5 Nontoxic gift ideas for your valentine

• Send her Choco-love with a loving note wrapped with colorful ribbons handmade wrapped by you, less is more and treasures come in little pearl boxes. Dark chocolate is a happy pill and a great valentine gift idea for her.
• Send your love a life plant instead of cut flowers, so that every time the plant is watered, it will remind you and your love to water your love with warmth and understanding. I would recommend a Chocolate Mint Plant; it has relaxing and enchanting smell. This is a novelty plant, it's a favorite. When you smell it, you feel enchanted (joy). They grow too well! If left to their own devices, they will rapidly take over your garden which can be a good thing if you like it. 
• Send him or her antioxidant raw chocolate goji, eating foods high in Antioxidants is a healthy and smart choice. Antioxidants renew cells and prevent free radicals from damaging cells in our body. If they’re passionate about anti-aging stuff and staying young, you will be doing your lover well.
• Send E-card and reduce the paper junk in her post box or make her a customizable handmade one, print and mail it to her.
• Give her a relaxing Eco-spa massage, have dinner and spend some tea time or movie time together.
• Take a trip to your favorite romantic secret spot on a bicycle (camp out around fire & barbecue with your loved one) or go for a boat ride. 
• Watch the stars in the sky at night with your lover through a telescope.
• If you need some help with your valentine, read Real Time relationship. 
• Check your zodiac, this Chinese horoscope stuff is so real, find out who could be your best match this valentine.

 Author:
Onyinye A is a freelance writer who specializes in nontoxic self improvement, green & Eco-friendly living, nontoxic lifestyle (preventing cancer, illness and toxicity) and everything related to organic living. Her work has been published by nontoxiclifestyle.org, Ezine.com, and other online and print publications.

Tumeric is a beneficial Antioxidant

Turmeric also known as Indian saffron, jiang huang, yellow ginger, yellow root, curcuma longa; a member of the ginger family (zingiberaceae) that  has its roots in deep traditional Indian culinary and medicine.  It  a tender tropical plant that requires a well drained moist soil, sun or light shade, warm temperature and high humidity; propagated by root division and sometimes started from the seed. The roots are harvested during the plant's dormant period. Then it's steamed or boiled before being dried for several days and grounded into deep yellow powder. Turmeric is bright yellow color with a musky plain sharp flavor used mainly for food coloring---i recall my mother using it in fried rice dishes during the holiday, it looks like sunshine on the dinner table after it's cooked and served (Holiday turmeric fried rice hmm yummy). It is one of the primary ingredients in my favorite herb/spice ---curries and curry powder used by many ethnic and modern chefs at home and beyond. It has been used as a flavor ingredient in worcestershire sauce and color used to prepare mustard. It is used in medicinal decoctions, tinctures, pills, poultices and powder. Tumeric's yellow pigments are known as curcuminoids--currcumin is turmeric's most active ingredients. Curcumin has been shown in studies to have antioxidant properties, possibly as strong as those of vitamins C and E. Scientific studies of turmeric began in 1971 and research has revealed turmeric may be better than hydrocortisone for reducing pain and stiffness associated with various forms of arthritis. Curcumin may help increase bile production and flow from the liver, enhancing the breakdown of fats during digestion. Some studies indicate it may protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol and various toxins. In some animal studies, curcumin reduced the secretion of stomach acid and seemed to protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. Research on turmeric's effect on the circulatory system indicate it could help prevent atherosclerosis because it tends to reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the bloodstream and prevent clots in injured blood vessels that could lead to vessel block age. Laboratory and animal studies also suggest that turmeric may be helpful in preventing and treating different types of cancer but more research is needed to be sure of this. Turmeric preparations applied to wounds have been shown to prevent bacterial infections especially those caused by staphylococcus aureus. Turmeric helps stop bleeding and speed up healing.

Turmeric was over-looked until the 1970s, when research found many of its value and revealed its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and possible anticancer properties. Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems of herbal medicine, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine, for treating liver disorder and digestive problems. Turmeric has been used as blood purifying tonic for fever, skin disorders like psoriasis, acne, morning sickness, skin infections like eczema, athlete's foot and sores, sprains, conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemorrhoids, eczema, dizziness, peptic ulcers, gonorrhea, chest pain, bloating, menstrual problems, jaundice, stomach upset, pains after childbirth, flatulence, asthma, insect bites, osteoarthritis; Turmeric helps control diarrhea, stimulates appetite, reduce inflammation, helps reduce cholesterol problems, prevents cardiovascular disease, turmeric helps improve stomach and liver function, treats certain kinds of cancerous skin lesions; it is useful for open wounds as an antibacterial.

