Lymphatic System and Burdock Root

Several years ago, I was informed by my doctor that the large lumps under my armpits were not due to cancer, thank goodness, but due to clogged lymph nodes.  I was told to stop using deodorant, especially antiperspirants immediately.  Well that was easy, I didn't use any.  I didn't sweat, period.  That raised some concern with the doctor.  He then told me to increase my daily water consumption and make sure I drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, not counting any other juices, milk etc.  I don't remember what all else I was asked to do, but I did notice that within a couple of weeks, the lumps under my armpits had significantly diminished.

Over the years, I have come to realize that my lymphatic system was not functioning like it should since I was a very little girl.  From about age two, I was a very sickly child.  I got all of the childhood diseases, plus a few more.  About the only thing I didn't get was polio.

Needless to say, I've been on a quest to clean my lymphatic system most of my adult life, but especially as of late.  I've made great progress.  I've been reading and studying up on it, and have realized just how important this system is. The lymphatic fluid rests just below the skin; if it is toxic or sluggish (from processed foods, smoking, chemical body products, lack of exercise), the skin simply won’t look good. A healthy glow comes from the inside out. Even the fluid in the eyes is lymphatic fluid. The cleaner your are inside, the brighter and clearer your eyes will be – truly a window to your health!

The following is by Reuben Chow, reported in the Natural News. "The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system and functions as the body's "drainage" system. While it often doesn't get as much attention as the cardiovascular system, it actually plays vital roles in maintaining good health and combating disease."

Below are key points regarding the functions of the lymphatic system:

• Lymphatic vessels remove blood proteins and excess water from spaces surrounding bodily cells - this allows the cells to receive critical oxygen. A congested lymphatic system results in oxygen-deprived cells, which in the long-term can lead to various pains and diseases.
• Lymph fills spaces between bodily cells, bringing nutrients to the cells as well as removing unwanted materials from them - these include dead cells, bacteria, heavy metals, fatty globules, and other waste products.
• Bringing toxins away from cells is actually the lymphatic system's main function. Lymph circulates through the lymphatic system, carrying waste materials away from various parts of the body.
• The lymph nodes then filter the lymph, neutralizing and dumping bacteria and other pathogens, as well as neutralizing and getting rid of other toxins. They then bring these materials to the bloodstream, while the lymphocytes are allowed to pass through.
• Thereafter, the unwanted toxins are brought through the blood to the kidneys and liver, organs of detoxification, where they are dealt with and then excreted from the body. Some of the lymph is also dumped straight into the large intestines, where it is excreted with the feces.

Knowing this, I now needed to find ways to clean my lymph and strengthen it so it would function properly.  Key points to help with this task are:

• ·         exercise regularly, especially rebounding (mini-tramp)
• ·         dry skin brushing
• ·         eating healthy, especially more fruits and vegetables
• ·         drinking the right amount of water for your body
• ·         deep breathing to increase oxygen to your cells
• ·         lymphatic massage

Burdock Root (Powder)

Herbs also play a vital part in healing and cleansing the lymph system.  They include:

• ·         Cleavers
• ·         RedClover
• ·         BurdockRoot
• ·         Astragalus
• ·         Echinacea
• ·         Goldenseal
• ·         Pokeroot
• ·         Wild Indigo Root

These are all excellent herbs that will help cleanse the lymphatic system and flush out toxins accumulated in the lymph. All herbal products should be taken in conjunction with an organic food diet or food which is free of any and all chemical products and substances.

Burdock Root is especially good for:

• Detoxing Blood and Lymph (It is a blood purifier.)
• Relieves liver and gall bladder ailments
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Promotes Perspiration
• Has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
• Releases Water retention
• Aids in circulation

1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon daily

As I have been taking a combination of several of the above herbals, and constantly strive to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, exercise daily-especially those that stimulate the lymph such as rebounding and jump roping, doing the dry skin brushing etc., I have noticed a big improvement.  I see it in my eyes, and I feel it in my legs, as well as the lymph nodes under my arms.  My eyes are becoming greener every day, the orange haze is disappearing.  My legs, specifically my calves, do not swell as much.  I now sweat which keeps my underarm lymph nodes from swelling.  I rarely get sick, but when I do, I feel it is more a detox cleanse type of being sick, rather than catching the next virus going around.  I am more healthy today than I was during my childhood.

