Other information and training materials are provided with the class. Advanced registration required; limited class size.

Elizabeth Wallmann-Filley PhD; C.Ht; RMT
(907) 275-3397
1st class: Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Three additional classes TBA $490.

Heaven Smiles

The Pure Energy & Vital Force of Plant Healing

AROMATHERAPY & ESSENTIAL OILS
The pure energy and vital force of plant healing

What is Aromatherapy? An ancient healing art that has been around since the pyramids, aromatherapy heals and revitalizes the body and mind. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and well being by means of aromas derived from the plant kingdom, is the science and art of using the volatile, non-oily essences of plants in healing. The power of fragrance is used to influence and alter our emotional moods. Aromas assist in balancing, stimulating, relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating the body. Medicinal aromatherapy brings about healing on 3 planes; physical, mental and spiritual.

What are Essential oils? They are therapeutic grade oils distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots and seeds. They are oxygenated to help carry transport nutrients to the cells of the body. Essential oils are among the strongest antimicrobial agents; eliminating toxins in the body and fighting infection. Essential oils are also used to open and heighten spiritual awareness. They contain numerous therapeutic properties, and have the ability to donate or receive electrons. The recognized healing effect is believed to be carried out mainly through tissue stimulation. Essential oils have an analgesic neutralizing effect on chemicals carried by the sensory nerve endings.

How are essential oils used? There are many ways essential oils can be incorporated into our daily lives. Bathing, Massage, massage therapy, compresses, inhalation, steam inhalation & spray mist air treatments, as well as pet, garden & houseplant care and house cleaning are some of the most common well-known methods.

Energize Body Mind & Soul with a therapeutic blend of rosemary, orange, melissa (lemon balm), and jasmine. Combine 3 drops of each oil in a diffuser and breath the aroma as it fills the room. For a stimulating, sensual bath, stir the same amount of oils in your bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Sedating scents of geranium, jasmine, lemon balm, Roman chamomile and rose will help sweep you off to dreamland. Combine 3-5 drops of each (or use just one) in a diffuser in your bedroom. (If you use a candle powered diffuser, diffuse in the air prior and blow out the flame just before climbing in)

Bathe away the blues by soaking in a tub of clove tea. To do it: simmer 1 ½ teaspoons of whole clove in a nonreactive pan of 3 quarts water for 25 minutes. Strain and add the decoction to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes.

Bring the healing, rejuvenating qualities of solar energy into your home by using orange oil as an all-purpose household cleaner. Not only will orange oil cut grease and grime on surfaces, remove stains from carpets, fabric and clothing, its bright and cheerful aroma will lift your spirits even on the darkest day.

A few Essential Oils and their uses:


Basil-ease mental fatigue
Bergamot-open your heart to love and life
Cedar wood-enhance one’s connection to Spirit
Clary Sage-tranquility and balance
Cypress-peace, comfort and strength
Geranium-balance body, mind and emotions
Juniper-promote well being and inner strength
Patchouli-feel comfortable, safe and grounded
Rosewood-enhances meditation, eases anxiety, depression and moodiness
Sandalwood-opening and centering
Vetiver-promotes security and stability, “the oil of tranquillity

Sixth Picture Meme

the definition of meme given by wordnet.princeton.edu: "a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)."

The rules of this meme are:
1.Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures
2.Go to the 6th Folder, then pick the 6th picture in that folder
3.Post that picture on your blog and tell the story that goes along with the picture.
4.Tag 6 other people that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.

I was tagged for this meme by Cindy Jones at Sagescript Institute & Colorado Aromatics. Since all my pictures are in one giant file :O) I just chose the 6th picture.

This photo is of my son Alex and his friend Anthony (Anthonini). WE are a foster home and this picture was taken the first night Nini was at our home. It's hard to tell, because his eyes are covered, that he is terrified. He began his day boarding an airplane form his native village and ended it at our house. He and Alex formed an instant bond (they were already sharing pj's) which I believe made life at our house much easier for Nini. Even though Anthony has since been adopted, and has a family of his own:O) We still miss him(it's been almost 3 years now. Alex askes about him frequently and wants his brother Anthonini back.

