In recent years, our lexicon been bombarded with antibacterial products. Hand sanitizer dispensers are found all over the place, including my local YMCA. The shopping cart corral at the market usually has a canister of antibacterial wipes handy for the handle. Who knows what germs and other "ickies" infested the hands of the person who used it prior, right? Or at least that's the idea. (more…)
It might not surprise you to hear that as many as 70% of all American homes own a pet. Pets bring a lot of joy and are usually considered a true member of the family. Petting a cat or dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s not hard to understand why we have a real emotional connection to our pets. However, for people with allergies to animal dander, pets can pose a concern. (more…)
Let's take a moment and discuss a concern that affects a lot of people, but is often stigmatized- body odor. Body odor stinks, literally and figuratively. Research has shown that some people with body odor have concerns in their personal and social relationships. Feelings of shame, embarrassment, low self-esteem, isolation, frustration, and depression are extremely common where body odor is present. (more…)
Traditional Chinese Medicinal practitioners have long revered the bark, leaves and flowers of the Mimosa tree for its potent health benefits. The Mayan people of Central America also revered the plant, and commonly used it for aiding trauma injuries and burns. And while little modern scientific research has been conducted on the qualities of this plant, time-tested ancient wisdom has long praised this herb as an important therapeutic tool. Usually, for health applications, the bark of the tree is shaved and dried and used in tincture and capsule forms. The […]
Peppermint oil is a versatile, aromatic oil, widely used for various ailments including indigestion, headache, and muscle aches. Found in gum, mints, mouthwash, and many other products, peppermint oil is a powerful cleanser derived from the plant native to Europe, and has been popular with herbalists for centuries before current appreciation by the scientific and medical community. (more…)
