It does not matter what size jar you use as long as the top one quarter is liquid.

Dry herbs lose their potency within a year. Fresh herbs rot soon after harvest. Tinctures preserve and extract the medicinal properties of an herb in an alcoholic extract. Tinctures may last more than a hundred years.

You can purchase tinctures through Organic Solutions, or you can make your own. They are very easy to make, but the process is time consuming, and it takes months to brew a strong tincture.

All of our formulas are available to the public. If we lose business and gain competitors, so be it. We need more herbalists and natural healers in this horrid world of huge pharmaceutical companies and pill pushers in white coats. Be the family herbalist. Be your own doctor. Maybe if enough of you make your own herbal preparations, we’ll drive them out of business.

I’ll drink to that! (Herbal tea of course.)

Stuff for making:

• Blender
• 100 proof alcohol (vodka works well)
• Glass mason jar
• Organic dried or fresh herbs

Stuff for straining:

• Wooden spoon
• Fine kitchen strainer or cheesecloth
• Bottle to put the finished tincture in

Note: Make on the new moon; strain on the full moon. Shake tincture at least once a week

It’s really easy:

Put herbs in blender. Add 100 proof alcohol to cover ¼ inch over the herbs. Blend well to a soupy consistency and pour into a glass jar. Screw on lid.

Let herbs settle for a day to see how much liquid is on top. 3/4 herbs to 1/4 liquid on top is best (see diagram). Screw the lid on and let it brew in the dark for at least 4 weeks or for months if you desire (but remember to strain on the full moon). To strain, pour the entire contents of the jar through your strainer and press all liquid out of the soaked herbs with a wooden spoon. Keep finished tincture sealed as the alcohol will evaporate if left unsealed.

Cheers,

If you want to purchase Organic Solutions tinctures and other products check out our online store, Green Lifestyle Market.

As a brand new farmer, I farmed conventionally for two years and broke even both years on one quarter section. Not so good. No profit. Farming has to make money or there is no point in doing it, right?

I decided I could make a little more money if I converted to organic, plus I didn’t like spraying all those chemicals. So I began the next year with a crop of oats, and I didn’t spray. Well, in the spring, what popped out of the ground was a beautiful field of wild mustard weed. Again not so good. The oats did grow, but they suffered under the canopy of the wild mustard.

From a distance, the field looked like a canola field. I hung my head in shame thinking that once again, I would not make a profit. Some farmers laughed. Some jokingly commented on how beautiful my canola crop looked. And some probably thought I was one bale short of a hay stack! In desperation I searched the web for a solution, but could find nothing. I resigned myself to just let it grow and harvest whatever I could in the fall instead of plowing it under.

That summer I spoke to many farmers and eventually met up with an old timer who used to farm organically. Over coffee at his place, I told him about my field and all the things that went wrong. To my surprise, in one hour he gave me more info on how to farm organically than I had learned in months of searching on the net.

With this new-found knowledge, I purchased a few more pieces of old farm equipment to help me out. Fall came, and the oats, wild mustard, wild buckwheat, and all the other weeds that offered me their seed were pouring into the combine. It was a mess that looked like a dog’s breakfast, but, thanks to my friend, the old timer, I used an old-fashioned screening system I had found for $400.00 at a local farm auction to separate the small weeds from the larger oats . It worked so well, I was able to remove 99% of all the junk from the oats.

With this new found hope, I felt confident I could farm organically. But what was I to do with all these weed seeds like wild mustard? Most farmers just dig a hole in the field and bury them four feet under. I did some brainstorming and research, and then it came to me. I could crush them like they crush canola seeds to make my own fuel.

Since then, I have designed and built my own bio-diesel reactor, purchased a grain burning stove, and purchased a small canola crusher. My tractors and trucks run on my homemade bio-diesel, a major reduction of my fuel farming costs. I also heat my home on weed seeds, saving even more money.

The second year I planted wheat and was able to keep the weeds to a minimum. During the summer, I noticed I had a wheat midge problem. (A midge is a little bug that eats the wheat.) It wasn’t an all out devastating infestation, but I asked around to a few farmers who all told me I should spray to get rid of the pest. However, I knew if I sprayed, I would no longer qualify to be organic. So I went back to the web in hopes of an answer. I found nothing but chemicals used to kill the bugs.

I once again resigned myself to just letting the crop grow and harvesting in the fall if the bugs left anything to harvest.

I once read a quote by Ambrose Bierce, “Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue.” That sort of summed it up for me. But this story gets better. Much better! I have to tell you! Are you sitting down in your chair?

A miracle happened. About a week later, I noticed a new critter in the field. Lady bugs. Lady bugs and more lady bugs. What seemed like millions of them. Everywhere I looked and everywhere I walked, lady bugs would land on my arms, hands, and hair. I wondered what in the world they were doing in the field because I had not seen them there before. To my amazement, they were eating the pesky wheat midge. Just when I thought all hope was lost, the small seemingly insignificant lady bug came to my rescue.