Like I've mentioned before in other posts, Bulk Supplements are a great place to obtain many of the herbs listed above.  They offer the cleanest, purest forms of dry herbs and supplements.  I have recommended them to friends and family. 

Eggnog Fudge Recipe

Eggnog Fudge (A 5 Star Rating) 

If you like eggnog, you will love this eggnog fudge.  It's a favorite at our house.

Ingredients:

4 ½ cups sugar
12 oz. Eggnog (regular flavor is the best one to use)
3 cups mini marshmallows
18 oz. White chocolate chips
1 ½ sticks real butter, salted
1 ½ tsp. rum flavoring
¼ to ½ tsp. nutmeg

Directions:

Line a 9x13 dish with aluminum foil.

In a 6 quart saucepan, stir and bring to a rolling boil the sugar and eggnog. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Stir and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until softball stage. Make sure all sugar crystals are melted but don’t burn.

Take off heat and add the white chocolate chips, and the butter. Stir until melted. Add the rum flavoring and nutmeg. Stir until blended.

Pour into dish and chill at least 2 hours. Peel from aluminum and slice. Keep covered in refrigerator.

EggNog Fudge

Zim's Max Crack Creme

How many of you are like me and keep searching for a great lotion for dry skin?  This is what has led to my lotion fetish.  I'm all about wanting to try the next new thing to see what will work best for me, more specifically, my feet.  I hate to wear socks, so during the spring through fall, my feet are bare. They toughen up and and can handle being bare.  What they can't take is sandals, shoes, and socks.

I do have one of those PedEgg Power gadgets which works great.  Love it!  I also have multiple sanding devices (aka foot files) to help keep the rough edges I get once something gets on my feet. Since I love working out in my yard, I really don't like to be barefoot.  Too many bee stings from my childhood days of doing that.  Even when I prep my feet with various lotions and creams, once something gets on them, they become rough.

Now having rough feet are necessarily that bad, after all, my feet aren't really that bad, I just make it out to be worse than it really is.  However, what I do notice is that once in bed on those satin sheets, my feet snag them to death.  I love my satin sheets, but I detest and almost can't sleep on them anymore due to the pilling caused by my feet.

Sooooo, like I mentioned, whenever I get the opportunity to try out a new lotion or cream, I'm all for it.  Zim's Max Crack Creme was founded over 60 years ago to help cement workers treat dry cracked hands and feet.  The base ingredients include arnica and aloe vera along with other herbs formulated to soften and moisture dry, cracked skin on hands, feet, elbows, and cuticles.

It's very simple to use.  Apply a small amount of Zim's Max Crack Creme on your dry and cracked skin a few times each day.  Within a few days your skin will feel amazing.

Zim's Max Creme comes in the Original Liquid Formula and a Creme Creamy Daytime Formula. Each are $6.99 each on www.zimsusa.com.  They offer a sundry of over-the-counter solutions using naturally-based herbal ingredients for pain relief, skin care, lip care, elder care and first aid.

My personal experience with Zim's has been very positive.  First of all, I do not apply during the day, as I don't like to leave foot prints from any lotions or creams applied on my feet to show up on my bamboo floors.  Therefore, I only apply at night.  I probably apply twice as much as is recommended, but my feet are dry and soak in all that creamy moisture goodness.

I have had a couple of rough spots on the balls of my feet that have been difficult to remove by "sanding" and this cream in just a weeks time has made a big difference.  My feet snag my sheets less each night.  That's the biggest mark I have to know this lotion works.  Throughout the day, I will apply the lotion to my hands, especially after doing dishes and working outside.  My hands feel so much better afterwords.  It's an instant relief, I don't have to wait for it to work, it works immediately.

