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Aromatherapy uses plant-derived essential oils to gently stimulate the natural healing action of both body and mind. This enjoyable treatment can include an aromatic massage or bath, or diffusing a scent throughout a room. Essential oils are very small molecules which are able to penetrate the skin and pass through capillaries into the blood and through cell walls. These oils contain hormones, vitamins, antibiotics and antiseptics. Depending on their chemical composition, essential oils can have one or more of the following properties: antiseptic (property of all essential oils), anti-inflammatory, stimulant, sedative, expectorant, diuretic, toning, and bactericidal, spasmolytic, mucolytic, immunostimulant, antiviral and antifungal.
Among the plants rich in essential oils are anise, balm Melissa, basil, chamomile, fennel, elecampane, feverfew, juniper, lavender, marigold, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage, thyme, valerian and yarrow.
We are proud of our commitment to offering a fantastic selection of products to suit your Aromatherapy requirements. Our product lines include Aromas Naturales and Aroma Crystal Therapy.
Take some time to take a search through the Health Tools portion of our web site to learn more about Aromatherapy by reading past articles of the Alive Journal, Canada’s recognized leader in the health and wellness. |
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Why pay for the package? Buy as much or as little as you want - some of this and some of that. Items in our bulk foods section are an economical choice. It is almost always a cheaper way to purchase. So why doesn't everyone buy in bulk? Probably the biggest reason is people aren't in the habit of buying this way. If kept dry and sealed, dehydrated foods can last for years! It's also a great choice for purchasing in very large or very small quantities.
We are pleased to offer you bulk foods as an alternative to the high cost of groceries. Please feel free to take a look at our extensive line of dehydrated bulk foods. |
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Chinese Herbal Medicine is the oldest practiced medicine which goes back more than 5,000 years. The discovery of herbal medicine is ascribed to the legendary emperor Shen Nong (3494 BC). Many remedies and concepts could stand the test of time and their effectiveness has been proven by modern science as well.
About 500 BC the science of herbal medicine had become an integral part and key element of Chinese philosophy and spiritualism. It is therefore much more than just medicine: on the foundations of its discoveries and ideas of the well-being of the body and the soul that became the core of Chinese philosophy it can as well be seen as an attempt to define the meaning of life. Much of the science of Chinese herbal medicine has now been confirmed by Western Medicine.
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One of the body’s natural means of staying healthy is its ability to detoxify itself. Many of the harmful substances we absorb, inhale or create, are rendered harmless and expelled from the body. The organs of detoxification are the liver, kidneys, bowels, lungs and skin.
Avoiding harmful substances such as junk food, drugs and smoke, as well as supporting the organs in their detoxifying action is vital in maintaining and restoring health.
Healthy circulatory and lymphatic systems support detoxification. When these become sluggish, many waste products are left behind in the tissues. Regular exercise and alternating hot and cold baths invigorate both the circulatory system and lymphatic systems.
Fasting is a very effective method of detoxification and purification. It can also be an inspiring and motivating experience. Fasting has been used to cleanse and to strengthen the body and spirit. Fasting has alleviated a wide variety of chronic illnesses, including arthritis, skin problems, chronic inflammation, constipation, migraines, even gallstones and kidney stones.
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Proper digestion leads to optimal absorption and assimilation of food nutrients and supports their effective use and distribution throughout the body. The foods and beverages we choose to eat and drink can assist or impede healthy digestion. Digestive health requires healthy foods, frequent small meals and freedom from stress and anxiety. Digestion begins with the smelling and tasting of food, and chewing properly is a small but effective first step toward proper digestion.
The digestive organs including the intestines, liver, gall-bladder and pancreas, function to provide proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients. The digestive tract, also called the gastrointestinal tract, has numerous connecting points along its route where food is broken down into simpler chemical forms by special enzymes for the digestion and absorption of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Digestive activity in the stomach last anywhere from one to four hours per meal depending on the combination and amounts of food ingested. Liquids pass through the stomach most quickly; next comes carbohydrates, then proteins, and finally fats.
