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HealThySkin Newsletter

Nature's Common Scents

PO Box 2081

Front Royal, VA 22630

www.naturescommonscents.com

SPRING 2010 Volume 6 Number 2

In this issue:

General Health

· Genetically Speaking

· Vitamins for the Mind

· Schizophrenia/Psychotic Disorders Improve with Fish Oil

· Phthalates Danger

· No-TV Sleep

· Daily Detox

· Healthy Pantry

· Like Air Fresheners? Go Natural

· Modern Medicine Increases Decline Associated with Old Age

· Eat and Drink Refined Sugar Products/Catch Cold More Easily

Skin Health

· Congress to Fund Psoriasis Patient Registry

· Detox Outside Too

· Crow's Feet / Aging Eyes

· Organic Beauty Products

· Biotin for Radiant Skin/Healthy Hair

Herbal Tips

· Common Herbs Being Used for Natural Pesticides

· Herbs for Weight Loss

· Tea Healthy

· Clary Sage More than Just Eye Clearing

My Schedule at a Glance (see end of newsletter for details).

· March 13, 14 and 20, 21 Highland County Maple Festival. Visit www.highlandcounty.org.

· April 17 and 24, Soapmaking Workshops, Evensong, Front Royal VA

· May 15, Spring Tonic Workshop, Evensong, Front Royal VA

HerbDay

May 1, 2010 is HerbDay. Previously celebrated in the Fall, HerbDay is set aside for celebrating herbs in your community. The new Spring date means plenty of fresh herbs will be available during the many celebrations going on about the country. For more information, visit www.herbday.org. Additional information can be found at www.herbcompanion.com/calendar.

GENERAL HEALTH

GENETICALLY SPEAKING. It is encouraging to know that genes do not dictate destiny. "The environment, both within and without, modifies genetic expression, turning on some and turning off others," says Linda B. White, M.D. (The Herbal Drugstore, Rodale, 2000) Lifestyle choices make the difference. If you know your genetic history, or predisposition to certain diseases, then you can be ahead of the game by learning what to do and what not to do in your own life. For most of us, making the basic "good decisions" - choosing to exercise and avoid stress, staying away from tobacco, excessive alcohol and junk food, and learning what constitutes good nutrition is enough. Teens and young adults can benefit from herbs with antispasmodic properties; adults up to about age 45 should seek out adaptogenic herbs; older adults will find helpful herbs that address illnesses specific to their age group. I'll be addressing this topic at my Spring Tonic Workshop May 15!

VITAMINS FOR THE MIND. It is difficult to ignore that several nutrients affect the brain chemistry and function, says the UCLA Division of Geriatrics, adding cautiously that the beneficial effects (and/or toxicity) of supplementation on the brain have not yet been conclusively proven. Nevertheless, scientists have known for years that both the developing as well as the mature brain are influenced by nutrition.

Leafy green vegetables, legumes and other foods that contain the B vitamins are vital to normal brain and nerve function. Changes in mood and mental function, even depression and dementia, occur during deficiency (see article on schizophrenia below). Additionally adequate intake of antioxidants in the form of foods that contain vitamins C and E as well as anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are also essential to defend against brain aging.

A well balanced diet, including fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds (all sources of the nutrients our brains need) supplemented with a multivitamin are recommended. [Healthy Years, UCLA Division of Geriatrics, Volume 4G]

My comments: Think of food first before reaching for supplements. Yes, take a multivitamin, but use caution regarding taking vitamins individually. While taking a variety of supplements can be helpful in some cases, knowledge about taking them is key, as some vitamins, including but not limited to, E and A, build up and can become toxic. If you are taking five or more vitamins and/or supplements daily, it would be a good idea to confer with a trusted medical adviser, especially a nutritionist. A further caution: our medicines and supplements are being made in ever-increasing quantities in foreign countries, like China where they do not have the same standards we do. Just be aware and informed.

SCHIZOPHRENIA, PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS IMPROVED WITH FISH OIL. The Archives of General Psychiatry (February) says people at extremely high risk of developing a psychosis were found to be less likely to have psychotic disorders after just twelve weeks of taking fish oil capsules containing omega-3 fatty acids. It is believes that the supplementation may be effective because individuals with schizophrenia have an underlying dysfunction in fatty acid metabolism. "Early treatment in schizophrenia and other psychoses has been linked to better outcomes … intervention in at-risk individuals holds the promise of even better outcomes, with the potential to prevent full-blown psychotic disorders," the authors wrote. In tests, supplementation with the fatty acids significantly reduced mental illness symptoms and improved overall functioning. Further, there were no side effects associated with the use of fish oil. [The Herbal Dispatch, Vol. 8, Issue 2 February 2010]

PHTHALATES A DANGER. Phthalates (pronounced by ignoring the "ph") are a group of chemicals called plasticizers that are added to vinyl plastics to make them flexible. They are commonly found in household and personal care items like toys, packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, nail polish and shampoo. Dr. Rolf Halden, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences believes that phthalates are environmental contaminants that can exhibit hormone-like behavior by acting as endocrine disruptors in humans and animals. A July 2008 act of Congress (U.S.) banned some phthalates from cosmetics and children's toys.

