September brings the beginning of fall and the start of the apple picking season. Apple picking is a great activity to spend some quality time with friends and family, allowing you to relax a little on your day off. However, not all of us have time for this leisure activity and are forced to enjoy apples in other ways. Here are two suggestions for quick ways to bring apples to your everyday lifestyle this season.

Afternoon Bliss Smoothie Recipe

You can always buy apples at the grocery store. But spice it up a little by chopping your apple up and throwing it in a blender! Smoothies are a great snack choice with its health benefits and quick preparation time. This one serving Afternoon Bliss Smoothie recipe, obviously not only for the afternoon, is super quick and tastes sooooo good.

Ingredients

1 organic apple

3 large strawberries

1 handful of grapes – either red or green will do

½ medium cup of organic apple juice

Directions

Peel and chop the apple into four pieces before placing in the blender. Then add the grapes, strawberries and apple juice. Blend for 40 seconds and then enjoy. It’s even fresher than the cider at the orchard!

Juicy Beauty Green Apple Collection

While enjoying your Afternoon Bliss Smoothie Recipe try some of these beauty products from the Juicy Beauty Green Apple Collection. The products are actually made from apples as well as other supplementary fruits, making them all eco-friendly organic beauty products.

Hydration Mask for Neck and Face

This hydration mask is actually made out of organic apples, grapes, and lemon juices as well as age-defying peptides to give your complexion a glowing look. This mask is perfect for dry skin in need of a nourishing and soothing treatment. Apply the mask at most three times a week. Set the hydration mask on your face and neck for up to ten minutes and then rinse.

$35.00

SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer

This day sunscreen is also made from a fruit acid complex of apples, lemons, and white grapes. After continued use it helps to smooth and firm the skin, giving it a brightened appearance. The sunscreen can be used over a moisturizer or can be used on its own. Apply as often as needed.

$29.00

Cleansing Gel

Cleanse your face both morning and evening with Beauty Green Apple’s Cleaning Gel. Easily apply onto damp skin with a circular motion. The gel cleans off dirt, oil, and makeup and leaves the skin clean and soft. The gel also works to fight aging. And did I mention its natural and pure smell?

$26.00

NYX Cosmetics Fruit Basket Lip Gloss Set

To top off your apple craze, try the NYX Cosmetics Fruit Basket Lip Gloss Set that includes the flavors of apple, pear, peach, and orange. The lip glosses come in really cute containers shaped like their fruit flavor. Aside from their sweet taste and captivating scent, the glosses also help to moisturize and protect the lips.

$9.00

Dr. Christina Grant

My entire orientation to health and wellbeing is from a holistic perspective so it astounds me to see the majority of our population allowing themselves to be “treated” by a system run by insurance companies and pharmaceutical giants. These industry giants dictate scientific study and treatments geared toward the ultimate goal of selling us something, not healing us.

Our system of medicine is excellent in emergencies and immediate life-saving procedures. If there is an emergency, I want conventionally-trained doctors on my case. However, beyond emergencies, there is nothing done to heal the whole person or address the root cause of an ailment. We are separated into little parts, our humanity cast aside. The incredible power and influence of the mind, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions to make us sick, and help us heal, is ignored.

When we arrive at a hospital or doctor’s office we are most often viewed as a file folder, an insurance card, and someone who needs to be dealt with as fast as possible because there are just too many other important things to do, like get on to the next patient (i.e. bring in more money), make sure to avoid being sued for malpractice, and bill insurance.

My mother is in her 70’s now. She said when she went in for a physical exam the doctor seemed puzzled that she wasn’t on any prescription drugs – not that she would be, since she is in great health, exercises daily, and eats well. I wonder why a doctor would be surprised that a 70-something person is not on a drug. Is this because almost everyone over a certain age has multiple bottles of prescription pills sitting in their cabinets?

I would like to see more holistic-oriented doctors coming out of medical school. The training for doctors is heavy on left-brain proof and scientific method, very light on heart, intuition, and what it means to be in service to others: the human side of healing. To be more holistic would require a different orientation from doctors: less devotion to needing everything proven by linear, limited science before it can be acknowledged, and more of an open mind to the mysteries and complexities of how a human being can heal; less of a need to get rich while fostering a desire to serve and be a healer.

