Google Removed Natural News – Is This Alternative News Censorship?

Google has wiped NaturalNews.com and its published articles off its proverbial map. If you google Natural News the website does not come up in a search and neither do an estimated 140,000 articles published by the organization (as of 2/27/2017).

NaturalNews.com is not a small, inconsequential site. It is a website visited by an average of 7 million individuals a month. Yes, 7 million unique readers visit the website each month and 2 million have “liked” Natural News on Facebook.

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, is a well-known proponent and purveyor of “alternative” news. His site, NaturalNews.com, promotes alternative health care, nutrition, natural healing, and supplementation. He has taken a clear stand against vaccines, GMOs, fluoride in drinking water, environmental toxins, and the chemicals we put in our food.

Adams also freely shares his views on politics and daily life. He is a staunch conservative who denies manmade climate change and supports President Trump, the right to bear arms, and a prepper lifestyle. Recently, he has also been warning his readers about fake news and impending censorship of sites such as his.

On February 16^th, he reported the following:

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am being threatened with the complete destruction’of my reputation, my brand and my character by left-wing media operatives who have issued a new threat this week: ‘Destroy Alex Jones or we will destroy YOU.’

Alex Jones, of course, is the founder of InfoWars.com, one of the most popular multi-media publishers of pro-America news, videos and radio broadcasts in the world.

The warning implies that a barrage of left-wing media stories will target me personally — obviously spreading “fake news” lies — unless I agree to go public with “opposition research” targeting Jones that was previously delivered to me on a physical thumb drive.”

Adams also believes his support of President Trump has made him a target.

Malicious effort now under way to take out prominent Trump supporters and silence their support of our President.”

Google Wipes Out Natural News Content

On February 22, Natural News was “blacklisted” with no prior warning. All of its content is gone from the search engine. Adams states:

Some of the news now being censored by Google includes our laboratory testing of the U.S. water supply, where we conducted laboratory testing to discover that 6.7% of municipal water is contaminated with toxic metals. Google has also blacklisted our announcement of free laboratory testing services for Native American water supplies impacted by oil pipeline leaks. Also blacklisted is our exclusive coverage of the GlaxoSmithKline criminal indictment by the U.S. Justice Dept. and our interview with the whistleblower who helped achieved a record $3 billion settlement with the criminal drug company.”

No Response From Google

We emailed Google through the proper channels (the contact email reserved for media) on February 23rd. They did not respond to our inquiry.

The question is, why did Google do this? Was it because Adams supports Trump? Denies climate change? Exposes vaccines? Highlights fake mainstream news?

Two days after the event, Google sent an email to Mike Adams. Mike Adams told us,

Google is now citing a bullshit technical reason that was only concerning a dozen blog pages posted in 2013 – 2014.”

In an article, he wrote the following explanation about the email he received:

…a Google techie found an obscure third party advertising script running on a tiny number of articles published 3+ years ago under the blogs.naturalnews.com subdomain, where content is posted by outside bloggers. (Many websites host similar blogs, including the NY Times.) Google has so far provided us with ONE URL that they claim is a violation. (Yet they banned 140,000+.)”

This action by Google not only shuts down traffic driven to the Natural News website through web searches for specific words or information, it also will result in a loss of income. Mike Adams told us,

They shut this down without any warning, it silenced about 1.8 million clicks a month, at least.”

Search Engine Land Reported:

Google has confirmed the site was not removed for its political views but rather because of a webmaster guidelines violation. A Google spokesperson told Search Engine Land…” and they qouted Google:

We don’t comment on individual sites, but if we find that a site violates one or more of our Webmaster Guidelines we may take manual action against it. For webmasters who have questions about their own sites, our Webmaster team provides support through platforms such as the Webmaster Forums. Once a site has remedied the problem, the webmaster can submit the site for reconsideration.”

Mike is determined to win this fight. He says, “We will prevail!”

