Go Red , it does more good than you think.

Normally, for my Therapeutic Thursday's post I share some information about the benefits of essential oils or something else along those lines. This week however, I am going to blog about the benefits and power of RED....red cherries.

February is National Cherry month, cherries are now considered a "super food." Cherries are very high in antioxidants and beta-carotene (19 times more than blueberries and strawberries). It is also a good source of iron and fiber among other important nutrients. New studies are showing that cherries help with minimizing the pain of such ailments as arthritis and gout. Which means it must have anti-inflammatory properties. This super fruit also has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.Wow, who knew? I guess the CDC and JAMA. ;)

Even more interesting to me was learning that cherries contain melatonin (a sleep regulator) and that if a person has a diet enriched with cherries they can shrink the belly fat. SAY WHAT? I don't know about you, but I can always use a good night sleep and a slimmer waist.

If you would like to know more information about the benefits of cherries and how to incorporate them in your healthy lifestyle check out www.choosecherries.com

Okay, so what are you waiting for? GO GET SOME CHERRIES.

Therapeutic Thursday's: Rose Hydrosol

It's smell is very distinct, and posses a seductive quality that many find appealing. I'm speaking about The Rose. Although I do like to try my hand at some summer and spring time gardening, I've never planted a rose bush. I think it appears to be such a delicate flower, I don't want to take my chances with it for fear that I would ruin it. I like very simple and hearty plants and shrubs, drought tolerant and requiring little maintenance. The Rose would NOT be one of them in my opinion.

But, what I can have at home is the Rose hydrosol. A hydrosol is the by product of the steam distillation of plants; A process of extracting the life blood or essential oil . Once the essential oil is skimmed off the top, the water remaining contains minute molecules of the essential oil and other properties not found in the essential oil itself. Therefore making the water a very useful product. Using hydrosols is a great way to gain the benefits of very expensive essential oils, without paying the expensive price. ( of course, I like that)

The benefits of Rose hydrosol are numerous. It works wonderful as a skin toner, especially on mature skin. Use it in replace of water when creating homemade masks, and lotions. Rose hydrosol is also antibacterial, making it good for acne prone skin. In particular, this hydrosol works especially well with women. In her book, Susan Catty even suggests that it be taken internally to balance the female hormones (yes, drinking it. it's not bad). I like to also use it as a linen spray, a air spritzer, and as an addition to my bath water. There are many options, which one will you choose? Check out this book by Susan Catty, it's a great way to learn plenty more about hydrosols.

Lately, I havent been getting enough of it.

Ive been guilty of something, really guilty. I have not being doing what I know that I ought to do. I have not been drinking enough water. Which is pretty sad because I work in the holistic health field and promote healthy living. I tell my clients to drink a lot of water after each reflexology session, "It carries away the toxins." Yet, I am not heeding my own advice.

I don't know why I am being so rebellious. I know that water has many benefits such as:

• supports the metabolism
• supplies nutrients and oxygen into cells
• healthier skin
• aids digestion and constipation and
• detoxifies

I've got to get better with this before I create a situation. Last year I was hospitalized due to serious kidney infection. Not. Fun. I certainly do not need a repeat of THAT. Besides, it's not cute to have dry cracked lips or wrinkly, flaky skin ( sure signs of dehydration).

I know that I need to drink 75ounces of water a day, as a rule- drink half your body weight in ounces. So I'm going full force with this. Again... Doing whatever it takes, adding lemon, mint leaves, cucumbers or limes to add flavor. Making my water consumption more palatable, because woman cannot live on coffee and wine alone. Although it makes life more interesting. haha!

What about you? Do you need to boost up your water intake?

Therapeutic Thursdays : my cup o' tea

I love a good warm cup of tea. There are so many varieties to choose from for all purposes. A nice cup of tea is perfect when winding down after a long day. It is soothing when you are experiencing some anxiety and cozy when it's nippy outside. Most are familiar with the internal goodness of herbal teas in a cup but how many are aware of the herbal teas in the bath?

A few years ago I was introduced to the herbal bath teas and have been hooked ever since.

A Single or a group of healing herbs nestled in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and steeped in a hot bath can do wonders. I used a combination of lavender, chamomile, Valerian root and passion flower. It was a very sleep inducing concoction. Perfect for when I had a hard time sleeping or really needed to relax. Once the bag has been steeped for 10 minutes you will enjoy the aroma that fills your bathroom.

There are bath teas for all purposes and intents ; cold & flu, menopause relief, inflammation, pain relief and even romance. Herbal Bath Teas may also be used for facial steams: Add a tablespoon of Herbal Bath Tea to a bowl of boiling water to create an infusion. Using a soft towel to cover your head and the bowl, place your face over the bowl and relax allowing the tension to release as you breathe in the purifying steam.

Give it a try, grab your favorite herbs and have yourself a cup of tea..."ahem" or a tea BATH.

Therapeutic Thursdays

I have something new that I want to start on my blog. Because I have an appreciation for holistic health I want to share it with my readers. One way that I have decided to do this is to begin a new series called Therapeutic Thursdays. Originally I was posting these on my Hippie Chicks fan page but figured it would be a good feature here too.

My first Therapeutic Thursdays post will be :

Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary is one of my favorite essential oils because it can do so much. Popularly known as a tasty addition to chicken, fish and vegetable dishes. Outside of its wonderful flavor however, it aids the digestive system when it is eaten.

As an essential oil it works as a stimulant to the body's central nervous system. Which is no wonder why it has been commonly called a "wake up" oil. When trying to get yourself in gear for the long day ahead incorporate a few drops in a natural shower gel. Or create a wake me up spray with Rosemary, peppermint and sweet orange. Spritz a little bit above the sleepy heads in your house. There will definitely be a sense of clarity in the air.

Along, with keeping you alert you can also count on Rosemary to soothe your aching muscles. It is an antiseptic oil, so it is great for conditions such as muscle sprains, arthritis, and rheumatism. I like to use it with Lavender, peppermint, and cypress for a good back rub.

With the cold and flu season upon us and everyone very concerned about the Swine flu, now would be a great time to pick up a bottle of Rosemary. It is good for the immune system, use up to 5 drops in a warm bath.

See what I mean? Variety. So, the next time you walk past a fragrant Rosemary bush and rub its leaves between your fingertips, remember all of its goodness. It is so much more than just a fragrant bush.