Other Facts about Golden turmeric herb plant: Turmeric is notorious for its intense bright  yellow color, known to stain chef's wooden and plastic utensils, counter-tops, fabrics that are difficult to erase. Because of this vivid hue turmeric's powdered root has been used as a natural yellow dye for silk, cotton, and wool. It is used in Hindu rituals to dye the robes of priest. Turmeric water is Asian cosmetic applied by women to their faces to give their complexion a golden glow. Today turmeric has found its way into dozens of products lining the shelves of grocery stores. It is used as a coloring agent in canned beverages, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, cakes and icings, biscuits, microwave popcorn, cereals, sauces, gelatin desserts and in various other culinary spice mixture. Turmeric combined with annatto is used to tint cheeses, salad dressings, butter and margarine.

You can find Turmeric in your Health food stores.

Chamomile Tea for Skin Care

Chamomile also called wild chamomile, is one of the oldest of all herbs, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. It is both a pretty flower and a healing flower originating from native Eastern Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa, and has naturalized in North America. The word chamomile (earth apple) originates from the Greek words chamai (on the ground) and melon (apple). Chamomile is a popular tea, aromatherapy flower plant that has been used to replace grass in many gardens—Very beautiful flower plant. Chamomile is a fragrant, sweet, crisp, fruity fresh reminiscent of apples and herbaceous plant that is used in herbal medicine and in herbal teas. Medicinal use of this plant has been said to have originated with the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks—it is the most widely used botanical. Chamomile flower has been useful for herbal teas and aromatherapy products because of it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, antioxidant; it has calming, soothing and healing benefits for the skin.

 It is a part of Asteraceae family of vascular plants that has several different species but the most commonly used specie are German or Hungarian chamomile (matricaria recutite) and Roman or English chamomile (Anthemis nobilis syn Chamaemelum nobilis). Chamomile is a branching, annual herb that grows two feet;  it has finely divided feathery foliage and small daisy-like white yellow flower, the inside looks like the shape circle of sunflower but much beautiful.  

• Chamomile flower fresh or dried can used in making teas and can be used as an extract for topically cream or medicine.
• Azulene extracted from chamomile flower, is naturally blue oil added to various cosmetics as a natural colorant and for its soothing and calming effects. Chamomile offers one of the most versatile essential oils for most cosmetic and herbal products.
• It has been noted for its age-reversal properties, and the treatment of various skin challenges. The essential oil in chamomile contains flavonoids, lipophilic and phenolic compounds, and bisabolo, making it effective in treating a range of issues including rashes, acne, hypersensitivity, fever, chills accompanied by malaria, bladder-liver-kidney disorder, gallstones—kidney stones, inflammation, colic bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-intestinal spasms, eczema, and allergic reactions. It has antiseptic and emollient properties which softens and assist in decongesting the skin.
• The phenolic compounds in chamomile have also been shown to reduce oxidative damage by acting as a free-radical scavenger.  The flavonoids along with the lipophilic (ability to attach to lipids) compounds help enhance microcirculation and capillary function, which strengthens skin cells, and thus supports a youthful appearance.
• Organic Chamomile flowers/herb can be sewn into a bag and used as a dream pillow, as the aroma is deeply relaxing and can help provide more restful and deeper sleep---treats insomnia.
• Chamomile is used as a soothing remedy to calm nervous tension, dispel restlessness or sleeplessness (especially in infants and young children); to ease muscles and menstrual cramps; and to heal irritations of the mouth and gums , relieving pain after dermabrasion (including tattoo removal) and alleviating swelling and irritation in mucous membranes caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In lab studies flavonoids apigenin recently was found to inhibit growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers in humans. This finding may suggest a wider use of chamomile in long-term management of peptic ulcers. Chamomile extracts have also been shown to accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. 

• The beneficial effects of the herb are derived from its essential oil; even chamomile tea that has been steeped for a long time contains only a small amount of the essential oil. However, most commercial pure German chamomile preparations are standardized to their therapeutic active content alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. It helps enhance the healing strength of other herbs and the ability to enhance percutaneous absorption of other herbal ingredients.

• You can use it in fresh linens, in your skin care regimens and in daily products you use.
• Drinking a cup of soothing chamomile tea following a treatment---makes people feel relaxed and less stressed.

                               Key fact on chamomile for Beauty Needs

Chamomile oil for skin care—helps treat skin problems like acne, boils, rashes, wounds, ulcers, and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  It is found mostly in organic cosmetics like makeup removers and personal care products.

