We acquired our first rocking chair when I was pregnant with our first child. After all, who can have a baby without a rocker? Babies and rockers seem to go together. In fact, studies have proven that the rocking motion calms babies, helping them to sleep. And when a baby sleeps, the entire family can sleep. But there are many other health benefits to rocking chairs—ones seldom discussed—that may interest you.

Learning Disabilities

Sensory Integration is the neurological course the brain uses to process multiple sensory input and utilize it to perform a response. Sometimes problems exist in the process and that condition is referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction. SID may be found in individuals with autism, traumatic brain injury, those with cochlear implants, and various other learning disabilities. The act of rocking has shown to improve SID. In fact, studies have shown that rocking chairs placed in classrooms help to calm children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, thereby facilitating their concentration and focus on the subject at hand.

Treating Varicose Veins

Because of the stimulation to the circulatory system, and exercise to the leg muscles, rocking in a rocking chair is recommended to prevent and treat varicose veins. This is especially helpful for the elderly or shut-in who cannot walk or swim.

Dementia

A study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia discussed the use of rocking chairs with nursing home residents with dementia. This study found that “there were improvements in depression/anxiety and reductions in PRN pain medication significantly related to amount of rocking.” Those residents that enjoyed the program and wanted to continue rocking past the six weeks of the study “demonstrated significant improvements in balance as measured by center of gravity.”

Postoperative Healing

Typically, after any abdominal surgery there is a certain degree of decreased motor activity of the gastro-intestinal tract. This condition, referred to as postoperative ileus or POI, causes the patient pain. According to a dissertation by Dr. Robert Lee Massey, “rocking chair motion is effective in postoperative abdominal surgery cancer patients reducing the duration of postoperative ileus.

Childbirth Recovery

According to an article at Mothering.com, a rocking chair is a must for any new mother. It not only soothes a fussy baby and sleep deprived mommy, but “rocking assists an infant’s biological development and promotes the baby’s ability to be alert and attentive.” Since rocking reduces the amount of postoperative ileus, it promotes healing after a cesarean section. And, since the act of rocking burns about 150 calories an hour, it helps mom to lose her pregnancy weight gain faster.

Have you ever used a rocking chair for therapeutic purposes? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

References:

RockingChairTherapy.org

AM J ALZHEIMERS DIS OTHER DEMEN November/December 1998 vol. 13 no. 6 296-308

http://etd.utmb.edu/theses/available/etd-06292007-111418/unrestricted/DissertationMasseyFinal07.pdf

 Photo by 1Sock

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Many people assume that working at a computer all day long is less detrimental to your health than, for example, hard, physical labor. However, if your work regularly includes spending a few hours a day at the computer, you are putting your health at risk.

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time working at my computer, I am well aware of the actions I should be taking to prevent long term effects on my health. However, putting it all into practice is often a different story! Here’s how a computer can affect your health – and the remedies you should be taking to minimize your health risks.

Common Health Problems Associated With Computer Work

There are many health problems that can arise when you spend a considerable amount of time working at a computer; these include:

• headaches
• eye strain
• repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• carpel tunnel syndrome
• back, shoulder and neck pain
• migraines
• poor circulation.

What You Can Do to Remedy Computer Health Problems

It might sound simple, but many people do not put into practice a few simple rules that would help to minimize some of the above health problems. These include:

• take a break from the computer screen approximately every 15 minutes
• walk around the room and do simple stretching exercises (see below)
• make sure that your desk and chair are set at the optimum level for your comfort and eye line
• treat “tired” eyes with an aromatherapy eye pillow at the end of your work day.

Simple Exercises for Computer Related Problems

If you simply can’t avoid spending long periods of time each day at your computer, here are a few simple exercises that might help with problems such as eyestrain and neck, back and shoulder pain (source: Office Yoga, Darin Zeer).

• eye strain – give your eyes a rest each hour by closing them and let your face “soften”; this also helps to release tension (and associated headaches) in your face
• neck pain – roll your head around in circles several times
• shoulder pain – place one arm behind your back and grab your wrist with the other hand; repeat on the other side
• back pain – lie on the floor and pull your knees to your chest; wrap your arms around your knees and stretch. Relax and repeat several times.

