Fighting Toxins Head On

Do you ever feel helpless against every virus or bacteria that goes around at work or school?  With antibiotic resistance ever increasing, wouldn't you like to avoid another round of them, but often feel like you have no choice?  In our 30+ years in natural health, we have found that when toxins aren't cleaned out of the body quickly enough or at all, they can lead to more severe complications.  There are some great alternatives that zero in on the culprit (like a virus or chemical), creating an environment for cleaning it out of your system.  Having alternatives on hand though doesn't necessarily give you an instant fix.  It takes a working knowledge of an individual's health combined with an understanding of how the specific alternative works.  And we would like to share that working knowledge with you!

Join us June 1st for a FREE class discussing Toxic Invaders & the Importance of Fighting Them Head On.  All who attend will walk away with some great handouts on what to do when you experience various invaders!  Not only will there be some giveaways, but if you bring a friend, you will be entered TWICE!

Do you have kids or grandchildren that you care for?  Plan to participate in our first Online Herb Party focusing on Children's Remedies!  There will be lots of information, games and giveaways, not to mention a great way to prepare yourself for caring for children with gentle alternatives.

Cough, Cough, Go Away!

Do you have a cough that just won't go away?  Maybe you had a round or two of all the flu, cold and such-like that has plagued us this season but just can't seem to be rid of the junk?  There are some wonderful herbs and herbal combinations that are known to soothe and nourish the respiratory system to help get you completely well.

Mullein - This single herb provides lymphatic support that is often needed when getting ill and supports healthy ears and lungs.  From nursing mothers with mastitis to children holding on to a cough, this herb is so important and versatile to curtailing complications from seasonal illnesses.

Bronchial Formula - The respiratory system regularly encounters airborne particles such as microorganisms, pollutants, pollen and dust, and protects delicate body tissues. As a result, the functions of the lungs and bronchi can be affected.  This Ayurvedic formula nourishes the lungs and bronchi and helps support the respiratory system. This formula, developed in concert with Indian Ayurvedic masters with herbs direct from India, provides nutrients necessary for respiratory health and function like reducing inflammation.  

CCA w/ Yerba Santa - This liquid combination is great for kids, but an important option for anyone battling respiratory illness.  Goldenseal, astragalus, sage and rose hips help boost the immune system. Mullein and yarrow provide respiratory system support. Capsicum provides circulatory system support. These things combined pack quite a punch toward beating the cough or cold that just won't leave.

Local Raw Honey is good for a lot of things, like allergies, but it is also helpful in calming down that cough that is keeping you up at night

With any kind of respiratory problem, it is very important to consider your diet.  Cutting out sugar, white flour and large amounts of dairy products is often necessary to reduce the production of mucous and inflammation.  Other things to consider might be infection or fungus build up of some kind.  Silver Shield, VS-C, Olive Leaf Extract and Yeast/Fungal Detox are all important to have on hand to help fight off bacteria, fungus or viral infections.

Next IN.FORM Session Begins in January

Are you ready to change the direction of your health? Too much of our 'modern' society leads to disease and a poor quality of life.  We would love to help you navigate the sometimes murky waters toward a healthier, happier life.

Beginning in January, the next IN.FORM session starts up and you are invited to join us!  The ways this class can benefit you and your family are endless if you are ready for a better way.  Get registered today and you have several discounts possible.  If you bring a spouse or family member, your fees are discounted.  For every friend of yours that registers for this session as well, you'll get $25 off of your fee.  Changing a lifestyle is so much easier and long lasting when we do it as a community.  Bring your community and come be a part of ours!

The Details:

IN.FORM is a new, breakthrough weight-management and healthy lifestyle program from Nature’s Sunshine.  Imagine a 13-week journey that features: 

• Health Education. Gain knowledge and life skills to achieve lasting health. 
• Social Support. Get an instant social network! Friends with similar goals help you achieve success. 
• Weekly Accountability Sessions. Our unique BioTracker measures weight, body fat percentage, hydration levels, lean muscle mass, metabolic age, bone mass and more! 
• Personalized, Flexible Programs. Eat what you want, and we’ll customize a Nature’s Sunshine products supplement program to meet your individual needs.    No pre-packaged meals!

The most exciting tool IN.FORM has to offer is the unique BioTracker.  Metabolic age, Hydration levels, bone mass - this is information for overall health, not just a weight-loss program!

The cost is $250 for the first 13 week session and every session you attend after is only $25.  Throughout each 13 weeks there are free smoothies, regular giveaways, and weekly prizes for the most successful participant! Not to mention access to a wealth of resources, techniques and a variety of natural health information.  Don't forget there are family discounts and bring a friend discounts!
We are so excited about this program and its long term effectiveness for healthy change! Give us a call at (405) 634-HERB to register!  Follow us on facebook to keep informed of specials, dates and news.

IN.FORM Registration - Get 10% OFF

The Herb Garden proudly invites you to reshape your lifestyle, to burn fat, and be fit for life!  Another IN.FORM session is beginning soon and you want to be a part of it!  We are in the middle of our Fall session with a great group who are changing their health, size and life!  Starting November 17th, we are accepting registration for our next session starting after the new year.  And, if you register with full payment by December 1st, you'll get 10% OFF! Getting healthy and changing your life is absolutely worth one night a week!