Phthalates are found in fat-containing foods, and they migrate into foods from plastic food wrappings, recycled fiber materials like paper and possibly printing inks used on wrappers; they enter foods during processing due to the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in food production and general contamination of the environment. Heating plastics can leach phthalates from containers into food and water.

To reduce exposure to phthalates: Use glass containers for storing and heating food. Avoid personal care and household products that contain "fragrance" in the ingredients' list, as well as beauty products that have dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Never cook or microwave in plastic. Replace your vinyl shower curtain with cloth. Check that children's toys are phthalate-free. Don't purchase lawn furniture or building materials made of flexible PVC or vinyl plastic. We at HealThy Skin Newsletter have been warning for years to stay away from plastic, especially don't microwave or cook in it!

To find a list of personal care products with safety rating based on toxicity, visit www.cosmetics-database.com.

NO-TV SLEEP. Our bodies require darkness to stimulate production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Even if you fall asleep more easily with the television on, your body cannot/will not do its proper nighttime job. The peak of our body's metabolic, detoxification and cellular renewal processes happens around midnight. If you don't get to sleep on time, you miss the body's A-train to rejuvenation, says Thomas Yarema, M.D., Center for Wellness & Integrative Medicine.

DAILY DETOX. Instead of a taxing detoxification program, keep your body at its peak on a daily basis. Eat more green vegetables especially cruciferous ones like broccoli, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, Chinese cabbage and artichokes. The powerful sulfur compounds enhance any detoxifying enzymes and boost the liver's ability to detoxify says integrative nutritionist (Duke University, Durham, NC) Beth Reardon, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. In general, to remove toxins from your body naturally and on a regular basis eat prunes, garlic, dark leafy greens, lean meats and cold-water fish, fruits and whole grains.

HEALTHY PANTRY. If the following foods are available in your pantry, you will always have the makings of a healthy meal: Dried beans, whole grains, sweet potatoes, whole grain pasta, coconut milk, carton or jar packed tomatoes*, garlic and onions, nuts and seeds, homemade breadcrumbs and croutons. Find recipes at naturalhealthmag.com. *Don't use canned tomatoes anymore until they fix the BPA (bisphenol A) problem. Even organic tomatoes are sold in containers that contain BPA. Grow your own tomatoes (in pots even!) this year as they will be in short supply this year.

LIKE AIR FRESHNERS? GO NATURAL. Many if not most commercial air fresheners (plug-ins, sprays, etc.) contain phthalates (mentally connect the word "Fragrance" with "Phthlates"). If you like fragrance in your home, make it natural. Make a natural potpourri of dried herbs. To refresh or make the aroma stronger, add a drop or two of essential oils. To make your own room spray, put a few drops of essential oil into a spray bottle filled with witch hazel. Use lavender to relax, rosemary to invigorate and encourage mental activity. Seasonally use cinnamon, clove, orange or mint.

MODERN MEDICINE INCREASES PHYSICAL DECLINE ASSOCIATED WITH AGE. The perception of old age - growing feeble, forgetful and immobile - is exacerbated by and largely the result of modern medicine! Older people are drowning in unnecessary medication. The average person in his 60s takes at least six drugs all of which are interacting to unknown effect. The major drugs routinely dispensed as "just-in-case" medicine can cause all of the conditions that we've come to associate with old age … physical instability, forgetfulness, incontinence and dementia. At least five of the drugs routinely prescribed to seniors can cause falls, and virtually any of the drugs, even "over-the-counter" ones, are capable of causing some sort of cognitive impairment. [The Herbal Dispatch, Vol. 8, Issue 2 February 2010]

EAT AND DRINK REFINED SUGAR PRODUCTS / CATCH COLD MORE EASILY? Studies indicate that the amount of refined sugar in just two cans of soda (or one large McDonald's or Seven Eleven cup) can reduce your white blood cells' cold-fighting abilities by up to 40 percent! [Natural Health, December/January 2009]

SKIN HEALTH

CONGRESS TO FUND PSORIASIS PATIENT REGISTRY. On December 10, 2009, Congress approved an appropriations bill for 2010 that includes $1.5 million to establish a psoriasis patient registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Considered a major victory for psoriasis advocates, this is the first time the U.S. Congress has specifically funded an action directed at helping to find a cure. The CDC will use this initial funding to design how the agency will collect data from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients. The information they collect will help scientists understand: The relationship between psoriasis and other serious conditions (co-morbidities); the impact of treating psoriasis early; how factors such as age, gender, race and ethnicity, and environment influence psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; and new avenues for research towards treatments and a cure. (They want people to sign up.)