We, at OLM, do not always agree with Mike Adams. Most of us as the office today identify as progressive, not conservative or liberal. We supported Bernie Sanders, not Donald Trump. We do believe in manmade climate change and we aren’t so convinced that there is a shadow government planning a coup. On the other hand, we don’t know who really killed President Kennedy or the full story on 9/11. The mainstream media doesn’t show us what’s actually going on. We need alternative media. We need people like Mike Adams on both sides.

FYI: While they disagree politically, Michael Edwards considers Mike Adams a friend. This is not a title he bestows on many.

What we do know for sure is that censorship is dangerous. And while Mike Adams is very happy with the current administration, we grow increasingly concerned over censorship. And not only by government, but as we can see, big business has the ability to do massive damage to an organization like Natural News.

Lavender: A Portrait of an Overlooked Panacea

For most people, lavender conjures memories of powdery-scented sachets in lingerie drawers, spray colognes, or dainty English soaps. Because of this nostalgic cosmetic association, this age-old garden plant has been mostly forgotten as a medicinal, even by seasoned herbalists. Lavandula angustifolia or true lavender is a gentle but highly effective multitasking plant ally for children and adults alike. This fragrant shrub in the mint family has tiny, purple flowers, but don’t let the lovely fragrance or size only connote cosmetic pleasantry. Lavender is highly therapeutic. It is capable of combating influenza and strep throat yet mild enough to calm the stormiest of tummy troubles in youngsters.

When infused gently in hot water, this lovely herb displays aqua hues that mellow to mauve as it fills the room with its fragrance. With such fairy glamor charms, this tea makes an easy internal medicine for nervous exhaustion, digestive spasms, tension headache and migraine, anxiety, panic attacks, chest infections, tonsillitis, bowel infections, excessive Candida, cold and flu, insomnia, and fevers including typhoid. Lavender can easily be combined with synergistic herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, and rose petals to tailor its valuable properties for specific maladies.

On the other hand, lavender essential oils—true lavender and spike lavender–—are some of the most important oils in clinical aromatherapy that are capable of fighting drug-resistant infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) when used topically.

When looking at the body of modern clinical studies, old herbal manuals, and scribbled notes of aromatherapists, it is easy to see why this humble plant should be one of the most important items to keep on hand at all times—in the medicine chest, the kitchen cabinet, and the travel case.

Uses for Lavender Tea

Allergies and Adrenal Support

Lavender is a natural immune booster, but it can also calm an overactive immune system that is responsible for multiple allergies or sensitivities. The adrenals, the body’s stress glands, can play a significant role in promoting equilibrium between both extremes, and lavender can help. When the adrenals are nourished and the more the parasympathetic nervous system kicks into temper chronic fight or flight response, there will be fewer allergies and less severe allergies.

Tip: To prevent the body from neutralizing the effects of long-term use, alternate weeks that you drink lavender tea. For example, after a week of consistent use, skip a week and then resume.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups a day.

Anxiety, Depression, and Neurotransmitter Balance

Lavender—both its scent and chemical properties within the flowers themselves when ingested—affect the production of serotonin, a vital neurotransmitter found within the gut and the brain. When this neurotransmitter is imbalanced or deficient, a multitude of “mental health” conditions can manifest. An inhibitory neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a major role in taming excessive production of excitatory chemicals that are responsible for low immunity, disrupted sleep cycles, sugar cravings, and heightened pain. Regular consumption of coffee and other stimulants, prolonged stress, hormonal changes, and poor diet compromise and deplete our serotonin levels. In the simplest terms, serotonin imbalance directly affects many functions in the body including digestion as well as emotional wellbeing. When it is disrupted, it can be evident in many ways ranging from hormonal moodiness to eating disorders such as bulimia and certain types of depression to chronic anxiety. Lavender tea can offer wonderful and near-immediate calming effects by lowering the stress hormone cortisol and regulating adrenaline.

Recommended amount: 1-3 cups a day.

