The Healing Link

Joanna's "Less Plastic" Project

2011-08-10T17:27:00.003-06:00

So on this past weekend, I decided consciously to use less plastic. The idea came about after I noticed how many products I used (before breakfast I might add) that contained plastic. I counted 66 items, which was only in the first 45 minutes of my day! This was astonishing to say the least and I had a supreme 'a-ha' moment as Dr. Phil would call it.

It really hit me how much plastic we use and then dispose of in a matter of minutes, our beautiful planet paying the price for our frivolous behaviours. There HAS to be a better way. The precise moment was when I reached into the hall closet to grab another roll of toilet paper, only to get frustrated that I had to unwrap the paper from 3 layers of plastic covering. Really? 3 layers? Is this needed?

If we can send Man to the moon, I'm confident we can reduce these wasteful, unnecessary, and eco-destroying practices.

So without further adieu, here's what I pledge to do. Will you join me? I know we can make a difference.

I, Joanna McDonald, pledge to find new alternatives to plastic every day. I consciously commit to change my life (and the health of the planet). I vow to re-think my everyday purchases and re-use the resources I have.

Day 1 - Transfered my beans, pasta, and grains to glass Mason jars.
Day 2- Used a stainless steel water bottle all day
Day 3 - Brought my own to-go cup to Timmy's
Day 4 - Bought a Bamboo toothbrush
Day 5 - Bought bulk food today; brought my own containers to store instead of using bags.
Day 6 - Found a cloth lunch bag to transport my lunch in - used stainless steel containers today

Continue checking in for more ideas!! Do you want to join me? Leave a comment to join the project...then we can swap ideas and really get the ball rolling. Yours in health and light,

Joanna :)

RESOURCES:

1. Slow Death by Rubber Duck - Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie
2. There's Lead in Your Lipstick - Gill Deacon

Dandelions – Reap the Benefits!

2011-08-04T12:04:00.003-06:00

What’s the deal with dandelions? I think that these sunny-looking flowers are cute, offering a pleasant ‘have a great day!’ attitude every time look at them. You can’t help but smile at their cheery presentation. They do remind me of Canadians in a way...and they are soooooo good for you! Read on for all their star-studded qualities:

Almost every day though, when I’m out on my serenity nature walk or a blessed bike ride, I see someone frantically tugging at weeds and dandelions. I see people spraying weed killer, having their lawns doused with toxic chemicals, or mowing their lawns until there’ almost nothing left. It seems like an all out war to have the perfect lawn, man against anything non-green in yards. Where did this obsession come from? Has Man finally gotten to the end of his garden hose? I say this because it looks like people are angry and desperate when dealing with dandelions; it’s kinda funny and frightening at the same time! You know what I’m talking about; the guy next door in Bermuda shorts and socks pulled up to his knees on a rampage, or the lady at the Home Depot who can’t breathe because she’s so uptight about getting rid of some pest in her yard. Here’s a news flash – work with nature, not against it.

Personally I don’t see the point why everyone is so bent out of shape. First of all, summer is for relaxing, so relax and take nature as it comes. Secondly, ‘summer’ in Calgary is not that long so why bother spending money and energy on something for a 2 month season; and on something that will always come back, time after time?

That’s where I come in; to spread the good news about dandelions. Hear ye, hear ye!! THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU. Not only do they help the environment and the eco-system by providing nutrients for birds and insects, but they are nutritional power-houses! I look forward to seeing my sunny friends every year, because to me it means delicious healing teas and nutrition-bursting salads!

Besides being full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, dandelions have many uses. You can use every part of the dandelion from root to leaf, making it an economical way to incorporate a medicinal supplement with a food source. Your local organic market is probably the best place to acquire dandelion greens or dandelion root, but if you possess an adventurous spirit, park your car along the highway and pick until your heart is content – the best part of this option is that they are FREE! A word of caution though: make sure that they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or chemicals and be sure to wash them when you get home.

Here a condensed list of dandelion's benefits:

• Lowers cholesterol
• Relieves bloating, IBS, and digestive disorders
• Flushes out the lymphatic system
• Cleanses the kidneys and urinary systems
• Excellent tonic for arthritis and joint pain
• Help the liver and gallbladder to function optimally
• Purifies the blood
• Contains vitamins A,C,D, and B-complex vitamins
• Contains minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, & copper
• Is an excellent dietary supplement for pregnant and elderly women
• And more!