Digestive enzymes can be replaced in two ways: by eating raw, natural foods and through enzyme supplementation. Raw food is the most ideal way to obtain enzymes, since these foods provide the very enzymes needed for their own digestion. Chewing food well stimulates the digestive enzymes in saliva, so that food is already partially broken down before it reaches the stomach.
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Essential oils, also known as volatile oils, have a strong and generally pleasant smell. They taste pungent and are considered warming. Essential oils are common, and most plants contain at least small traces of them.
Essential oils consist of many different substances and can contain as many as fifty single ingredients. One use of these oils is in aromatherapy, which uses such oils as terpenes, terpene alcohols, and aromatic acids. Essential oils are also known for their antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity.
Plants containing essential oils also have the ability to stimulate the immune system. Most volatile oils are also carminative. Important carminatives are the herbs and spices used in cooking as well as mint and camomile.
Essential oils are best used in combination with the whole plant by preparing teas. Pure essential oils (extracts) should not be used internally except with the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.
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If a lot of blood has been lost, eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, squash and fresh fruits. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily to restore the vitamin, mineral and fluid balance in the body. Whole grains, nutritional yeast and egg yolks, all rich in vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), help build antibodies to fight infections from animal or human bites. Eat vitamin-rich, fresh, raw vegetables and fruit that also provide enzymes which boost the immune system and support healing.
All nutrients are necessary for wound healing and a lack of any one can hinder recovery. A number of supplements are particularly supportive of healing wounds. Vitamins C and E are highly recommended to reduce healing time and lessen the likelihood of infection or scarring. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids prevent infection and promote healing. They also induce inflammation and support the immune system once infection has begun. Vitamin E also helps prevent scars from developing.
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The main cause of most heart problems is improper diet, particularly eating too much meat and saturated fat, salt and sugar. Lack of exercise deprives the heart of a sufficient supply of oxygen, resulting in fatty deposits in the arteries. Coffee, alcohol and large meals are also bad for the heart, and the risks for heart disease increase with smoking and high blood pressure. Constant stress is one of the most dangerous conditions for the heart.
Heart disease can be prevented by maintaining a high-fiber, predominantly vegetarian diet. Cayenne pepper lowers cholesterol, dilates arteries, increases blood flow to the coronary circulation, and inhibits palettes from collecting. Vegetables and fruits should be eaten raw as often as possible, since cooking destroys enzymes. Saturated fats from red meat and trans-fatty acids found in shortening, margarine and commercially processed foods are the major cause of heart disease and should be avoided. Fish is a much better source of protein than red meat. Eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods such as tofu, wheat germ, broccoli, potatoes, spinach and chard to help regulate heart activity. Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, prevents thrombus formation and lowers blood pressure.
Supplementation should be used to complement and not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle, which are the main preventers of heart disease. Vitamin C is an excellent vitamin in fighting arteriosclerosis, as it protects the artery walls and hinders clotting. Coenzyme Q10 increases oxygen supply to the heart and has been implemented against coronary heart problems. Vitamin E is also recommended for its role in improving oxygen supply and circulation.
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We are entering a new generation, one that is becoming aware of the many health benefits of tea. We are discovering that tea in its natural state is rich in antioxidants and can assist in the prevention of many medical conditions, aid digestion and enhance weight loss. The procedures used in the production of herbal teas are centuries old and done mainly by hand. Each tea has unique characteristics and flavor, similar to fine wine. The health benefits and rich flavors make it easy to become a regular tea drinker. Even the finest teas are an economical alternative to costly supplements. |
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Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes by cultures around the world for centuries. Drugs often contain the same substances as plants, but in a much altered state, which is why they produce side-effects and herbal remedies do not. Herbs can be taken as teas, tinctures, baths, extracts, oils and juices for the treatment of ailments ranging from coughs and colds to heart problems.
Before making the transition from drug remedies to herbs, consult your health care practitioner, as many drugs cause unpleasant side-effects when combined with other substances. If you are not taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies will provide safe, effective health care.
Visit our store or search the Health Tools section of our web site to learn which herbs provide the best treatment for certain conditions and how to prepare, buy, store and grow your own herbs. Learn more about the healing ingredients in herbs and eliminate the mystery of herbal healing.