Performer LeAnn Rimes who became a singing sensation some years ago at age 14 with the song "Blue," has dedicated herself to letting members of Congress know about psoriasis and the importance of data collection for better disease management, more effective treatments, and a cure.

[National Psoriasis Foundation or www.psoriasis.org]

My comment: Use caution when signing up for any government program.

DETOX OUTSIDE TOO. Unless your diet is particularly bad, you probably don't have to go through a detoxification program. And certainly if you are pregnant or nursing, have an eating disorder or are anemic, have cancer or any kind of chronic health condition, don't do it (unless recommended by a physician). That said, just about anyone can do the following to keep the skin in good shape: Move. Do a little aerobic exercise to increase circulation and get the lymph moving. Walking for 30 minutes can accomplish this. Brush your skin. With a natural bristle brush, brush your skin before your shower with brushstrokes toward the heart. This stimulates the circulation of blood in the tiny blood vessels that are within the body tissues helping them to flush out toxins. Shower hot and cold. Showering not only removes toxins from your skin and opens the pores for further elimination, it can boost circulation. Start with hot water for about three minutes, and then turn the water to cold (not so cold that you shock yourself though!) Stand in the cold for thirty seconds. [Natural Health Magazine, March 2010]

CROWS' FEET/AGING EYES. Simple and yet not easy, caring for our eyes and the skin around them takes constant attention. Get a proper amount of rest; turn off television, computer, BlackBerry to induce a restful sleep. Don't rub or tug at your eyes. Wear sunglasses even when the day seems overcast. Don't add salt to food (causes water retention). De-stress (cortisol, the stress hormone, causes skin to lose collagen, the protein that keeps it firm). [Better Homes and Gardens, March 2010]

ORGANIC BEAUTY COMPANIES. Keeping in mind that the terms "natural" and "organic" are used broadly often without specific definitions, there are a few places online that can help you locate companies that make more healthful beauty products. Beautorium.com and saffronrouge.com are two places recommended by Natural Health magazine to direct you to American natural products and some European brands not easily found.

BIOTIN FOR RADIANT SKIN/HEALTHY HAIR. While it is rare that people in the U.S. would be biotin deficient, nevertheless the B vitamin cannot be produced naturally and seems to be necessary for healthy skin and hair. It is found in many foods (brewer's yeast, cooked egg yolks, meat, milk, poultry, saltwater fish, soybeans and whole grains) and the body can recycle much of the biotin it has already used. NIH (National Institutes of Health) notes that biotin has been suggested as a treatment for brittle fingernails, particularly in women.

Biotin aids in cell growth, promotes healthy sweat glands, nerve tissue and bone marrow. It also helps relieve muscle pain. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, may occur as a result of biotin deficiency. Indications of deficiency in older people include anemia, depression, hair loss, high blood sugar, inflammation or pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, insomnia, loss of appetite, muscular pain, nausea and soreness of the tongue. [Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and Health & Nutrition Letter, Tufts University, February 2010]

HERBAL TIPS

COMMON HERBS BEING USED AS NATURAL PESTICIDES. Essential oils extracted from common kitchen herbs and spices can be used as safer, less destructive pesticides. Murry Isman, University of British Columbia, presented this information at the Fall meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, DC. Essential oils are less toxic to farm workers, they break down quickly and are less likely to cause lasting harm to the environment. It is also believed that insects are less likely to develop resistance to them. The downside is that so far they need to be applied much more frequently. Keep this in mind when using natural essential oil products for insect repellents. [We now add lemon eucalyptus to our Insect-be-Gone products which helps improve their effectiveness. See the Website for details.]

HERBS FOR WEIGHT LOSS. [Much of the information below taken from "Herbs for Weight Loss," Maria Noel, The Herb Quarterly, Spring 2010.] Herbs for metabolism. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) which in higher amounts than one would usually sprinkle on foods can help burn fat. Careful as too much at one time can aggravate ulcers and heartburn. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) seems to reduce appetite and increase metabolism as well as increase energy levels. Supplements may not be a good idea. Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) appears to boost metabolism and curb appetite. Herbs for energy enhancement. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) perks up energy levels by increasing cognitive activity. Inhaling fumes from the essential oil seems to be effective. Drinking green tea is also helpful. Herbs to curb cravings. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) seems to modulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, relieving tension, improving mental focus and balancing blood sugar. Take it also as a tea (called tulsi tea). Cinnamon (without added sugar) regulates blood sugar. Plants to fill you up. Plants (vegetables and herbs) are low in calories and good sources of essential nutrients. Eat lots of veggies; use them to replace other things you would otherwise be eating.