The leaves are delicious in salads, tea, or smoothies, the root can be roasted and used as a coffee alternative, and the buds can be turned into a juice.

So remember, don’t fight the dandelions, welcome them – you're gonna love them!! Check out the following yummy recipe from Epicurious & Bon Appetit for a delish summer salad:

Dandelion Salad with Pomegranate Seeds, Pine Nuts, & Delicata Squash

Candida - The Cause Behind Digestive Disorders, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS

2011-07-26T11:02:00.000-06:00

This story is like a toilet paper roll, unraveling to share the story of my healing journey, square by square. My story starts in 1997, in Ottawa, at the still young age of 23. Diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the diagnosis gradually progressed to Ulcerative Colitis, and then finally onto Crohn’s Disease. As new symptoms kept showing up, my diagnosis kept changing. For 10 years, I experienced a plethora of wacky medical techniques and met many inexperienced doctors, and at times felt like a lab rat! I had more than my share of hysterical, yet desperate 50-yard dashes to rest rooms, and consumed drugs that gave me more cans of worms and far-out side effects than you could ever imagine. I also suffered plenty of awkward social moments when my body had a mind of its’ own.

Back in my ‘dark ages’ when my illness first began, the prognosis was grim. I listened to countless doctors and specialists tell me that my case was hopeless and that most likely I would be faced with some ghastly surgery to remove parts of my intestines, or worse face colon Cancer at age 40, as this was thought to be inevitable at the time. I was prescribed costly medications that I couldn’t pronounce and spent more time in hospitals than doctors did! I listened as I was told that my diet had nothing to do with my current situation, while specialists tried to force excruciatingly painful procedures on me. Sudden, devastating headaches, eczema, lethargy, constant fatigue, painful, swollen knee and ankle joints, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, gas, and bloating were just a scratch on the surface of symptoms I went through. It took me about 5 years to realize that the treatments I was receiving weren’t working. On top of all that, it seemed like I was in a constant state of fear and panic over “what if?” scenarios that my anxiety almost drove me crazy!

For a long time, I fought the current of life. My story is one of healing through emotional release and accepting realities. For a number of years, I wore a metaphoric mask because I was so worried that if people saw the real me, they’d run in the opposite direction. I finally took off this illusionary blindfold and took a good hard look at myself. This can only be compared to looking at yourself in a full length mirror after the Holidays! It was hard, and through a lot of tears, I sat down decided what I wanted my life to be (and it didn’t involve being sick for the rest of my life). I decided to start taking control and responsibility for my life instead of being at the mercy of others.

So last fall, in tears of desperation (and what felt like the darkest hour of this whole ordeal), I finally went to see a naturopathic doctor. I was diagnosed with a Candida infection and Leaky Gut syndrome. My naturopath explained that most of what I’d been experiencing could be traced back to this disorder and that this situation was fixable! Well, I can’t even describe to you how good it felt to know what I was facing. The fact that it was easily curable was music to my ears. At her suggestion, I decided to go through with a massive detoxification program to cleanse and re-build my body. On a regimented diet with supplements, I felt like a new woman. For ten years, I had never felt so invigorated and energized! My skin and mind became clearer, and the symptoms described above all but disappeared. As I sit here writing this, I feel such gratitude for every miracle that life has to offer. I am so thankful that I didn’t go through with any monumental surgeries because it simply wasn’t necessary.

I have to share with you that my life changed so profoundly at the instant that I decided that I was in charge of my healing. For so long I had given my power away to others, hoping they would solve my dilemma for me. I am living proof that anything is possible if you put your whole-hearted intention into it.

Believe in yourself and in the power of You. Choose to be happy for yourself, whatever that may be. Care enough about yourself to give yourself the best. Don’t ever give up on hope or faith for even in the face of adversity, change and wonderful things are just around the corner, lulling us out of our comfort zones.
In my life, I have learned how illness can change you so profoundly, how it can make you ask questions about the world around you, and how it can help you face the unknown with strength and courage that many of us don’t know we possess. For a while I tried to figure out why this was all happening. I didn’t see the amazing ‘change-for-the-better’ chance that had landed in my lap but I remember feeling downright perturbed!

I am now 37 and (as many women do when they reach their thirties), feel a renewed sense of self now that my twenties are over. The fact that my journey through my twenties involved a physical illness really helped me to realize what potential lay inside me to achieve my dreams.