I tagged these people to play meme with me:

heartgaia.blogspot.com
Robbie Cardenas (my friend)
www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog
Robbie Pull (my friend)
Jennifer at www.twodogstrading.com (also my friend)
katrinasbackyard.blogspot.com

A Handy Herb Use Glossary

Today herbal remedies, supplements and therapies are everywhere. Some offer little or no understanding, for the layperson, of how the herb(s) should be used or how they work. With our ever-increasing mindfulness of what is “good for us” and “healthy”, when choosing to use a natural or herbal approach to our health and wellness, it is important to know what herbs might DO to you, in you or for you. It is important to know WHY you are choosing an herb and not enough to know that the herb was listed on your favorite message board, or that it “worked for my friend”.

In order to help you understand how you might use herbs, following is a glossary of common terms, what they mean, and some herbs that each term applies to.
ADAPTOGEN
These herbs have immune system enhancers which help the body adjust to change, regulate stress and restore natural immune resistance. Herbs that are used for this purpose include Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, goldenseal, pau d'arco and suma
ALTERNATIVE
Alternatives are considered useful in altering body chemistry gradually. Herbs with alterative properties stimulate gradual changes in metabolism and tissue function in acute and chronic conditions and increase overall health, energy, vigor and strength. Alternatives are similar to tonics, which help both the overall systems as well as organs, tissues and cells. Alterative herbs, include aloe vera, black cohosh, blue cohosh, blue vervain, capsicum, cascara sagrada, chamomile, damiana, dandelion, echnicacea, elecampane, fenugreek, garlic, gentian, ginger, gingo biloba, goldenseal, hawthorn, horsetail, milk thistle, red clover, red raspberry, schizandra, suma, yarro and yellow dock root.
ANALGESIC
Analgesic herbs are used to relieve pain without loss of consciousness. Some of the herbs commonly used as analgesics include feverfew, lobelia, mullein, pau d'acro, skullcap, willow bark and wood betony.
ANESTHETIC
Anesthetics are used for their ability to cause physical insensitivity. Examples of herbs with this property are caraway, kava and tea tree.
ANODYNE
Herbs with this property have the ability to soothe and reduce the intensity of pain. Herbs with this ability include anise, chamomile, cloves, juniper, pleurisy root and rosemary.
ANORECTIC
Anorectic herbs help to reduce appetite. Herbs with this asset include chickweed, ephedra, fellel, garcinia and guarana.
ANTACID
An antacid is used to neutralize acids in the stomach and intestinal tract. Herbs used for this include dandelion, fennel, ginger, kelp, Iceland moss and slippery elm.
ANTHELMINTIC
Herbs with anathematic agents either expel or destroy worms in the body. Other similar terms to describe such agents include vermifuge, mermicide and taeniacide. Herbs with these fighting abilities include black cohosh, blue walnut, gentian, goldenseal, mandrake, prickly ash, pumpkin seed and senna.
ANTI-ASTHMATIC
Anti-asthmatics are used to help relieve the symptoms associated with asthma. Some of the anti-asthmatic herbs are elecampane, ephedra, gotu kola, lobelia, prickly ash, wild cherry and yerba santa.
ANTIBACTERIAL
Antibacterial herbs are those that fight and destroy bacteria and include alfalfa, basil, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, parsley, peppermint, rhubarb, turmeric, uva ursi and yucca.
ANTIBIOTIC
Herbs that work as natural antibiotics help the body's immune system destroy growths of microorganisms. Some herbs commonly used as natural antibiotics include buchu, chaparral, echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, myrrh, red clover and yellow dock.
ANTICATARRHAL
These are herbs that help dissolve and eliminate, as well prevent the formation of mucus and inflammation of the mucus membrane. Herbs that are considered to be ant catarrhal include comfrey, elecampane, ephedra, fenugreek, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, mullein and wild cherry.
ANTICOAGULANT
Anticoagulant herbs help the body prevent clotting of the blood. Herbs with this constituent include garlic, turmeric and yellow maillot.
ANTIEMETIC
Antiemetics prevent vomiting, and herbs with this ability include clove, Iceland moss, raspberry and spearmint.
ANTIFUNGAL
