Stomach Bugs Gotcha Down?

Appetite issues, gas, mental fogginess, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion.  When the stomach bugs come to town, there's just no telling what manner of misery you may find yourself in.  Whether it's a contagious virus or some food-borne bacteria, getting rid of it is always a #1 priority!

We often hear that there is just nothing you can take/do in these cases, except let them run their course.  We feel differently.  In some cases, these are prolonged and can stay and settle in the body causing inflammation and leading to disease when not effectively addressed and cleansed out of the system. There are several remedies that can help in getting over and getting rid of these stomach invaders.  If you want more information on any of the herbs and combinations below, just click on the name for details.

Silver Shield or Olive Leaf Extract  are the place to start above all else.  In most cases, either remedy will do the trick in eliminating the virus or bacteria from your system.  Since Silver is liquid though, it can be more useful with children and periods when it's difficult to keep anything down.

Ginger - If you struggle with gas or stomach pains anytime, but especially as the result of stomach bugs, ginger is an excellent source of relief.

Red Raspberry (or the liquid) - Women's health, digestion and nausea relief are just a few of the areas Raspberry is good for. The capsules are an excellent addition to help with nausea and the liquid is especially helpful for kids!  Making some raspberry tea and sipping it at a cool temperature has also been effective in calming the system when it's refusing to keep anything down.

FV, Slippery Elm or Intestinal, Soothe & Build - If diarrhea is a problem, be sure to include FV and then one of the other supplements to help calm the system down.  FV nourishes the digestive system and settles the stomach.  Slippery Elm works to maintain normal elimination.  Intestinal, Soothe & Build works to restore the bowel to a healthier, cleaner state.

Solstic Revive - Since the electrolyte balance is disrupted through vomiting and diarrhea, Solstic Revive is a pleasant tasting powder that can be mixed with water and consumed to help restore those energy and balance to the body.  This is a great help in recovering from illnesses as well as excessive exercise and overall preventing dehydration.

Chinese Trigger Immune - Recovery is often a big issue, especially when high fevers are involved.  This Chinese formula builds up the circulatory system and fights against nutrient depletion - which is common in illness, especially with vomiting and diarrhea.

Not sure what is best for your body?  Give us a call (405)-634-HERB or send us an email theherbgarden@cox.net and we would LOVE to help you!

Your Health: Get Involved!

Are you taking an active role in your health this year?  Do you pay attention to your body's needs?  There are few things in life that we are more responsible for than our own personal bodies.  Yet, it's so easy to expect others - like experts, like the media, like the majority - to inform us what to do about our health.  Sometimes, as with some majorities, the message we get is to do NOTHING about our health. Often, the other extreme is just as loud telling us to do everything imaginable to keep our bodies healthy.

The truth is we can learn from everyone and at the same time everyone is human and fallible.  We are all going to get it wrong every once in a while - at least!  The most important thing you can do for your health - as well as your family's - is to GET INVOLVED!

1) Ask Questions.  No matter the issue or the person you're consulting with, determine to understand completely what the problem is and all of the options available to correct it.

2) Eat. Sleep. Play.  A lot of our ailments can be improved with simple changes to how we eat, sleep and play (or exercise).  Before you try to mask a problem with pills or procedures, see if you can make some positive changes in a one of these areas.  Clean eating, plenty of water, adequate sleep and plenty of exercise does amazing things for your body.  Don't believe it?  Try it.

3) Research.  What do you know about the varying treatments available?  Look into the pros and cons of different areas, like herbal remedies, homeopathy, essential oils, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractors, medications, injections, surgeries, etc.

Your instincts and personal involvement are so important when it comes to your own health.  This year, determine to take action with your healthcare options.  In whatever way we can, we hope to support you in being the best and healthiest you in 2014!

Colon Health: That's Where the Party's At!

As we approach the new year, it's likely you've mistreated your body a bit in the past few weeks (maybe months?) and some detoxing or cleansing is in order.  We are diligent to regularly clean everything else in our life - hands, bodies, homes, clothes, etc. - so it makes sense to do the same for the inside of your body.  Just like the grime and muck of daily living can build up sometimes before we realize, the toxicity of our environments takes its toll on our bodies.  Here are just a few of the possible benefits you could experience with some internal cleansing:

-Improved digestion and elimination

-Better mental clarity 

-Energy levels usually improve

-Removal of waste/debris and toxic chemicals (like preservatives, artificial colors, pesticides, etc.)

-Increased nutrient absorption

And the best and most important place to start is the colon.  It might be an uncomfortable topic for discussion, but if your colon isn't healthy, you're uncomfortable on a whole new level.  When things are working like they should, especially when they have haven't been, suddenly there's all kinds of rejoicing!