Daily Routine  for Computer Problems

In addition to the quick exercises listed above that you can practice throughout your work day, you can also make sure that your daily routine includes the following activities to help your health stay in good shape:

• take a brisk 15 minute walk
• make time to relax at the end of your work day
• take a hot bath
• get enough sleep at bedtime.

Computer Health Problems of Tomorrow

Computer related injuries are on the rise which is no surprise given the technological society that we live in today; tomorrow’s aging generation will suffer from many problems that arise from having a career related to computer work, a problem that earlier generations have not experienced.

Exact statistics on computer related injuries are difficult to pinpoint but some of the most common computer injuries include back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, with a little bit of good health practice and common sense, it is possible to minimize the risk of pain and injuries sustained while working at a computer all day long – and help protect your health for later life!

Photo by Pcora

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I thought today I’d share my top 5 natural health reference books. Of course this is just a sampling of what is on my shelf, and I refer to a lot more than this; but these 5 will give you an idea of what to look for in several categories.

Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal

This book is packed full of helpful information for the entire family. Gladstar not only shares information on staying healthy, but herbal formulas that treat many common ailments. The chapters include “Taming Stress and Anxiety,” “Home Remedies for Everyday Ailments,” and ones for children, women, men, and elders. A practicing herbalist for over 35 years, Gladstar founded the California School of Herbal Studies, Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center, and United Plant Savers(an organization “dedicated to the conservation and cultivation of at risk North American medicinal plants”)  I have used several recipes from this book with great success and recommend it highly.

The Green Pharmacy

Dr. James A. Duke is one of my favorite herbal authors. I started with this book and went on to purchase several of his others. An ethno-botanist retired from the USDA, Dr. Duke arranged The Green Pharmacy by ailment. Want to know what to do for canker sores? Go to page 114. He offers a brief discussion of each ailment and a list of herbs that may help the condition. His other books include The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook and Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs.

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine

With a 3rd edition due out in July, this wonderfully scientific book was written by Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND. Like The Green Pharmacy, it is arranged by ailment. Murray and Pizzorno however, discuss symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments from a medical perspective. They also cover diet, nutritional supplements, and herbal treatments—complete with dosages. One of my first natural health volumes, I still refer to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine often.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing

With similar content as the previous book, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, MD wrote Prescription for Nutritional Healing for a layman to understand. Also arranged according to ailment, they give a comprehensive discussion of the condition, nutritional, herbal, and dietary recommendations, as well as lifestyle considerations. It also contains the section “Understanding the Elements of Health” which includes nutrition, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, etc. Sporting 776 pages of natural health wisdom, this volume is the most dog-eared and tattered on my shelf.

Nourishing Traditions

I often vacillate about where to keep this book—in the pantry with the cookbooks or on my shelf of health related volumes. In Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon challenges every politically correct nutritional dictum you have ever heard. This book contains chapters that explain the truth about fats, carbs, proteins, milk, salt, and a lot more. Be prepared, you will not read in this book to eat margarine for your heart disease, to cut back on your salt for high blood pressure, or to abstain from animal products for anything. Categorically a cookbook, Nourishing Traditions earns its place in my list because of the wealth of information in its introductory chapters and on the sidebars of every page.

If you’re just starting to build a natural health library, I hope this list gives you a place to start. There are so many books published, I know it can get overwhelming. Or, perhaps, you’ve already got a great library and have a few suggestions to share. Please do in the comment section below.

 Photo by Daniel Y. Go

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Many flowers have traditionally been associated with romance throughout the centuries. Rose is perhaps the most well known of romantic flowers. However, did you know that there are several species of other flowers which are also associated with romance – and which also have therapeutic benefits?

Herbs Which Were Used in Weddings

Today we might not associate herbs with weddings and romance but historically several herbs were used in weddings as part of bridal bouquets or bridal crowns. Herbs such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), marjoram (Origanum marjorana) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) were used in traditional Greek and Roman weddings.

