Are you tired of feeling trapped in a body that’s screaming for liberation? Well, get ready because I’ve got a groundbreaking solution that will set you on the path to newfound health and freedom…

Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils has gained major popularity among all age groups because of its effectiveness in treating various kind of ailments and its various methods of application. Essential oils are commonly used in baths, teas, massage oils, inhalants, and diffusers.

Simple + effective tips to help you improve your gut health naturally for optimal hormone balance + a healthier menstrual cycle.

Ein revolutionärer Gesundheitsansatz Hunger muss heute in unseren Breiten niemand mehr leiden, und das ist sicherlich ein Segen. Nur ist der menschliche Körper eigentlich nicht darauf eingerichtet, in einem Dauerzustand der Sättigung zu gedeihen. Denn unser Körper verfügt über das lebenswichtige Gen Sirtuin, das nur aktiviert wird, wenn wir einen leeren…

From air and water filters, to therapy lights, to exercise tools this list has a little of everything for biohackers.

Your fingernail lunula provide valuable information about your health. An absent or discolored lunula may indicate anemia, malnutrition or depression.

A simple recipe for how to make hawthorn tincture using berries and vodka. Hawthorn is a red berry that gently supports heart health, and that you can forage for in autumn. You can use the volume ingredient measurements in this folk method tincture or use the 1:2 ratio measurements in the notes below. Scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.

Food provides your body with nutrients. Find out about the benefits of certain foods and dietary supplements and how to implement them into your life.

A plant that has a long history of medicinal use and can be found growing in many parts of the world is mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Excessive mucus in the body is irritating and uncomfortable. These 20 mucus cleansing herbs, fruit, and vegetables can help eliminate it.

Find out how you can become an herbalist: Be confident in your ability to use herbs for health and wellness, safely and effectively, in your daily life! Learning herbalism changed my life ! When I started learning about using herbs and essential oils for health, becoming an actual herbalist

Ulcerative colitis is a major form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of people worldwide but this article will give hope!

This set of 5 childbirth education slides (in PDF form) is a great addition to your birth education class and client counseling. This listing includes an integrated/automatic licensing fee which allows you to share/distribute the images with your clients/students. This set includes: 1- Stages of labor (with descriptions of what's happening in the body and what the mother may experience during each stage) 2- Stages of birth (fetal descent, engagement, rotation, extension, etc.) 3- Fetal positions (vertex, footling breech, complete breech, frank breech, transverse) 4- Dilation and Engagement 5- Anatomy of a Pregnant Mama Ways these slides may be used: -As visual slides or posters used as part of a childbirth education classes or midwife/doula/childbirth educator counseling sessions - Feel free to alter/edit these images as needed for your class. I have purposely left most slides with minimal text to allow you to add your own text, descriptions, etc. Ways these slides may be used: -As visual slides or posters used as part of a childbirth education classes , lactation class, or midwife/doula/childbirth educator/lactation consultant counseling sessions - Distributed to clients/students as printed or digital handouts - Printed posters for display -As flyers, cards, or postcards PLEASE READ: Lots of time and energy has been poured into these images and I share them with love-- asking, with gratitude, that you use them respectfully and under the conditions outlined above. I have chosen not to include a watermark on these images in order to avoid distraction for the viewer and to keep the artistic nature of the pieces, however I ask that you please include a credit slide with my name and website (Catie Atkinson www.spiritysol.com ) as part of your program/presentation. If you are interested in including these images in a published book or workbook, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com to discuss further use and collaboration. All files are high resolution PDFs. After purchase, you will be given a link to download the files. Please message me if you have any trouble with your purchase or download. If you prefer JPEG images, please email me at catieatkinson [!at] hotmail.com.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), also referred to as “rose root” or “golden root” is an herbal adaptogen which acts as an endurance enhancer, stress reliever, and energy tonic. The Russian army as well as Russian Olympic athletes and astronauts were all given extract in the 60s and 70s to increase performance under extreme levels of stress.

Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder that’s characterized by recurrent, reflexive, or unprovoked seizures. Learn the details here

What's flat, tight, and burns when you hold it? If you said a plank, you are correct! And if you're up for a challenge, you have to try this 10-minute plank workout. Pin it! Planks are one of those power moves that targets multiple muscle groups and tones and tightens everything you want it to. Need sculpted shoulders for tank top season? Plank. Want a toned core? Plank. Wishing for cut arms? Plank. Dreaming of tightening your tush? Plank. You get the picture. This workout is only ten minutes but it will leave your whole body burning. And if you

Are your dopamine levels low?

Many of us have got obsessed with restoring our gut health recently. We've heard a healthy gut will heal everything from heartburn and headaches to inflammation. And we're popping probiotics and gorging on fermented food

Learn how to tell the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder.

Afkomen van slijm in de longen. Een vastzittende hoest waarbij er slijm in je borst zit kan erg vervelend en pijnlijk zijn. Gelukkig kun je er op verschillende manieren voor zorgen dat het slijm in je longen loskomt, zodat je het op kunt...

Your body clock is a powerful time piece. The meridian clock combined with your circadian rhythm can tell a lot about your physical and emotional health. Throughout the day body systems are active or resting

Celebrity nutritionist Kelly LeVeque gives you the scoop.

Hormone Imbalance in PCOS cause severe acne & skin problems. Learn about PCOS Acne, Ayurvedic Medicine, Foods and Skin Care Routine