If there was one thing I could change about this product, it would be to make it fragrant free.  Don't get me wrong.  I do like the fragrance, and my husband thinks it smells like lavender which he likes, but it does clash with my perfume.  That's the only thing I don't like about it.   The good part is that the smell from the lotion doesn't linger.  Within 30-45 minutes the fragrance has dissipated and my perfume isn't fighting to compete with an additional fragrance.

I highly recommend Zim's Max Crack Creme to those looking for the best solution to relieve dry cracked skin.

#MomsThumbReviews
#MomsThumb

Miracles of Magnesium Citrate

For about a year and a half now, I have discovered the miracles of magnesium citrate.  At first I didn't realize just how important magnesium is to the body, yet I know how I and my plants have benefited from the magnesium in Epsom Salts.  After having an opportunity to review magnesium citrate, I got to experience first hand all the benefits it can do for me.  When I ran out, I went searching online for the best magnesium citrate I could find, as well as the best value.

According to Natural News, the best form of magnesium is magnesium citrate. It is not only inexpensive but easily absorbed.  They also recommended Bulk Supplements as having one of the purest forms of herbs offered. I ordered my next supply of magnesium citrate from them.  They shipped quickly and this was very affordable.  Best of all, it works.  

Their supplement does not have a taste, unlike my first experience with magnesium citrate which had a citric acid type flavor.  I didn't mind drinking it mixed in water, but since the product from Bulk Supplements does not have any flavor, I find it best to mix it in something.  I've tried cereal, yogurt, applesauce, main dishes, soup, etc.  I prefer yogurt and applesauce best.  

I find that between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily is sufficient for me to take.  I base the amount on how much my restless legs respond.  I do have restless leg syndrome and magnesium citrate has been the best thing to quiet them down. I also find when I have a hard time sleeping at night, I need to up my dose of magnesium.  One other thing I know when I need to take more, is when I have a hard time swallowing.  Often times while eating, I can have a bite of food in my mouth, and my throat won't allow me to swallow the chewed food for up to 30 seconds or more.  This is caused by magnesium deficiency.

Many times I find that within 15-30 minutes of taking my magnesium I notice results.  I usually take it with my dinner meal, even though that's about 6 hours before I head off to bed.  I still feel the results of the magnesium helping my legs to quiet down and my sleep is so much more improved.

My mother-in-law swears by magnesium in keeping her bowels regulated, and helping her to absorb the calcium tablets she needs after having gone through cancer treatments.  I've seen a dramatic improvement in stress relief from both myself and husband as we are enduring a difficult trial right now.  It has been said to think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral.  Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy and stiff, including body part or mood, is a sign of magnesium deficiency.

You can read here the various symptoms that indicate you are magnesium deficient.  However, I caution you to be sure to order your purest form of the most easily absorbable form of magnesium from Bulk Supplements.

Awesome Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

Ultrasonic aromatherapy essential oil diffusers are one of the best to have to ensure the integrity of the essential oil.  Holan uses this technology with their diffuser.  It is a healthy and safe alternative to synthetic room fresheners and scented candles.

Holan's essential oil diffuser has a whisper-quiet ultrasonic operation making this diffuser a great option for use in a workspace, nursery, kids rooms, etc.  It is ideal for meditation allows for tranquil overnight use in the bedroom.  There is no need to worry about letting it run all night long.  Holds 1/2 cup water and will run approximately 6 continuous hours, with an automatic shut-off when water has completely evaporated. Therefore relieving any fears of burning out, ensuring safety, and peace of mind.

#holan

The calming mist fills the air with cool yet strong streams of vapor topped with soft swirls to help relieve dry skin, sore throats, and providing a soothing environment in bedroom or workspace.  This diffuser has the option of having 30 second intervals of mist, or continuous mist mode.  Very portable allowing you to move it from room to room with ease, or take it with you on travel, or workouts.

Strong streams of vapor
 topped with soft swirls

Has 7 mood-enhancing lights that can either rotate or you can select which color to keep it on.  Great as a night light.  Uses LED lights that emits a soft and warm glow.

