• home | 
• about | 
• services | 
• press | 
• advertising



• my green life | 
• take green quiz | 
• shopping cart

A: Summer is here with its sunny weather and fun outdoor activities. Along with summertime, comes the possibility of insect bites, poison oak rashes, injuries, and sunburns, but you don’t need to stay cooped up indoors. Stocking your medicine cabinet or first aid kit with certain natural remedies is a smart way to start “greening” your medicine cabinet and keeps your family prepared for common summer ailments.

Sunburns: Preventing sunburns with sunblocks, hats, and other cover-ups is essential. In case you miss a spot and still get sunburned, try applying Aloe Vera gel or Calendula spray to the affected area. In addition, homeopathic Cantharis can be taken internally to help sooth the pain and promote healing.

Poison Oak/Ivy Rashes: Hiking and camping is on many people’s list this summer. Be sure to look out for poison oak and poison ivy on the trails. Some people are more sensitive to these plants than others, and if you do end up with an itchy rash, try homeopathic Anacardium. If the rash continues with no reduction in itching or swelling, switch to homeopathic Rhus tox.

Bug Bites: Avoid synthetic insect repellants that are full of harmful chemicals. Instead, choose natural essential oils such as neem or citronella oils. For bee stings and insect bites, homeopathic Apis melifica can provide relief when there is pain, redness and swelling. Homeopathic ledum is helpful for insect bites and stings when the skin is punctured and the affected area feels cold. If you have an allergy to bees, do not delay treatment, seek healthcare immediately to prevent an anaphylaxis reaction.

Cuts and Scrapes: For minor scrapes and cuts, use topical Calendula ointment, salve or spray. Calendula heals and soothes the skin and is anti-microbial. For deep wounds, visit an urgent care center or emergency room for proper wound care. Once a deeper wound is beginning to heal, you can apply Calendula to help speed the recovery.

Bumps and Bruises: Arnica is the single most important natural remedy for trauma when there is soreness and tenderness especially to touch or pressure. It is useful for any kind of trauma including bruises, black eyes, and sore muscles. Arnica can be taken internally as a homeopathic and used externally as ointments, salves or sprays.

Whatever outdoor activities you have planned this summer, be prepared by creating your own “green” first aid kit to take along on outings. In addition to band-aids and other basics, consider some or all of the natural medicines mentioned in this article for your family’s kit. Keep it simple with a few remedies and straightforward instructions. Enjoy your outdoor activities knowing you and your family are ready for whatever summertime may bring.

About Homeopathy:

Homeopathically prepared remedies are commonly available in health food stores and many drug stores and are safe for people of all ages, including children and seniors. Homeopathic remedies in the 6, 12, and 30 C and X potencies are great for acute conditions and can be repeated as often as every 15 minutes and given up to about 6 - 8 times per day. For chronic or acute conditions continuing for more than a few days with no improvement, be sure to consult a professional homeopath.

A: Along with blooming trees and flowers, spring can bring sneezing, sniffling and coughing. While some people might mistake these symptoms for a cold, it could actually be seasonal allergies. Depending upon where you live, certain allergy-triggering plants may be in full bloom right now. Your symptoms may be a reaction to these plants, along with dust, mold and other allergens stirred up from spring-cleaning.

Allergies are very common, affecting at least 2 out of every 10 Americans. There are steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home as well as natural therapies that can help reduce your symptoms. Below are some tips for preventing and treating seasonal allergies.

10 Tips to Fight Allergies Naturally:

1. Have a smoke-free home. If smokers visit your home, ask them to take it outside.

2. Use particulate air filters in your air ducts and consider placing air purification units in the bedroom and living area. Change air filters frequently and clean air ducts at least once a year.

3. Reduce allergens such as dust and dust mites by washing bedding in hot water at least every 2 weeks.

4. Use covers for pillows, mattresses and comforters. Avoid stuffed animals, overstuffed furniture and down-filled bedding or pillows in the bedroom.

5. Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair.

6. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and reduce the chance of mold growth.

7. In moist areas, run a dehumidifier and fix all leaky faucets. Standing water and moisture can encourage mold growth.

8. Eat a well-balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidant rich foods. Since allergies are an inflammatory condition, anti-inflammatory foods and supplements such as fish oil may help prevent or relieve symptoms.