Every day I would walk through the field and marvel at the tiny creatures that were now living in my field creating balance the way it was designed to work. You know the best thing I ever did was choose not to follow the conventional wisdom. Had I sprayed the first year for weeds, I wouldn’t have all this free bio-diesel. Had I sprayed the second year for the bugs, I would have killed the wheat midge, but I also would have indiscriminately killed many other critters like the amazing lady bug. I wouldn’t have let the natural cycle of the field follow its course. I would have missed out on a major blessing.

Organic agriculture is sustainable. I can’t help but wonder what we as a people could accomplish if we were just a little more patient.

The first step in creating your organic garden is to determine its best placement. The closer it is to your house, the more attention it will receive. Make sure water is readily available, and it is in an area that is fully exposed to the sun.

Soil preparation is the single most important factor in creating a successful garden. I call it “dirt making.” You begin by gently turning the soil. If this is the first time the land is being used to grow food, a tiller may prove helpful. Subsequent soil preparation can be done with a spade or garden fork. Too much tillage destroys soil structure.

After opening the soil, add copious amounts of organic material such as compost, leaf mold, well rotted sawdust, or decomposed animal manure. You can make your own compost or purchase it from most garden supply stores. If you create good healthy soil, you will grow healthy, disease-resistant plants. Nutrient rich soil grows nutrient rich food.

Compost added to gardens improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and water retention. When mixed with compost, clay soils are lightened and sandy soils are better able to retain water. Mixing compost with soil also contributes to erosion control, soil fertility, proper pH balance, and healthy root development in plants.

Separate garden beds with walkways. You should not walk in the area where you plant your vegetables. The weight from walking on a vegetable bed compacts the soil and retards plant growth.

Utilize the garden space wisely. Select crops you will eat and enjoy or your garden space and the food you grow will both be wasted. Decide what you want to plant and where you will plant it. Know what you will plant after the spring season crop is harvested.

Southern exposure has the most light (if you live in the northern hemisphere). Plant your tall crops on the north and west sides of the garden to prevent shading of smaller plants.

Use known or recommended cultivars for your main planting. Always buy good quality open-pollinated or heirloom seed from a reputable company rather than hybrid seed, or buy transplant seedlings to save time.

Watch the moon and learn its phases. My own experience has taught me that things grown above the ground should be planted during the waxing moon, and things grown below the ground should be planted on the waning moon.

Water your garden as often as needed to maintain a uniform moisture supply. In the absence of rain, an inch of water once a week probably will be adequate for heavier soils. Light sandy soils might require more frequent watering. It is best to water early in the morning so foliage dries quickly. This helps prevent diseases.

Good luck with your garden! Growing food can be a rewarding, spiritual experience. Not only will you benefit from consuming the healthful food you produce, but you will also bring yourself closer to the ultimate realities of creation.

In the future we will delve deeper into some of the items discussed in this piece. Feel free to send any questions you might want us to address.

The problem of bioaccumulated toxins is reaching crisis proportions. Residues of more than 400 toxic chemicals have been found in human blood and tissues, many of them at levels that cause disease in animals. Recent medical and scientific studies show disturbing correlations between chronic low-level exposure to synthetic chemicals and allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, birth defects, developmental delays, cancer, and a host of other problems. Thousands of chemicals permeate our everyday life.

Fortunately, we can minimize these toxins through education and common sense. We must learn how to stop bringing toxins into our homes, to rid ourselves of toxins we have already introduced, and to help our bodies detoxify.

We accumulate toxins from air, water, and food. Surprisingly, most of our toxic load comes from sources in our own homes. Indoor air pollution poses a serious threat to the health and safety of families—especially to children. Indoor air is usually five times more polluted than outdoor air. The EPA has measured many indoor air samples to be 70 times more polluted.

Common household products contribute some of the most dangerous chemicals. One class of products is aerosols. A new study in the Archives of Environmental Health looked at the effects of aerosol air fresheners on the health of more than 10,000 young mothers and their infants. Formaldehyde and phenol are components of air fresheners that interfere with the ability to smell by coating nasal passages with an oil film or by releasing a deadening nerve agent.

Aerosol products, from air fresheners to cleaning products and shaving cream, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can include known carcinogens such as benzene and known neurotoxins such as xylene. Studies have shown that within 26 seconds of exposure to such products, traces of these chemicals can be found in every organ in the body and daily use of such aerosols causes a gradual increase in the amount of VOCs in the home air.

Daily use of air fresheners has been shown to cause adults to experience a 10 percent increase in headaches and a 25 percent increase in depression. Infants living in these homes suffered significantly more earaches and were 32 percent more likely to suffer from diarrhea. Keep in mind that these symptoms were the result of toxins seriously harming normal cell chemistry. The solution is simple: don’t use aerosols! (If you feel you must, use them sparingly with very good ventilation.)