Our training in this society is to trust science and refute intuition and inner knowing. I understand this, being trained in the system myself. It is valuable to have facts and figures we can see and know. It was drummed into me that you don’t say a word about anything unless there have been studies to back it up. But I’ve learned in practice with real, live human beings the deeper value of keeping the heart open and engaged, the mind flexible to human mysteries – to keep active within the thought, “Although I am well-trained and understand the value of science, I don’t have all the answers and am willing to entertain the improbable.”

Demonstration of a Reiki treatment

What we now call “alternative” medicine is traditional medicine, used far longer than the very recent advent of a multi-billion dollar industry with profits on the mind. (Note that Americans seem less healthy now than ever before.) Only lately has it begun to make its way into conventional medicine. Reiki, acupuncture, massage, prayer, and energy healing are inching their way in – thankfully so – to help patients get something deeper that can touch the core of who they are, where true healing exists.

In my community there are multitudes of holistic healing resources including medical doctors that are aware of holistic practices and utilize these resources with their patients. My own conventional medical doctor is holistic in his approach. His office is quiet, comfortable, and warm. Not overwhelmed by frenzy, nor the standard tacky medical office furniture, or white, stark walls and artificial light, the environment itself puts people at ease. I appreciate that he is very conscious of the fact that a real, live, human being has sat down in the chair next to him. He sits, leans back, relaxes, looks at the patient as if he has all the time in the world to listen. And that he does, with his heart. He is gentle, wise, and not the least bit arrogant, rushed, or too busy. He never gives the impression that he is on a higher plane. Consequently, he is revered in the community – a beloved figure.

One of the ways we can foster more doctors like this is to balance the male-dominated medical system (left-brain, linear) with the ancient, traditional healing arts of the feminine (right-brain, intuitive). And that is another subject for another day, because there is much to say about it. But keep it in mind. The only reason we’ve lost our connection to extremely powerful, nurturing, effective, and deeply healing practices is because we pushed the feminine underground. She’s on her way back, not to dominate, but to integrate. Meanwhile, seek out holistic, heart-centered practices to complement your healing the next time you have the need to see your doctor. You just might find the whole medical system works better for you when you have options and various healers devoted to your well-being. 

Dr. Christina Grant is a holistic healer and spiritual counselor who helps people attain well-being, greater insight, and inner peace in their lives. Her writing is published nationwide. To send a message, schedule an appointment, or sign up for her e-newsletter, go to www.christinagrant.com.

Amy Shapiro

With bathing suit season around the corner images of dressing rooms, fluorescent lighting and itty-bitty bikinis come to mind.  For most of us, there isn’t anything more dreadful.  But no matter how you spin it, every year after a long, cold winter spent bundled up in sweaters and long pants comes spring…time to face the truth.  No you can’t wear sweatpants to the beach!  So how do you shed those extra pounds (thank you mac & cheese, juicy burgers and soothing cups of hot chocolate) along with those layers of clothing?  It’s not as hard as it seems.

As a columnist for www.SkinnyintheCity.com–the ultimate online destination for the best health and nutrition news and trends…with a stylish twist—I have the 411 on how to get in bikini ready shape…NOW!  You may already know that it’s important to up your intake of fruits and veggies and that lean proteins and low-fat dairy products will help you to stay full on the fewest calories.  But, are you stuck on what else you can do to slim down without compromising your lifestyle?  Luckily, this plan doesn’t include drinking watery concoctions until you’re ready to float away.  Nope, these are realistic health and diet tips you can start applying TODAY.  And get this, even if you only implement a few (although incorporating them all into your life will get you the best results), you’ll still be well on your way to strutting your stuff on the beach, snowsuit not required!