IN.FORM is a new, breakthrough weight-management and healthy lifestyle program from Nature’s Sunshine.  Imagine a 13-week journey that features: 

• Health Education. Gain knowledge and life skills to achieve lasting health. 
• Social Support. Get an instant social network! Friends with similar goals help you achieve success. 
• Weekly Accountability Sessions. Our unique BioTracker measures weight, body fat percentage, hydration levels, lean muscle mass, metabolic age, bone mass and more! 
• Personalized, Flexible Programs. Eat what you want, and we’ll customize a Nature’s Sunshine products supplement program to meet your individual needs.    No pre-packaged meals!

The most exciting tool IN.FORM has to offer is the unique BioTracker.  Metabolic age, Hydration levels, bone mass - this is information for overall health, not just a weight-loss program!

We are so excited about this program and its long term effectiveness for healthy change! Give us a call at (405) 634-HERB for more information!  Follow us on facebook to keep informed of specials, dates and news.

Tips for Healthy Traveling

Do you have plans to travel sometime this fall/winter season?  The strong threat of sickness has been weighing on all of our minds, I'm sure.  Some things in this life are completely out of our control, but here are a few things that we've found to be helpful in the task of boosting immunity.

1) Vitamins, Vitamins, Vitamins! It may sound redundant, but Vitamin C and Vitamin D are super important for optimal health, especially when fighting off invaders!  These should be a part of our daily routine in the cold season, but especially the week before your traveling plans and all throughout a trip.  NSP's Chewable Vitamin C is easy to digest, delicious and great for adults and kids alike. Vitamin D is best consumed by going outside every day, but especially as it gets colder that's not always possible.  In those cases, here are a couple of options.  For kids, consider Calcium Plus D3.  For adults (or kids who can swallow pills), there's also a Calcium Plus D, but for extra protection Vitamin D3 is highly recommended.

2) Don't forget to SLEEP! When preparing for a trip and certainly on a trip, adequate sleep often gets the boot.  If you're trying to avoid illness, losing sleep is the worst thing you can do!  Sleeping helps the body fight infections and can determine how fast you recover if you do get sick. If you struggle with sleep or expect some stress surrounding your trip that might affect your sleep, here are a few supplements to consider:

• Valerian Root - This single herb helps with relaxation and supports sleep.
• STRESS-J - This herbal formula promotes feelings of calm and helps with occasional stress. A racing brain or overstimulated body can certainly prevent sleep.  STRESS-J can help with that!
• 5-HTP Power - Drinking a lot of caffeine? Caffeine wipes out serotonin and can definitely disrupt sleep patterns.  Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an important neurotransmitter that is converted into serotonin in the body. Improve your appetite, mood and sleep!
• Melatonin Extra - Melatonin encourages restful sleep and helps fight jet lag by promoting the body's natural sleep rhythm.

3) Elderberry - The health benefits of elderberries are powerful! Anytime you expect to be or fear you were exposed to something contagious (cold, virus, flu, etc.) we recommend Elderberry D3fense or Elderberry Immune (chewables for the kids).  It's a power punch to whatever is lurking in the air!  

4) Silver Shield Liquid/Gel - NSP's Silver Shield is a wonderful safe and effective product that reduces exposure to disease-causing agents while leaving the good bacteria in tact.  Taken internally before and after a plane ride would be a smart line of defense.  The Silver Shield Gel takes immune boosting to another level! This gel can be safely place in any opening of the body so in or around the nose would be great protection from airborne invaders.  It also works as a great hand sanitizer! Both are great for kids too.

Also, Essential Shield  is a terrific topical essential oil blend that contains pure essential oils of clove, cinnamon, thyme, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, lemon, pine and peppermint that could be used to keep the air around you (in a car, hotel room, or even an airplane!) boosted with proactive forces!

5) Clean, Colorful Eating.  Whatever goes into your body either adds or takes away from the health of your immune system.  The cleaner and more colorful your diet is, the better position you are in to fight off colds and viruses. Plan ahead.  Just because you're on/going on vacation doesn't mean you have to eat junk!

Most trips aren't worth getting sick over so do yourself some favors as travel season starts to pick up!

Children's Flu Season Guide

5 Salad Dressings Made Healthier

Salad dressings are stuffed full of chemicals and unfriendly ingredients these days!  Here are 5 great dressing recipes that we use at our dinner table regularly!

Basic Ranch Dressing Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons sour cream

3 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

4 teaspoons white wine vinegar or lemon juice

1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all of the ingredients in a 2-cup Mason jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal tightly and shake to evenly distribute all the ingredients. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Refrigerate until chilled and the flavors have melded, about 1 hour. The dressing will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Honey mustard dressing

1 cup - plain yogurt

1/2 cup - raw honey

1/2 cup - Dijon mustard

1/4 cup - mayonnaise

1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp tarragon, dried and crushed

Mix and serve. 

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

2 small garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon anchovy paste (found near the tuna fish in the supermarket)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I like the brand Maille)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann's Real

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Add the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt and pepper and whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust to your liking.

I add a little water to make it the consistency I want.

Avocado dressing

1 large avocado

2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic

3/4 tsp salt

Dash of chili flakes

Blend in food processor.  Add water for right consistency. 

Poppyseed dressing

1/3 cup xylitol

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground dry mustard

1 teaspoon grated onion

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

In a blender or food processor, combine sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard and onion and process for 20 seconds. With blender or food processor on high, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds.