Wednesday 14 September 2011

Fall Colds & Oil of Oregano

It happens every year.
Kids go back to school, the weather changes, and we all get colds.


If you are looking for a more natural way to treat 
sore throats, colds, and viral infections this fall read on.

First off, I want to say that I am NOT a doctor 
and the following is only a recommendation from personal experience.  
You should always consult with your health care provider before trying any new medication; 
natural OR prescription.

Oil of Oregano
You can find it at your local health food store, such as Fiddleheads
or even the grocery store's Natural Health Section.

Oil of Oregano is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Oregano Vulgares plant.
It is known as a potent antiviral, anti fungal, and anti parasitic oil that 
reduces pain & inflammation and can effectively fight off infections. 

If you find yourself feeling a cold come on, 
or starting to get that sore, scratchy throat you may want to try this remedy.
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Add a drop or two of Oil of Oregano to a small glass of water, milk, or juice.
You can also just put a drop under your tongue but be warned...
Oil of Oregano is hot and does NOT taste good.
Most people find it easier to down with a glass of water.  

Take this amount twice daily for 2 weeks then stop, to let your body rest.
Then you can repeat again if necessary. 


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As I mentioned before there are, as with any medication, 
precautions you should take if you are considering using Oil of Oregano:

What are the Side Effects of Oil of Oregano?

While Oil of Oregano has many benefits, there are a few possible side effects:
  • It may reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. Therefore, it is recommended that any regular use be combined with regular consumption of iron supplements. For this reason, women are advised not to take this oil during their pregnancy.
  • Pregnant women should also avoid this oil since it can stimulate blood flow in the uterus, which can weaken the lining that surrounds the fetus in the womb.
  • People that have allergies to thyme, basil, mint, or sage may be sensitive to Oil of Oregano as well, since they are in the same family of plants. If any skin irritation, rashes, or vomiting occurs when using it, it is recommended that you discontinue use and consult your doctor."

I hope you find this information useful.

Do your best to stay healthy this fall;  get your sleep, eat your vegetables, 
and book your maintenance massage therapy treatments!!!

Thursday 1 September 2011

Reduce Stress & Clean Out Your Closet!

Did you know that living an unorganized life can cause stress???
Constantly losing things and being buried under a pile of papers and/or clothes 
can be the tipping point after a long day at work or home. 

September is a GREAT time to get into your closets and do some organizing. 
Summer is over and a new season lies ahead.
It's time to make room before pulling out the long pants and sweaters. 

Here is an article from Style at Home on how to organize your closets.
It won't take long and will be a welcome relief.
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Home Organizing 101: Organizing Your Closets
by Kathleen Dore

What a difference a day makes. That's about how long it will take you to totally refurbish your clothes closet. A weekend, perhaps, if you have to shop for an organizing system. So why do you keep putting it off? I spoke with Toronto-based professional organizer Estelle Gee of Orderly Lives, who shares her five-step game plan.

The five-step game plan
1 Assess your needs
List the categories of items that will go in your closet. “Some people have very little storage space, so they might put other things in the clothes closet,” says Estelle, like sports equipment, an iron and ironing board, extra linens and photo albums. 

2 Purge
“Be ruthless,” says Estelle. “Women wear only about 20 per cent of their wardrobes. We tend to wear clothes that are comfortable, make us look good, and fit.” Yet many of us keep clothing that doesn't fit, we don't look good in, isn't fashionable, holds old memories and so on. If purging sounds tough, hire a pro for a supportive, objective opinion, or ask a friend to help.

3 Deal with roadblocksYour closet should reflect who you are now – both your self-image and your lifestyle. The purging stage can bring up regrets about yesterday (Why did I buy that?) and hopes for tomorrow (Maybe it will fit again). When dealing with those items that bring up emotional stuff, Estelle suggests you ask yourself these questions:

• Do I feel comfortable/good in this?
• Does this fit?
• Does this make me look good?
• Is this still stylish or does this accurately represent my personal style?
• Is this easy to maintain? 
• Does this suit/reflect my lifestyle (for instance, if you've had a career change or become a mom)?

If you answer no to any of the above about a piece of clothing, let it go.
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So, what do you do with those clothes once you have cleaned the closet out???
Call the Canadian Diabetes Association "Clothesline" program 
and they will pick up your clothing right at your door - for free!!!

Clothesline