Hit up the H₂0:  You’ve heard it before and I’ll say it again; staying hydrated is key in losing unwanted pounds!  Recent research shows that even being just 1% dehydrated can slow down your metabolism!  We often confuse hunger with thirst so the next time you feel like a snack, drink an 8 oz. glass of water (or bigger), wait 10 minutes and then reevaluate.

Fill up on Fiber:  In a recent study women who consumed more high fiber foods gained less weight over a 12 year period of time.  High fiber foods are low in calories, keep you full, require more chewing time and stabilize your blood sugar, all important aspects of weight loss.  So ditch the white flour, rice and potatoes, which convert quickly to sugar in the body (Note:  all sugar that isn’t burned gets stored as fat) and dig into whole grain breads, brown rice and sweet potatoes, instead!

Skip the Salt:  Salt causes all types of disease and too much can cause bloating, puffy eyes and swollen ankles.  Who needs that when you’re trying to look good in a bikini?  When dining out, don’t add salt to your food (they do that for you in the kitchen) and when dining in, use low sodium products and ban the saltshaker from the table.

Cut the Constant Craving:  Ideally you should never go longer than 4 hours between meals to keep your metabolism running and hunger at bay (both key ingredients in weight loss).  Aim for three meals and one to two snacks daily. This way, you won’t be hungry and will lessen the chance of a binge

Quit the Clean Plate Club:  Next time you eat out, leave over half of your meal (easier said than done, I know).  Restaurant portions are usually 6 times larger than they should be, so pack it up and enjoy it again later

Dial up the Natural Diuretics:  The week before your first trip to the beach start adding in foods such as asparagus, cucumbers, celery and dandelion tea.  They’ll help nourish your body while flushing out excess water!

RD to the Rescue:  If you really want to do this the right way (read, no crash diets, self-starvation or deprivation), look into hiring a Registered Dietitian (RD).  RDs have extensive training on how the foods you eat affect your overall health and appearance.  So let them teach you how to drop a few while increasing your energy levels and self esteem!  Visit www.skinnyinthecity.com, click on “find and RD” and presto, you’ll be provided with a list of professionals right in your zip code!

Help yourself to a hearty serving of these tips and you’ll be looking and feeling good in no time!  Did someone say beach party?

Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietician/nutritionist and exercise enthusiast who believes that both nutrition and physical activity play integral roles in reaching optimal health. She received her registered dietitian license and Masters in Clinical Nutrition from New York University in NYC, where she lives with her husband and young son. She is also a writer for SkinnyintheCity.com, a daily newsletter and online community that combines the best of diet and nutrition information with the latest fashion and beauty news. Amy is an avid foodie who enjoys dining out, reading, traveling, chocolate, and wine.

Dr. Christina Grant

Holistic care is as important for your animals as it is for you. Dogs and cats are unwitting victims of the fast-food industry, ingesting biologically imbalanced processed foods. These foods contain grains such as wheat, rice, and corn, by-products and other additives such as soy, preservatives, colorings, and flavorings.

When humans eat like this, they become obese and eventually diseased, with symptoms ranging from diabetes and arthritis to cancer and heart disease. It is the same with our animals. Obesity and joint conditions are common. Many animals have poor teeth and gums, and emit a foul odor. They suffer with internal and external parasites and inflammation resulting in skin rashes, itching, and joint pain.

People are convinced that processed kibble from the grocery store is healthy for their pets because commercials and labels tell them so. Words such as “all natural” help persuade buyers toward brands filled with grains and other unnecessary additives. As a result, most dogs and cats are eating substandard food.

In the last 70 years or so convenience foods came into vogue. In this time, we have lost what it means to eat close to nature. The whole family, companion animals included, dines on processed food. We know it’s time to turn that corner and come back to basics, not just for ourselves. No dog or cat should be eating foods with added grains. They wouldn’t eat them in the wild, and they don’t have a need for the extra carbohydrates.

Sans Souci, courtesy of Anne Watson

Grains in dog and cat food are filler. They can lead to arthritis, skin conditions, lethargy, flatulence, and other preventable symptoms. Further, animals should not smell, have bad breath, poor teeth and gums, or be itching and scratching. If they do, this is a sign the body is not functioning well. Just like with your own health, the first step is to clean up the diet.