9. Use a neti pot or bulb syringe for a salt-water nasal lavage. Also called nasal irrigation, nasal lavage involves spraying saline solution into each nostril. This helps remove mucus from the nose and sinuses and relieve allergic symptoms.

10. Keep on hand homeopathic remedies such as Allium cepa, Euphrasia and Hyland’s Seasonal Allergy Relief. Homeopathy is a gentle but effective holistic medicine that stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Allium cepa is a popular homeopathic medicine when allergies present with a watery runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Euphrasia is another remedy commonly used for allergies when, in addition to the runny nose and sneezing, the eyes are inflamed, irritated and watery. Combination homeopathic remedies such as Hyland’s Seasonal Allergy Relief contain multiple homeopathic remedies that are commonly used to treat allergies.

If allergy symptoms are chronic or continue for more than a few days with no improvement, consult with your health care provider.

A: It’s time for Spring cleaning, but for a true green clean it’s important to know what’s in your cleaning products. Cleaning products are a major contributor to poor indoor air quality. According to a study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, many common household cleaners and air fresheners, when used indoors under certain conditions, emit toxic pollutants at levels that create health risks (Nazaroff, April 2006).

Two common components of household cleaners looked at in this Berkeley study were ethylene-based glycol ethers and terpenes. Ethylene-based glycol ethers are water-soluble solvents and are classified as hazardous air pollutants under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and as toxic air contaminants by California’s Air Resources Board. Terpenes are chemicals found in pine, lemon and orange oils and are known for their distinctive scent, and some studies have shown that they may react with ozone to produce toxic compounds such as formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant that is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.

There are many other chemicals in cleaning supplies, and they all vary in toxicity levels. While it’s a good idea to read warning labels, they generally only refer to acute exposures and often provide inadequate health safety information. Exposure to some of the ingredients in cleaning products can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. The long-term effects are not known for many of the compounds, but some are known to cause cancer in animals; others are known to cause cancer in humans.

Cleaning products are also contributing to water pollution. Hormone-disrupting chemicals such as triclosan from antibacterial soaps and cleaners were found in the San Francisco Bay during a year-long study by the Environmental Working Group (a non-profit organization). Triclosan has been linked to thyroid disruption in frogs at low levels found in many streams (Veldhoen 2006). In tap water and fresh water, triclosan is known to form chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems (Adolfsson-Erici 2002, Lindstrom 2002; Balmer 2004; Lores 2005; Fiss 2007).

Switching to eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products is a great place to start making your home greener. You can buy some in the store or try making your own. Vinegar and baking soda will clean just about everything in your home. Start by using 50/50 vinegar and water as an all-purpose or window cleaner. Borax is great for cleaning toilets (you may want to leave it in over-night). And a great drain cleaner is 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Once the combo stops bubbling, then pour in some boiling water.

And don’t forget — when throwing out conventional cleaning products, take them to a hazardous waste site so they don’t end up in our lakes and streams.

If you’re still determined to use some of your traditional store bought cleaning products, be sure to the rooms are well ventilated during and after cleaning and store them away from living areas and out of reach of children.

A: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. And despite the fact that many people think heart disease is mainly a problem for men, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women as well. In fact, women are 10 times more likely to die of CVD than breast cancer.

February is American Heart Month and a great time become more aware about what you can do to prevent heart disease. Diet is a key component of cardiovascular health and a great place to start. You can begin by eating more fruits and vegetables since they are high in important nutrients. Studies support the benefits of eating 9 servings/day of fruits and vegetables, but most Americans eat less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables/ day.