In our society, we seem to have such a block to step outside our comfort zones and learn to live life. So often many opportunities pass us by because we think that they don’t fit into our ‘normal’ lives, or we make excuses to do them later. Yes, it is scary, but I believe that we have to do this in order to be truly happy. Opportunities come in so many forms, so grab onto one and get going!

Wonders of Watermelons...

2011-07-26T10:54:00.001-06:00

Tis’ the season to be spittin’ (seeds that is!)

What would summer be without that famous red, juicy, dripping-down-your -chin goodness, also known as watermelon? Now is the perfect time to bite into a tasty slice, chock-full of vitamins and minerals, not to mention water, which is crucial when the mercury rises.
If your kids are looking for a snack, watermelon really packs a punch nutrition-wise and will help to curb those pesky summer sugar cravings.

Check out the benefits of watermelon below:

• Vitamins & Minerals:
o Potassium
o Lycopene (antioxidant)
o Fiber
o Vitamins A, C, B6
• Other Benefits:
o Hydrating
o Contains L-citrulline which may help to lower blood pressure
o Helps reduce cholesterol
o Helps muscle creation and recovery
o Assists in the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells, thereby carrying fresh oxygen to all your cells

Try watermelon fresh, in smoothies, as sorbet, or in salads. Try the following recipe for a quick summer refresher:

Watermelon Float (serves 4)
• 1 cup watermelon puree
• Handful fresh mint slightly crushed by a mortar
• Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 750 ml. bottle San Pellegrino or club soda, chilled
• Mint leaves for garnish
In a bowl, place watermelon, mint and juices and combine well. Place watermelon puree at bottom of serving glasses. Gently float soda on top. Garnish with mint leaves. Add vodka if a cocktail is desired.

Summer Drink Ideas

2011-07-26T10:36:00.015-06:00

If you reside in Calgary, Alberta I imagine that like the rest of us you are recuperating from 2 weeks of Stampedin’ and carousing with cowboys! While the greatest rodeo on Earth does of course offer its’ share of fun (and hopefully) harmless debauchery, it does wreak havoc on our bodies...fast food, sugar, copious amounts of alcohol at perhaps Nashville North, salt and lots of animal protein all take their toll. Here are some refreshing, detoxifying, immune boosting and invigorating summer drink ideas to flush out the toxins:

Matcha Raspberry Lemonade
1 tsp. Matcha powder
¼ c. fresh raspberries
juice of 3 lemons
3 cups boiling water
8 ice cubes
3 cups water
2 drops of stevia

Place Matcha powder in a heat-proof jug. Add boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add cubes to cool it down. In another jug, add water, lemon juice, raspberries & stevia. Stir. Combine with Matcha mix when cool.

Benefits: Full of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, L-theanine , potassium, and calcium. Super-charged with immune boosting compounds, it’s also supremely detoxifying and good for your skin.

Iced Tea & Blackberry Bliss
2 cups fresh blackberries
3 drops Stevia
1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
4 cups boiling water
2 black tea bags
2 1/2 cups cold water
Handful fresh blackberries and fresh mint for garnish

Combine blackberries and stevia in a bowl. Crush blackberries with wooden spoon. Add mint. Set aside. Pour 4 cups boiling water over tea bags; cover and let stand 4 minutes. Take out tea bags. Pour tea over blackberries; let sit for 1 hour. Pour tea through a strainer into a large pitcher, discarding the rest. Add 2 1/2 cups cold water, stirring until combined. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Garnish.

Benefits: Full of antioxidants, manganese, vitamin C, polyphenols and anthocyanins (which help to prevent Cancer and heart disease), blackberries also give your immunity a boost by fighting free-radicals.

Iced Chai Latte
2 green cardamom pods
ightly crushed
1/8 tsp. black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1tbsp. fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
2 c. water
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 Darjeeling tea bags
¾ c. almond rice or rice milk

* From www.wholeliving.com

Bring spices, ginger, and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer until liquid becomes aromatic, about 15 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, the add the tea bags, turn off heat and let steep 3 minutes. Strain tea mixture into a warmed tea pot through a strainer. Heat milk over medium heat until just simmering. Pour into pot and stir well to combine. Serves 2.

Benefits: Lowers cholesterol, helps to regulate blood sugar, reduces incidence of Cancer, has anti-bacterial properties, aids digestion, aids arthritis, promotes feelings of well-being and comfort.

Discovering Your Akashic Records

2011-07-26T10:13:00.068-06:00

1. What is this?

The word ‘Akashic’ or ‘Akasha’ comes from the ancient Sanskrit language, meaning ‘sky’ or ‘space’. It is believed that Akashic records are a compilation of records from everything that ever was or ever will be here on Earth and in the Cosmos, held on another plane of non-physical existence.