Lymph: The missing link in a liver detox Thinking about doing a detox cleanse or reducing your chemical exposure? If you've been following along with our Common Household Chemicals to Avoid series, you know how easy it can be to start removing harmful chemicals from your home. Many people get discouraged when they go on a fast or start removing toxins from their lives because they feel sick or feel tired and don’t know why. Why would that happen? One reason may be that the lymphatic system is backed up and not able to keep up with the chemicals the body is trying to unload. How does the lymphatic system work? A peak functioning lymphatic system is key to health and vitality, but this critically important part of the body is one that most people don’t appreciate or know much about. Your lymphatic system is your body’s built-in sanitation center, the plumbing that carries away and filters out poisonous waste products from every cell, tissue and organ. It absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract and delivers them to the cells of the body. It is also an essential part of the immune system that maintains fluid levels, fights infection and produces disease fighting white blood cells. Twice as extensive as the arterial blood supply system which brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells, the lymph is the take away garbage collector and is the largest circulatory system in the body. But, the lymphatic system needs your help to move the fluid through the body because it doesn’t have an automatic pump like the heart, which moves the blood in the circulatory system.1 The lymph system is made up of: Lymphatic vessels - a system of vessels distributed all over the body, gathering clear lymphatic fluid, which surrounds the cells. Lymphatic fluid collects and takes metabolic cellular waste, dead cells, and toxins towards the subclavian veins at the base of the neck to be event ually eliminated through sweat, urine, and through the bowels. Lymphocytes - the primary cells of the lymphatic system. There are two major classes of lymphocytes: T cells and B cells. The T cells mature in the thymus, kill invaders, destroy abnormal cells and direct the actions of other lymphocytes. The B cells mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies that combine with antigens of foreign cells, labeling those cells for destruction. Lymph nodes - filtering stations where lymphocytes along with macrophages (another type of white blood cell) engulf and destroy bacteria and other foreign substances in the lymphatic fluid.2 Tonsils, Adenoids, Appendix, and Peyer's patches - small masses of lymphatic tissue that prevent infection in areas where bacteria is abundant. Thymus - a small gland under your breastbone that helps produce white blood cells. Spleen - the organ connected with lymph system that produces lymphocytes. Bone marrow - where lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) are born. Signs your lymphatic system is backed up Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. If the lymph is not flowing well, the cells are poisoned from their own waste and the lymph fluid becomes a toxic cesspool, resulting in fatigue, swelling, infection, inflammation, disease, and more symptoms (see below). A combination of a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and a toxic environment all contribute to this backup. Rapid improvements in the quality of the cells and blood occur once easy lifestyle changes are made so that the lymphatic system is activated and working efficiently. Headaches Brain fog Swollen lymph nodes or tonsils Lack of energy Recurrent sore throats Morning mucous Mucous drainage (especially after dairy or flour) Fluid backup in the ear (especially in children) Ear popping and ringing Reduced ability to fight infection (frequent cold or flu) Constipation or slugging bowel function Inability to lose weight Soreness or stiffness in the morning Bloating, swelling, or heaviness in extremities Arms or hands fall asleep while sleeping Pain, pressure, or stiffness along your spine and shoulders Sore breast or breast swelling with your menstrual cycle Itchy skin Acne, dry skin or other skin issues What backs up the lymph? Lack of Movement: Proper lymphatic flow requires deep breathing and body movement - the contraction of skeletal muscles force tiny one- way valves of the lymph system to open and close and push the fluid to the subclavian veins. Dehydration: Being dehydrated can contribute to poor lymphatic drainage and cause lymphatic stagnation. Stress: The waste products of stress-fighting hormones are acidic and an acidic body leads to lymph congestion. Chronic Digestive Imbalance: Chronic constipation or diarrhea due to damaged intestinal villi promotes lymph congestion. Processed Foods: An unhealthy diet, particularly one containing processed foods and bad fats, will lead to a sluggish lymphatic system. Chemical Exposures: When your body is exposed to harmful chemicals in skin and body care products, cleaning products or pesticides, it may be unable to unload or detoxify immediately. How to detox the lymphatic system An active lymphatic system will help to reduce your toxic body burden, increase circulation, and revitalize your health. Here are many options that will get your lymphatic system moving and pumping out toxins. You’ll find that some of these tips are fun to put into action, many of them are inexpensive or free, and most involve minimal time and effort. Pick three or four suggestions that work for you and put them into practice for 10 days – experience the difference it makes in your energy and wellbeing. 1. Take a few minutes for deep breathing Fact: Although the lymphatic system has no pump like the heart in the circulatory system, the movement from the act of breathing, that we do 24/7, is a lymphatic pump in itself and can help direct lymph through the chest. Proper breathing is the most important facilitator of lymphatic function. Constant shallow breathing leads to lymphatic congestion. Tip: Augment the circulation of lymph through deep diaphragmatic breathing. Breathe in slowly through your nose, deeply pushing the stomach out. Slowly let your breath go out through your mouth. Deep, slow diaphragmatic breathing for even just 5-10 repetitions (or up to 10 minutes a day) will oxygenate the blood, circulate the lymph especially around the liver, and provide many other benefits. If possible, do this exercise outdoors in fresh air. Video demonstration: Diaphragmatic Breathing. 2. Hydrate daily with water Fact: Dehydration is a common cause of lymph congestion. Lymph becomes thicker and less mobile when you are dehydrated, but flows well when hydrated. Water, and truly only pure water, can adequately rehydrate the body. Tip: The best lymph-moving rehydration technique is to sip hot, purified water every 15 minutes throughout the day. Keep a thermos of hot water nearby to make it easy. Don’t overcompensate - we are not promoting overdrinking. Use urine color to help determine hydration level - if your urine is clear, you are drinking too much water. Helpful chart: Dehydrated Urine Colors. 3. Dry brush your skin Fact: Dry skin brushing promotes lymphatic drainage of toxic waste, which results in many other benefits such as improved immunity, refreshed skin, and reduction of cellulite.3 Tip: Start a habit of dry skin brushing a few minutes before your shower or bathe using an inexpensive natural bristle brush. You can find these in many retail shops, health stores, and online. Hard pressure is not necessary - the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin and it only takes a light pressure to release congestion. MindBodyGreen has a helpful step by step guide to dry skin brushing. Green Smoothie Girl has made a downloadable pdf (and video) showing two different brushing methods. 