Chamomile oil for Hair care---helps revitalize oily scalp, the hair and strengthens its roots naturally.  It is commonly found in cosmetic herbal products such as conditioners and shampoos.

Chamomile oil used in Aromatherapy—it is used in aromatherapy due to its fruity, sweet smell which freshens, relaxes, and rejuvenates your mind.  Chamomile oil can heal internally and externally. It helps reduce cramping, indigestion, insomnia, PMS, menopause symptoms, allergies, depression and migraines. It is helpful for people who have arthritis and joint pain problems. Mix this oil in warm water while taking a bath; it will give relief from muscle pain.

                                                              Chamomile Recipe:
Take a handful of chamomile or a bag of chamomile tea, put it in a bowl or in a teacup, then boil water and pour the water on it. cover the cup and let it seep out for 5-10minutes--you will notice the boiled water turn color. You use it for skin rinse or spritz to rejuvenate the skin and eye. You can add honey to chamomile tea or just drink it plain.                      

Caution Notes: Chamomile preparations made from flowers, which contain pollen, have been shown to cause allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to ragweed and other members of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. But such reactions are rare.

Avoid chamomile oil during pregnancy it has been known to trigger contraction of the Uterus---useful for those in labor.

                                    

                                          Garden benefits of chamomile

Chamomile as a plant doctor---helps neighboring plants grow and maintain health, especially those that produce essential oils, as it increases the production of oils. It helps enhance the healing strength of other herbs and the ability to enhance percutaneous absorption of other herbal ingredients.                                                

                                                            

Organic Chamomile Tea

 Find Chamomile products

  

Truth about Breast implants

To get a breast implant or surgical enhanced breast, you will have to go through a surgical procedure performed to enhance the size and shape of the breast, to give a larger, fuller, firmer breast, to enhance appearance or correct damage after mastectomy. Silicone gel filled breast implants are used to correct breast deformities.

Why you should stay away from surgical breast enhancement:

The shell of envelopes that holds the gel and silicone of the breast implant is said to contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals that includes the following Methyl Ethyl Ketone Cyclohexane Isopropyl Alcohol Denatured Alcohol Acetone Urethane Lacquer thinner Ethyl Acetate Epoxy Resin Epoxy hardener Amine Printing ink Toluene Freon Silicone Lofol (formaldehyde) Flux Metal cleaning acid Eastman 910 glue (Cyanoacyryiates) Talcum Powder Color Pigments as release agents Oakite (a cleaning solvent) Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Carbob black Xylene Hexane Hexanone 2 Antioxidant (rubber) Zinc Oxide Naphtha (rubber solvent) Phenol Benzene-(a Known carcinogen) Methylene Chloride/Dichloromethane. 

 

This breaks down in the body and it makes your blood not able to carry oxygen. It metabolizes carbon monoxide which poison and cause central nervous system depression. People working in the plants that manufacture these prosthetic devices limit the time that they are in contact with the materials for their own health. A German study of the scar tissue surrounding removed implants found that the tissue was commonly impregnated with chemicals from the implant, and has been shown to cause chronic inflammation.

All breast implants will break eventually, and studies show that silicone implants last between 7-12 years, however, some break during the first few months or years. In a study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) most women experience broken implant within 11 years. In 21 percent of these instances, the silicone had migrated outside of the gel capsule and leaked into the lymph nodes and other organs.

Over 30,000 women a year have their implants surgically removed. Women are told to have scans every 2 years to detect leakages (not covered by insurance). Many women will need to have their implants replaced every 10 years at their own expense. According to the FDA up to 9 percent of saline implants end up deflating within just three years. Complications became more and more common for each year that the implant is in the body.

 A study of Danish women who had breast implants for an average of 19 years found that they were more likely to report fatigue, memory loss and other cognitive symptoms compared to those women of a similar age without implants. Swelling from the surgery can extend into the abdominal area, bruising could lead to internal bleeding (hematoma), damaged done to the nerve pathway during surgery decrease the nibble sensational function but if you decide to stop and remove the implant you may be left with extra sagging skin that may not appeal to you, the breast could be deformed forever during breast implant and even if it doesn’t you must ensure that you renew it to prevent infection. So many complications and also consider how much it will cost you psychological, emotionally, health wise. 

Note: It is not wise to nurse a baby with breast implant.

Try alternative options like breast enhancing food, Herbs, Exercise, padding before you consider implants.

