More people are choosing Green tea over other types of tea because of its many health benefits.  An article published in the Toronto Star in March 2006 discusses the different products that are popping up that include green tea:

“More and more products laced with green tea extracts are popping up alongside the Starbucks frappucchino, including in chewing gum.” 

          People are not only choosing to consume green tea for its great taste, but they are realizing the health benefits of doing so as well.  For the full article visit:

http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/191456

I came across a very good piece on CNN that brought to light the recent research that the Kaiser Institute on caffeine and its effects on pregnancy.  Some of the more interesting highlights:

• They recommend reducing or eliminating caffeine consumption to a maximum of 6-8 Oz’s/day
• Caffeine poses a danger to an unborn baby- it adversely affects cellular development and constricts the blood flow to the placenta which can lead to decreased flow to the baby.
• The study found twice the risk of miscarriage when 200 mg of caffeine was consumed a day (about 2 cups of coffee) compared to non drinkers

There are many alternatives that are both safe and healthy for mommy and child including herbal caffeine free teas. 

One such tea is Rooibos, or honey bush tea.  Although not technically a tea (it comes from the African Red Bush) its excellent for pregnant women or those looking to conceive.  Anemia is a common problem during pregnancy and with breastfeeding, and tannin (found in traditional black teas) inhibits your body from absorbing any iron that is contained in the tea.  Rooibos naturally has low levels of tannin and is less likely to interefere with iron absorption.  Research also shows that it can help with nausea and vomiting.

For a list of our current Rooibos teas click this link:  http://herbalinfusions.ca/store/index.php?cPath=26

Too watch the full CNN Video click below:

I feel a tug at my waist, and I look down to see her pulling at the bottom of my top, happily chewing away looking up at me with expectant eyes. After I managed to take the material out of her mouth, she gently bumps her head against my thigh, begging for a scratch behind her ears. Who knew goats could be so affectionate?

 I spent the evening wandering around my friends hobby farm, chasing chickens and checking out the vegetable garden she has with tomatoes, peppers, peas and tons of herbs and other good things growing.  Barn cats, as cute as can be, sprang at each other through the grass, then lazed around trying to catch the last few rays of warm sunshine.  One particularly excitable little rascal chased a duck whenever he got the chance, bounding away as soon as the duck retailiated. It was quite the sight and quite the experience.

My friend makes her own chocolate which is to die for. She creates yummy chocolate goodness from pure cacao beans and uses ingredients like goji berries and agave nectar to make the tastiest natural and healthy (yes, I said HEALTHY) chocolate I have ever had the pleasure of eating. She also makes her own marvelous cheese thanks to the shirt chomper who happily provides the goat milk to produce it.

After having a big BBQ and talking to other guests that came out for the day, I stretched out in a hammock under a shady tree and thought, “This is the life for me!”.  Since becoming educated in different types of tea and many of their healing properties, I have also further developed my knowledge of herbs, plants and other natural healing products. I like the idea of being able to live in a way that so few of us do.

Growing your own crops, caring for animals, feeding chickens and collecting eggs… Admittedly, it isn’t everyone’s dream job, but there is a lot of reward in the (very hard) work. There is a feeling of accomplishment, and of appreciation that you just can’t get from buying a carton of eggs or a frozen bag of beans at the grocery store. Buying a chocolate bar at the corner store does not even come close to comparing to the chocolate that my friend makes. Aside from the flavour, it is pleasing to know that everything in it is good for you. In a world where fast food and candy bars are taking over, it’s nice for once to know that I can eat something sweet and tasty without having to worry about what I am putting into my body.  The chocolate is the perfect pair to our Vanilla Chai Dream tea blend whether you are chasing goats around all day or unwinding after a hectic day at the office.

I love the city for many reasons… There is always something going on, and always entertainment of some sort, but for me, nothing beats the feeling I get sitting in a hammock looking at green field with a warm cup of tea in one hand and a homemade chocolate in the other.

For more info about, or to order the chocolate I mentioned above, send an email to: la_selva_girl@hotmail.com

I have recieved a lot of feedback and questions on my blog entry “Tired of Being Tired?… Help is Here” from May. Thank you all for your emails and comments.

 Of course, the main thing I recommend is a special blend of herbal tea that I have created called “Counting Sheep”. It is a blend of high quality egyptian chamomile and lavender that is a perfect combination to relax you before bed and help bring you a good night’s sleep.

Aside from the sleep tips found in “Tired of Being Tired?” there is something else that you more adventurous types may want to try…

 Many people believe  that certain stones have healing properties. These stones have been used for centuries across many cultures to improve both physical and mental well being.  Of course, you can’t just go pick up any old rock and make it cure your sleep problems - but there are certain stones that are said to have properties that aid in sleep.  The top three stones, in my opinion to help give you a peaceful nights sleep are malachite, amethyst and garnet.

Malachite

Malachite is said to be a stone of amplification. It amplifies the users mood whether positive or negative.  It also draws feeling of disharmony into it, cleansing these energies.  Some people believe that it has the abilty to draw out both physical and emotional pain from its user.  Because of these quailites the stone is believed to purifiy dreams and give the user peaceful dreams.