Furniture and carpets made of synthetic materials are significant sources of indoor pollution and VOCs; they will off-gas toxic chemicals for decades. New carpets are especially toxic. Chemicals outgas from the fibers as well as the adhesives, backing, and padding. Researchers at Anderson Labs measured the effects of carpet toxicity on 110 families and found that within three months of installation, 82 percent of those people developed diverse health problems including irregular heartbeat, fatigue, rashes, memory loss, muscle pain, blurred vision, and tremors.

The problems with carpets first gained attention in 1988 when the new headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency caused “sick building syndrome.” The problem was eventually traced to chemicals outgassing from the backing of their new carpets. Synthetic-fiber carpets can contain as many as 200 different chemicals, many of which outgas into a home’s living space.

Mice exposed to fumes from new carpets died in a matter of hours, while carpets up to 12 years old caused severe neurological problems. If carpet fumes can kill mice, what are carpets doing to you, your children, and your pets? And if all this isn’t bad enough, it gets worse when carpets are cleaned.

Carpet cleaning products usually contain a multitude of toxic ingredients, including high risk hazardous chemicals such as 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde, and perchlorethylene. During application and while drying, these chemicals evaporate and pollute the air. Carpet shampoos also leave a residue on carpet fibers. Such residues can disperse into the air or be picked up by pets and children who are close to the carpet. Children play on the floor and they tend to put everything in their mouths. They are more susceptible to toxins because their detox systems are still developing.

Carpet cleaning also leaves carpets wet for too long, encouraging the growth of mold. Once mold begins to grow in a carpet or its pad, it is impossible to adequately remove it. Even when mold is not actively growing, mold particles and spores can cause health problems such as fatigue, headaches, allergy symptoms, and asthma attacks. Chemicals from molds can cause cancer and mimic hormones.

Dangerous gasses and particles are also generated by household appliances. Gas stoves, water heaters, furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces all release toxins such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and other gasses along with fine particles into the air. Furnaces and gas water heaters should be kept outside the living space, in a shed or an unattached garage. If that is not possible, consider switching to an electric water heater. This is what I had to do. Gas stoves should be used only with good ventilation. Electric stoves are preferable. Use fireplaces sparingly and never use artificial logs as they put a heavy VOC load into the living space and the neighborhood.

The list continues. Paradichlorobenzene, found in mothballs and deodorizers, is another common indoor pollutant and carcinogen. Pesticides are very toxic. Never use them in or around the home. Tobacco smoke, perfume, cosmetics, cleaning products, aerosol products, and all manner of scented products are toxic and should be avoided. Biological contaminants include mold, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroaches.

Attached garages pose another problem. Exhaust fumes and hydrocarbon vapors coming from the engine can enter the living space. The interiors of vehicles, especially new vehicles, are exceedingly toxic. Even tap water is dangerous. Most tap water is contaminated with aluminum, arsenic, pesticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, chlorine, and fluoride. In addition to damaging the brain and lowering IQ, fluoride also causes cancer, weak bones, poor teeth, and soft tissue calcification.

Exposure by breathing these chemicals in your bath can rival or exceed exposure from drinking the water. Breathing the fumes from dishwashers, clothes washers, bathtubs, and showers is particularly bad, and bleaches and detergents used in washing add to the toxic load.

Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor air pollution is creating an epidemic of undiagnosed chronic disease that is mystifying medical doctors. Too often the medical response is to prescribe medications that only add to the toxic load.

Even if we could stop putting all these toxins into our bodies today, we would still be in toxic overload. Since toxins are now unavoidable, we must reduce our toxic exposures and help our bodies detoxify.

There are three major approaches to detoxifying: eating a nutrient-rich diet, consuming high-quality supplements, and taking regular saunas.

Most of us are malnourished. The body’s detoxification system requires a variety of nutrients to operate efficiently. Lack of these nutrients allows toxins to build up and do harm. Nutrients critical to detoxification include vitamins C and E, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, carotenes, quercitin, CoQ10, glutamine, choline, and glutathione. It is important to supplement with detoxification-supporting nutrients and herbs.

There is another very effective way to get rid of toxins—saunas. According to detox expert Dr. Sherry Rogers, “Saunas have become a household necessity.” Sweating is a critical detoxification pathway, and saunas are the only proven way we know of to effectively rid the body of the hundreds of manmade chemicals we bioaccumulate. Through regular saunas, people with undiagnosable and untreatable problems have been restored to health. Unfortunately, saunas themselves can be toxic.

It took me two years to find and approve a sauna that met my exacting standards for safety and effectiveness. I finally found a far infrared (FIR) sauna made of nontoxic wood with special patented heating elements. I have one in my home. Twice a week, I sauna for an hour-and-twenty-minutes.