Eat meals that help to improve estrogen level, suppress inflammation in the tissues of the body and helps the body maintain and repair itself. Eating Bananas, cashews, peanuts, oranges, tomatoes, yogurt, avocado, olive oil or almond oil, soy cheese, oatmeal, pineapple, other tropical fruits and vegetables helps.

See breast enhancement supplements and herbs at iherb 

Adapted article.
 Onyinye A is a freelance writer who specializes in nontoxic self improvement, green & Eco-friendly living, nontoxic lifestyle (preventing cancer, illness and toxicity) and everything related to organic living. Her work has been published by nontoxiclifestyle.org, Ezine.com, and other online and print publications.

Vinegar helps to prevent colon cancer

According to the National cancer Institute, "As of January 2001, its estimated that there are 9.8 million cancer survivors living in the united states" and many others in Canada. There's hope through improved therapies and cancer targeted nutrition. Improved therapies has increased the number of people living beyond cancer.
There are many other things we can do to prevent and treat cancer.

Vinegar for Cancer:
Apple cider vinegar is made out of fresh and ripe quality apples, which are fermented and passed through a rigorous process to turn it into the final vinegar product. Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural remedy that heals and protects the human body.

Apple cider vinegar can help to get rid of cancerous growth: “Apple cider vinegar is not known to cure cancer. But, it may aid in fighting the free radicals that have the potential to form cancerous growth. The beta-carotene content acts as an antioxidant and effectively neutralizes the free radicals –free radicals are harmful bodies that could cause major damage to blood cells and body tissues” formed due to oxidation.

There many other health benefits of apple cider vinegar: It helps in weight loss, body metabolism, arthritis, detoxification, cholesterol level, diabetes, diarrhea, depression, asthma and to fight free radicals causing cancer, Relief from asthma, relieves nausea, skincare- (it will make your skin have glow from inside),hair care, and Pet care.
If you can tolerate the taste of apple cider vinegar, add it to your water and food moderately- you’ll see a difference. Go lite on vinegar too much of anything is not advised.

Vinegar Recipe:
You'll need water, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, cinnamon.
Begin by boiling some water
Grind ginger put it into the boiled water, then pour this into a teacup
Add 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Add honey to sweeten if the vinegar taste is unbearable
Finally add pure powdered Cinnamon for flavor.
Optional: if you like you can add Tumeric instead of cinnamon
Note:1 tablespoon of each ingredient for one cup of water)
Sip slowly while it's warm-recipe created by Onyinye A

Also it's a smart choice to include as much antioxidant as possible to your diet such as garlic-(has antioxidant, antibacterial, fungal and antiviral properties), turmeric, olive oil, fruits high in vitamin C, dark color vegetables, Cruciferous Vegetables – Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels, sprouts, kale, spinach, soy, red wine, green tea, tomatoes, blueberries, flax seed,  mushroom, Nuts such as walnut, pecans etc, fibers from whole grains such as Quinoa, oat, millet, Barley, brown rice, Bulgar wheat, buckwheat flour, Rye, Amaranth, Maize, muesli cereal etc- These contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phyto-estrogens.  These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

Note that: Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables contains Sulforaphane. Sulforaphane helps boost production of the body's phase 2 enzymes that cart off dangerous residues of pro-carcinogens, those cancer causing precursors capable of damaging cellular DNA so therefore it is wise to include these cruciferous vegetables in your diet, especially if you have any trace of cancer in your family.

B17 supplement and Vitamin C helps as an antioxidant to prevent free radical and repair damaged tissues. B17 and Hemp has anti-cancer components that can help cancer patients but they have been made illegal by the government against their outweighing medical benefits as a cancer treatment instead they use chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. You're not been told by the prescribing Dr that chemotherapy is not helping you because the pharmaceutical companies are in with the hospitals they work for; cancer to cure cancer what kind of treatment is that? Talk to your doctor and get advice from an Alternative medical doctor (ND) before you decide on chemotherapy.

Avoid animal products such as red meat. Some fish are known to contain growth hormones, pesticide residues, mercury. Avoid food additive like artificial flavor or "unknown natural flavor, processed foods, high fat fast food, avoid toxic chemicals found in most cosmetics & cleaning products. Go nontoxic/organic as much as you can! Always try to eat clean.

Find Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

This article is a recommendation, it's not a diagnosis or cure.

Author: Onyinye A is a freelance writer who specializes in nontoxic self improvement, green-friendly living, whole health remedies, holistic pet care, nontoxic lifestyle (preventing cancer, illness and toxicity) and everything related to detox, Natural health and organic living. 
                                                                     "Nontoxic Lifestyle"