Antifungal agents act against and destroy various fungi. Herbs in this category include alfalfa, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, kava kava, kombucha, parsley, St. John's wort, skullcap, thyme and turmeric.
ANTIGALACTAGOGUE
Herbs with this property work opposite to herbs with galactagogue properties. Sage and black walnut are examples of herbs in this category.
ANTIHYDROTIC
Antihydrodics reduce levels of perspiration. Herbs with this ability include astragalus and sage.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Herbs with this ability reduce inflammation in the body without acting directly on the cause of the inflammation. Herbs in this category include birth, chicory, cranberry, elder flowers, eucalyptus, fennel, feverfew, ginger, licorice, marshmallow, papaya, passion flower, peppermint, pine tree bark, queen of the meadow, rhubarb, rosemary, safflower, turmeric, wild yam and witch hazel.
ANTILITHIC
Antilithic herbs work to prevent the formation of stones in the gall bladder and kidney, as well as aiding the expulsion of those already formed. Antilithics are similar to lithotriptics. Some herbs used for this purpose are buchu leaves, hydrangea and uva ursi leaves.
ANTIMICROBIAL
Antimicrobials helps the body destroy microbes by affecting their growth and multiplication, Herbs with this ability include fennel, feverfew, myrrh, pau d'arco, rhubarb, tea tree and uva ursi.
ANTINEOPLASTIC
Herbs with this quality destroy, inhibit and prevent tumors. Herbs in this category include aloe vera, black walnut, burdock, cat's claw, chickweed, flaxseed, garlic, hops, horsetail, ho-sho-wu, irish moss, mistletoe, pau d'arco, periwinkle, pine tree bark, rhubarb, saffron, St. John's wort, slippery elm and turmeric.
ANTIOXIDANT
Antioxidant herbs counteract the negative effects of oxidation on body tissues. Included in this category are barley, billberry, cat's claw, chaparral, gingo biloba, milk thistle, pine tree, rosemary, sage and turmeric
ANTIPERIODIC
This constituent counteracts the effects of periodic diseases (intermittent) like malaria. Herbs in this category include angelica, blue vervain, boneset, chinchone, eucalyptus, golden seal and willow.
ANTITUSSIVE
Herbs with antitussive agents are cough suppressants. Herbs in this category include coltsfoot, comfrey, horehound, mullein and wild cherry bark
ANTIVENOMOUS
Ant venomous agents counteract venom, as from snakebite. Herbs with this quality include pennyroyal and plantain
ANTIVIRAL
Antiviral agents act to destroy viruses in the body. Herbs with antiviral qualities include aloe vera, astragalus, barley, boneset, calendula, echinacea, ho-shouwu, licorice, maitake, reishi, pau d'arco, red raspberry and turmeric
APHRODISIAC
An aphrodisiac is used to help restore normal sexual potency and function and improve sexual desire. Some herbs used as aphrodisiacs include astragalus, damiana, false unicorn, fenugreek, ginseng, kava kava and saw palmetto
ASTRINGENT
An astringent acts to contract and tighten, similar to styptic. This constricting action can help eliminate secretions and hemorrhaging. Some herbs with astringent actions are amaranth, blackberry root, black walnut, capsicum, elecampane, ephedra, fenugreek, horsetail, hydrangea, mullein, oak bark, queen of the meadow, St. John wort, slippery elm and witch hazel
BITTER
This is an agent that acts on the mucous membranes in the mouth to promote appetite and encourage digestion. Herbs in this category include alfalfa, blackberry, blessed thistle, bugleweed, chaparral, chinchona, eyebright, feverfew, gentian, licorice, quassia, watercress, wild cherry and wild lettuce
BLOOD PURIFIER
Agents that clean and remove impurities from the blood, similar to depurative. Examples of blood purifiers include birch, buckthorn, calendula, centaury, couch grass, dandelion, plantain and watercress
CARMINATIVE
Herbs that can help eliminate gas from the stomach and intestine are considered carminatives. Some of the herbs commonly used are angelica root, capsicum, caraway seeds, catnip, chamomile flowers, echinacea, fennel, ginger, hops, lemon balm, parsley root, peppermint, saffron and valerian
CHOLAGOGUE
This herb property increases the flow of bile which aids digestion, as well as acting as a mild laxative. Herbs which are used for this purpose are aloe vera, barberry, culvers root, dandelion, goldenseal, hops, licorice, Oregon grape root and wild yam
DECONGESTANT
Agents that relieves congestion in the upper respiratory tract. Herbs with decongestant properties include ephedra, lobelia, pennyroyal, valerian and yerba santa