4. Alternate hot and cold in your shower Fact: Lymphatic vessels contract when exposed to cold, and dilate in response to heat. A hot and cold shower is a type of hydrotherapy that uses the properties of water temperature and pressure to move stagnant lymphatic fluid, increase circulation, boost immune function and metabolism. Tip: After dry skin brushing, super charge your morning shower experience by alternating hot and cold water for between 90 seconds and several minutes.4 Be sure to always end on cold water. Note: Avoid this if you are pregnant, or if you have a heart or blood pressure condition. 5. Move around whenever you can Fact: The lymphatic system depends largely on large muscle activity in the body for its circulation. Stagnation from sitting all day is a major problem. People who sit at their computers without taking breaks develop a sluggish lymph system because they do not move. Tip: Get up to clean up! The good news is any exercise helps - move around for a minute or two every 15 – 20 minutes, do knee bends, go for a walk during lunch, stretch throughout the day and develop a regular exercise routine. Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, rebounding (see below), and swimming are great for moving the lymph. 6. Go for a walk Fact: One of the best ways to activate lymphatic flow is to take a brisk walk. Walking is a weight-bearing activity that creates gravitational pulls on the lymphatic system each time you take a step. Tip: Plan to take a 15-30 minute brisk walk each day. Swing your arms and power walk for the best results. If you are not up to that, even a leisurely walk will be helpful.5 7. Jump on a rebounder Fact: The use of a small trampoline - a “rebounder” - is one of the most efficient ways to reduce lymphatic congestion, stimulate lymph flow, and exercise every cell in the body. Gentle up and down bouncing turbo charges lymph function. The gravitational pull caused by the bouncing causes the one-way lymphatic valves to open and close, moving the lymph.6 Tip: To get the most benefit out of rebounding, start with The Health Bounce - gently bouncing up and down without your feet leaving the mat. This is a very low impact exercise and very effective at moving your lymphatic system - just two minutes clears the lymph. Build up intensity slowly as rebounding can release too many toxins if you jump in too fast. 8. Bounce on an exercise ball Fact: If you don’t have a rebounder, you can utilize the same gravitational pull principle as the rebounder by using an inexpensive exercise ball or yoga ball. Tip: Always start with a short bouncing time and simple, gentle movements. Even small movements for short periods of time can be very effective in moving the lymph. Build up the intensity of the exercise slowly. Video demonstration: Rebounding to Activate the Lymphatic System. 9. Stretch or practice yoga daily Fact: Stretching and yoga poses are especially effective for moving lymph. Tip: Holding stretches combined with conscious deep breathing can help direct lymph through the deep channels of the chest. 10. Get a lymph massage Fact: Lymphatic massage reduces swelling, helps detoxify the body, and helps speed regeneration of tissues and cells. You can go for a whole body massage or focus on targeted areas. For example, backed up lymphatic fluid in the head can contribute to head congestion, stuffiness, feeling of pressure in the head or ears, sinus congestion, vertigo, dizziness, even insomnia.7 A simple self-massage can be used to bring that fluid down from the head. This is a great technique for cold and allergies season. Tip: Schedule a lymphatic massage with a professional lymphatic massage therapist or do your own self massage. Video demonstration: Lymphatic Drainage for the Legs. Try a head massage before bed to improve sleep or in the morning to reduce facial puffiness. Video demonstration: Self Lymphatic Draining Massage. 11. Far infrared sauna Fact: Far infrared saunas provide a gentle, side-effect-free, effective mechanism for detoxification. Their waves penetrate deep into the human body, elevating the body's surface temperature, activating circulation, sweating and excretion of toxins from the lymph and blood through the skin. The heat also increases your heart rate and encourages deeper breathing, which boosts the drainage process even further. Tip: If you have access to an infrared sauna, take advantage of this effective lymphatic activator. Practice conscious deep breathing during your sauna to supercharge lymphatic drainage. Take a break every 15 minutes to shower in cold water for 30 seconds to promote even more circulation and stimulation of the lymph. 12. Wear natural fibers & loose, comfortable clothing Fact: The chemicals in synthetic clothing (made from petrochemicals) are absorbed through the skin, taken up by the lymphatic system and added to the body’s burden of toxins. Tight-fitting clothes can also contribute to a myriad of problems, including restricted lymph flow. Tip: Wear comfortable clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton, silk, flax/linen, wool, or other natural fibers.8 13. Consider your bras and underwear Fact: The breast, arm and upper chest area are drained by a large cluster of lymph nodes found in the armpit. Underwire bras or any bra that leaves red marks or indentations from being too tight interferes with lymphatic circulation and may contribute to swollen lymph nodes, fibrocystic breast tissue and breast cancer.9 For men, tight pants and briefs restrict the flow of lymphatic fluid in the testicles causing toxic buildup, which can lead to infertility and greater chance of developing cancer.10 Tip: Avoid underwire bras (particularly with metal underwires) or any tight-fitting bra that is constricting. Buy natural fiber bras and go bra-free when possible. As a general rule, choose loose-fitting pants and underwear made of natural fibers. 14. Cosmetics and skin care products Fact: Your skin is the largest organ of elimination and absorption—what goes on the skin goes into the body, into the lymph and adds to the trash load. Tip: Avoid products that include synthetic preservatives, fragrances, foaming agents, and other harmful synthetic chemicals. Instead, seek out cosmetics and skin care products that use safe, plant-based or food-grade ingredients, as they will ultimately be absorbed through your skin and processed by your lymph. Related read: How to Avoid Endocrine Disruptors in Your Daily Life 15. Eat Whole Foods, especially healthy fats, fruits & veggies Fact: Consuming processed foods, junk food, fast foods, sugary drinks, unhealthy fats, refined flour and sugar can cause inflammation and create lymphatic system congestion. Tip: Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially green vegetables. Chlorophyll purifies the lymph and blood. Eat healthy organic fats such as nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, organic ghee and butter. 16. Drink herbal teas that affect the lymph Fact: There are herbal teas that step up lymphatic action such as red clover, astragalus, mullein, goldenseal, fenugreek, ginger, wild indigo root, sarsaparilla, golden seal and olive leaf tea. Tip: Try to incorporate one of these teas or a blend of several of these into your daily routine. Teas are most effective if you drink several cups over the course of the day. If you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication consult an herbalist or a naturopath before drinking these teas. Understanding how the lymph works and what to do to mobilize your lymphatic system is priceless information. It can make the difference in smoother detox process, catching or not catching a cold, or having a “flu-free winter”. The exciting news is that keeping the lymph moving doesn’t have to cost money – just move with a few daily exercises, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy food. When the lymph is working, the complexion glows and the body is full of vitality; and if you become ill, you have tools to help regain your health. This is a fundamental part of a conscious preventive health care plan. Maintaining a clean, non-toxic home is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. Check out Branch Basic's Trial Kit to begin the switch to non-toxic cleaning supplies, and learn about the cleaning tools that we recommend to keep your home happy and healthy.