Ideally, dogs and cats should be given a diet that closely matches the nutritional balance they would have if they ate what nature intended. This means getting quality protein appropriate for their optimum health. They have no need for additives such as by products, soy, and colorings.

The top level food for your animals includes raw food, the majority of which is human-grade animal protein. The next rung down would be a high-quality canned food. The lowest and least desirable would be commercial kibble.

If you must feed only kibble, choose a no-grain variety with no unnecessary additives. These are usually found at feed stores or high-end animal supply stores. Supplement this diet with some fresh food. Dogs love carrots, for example, and you can experiment with other vegetables. Avoid giving them grapes, raisins, chocolate, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Cats are interested in various vegetables, too. My cats love to eat cooled chicken soup with vegetables. It isn’t raw, but it’s nutrient-dense.

If any of you have animals in pain, with joint inflammation or another type of pain, you can experiment with removing grain and low-quality food and treats from their diet. Many people continue with the same substandard diet while giving anti-inflammatory drugs. These are not necessary nor is the suffering your animal endures.

Speak with a holistic, integrative veterinarian who is knowledgeable about proper diet and holistic approaches. If there isn’t one in your area yet, you can work with one by telephone, which I have done with success for the past 8 years. In fact, I have four animals who rarely if ever go into a veterinary office. Our house-call veterinarian is a specialist in homeopathy, herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractic.

If you can find a gem like this, you’ll not have to pay for regular veterinary visits with their accompanying tests, x-rays, and drug prescriptions. Instead, you’ll be promoting healthy, happy animals in the way we humans must treat ourselves: by enhancing our vitality, encouraging the body to heal itself, and stopping the madness of placing a bandage over every symptom without looking further into the deeper cause.

Meanwhile, you and your animals will thrive when you are deeply nourished, with both food and companionship. Let’s not ignore our trusted companions when it comes to what nourishes them: our presence and care along with top-quality food the way nature intended. Organic raw is best, combined in such a way that it is biologically balanced. To learn more about this, Dr. Richard Pitcairn, who I am not affiliated with in any way, has books and much information on his website: www.drpitcairn.com. There you’ll find detailed explanations of the points I touched on in this article.

Dr. Christina Grant is a holistic healer and counselor who has helped hundreds of people attain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being through personal transformation. Her writing is published nationwide. To learn more, see www.christinagrant.com.

The problems associated with child obesity are vast. There is an enormous strain on the healthcare industry while retired military leaders have warned of a serious threat to national security because many young people are unfit to enlist.

There are many suggestions on what to do. We all know them by heart. Eat right. Exercise. What else is there? The military folks propose a revised school lunch, citing that kids who have junk food at school put on the pounds. I agree that nutritious, healthy food is best.

The revised school lunch plan seems like good sense, but can the cause of obesity be addressed through school lunches? When I went through grade school in the 1970’s, our 40-cent lunches consisted of Sloppy Joes, pizza, spaghetti, fried fish sticks, or cheeseburgers with French fries and not much else that could be called healthy. Most of us dumped the soggy side vegetables and went outside to the ice cream window to get our 10-cent ice cream sandwich or fudge bar. We were not obese. None of us.

What is different from then to now? For starters, we didn’t have vending machines offering us junk food in school. We were physically active, required to run, jump, skip, hop, and climb on a regular basis through daily Physical Education and recess. After school many of us walked or rode our bikes home. Then, we played outside. We ran around, jumped rope, created things, rode bikes, used our imagination, skate boarded, climbed trees and walls, roller skated, and the boys set up sports games in the street. We were on the move.

There were snacks and ample sugary treats, but food was not a focus like it seems to be today. We went to school in the morning after breakfast and many of us had cooked dinners in the evening. The microwave was not yet a fixture in every kitchen. Wafting through the neighborhood after about 5:00pm was the scent of home cooking. For a short time, kids would disappear from the streets and then, weather and light permitting, they would be back outside again to play a bit more before nightfall.