DEMULCENT
These herbs work internally to help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the body. Some herbs with this property are aloe vera, burdock, chickweed, comfrey, echinacea, fenugreek, flaxseed, Irish moss, kelp, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, oatstraw and psyllium
DIAPHORETIC
Diaphoretic herbs help the body produce perspiration to help the skin eliminate toxins, similar to sudorific. Herbs with diaphoretic properties include angelica, blue vervain, boneset, borage, butchers broom, capsicum, catnip, chamomile, elder flowers, elecampane, ephedra, garlic, hyssop, lemon balm leaves and yarrow.
DIGESTIVE
Digestives promote or aid in the digestion process. Such herbs include anise, capsicum, centaury, echinacea, garlic, horseradish, mustard, papaya, safflower and sage
DIURETIC
A diuretic is used to increase the flow of urine to relieve water retention. Some herbs used for this purpose are alfalfa, blue cohosh, buchu leaves, burdock, butchers broom, damiana, dandelion, devils claw, false unicorn, fennel, hawthorn, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, lily-of-the-valley, marshmallow, parsley, queen of the meadow, saw palmetto and uva ursi
EMETIC
An emetic is used to induce vomiting. Emetic herbs include bayberry, boneset, buckthorn, culver, false unicorn, lobelia, mandrake, mistletoe, mustard seed, pleurisy, quassia, rue and senega
EMMENAGOGUE
Herbs with emmenagogue properties promote menstrual flow. Some herbs that help with this situation are angelica, aloe vera, black cohosh, blue cohosh, gentian, ginger, goldenseal, horsetail, juniper berries, mistletoe, myrrh, pennyroyal and saffron
ESTROGENIC
Estrogenic herbs promote or produce estrus. Herbs with estrogenic properties include blue cohosh, dong quai, false unicorn, fennel and licorice
EXPECTORANT
Expectorants help the body expel mucus from the lungs, nose and throat. Herbs used for this purpose include anise seed, blue cohosh, blue vervain, comfrey root, elder flowers, elecampane root, ephedra, flaxseed, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, horehound, hyssop, Irish moss, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, mullein leaves, slippery elm, wild cherry bark and yerba santa leaves
FEBRIFUGE
Herbs with this property help reduce fevers, similar to refrigerant and antipyretic. Some febrifuges are bilberry, boneset, borage, buckthorn, catnip, chamomile, elder flowers, fenugreek, garlic, gentian, ginger, hyssop, pleurisy root, sarsaparilla, white willow bark and wormwood
GALACTAGOGUE
Herbs with these properties stimulate lactation in women. Herbs in this category include anise, basil, blessed thistle, borage, fenugreek, horsetail and vervain
GERMICIDE
Germicides are known for their ability to destroy germs and other microorganisms. Herbs in this category include cloves, eucalyptus and tea tree
HEPATIC
These herbs help to strengthen, tone, and increase bile flow to promote normal liver function. Some herbs with hepatic properties are barberry bark, cascara sagrada, dandelion root, gentian, goldenseal, horseradish, mandrake root, milk thistle, olive oil, Oregon grape, parsley, queen of the meadow and rhubarb
HEMOSTATIC
Hemostatics stop blood flow by acting as antihemorrhagic agents. Herbs in this category include bistort, blackberry, bugleweed, calendula, nettle, periwinkle, shepherds purse and witch hazel
IMMUNOSTIMULANTS
Immunostimulants enhance or boost the body's natural defense against illness and disease. Herbs with this ability include astragalus, barley, dong quai, kombucha, maitake, queen of the meadow, reishi and shiitake
INSECTICIDE
Insecticides are used to kill insects. An example of an herb with this ability is bayberry
LITHOTRIPTIC
These are herbs that help dissolve and eliminate urinary stones from the body. They include buchu leaves butchers broom, cascara sagrada, cornsilk, dandelion devils claw, horsetail, marshmallow, parsley, queen of the meadow, uva ursi and white oak bark
MUCILANT
Herbs that are considered mucilants have mucilage properties that have a soothing and demulcent effect. They coat and protect mucous membranes from irritations. Mucilants have a wide variety of applications including coughs, sore throats, and irritated stomach bowels, bladder and kidneys. They can also be used for laxatives, cream and ointments because of their soothing effects. Mucilant herbs include aloe vera, chickweed coltsfoot, comfrey, flaxseed, Iceland moss, marshmallow plantain, psyllium seed and slippery elm
NARCOTIC
Herbs with narcotic agents can be used to soothe intractable pain or to induce anesthesia. Herbs with these agents should be used carefully. They include bugleweed, guarana and wild lettuce. Herbs that can be used to counteract narcotic effects include alfalfa (for addiction) and marjoram and mustard (for poisoning)
NEPHRITIC
These are used in healing kidney problems. Herbs with nephritic properties include buchu leaves, couch grass root, goldenseal, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, Oregon grape and queen of the meadow root
NERVINE
Nervine herbs help soothe, calm and nourish the nervous system. Some of the nervine herbs are black cohosh, blue vervain, boneset, catnip, chamomile, cramp bark. damiana, gotu kola, hops, lady's slipper, lemon balm, lobelia, oatraw, passion flower, skullcap, valerian root and wood betony.
NUTRITIVE
Nutritive agents nourish the body. Herbs with nutritive properties include alfalfa, amaranth, barley, bee pollen, chickweed, comfrey, guarana, Iceland moss, Irish moss, kelp, marshmallow, nettle, oatstraw, papaya, pumpkin, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm, suma, watercress and yellow dock.
OXYTOCIC
These are herbs that help stimulate uterine contractions to assist and induce a safe labor and delivery. Herbs with oxytocic properties are black cohosh, blue cohosh, pennyroyal and red raspberry.
PARASITICIDE
Parasiticides are those that destroy parasites in the body. Herbs with parasticide agents include chaparral, feverfew, figwort, horseradish, mandrake, papaya, parsley, peach, pennyroyal, plantain, pumpkin, rhubarb, sage, thyme, vervain, wild cherry and wood betony.
PECTORAL
Pectoral agents give relief and remedy pulmonary and other respiratory conditions. Examples of pectorals are chickweed, coltsfoot, couch grass, hyssop, Iceland moss and wild cherry.
PURGATIVE
A cathartic or purgative herbs used for purging and stimulating the action of evacuating the bowels. This action may be mild or strong depending on the need. Purgatives and cathartics are similar to aperients and laxatives, which are mild purgative used to relieve constipation. Herbs considered to be purgative include aloe vera, barberry bark, boneset, buckthorn bark, cascara sagrada, elder flowers, goldenseal, mandrake, Oregon grape root, psyllium, rhubarb root and senna leaves.
RUBEFACIENT
Herbs with rubefacient properties are reddening agents that help to increase the flow of the blood to the surface of the skin to aid in healing in cases such as sprains and muscle soreness. Some herbs used for this purpose include camphor, capsicum, cloves, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, horseradish, mustard seed, peppermint oil, pine oil, stinging nettle and thyme oil.
SEDATIVE
Sedative herbs are used to relieve irritability and promote calm and tranquil feelings. Some are catnip, chamomile, cramp bark, dong quai, hawthorn, hops, kava kava, lady's slipper, lobelia, passionflower, red clovers, St. John's wort, schizandra, skullcap, valerian and wood betony.
SIALOGUGE
Herbs with this property help to promote the flow and secretion of saliva to aid in the digestion of starches. Some herbs include bayberry, capsicum, echinacea, gentian, ginger, horseradish, hydrangea, licorice, prickly ash, rhubarb and yerba santa.
STIMULANT
These herbs help to increase the function of the body energy levels, circulation, and help eliminate toxins. Herbs with stimulant properties are angelica, boneset, capsicum, damiana, devil's claw, echinacea, elder flowers, elecampane, ephedra, false unicorn, garlic, gentian, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, ho-shou-wu, milk thistle, prickley ash bark, saffron, sarsaparilla root and suma.
STOMACHIC
Stomachic strengthen and tone the stomach. Herbs in the stomachic category included agrimony, anise, barberry, basil, caraway, celery, chinchina, cloves, dandelion, gentian, ginseng, gymnema, hops, horseradish, papaya, peach, pennyroyal, quassia, rhubarb, rosehips and watercress.
VASOCONSTRICTOR
Herbs with vasodilating agents expand the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Herbs in this category included fever few, hawthorn and ho-shou-wu.
VULNERARY
Herbs with vulnerary properties are used to help promote the healing of wounds, cuts and abrasions. Some used are aloe vera, black walnut, burdock, capsicum, fenugreek, flaxseed, garlic, gentian, goldenseal, hops, horsetail, mullein, oatstraw and plantain leaves.