These type of herbs were prevalent in the Mediterranean region so were probably used in weddings as people had easy access to them. However, these herbs also had therapeutic benefits. Rosemary was traditionally used for respiratory, digestive and nervous disorders, in addition to muscle aches and pains; rosemary is also an aphrodisiac. Marjoram was used for similar complaints, although interestingly marjoram is listed as an anaphrodisiac by Julia Lawless in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.

Therapeutic Benefits of Orange Blossom for Brides

Orange blossom (Citrus aurantium var. amara), also known as Neroli, was a plant that was native to the Far East but became adapted to the Mediterranean climate once it was naturalized in the region. Orange blossom flowers are white, fragrant flowers that belong to the bitter orange tree.

Orange blossom flowers have a number of therapeutic benefits; with regard to romance, the flowers are aphrodisiac and help to calm the nerves. Traditionally, orange blossom flowers were used in bridal bouquets in order to calm the bride before she walked down the aisle. They were also used to calm the nerves before the newly married couple spent their first night together in the marriage bed.

Ylang Ylang Flowers for the Marriage Bed

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tropical tree with large, yellow, fragrant flowers. The tree is native to tropical Asia and traditionally the flowers of ylang ylang were spread out over the marriage bed of newly married couples.

Ylang ylang flowers are also aphrodisiac, in addition to being sedative and anti-depressant. Therefore, they are an ideal flower to initiate romance and calm the nerves! However, ylang ylang flowers can also be intoxicating and may cause nausea and headaches if used in excess.

Roses for Romance

Rose (Rosa damascena) became popular in Europe when it was brought to the European countries from its native Orient. There are many different species of roses, some of which are fragrant and some of which are not fragrant.

Fragrant roses, such as Rosa damascena, have therapeutic benefits that include aphrodisiac, anti-depressant and sedative. Roses were used in excess by the Romans who lavishly used rose petals in banquets. Today, brides commonly carry roses in bridal bouquets and the rose is regarded as the traditional flower of love.

Flowers For Your Loved One

Flowers come in many colors, shapes and scents. However, some flowers do possess actual therapeutic benefits so if you are looking to instigate some love into your life you might want to consider some of the above mentioned flowers! In addition, flowers such as lavender are calming, so if you have an important date planned you might want to consider combining flowers, such as lavender, with aphrodisiac flowers, such as rose. The scent of flowers is more powerful than many realize – so be careful which flowers you choose for your loved one next time it is her birthday or special occasion!

References:

• Lawless, Julia, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
• Lawless, Julia, The Aromatherapy Garden

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Nothing warms body and soul in January more than a simmering pot of soup. No wonder it has been dubbed National Soup Month.

Making a pot of soup involves more than haphazardly throwing a bunch of ingredients into a pot of water and hoping for the best. I carefully choose each ingredient. Texture and color matter. Taste and smell matter. Everything matters. My soup is art.

The Stock

Soup begins with a quality stock—never out of a jar, can, or box; and certainly not water with bouillon cubes added. To get healthy stock, you must simmer bones, with a little apple cider vinegar added, for several hours. The vinegar extracts precious minerals from the bones. I suggest you make your stock in big batches and freeze or can for future use.

The Meat

Most Americans eat soup with a chicken or beef base. I have made soup with venison and pork with great success. Whatever meat you choose, make certain you have a stock on hand that will complement the flavor. You wouldn’t want to put venison in turkey broth, for example. Start with meat from organically raised, grass-fed animals. Cut into bite-sized pieces and brown in a little butter or olive oil. Once seared on the outside, add your onions and garlic and continue until the onion turns clear. Then add your stock and vegetables.

The Veggies

The choice of vegetables for your soup depends on several factors: what you have on hand, what you are in the mood for, and what sounds good together. Soup is intuitive. Trust your feelings on this. But here are a few pointers to get the most health value out of your soup:

• Don’t put in more than one brassica plant (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower). It makes it too gassy.
• Don’t mix beans with brassicas. Again, too much gas.
• Add greens or cabbage just before taking the soup off the stove so they don’t turn to mush.
• Mix the colors—eat the rainbow.
• Add grains sparingly. They will swell and take over the pot.