Blood Sugar Balance

Lavender tea has balancing effects on the pancreas and insulation production, therefore it can be beneficial for blood sugar stability, especially for non-diabetic/reactive hypoglycemia.

Recommended amount: 1-3 cups of unsweetened tea a day.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Because of its effects on neurochemicals and the adrenals, lavender tea is helpful for some individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups of unsweetened tea a day.

Digestive Balance

Chamomile has long been hailed as the quintessential herb for stomach upset, but lavender is also a heavy hitter when it comes to calming nervous bellies, nausea, gas, bloating, and griping pains. A warm infusion of lavender can also increase good intestinal flora while combatting yeast overgrowth. Lavender tea is also an excellent children’s remedy for tummy troubles, school jitters, nightmares, and stomach aches from nervous origins.

Recommended amount for adults: 1-3 cups a day. Recommended amount for little ones: ½ cup twice a day taken by the tablespoon if need be. A little local honey makes it a pleasant drink.

Energetic Properties and Emotional Influence

On the energetic level, lavender can soothe stormy emotions, stimulate peace where there is resentment or jealousy, and lift the mood.

Immunity

An infusion of lavender flowers drunk a few times a week is a pleasant immune booster that can prevent illness during the flu season, guard against infections, and balance neurochemicals such as serotonin that play an important role in strong immunity. Lavender tea is also wonderful for sore throats, and an added touch of local honey enhances its healing and soothing properties. The tea can be drunk cold, at room temperature, or hot. The latter is useful in bringing down high fevers.

Recommended amount: 3-5 cups a week, skip a week and then resume.

Insomnia

The scent of lavender and its effects on calming the body and inducing sleep are well known, but the herb prepared as tea gets little attention. A warm lavender infusion taken half an hour before bed can help the body wind down and calm racing thoughts.

Recommended amount: 1 cup of strong unsweetened tea before bedtime.

Muscle Tension and Headaches

Warm or hot lavender tea can relieve tension headaches and muscle tightness (anywhere in the body, including the neck), and it may help migraines.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups of unsweetened tea.

Caution: Because of lavender’s effects on neurotransmitters and insulin, those on antidepressants, diabetic pharmaceuticals, or sleep medications might need less of these drugs and should be monitored. Always ask your physician about contraindications regarding any medication. Also, despite lavender’s gentle effects, some individuals can be allergic to it. If any signs of allergic reaction occur, discontinue use.

How To Make Lavender Tea

Quick Method

Use 1-1 ½ teaspoons of dried organic lavender flowers per cup of water. Place the dried herb in a heat proof Pyrex measuring cup or a tea pot, pour boiling water over the lavender and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. If preferred, add honey to taste.

Overnight Method for a Larger Quantity

Fill a 1-quart Mason jar with ½-3/4 cup of dried organic lavender flowers. Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar halfway. Stir the herb mixture and then fill the rest of the jar with water until full. Put a lid on and cover with a towel overnight. Strain and drink. If preferred, add honey to taste. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be reheated.

Topical Use of Lavender Essential Oil

How to Use Lavender Oil Topically

Due to individual skin sensitivity, neat, or undiluted, application of lavender essential oil is recommended via the soles of the feet. Pores of the foot sole are the largest in the body and are therefore ideal for fast delivery of essential oils into the bloodstream. Inhalation of lavender essential oil can also have profound benefits.

Adults: For undiluted application to the soles of the feet, use 3-4 drops of essential oil maximum per foot. Apply to the soft part of the sole between the heel and the ball of the foot.

Children: Use 1 drop essential oil per sole of the foot or 1 drop of essential oil mixed into 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and massage on chest, belly, or any other part of the body. Avoid mucus membranes.

Tip: The easiest way to apply essential oils neat to the soles of the feet is to simply place an index finger over an essential oil bottle, invert the bottle, and then turn right-side up. The amount of essential oil dispensed on your finger should equal 1 drop. Be sure to allow oils to be absorbed before putting on shoes and socks.