We had television, but no electronic games for it yet. There were no computers or computer games so there was less reason to stay inside and be sedentary. If nothing was on one of the seven television channels, three of which were black and white, we entertained ourselves. If you were in a house like mine, any complaints about boredom were quickly remedied with the assignment of a household chore.

Even with all the lifestyle changes, why is obesity a national crisis today? We know many modern snack foods have chemicals that make us want to have “just one more.” It is widely known that our penchant for “fat-free” items have only served to make us fatter. After all, the human body needs fat. Genuine, full-of-fat butter is what many of our ancestors, mothers, and grandmothers ate, without an obesity crisis.

This focus on food is valid, but I believe the crux of the problem is this: the American soul has been deflated. It sank and ran out of air while we ran our busy lives. Authentic human interaction is now limited by way of a one-on-one relationship with the computer, the value of free, unscheduled time has been lost, and soul-nourishing home cooked meals have been replaced by fast-food. The imagination died while sitting hour after hour in front of the television. Add the spirit-numbing diet of tragic news and images from around the world delivered through about 500 television channels and the computer. Whose soul wouldn’t be desperate for substance?

For nourishment, we turn to the first basic human need: food. We eat to fill the emptiness, loneliness, and nagging lack of meaning weaving through our lives. But, we don’t get filled up. So we eat some more. We come up empty. So we eat some more. Still empty. Most are unaware of what needs filling. It’s not the tummy in this land of plenty. Food cannot nourish all that has been lost.

If you have an obese child or if you work with children struggling with this issue, the soul of the child must be tended to with those things that have always filled the souls of children. The freedom to play in unstructured time, human interaction and friendship, fostering the imagination, physical and mental activity, home-cooked meals, love. With these, you might notice a diminishing need to satiate the void through eating. The best way to do this for any child is to also do it for yourself. After all, you are the role model of how to live for each child you influence.

Dr. Christina Grant is a holistic healer and spiritual counselor who works in person and by phone. She has helped hundreds of people attain well-being, greater insight, and peace in their lives. Her writing is published nationwide. She is co-author of Eight Minute Muse and is completing a book with a fresh perspective on women’s health. To learn more, see www.christinagrant.com.

We know things need to change, in our own lives and out in the world. You can ask almost anyone what needs to change in life and they will have answers. Ideas and opinions of what needs to change are as varied and diverse as the people offering them.

When the idea for change comes from within ourselves, we usually like it. It is inspiring. But when change comes in as an independent with a mind of its own, it can seem like a rebellious teenager. Just when we think things are calm it sulks around, keeps us awake at night, and makes us want to gain greater control.

Wise souls among us know that change is all we can truly depend on. We can’t escape it, though we try, and in many cases we must let it be. Mostly we try to avoid change because we have no idea what is in the future and we really don’t want to alter our world view. We decide it is best to keep things as they are, or how they used to be. Plus, we don’t want to experience the feelings of loss that often accompany change. What if we terribly miss what we had?

The idea of change, and change itself, brings up unnecessary fear which then causes unwarranted stress on the body and mind. I believe one of our tasks as human beings is to overcome fear, especially the useless fears that pervade our modern lives. I see fear restricting the body, mind, and spirit, shrinking one’s life experience into an uncomfortable little box. It takes our minds to dark narrow places where we lose a broader, more balanced perspective.

We will always have the unknown future in front of us, unpredictable circumstances will occur in our lives, our country and its people will do or say things we don’t like. At these times, we have the opportunity to either grow our fear or live every moment as if it were sacred, remembering that even the most unusual of circumstances can be profoundly healing and enriching, bringing in higher wisdom and understanding.

One way to overcome fears that arise due to change is to develop a sense of trust and faith in something greater than yourself, such as a belief that there is something beyond the ordinary mundane life. World religions and philosophies have sought to provide this for people, but many of them have fallen short of actually teaching a person how to be free from useless fears. The responsibility is on each individual.

Each time we begin to share our fears of uncertainty with others or swirl them through our heads, we can stop and take a moment to think about whether we want to be stuck in this stressful cycle. Fears grow stronger when we think about them and share them with others who then validate them by agreeing and adding in their own fears.