Creamed Soups

If you are making creamed soups, like my favorite potato soup recipe below, do not boil after adding the milk. You could curdle it or risk scorching. Add the milk, heat to hot, and serve. If you want a thick base, rather than a watery soup, I used to add potato flakes. A healthier alternative is to scoop out some of the soup, blend in the blender, and return to the pot. Do this until your soup is the right consistency.

Fixing Mistakes

One last point—no one is perfect and mistakes with soup can happen.

• If you add too much salt, peel and quarter a potato and add to the pot. The potato will absorb some of the salt. When the potato softens, remove and taste. If it is still too salty, add another potato.
• If your tomato base is too acidic, add a whole carrot. The carrot will cut the acid. As with the potato, cook until the carrot is soft, remove and taste. If needed, add another carrot.

Now, for my favorite and famous (at least with my family)

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup:

 Ingredients:

• 5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced (This will feed a large family.)
• 1-2 onions, diced
• 1-2 carrots, diced (Sometimes I use broccoli, too.)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lots of grated cheddar cheese (If you use Extra Sharp Cheddar, less will be required to get the same flavor and therefore reduce the fat content of your soup.)

Directions:

1. Prepare vegetables and put into stock pot with a thick bottom. Add enough water (or ham broth is good) to just cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are soft.
2. In batches, remove a few cups of the soup and carefully blend in blender until smooth. Return to pot. Continue doing this until soup is desired consistency. We like a few potato chunks left.
3. After blending, add enough milk to give soup a creamy look and taste. Return to heat until hot.
4. Once hot, add cheese and stir until melted.
5. Serve immediately with a fresh loaf of homemade bread.

Photo by 3liz4

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Lavender is one of the most popular scents and has been around since antiquity. It has been used throughout history for various medicinal ailments. It is a gentle aroma that seems to bring a sense of comfort and calm to the majority of people who come into contact with it; for this reason alone, lavender is ideal to use with baby. There are a couple of ways that you can use lavender as a natural remedy to help calm baby – and get a good night’s sleep!

About Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) belongs to the Lamiaceae botanical family. It is important to know that there are many varieties of lavender and each species of lavender may have a slightly different aroma, a different appearance or a different use. Some of the most common varieties of lavender are true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) and lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). However, lavender can also be described as French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas).

Depending on the purpose for the use of your lavender, check which species of lavender you are actually choosing before deciding how you are going to use it; in general, true lavender is the preferred species of lavender to use with baby in aromatherapy.

The Connection Between Scent, Mom and Baby

One of the first smells that a baby recognizes is that of its mother; the bond between mother and baby is vital in the early days. You can introduce the smell of lavender (or any other familiar scent for that matter) to baby even before baby is born. Studies have shown that the smells “inhaled” by baby via the amniotic fluid pre-natal are also the smells preferred by baby post-birth (source: Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Shirley Price, Len Price).

Therefore, if mom surrounds herself with the scent of lavender prior to baby’s birth, baby will be familiar with that particular fragrance once baby is born. Lavender is also a useful oil to have around during mom’s labor; it can help with pain relief and to relax mom. However, do not use lavender essential oil in labor without the expert guidance and advice of a midwife who has training in the use of aromatherapy.

Using Lavender Sachets

Lavender sachets are perhaps one of the easiest ways in which to introduce baby to the use of lavender in “aromatherapy” once baby is born. You can purchase or make all sorts of lavender aromatherapy sachets; some sachets are designed to slip beneath baby’s pillow, others are designed to sit by baby’s crib or cot. Lavender sachets contain fragrant lavender buds that have been extracted and dried from the lavender plant. It is important to make sure that baby does not have access in any way to ingest these buds, so make sure the sachet is secure.

Using Lavender as an Oil or Lotion in Aromatherapy

True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is the best type of lavender oil to use with baby for aromatherapy. True lavender essential oil primarily contains the gentle chemical components of alcohols and esters, making it suitable to use with baby. However, only use in minute quantities with baby.

