Acid & Alkaline: How's Your pH?

Most people should eat 80% Alkaline (having a pH value greater than 7) foods and only 20% Acid (having a pH value less than 7) foods, but our modern American diet is dominated with mostly acidic options!  An acid pH is a real silent killer! Even though it may go undetected for years, an acid pH leads to the progression of most degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease.  As Dahloan Hembree says here:

"An acidic body can lead to all sorts of problems including, but not limited to: it can increase stomach upset, lead to a lack of proper absorption of food, increase the chances of kidney and gall stones, decrease the amount of oxygen the body uses, and can even lead to a worsening of preexisting arthritis symptoms. Some even theorize that having an acidic body can even lead to cancer or instigate anemia and the resulting fatigue."

The largest contributing factor to the acid/alkaline balance in your body is the food that you eat.  In addition to your diet, there are a few herbal remedies that can really help an acidic system.  Enzyme combinations like Food Enzymes and Proactazyme are essential for breaking down (especially high processed/acidic) foods into a usable form.  Marshmallow Root is great for digestion and stomach trouble because it has a great demulcent (soothing, anti-inflammatory) effect. And for the times when you just aren't able to get enough green, alkalizing foods in your diet, Liquid Chlorophyll and Ultimate GreenZone are wonderful substitutes. 


So, how are you measuring up this week?  

Sunburns 101

School's out and playing outside is everyone's first choice!  Always, always, always put sun screen on everyone, everywhere!   The sun emits two strong ultraviolet rays called UVA and UVB rays. These harmful rays actually kill your skin cells. Your immune system is designed to get rid of these dead cells, so it increases blood flow to the burned area. This is the reason for the redness and warm sensations. Once the dead skin is removed, you are left with a darker color designed to prevent further sun damage. Though a tan is desirable to many people, the skin damage is not.

In spite of those facts, it's likely that you or your child may experience a sunburn sometime this summer.  If you do, here are some alternative health remedies that can help!


Herbal Trim is a skin treatment containing aloe vera and other herbal remedies that usually stops pain immediately and nourishes the damaged skin.


Combination Potassium and some form of vitamin C (like Citrus Bioflavenoids or Vitamin C Ascorbate)  are important to take internally, especially with severe burns.  These are usually depleted in the body after time spent in the heat and direct sun.


Raw apple cider vinegar, directly on the burn or 2 cups mixed with 1 box of baking soda in a bath, is helpful for severe pain relief.


Sunburns are not things to play around with so remember: Always wear sunscreen and always remedy and nourish sunburns!

Who Are You Really Under All That Garbage?

In our first hand experiences, the body, especially the immune system,  behaves differently under varying circumstances.   When your insides are fed lots of stress, very little sleep, not enough real food, toxins (aluminum, bleach, BPA, lawn chemicals, etc.) no exercise or a combination of all, the result is usually far different than a healthy, clean body with a well-fed immune system.

If you suffer from chronic allergies or seem to be attacked by every bacteria or bug on the block, it's likely that you are suffering from a combination of these conditions in the body.  If you've never experienced what it's like to be fed well, sleep enough, be relatively free of toxins, then you don't know what you're missing!  More energy, less illness and often the decrease or elimination of smaller ailments like acne, body odor, weight gain and joint pain are some things you can begin to experience.

As summer is fast approaching, make a commitment with yourself to try cleaning up house, so to speak.

-Eat more real food (whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats) and cut out the white flour, sugar and fake processed foods.

-Get enough sleep.  Sleep is a cheap attitude adjustment!

-Find ways to eliminate or cope with stress.  Keep a journal.  Make a weekly date with yourself.

-Look for alternatives to aluminum, BPA and bleach in your cooking at home.

-Exercise!! Do anything that gets your heart rate up, blood pumping and starts you sweating!  This makes EVERYTHING work better.

How much better would your life be with these few adjustments?

Giveaway on Facebook

Have you checked out The Herb Garden on Facebook?  It's a great way to find tips, recipes, supplement information, coupons and chances to win free products!  Next week we are giving away a bottle of Vitamin D3 a follower on facebook!  To be entered, like our page and leave us a comment.  You enter once a day!

Coming very soon are some new promotional programs from Nature's Sunshine - including ways to get FREE SHIPPING and FREE PRODUCT! Stay tuned!

Herb Highlight: Barley Juice Powder

Barley, a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain, serves as a major animal feed, used to make beer and certain distilled beverages, and used in soups, stews and bread.  Barely Juice Powder, like Nature's Sunshine's product, uses barley greens extracted from young barley plant leaves, which can assist in the build-up of strong anti-viral properties and helps boost the immune system.

These greens are rich in minerals, detoxifiers, chlorophyll, blood cleansers and enzymes.  Barley Juice Powder provides more vitamin B1 and calcium than milk, more vitamin C than several oranges, more iron than found in a serving of spinach, all 8 essential amino acids, flavenoids, chromium, potassium and made up of 20% protein.  Talk about a powerhouse supplement!