FIR saunas which operate at lower temperatures, take out more toxins and are far safer and more easily tolerated than regular saunas. If you are unable to have a sauna in your home, you can sauna at a health or fitness club. The important thing is to sauna regularly, at least once a week.

Other household aids include water filters, shower filters, and air filters. Each of these helps to reduce our toxic exposure. Finally, eating organic foods and using safe personal-care products such as organic, non-toxic shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, and skin creams are a must. There are safe alternatives for most of the dangerous products we use. Remember, there are only two causes of disease: deficiency and toxicity. Both of these causes are under your control.

With a modicum of education and a willingness to put it to work, almost anyone can improve their nutrition, reduce their toxic load, get well, and stay well.

Recommended Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• 8 Easy Steps to Health
• Hot & Cold Hydrotherapy

Yoga, in its entirety, is a complete way of life. This 5,000 to 10,000-year-old discipline is a collection of teachings handed down through the ages, a means to connect mind, body, and spirit through proper breathing, meditation, and mindful, focused postures. The full practice of yoga is concerned with all aspects of living: the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the individual and his/her relationship to the Earth and fellow creatures. It provides principles to live by and a means to reach self-actualization and enlightenment.

There are four major paths to yoga:

1. Bhakti Yoga—the path of devotion
2. Jnana Yoga – the path of rational inquiry
3. Raja Yoga – the path of mental concentration
4. Karma Yoga – the path of right action

It is believed that all yoga paths lead to spiritual enlightenment.

Around the second century, Patanjali sought to define and standardize yoga. He outlined the underlying principles of Raja yoga, which are now known as Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga or the Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga.

Reading much like commandments, the first two limbs are concerned with the do’s and don’ts of everyday life—basically morality and proper living.

First Limb: Restraints (The 5 Yamas)

1. These are the things you are to refrain from doing—“the don’ts.”
2. Do Not Be Violent (Ashama) Treat yourself and all other creatures with respect and kindness. Learn to love yourself.
3. Do not be Untruthful (Satya) Live a truthful life, but if the truth can harm others, keep silent.
4. Do Not Steal (Asteya) Do not take anything that is not yours, including the ideas of others. Do not abuse your power or confidences.
5. Do Not Lust (Bramacharya) Gain control of the senses and practice moderation in all things, especially sexuality.
6. Do Not Be Possessive—Do Not Covet (Aparigraha) Don’t be greedy or exploitive.

Sun Salutations Instructions

1. Begin by standing in Mountain pose, feet about hip width apart, hands either by your sides or in prayer position. Take several deep breaths.
2. On your next inhale, in one sweeping movement, raise your arms up overhead and gently arch back as far as feels comfortable and safe.
3.  As you exhale, bend forward, bending the knees if necessary, and bring your hands to rest beside your feet.Inhale and step the right leg back.
4. Exhale and step the left leg back into plank position. Hold the position and inhale.
5. Exhale and lower yourself as if coming down from a pushup. Only your hands and feet should touch the floor.
6. Inhale and stretch forward and up, bending at the waist. Use your arms to lift your torso.Lift your legs up so that only the tops of your feet and your hands touch the floor. It’s okay to keep your arms bent at the elbow.
7. Exhale, lift from the hips and push back and up.
8. Inhale and step the right foot forward.
9. Exhale, bring the left foot forward and step into head-to-knee position.
10. Inhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended.
11. Exhale, and in a slow, sweeping motion, lower your arms to the sides. End by bringing your hands up into prayer position. Repeat the sequence, stepping with the left leg.

Second Limb: How to Treat Yourself (5 Niyamas)

These are the observances—”the do’s.”

1. Be Pure (Sauca) Internal and external cleanliness is achieved by cleansing and detoxifying the body, yoga breathing, yoga exercises, and meditation. Your surroundings, your mind, and your body should all be clean and uncluttered.
2. Be Content (Santosha) Practice humility. Be content with who you are and what you have.
3. Be Disciplined (Tapas) Practice discipline of the body and the mind.
4. Study (Svadhyaya) Study the sacred texts and one’s self. The more you know yourself, the deeper your connection with the higher power.
5. Live with an Awareness of the Divine. (Ishwara Pranidhana) Let go and connect to the Divine or surrender to God’s will.
6. The third and forth limbs combine to form Hatha Yoga, the practice of breathing and exercises that comes to mind when most of us hear the word yoga.

Third Limb: Physical Poses or Postures (Asanas)

These are the exercises most of us think of when we hear the word yoga. These exercises are designed to give us strength, balance, and control of our bodies; to improve circulation, oxygenation, and flexibility; and to relax and rejuvenate us. Postures are to be done gently, with focus and concentration to bring our mind and body into harmonious union.

Fourth Limb: Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)

Through proper breathing the body receives more oxygen and wastes are eliminated. In fact 60% of toxins released from the body are exhausted through the lungs. In traditional martial arts and meditation, breathing is taught before anything else. Breathing is emphasized and considered to be one of the most important skills you can learn. Through yoga breathing exercises, the body and mind are strengthened and you become calmer and more focused.