Practitioners of Akashic records are trained to be able to connect to the stream of information residing in these records, helping people to discover past lives, to move on from traumatic experiences, to get a sense of their purpose & joy here on Earth, or to release negative emotions and questions surrounding illness & physical death.

Some may call this the “Library of God”, where information is available for every living thing, and every spark of light energy that ever was/will be created. Some practitioners may access information through hypnosis, astral projection, dreams, or meditation.

In New Age circles, it is believed that before a Soul incarnates into the physical realm of Earth, it studies various records to decide which lessons to learn upon Earth, choosing the appropriate race, culture, family and surroundings needed to accomplish those lessons.

Ref: Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashic_records

2. How is it performed?

Typically, an Akashic records reading will be performed with the client either sitting comfortably, or lying down on a massage table or couch. The treatment is completely non-invasive; will little to no touching of the client during the session. The client remains fully clothed and awake during the reading, and may participate in answering/asking questions. Akashic record readings may also be conducted over the phone, while you remain in the comfort of your home.

3. Will it hurt?

The process of going through an Akashic records reading is not painful physically; however some traumatic, buried or forgotten memories may come to the surface to be released, possibly leading to moderate emotional discomfort (for some), or profound joy (for others). The practitioner simply connects with Source and offers solutions and answers to records that have been held throughout your lifetime.

4. How much can I expect to pay for a session?

Typically most practitioners charge anywhere from $80-$150, depending on the length of the session. Most sessions last approximately 1 hour or more.

5. What are the benefits?

The benefits of receiving an Akashic records reading are numerous:
• Profound emotional release
• Personal understanding of emotional patterns
• Freedom to let go of anger, fear and negative emotions
• Healing on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels simultaneously
• Reduction of pain
• Abatement of illness
• Sense of well-being & peace
• Achieving closure from physical death, divorce or trauma

6. Are there any post-treatment symptoms?

Most likely you will not suffer any major physical symptoms following your session. Depending on the severity of emotional energy that was released during the session however, it is not uncommon for the physical body to release its own toxins; such symptoms may include nausea, frequent bowel movements, headache, lethargy, fatigue or inability to concentrate, which shouldn’t last for more than a few hours.

7. How do I prepare for this treatment?

A good way to prepare for this treatment is to think of some questions or situations that you’d like to have cleared up in your session, prior to your session. This will maximize your time with the practitioner and help you in the best way possible. It may also help to prepare you emotionally in order to release the past or clogged negative emotions.

I am please to announce that Tanya Desaulniers of 3rd Eye Wide is our practitoner of the month for August. Whether it be Angel Card readings, Akashic Record consultations, New Moon Wishing consultations, Ear candling, or Reiki energy healing, visit Tanya for a fantastic session! A true spiritual soul to the core, Tanya's passion, warmth, and empathy always shines through for the best possible client experience. Contact her today!

Is hiring a midwife safe for me and my baby?

2011-05-30T16:25:00.008-06:00

There is a lot of speculation regarding the benefits/safety of hiring a midwife to deliver your baby. The popular consensus from those who do not understand this alternative, can be fear, anticipated additional pain, and the insecurity of stepping into a unknown health world.
Let's discuss the benefits and draw backs for attempting this type of childbirth vs. the traditional hospital version. You may be surprised to hear the results.

I am pleased to introduce Sandra Catania, who is the Spotlight Practitioner for the month of June at The Healing Link, Calgary's best online source for natural health.

Find a midwife in Calgary, AB:

1. Sandra Catania
2. Aurora Midwifery
3. Birth Partnership Midwifery Services

Sandra is a talented practitioner in Calgary, Alberta. Sandra received her Certification in Holistic Reflexology in November of 2008 and specializes in Pre and Post Natal care. She received further certification in June 2010 in Swedish Relaxation Massage. She hosts playgroups, envisioning workshops and moms nights out through her company, Goddess Mommies, as well as Reflexology and Massage. In addition, she is an Eco Advisor with OnlyGreen, a rep with NIKKEN and a Diamond Network Leader with Winalite.

Sandra is also the founder of the Goddess Trinity, a trio of women’s groups dedicated to connecting, networking and having fun. The Calgary Goddesses, established in early 2006, meet regularly for wine tasting, card reading, henna, and clothing and book exchanges. Visit her here: www.thegoddesstrinity.ca.