Below is a list of foods that are full of heart-healthy nutrients – antioxidants, important vitamins and minerals, fiber, and essential fatty acids:

• Yams - high in beta carotene which has strong antioxidant effects. Antioxidants prevent oxidizing cholesterol and the fatty build up in the arteries which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin are other foods with similar health properties.
• Spinach - full of important vitamins and minerals beneficial for the heart. Other nutrient-rich green leafy vegetables are kale, collards, swiss chard, mustard greens, turnip greens, and bok choy. Keep in mind that spinach is one of the “dirty dozen.” I’m referring to a study that looked at the highest pesticide residues on 47 different foods, and spinach was 1 of the top 12 most contaminated foods. And unfortunately, washing does not significantly change the level of pesticide residue, so be sure to choose organic spinach.
• Red Bell Peppers – yellow, orange and red bell peppers are high in antioxidants. These are also on the dirty dozen list, so choose organic.
• Brown Rice – has higher amounts of important minerals, B vitamins and fiber than white rice. Most Americans eat less than 1 serving of whole grains/day and are missing out on a significant amount of fiber. Fiber helps reduce cholesterol.
• Avocados - are high in many nutrients including folate and B6 which help lower blood homocysteine levels. Though avocados are high in fat, the fats in avocados are good fats, monounsaturated. In fact, avocados have been shown to improve cholesterol.
• Black beans – Beans are a healthy source of protein, and they’re high in fiber. People who eat beans regularly have a lower overall mortality risk. They are a heart healthy food because they reduce cholesterol and overall heart disease risk. Black beans are also high in antioxidants.
• Salmon – an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and omega 3 oils. Omega 3 oils help lower a person’s risk for heart disease including improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of stroke. When possible, try to select wild Alaskan salmon. Farm raised and European have high levels of environmental toxins such as mercury, but wild Alaskan salmon is a much safer catch. Other sources of omega 3 oils: Omega-3 enriched eggs, Walnuts and pumpkin seeds, and Flaxseed meal
• Garlic – studies have shown as little as 1/2 – 1 clove of garlic daily can lower bad cholesterol and may decrease blood pressure. One of the most beneficial constituents, allicin, comes from crushing or cutting the garlic. Choose fresh garlic, since it has greater amounts of allicin.

Click here to find a recipe for a delicious meal incorporating these foods – Roasted Wild Salmon with Black Bean and Spinach Salad.

Some more tips to help prevent heart disease:

• Exercise daily – lose weight, lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, improve cholesterol and reduce your overall heart disease risk. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new routine.
• Stop smoking
• Stress management techniques to help lower blood pressure such as yoga and meditation
• Nutritional supplements such as a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement may be helpful, but consult a qualified healthcare provider to discuss which supplements suit your unique healthcare needs.

A: Getting fit is an excellent New Year’s Resolution. Many common diseases are linked to being overweight such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Making this your New Year’s Resolution is a great first step toward achieving success. But, it’s important to look at weight loss goals more in terms of getting fit and healthy rather than “losing weight.” Good body composition (how much lean muscle versus fat mass you have) is much more important than shedding pounds. Muscle actually weighs more than fat, and losing muscle can easily occur if a weight loss program is done improperly. Increasing lean muscle mass and decreasing body fat helps reduce the risk of many health problems. So, not only will you look better with improved body composition, you will be healthier too. We all want to live long, full lives, free of illness, so when you embark on your new program, be sure you are evaluating your body composition rather than what the scale tells you.

It is always a good idea to have a full work up (physical exam and blood work) before starting a new program. That said, the best way to get fit is with a good combination of nutrition, exercise and stress management. For a successful supervised program, look for a health practitioner or fitness facility that offers programs that include all of these components and monitors your progress with periodic body composition testing. A customized diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise program can be determined by an initial assessment.

Tips to successfully reaching your goals:
1. Recognize we make healthy lifestyle choices because good health is something we value and want to have our entire life, and the lifestyle choices we make today will lead us to the health we will have in the future. This will help you stay on your program and incorporate long-term changes.
2. Studies indicate that it takes about 45 days to actually make something a habit. That means you have to practice these new lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and stress management) for at least 45 days before they start to stick.
3. Make a commitment to yourself – try writing a contract that specifies your commitment to your goals. Lay out clearly what your short-term (daily or weekly) and long-term (for the month or year) goals are. And reward yourself for each milestone so you’ll have incentives for sticking to your program.
4. Keep a journal to help you stay on track and measure your progress. Include your short-term and long-term goals and your daily successes and challenges. Be sure you keep it positive and not dwell on set backs.
5. Visualize yourself achieving your goals. This will help you follow through with the behavior you visualize.