Breathe through your nose and fill the lower part of your lungs. Instead of your chest expanding as it does with a shallow breath, your abdomen expands. Watch a baby breathe. This is a natural breath.

Practice breathing every day, all day. In time, proper breathing will become second nature. You will have greater reserves when you exert yourself. Your stress will be reduced. Every cell in your body will benefit from higher oxygen levels and increased elimination of wastes and toxins.

The fifth, sixth, and seventh limbs are dedicated to an escalating mastery of meditation. Each is dependent on mastery of the limb preceding it.

Fifth Limb: Withdrawal of the Senses (Pratyahara)

This may occur through breathing, meditation, or exercises, but it refers to the ability to withdraw your senses to the
point they no longer distract you.

Sixth Limb: Concentration (Dharana)

Concentration is honed to focus on one object, one point, one image, at a time.

Seventh Limb: Meditation (Dhyana)

This is uninterrupted meditation when objects are no longer needed to focus the mind.

Eighth Limb: Enlightenment (Samadhi)

The eighth limb is achieved through mastery of the other seven. The eighth limb is the ultimate goal.

All of the other 8 limbs work and nothing blocks you from oneness with the Divine.  This is the definitive level or awareness and peace.

Hatha Yoga

It is estimated that eighty-five percent of westerners who practice yoga limit their involvement to Hatha yoga, the combination of breathing techniques and postures or exercises. You don’t have to stand on your head or twist like a pretzel to practice Hatha yoga. You can find books, Internet sites, and teachers to aid you regardless of your age, weight, disability or physical condition. Check out your local library. Chances are you’ll find at least a dozen books on yoga. Look for those that target your needs.

Dress comfortably in loose clothing and take off your shoes and socks. Give yourself plenty of room and a quiet atmosphere. Start with a few simple exercises, but follow directions carefully. Even the simplest exercises gently stretch your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, increase blood flow to all parts of the body, including your organs, and increase your flexibility and range of motion.

All postures involve three equally important actions:

• Gently stretch into the posture
• Hold the posture
• Ease out of the posture

Focus your concentration on your form and on correct breathing. Never force or push. Do not bounce. Maintain slow, easy, fluid motion. Empty your mind of everything except your breath and your form.

Every yoga exercise, or every set of exercises, includes equal and opposing movement. For instance, neck rolls to the left are followed by neck rolls to the right. Forward stretches are followed by stretching back, either as a part of the same exercise or as the following exercise. This is an important element to remember if you are practicing without a teacher.  Watch for this pattern in your instructions.

Through regular practice you will achieve both physical and mental benefits.

The Seven Chakras

Yoga tells us seven major chakras run in a line from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each is a spinning vortex or wheel of energy first connected to the major organs and glands and then to other parts of the body that resonate at the same vibration.  Each chakra is associated with a color, and in addition to the physical connection, each is connected to us on an emotional, mental, and spiritual level.

The goal is to have all of our chakras clear and unblocked. If a chakra is underactive, other chakras may compensate by becoming overactive, so balance between the chakras is also important. Chakras are said to take in the energy of our environment—all kinds of energy—including sound waves and light waves, and they emit energy as well.

Chakras are affected by our environment, our diet, and the people who surround us. Meditation and Hatha yoga help to clear and balance chakras. But there are also specific means to target the chakras and release bound up or blocked energy such as chanting and/or utilizing sacred hand positions (mudras) while meditating.

Kundalini yoga is a discipline that focuses on spiritual growth through awakening the life force lying dormant in the chakras. This yoga practice is said to be so powerful it is not to be undertaken without a teacher.

Yoga for the Hands (Mudras)

Throughout the ages, mankind has used hand gestures to communicate and to record history. We find some of these gestures to be universal, such as clapping our hands in approval or holding our palms together in prayer.

In Eastern cultures many hand gestures are used in traditional dance as well as during the practice of yoga. Mudras are believed to have restorative or healing properties when used in conjunction with meditation, focused concentration, and proper breathing.

Mudras redirect or activate energy flowing through the body and stimulate targeted body systems, organs, emotions, etc. Mundras are also used in conjunction with meditation and chanting to open the chakras.

Check out this site for more info on Mudras.

To see images and instructions for a wide range of poses check out YogaJournal.com.

You can practice breathing exercises to calm and rejuvenate your body. You can concentrate on chakra work to awaken your dormant energy. You can learn mudras which can be unobtrusively practiced anywhere. (In stressful situations you can even practice mudras with your hands in your pockets!)  Yoga offers something for everyone, from simple stretching and breathing exercises, to a lifelong pathway to spiritual enlightenment. Every journey begins with the first step. Namasté.

Our bodies need fat. Stored fat insulates body organs against shock, helps maintain body temperature, and serves as energy stores. More than 60 percent of our brain is made of fat.