Red light indicates
Continuous Mist Mode

Now that  you have all the basics about this wonderful eo diffuser, I just have to say that I love these kinds...the ultrasonic diffusers.  I especially like the fact that I don't have to use distilled water, I can use tap water.  Although, I admit, I prefer using the filtered water from my fridge.  We just have extremely hard water where we live, so I try to keep those minerals out of my diffuser to cause any build up.

Ultrasonic aromatherapy Technology

The one thing I have noticed, is though they recommend just a few drops of essential oil to place in this diffuser, I find that the scent doesn't usually last very long.  I find that I like stronger smells and will usually double the amount of essential oils that I place in this diffuser.  I have also tried aromatherapy oils with great success.

I also like the lights on this particular model.  I have others where the lights are fairly dim, and even though these provide a soft mood-enhancing lighting, I also think they are more vibrant, yet not so bright as to disturb my sleep.  Of course, the vibrancy of the lighting is directly impacted by the amount of light already in the room.

Healthy and Safe Alternative
to synthetic room fresheners

The mist that shoots straight up for several inches then swirls at the top is fun.  I would caution you to be ware of what it above the diffuser when you turn it on.  For instance, I started this in my kitchen after forgetting to add water to my steamed veggies, and burned the pan.  I placed this next to the stove and turned it on, but had to quickly move it when I saw the mist reaching up to the underside of my cabinets. There may not have been any worries, but I didn't want to take any chances.

All in all I really like this diffuser.  It works great.  It shuts off automatically just like it says when the water runs dry. The colored lights are way fun.  It's super easy to change out the fragrances and my house smells wonderful.  This is a great product that I recommend.

I did receive this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Easy Check Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor #WristBPM_EBP017

Ever wonder what your blood pressure is, but don't want to go to the local pharmacy or doctor's office to find out.  This easy check wrist blood pressure monitor by easy@Home, is just what you need.  It fits nicely around your wrist, and with the push of a button, your blood pressure check begins.  It is even FDA approved for over-the-counter use.

#WristBPM_EBP017

This monitor measures not only your blood pressure, but your pulse rate, and indicates if you have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).  It will store up to 60 readings.

There are 5 levels down the left side of the monitor, which an arrow will point at, once you take your measurement.  The bottom 3 represent healthy readings, and the top 2 represent unhealthy readings. If you have an irregular heartbeat, the monitor will display a multiple heart symbol.

The key factor with this is to make sure you place the cuff  on your left wrist, and your wrist at the level of your heart.  Push the button and you're good to go.  It's quick, and it's comfortable.  Yes, there is a tightening feeling as the monitor cuff prepares to take your blood pressure, but it isn't anything like those at the pharmacies, nor like at the doctor's office, in my opinion.

The easy@Home Blood Pressure Monitor is fast and easy to set up.  Runs on 2 AAA batteries, which are included.  Works quickly and is very accurate.  (I know, I tested it against another monitor I know is extremely accurate.)  Comes with a handy storage case.

When I took my bp this morning, I was surprised to see it was higher than normal.  I exercised and retook my bp, and it was even higher.  That normally doesn't happen.  This caused me to stop and reflect on my stress levels, and realized that some things had taken place earlier in the day, that really upset me.  Now I can see first hand, just how stress reacts on my body.  It's not good.

There are many ways to naturally bring down your blood pressure.  Exercising is usually a great way to do so.  Just don't stress out doing so.  Reduce stress.  Eat bananas.  Cut out the salt.  Lose weight. Don't smoke.  Don't drink alcohol.  Cut back on caffeine.  Eat a healthy diet.  Be grateful.

For an easy and fast way to monitor your blood pressure results, be sure to look into getting your own easy@Home blood pressure monitor.

Easy@Home Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor with Heart Beat / Pulse Meter Function - FDA Approved For OTC Use BP Monitor with Carry Case and Battery, Backlit Large Display, EBP-017

Even though I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion, I highly recommend the easy@Home blood pressure monitor.