Winter Herbs, Oils & First-aid

(a little late but useful information)
With the first winter chill breezing into town it's time to start thinking about how to keep the sneezes and sniffles away. While there's talk of the value of vitamin C, echinacea and garlic as natural treatments, herbalist claim herbs can prevent colds and flu. There are three main herbs, as well garlic, which are widely used to ward off winter woes. They are Echinacea, andrographis and astrolagus.

Echinacea is effective for the early treatment of colds and flu because it's an immune stimulant but is best taken before a cold sets in, however, it can help shorten the duration of flu if you take it once you've become ill and can assist with treating respiratory infections.

Andrographis and Astrolagus work in much the same way. Andrographis is also used for coughs and sore throats. These herbs are highly effective alone or in conjunction.
The frequent use of Garlic, referred to as nature's antibiotic, puts you well on your way to preventing a winter cold.

And don’t forget your vitamin C. Citrus, grapes and strawberries are high in C, and it doesn’t hurt to add zinc from beans, nuts and whole grains.

You may wish to try this herbal remedy, shared by a friend who swears by it. She hasn’t had a cold/flu in years.

Total Tonic Formula
1 Handful of split Garlic cloves
1 Handful of chopped Onions
1 Handful of chopped Ginger
1 Handful of chopped Horseradish
1/2 handful of chopped Habanero Peppers.

Throw in a blender and chop, then cover with
an inch or two of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Let tincture for a week or two (shake now and then)
and strain, then drink a little of the juice daily,
or twice daily. (It is very HOT)
A small amount in V8 Juice is good and Turmeric can be added for extra benefit.

Winter Herbal Medicine Chest
Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too much winter, but also the causes of colds and flu… Impaired immunity to virus/bacteria, maintaining blood circulation and warmth, ensuring vitality of the lungs and reducing the build up of congestion in the body.

In addition to the herbs already mentioned, some herbs to keep on hand in your “medicine chest” are: Ginger, Elderflower, Yarrow, Sage, Rose Hips, Mullein, Thyme, Fenugreek & Marshmallow.