Congratulations on choosing the resolution to get fit and optimize your health. You’re on the way to a healthier you!

A: Drinking water on the go is a healthy idea, but recent research has been questioning the safety of plastic water bottles.

Most disposable water bottles are made from plastic derived from crude oil, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Reusing plastic water bottles helps reduce waste, but the bacteria levels increase as they are re-used. Washing PET/PETE (#1) bottles may cause them to start breaking down and cause leaching of chemicals into the water such as DEHA, a carcinogen, and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a potential hormone disrupter.

Searching for a healthier choice, many people turned to using the harder plastic water bottles made from polycarbonate plastic (often marked #7). However, this does not appear to be a safer alternative since polycarbonate plastic leaches bisphenol-A (BPA) into food and liquids. BPA is a chemical that has been linked to hormone-disrupting effects and several types of cancer. Normal wear and tear, cleaning, scratches, and heating accelerate the leaching. In addition to water bottles, plastic baby bottles, toddler sippy cups, hard plastic containers, food and beverage can linings (including infant formula cans), and dental sealants often contain BPA. Although some skeptics claim BPA does not pose human health risks, it is best to be safe and choose an alternative.

The safest options are reusable glass and stainless steel water bottles. Avoid metal water bottles that have a plastic lining since these may contain BPA. Glass and stainless steel containers do not seem to leach any chemicals into the water and handle frequent washing. These options are particularly important for babies and children since they may be more susceptible to the potential harm from BPA and other chemicals. Look for glass baby bottles and stainless steel sippy cups. Even with these safer alternatives, it’s important to wash reusable containers to avoid accumulation of bacteria.

You don’t need to give up your water-on-the-go. Drinking plenty of pure water is important for good health, but be sure to store it in reusable non-leaching containers such as glass or stainless steel.

A: We all want what’s best for our little ones. It would seem that toys would be one thing we shouldn’t have to worry about, but, unfortunately, some toys just aren’t safe – as we’ve seen from the recent recall of certain toys made in China. For babies it’s particularly important to look at what the toys are made out of since they tend to put everything in their mouths. There are several things to think about when selecting toys for your children or when you’re out shopping this holiday season.

First, pay attention to the recalls, and avoid toys that are on these lists. You don’t want your children exposed to lead. Lead is known to be highly toxic, especially to children. It has been labeled as carcinogenic and is known to cause damage to the reproductive and neurological systems. It has also been linked to problems with learning, developmental, hearing and hyperactivity. When selecting imported toys, ensure that they are lead-free. It is often safer to select toys made in Europe and the US.

Another thing to look at is the type of plastic used to make the toys. Many plastic and vinyl toys contain phthalates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Bisphenol-A (BPA). These chemicals can be broken down and ingested through teething and with general wear and tear. PVC and other types of plastic manufacturing produce dioxins and can have hormone-disrupting effects in the body. There are PVC and phthalate free plastics, and, so far, these alternative plastics appear to be a safer choice.

Wooden toys are a nice alternative to plastic. Preferably, the toys should be made of solid wood rather than pressed woods, such as plywood and particleboard which contain harmful glues. While solid wood toys are my top choice, you want to be sure they’re made with non-toxic paints and finishes. I also like to encourage people to choose sustainably-harvested materials when possible since these are a more eco-conscious choice over fossil fuel-based plastics.

Fabric toys such as stuffed animals, puppets and dolls encourage imaginative play in children, and babies like to explore the textures and shapes with their mouths. But try to avoid toys with stain- and insect-proofed chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Since cotton is a heavily sprayed crop, certified organic and/or untreated cotton and wool, colored with non-toxic color-fast dyes, are a healthier alternative. For children with allergies, it’s important to limit the number of stuffed animals stored in their bedrooms since these toys can harbor dust and other allergens.

Books are an excellent choice for any aged child. For greener options, select books that teach your child about sustainability, nature, health, and nutrition. Card games and board games are another option and can be fun for the whole family, but look for ones that do not contain harmful plastics.

Whether you have a teething baby or an older child, there are many colorful, well-made toys made from natural materials that are a safe choice for your child. And there’s always the option to get creative and make your own toys to give as gifts this year.