Fats that come from our diet are necessary for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, healthy hair, and promoting healthy cell function (which is the foundation of good health). Dietary fats are the source of fatty acids our bodies need.

If you are underweight, physically fit, or even overweight, chances are you are not eating enough of the right kinds of fats. Though obesity is epidemic, Raymond Francis estimates more than 90% of the American people are deficient in needed fatty acids.

Most of the fat eaten in the modern diet is partially hydrogenated fats or saturated fats. Our diet is also too high in omega 6 fatty acids. While we need to eliminate trans fats altogether, a proper balance of the other fatty acids is one of the foundations of a healthy, balanced diet.

Trans Fats

Man-made trans fatty acids are fats that have been partially hydrogenated, which involves adding hydrogen to the fat molecule of an unsaturated fat. Some common examples are shortening and margarine. Turning an oil into a trans-fat increases its shelf life, improves consistency for processing (making the oil thicker), and dramatically prolongs the shelf life of the products made with them (pastries, fried foods, crackers, cookies, snack foods, and many other processed and prepackaged foods), which is why trans fats are so pervasive in the American diet. Unfortunately, this process produces unnatural molecules that our bodies do not know how to handle. (Trans-fats that occur naturally in small quantities in meat and milk from cows, goats, and sheep and in pomegranates, cabbage, and peas are harmless.)

Man-made trans fats are toxic and should be completely avoided. A diet high in trans-fats dramatically raises the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke and puts you at higher risk of developing type II diabetes.

SATURATED vs MONUNSATURATED vs POLYUNSATURATED

When a fat is said to be a saturated fat, or a poly unsaturated fat, or a mono unsaturated fat this means it contains more of the aforementioned fatty acids than any others. For instance, coconut oil is a saturated fat because it is highest in saturated fatty acids, but it does contain other fatty acids as well.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fats are highly stable because all the carbon-atom linkages are filled—or saturated—with hydrogen. These fats do not normally go rancid, even when heated. They are solid or semisolid at room temperature. 

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond in the form of two 
carbon atoms double-bonded to each other. Therefore they lack two hydrogen atoms. Monounsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature, and like saturated fats, they are relatively stable. They do not go rancid easily and they can also be used in cooking.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more pairs of double bonds and, therefore, lack four or more hydrogen atoms. Two polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid and linolenic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid are “essential fatty acids” or EFA’s.  All of the other fatty acids can be made by converting one kind of fatty acid into another, but these two must come from our diet. The polyunsaturated fatty acids are liquid, even when refrigerated. These oils are highly reactive. They go rancid easily, (especially omega-3 linolenic acid), and should be treated with care. Polyunsaturated oils should never be used in cooking or heated at all.

Saturated Fat

Saturated fats are found in animal products and tropical oils. Examples of foods high in saturated fats include lard, butter, whole milk, cream, eggs, red meat, chocolate, and solid shortenings.

The typical American diet is too high in saturated fat. The source of this fat is the typical animal raised for human consumption or raised to produce milk or eggs. Our beef, chicken, and pork are usually fed grains rather than their natural diets. In addition they are fed or injected with antibiotics and growth hormones. These animals are diseased, full of cancer, and extremely acidic. Their body fats are also unbalanced; they are way too high in omega 6s.

And yet, saturated fats are as essential to our health as unsaturated fats. Raymond Francis says, “Saturated fat is what gives the cell membrane backbone. It gives stiffness to the cell membrane. Obviously, this is necessary, but when you get too much saturated fat in the diet, the cell membrane is too stiff. Consequently the tissue made out of these cells is too stiff. Then you have people pulling muscles, and tendons, because their tissues are not elastic enough, they are too stiff.”

Fat Excessive saturated fat intake can raise your blood cholesterol and increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Omegas

Omega 3s, 6s and 9s are three classifications of fatty acids. Both omega 3s and omega 6s are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega 9’s are monounsaturated fatty acids. Omega 9s are the most abundant fatty acids in nature. They are not in short supply in our diets. Plus omega 9 fatty acids can be used by the body as a substitute for most of the omega 3s or 6s if these fatty acids are not present. However, omega 9s really aren’t an ideal replacement, and the body will eventually suffer from this.

While you may hear that Omega 3s and 6s are essential fatty acids, this is an oversimplification that leads to yet another common misunderstanding. These groups of fatty acids contains one essential fatty acid each:

1. Alpha linoleic acid (ALA) is an omega 3 essential fatty acid.
2. Linoleic acid (LA) is an omega 6 essential fatty acid.

Our bodies cannot create these essential fatty acids or convert other fatty acids into ALA or LA. But both of these essential fatty acids can be converted into other fatty acids as needed.

Omega 6s – an Inflammation Epidemic

In general, omega 6s promote inflammation, and omega 3s reduce inflammation.