Other beneficial ingredients to your chest would be Winter Essential Oils

Aromatherapy brings us the aromatic energy of living plants in the form of essential oils. These fragrances are a natural antidote to the emotionally debilitating effects of winter. Winter essential oils cleanse and freshen air in homes closed tight against the cold weather and can be beneficial in treating winter ailments.

Some useful winter oils are: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Orange, Rosemary & Tea Tree.

Try these Essential Oil remedies in a massage, a bath, infused in the air or in a “sniffy” bottle. In all of them combine the oils listed.

WINTER WARMTH BLEND
10 drops of cedar wood
25 drops of bergamot orange
15 drops of fir needle
30 drops of juniper berry
20 drops of sandalwood

SINUS CONGESTION BLEND
5 drops of Eucalyptus
3 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Tea-Tree
2 drops of Pine.

PICK ME UP BLEND
7 drops of Bergamot
5 drops of Grapefruit
3 drops of Rosemary

SUNSHINE BLEND
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Orange
3 drops of Geranium
2 drops of Peppermint

Feldenkrais® - Bones for Life®

Hola!
Take a look at our schedule for Daytime February & March Feldenkrais classes and enter them on your calendar NOW! Space is at a premium, so reserve your space and learn to feel your best with little or no effort! Surprise yourself at how freely, easily & comfortably you can move!

Hands-on Feldenkrais individual sessions are available at 2 medical offices in Anchorage (Eastside & Midtown) where you can use your health insurance. Contact me for more info, or contact the office directly to schedule your session with me at either location.

I continue to offer the lower cost convenience of self-pay at Movement Options. Call or email me to schedule your app't here at Movement Options studio.

Shari

Feldenkrais Classes

February/March Schedule

ALL Gain….NO Pain…The Feldenkrais Way!

Tu/Th 11:15-Noon Feb. 24, 26 & Mar. 3, 5 4 days $65 or Drop-in $18/class
Tu/Th 11:15-Noon Mar. 10, 12, 17, 19 4 days $65 or Drop-in $18/class
Tu/Th 11:15-Noon Mar. 24, 26, 31 3 days $50 or Drop-in $18/class

Individual Feldenkrais Sessions

● Insurance Billing at Natural Health Center 561-2330
3330 Eagle St.

Known to many of you as “Hope Wing & Rick Abbott’s Clinic”. Choose a Naturopath or Chiropractor to initiate your Feldenkrais treatment plan of neuromuscular re-education. Use your health insurance to pay for your Feldenkrais sessions.

My schedule here: Monday afternoons & Thursday mornings.

Medicare patients: *IF you have secondary insurance coverage from a group policy that covers you to see a Naturopath, you MAY be able to use your secondary insurance to cover your sessions with me for neuromuscular re-education. *Be sure to check with your secondary insurance carrier to confirm this!

● Insurance Billing at Alliance Chiropractic 337-6770

Dr. Rich Tieszen 4316 Kingston Drive

Bill your insurance directly for sessions at Alliance, just pay your deductible & co-pay out of pocket. My schedule here: Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.

● ***Self-pay at Movement Options Studio 274-3539

Schedule your sessions at Movement Options and make payment in full. Receipts are available upon request if you wish to submit them to your health insurance carrier, or use pre-tax dollars from your health care reimbursement account.

My schedule here: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri mornings, & Wed & Fri afternoons.

***Total cost of sessions with Shari at Movement Options Studio is substantially less than the price of sessions at the above medical offices. Out of pocket expenses at Movement Options may be higher or lower than at one of the clinics, depending on your health insurance coverage.


Shari Lee
Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner
Certified Bones for Life® Teacher & Trainer
Movement Options LLC
907-274-3539
feldenlee1@aol.com
www.FeldenkraisJourneys.com

Feldenkrais® is a registered service mark of the Feldenkrais® Guild of North America.