Barley juice has been used to help strengthen the pancreas, gallbladder and spleen, regulate stomach function, build healthy blood cells, moisten dryness, soothe inflamed membranes and support the nerves. Barley juice's mildly laxative effect helps to cleanse the intestinal tract, while its supply of enzymes helps to break down indigestible or toxic substances in foods.

Barley juice itself is easy to digest, making it an excellent nutritional supplement for convalescents and invalids.  Many drink barley juice to promote longevity!

Herb Highlight: Alfalfa

Alfalfa has been cultivated for over 2,000 years as a nutritive food for people and livestock.  Historically it has been used as a remedy for all types of inflammation including arthritis, gout and rheumatism.    Modern herbalists consider it very rich in nutrients and use it to help build the blood. Alfalfa's roots grow deep, providing the plant with a rich source of nutrients not always found at the ground's surface.

Alfalfa is also a great source of betaine, a digestive enzyme, that makes it a great digestive tonic, helping to improve digestion, assimilate nutrients and stimulate appetite.  For this reason alfalfa has been shown to be helpful for treating anorexia, convalescence, debility, emaciation and weak digestion.

Alfalfa is not recommended  for individuals with autoimmune disorders.

The Road to Health Accepts Baby Steps

Until changes become habits, they do your body very little good.  A sustainable program, something you will continue for more than a week, is what brings abundant living.  Too often, especially at the beginning of a new year, we vow to lose weight, exercise more, eat better, etc., but by March everything is forgotten.   This year, why not choose a better road to personal success. No goal of better health can be achieved over night or with drastic changes that your body resists. Baby steps are steps just the same. 

Instead of changing everything this month, commit to just one.  As you find small successes, continuing isn’t so hard.

- Drink only water.

- Eat raw fruits or veggies with meals.

- Exercise somehow every day.

- Eat meals from home.

- Maintain a supplement regimen  

Focus on one thing you CAN do and don’t get bogged down by the things you can’t.  Doing any one of these consistently can bring drastic improvements!

Science Update: Krill Oil with Vitamin K2 and Astaxanthin

Krill oil is a source of highly bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids extracted from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) that contains phospholipids, which bind to the omega-3s allowing for better absorption. These phospholipids are an essential component of all cell membranes, keeping toxins out and letting more nutrients and oxygen in. Krill oil also contains natural astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, and NSP Krill Oil adds the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin K2.

Info about Krill Oil with Vitamin K2 and Astaxanthin:

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
• Helps maintains a healthy heart.
• Supports healthy brain function.
• Provides joint and skin support.
• Is extracted from Antarctic krill.

Learn more about Antarctic Krill.

Heart Healthy Products

By Larisa Wright

NSP Health Sciences Department

A healthy cardiovascular system is essential for maintaining well-being and vitality.

However, the health of the cardiovascular system is often undermined by risk factors

such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity and

diabetes. All of these contribute to coronary heart disease (CHD). According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death

in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of

heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths.1

Fortunately, the threat of heart disease can be reduced or prevented by making healthy

lifestyle choices that include daily exercise, not smoking, prudent eating, maintaining a

healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption. Additionally, certain nutritional

products can aid in supporting optimal cardiovascular system health. Coenzyme Q10,

Cardio Assurance, Blood Pressurex and Super Omega-3 EPA provide healthful benefits.

Coenzyme Q-10 (Co-Q10) is a vitamin-like compound considered by some to be a

“miracle nutrient.” It is present in virtually all cells, and is found in especially high

concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.2 Many studies suggest that Co-

Q10 supports already-normal-range blood pressure levels. It also promotes a healthy

heart muscle and plays a key role in energy production within cells. As an antioxidant,

Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, protects cardiac cells and promotes the regeneration of

vitamin E, another heart-healthy antioxidant. Levels of Co-Q10 decrease with age,

which is why it is important to supplement the diet. NSP offers several nutritional

supplements to help meet your daily Co-Q10 needs: Co-Q10 (30 mg), Co-Q10 Plus, and

Co-Q10 75 mg softgels.

NSP Cardio Assurance is formulated to support optimal heart function and

cardiovascular system health. Hawthorn berries, resveratrol and vitamin K2 are the key

ingredients. Hawthorn berries contain flavonoids with potent antioxidant and heart-protecting effects. Hawthorn flavonoids help keep blood vessels clear, relax and dilate

blood vessels, and increase blood flow in the heart arteries.4-6 Studies indicate that

resveratrol has promising heart-health benefits and may be the answer to the French

Paradox. (Despite their high intake of fat, the French have a low incidence of heart

issues.) Resveratrol may help inhibit platelet aggregation and promotes vasorelaxation.7-8   Vitamin K2 supports circulation already within a normal range by helping to keep the arteries clear. This important nutrient has emerged as a key factor in regulating calcium in the body. Adequate vitamin K2 consumption helps keep calcium out of the arteries and in the bones where it belongs.