Of the two, what’s most readily available in our modern society is pro-inflammatory Omega 6’s.

Some of the most common oils include soy, corn, safflower, sunflower, and canola. These commercial oils are high in omega 6’s and low in omega 3’s (they are almost always processed, and for many reasons toxic).

The abundance of omega 6 fatty acids is causing an epidemic of inflammation-related disease. Virtually every single chronic disease in modern society is inflammation related. Dr. Kelly tells us, “The ratio of omega 6s to omega 3s in our diet is typically It is always best to get nutrients the way Mother Nature provides them. between 10 to 1 and 30 to 1. An optimal ratio is closer to equal, and certainly no higher than 4 to 1.”

“Inflammation is literally killing us,” says Dr. Kelly. “Virtually all disease and illness is related to inflammation. If you suffer from arthritis, heart disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, allergies, acne, asthma, digestive conditions, flu symptoms, dysmenorrheal, endometriosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, depression, the insulin resistance syndrome (pre-diabetes), or diabetes, colitis, headaches, chronic inflammation of any kind, or menstrual cramps – and this list is not complete – you have inflammation-related illness. Inflammation is the epidemic.”

Raymond Francis agrees, “Yes, we are getting far too many omega 6s and too few omega 3s in our diet. This imbalance is a major contributor to our epidemic of chronic disease. Excess omega 6s cause inflammation and every chronic disease is inflammatory.”

Inflammation is a natural first step to healing. But ingesting so many toxins with the foods we consume and the chemicals we come in contact with is not natural. We are constantly damaging our bodies, causing chronic inflammation, and then, on top of it, we give our bodies too many omega 6s, the fats that promote inflammation, and not nearly enough of the omega 3s, the fats that finish the healing process. It’s a cycle that is absolutely killing us and is either directly or indirectly linked to almost every single disease.

Balance is the key.

Cooking With Oils

Safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, and cottonseed oils are polyunsaturated fats. And though unstable (remember they easily go rancid and should never be used for cooking) they are extremely common in processed foods and often used for cooking.

Heating oils can introduce hydrogen atoms into the fat molecules. This happens quickly and easily with polyunsaturated fats, producing the unnatural trans-fats.

Remember, though flax seed oil is very healthy, it is also a polyunsaturated fat and is too unstable for cooking.

Monounsaturated fats are more stable (they already have more hydrogen atoms in the molecule). But cooking with monounsaturated oils at a high heat can ruin their health properties. Raymond tells us, “When you heat an oil too high you can turn it into trans fats. When you see an oil that is smoking, it’s too hot.” (But again, this rule does not work for polyunsaturated fats. Don’t cook with them.)

Raymond suggests cooking with olive oil, or even better, coconut oil or ghee. “Coconut oil is already saturated, so it’s much more stable.”

Eating Healthy Fats

Foods to avoid include meat or dairy products from animals that are not fed their natural diet and unnatural processed foods. Also, wheat, oats, and corn should be limited (there are strong arguments for eliminating corn and wheat from your diet completely, but that’s another story).

Dr. Kelly says, “We weren’t meant to eat grains so often. Oatmeal has a (omega 6 to omega 3) ratio of 21 to 1!”

For most people, there is nothing more beneficial to health than making sure the ratio of fatty acids in the diet are correct. This is just as important as an alkaline diet. The best way to achieve both these objectives is to (and if you have been reading all of the OLM issues you’ll know what we are about to say), EAT MORE RAW, FRESH, ORGANIC FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! For optimum health, even if your diet is near perfect, you will benefit from fatty acid supplements.

Fatty Acid Supplementation

We need the broad spectrum of fatty acids including saturated fatty acids, omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acids. “It is always best to get nutrients the way Mother Nature provides them. Each of these molecules is used in many ways by the body and we need to supply them all in the correct ratios, which is what nature provides in a traditional healthy diet,” says Raymond Francis. He recommends Udo’s oil 3-6-9 as a source for balanced omega 3s and 6s (as does Dr. Shillington).

Francis and Dr. Kelly also add fish oil to their diet to increase their intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These two fatty acids are absolutely critical to one’s health, and are in extremely short supply in the modern diet. Most healthy people can make these fatty acids from essential fatty acids, but the conversion is weak and most of us will benefit from supplementing our diet with them. In fact, some people, particularly those whose ancestors ate a lot of fish, lack enzymes to produce DHA, and EPA.

Dr. Kelly tells us “Get a high quality fish oil, which provides you with DHA and EPA. A high quality fish oil should not smell fishy. If it does, it’s rancid. I recommend Nordic Naturals cod liver oil.” Raymond Francis recommends Carlson Cod Liver Oil, but agrees Nordic is a good brand. Algae provide vegan DHA and EPA supplementation of DHA and EPA.

Remember, balance is the key to health. We need to eliminate trans-fats (the unnatural manmade oils and shortenings) and balance our other fats to provide our bodies with the nutrients and building blocks to heal and to function as nature intended.