Did you know that during active weight loss is an ideal time to cleanse and detoxify?  As your body burns up fat, it releases more stored toxins, which need to be removed before they get back into your bloodstream.  So, as you prepare to start that new exercise routine and healthy eating habit, throw in some intentional cleansing while you're at it for optimum benefits.

Cleansing Essentials
Every person's body has unique needs and conditions and there are dozens of herbal supplements and combinations that can aid intestinal health.  But for a basic understanding, here is a summary of the most commonly used products to aid a short term cleanse.  For more information about which is best for you, give us a call!

Probiotics - Our intestinal tract includes both good and bad bacteria.  Many things like diet, environmental factors and medications wipe out all of the good.  To build it back up, consider probiotics like Bifidophilus Flora Force, Probiotic Eleven, and Acidophilus

Fiber - Insoluble and soluble fiber are both critical to a properly functioning intestinal system.  Products like Nature's Three, Loclo, Psyllium Hulls Combination and Everybody's Fiber help to keep the movement regular.

Enzymes - Enzymes break down toxins and undigested food which helps your intestinal track stay healthy. Products like Food Enzymes, Proactazyme, and Hi-Lipase are great options.

Cleansers - In addition to fiber, a cleanser is needed to act as a stimulant to rid the bowel of toxic waste.  For a typical detox, LBS II, Intestinal Soothe & Build, All Cell Detox and Bowel Detox are popular combinations.

13 Super Brain Foods - by Nature's Sunshine


And finally, make sure you're drinking water, water and more water! Herbal supplements especially are more effective in the body with plenty of water AND extra water helps the toxins you are trying to clean out to move through faster.  Whether at the beginning of a new year or just some time in the next 3 or 4 months, do something to detox! Your bowels will thank you!

Stress: How It's Hurting You and What To Do About It

Winter Break! The holidays! Family, food, and STRESS!  No matter the planning, no matter the downsizing, it all seems to turn into work and stress in some way.  It may be a natural part of the circumstances, but it definitely impacts your body in a big way.

How It's Hurting You

When your brain starts getting distress signals, it immediately releases a flood of hormones from the adrenal glands (think adrenaline and cortisol) and that's the way it was designed.  The problem arises when we live in a state of distress, running from one thing to the next with anxiety and conflict surrounding many interactions.  This prolonged state of stress wipes out things like B & C vitamins, decreasing your storehouse of energy.  Instead of recovering to a balanced and calm state, those hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, stay elevated and cause all kinds of havoc - things like depression, hypertension and maybe even some cancers.

From this point, the stress just spreads to other systems of the body.  Digestion and intestinal problems are common with frequent anxiety.  Things like memory loss, fertility issues, risk of heart attack and stroke are all related to stress.  Not to mention how we REACT to the stress - things like anger, overeating or poor food choices, inactivity, and often taking it all out on our family!  What a time for a holiday celebration, huh?

What You Can Do About It

The easy answer is to stop the stress all together, but the majority of us know how unreasonable that is. So, since there will be drama, conflict, and hectic schedules, here are a few options to make it easier on your body.

Take a walk.  Exercise, being outside, getting some sunshine and vitamin D are some of the BEST things to do for your body - no matter the day or the stress!  And with all of the eating we're likely to be doing, it can help your waistline too!

Take your vitamins.  Stress, exhaustion, and a less than normal diet is likely in our future next week and that empties the storehouse of vitamins and minerals in our bodies.  Supplementing with things like Citrus Bioflavonoids, Nutri-Calm, B-Complex, Super Omega-3 and GreenZone can go along way in counteracting all of the damage being caused by stress.  There are also many herbal formulas that are extremely helpful for stress, depression, and sleep problems.  Contact us for help with those!

Be sure to check NSP's Specials every week.  B-Complex is on special this week!

AnxiousLess -  This new combination from Nature's Sunshine is a non-drowsy, non-habit forming formula that can help replenish your body's stress-coping reserves.  It targets nervousness, worry and tension, while working to improve your mood and energy levels.  This is a great resource to have in those temporary peaks of stress - like when all the family comes home for the day! For more information, go here.

Do less, Relax more.  It sounds silly, but try to think of unnecessary things to cut out or people you can delegate to.  There's always a few 'bored' or 'busy watching television' family members that could use something to do!

Forget perfection.  No matter how much you plan, it won't go exactly as you hope.  And that's ok.  Do good.  Love those around you.  Laugh much.  And enjoy yourself.

How to Protect Your Immune System this Winter

How to Protect Your Immune System this Winter

When we think of winter weather (which we in Oklahoma just received a healthy dose of) we pretty quickly think of sickness, don't we?  Cold, flu, bronchitis and other germs going around and around.  And, in so many cases,  it just goes with the territory - especially those that work with children, such as teachers and child care workers.  There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to ensure that you will never get sick.  However, there are a few things that, when addressed together with moderation and balance, have been known to decrease the number of illnesses and lighten the severity when illnesses do occur.  There are definitely some great products that are absolutely necessary to have on hand this time of year, but there is certainly more to it than just popping a few pills.