Easy Banana Bread; Gluten-free and Alkalizing!

2011-05-14T18:27:00.001-06:00

Hey! If you've just read my post on alkalizing foods, you probably know that bananas are a good Alkaline food source, and a source of potassium, vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for nerve and cell production/repair. Bananas are also an amazing source of energy! Here's a great gluten-free banana bread recipe that I created - so good! Enjoy with a nice cup of herbal tea (also alkalizing!).

1/4 c. butter or margarine

4 ripe bananas
1 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
2 eggs
1/4 c. walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 c. brown sugar

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Blend all in a bowl with a mixer. Do not over mix; leave a little chunky. Bake for 40 minutes or until fork comes out clean.

TIP: This recipe can easily be converted to muffins. Just use a muffin tin :)

Eating for Optimum Ph Balance

2011-05-14T16:48:00.004-06:00

Is your body too acidic? Let's explore pH balances...

Funny thing occurred to me the other day. As someone who has had their share of ill-health, I have tried unsuccessfully for years to combat the digestive troubles that have plagued me since my 20s. Never mind how old I am now, but safe is to say it’s been a long time coming that I finally discovered a huge nugget of heath information, which it turns out is THE key to wellness in the human body. I feel like a miner that just found a gargantuan gold nugget, just sitting in the stream of consciousness, just waiting to be claimed.
Anyways, without further adieu, I will reveal my mother lode secret in a few. Just need to mention that along my way, after visiting countless doctor who were baffled by my symptoms (of headaches, lethargy, joint inflammation, eczema, canker sores, diarrhea, mal-absorption of nutrients, constipation, irritability, insomnia, etc...), a few things did occur to me, and the answers seemed even more ridiculous than the questions did.

Firstly, why didn’t mainstream doctors of Western Medicine know about this? And secondly, if by chance they did know about this cure-all info, why had it seemingly been rejected/neglected by Western medicine & doctors here in North America?

What I can’t understand is why people who have studied and examined the human body for countless years, who have attended medical school for at least 8 of those of years, don’t have a sure grasp on basic chemistry of an organic body like ours, the homo-sapiens. Surely some chemistry education must have sunk in? My suspicious mind developed a theory that just perhaps, maybe, this was some big cover up created in order to keep people sick, to feed the unrelenting gravy-train of pharmaceutical companies and the health “business”, however the many may be involved. This answer is frustrating and discouraging to say the least, and it’s the only one I can come up with at the present time. The answers all seems so simple, yet so complicated at the same time. But it’s what we do isn’t it? We complicate things as humans. I guess the best thing to do is your own research.

I have collected my information on this subject for a plethora of ill-years, from many naturopathic doctors along the way, and from my own unrelenting research-quest in order to get to the bottom of this so-called disease. Let’s just say for the record that I have tried everything from elimination diets, allergy testing, countless biopsies and invasive examinations, been poked & prodded, and blood-tested and x-rayed to death. I wish I had known about this sooner.

Well, here it is, the big Kahuna:

· The secret to staying healthy is to keep your body in an alkaline (base) state to avoid disease, which occurs when our bodies are too acidic. Disease may not exist in an alkaline state. The human body is a complex yet simple organism that thrives with an optimum Ph balance (a measure of acidity in an aqueous environment; acid-base homeostasis)[1].

· It is an organic system, with knowledge that goes way beyond our conscious intelligence.

· A normal Ph balance is about 7.36. Should a body remain way below this state continually, it will eventually turn into acute acidosis, which can sometimes be fatal.

· You may check you Ph levels at any health food store that carries Ph strips. Test yourself for a week at the same time of day, twice a day. Eat your normal diet.

So with all that medical mumbo-jumbo said, now we know how easy it is to stay healthy. Here are some key foods and lifestyle habits that are purported to be either acidic or alkaline[2]:

Acidic:

· Most oils and fats (including olive, canola, corn, safflower, sesame or flax oils)

· Cranberries

· Wheat, Barley, Buckwheat, Corn, Oats, Quinoa, Rice, Rye, Spelt & Kamut

· Flour

· Dairy products

· Nut butters

· Animal proteins (all beef, chicken, game, and seafood)

· Rice & Pasta

· Vinegar

· Potatoes

· Sugar and artificial sweeteners

· Processed foods

· Drugs and non-organic chemicals, households cleaners, pesticides

· Alcohol

· Beans and legumes

· Stress

· Exercise

· Electro-magnetic frequencies from cell phones, TVs, computers etc...

