Organic BlogWelcome to our journal about living a peaceful organic life. We'll keep you updated on anything new that has been added to Peaceful Organic Planet. We'll also let you know if we've found anything new or cool that we'd like to share with you! If you want to subscribe just right click the orange RSS button (to the left bottom of the page) and then paste it into your RSS reader. You can also click on the My Yahoo! button, My MSN or Add to Google button if you keep a home page there. If you're not sure what RSS blogging is about click here ...... What's an RSS feed? Sep 1, 2010, Healthy Food and Natural Organic EatingHealthy food is not only good for you, but eating organically is also about environmental awareness. This page will help you transform your life deliciously! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Healthy Food and Natural Organic Eating" May 26, 2010, Organic Skin CareIn this toxic environment what you put in your body is as important as what you put on it. Organic Skin Care will give you simple ideas, tips on what to put in & on your skin for a healthy glow. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Organic Skin Care" Jan 12, 2010, Natural Weight LossHappy New Year! Of course it's that time of year again when everyone resolves to lose weight. Some are successful. Some not so much. No matter what, though, if you're going to make weight loss your goal, it's best to do it in a natural way, without relying on quick solutions like appetite suppressants and unnatural weight loss supplements. These things can have side effects like fatigue, agitation, shivers, dry mouth, diarrhea, depression, insomnia, altered metabolism and even anorexia. Here are a few tips to help you reach your weight loss goal in a healthy and natural way:
* Include a wide variety of food from all food groups – bread and cereals, vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy, and meat, fish or legumes Start your New Year out by losing weight the healthy, safe and natural way! Dec 16, 2009, Daily Tip Number TenSimple Yoga Poses Take just 20 minutes in the morning for a gentle wake up yoga series such as "sun salutation". In the evening, shut of the tv and your mind and take another 20 minutes before bed to do some P.M. Yoga You'll truly be surprised how much more relaxed and balanced you're going to feel after just a couple of days and it will definitely make coping with holiday stress much easier! Dec 14, 2009, Daily Tip Number NineTry Visualization Practice visualizing optimistic thoughts, because you can never underestimate the power of positive thinking Take a moment or two amongst all the holiday chaos to recite affirmations Studies show that concentrating on these positive images really can lower blood pressure and will boost your immunity. Dec 13, 2009, Daily Tip Number EightCommunicate consciously Sometimes family functions can become very stressful, and many of us have found ourselves in a situation that calls for tact and restraint. A helpful tool to prevent emotional strain if you find yourself in this situation is the Buddhist practice of “right speech.” Before you speak, ask yourself these three questions: Is what I am about to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If you'd like to learn more about Buddhist practices and how you can apply them to your everyday life check out Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living Dec 10, 2009, Daily Tip Number SevenDo one thing at a time Don’t multitask, but instead try focusing on one thing at a time with full attention. If you’re going to cook turn off the phone, TV or computer and just enjoy the process of cooking. Fully experience the smells and joy of preparing special meals for the holidays. If you choose to send out Holiday Cards (you want to, not obligated to), make it a fun experience. Put on some holiday music and really focus on the gratitude and good feeling you have for whomever you’re sending the card to. If you choose to shop online, turn it into a pleasurable experience. Again play some relaxing holiday music, burn some incense and relax into the sheer pleasure of exploration for that special gift. So much more pleasant then a day at a crowded mall, not to mention less stressful! Dec 10, 2009, Daily Tip Number SixGet a Massage Getting a massage in the middle of a busy holiday season will not only break the stress, but will soothe the soul and relax your mind. If you're lucky to have someone at home who will give you a massage, create a relaxing atmosphere with candles and have them use a relaxing essential oil like lavender or neroli.