Among the manufactures that we carry at the store are Natures’ Way, Herbal Select, and Flora. |
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Homeopathy is a type of medicine that treats illnesses by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. The foundation of homeopathy is that physical and mental health is the natural state of the body and that disease can only occur when this natural balance has been disrupted.
Many people turn to homeopathy for self-help treatment of infections and injuries, such as sore throats, stomach aches and sprained ankles, because they are treated more naturally and safely, without the side-effects of drugs. Homeopathy not only acts as to ease the pain in these instances, but promotes healing and speeds recovery naturally.
Homeopathy strives to restore health by reinforcing the body’s efforts to remove the underlying disease and heal itself. Homeopathic remedies strengthen the body’s resistance and its ability to fight disease. Given renewed strength, the body is then able to kill the germs and do whatever is necessary to restore health.
Remedies are chosen according to the character of the symptom, such as throbbing pain, high fever or restless anxiety. Identified symptoms are matched to a homeopathic remedy that produces similar symptoms in a healthy person on the principle that like remedies cure like illnesses. The homeopathic remedies presently in use are natural-they do not contain any synthetic materials. These medicines originate from plant, mineral and animal sources. Only the very smallest quantities are of these substances are required to trigger the body’s self-healing processes when used correctly.
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Chemicals in the home come from sources such as commercial cleaning products, garden chemicals and workshop supplies such as paint, solvents and transmission fluid. Harmful chemicals can also be contained in personal care products like toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetics, nail polish, soaps and deodorants, Use natural and environmentally friendly products---recycled oil for your car; cosmetics without harmful chemicals and additives; or laundry disks, chemical-free ceramic beads that enhance water’s natural ability to clean.
Always read the product labels and educate yourself about the names of harmful chemicals and ingredients especially in the personal care products you use daily on your face, skin, teeth and hair. Many are made from harmful petrochemicals and should be avoided. Harmful chemicals include aerosol propellants, alcohol, fragrance, artificial colors and flavors, fluoride and ammonia. These chemicals are easily absorbed by your skin and transported throughout your body. To minimize your exposure to detrimental substances, switch to natural products, especially those using organic ingredients.
Our store features many safe, natural alternatives to everyday home and personal care products such as Jason Natural Products, Aubry Organics, Nature’s Gate, and the Country Save Corporation. |
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Certain minerals are essential to the human body. Some of these regulate the water and acid-alkaline balance in the body, which is vital to support life. Minerals provide structure to our skeletal system and promote nerve impulses, along with a multitude of other functions.
The minerals calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulfur are required in abundance in the body. While these are all essential, chlorine, sodium and phosphorus are abundantly available in food and water. Other minerals are needed in the body but are only needed in trace amounts: boron, chromium, copper, fluorine, germanium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, vanadium and zinc. Iodine is needed in the thyroid to regulate the body’s metabolism, and iron is responsible for carrying oxygen in the red blood cells. While both are vital, they too are only required in trace amounts.
Minerals bound to amino acids are called “chelated,” and are usually recommended. Chelated forms include aspirate, citrate, malate, fumarate, glycinate, orate, picolinate and succinate.
Need more information about the world of minerals? Visit us at our store and we will look forward to helping you choose the best option for you. Also take a search through the Health Tools portion of our web site to learn more about these different types of minerals. We feature some of the best manufactures of mineral supplements such as Maxion Nutrition, Natural Factors, and Swiss Herbal. |
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Organic food is grown or produced without using harmful pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers. “Certified organic” means than an independent certifying agency has regularly inspected the farm to ensure that water and soil meet standards for producing organic food. All food can be produced organically, including fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seeds, nuts, meat and dairy products.
Organic food tastes better. It is picked with care when ready and packed by people who are concerned with taste, quality and health. Since organic food is produced from soil that has been enriched with natural compost and has high levels of nutrients and trace minerals you will get more nutrition for your money. Eating organic food reduces your intake of harmful chemicals and lowers your risk of getting various cancers and other illnesses.
When you buy organic foods you are supporting your smaller, local farmers. These organic farmers are your neighbors and are concerned about the health of the community. They help to ensure a sustainable agriculture for future generations by increasing the soil’s natural vitality and mineral content and they help restore biodiversity because they use natural crop diversification. Organic farmers also believe the natural state of the food is the best for health, and reject genetic manipulation as dangerous and harmful.
