NATURE’S COMMON SCENTS



Nature’s Common Scents

Healthy Skin Newsletter

January/February 2017 Volume 13, Number 1



sondrancs@ 540.635.7073

this issue:

General HealtH

▪ How to Harm Your Immunity

▪ Moldy Cheese – safe or not?

▪ Chronic Fatigue syndrome

▪ Link Between Vitamin C Intake and Cataracts

▪ Community Acquired Pneumonia

▪ Seasonal Affective Disorder

Skin Health

▪ Moisturize for Healthy Skin

▪ Papaya for Aging skin

Herb and Plant Remedies

▪ Consider Flaxseed for Your Heart

▪ Cocoa Beans for Wrinkles

General Health

How to Harm Your Immunity. Good habits help our immune systems work properly. For example, staying hydrated, exercising, washing hands when you’ve been in public places, and adopting a healthy sleep pattern. But sugar consumption is a big culprit. Eating refined sugar lessens our ability to fight off infection, according to Kathryn Boling, MD, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. The ability for white blood cells to attack and engulf viruses and bacteria is significantly reduced when we indulge in simple sugars, like candy, cakes, syrups, fruit juices, regular carbonated beverages, ready-to-eat cereals and various condiments.

Moldy Cheese – Safe or Not? According to a Mayo Clinic Registered Dietician, moldy soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese and ricotta cheese, as well as any kind of cheese that's shredded, crumbled or sliced should be discarded. Mold generally can't penetrate far into hard and semisoft cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, Parmesan and Swiss. So you can cut away about 1 inch around and below the moldy part and eat the rest. Be sure to keep the knife out of the mold, so it doesn't contaminate other parts of the cheese. If you're not sure, discard the cheese.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is not a disease as such, but a characteristic; a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The symptoms can resemble those of flu and other viral infections and CFS is often mistaken for other disorders. It can be misdiagnosed as hypochondria, psychosomatic illness, or depression because routine medical tests to not detect any problems. If you have persistent fatigue that does not resolve with bed rest and that is severe enough to reduce average daily activity by at least 50 percent for at least six months, see your doctor. It would be a good idea to keep a daily diary so that you can report accurately to your doctor.

According to Prescription for Nutritional Health by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, herbs to help CFS include Astragalus and Echinacea which enhance immune function, as well as burdock root, dandelion and red clover which promote healing by cleansing the blood and lymphatic system. She recommends drinking 4-6 cups daily of a tea of one or combination of these herbs. She suggests adding garlic and fresh ginger root to your diet to help rid the body of parasites, which is a common problem for people with CFS. Other herbs that can be safely taken for most people include Milk Thistle to protect the liver, Olive leaf extract, which is antibiotic and antiviral, and St. John’s Wort which is antiviral and an antidepressant*. It would be best to talk with someone knowledgeable in herbs before embarking on a course of them. Should you choose to take them in capsule form, read all the directions and ingredients on each of the labels. If you would like further recommendations from Phyllis Balch’s book, especially those concerning foods to eat and those to avoid email me. *St. John’s Wort interacts with some medicines and should not be taken by those taking MAO inhibitors.

Link Between Vitamin C Intake and Cataracts. With age, almost everyone experiences cataracts to some degree. In a study over a 10-year period assessing approximately 2,000 women average age 62, it was estimated that genetic factors accounted for 35 percent of the difference in progression of cataracts and environmental factors, including food, accounted for 65 percent of the difference. One of the environmental factors found to slow down the progression was vitamin C in food. People who ate more foods high in the vitamin had fared better. The study didn’t pertain to vitamin C supplements. Foods that contain Vitamin C include green and red peppers, collard greens, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, berries, oranges and other citrus fruits. [Mayo Clinic HealthLetter November 2016]

Community-acquired Pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common type of pneumonia. It is usually caused by bacteria. It affects people who are generally healthy and it often occurs during the flu season. To recover more quickly, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take any medicines as prescribed. To help prevent pneumonia, use the herb Astragalus which enhances the immune system, and Echinacea for the same reason, though use Echinacea for only 2-3 weeks at a time, then stop for at least the same amount of time before starting it again. Add ginger, an effective antimicrobial agent, to your foods or drink it as a tea.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and healing. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons, with symptoms usually starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months. With SAD, your energy is sapped and you feel moody. Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Herbs to help include: St. John's wort* is a highly regarded and clinically tested herb for relieving mild to moderate depression. It can be purchased as a tincture, in capsules, or dried leaves for making teas. It is not to be used in persons taking MAO inhibitors. Lemon balm tea has many medicinal uses, but it's known as a sedative or tranquilizer that can even alleviate spasms, internal or external. It's usually taken as a tea or tinctures. Chamomile tea can take the edge off "cabin fever." It smooths out tension and anxiety. It's best to use the flowers for making the tea. It has a mild taste and soothing quality. Valerian root has relaxing qualities that can also be used alone or in conjunction with the previously mentioned herbs. As a tincture or tea, it can be mixed with lemon balm or other similar herbs to mask the root's odor. Its effectiveness peaks within two or three weeks of use, so it’s best to stop and then start again after a similar amount of time. Extended use is not recommended. Occasionally, Valerian has a reverse effect of hyperactivity. Talk Therapy can be very helpful, especially if you prefer a more natural approach. Email larrywjohnson@ if you would like to discuss how talk therapy can assist you or someone you care about with SAD.