Uses for Lavender Oil

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, and Chronic Worry

Lavender essential oil is the premiere essential oil for afflictions of the nervous system that manifest as emotional or psychological conditions ranging from certain types of depression to PTSD. Dermal (skin) application and inhalation are both recommended for any of the above. Lavender essential oil is best used consistently, even when symptoms are not apparent. For example, a person who suffers from panic attacks will benefit from lavender by using it between attacks as a preventative measure as well as when symptoms are present. When inhaled, lavender essential oil immediately affects the limbic portion of the brain and works with the adrenals to regulate stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. For inhalation, put a drop on a tissue and inhale as needed.

Cardiovascular Health

Dermal application of lavender essential oil has been shown to increase oxygen and decrease inflammation, thus making it beneficial for heart disease or the prevention of this condition.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. Steam inhalation is also beneficial and can be used by dropping 3 drops of lavender essential oil into hot water and inhaling for ten minutes with a towel over the head.

Chronic Pain Syndromes and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes respond positively to a topical application of lavender. Lavender is a gentle analgesic that reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation. Steam inhalation of lavender can also benefit the body by reducing physiological stress responses and reducing inflammation.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed.

Steam inhalation: add 3 drops of lavender essential oil to hot water and inhale for ten minutes with a towel over the head.

First-Aid and Skin Health

A drop or two of lavender essential oil applied to cuts, burns, wounds, and other injuries can instantly promote healing and stop bleeding. Immediate application followed up with daily re-application is recommended for best results. A few drops of lavender essential oil added to water in a spray bottle makes a wonderful sunburn soother that can also be used for inflamed skin condition such as acne, rosacea, and allergies. Lavender applied to the skin after radiation treatment can speed healing and ease pain. Lavender has been shown to decrease certain types of skin cancers, especially when combined with high quality frankincense essential oil.

Headaches

A few drops applied to the back of the neck, the temples, and the forehead can relieve headaches stemming from tension, stress, and allergies. Use as needed.

Immunity

Lavender essential oil is a powerful oil to use during the cold and flu season and is best used as a preventative.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. Lavender essential oil can be combined with other immune-boosting essential oils such as clove or organic lemon. If combining, use 2 drops of lavender to 1 drop of lemon or clove.

Conclusion

In the world of alternative health, lavender is an all-around remedy with many more uses than those discussed here. It is also a gift for the frazzled spirit in challenging times. Here’s wishing you lavender’s beautiful benefits!

Where to Find Dried Organic Lavender Flowers:

Author’s Recommended Brands of Essential Oil of Lavender, Spike Lavender, and Other Lavender Species:

Birch Hill Happenings
doTERRA
NOW
Young Living

Sources:

Books

Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
Flower Power by Anne McIntyre
Goddess Consciousness by Marlaina Donato
Healing Oils, Healing Hands by Linda Smith
Multidimensional Aromatherapy by Marlaina Donato, CA

Online

Green Med Info

Principles of Naturopathy

There are no incurable diseases! – Dr. John R. Christopher N.D.

What a wonderful statement Doctor Christopher makes. Let’s look at the conclusion that logically follows:

All Disease is Curable

Phew! This is even stronger. But is it true? And, assuming it is true, why stop there? Let’s follow this line of thought.

