Fresh Ideas For Better Breath

Let’s face it; we have all had the proverbial bad breath, usually at the all important first meeting or a first kiss. For some, chronic halitosis is often dealt with a regiment of wintergreen breath mints, spearmint gum and peppermint breath spray. It is worth mentioning that bad breath can often be a sign of an even greater problem like gum disease, sinus infections, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney problems.

Many over the counter products contain alcohol which can be very drying to the mouth and in some cases actually creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Also, consider this statement: “Warning: Do not use if irritation persists. Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” This is what you will find on the label of most commercial toothpastes. Imagine, this is a product that you use everyday for most of your life.

There is a natural way to achieve your freshest breath ever and this includes herbs and essential oils. Chew on fresh sprigs of herbs and spices like Anise, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Peppermint, and Sage. My personal favorite is peppermint essential oil, production from this cool, clear refreshing liquid began in the 1700’s and is obtained much in the same manner by distillation of the leaves. Historically, peppermint was used to flavor mints, toothpaste and gum. This oil offers more than just flavor it also contains pharmacologically active constituents that make it antibacterial and antiseptic which are two important components in fighting bad breath.

I have always made my own toothpaste simply because there isn’t much to commercially prepared toothpastes. They usually contain sodium laurel sulfate to make a foam, fluoride which is ever so abundant in our drinking water and peppermint for flavor. Here are two recipes that you can easily make at home.

Mouth Rinse:
Add 1/2tsp Peppermint to 8 ounces of distilled water, store in glass jar and use a small amount to gargle and freshen breath. Carry remainder in a travel size spray bottle to keep your breath fresh throughout the day.

Tooth Polish:
This old fashioned recipe is simple to make and easy to use. Mix ½ cup baking soda with 1/8 tsp Peppermint, blend ingredients thoroughly and store in container. Sprinkle mixture onto toothbrush to make your pearly whites shine.

If you would like me recipe for making your own toothpaste, send me an email with toothpaste recipe in the subject line.

Would you trade your toothpaste in for peppermint?

Our Food Supply Is A Hazard To Your Health

The FDA Maintains That No Labeling Or Disclosure Requirements Are Necessary To Protect Public Health

As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat,” and now more than ever this is worth paying serious attention to! The future of our food supply looks pretty bleak from where I am sitting.

Fast forward to a menu that may include cloned meat, irradiated food with a pinch of formaldehyde and a cocktail of chemicals in your fruits and vegetables. Its’ worth noting that the levels of hormone-disrupting environmental toxins in the food chain has increased. These deleterious toxins commonly known as PCB’s have demonstrated the ability to disrupt the endocrine system and can wreak havoc throughout entire body. And finally, let’s not forget about imported food, the FDA does not have time to regularly monitor.

Most of us are greatly undernourished and this can lead to anyone one of the following conditions; arthritis, asthma, constipation, chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, psoriasis and the list goes on.

To protect yourself and your family, it’s important to read labels and become more informed as to how your food is cultivated and where it originates. When buying certified organic always look for the USDA Organic label. Buy locally, this will not only support local farmers but you know the environment in which your food is grown. Also consider, making your own garden or if you are limited on space container gardening is a great option.


Did you know that many countries will not accept US food for import?

Love Yourself and Look Outside the Box When it Comes to Your Health and Wellness

It’s been said that “accepting ones self is the first step to greater enlightenment.” I find people taking necessary steps day by day. I also find it sad that in the United States we have the highest levels of income and education and drive the nicest cars but have the highest rates of depression, mental illness and suicide when compared to similar industrialized nations.

The ways in which you deal with stress and your life in general can profoundly impact the quality. Modifying your behaviors through alternative therapies can offer a framework and starting point to begin.

Overall, individuals who take into consideration the 5 elements listed below generally report better feelings associated to health and wellness.

1. Boost your immune system through meditation: This is number one for reducing stress and illness, there is some science to back it up. In a study conducted at Harvard University, 24 employees from a biotech firm were trained in mindfulness meditation. They were encouraged to practice this for one hour per day for six days a week. At the end of the eight week trial period the meditators and a control group received flu vaccinations. Tests conducted four months later showed that employees who meditated produced significantly more antibodies then the control group.

2. Achieve balance by stopping to smell the roses: All of our lives seem to be on fast forward at times. That is why it is essential to take time out for yourself and do something that brings peace and relaxation; aromatherapy, art therapy, gardening, music therapy and so on.

3. Connect with others and nature: Escaping the concrete and asphalt jungles that comprise our daily environments is key. Cultures that incorporate green landscapes, trees and grass tend to feel more connected to the earth. This in turn creates a state of harmony. Find time to spend outdoors with family and friends. Regular exercise outdoors is also a way to fill this void and get fit.

4. Get the right nutrition: Whether you are a vegan, raw foodist or the average joe, getting the right nutrition is often overlooked but is vital to your health and wellness. Consuming herbs either in tea or in food can supplement a balanced diet and offers some vital nutrients that you might be missing. I also recommend buying produce from your local area, this will support small farmers and you know where you food is coming from.

5. Get moving! The US Surgeon General recommends getting a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week. Also consider other forms of movement and exercise like Tai Chi, Yoga, Martial Arts and dance. The overall positive effects of exercise on health and disease are far too long for this post. Don’t delay, the outcomes can be felt quickly with a regular routine in place.

How do you achieve balance and do you love yourself?

It would be great to hear from you and by sharing your stories others can find inspiration from you!

Hello Alternative Therapy Bloggers.

Greetings, and welcome to my alternative therapies blog!

My introduction to natural health and wellness was by my grandmother who always gave me natural ingredients like honey, bee pollen and ginseng root. Her old-fashioned remedies were purely based on anecdotal information and family recipes.

Since then I have been afforded the opportunity of working with medical and alternative healthcare professionals throughout the United States. For the past 15 years, I have been working in the field of Complementary Alternative Medicine with a focus on plant based medicines.

As an Instructor, I lecture for the Miami Dade College's Continuing Education for Health Care Careers, teaching courses on, "Healthy Living with Alternative Medicine." My current interest is in the Green movement currently taking place in the US. To me, it is more than just a matter of sustainability; it fully encompasses human health as well.