One way to reduce fear rather than expand it is simply to become aware of it, knowing that the wiser path welcomes change, accepts the inevitable, and chooses not to fear it. By becoming aware of our habitual reactions to the unknown future, by acknowledging our resistance to the feelings loss brings, by being aware of the times when someone says something that refutes our world view and ignites our own fears, we can begin to approach life in a more balanced way.

When we try to keep our lives, surroundings, and viewpoints the same, something will surely come along to roll them around a bit, and thankfully so. Do we really want to live a life so thin and safe that there is no new experience, expansion, or advancement of the mind and spirit? In these rapidly changing times, which I predict are just gaining momentum, the more we can flow with change and allow our minds to be free, the better off we will be. Perhaps in the process, we can grow calmer, wiser, more mature, and more peaceful.

Dr. Christina Grant is a holistic healer and spiritual counselor who helps people attain well-being, greater insight, and peace in their lives. Her writing is published nationwide. To learn more about her, see www.christinagrant.com.

by Kimberly Snyder

Pecan pie always conjures up memories of being made and given with love. There is something very nurturing, and loving, about pecan pie!

Crust:

• 2 cups walnuts
• 2 cups Pitted Dates
• 1 cup coconut flakes, finely ground

Pit the dates yourself, extracting each pit and discarding them. Add the dates, coconut flakes and walnuts to your food processor and mix on high until thoroughly mixed.

Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a pie tray. Set to the side.

Filling:

• ½ cup unrefined coconut oil
• 1 cup raw pecans, soaked about 15 minutes
• 1 cup organic Thompson raisins
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp. Celtic sea salt

Blend all ingredients together in the blender until smooth. Pour onto the crust of the tray, and garnish with fresh, raw pecans.

Set in freezer overnight, or for at least 5 hours before serving. Slice up and share with loved ones!

Kimberly Snyder is a celebrity health, nutrition and beauty expert who shared her top 10 health tips with us.

Ok and ready for ONE MORE bonus? Since it’s Earth Day and all…Pommery POP champagne has just unveiled its latest eco-friendly bevy: the POP Earth NV Champagne ($55). The company practices sustainable wine growing, managing/limiting waste and minimizing water and energy consumption. All of this helps for a greener future and healthier land. And guess what? This brew is DE-LISH – it’s definitely not too sweet (so those who turn up their noses at the sweetness of champagne, this one is crisp and refreshing and now my mouth is watering).

So I can sip knowing that I’m not getting too fat from my drink, my heart is happy, my stress level is decreased and the earth is smiling with me. CHEERS, SALUT, SKOL TO THAT!

by Kim Snyder

Kim’s Key Lime Pie Bars

Benefits:
This dessert is fat-burning because one of its main ingredients is coconut oil, which contains Lauric Acid. Overall, coconut oil stimulates the thyroid, increases your metabolism and helps you burn stored body fat!

The other way this recipe helps you burn fat is with the high content of lime. Like lemon, lime has over 200 enzymes and helps restore liver tissue. The liver is our main fat-burning organ, so with this recipe we are also giving it a boost.

This recipe is low-glycemic, so does NOT spike your blood sugar the way refined sugar will.

Recipe:

1 cup organic lime juice
½ cup unrefined coconut oil
½ cup raw agave nectar
½ tsp. Celtic sea salt
4 cups cashews
½ – ¾ cup water

Combine all ingredients in a blender except for the water, and blend on high. Add the water last and as needed to keep the blending going and make the mixture smooth.

Freeze at least 4 hours, or overnight. Cut into bars and serve! Makes about 15 full-portion sized bars. Can store in the freezer and keep for a few weeks.

Kimberly Snyder is a celebrity health, nutrition and beauty expert who shared her top 10 health tips with us.

Dr. Christina Grant

Headache pain can be a deep burden. For good reason, the majority of us have pain relievers in our homes, desk drawers, office cabinets, handbags, briefcases, travel bags, nightstands, and medicine cabinets. Without relief, we can’t function well, think straight, or sleep at night. The easiest solution in our fast-paced lifestyle is to take pills to alleviate the suffering.