The Following Are the Basic Laws of Naturopathy

Man is a composite of spirit, mind and body.
The spirit of man is senior to his mind, which is senior to his body.
The spirit alone may heal the mind and body.
1. The mind by itself cannot heal itself, and requires effort on the part of the spirit.
2. The body by itself cannot heal itself, and requires effort by the spirit using the mind.
All disease (spiritual, mental or physical) is stoppage that is brought about by stress.
All disease is curable.
1. Even though all disease is curable, some people are not. It is sometimes extremely difficult convincing some people that they should survive when they don’t wish to.
2. Many people wish to survive. (the positive)
3. Some people actually wish to succumb, to give up and die. (the negative)
4. Those who wish to survive are penalized by associating with those who wish to succumb for they feel the need to take others with them.
5. Those who wish to succumb benefit (survival wise) from being associated with those who wish to survive. Basically, they are human parasites.
6. Stress, which then brings about stoppage is created by the actions of, and connection with these negative people.
7. The positive, who wish to survive, optimally should either handle those in their lives who are negative by educating and bringing them over to being positive, or failing that, disconnecting from them completely, and as quickly as possible.
A state of optimum health is positive and is the natural order of existence.
1. A diseased condition is the responsibility of, and created by, the individual himself. It is negative.
Ethics means “surviving optimally for the good of all”. An ethical person is a healthy person for they are healthy in spirit, mind and body.
Optimum health and balance is brought about by:
1. Ethical conduct.
2. Education, with the idea of improving one’s existence and the survival of others as well.
3. The introduction of high-quality organic nutrition.
4. Proper biochemical and nutritional supplements.
5. A good exercise program, and
6. A sufficient rest schedule.
An ethical person is not only surviving well himself, but is also actively contributing to the optimum survival of his family, his groups, and all of mankind. He knows that he is responsible for his fellows and is also very concerned with the ecological welfare of the planet.

This list is probably far from complete, and as time goes by this author hopes to fill in any gaps.

However, the immediate questions raised are: Are these laws true? And, can they be used to resolve all physical illness?

A decade of study, research, and running many students and clients on personal health programs, has shown the above to be completely accurate, 100% of the time. There were no exceptions.

Why I Stopped Taking Prescription Drugs

My mother was the first in our family to question conventional medicine. When I was a four, I was diagnosed with severe ADHD and learning disabilities. While the doctor insisted that Ritalin was the only viable treatment and was urgently needed, my mom researched alternative treatments and successfully managed my symptoms through diet alone. Unfortunately, she did not learn about alternative treatments for the asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections that plagued her, my brother, and me for many years. Removing dairy from our diet helped, but each of us still took antibiotics four or five times a year for many years.

Our slow change from conventional medical treatment to alternative medicine was made through a combination of excellent care from a chiropractor who practiced Contact Reflex Analysis with supplementation and my mother’s health crisis. After so many years of antibiotic treatments, she developed chronic autoimmune disease and refused the only treatment offered—steroids. Due to our chiropractor, she had learned enough about supplements to know that they could treat the cause, not just the symptoms. And since my aunt suffered from lupus, my mother had seen, firsthand, the damage done by conventional treatment.

After my mother (with the help of our chiropractor) treated both strep throat and pneumonia with supplements, healing faster than she ever had with antibiotics, she was determined the she and her children would never use antibiotics again unless an illness was life threatening and there was no alternative.

The last time I took antibiotics

Our immune systems slowly healed. Within a few years, serious yearly respiratory infections were a thing of the past. When I caught a cold, it was just a cold. It didn’t develop into asthmatic bronchitis or pneumonia anymore. And then, I no longer caught colds. But one day I came down with a nasty case of impetigo—a staph infection with pus filled sores erupting all over my body. Yes, it was gross. Squeeze on of those suckers and pus squirted all over the place.

When my mom found out about it, she panicked. She figured that I had staph in my blood and this infection was her exception to the rule of no antibiotics. Sepsis can kill. She didn’t even consider treating it with supplements. She took me straight to the emergency room for IV antibiotics.

For some reason, the doctor refused to treat me with IV antibiotics, simply prescribing oral medication. I promptly had an allergic reaction to the medication, so it’s a good thing I didn’t get that IV. I immediately stopped taking the antibiotics and visited the chiropractor. The right supplement cleared it up very quickly. It’s been seventeen years since that day, and I have never taken another antibiotic. Neither has my mom.

My immune system is incredibly healthy due to my diet and lifestyle. I don’t get sick. I now know how antibiotics destroy the bacteria in the gut—the very bacteria that comprises 80% of our immune system. At the same time it disrupts the balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria and allows Candida to overgrow.