TEA HEALTHY. Both black and green tea have many health benefits and should be taken as "tea" not supplements. Included in the benefits are cardiovascular health, protection against breast, prostate and other cancers, and even pneumonia. Tea also helps keep weight under control and keeps cells young. While studies in those areas often indicate more tea than many of us drink, the fact is tea is good for you and should be included regularly in your diet. Steep black tea 2-3 minutes in just-boiled water, green tea for a full four minutes in 180 degree water (the temperature the water drops to a couple of minutes after boiling). [Health & Nutrition Letter, Tufts University, February 2010]

CLARY SAGE MORE THAN JUST EYE CLEARING. The name "clary" is derived from the Latin clarus, meaning "clear." The herb was a medieval remedy for blurred vision and eyestrain and herbalists still claim clary (as a tea) as an eye cleansing herb. Externally, the essential oil is warming and relaxing, making it excellent for massage. It can lower blood pressure and help with menstrual cramps. It has even been known to create a state of euphoria! [The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers] Due to its ability to bring peace and tranquility, I have now added clary sage to the massage oil (called Rosewood Massage Oil) I originally made to help my granddaughter's cramps. Rosewood, recommended for tired, tense or pained muscles as well as acne and blemishes, can also be used after bathing to clarify and balance the skin, whether oily or dry. Neither of these essential oils can be taken internally or during pregnancy. To make it yourself, add up to a quarter teaspoon of either to a half cup of sweet almond oil. To read about Rosewood Massage Oil, see my Website or in my product brochure.

MY SCHEDULE / UPCOMING SHOWS: March 13, 14 and 20, 21 Maple Festival, Monterey, Highland County, Virginia. A unique experience, almost like backwards time-travel into another world of mountains and rustic farms and lifestyle, with costumed folks from the 19th century, Civil War camps and re-enactors, opportunities to visit farms that extract sap the old fashioned way as well as the modern way. All that, as well as hundreds of unique crafters, both indoors and out. Festivities go on all week, but the craft fairs are only on the weekends. Visit www.highlandcounty.org. (Time is short, but if you want a free brochure, call me.)

APRIL 17 AND 24 - SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP. Last year's soapmaking workshops went very well. After watching me demonstrate the several processes involved in making soap, several people decided to return to make it while I watched them. This reverse process allowed them hands on experience but with the opportunity to have me there to guide them. If you are interested in watching and/or making soap this year we will be doing it April 17 and April 24 here at my little workshop. E-mail to sign up.

MAY 15 - SPRING TONIC WORKSHOP. In days of old (really not that long ago!) people depended upon spring tonics to relieve their bodies of the sludge of winter. There was a lot to that, because they were not blessed to have the food varieties we currently have available at any time of the year. Nevertheless there are some good tonic recipes that are worth knowing, and if the weather permits, we will also wander the grounds of Evensong, picking and cutting plants that can be healthful at this time of year. If the weather does not cooperate, we will be examining them inside (already cut and ready). You will have fun tasting and experimenting! We will also have a quick course on specific herbs to benefit specific age groups.

Please indicate your interest in either or all of these workshops by e-mailing me and I will send you the details by return e-mail.

Your next HealThySkin Newsletter will come in June. Have a healthy and productive Spring. If you have questions concerning your skin, if you would like to visit my soap-making studio and shop, place an order, or add a friend to the mailing list, contact me by phone or e-mail. Until the next newsletter, remember - almost everything you put on the outside of your body goes inside and what you put inside will ultimately affect the outside!

Many blessings, Sondra Johnson

Nature's Common Scents / We make in our home kitchen old fashioned, easy-to-understand therapeutic skin care products to heal troubled skin, believing you should be able to understand and pronounce everything you put in and on your body. Sondra Johnson is not a doctor; recipes and facts in this newsletter are researched from many areas and passed on for informational purposes. People with any health problems should consult qualified medical personnel. Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends. To discontinue this newsletter, e-mail me at SondraBJ@shentel.net

putting the word "discontinue" in the subject line.

Item HSH $20.00

Product Brochure Publication Date Winter 2009

540.635.7073 sondrabj@shentel.net www.naturescommonscents.com

Nature's Common Scents