Buying organic food protects the quality of our waters. Hundreds of tons of harmful pesticides and fertilizers are washed into our rivers, lakes and oceans every year.
Most of our organic foods are supplied by Nature’s Path, Eden Foods and our local farmers. |
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Harmful chemicals are contained in personal care products like toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetics, nail polish, soaps and deodorants, Use natural and environmentally friendly products. Always read the product labels and educate yourself about the names of harmful chemicals and ingredients especially in the personal care products you use daily on your face, skin, teeth and hair. Many are made from harmful petrochemicals and should be avoided. Harmful chemicals include aerosol propellants, alcohol, fragrance, artificial colors and flavors, fluoride and ammonia. These chemicals are easily absorbed by your skin and transported throughout your body. To minimize your exposure to detrimental substances, switch to natural products, especially those using organic ingredients.
Many natural ingredients also offer the advantage of trace nutrients, small amounts of minerals, vitamins and other components that give an ingredient multiple benefits. While papaya is used primarily for its ability to remove dead cells from skin's surface, it also contains the antioxidant vitamins A, E and C. Honey naturally helps restore moisture and softness to the skin but also provides important amino acids, enzymes and vitamins. Many natural ingredients afford these sorts of multi-purpose actions in a balanced, synergistic way that synthetics just can't duplicate.
By combining the healing and nutritive benefits of plant and whole food ingredients with the advances of science skin care products have been developed to be safe, effective and gentle.
Our store features many safe, natural alternatives to everyday home and personal care products such as Jason Natural Products, Aubry Organics, Nature’s Gate, and the Country Save Corporation.
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People today are concerned with the important relationship between nutrition and their health. We are all concerned about the actual ingredient sources, seeking products free of artificial ingredients, colors, preservatives, excess sugars and salt. Minimizing toxic chemicals in our environment and sensitivity for improving our lifestyles extends to our pets as well.
Preventive health care can help add to the length and quality of your pet's life too. All pets deserve the benefits from a lifestyle of optimum nutrition, exercise and regular veterinary visits.
Here are just some of the benefits of feeding your pet a natural diet instead of the traditional commercial pet food products:
Easily digestible
More bio-available - animals utilize more of the food and produce less waste.
More nutrient dense.
Takes less food to satisfy your pets' hunger.
Promotes your pets' own ability to heal itself.
Increases your pets' life expectancy.
Fewer visits to the vet.
Pets live a healthier and happier life.
Good for all stages of your pets' life.
Start helping your best friend today and browse through our store to see all the terrific natural foods, treats and supplements that are available for your pet.
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Without the reproductive system, new members of the species could not be produced and the species would become extinct
Many researchers have implicated hydrogenated fats with undesirable effects in reproduction. Manganese is essential for normal growth because of its role in the utilization of many enzymes and other nutrients, including iron and vitamin E. Responsible for the production of sex hormones, manganese supports the reproductive system Zinc is one of our most important trace minerals. Zinc is needed for many hormones, and supports a healthy reproductive system.
During pregnancy it is more important than ever to eat only whole foods replete with nutrients. Avoid all junk foods, commercially-processed and refined foods, which clog the body and deplete it of needed vitamins and minerals. Two simple dietary steps can ensure nutritional requirements are met for both mother and baby. First, start the day off with a Swiss-style muesli to which a few generous tablespoons of fresh raw wheat germ, grated apple or papaya have been added. The second crucial step is to eat at least two large salads of raw green vegetables daily to supply enzymes for building a strong immune system. The body’s requirements for calcium and folic acids are doubled during pregnancy, and leafy greens provide both these nutrients.
Nutrition is essential during pregnancy, since both the mother and child are dependent on a healthy diet. All medications should be avoided if possible, as these often cause deficiencies. Vitamins and mineral supplements should be taken in low dosages, unless otherwise prescribed by a practitioner. In most cases, a prenatal vitamin will provide sufficient nutrients to prevent nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy.