Boost your energy, lose weight, and feel like yourself again with these adrenal fatigue diet treatments, remedies, and delicious recipes!

I am often heard saying that we NEED to understand we were a victim because we WERE... The victim role is not a place we want to live, but we must understand

Natural antibiotics are often more powerful, and more effective than their synthetic counterparts. Here are the ones you should keep on hand.

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The root cause of most diseases and conditions today stems from a weak digestive fire and a build-up of toxins throughout the body. Among the major causes of these toxins, improper food combining is at the top of the list. By utilizing the guidelines to proper food combination, one can […]

Lost your voice? These natural laryngitis remedies are fast and effective and will help you feel better ASAP!

If you or a family member or friend or loved one is struggling, stressing, worrying, wondering, in a lost or sad depressed state, with health i ask you to consider a Cell Salt(Cellular Mineral) cha…

Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus. Other Common Names: Red raspberry, European red raspberry, wild raspberry, hallon (Swedish), hindbær (Danish), Himbeere (German), framboise (French). Habitat: The plant is endemic to Europe and temperate parts of Asia, and has been naturalized in North America. Description: Raspberry is in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is a 1 to 2 meters high half shrub with both annual and biennial shoots. The annual shoots are without branches and flowerless with dark red, brush-shaped thorns. Every other year the shoots become branched and produce flowers. Leaves are green on top and silvery white on the underside. The

Over the past 15 years there has been a secret - and criminal - global program of spraying toxic chemicals overhead. It began in the US, then NATO countries were added. Now, without any public discussion or news reports, this lethal aerosol spraying is global. By Guest Writer Dr. Ilya Sandra Perlingieri

Learn what that white stuff in your underwear actually means and what your cervical fluid can tell you about your fertility and reproductive health.

Here are 10 tips on how you can clear away emotional baggage so you can finally live the life you have always wanted.