Antibiotics are chemotherapy. We tend to reserve that word for the worst, most destructive pharmaceuticals, but the reality is, all pharmaceuticals (including all antibiotics) are chemicals used for therapeutic purposes—chemical therapy. They are used to kill the invading pathogen. None of them are used to support and aid the immune system, to help it do its job. This is the primary difference between alternative and conventional medicine.

If your immune system has been compromised by antibiotics, checkout the first article below.

The Vaccine Argument – Why It’s Important Regardless of Where You Stand

In my experience, vaccines are a touchier subject than politics or religion. If you take on an anti-vaccine stance, you probably know what it’s like to be ridiculed, called names, condemned, and shamed.

The pro vaccines people believe that the non-vaccinated are putting everyone at risk. The anti crowd believes that the immunization risks far out way the benefits.

I see both sides. Clearly. I get it. I’ve done a ton of research and I’ve debated many, many times. But I do not vaccinate. I do not vaccinate my dog or my child.

I think it’s possible that vaccines have their place. On the other hand, I also believe that a very healthy person is at a much greater risk from vaccine injury than any disease. But I am under the radical assumption that when the body is fed properly and not overburdened with toxins, the body is not susceptible to pathogens. I also believe in the crazy notion that illness, including HIV, cancer, and almost every other disease, is curable through natural means. I understand that this sounds crazy to most people.

I see times changing. I remember when people looked at me like I should be locked up for eating organic. It wasn’t long ago that most of us believed GMOs where going to save the planet and feed all the hungry. Even many of my tree hugging friends were under the impression that GMOs where the only way to produce enough food to feed all of us.

I see the vaccine debate moving in the same direction as GMOs. I predict that most everyone will be anti-vaccine or at least hesitant to vaccinate with anything more than just a few immunizations. I bet the flu shot will fall out of favor very soon. I think vaccines are ineffective, dangerous, and cause much more harm than good.

But, I admit I could be wrong. I could be wrong about all of it.

So let’s assume I am. Vaccines do more good than harm. Now let’s take it a step further and pretend that almost all of us crazy non-vaxers decide to come on over to the inoculation side. And everyone trusts Merck. And we all vote that vaccines are mandatory for everyone in the U.S.

What then?

Would Merck remain this trustworthy, innocent corporation? No. Because there is nothing trustworthy about them now. Merck and many other vaccine manufacturers have committed heinous crimes against both adults and children. One of many examples is in this proceeding YouTube video where Bayer and the U.S. Government knowingly gave HIV tainted vaccinations to children. And we all heard about laws they tried to pass in Texas that force children to vaccinate against an STD. Pharmaceutical companies, like almost every other corporation in this country, put profits above everything else. And we all know what corporations are perfectly willing to do to our children in the name of profit. This includes the medical companies. It happens all the time, and is even reported (usually very briefly) in mainstream media. They cannot be trusted!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg-52mHIjhs

Vaccine companies have already made it almost impossible to sue them. They are trying to make it illegal not to use their product. And they have been proven to commit crimes against people in the name of profit.

Furthermore, at least for the informed, it is no longer a debate as to whether or not vaccines can cause autism or other damage. Even vaccine manufactures are acknowledging this. The argument is about how often vaccine injuries happen, and if they are a benefit to society.

Without those crazy anti-vaccine guys, where would we be right now? Imagine if nobody stood up and said GMOs are bad news. Imagine if we all still took antibiotics every single chance we could. Imagine if those crazy advocates for lead free gasoline, paint, and other products didn’t exist?

My point is, we need this opposition to keep greed in check. It’s the “crazy” and “radical” progressives that got us safer working conditions, cleaner air to breathe, etc. Even when they’re (we’re) wrong, the opposition often keeps greed in check. If nobody questioned the safety and efficacy of immunizations, I can only imagine how much less safe they would be today. It took our voices just to get some of the mercury out of a few of the vaccines.