Baby’s skin is usually more receptive to lotion than massage oils at a very young age, so try using lavender oil in a lotion to start with, rather than a vegetable oil. Lotion is also less slippery than vegetable oil. You can massage baby lightly with a lavender lotion to help baby to sleep. Consult a qualified and experienced aromatherapist on how much to use, if you are unfamiliar with the use of essential oils. At a young age, quantity is usually established by the weight of the child; in general one drop of lavender oil is enough for babies.

Cautions for Using Lavender Aromatherapy for Baby

In general, lavender is a safe plant and oil to use in aromatherapy for baby. However, if you are using lavender essential oil, always remember to dilute the oil in a carrier such as a lotion or a vegetable oil; never apply an essential oil undiluted to baby’s skin. In addition, do not allow baby to ingest either lavender oil or lavender buds.

Lavender is a therapeutic aroma that will help both mom and baby get a better night’s sleep if used in the right way!

References:

• Price, Shirley, Price, Len, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals
• International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy (2005), Pediatric Care Volume 2, Issue 2: Australia
• Author’s own experience and training

Photo by cmccorkle2005

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Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the forearm causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a space in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments that hold the bones together. Running up this tunnel is the median nerve and the tendons responsible for flexing the fingers. Often caused by lifestyle habits, carpal tunnel syndrome can manifest itself in different ways. However, the treatment measures for this debilitating condition are the same, no matter what the cause.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Numbness of the thumb and three fingers that worsens at night
• Pain in the wrist or hand
• Weakness or loss of strength in the hand

Who Is at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve may be compressed by a subluxation of the bones, scar tissue, enlargement of the tendons, or fluid retention. Most often, these anomalies are caused by repetitive movements and strain from them. Occupations that require repetitive hand movements or awkward hand positions, excessive or prolonged gripping, or frequent vibrations put one at greater risk. Hairdressers or barbers, typists or computer operators, cashiers, meat processors that de-bone or cut meat assembly-line fashion, farmers that milk by hand or bakers kneading bread are all at risk for CTS.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Prevention is the key to CTS whether you are at risk from your occupation or a hobby like knitting. Here are some things to consider:

• Take a break a few minutes every hour from the task that puts you at risk
• Do strengthening exercises three times a day
• Perform a few stretching exercises prior to engaging in repetitive activities
• Check your posture making sure to sit up straight, keep wrists straight, and elbows bent

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you already suffer from the signs of CTS, there are a few ways to manage the pain and numbness and prevent it from worsening.

• Wear wrist splints, especially when sleeping. Most people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position and wearing the splints will keep them straight. Wearing the splints when performing repetitive activity will also help.
• Take the following supplements on a daily basis: B-complex, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
• Include anti-inflammatory herbs in your diet. Bromelain with quercitin works wonders on inflammation; as well as butcher’s broom, and capsicum.
• Use a topical agent like CT Cream or Penetrex to reduce inflammation.

There is one last thing to consider before succumbing to drastic, surgical procedures. Carpal tunnel syndrome has become a catch-all diagnosis for a collection of maladies involving the hand and wrist. Unless exact testing of the nerves is done, one would benefit from evaluation of various trigger points in the shoulder and forearm muscles. Consultation with a member of the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body Workers, who specializes in CTS, is highly recommended.

References:

Balch, James F., and Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing a Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. New York, NY: Avery Group, 2000. Print.

Chaitow, Leon, and Judith W. Delany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, V.1: The Upper Body. Great Britain: Churchill Livingstone, UK, 2000. Print.

“OSH Answers: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.” CCOHS: Canada’s National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Information. Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, 15 Oct. 2008. Web. 31 Dec. 2011.

Photo by Mysterious Photographer

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Roses and rose geraniums are not the same flower; although they both have health benefits, roses and rose geraniums have different botanical names, belong to different plant families and are composed differently. Here is a short profile of each type of plant species, highlighting the difference between a rose and a rose geranium.

Botanical Profile of Rose

There are many, many species of roses but the main species of roses that are used for medicinal purposes are Damask rose (Rosa damascena) and cabbage rose (Rosa centifolia). Despite popular belief, not all roses are fragrant.