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Water is an essential nutrient for athletes. A minimum of one ounce per kilogram of total body weight per day is recommended. Drink clean, pure water constantly throughout the day to prehydrate cells in preparation for exercise. The diet of every athlete should also provide a wholesome, natural food base rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, active enzymes, and essential nutrients. Alkaline foods, including fresh fruit, raw juices and multicolored vegetables, are helpful.
Sports nutrition is an art and modern science. It is much more than just counting calories and eating on the run. The quality of food and its delivery throughout the day in relation to training, both before and especially after, is critical. Smaller portions consumed frequently throughout the day, referred to as incremental food partitioning, enhances anabolism and increases metabolic rate.
Soy, rice, legume, and gluten-based vegetable proteins may be used as an alternative to animal proteins. Plant proteins have less biological value than tissue proteins but are generally much lower in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol or arachidonic acid.
Quality muscle depends on a reliable intake of high-quality living fats. These same properties attract oxygen and light which, inside the cell, liberates the energy cells need to oxidize fuel.
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Nutritional supplements are an integral part of natural health today. While nothing can replace a healthy, wholesome diet, food supplements offer the benefits of a concentrated source of nutrients that food alone cannot provide.
Many people are regularly supplementing their diets to ensure an adequate supply of essential nutrients to maintain basic health. Supplements help protect against toxins and prevent cell damage. Today, many North Americans take supplements to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need, whether they are eating well or not. Food supplements also compensate for individual nutrient requirements.
Supplements provide adequate essential nutrients to protect the body against the impact of toxins and help the body detoxify. Vitamins C and E particularly are known for their protective functions. Studies with these vitamins show they even reduce or counteract carcinogenic effects of smoking, stress and illness which deplete the body of Vitamin C. Vitamin E supplies oxygen to the cells, which is vital for cell function. In these ways, supplements maintain health and prevent disease.
Treating yourself successfully with supplements can be an empowering experience. While high doses of supplements are not recommended for self-treatment without guidance from a natural health practitioner, there is a great deal you can do for yourself. It takes time for the body to repair itself, but changing to a healthier lifestyle and using nutritional supplements will produce results in a natural way.
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Vitamins are essential to life. They contribute to good health by regulating the metabolism and assisting the biochemical process that releases from digested food. They are considered micronutrients because the body needs them in relatively small amounts compared with other nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water.
Enzymes are essential chemicals that are the foundation of human bodily functions. They are catalysts (activators) in the chemical reactions that are continually taken place in the human body. Vitamins work with these enzymes as coenzymes, thereby allowing all the activities that occur within the body to happen quickly and accurately.
Of the major vitamins, some are water soluble and some are oil soluble. Water-soluble vitamins must be taken into the body daily as they cannot be stored and are excreted within one to four days. These include vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins tend to come in powder which are then encapsulated or compressed into tablets. Oil-soluble vitamins can be stored for longer periods of time in the body’s fatty tissue and the liver. These include vitamins A, D, E and K. Both types of vitamins are needed by the body for proper functioning.
Visit our store and ask our knowledgeable staff which vitamins will best suit your goals. We feature Organika, Enh Inc, Natural Factors, and New Roots vitamins. Also take a search through the Health Tools portion of our web site to learn more about the different types of vitamins and their different uses. |
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While some people have a lot of trouble keeping their weight down, others cannot sustain enough weight and run the problem of losing energy and becoming malnourished. Some symptoms of weight loss include fatigue, chilliness, low energy drive and listlessness. Weight loss causes low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, which in turn may cause dizziness, irritability and weakness.
Temporary weight loss often results from periods of high stress, nervousness and emotional upset, and usually resolves itself with a little help from a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. Depression causes persistent problems with appetite and weight loss. Unfortunately, these symptoms only perpetuate the listlessness and fatigue associated with depression. Weight loss is also due to poor diet.
Small, frequent meals throughout the day are usually better tolerated than one or two large ones. Take the time to enjoy your meal and let the food stimulate the sense of smell and taste. Eating slowly also aids digestion. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet to obtain complex carbohydrates and fiber.
A healthy diet is important for increasing weight. Nutritional supplements ensure the proper nutrients are included. A multivitamin will provide the essential vitamins. The B vitamins are important building blocks and also stimulate appetite.
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