Alkaline:

· Garlic, asparagus, watercress, beets, broccoli , Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflowers, celery, cucumbers, chard, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, sprouts, nightshade veggies, kale and many more!

· Fermented veggies & drinks

· Chlorella, spirulina, and sea vegetables (dulse, wakame etc...)

· Apples, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, cherries, dates and figs, lemon, limes, grapefruit, watermelon

· Bee pollen

· Herbal teas

· Probiotics

· Ginger, mustard, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar

· Daikon

· Fresh air sunshine, meditation, yoga

Tip: When you are preparing a meal, a good rule of thumb is to try to add a few more alkaline choices to your meal rather than acidic varieties in order to create balance.

P.S. Thanks for reading; I figure the more people know about their bodies and how to correct cellular imbalances, the more empowered we will be as a society that doesn’t have to rely on non-organic methods to help heal our bodies. They’re bad for us and the environment. The body knows how to heal itself with the right food choices; so think twice before you reach for your over-the-counter meds and reach for an apple instead.

Until next time, stay healthy my friends!

[1] Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH

[2] The Wolfe Clinic – www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfoods.html

Amazing Aloe Vera

2011-05-02T17:49:00.005-06:00

So today I thought I'd explore a little more about Aloe Vera... Spring has arrived in Calgary and I'm in the mood for something green! Plus, Aloe has been mentioned in my circle a few times now in recent days; always an opportunity to explore more....so here we go:

Aloe Vera Barbadensis, as it is called by its Latin name, is a wonderful healing plant most us just call Aloe; we recognize it by its long, green, cactus-like appendages that contain a slimy-green salve when broken open.

Most of us have used it at some point in our lives for sunburn, but did you know that Aloe has many other uses? Often called the “miracle plant”[1], Aloe Vera is a formidable candidate for intestinal health, integumentary health, and for overall immunity & vitality.

It has been used for centuries, dating way back to Ancient Greece and Egypt[2] for its beauty-restoring and health augmenting properties. Coming in over 200 varieties, the plant extract that we use is called parenchyma. Aloe Vera is one of the oldest known medicinal plants known to be used by man and it is now widely available in capsule form, juice form, or gel form.

Aloe Vera is a plant of the succulent variety, meaning that it is filled mostly with water inside, and looks a lot like a cactus. It prefers dry, warm climates and can survive without being watered for quite some time.

Below is a concise list of its benefits:

· For internal digestion:

o Taken as a nutritional supplement, Aloe works to create balance in the intestinal tract

o Aloe cleanses all nooks and crannies within the walls of the gut

o Because 80% of our immunity is in our digestion, Aloe strengthens the immune system by healing the organs of assimilation such as the Liver, Kidneys, Gallbladder, and Small & Large Intestines

o With a healthy digestion comes an increase of nutrients that are absorbed

o Aloe is a HUGE detoxifier

o Aloe contains uronic acid which removes toxicities from our blood and cells. It also contains potassium to assist the kidneys and liver to do their jobs of filtration[3]

o Aloe contains digestive enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins

· For burns & skin irritations/health:

o Aloe Vera contains many antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals (cells that spin off and are able to mutate into cancerous cells) received from chemicals and/or harmful ultra-violet rays. By ingesting Aloe Vera on a regular basis, you are healing your skin from the inside out.

o Aloe Vera is an excellent cure for wrinkles, sun damage and age spots.

o As a topical aid, Aloe Vera penetrates the skin levels to continue moisturizing as it makes its’ way through the various layers of skin.

o Try Aloe Vera on blisters, bug bites, sunburns, Frostbite, wounds, rashes, fungus, eczema, psoriasis, warts, conjunctivitis, skin allergies, dry skin, acne, or Rosacea

Aloe Vera is a must have in your medicinal kit; most definitely if you are a parent or a frequent camper, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast. What other remedy can help to heal and soothe so many afflictions? Instead of spending countless dollars on a plethora of over-the-counter creams and ointments, why not spend just a few dollars procuring one product (or plant) to facilitate healing on so many levels?

Yours in health & joy!

References:

http://www.aloeverachangeslives.com/AloeVeraUses.html

http://www.aloeveraland.ca/about-aloe-vera.html

[1] http://www.aloeveraland.ca/about-aloe-vera.html

[2] http://www.aloeveraland.ca/about-aloe-vera.html

[3] http://www.aloeveraland.ca/about-aloe-vera.html