Both Damask rose and cabbage rose belong to the Rosaceae plant family. Roses vary in size, shape and color, depending on their species or cultivar, but in general, roses have five petals, five sepals, pinnate leaves and prickles (thorns). A rose might be a small bush, a climber, a miniature or a tree. Both Damask rose and cabbage rose are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Benefits of Roses

The rose has a long history of medicinal and cosmetic use; the ancient Egyptians were known to use rose in skincare. The ancient Romans had an arduous love affair with roses and used roses lavishly at banquets, parties and for cosmetic purposes. Several French queens adored roses, including Napoleon’s wife, Josephine de Beauharnais (1763 – 1814) and Queen Marie Antoinette of France (1755 – 1793); Marie Antoinette had natural perfumes and oils made for her by her personal perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon (A Scented Palace, Elisabeth de Feydeau).

According to historical literature, the rose has been used for digestive complaints, menstrual disorders, fever, skin problems, headaches and tension (The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless).

Today, rose is used as an essential oil in aromatherapy (skincare, PMS, poor circulation, insomnia, stress and as an aphrodisiac), in salad dishes and as a tea (rose hips) (The Aromatherapy Garden, Julia Lawless).

Botanical Profile of Rose Geranium

Rose geranium is known botanically as Pelargonium graveolens. It belongs to the Geraniaceae plant family. Rose geranium is a perennial shrub with pointy, serrated leaves and small, pink, aromatic flowers. Like rose, there are many species and cultivars of geranium (in a variety of colors) but it is Pelargonium graveolens which is used medicinally.

Rose geranium has a rose-like aroma and, as an essential oil in aromatherapy, it is often used to either adulterate rose oil or as a substitute for rose oil. However, both plants are botanically different.

Medicinal Benefits of Rose Geranium

To further add to the confusion, it is herb Robert (Geranium robertium) that has historically been used for medicinal purposes; herb Robert can also be referred to as geranium. Both herb Robert and rose geranium have similar medicinal uses such as for inflammation, menstrual difficulties and hemorrhoids. As always, be aware that the use of the plant is different to the use of the essential oil extracted from the plant because of the different chemical composition of the oil.

Rose geranium essential oil is used for skin care, poor circulation, PMS and stress.

Rose and Rose Geranium

Both rose and rose geranium have similar medicinal uses. However, the plant species are different in appearance and botanical name. In aromatherapy, rose oil is a lot more expensive than rose geranium, so make sure you know which oil you are actually purchasing before you use it.

Many plant species are confused because of the common use of English names in preference to the use of their botanical name. It is more important than ever when using plants medicinally to know which plant you are actually using, the plant family to which they belong and their medicinal uses to avoid any potential dangers in use.

Photo by az1172

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It’s hard to know what is the best cookware for your health. When I was first married, cooking in aluminum pans was a hot topic. Aluminum use was linked to Alzheimer’s disease, they said. More recently, the topic of using Teflon coated skillets has been in the news. Teflon use is linked to cancer, they say. Earlier this year, my mother couldn’t wait to show me the newest thing out there, the GreenPan from Belgium. She was so excited to get one and was amazed that I hadn’t heard of them. This non-stick coated pan is PTFE free (the substance under question in Teflon). But since I’m skeptical of new products that haven’t stood the test of time, and choosing healthy cookware is an important decision to make for a family, I’ll stick with cast iron and stainless steel.

Cast Iron Cookware

Although used since the 4^th century in China, Abraham Darby perfected the production of cast iron pots in England in the early 1700s. Since that time, no adverse health effects have been reported from their use. In fact, using cast iron can increase the iron in your food—especially if cooking high acid foods like tomato sauce. Iron is important in the diet because the red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body through the bloodstream. An estimated 3.5 million Americans suffer with anemia (iron-poor blood); the symptoms of which include fatigue, lack of energy, headaches, and dizziness. Although you can overdose on iron, it is rare. Women lose iron through blood loss at menstruation. Athletes lose iron through perspiration; and those that consume excessive amounts of coffee and tea block their body’s absorption of this important mineral.

Made of heavy iron, cast iron pots or skillets are virtually indestructible. And once you season your cast iron, they provide cooking as non-stick as non-stick can get. However, maintaining that finish is an important part of cast iron care.