Shaving, for some, is a source of pain and discomfort. Some choose to deal with this by “scraping their face” as seldom as possible, while others have no choice but to shave every day for their jobs. Some use an electric razor. Others never make the adjustment as an electric razor initially can be more painful than the razor burn from shaving.

High quality electric razors are less likely to require this “break in” period and some say they can actually give a closer shave than disposable blades. But the price of a good electric shaver can inhibit experimentation, especially when first attempts were disastrous. If you do use an electric shaver, all of these steps still apply except for shaving foam, or shaving soap:

1. Take a warm shower. Ideally, it’s best to shave in the shower (or bath). Your skin and your beard become softer. Anti fog mirrors can help insure you don’t miss a spot if you are in the shower. If you can’t shave in the shower, wash your face with warm water to open your pores and soften your skin and beard, then shave immediately after getting out. Not washing your face before shaving is similar to not washing your car before rubbing it with a cloth. Your skin has grit you need to remove. Don’t scrape it around with the razor. Terressentials offers organic Fragrance-free Gentle Gel which is great for sensitive skin, and can also be used as a shaving soap.

2. Soften the beard (even more). Argan makes a great pre-shave oil that will further moisturize the face, soften the beard, and allow the razor to glide smoothly. It’s a great natural antiseptic that leaves skin feeling supple and smooth.

3. Lather up. Many “shaving experts” tell you that nothing works better than badger hair shaving brushes to exfoliate the skin and raise the hair up off of the skin for a closer shave. Unfortunately, badgers are killed to make shaving brushes. We found a great alternative: the Handmade Anti-Microbial Shaving Brush (available at www.ritualsskincare.com). This brush is animal friendly, and the synthetic antimicrobial bristle has negative ions to keep it free from bacteria, mold, and mildew. Also, instead of toxic shaving creams that do more damage to your skin than good in the long run, try an organic, toxin free shaving cream or shaving soap. Or, just lather up again with Terressentials organic Fragrance-free Gentle Gel. Its organic herbal extracts care for sensitive or tender skin.

Wet the brush, then use it to whip the cream or soap into a lather and spread it on in a circular motion. Regardless of which shaving cream or soap you use, avoid shaving foams that foam excessively and make it harder for the razor to get close to the skin. Opt instead for creams in jars or tubes which produce a thin, gentle lather. Make sure you completely cover every part of your face that will be shaved.

4. Pick up the blade. Some people have trouble using a multi blade razor. Others say that the more blades you use in one stroke, the less time you need to go over the same surface. Shaving style, such as the way you hold the blade and the amount of pressure you apply, can also make a difference. Be sure you angle the blade so that the razor and the surrounding razor pads lie flat on your skin. And do not apply too much pressure. Which blade you choose is just about personal preference, but we applaud you if you go with a straight razor; disposable blades are not exactly eco-friendly.

5. Shave with the grain. Where your beard grows down, shave downward. On your neck your beard likely grows upward so shave in that direction as well. If you require a closer shave after you have gone with the grain of your hair, you can then go against the grain. But first, lather up all over again!

6. Rinse. When you are finished, splash your face repeatedly with cold water. In addition to washing away the remaining shave cream and oil, the cold water helps close pores and soothe the skin. Then gently pat (don’t wipe) your face dry with a towel.

7. Apply aftershave. Tea tree oil is a great toner and a natural antiseptic that nourishes the skin. Terressentials recommends their Fragrance-free Toner (with an organic cotton pad) for balancing the skin after cleansing and/or shaving and for tightening the pores.

8. Re-moisturize. Argan oil can be used again to moisturize your irritated skin. And, as we mentioned, Argan oil is a natural antiseptic, so you are helping to fight any infection that may later cause pustules known as razor bumps.If you still break out when you shave you need to look at your diet. Toxins, bacteria, yeast, and other skin irritants are not only coming from outside—they are also coming from within, leaching out through your pores. While it is important to be careful not to put toxic chemicals on you skin (especially since we absorb around 60% of any liquid or cream applied to our skin), remember when you put chemicals into your body you will see the results on your skin. Hypersensitive skin, like a hypersensitive immune system, is a sign of poor health.

OLM endorses Pure Moroccan Argan Oil for more than just shaving. This is truly an amazing oil and we will be doing a product highlight on it in the next issue. Check out their website to see how versatile this unique moisturizer is.

OLM endorses Terressentials, their whole line of products! Every ingredient is organic. If you want to ensure your skin is not absorbing any toxins while you wash, shave, or moisturize, we know of no better skin care line on the market. You could eat this stuff! Seriously! Just read the ingredients!

OLM endorses the Handmade Anti-Microbial Shaving Brush. Badgers are killed for their hairs so that people can have a closer shave. This is an excellent alternative for vegans and people who don’t like killing animals for no reason.