by Sharon Sherbina, NYR Organic

Poison Awareness Month Post #2

As a consultant working for a company that sells essential oils, I feel morally obligated to provide information to people that may not be provided to them by the general public or other EO companies. March is Poison Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to address essential oils as a potential hazard if not used with care and best practices.

Are you under a doctor's care? Do you have children? Do you have pets? These are all important questions that should be answered and researched before "diving in" to essential oils. Essential Oils can STILL be a wonderful part of your health journey, but unsafe practices, primarily the daily ingestion of oils, is not considered safe, and should only be done under the care of a highly qualified practitioner.

In 2010, over 10,000 cases of essential oils poisoning was reported to poison control centers. The majority of these were children UNDER AGE FIVE. This number has increased EVERY year. To look at the actual statistics, including deaths that occurred, access the data system with the American Association of Poison Control Centers' Annual Reports of National Poison Data Systems (NPDS). This issue is not one to be taken lightly.

One of my favorite oils right now is Niaouli, and when used appropriately, has many health benefits:

1. Clears congestion in respiratory system
2. Reduces body temperature during fever
3. Stimulates growth and strengthens immunity
4. Helps stimulate circulation of blood and lymph
5. Gives relief from rheumatism, arthritis, and gout
6. Diminishes scars and after marks left by acne and pimples
7. Protects wound against bacterial growth, sepsis and tetanus

Pregnant women should not use this one. It should also not be used near your mucous membranes, or ingested orally.

Essential oils are wonderful, but let's use them with best practices to ensure that we will be able to freely use them for a long time to come!

Author Bio:

I’m opposed to author bios, for much the same reason that I’m opposed to framing artwork. Intellectually we know that art goes beyond the frame, and that the frame is an artificial construct.  My husband says that I “sure am a piece of work”, but he has never, (nor has anyone else) ever referred to me as a piece of art… 

So, right now I am bouncing back and forth between the beautiful and troubled island paradise of Oahu, and our home base in deep rural Missouri.  Subjects of interest for contemplation and writing include nature, sustainability, primitive skills and traditions, kindness, unconditional positive regard, all the big whys and hows, movement disorders, the juxtaposition of science and religion, education, second language acquisition, holistic skin care, and cats.  I fail to practice much of what I preach, and greet each day as a challenge, and consider each night before I go to bed an exercise in self-grace.

by Sharon Sherbina, NYR Organic

Poison Awareness Month Post 1

I'm taking a weird angle on this month's informational posts, and dealing with the topic of ingestion of essential oils in regard to poison awareness. Sounds crazy, right? Everyone you know is "into" essential oils suddenly, and furthermore, dozens of companies are promoting the ingestion of them on a daily basis.

Anecdotally and statistically, we are seeing more and more stories of more harm being done than good, and if we keep going down this road, the pendulum of public opinion is going to swing to the completely opposite direction, and everyone will be avoiding essential oils.

I think it's important to be aware of a couple of things when considering essential oils. Oils, tinctures, tonics, rubs, scrubs, poultices, draws, and other medicinal usages have been utilized for thousands of years. Plants are AMAZING, and have incredible properties to alter our bio-states. Oils, especially, because they are the most potent part of the plant's essence. And because it is the most potent part, we can't just turn hundreds of years of apothecary and botanical science upside down, and advise people that the daily of ingestion of oils is good. It's not. People are getting sick. People have overdosed. Children and pets have inadvertently been exposed and harmed and NO ONE wants that to happen.

Through the month of March, I will be bringing more and more attention to this dangerous trend, and how YOU can utilize BEST PRACTICES in the safe usage of most oils, OR find a reputable practitioner to oversee your ingestion regimen, if something that drastic is required. Stay safe and ask good questions!

Author Bio:

I’m opposed to author bios, for much the same reason that I’m opposed to framing artwork. Intellectually we know that art goes beyond the frame, and that the frame is an artificial construct.  My husband says that I “sure am a piece of work”, but he has never, (nor has anyone else) ever referred to me as a piece of art… 

So, right now I am bouncing back and forth between the beautiful and troubled island paradise of Oahu, and our home base in deep rural Missouri.  Subjects of interest for contemplation and writing include nature, sustainability, primitive skills and traditions, kindness, unconditional positive regard, all the big whys and hows, movement disorders, the juxtaposition of science and religion, education, second language acquisition, holistic skin care, and cats.  I fail to practice much of what I preach, and greet each day as a challenge, and consider each night before I go to bed an exercise in self-grace.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Ever woke up to find your eyes are sealed shut, your nose isn't working, and your mouth is dry as a desert from hanging open all night? If you have, then you could have been experiencing symptoms of fall allergies. Oh, what fun, right? Trust me, I know the feeling. Throw in the sinus headache and a swollen throat and you're really in for a treat. So, how do you get rid of all that without resorting to medicines that make you drowsy and don't always work? Alternative fall allergy and sinusitis remedies may be the answer you're seeking. Here's 5 of what I feel are the best alternative remedies for fall allergies.

Cool Mist or Air

In the fall, the weather is generally cooler. Bundle up (if needed) and step outside late at night or early in the morning and catch a whiff of the fresh, cool air. It could help ease the nasal symptoms of fall allergies. If the weather isn't cool enough, then opt for a cool mist humidifier. This will increase the moisture in the air, which could help clear up dry nasal passages.

Neti Pot

The Neti Pot has been used in India for centuries as an allergy treatment. The neti pot is simply an easier, and possibly more effective, way of flushing the nasal cavity with salt water, such as with nasal saline drops. Neti pots can be expensive, but many claim they are well worth the price. They have even been featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. According to MotherEarthNews, the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology discovered that flushing the nasal cavities with salt water was a mild and effective allergen-reducing method for children. It is even purported to have significantly reduced their use of antihistamines.

Yoga

Yoga is used in many therapeutic treatments, including allergies and sinusitis. Some of the benefits come from the breathing, while others come from the actual positions. Yoga can clear the nasal passages, as well as relieve sinusitis and headaches. According to YogaJournal.com, there are several poses that are good for sinusitis. Downward-facing dog is a yoga position can relieve the headache, as well as the sinusitis. Other yoga positions that are great as alternative fall allergy remedies include the Bridge Pose, the Plow Pose, the Seated Forward Bend, the Standing Forward Bend, the Supported Headstand, and the Supported Shoulderstand.

Green Tea

According to ScienceDaily, EGCG, a compound in green tea shown to have many therapeutic effects, may also be a natural allergy remedy. While more studies are needed to prove initial results as fact, it could still be a wise choice to add green tea to your diet to combat allergies and other ailments.

Healthy Foods

MotherEarthNews states that certain foods can also help in combating fall allergies. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, eggs, and grass-fed meat could help suppress the occurrence of fall allergy symptoms. Spicy foods, such as chili peppers and horseradish can help relieve nasal congestion that may occur with fall allergies.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network