These pills, however, are not without cost. If you experience headaches, your body is already telling you it is burdened in some way. To add synthetic substances to an already burdened body only adds to the problem, but needing quick relief, we often do it anyway.

From a holistic perspective, any type of pain is a message directly from our wisest self. Head pain tells a story of a life out of balance. It says a great deal about our society as a whole when almost everyone owns pain pills. Knowing various solutions to our ailments empowers us to step away from the madness and back toward the balance point.

The first thing to consider when you have headaches is whether you are constipated. Taboo subject, I realize, but relevant because your bowels must keep moving. Next, is your blood sugar balanced, are you hydrated properly, and is your liver functioning well? Take care of these and you’ll see your head pain decrease dramatically. Keep in mind, you have control over all of these. They are directly related to your own actions: what you eat and drink.

Other contributing factors include eye strain, chemical exposure, allergies, hormone fluctuations, structural misalignment, worry, muscle tension, and general stress. Your headaches are most likely a combination of several interrelated things. So what more can you do if you want to help your body come back into balance and live a more holistic lifestyle?

Begin by listening to your headaches as your wise messenger. What are they telling you? Are you eating too much sugar, drinking too much alcohol, having allergies to certain foods, or simply not nourishing yourself? Are you allowing yourself enough time in the day to sit back, rest your eyes, and relax? Is your liver overburdened so it cannot process toxins through you? Is your mind carried away with worries and frightening thoughts? Has your upper body become tight and tense due to the workaday world?

I am fairly certain you might say, “All of the above.” This is why we have painkillers within an arm’s reach. But there are many things you can do so your headaches become a condition of the past. Some of them work slowly which is a drawback for the fast-paced among us. For example, burdock is not a quick fix, but it will powerfully heal you from the inside out over time.

There are numerous effective remedies. I offer ten here to get your started. The tinctures, teas, and essential oils can be found at natural food markets or purchased at mountainroseherbs.com. For essential oils, be strict about only using the highest quality, pure oils. I prefer Young Living which isn’t sold in stores. If you want to use them, send a request through my website and I will refer you to a distributor.

Ten simple, inexpensive remedies to ease headache pain.

1. Nettles tea helps stabilize your blood sugar and relieve chronic headaches. It can also be used in tincture form.

2. Dandelion root and leaves nourish and strengthen your liver so it can better process toxins in your body. Eat the leaves in salads, use a tincture, or drink as a tea.

3. Burdock root works well with dandelion on headache pain by cleansing the blood and nourishing your liver. Add fresh burdock to soups or use as a tincture.

4. Violet leaf tea sipped throughout the day calms the mind and soothes headaches and frazzled nerves.

5. Oats strengthen the nervous system, bring clarity to thinking, and can reduce pain. Add oatmeal to your diet.

6. The essential oil of peppermint deadens pain with an anti-inflammatory effect. You can apply it to the bottom of your feet, temples, or directly on the painful site. Avoid contact with your eyes.

7. The essential oil of lavender is calming, relaxing, and balancing. Apply on temples or behind your neck.

8. Listen to Baroque music. It brings your brainwaves into alpha, where you can relax and ease your mind.

9. Put your feet into a tub of water to which you have added a cup of Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil. This will help detoxify you and balance your energy.

10. Breathe slowly with awareness. Stretch or practice yoga to calm your nerves and bring oxygen into your body.

If any of the herbs appeal to you, inquire with your naturopath, herbalist, acupuncturist, or holistic doctor as to which would be best for you, especially if you have a medical condition or take medication. To learn more about these herbs in a fun and entertaining way, read Healing Wise by Susun Weed.

Dr. Christina Grant is a holistic healer and spiritual counselor who works in person and by phone. She has helped hundreds of people attain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being through personal transformation. Her writing is published nationwide. She is co-author of Eight Minute Muse and is completing a book with a fresh perspective on women’s health. To learn more, see www.christinagrant.com.