1) Sleep:  No matter your station in life, this is a busy time and we seem to find more ways to push the limitations of our body.  But without enough sleep, everything in your body has to work harder.  And the harder it is working, the more likely it can be taken over by invaders!  Get enough sleep!

2) Green Diet: Include a lot of green vegetables in your diet.  You know there will be a lot of less-than-health-conscious (although delicious) meals consumed over the next few weeks.  If you have the desire and willpower to abstain - awesome!  For the rest of us who are looking forward to some splurges, drown them with green! An easy way to build up your 'armor' is a great smoothie - any time of the day.  Spinach and Kale (frozen or fresh) make a great base that does not change the flavor of fruit or juice at all!

3) MOVE: It's easy to think you don't have time or it won't make much of a difference anyway, but that kind of thinking is just wrong.  Even just 10-15 minutes of dancing in the living room that gets your heart pounding and a little sweat brewing can better prepare you for all the invaders attacking you throughout the day.  Your lymphatic system's only pump is your exercise and a lazy lymph system is a breeding ground for virus and bacterias.

4) Silver Shield: If there is one thing you should bother to take when you are likely to be exposed to the invaders (germs), it is NSP's Silver Shield.  Silver Shield 'has been proven to effectively combat health issues caused by anthrax, yeast, food poisoning, fungal or bacterial infections of the skin, respiratory infections, pink eye and more.' It is non-toxic with no risk of heavy metal contamination, guaranteed pure and takes care of viral and bacterial issues without harming the good bacteria of the gut.

For more information check out these links:

Colloidal Silver Benefits from Silver Shield

Why You Can Trust Silver Shield from Nature's Sunshine

And now through Sunday, December 15th Silver Shield Liquid and Gel are both $2 off!  If you buy in greater quantities, you receive even more savings.  So, it's a great time to stock up!  And for a limited time - throughout the month of December:

Above all else, be good to your body in all areas.  When we neglect, overuse and ignore the needs of our body, illness will undoubtedly follow.

Why We Choose Nature's Sunshine Products

Back when we started learning about the value of herbal remedies and alternative health practices (about 30 years ago), it certainly was not the norm in this country.  Since then we as a society have learned a lot of things, but some things never change - like the bandwagon.  Ideas, fads and the such-like ebb and flow and the people looking to make fast cash are always sitting on the edge of them.

Such is the case with many herbal supplement companies.  It's becoming widely known that the vegetation of our world provides numerous health benefits in all forms.  And that is great.  It's great to have gentle options in today's healthcare.  But not all supplements are created equal, unfortunately.  Last month Huffington Post published this article about herbal supplements being contaminated and not having exactly what the label indicates.  In some instances, "the main ingredient was substituted with a different product."  So, all of this commotion about the FDA and supplements not being regulated?  Yes, there is some value in regulations.  In theory, anyway.

So, to summarize, herbal remedies are valuable and at the moment wildly popular.  However, the market isn't regulated (which has its pros and cons) and sometimes you really have no idea what you're getting from one bottle to the next.  Because of all this, we feel so strongly about what you buy and who you buy it from.

Why Nature's Sunshine?



There are two main reasons that we use, promote and sell Nature's Sunshine's products almost exclusively.

1) Education.  As a buyer and a seller, they provide and promote extensive research and education on all of their products, their uses and whole body functions.  It's not just a bottle of pills or one-size-fits-all solution that they are providing when you buy their products.

2) Quality.  This is key above all else.  In today's advertising-saturated culture, we throw that word around a lot. When NSP says they make quality products, they are saying several things.  Their harvested raw herbs undergo more tests than any other company. It is common for them to reject entire shipments of raw items if they don't meet their standards when tested at their own facility.  They manufacture all of their products themselves.  NSF International, a non-profit, non-governmental organization and world leader in standards development and product certification, presented Nature's Sunshine with the NSF Good Manufacturing Certification.  We have visited their plant and seen what they do.

For the 30 years we've been associated with this company, we have consistently witnessed their commitment to quality products and integrity in all steps of their relationship with distributors.  Do you ever wonder about how a product is made or where they get certain ingredients from? Call them and ask.  We have never had a question or a problem they haven't been willing and able to address honestly.

Speaking of questions or concerns, do you have any?
Stay in touch with us by:
Phone - (405) 634-HERB (4372)
Email - theherbgardennsp@gmail.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/paulasherbgarden
Twitter - @SinginHerbLady 

Coming Soon...

Updates and new articles are coming soon!  As we head in to the holiday and illness season, Nature's Sunshine is running some great specials and we've got a lot of health issues to talk about.  Make sure you're following us on facebook and sign up for our monthly newsletter and specials here.