Many supplements for hypertension on the market target only one or two underlying

causes. Blood Pressurex targets many underlying causes to provide maximum support.

The ingredients in Blood Pressurex help the body maintain blood pressure levels within

a normal range by reducing oxidative stress, relaxing and strengthening blood vessels,

and promoting blood flow.10-13

Super Omega-3 EPA softgels contain a blend of fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids,

EPA and DHA. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that daily consumption

of 1 gram of fish oils from fish or fish oil supplements seems to decrease the risk of

heart attack, stroke and the progression of atherosclerosis.14-15 According to one analysis,

consuming dietary fish oil or taking fish oil supplements is associated with a 23%

reduction in overall mortality and a 32% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes

in people with or without cardiovascular disease.16 However, most American diets lack

omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, the typical American consumes a disproportionate amount

of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. The ratio typically ranges from 10:1 to 25:1 (omega-6

to omega-3); a preferable ratio is closer to 1:1. Super Omega-3 EPA softgels offer a

convenient way to meet your daily omega-3 fish oil needs.

1. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/

2. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines

Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006:pg 351.

3. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines

Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006:pg 350.

4. Al Makdessi S Sweidan H Mullner S Jacob R. Myocardial protection by pretreatment with Crataegus oxyacantha: an

assessment by means of the release of lactate dehydrogenase by the ischemic and reperfused Langendorff heart. In:

Arzneimittelforschung. 1996 Jan 46(1):25-7.

5. Chen ZY; Zhang ZS; Kwan KY; Zhu M; Ho WK; Huang Y. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by

hawthorn extract in rat mesenteric artery. Life Sci. 1998 63(22):1983-91.

6. Schussler M Holzl J Fricke U. Myocardial effects of flavonoids from Crataegus species. In: Arzneimittelforschung.

1995 Aug 45(8):842-5.

7. Bertelli, A. A., Giovannini, L., Giannessi, D., Migliori, M., Bernini, W., Fregoni, M., and Bertelli, A. Antiplatelet

activity of synthetic and natural resveratrol in red wine. Int J Tissue React. 1995;17(1):1-3.

8. Naderali, E. K., Smith, S. L., Doyle, P. J., and Williams, G. The mechanism of resveratrol-induced vasorelaxation

differs in the mesenteric resistance arteries of lean and obese rats. Clin Sci (Lond) 2001;100(1):55-60.

9. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org

10. Visioli, E; Galli, C. "Oleuropein Protects Low Density Lipoprotein from Oxidation." Life Sci. 1994; 55(24):19651971.

11. Shafiq, J; Suzuki, S.; Itoh, T and Kuriyama, H. Mechanisms of vasodilation induced by NKH477, a water-soluble

forskolin derivative, in smooth muscle of the porcine coronary artery. Circulation Research, Vol 71, 70-81.

12. Mafffei Facino, R., Carini, M., Aldini, G., Bombardelli, E., Morazzoni, P., and Morelli, R. 1994. Free radicals

scavenging action and anti-enzyme activities of procyanidines from Vitis vinifera, A mechanism for their capillary

protective action. Arzneim-Forsch./ Drug Res. 44:592-601.

13. Lambert, TL ; Dev, V. ;Rechavia, E; Forrester, JS ; Litvack, F.; and Eigler, NL . Localized arterial wall drug delivery

from a polymer-coated removable metallic stent. Kinetics, distribution, and bioactivity of forskolin. Circulation 1994

90: 1003-1011.

14. Burr ML, Fehily AM, Gilbert JF, et al. Effects of changes in fat, fish, and fiber intakes on death and myocardial

reinfarction: diet and reinfarction trial (DART). Lancet 1989;2:757-61.

15. Bucher HC, Hengstler P, Schindler C, Meier G. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in coronary heart disease: a metaanalysis

of randomized controlled trials. Am J Med 2002;112:298-304.

16. Yzebe D, Lievre M. Fish oils in the care of coronary heart disease patients: a meta-analysis of randomized

controlled trials. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2004;18:581-92.

A Great Cold & Flu Remedy

Natural homeopathic medicine in quick-dissolving lozenges!

Just as the seasons change to fall and winter, the flu season begins while our bodies go into immune-battle mode to fight germs and stay healthy. Almost invariably we begin searching for the best cold and flu remedies as many of us catch a cold and experience sore throat, stuffy nose and coughing.


Minimize your cold and flu “down time” with Zinc Cold & Flu lozenges. The mineral zinc is an effective cold and flu treatment because it boosts the immune system. It also coats the mouth and throat, preventing some germs from taking up residence there. When unwanted invaders can’t get a strong foothold in the mouth or throat, they often struggle to proliferate, and you come off conqueror.


Zinc Cold & Flu homeopathic lozenges feature zinc gluconate and zinc acetate (2x). They dissolve quickly and are easy for children to take. For best results, use at the first signs of cold and flu symptoms to help reduce duration, severity and minor discomfort of cold symptoms.