SKIN HEALTH

Moisturize for Healthy Skin. Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin, but also improve skin tone and texture, heal tiny cuts and scrapes, and mask imperfections. The moisturizer that's best for your skin depends on many factors, including skin type, age and specific skin conditions. On the most basic level, moisturizers hold water in the outermost layer of skin. They also act as a temporary barrier. Many moisturizers contain some combination of humectants, emollients and other ingredients. Most moisturizers are water-based as they are easier to apply and tend to not leave a visible residue after application. General guidelines for choosing a moisturizer based on skin type: Normal skin. Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. To maintain this natural moisture balance, use a water-based moisturizer that has a light, non-greasy feel. Dry skin. To restore moisture to dry skin, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that contains ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated. Oily skin. Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. Though oily, such skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that remove oils and dry out the skin. A light moisturizer can also help protect your skin after washing. Sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is susceptible to skin irritations, redness, itching or rashes. Look for a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or aloe, and doesn't contain potential allergens, such as fragrances or dyes. Also, avoid products containing acids, which can irritate sensitive skin. Mature skin. As you age, your skin tends to become drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. To keep your skin soft and well-hydrated, choose an oil-based moisturizer. Keep in mind that skin type can vary, depending on environment, hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and menopause, and disease. Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. Pat or blot your skin until it's just barely dry, then apply moisturizer immediately to help trap water in the surface cells. [Mayo Clinic 2016.]

Papaya (Carica papaya L) for Aging Skin. Antioxidant-rich Papaya may help improve aging skin according to a study published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2016. A fermented papaya preparation improved skin antioxidant capacity and signs of aging (including skin moisture, brown spots and elasticity). It is also being studied in lab and animal studies for its ability to help control blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to help fight inflammation and oxidation to protect against cancers. [Environmental Nutrition, January 2017]

HERB AND PLANT REMEDIES

Consider Flaxseed for your Heart. Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based type of omega-e fatty acid. Flaxseed oil has more ALA than ground flaxseed, but it doesn’t contain the full nutritional benefit of ground flaxseed. It’s not clear which components of flaxseed are most beneficial for the heart. It is entirely possible that all the components of the plant work together for the best healing, which is why supplements lack the full benefits and can’t help the body the same way the plant itself can. [Mayo Clinic HealthLetter, November 2016]

Cocoa Beans for Wrinkles. The cocoa plant’s name is Theobroma, which means food of the gods. Cocoa powder has been used medicinally for at least 500 years. It is the flavonoid compounds in cocoa beans that is of particular interest currently. Research documents heart health benefits and new studies support additional advantages, including cognitive and vascular benefits. A study in the Journal of Nutrition suggested regular cocoa consumption has positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Rather than eating more chocolate candy, try adding unsweetened cocoa powder to savory dishes; mix with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to enhance traditional balsamic vinaigrette; add to oatmeal; stir into muffins, pancakes, waffles and other quick breads; blend into coffee, milk, yogurt, or smoothie. A tablespoon of cocoa powder has just 12 calories.

If you received this newsletter from Nature’s Common Scents, you personally gave me your email address for that purpose. However, we all get too much in our email boxes and have to make choices. If you wish to discontinue, e-mail me at sondrancs@ putting the word “discontinue” in the subject line and I will take your name off right away. Or if you wish to be sure you are on the list, send me an email saying “newsletter” in the subject line. If you are unable to receive bulk emails, these are often treated like junk mail and are returned, in which case I have no choice but to remove your name from my list even if you intended to receive it. Be sure to check on this.

Evensong/Nature’s Common Scents. Twenty acres of wild and naturally growing trees, plants, shrubs, and herbs, most of which are healing in one way or another. We teach about them and how best to use them, provide herbal walks and “quiet days” for interested persons. Also we make old fashioned, easy-to-understand therapeutic skin care products to heal troubled skin and teach how to make “teas, tonics & tinctures” from local and/or readily available plants and herbs, believing you should be able to understand and pronounce everything you put in and on your body. This newsletter is written and edited by Sondra Johnson, a member of the American Herbalists Guild and the Herb Society of America. She is not a doctor; recipes and facts in this newsletter are researched from many areas and passed on for informational purposes. Comments are editorial, and the opinion of the author. People with health problems, new or ongoing, should consult qualified medical personnel. Anyone can become allergic to anything at any time. Even if you have never experienced allergies to plants, when you make or use one medicinally, you should always do a skin test first to see if you can tolerate the plant and the ingredients in the product. (Rub a small amount of the product on the upper, inside of your arm. Observe for 8-10 hours. If rash develops, discontinue use.)

Note: With few exceptions, plants or herbs noted in this newsletter are what would be in regular use in your home on a daily basis in and for food. This newsletter only confirms their good use for your health as researched by the scientific community. If, after self-treatment, your symptoms don’t begin to improve, or if you have a fever above 100.4 F see your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing as well as anyone who is under the care of a physician for a specific malady should always use caution when self-treating as many herbs are contraindicated. Always tell your doctor if you add herbs for healing to your regular daily routine.[pic]

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2017 Workshop Schedule

For details, see Website, or email me. Class size limit: 10.

• April 3 Monday, Soapmaking

• April 21 Friday, Teas, Tonics & Tinctures

• May 10 Wednesday, Soapmaking

• May 27 Saturday, Soapmaking

• June 9 Friday, Teas, Tonics & Tinctures

• June 16 Friday, Soapmaking

• July 7 Friday, Soapmaking

• July 19 Wednesday, Soapmaking

• August: No workshops scheduled

• September 4 Monday (Labor Day) Soapmaking

• September 20 Wednesday, Soapmaking

• October 14 Saturday Soapmaking

• October 28 Saturday Soapmaking

• November 10 Friday Soapmaking

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