Stainless Steel Cookware

The next healthiest choice of cookware is stainless steel. Actually, stainless steel is made of several different metals. According to a report on the safe use of cookware by Health Canada, the only metals in a high-quality, stainless steel pan that may affect health are iron, nickel, and chromium. Nickel may cause a reaction in those allergic to that metal, but the iron and chromium are necessary in the diet and cannot leach into your foods in any dangerous amounts. For added safety, never store high acid foods like tomato sauce or rhubarb in stainless steel pans and if the surface of the pan has been destroyed with pitting or deep scratches, discontinue use.

As with any cookware, proper care is essential. The great thing about stainless steel is that you can clean the pans in the dishwasher. However, if you have burned or stuck food on them, do not use steel wool or metal scouring pads as they can scratch the surface. First wash the pan with a soft cloth in hot soap and water. If a little extra is needed, use a nylon scrubby with a non-abrasive cleanser. When done, rinse in hot water and dry immediately to prevent water spots from forming.

If your cupboards are still filled with Teflon-coated or aluminum pans, do not despair; choosing healthy cookware is easier than you might think. Cast iron can be found in junk shops for a bargain and resurfaced; and the cost of quality stainless steel pans has come down in recent years. When we were starting out, I would replace one pan at a time as the budget would allow until I could afford to buy the best cookware for our health. In the meantime, refrain from using the coated or aluminum pans with high-acid foods or at high temperatures.

Photo by yalin_cyp

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During the winter months, do you find that your mood is lower, you are tired more often and you start craving “comfort” foods more? If you do, you might be suffering from a mental health disorder called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that is now taken more seriously by the medical profession than it used to be. However, if you are worried that a diagnosis of SAD means a recipe of prescription drugs to cope with the condition, you might be interested to learn that there are more natural remedies at hand, such as light therapy.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Put simply, seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression; it usually affects people in the Fall and winter months, when the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer. Suddenly, our daily dose of sunshine and natural light is no longer as readily available as it was in the summer and our bodies go into “close down” mode.

However, some people are more sensitive to seasonal changes than others and as a consequence their bodies have a period of adjustment when the seasons change; therefore, some people also suffer from seasonal affective disorder during the summer months. Seasonal affective disorder affects more women than men, and many women are diagnosed with the illness in their twenties (source: NAMI).

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

These are some of the symptoms that you might experience if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder:

• fatigue during the day
• sleeping longer hours
• craving for comfort foods that contain carbohydrates
• weight gain
• lethargy
• lack of interest in sex
• difficulty concentrating
• lack of interest in social activities with friends and family
• suicidal thoughts.

(source)

Light Therapy

Light therapy is a common natural health remedy for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder and is a proven effective treatment for the condition (source). You can use light therapy in a variety of formats; you can simply increase your exposure to sunlight, if you have access to it. However, one of the most popular ways to use light therapy is through the purchase of a light box.

Light boxes emit a certain level of light from lamps that are contained inside a box with a diffusing lens which filters out ultraviolet radiation. There are a wide variety of light boxes available, so do your homework before purchasing one. Light boxes that expose the lower half of the retina to the light are thought to be more effective than those that don’t because this part of the eye helps to reduce the depressive responses (source: NAMI).

The light intensity emitted by the light box, the duration of time in which to use the light box and when to use the light box are all interchangeable variables, depending on the patient. Consult your medical practitioner for specific advice relating to your own diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder.

When to See a Doctor

If you think that you might have seasonal affective disorder, and that light therapy might work for you, consult a medical practitioner first. Light therapy in general is not a risky solution but some people (such as people with bipolar disorder, those with an increased sensitivity to light, taking certain medications or a history of skin cancer) might be advised against light therapy as a solution (source).

Using Light Therapy for SAD

You don’t need to have a prescription to buy a light box, but knowing what to buy for your condition is key to finding success with the use of light therapy for seasonal affective disorder. Between 50% and 80% of light therapy users have found that there has been a reduction in symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (source). However, you need to continue using light therapy to control these symptoms. In general, light therapy is a safe, easy way in which to deal with the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder – and a natural one too.

Photo by arquez

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