Amythest

Amythest is a great stone to help ease transitions and to bring tranquilty to its user.  It is a stone of protection and is said to have the abilty to turn negative energy into positive. It is frequently used to combat sleep disorders like sleep apnea, tossing and turning, and sleep walking.  The calming power of amythest combats nightmares, and in some people, gives intuitive dreams.

Garnet

Garnet has been used for centuries for healing and decoration. Some of the oldest garnet jewlery found dates back to 3000 BC.  So what did they know that so few of us know? There are two ways which garnet can help us.  Physically,  garnet is said to open up passages connecting to our hearts and improve circulation in this area which is important to sleep.  Mentally, garnet is said to help us connect our concious mind to our subconcious mind, a natural transition in the time between wakefullness and dreams.  It protects the user from nightmares (especially violent nighmares) and also sends vibrations that help the user to be creative in both wakefullness and in sleep.  It is often used for meditation purposes because it helps the user learn from their dreams and apply what they learn to their waking life.

 Tuck one of these stones into your pillow case and see how it works for you.

*Note: This is solely my opinion on aspartame based on personal experiences and research.   

Diet Pepsi, Sugar-Free Gum, Low-Calorie Sweeteners. What exactly makes them taste sweet? In most cases the sweetener is a deadly chemical called Aspartame (also known as Equal, NutraSweet, Equal-Measure, etc).

If you are like me then you probably reach for the packets of artificial sweeteners when having that morning tea or coffee at work. It hit me one morning a few years back when I took a look at the packaging…a really good look: “Take only on the advice of a physician”. Woah! Hold on a second- I have to talk to a doctor before downing this stuff??! This piqued my curiosity so I decided to do a little more research into aspartame and WOW did it change my perception of this so called ‘miracle sweetener’.

There have been many scientifically backed studies that have linked aspartame consumption to the following ailments:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Headaches & Migraines
• Memory Loss
• Brain Tumors
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Heart Palpitations
• Anxiety attacks
• Joint Pain
• Birth Defects
• Cancer (Brain Cancer)
• Obesity (It actually causes you to crave carbohydrates)
• And a whole laundry list of other problems

So how did Aspartame get such a bad reputation?

Well lets go back to how it was discovered. Back in 1965 James Schlatter, a chemist with the G.D. Searle Company, was testing an anti-ulcer drug and discovered Aspartame by accident. In the 80’s it was then approved for first dry goods then beverages. And thus started our obsession with the so called miracle low-cal sweetener. (Note: Aspartame was denied by the FDA more than half a dozen times before they finally approved it for consumption.)

So What Exactly is in Aspartame?

Aspartame is comprised of three chemicals: Aspartic Acid (40%), Phenylalanine (50%), and incredibly wood alcohol/methanol (10%) -all labeled in various publications as ‘chemical toxins or poison’. This cocktail of deadly chemicals does a real number on the human body- affecting everything from memory loss (completely counter productive to the inherent properties found in many whole leaf teas) to Parkinson’s disease (see our blog on how to combat Parkinson’s Disease). Some of these ailments are noticeable right away, while others are acute reactions often occurring gradually.

What Are the Alternatives?

Instead of reaching for aspartame/ sweet n low/ sugar twin try using an all natural alternative such as honey. We sell a great assortment of flavored honey sticks at our virtual storefront. (Note: If you have children under 1 years of age see the alternative below as they should not consume honey)

Honey is great because:

• It is nutritious. Honey contains vitamins like B6, niacin, thiamine, minerals, iron, zinc and certain amino acids. Honey is completely safe for pregnant women to consume and can provide these much needed nutrients.
• Has a healthy Glycemic Index (GI). This essentially means that its sugars can be gradually absorbed into the bloodstream resulting in better digestion and higher rate of metabolism (for weight loss and maintenance).
• Energy. Honey is a great source of natural carbohydrates and has been proven to boost natural performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue in athletes. Our honey comes in pre sealed sticks which make them perfect for camping, hiking, or any other instance where you need a quick burst of energy to keep you going.
• Cold Fighter. Honey helps to boost your immunity against sickness as it is high in antioxidants. There’s some truth to your mother telling you to drink up a mug of honey lemon tea when you were a kid! Add honey to a cup of green tea for a double shot of antioxidants that will help kick start your immune system faster than I can fall off a horse (and that’s pretty flippin fast - Ask Beth, she has seen it first hand.).
• Love the Skin You’re In. Honey is added to a full spectrum of beauty products including skin care, hair care, tanning lotions, facial scrubs, baby care, and moisturizers. And there is good reason why- honey’s hygroscopic (ability to absorb moisture) properties are ideal for cosmetics because they help alleviate dried skin while rejuvenating.

If you have children that are extremely young it is advised that they do not consume honey as their digestive systems are not developed enough to fend off any spores created by the bacterium naturally found in honey. Agave nectar is a good option that does not spike blood sugar and can be purchased at most health food stores and organic food markets.

The short and sweet of it all: Quit consuming products that contain aspartame. If the above list of symptoms did not make the health concerns associated with aspartame consumption clear enough then consider this- when you ingest products containing aspartame, your body processes it and turns it into formic acid. Essentially formaldehyde… that’s right - the stuff that morticians preserve dead bodies with. So stop pickling yourself! Don’t just take my word for it… Take 20 minutes and do some research, and you will see that the miracle sweetener is anything but a miracle.