Debate is healthy. It’s absolutely necessary. Right or wrong, we need it to keep people and corporations in check.

Natural Remedies – Letter from the Editor

The only way to restore your body to good physical health is by living a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, detoxification, and exercise are all essential. The human body is miraculous. It is a system of checks and balances, a system built to endure and heal itself, if given what it needs. It doesn’t need a quick fix or a magic bullet.

Health is never achieved by covering up pain or symptoms of disease. It is never achieved through treatment of a disease without addressing the needs of the whole body, even if that treatment is a natural remedy. Remember, health is systemic and holistic. All health and all disease are created on a cellular level.

Yes, natural remedies are a safer, healthier choice than pharmaceutical treatments but they will never be a substitute for overall health. If you effectively treat an ailment with natural remedies but ignore your overall health, your body will eventually manifest disease in new ways, possibly more serious ways. Pain and acute illnesses tell us something is wrong. Are you listening?

Before you try a natural remedy, you need to know a few things.

First, herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals, tinctures, etc. are not all created equal. I have never found decent Echinacea at Whole Foods. I’ve never seen a high quality multi vitamin at GNC. Most of the herbs sold are weak and ineffective. Most of the vitamins sold are indigestible or downright toxic. We highly recommend Thorne and Standard Process supplements, Medi-herb and Dr. Shillington for tinctures, and Rose Mountain Herbs for organic and wildcrafted herbs.

Secondly, our bodies are unique. For instance, you may find you respond better to acupressure than aromatherapy. Personally, aromatherapy does very little for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. I’ve seen it work. I’ve seen a pregnant woman sniff sage oil and start contractions, months before she was full term.

Be smart. Be safe. Do it right. If you suffer from a chronic illness or poor health, take the leap, change your lifestyle. You have only one body.

And finally, our disclaimer: Natural remedies may backfire. While prescription and over the counter drugs have a far greater likelihood of dangerous side effects, since big pharma has such a stranglehold over our society, we have to warn you that that no remedy is always safe. And we also recommend you consult with your doctor or health care practitioner for any serious health issue. Hopefully, your doctor is a naturopath. Remember, your health is your responsibility, and no one else’s.

Michael Edwards

Editor in Chief

Fitness vs. Health – Letter from the Editor

Lance Armstrong, seven time winner of the Tour de France, is a great example of physical fitness. But at one point in his life, this world-class athlete was so unhealthy he was ravaged by cancer. Is he healthy today? It’s hard to say. I would bet he’s healthier than the average person, but I would guess he’s not as healthy as he could be. Men who exercise regularly and consume large quantities of bodybuilding supplements and energy drinks are not healthy. Have you ever read the ingredients on some of those protein powders, muscle gain formulas, and weight loss pills? Filled with everything from artificial colors to sugar, these concoctions do not benefit the body.

Steroids are another example of how health and fitness are not necessarily synonymous. With a proper fitness program, steroids can elevate one’s fitness to a level that is tough, if not impossible, for one to achieve by natural means. But, as we all know, steroids are not healthy. Like many perfectly legal performance enhancement supplements and bodybuilding supplements, steroids are dangerous. You may have seen yoga practitioners with acne, runners with seasonal allergies, or ironman competitors popping Excedrin for their headaches. These are not healthy individuals.

Fitness and health can certainly complement each other. And you cannot be healthy without some degree of fitness. But health is about living life without the need for prescription drugs. Being healthy is living without allergies. Living healthy means you don’t get diagnosed with Type II diabetes or arthritis in your forties or fifties and blame your age or genetics. Living healthy is living without aches and pains. Living healthy is taking responsibility for your own health and not blindly putting it in the hands of doctors.

Being both physically fit and healthy is an amazing feeling. Imagine waking up after a great night’s sleep full of energy with no aches and pains, at any age, clear headed, and ready to take on the day. For some people this isn’t possible. But for most people, including a great many who think they have no choice, health is a viable option.