Dec 8, 2009, Daily Tip Number FiveEat Warm, Pacifying Foods When the weather is cold, limit your intake of dry and raw items such as fruits and raw vegetables, crackers, chips or nuts. These things tend upset your nervous system and digestion. Instead, try delicious soups, cooked whole grains like quinoa and brown rice, and nourishing stews. One of my favorite stews, which is also a macrobiotic recipe is wonderful and warming Lentil Squash Stew. You can find it on our healthy recipes page. Dec 8, 2009, Daily Tip Number FourDon't Skip Meals to do Holiday Shopping Skipping meals stresses your system and leaves you low on energy. Make sure that you take the time to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at your regular times and make sure that you always eat healthy food! Click here for some healthy recipes. Dec 7, 2009, Daily Tip Number ThreeLearn to meditate Other then sleep, the best rest is the deep relaxation provided by meditation. When you meditate, your breathing slows, stress levels fall and your blood pressure decreases. You go past the noisy internal dialogue of your mind and experience peace, stillness and inner silence. If you've never tried meditation before Meditation for Beginners Dec 6, 2009, Daily Tip Number TwoMaintain a restful sleep routine During the holidays it's very easy to fall into an irregular sleep schedule with all the parties, traveling, shopping, and other events. You'll feel so much better and actually be able to get more done if you nurture a restful sleep routine. When you find yourself pushing too hard or overdoing any activity, rest. To help you develop a more restful sleep routine try The TwiLight Sleep Therapy Light Dec 4, 2009, Daily Tips for a Stress Free Holiday SeasonFrom now until the end of December we will be giving daily tips to make your holiday season much more enjoyable and stress free, naturally! Here is today’s tip: Commit to less Don’t put yourself in a mad scramble trying to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list, bake cookies and candies from scratch or create a reindeer topiary for the lawn. Do only what you can. Shopping online, using organic mixes Only participate in the holiday activities that hold meaning and joy for you and your loved ones. Alternate visits to loved ones on different holidays or even from year to year. Never do something simply because you feel you have to. Learn to say no. Check back tomorrow for another great tip for a stress free holiday season! Nov 30, 2009, Organic GiftsGiving natural, green & organic gifts shows someone that you really care. For the budget minded shopper we've compiled a shopping list of great unique, eco friendly and organic gifts under $25. So you don't have to break the bank and you won't have to fight long lines at the mall! So, check the list and save yourself some money for the holidays! Nov 12, 2009, Doggie PawsIs your dog constantly licking their paws and you can't figure out why?It may be that they have a fungus problem between their toes. Before trying synthetichormones or anything a conventional veterinarian would prescribe, try something natural.Here are some natural tips to help you help your dog: Clip the hair away from the affected areas of the toes. Then do a good soak in a pan of waterwith an antifungul shampoo once or twice a day or try Castor & Pollux Head to Tail Shampoo with an addition of 5-10 drops of tea tree oil. After the soak use Doc Ackerman's Hot Spot Relief Spray. If you don't see a change, you may consider addressing any underlying issues with allergies by supporting your pet's immune system and strengthening their skin and coat. To get to the root of the problem eliminate wheat, corn and soy from their diet and feed them the best possible food you can. Also try the process of elimination by feeding your dog a protein source that is not very common like venison, duck or even buffalo. With lots of care and diligience your dog will be on it's way to having healthy paws and a much happier life! Oct 20, 2009, Water..Let's not take it for granted!Spread the word about the world water situation,and set an example for your friends and family. Water, it is a necessity. Turn on the faucet there it is. There are many ways to make a difference. Little changes can affect the world's water supply. While we have clean water here, readily available for all of our daily uses, in many parts of the world the lack of clean water for drinking and sanitation causes sickness and death. Due to the increase in population the world's water supply is depleting. Visit water.org for more information on the statisticsand some hard facts. In the mean time take a look at things we can do and share with our family and friends.This is essential for our water supply as well as the world's: 1. Water your lawn only during the early morning hours when the temperatures and wind speed are the lowest to prevent water loss from evaporation. Oct 15, 2009, Natural Pet Dental CareKeeping your pet’s mouth healthy with natural pet dental care will help prevent not only bad breath, periodontal disease, and an uncomfortable mouth, but will keep your pet healthy for a longer life. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Natural Pet Dental Care" Oct 1, 2009, World Vegetarian DayToday is World Vegetarian Day! It's the annual kickoff of Vegetarian Awareness Month. This is the perfect day to give vegetarianism a try. Not only is it good for the planet (see our Sustainable Agriculture page to find out why), but it's also very good for your health! Here's a list of some of the benefits to being a vegetarian: 1. Minimizes the risk of coronary heart disease 2. Reduces the risk of high blood pressure 3. Lowers cholesterol 4. Lowers body weight and reduces the risk of obesity 5. Minimizes the risk of certain types of cancer such as colon and breast cancer 6. Lowers the risk of digestive disorders 7. Increases Longevity (Who doesn't want a longer life?!) To get more information go to our Vegetarianism page, and don't forget to try some of our great Vegetarian Recipes! So on this World Vegetarian Day, give Vegetarianism a try. You may be surprised at how beneficial it is to you, your family and the earth!
Sep 24, 2009, Online Yoga Program
I know my last post was about yoga, but since September is Yoga Month I wanted to share something really great that I just discovered. It's called the Gaiam Yoga Club You’ll get expert, easy-to-understand yoga instruction from renowned Instructors Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman. Here's how it works: At the beginning of each week, Rodney and Colleen introduce you to a category of yoga poses (forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions and more) with modifications for different levels, and sequencing principles for personalizing your own yoga program. Each week’s audiocast focuses on refining the poses and principles, and include guided relaxation and meditation. Throughout the program, Rodney, Colleen and other Yoga Club members support you through online chats, blogs and community message boards. Here's what you'll get for only $5 a week. That's less then going to a yoga class and you'll be in the comfort of your own home: So would you like to give it a try? Go to the Gaiam Yoga Club Site Don't forget to check out our page on Yoga. Enjoy your home yoga practice! Sep 8, 2009, September is Yoga MonthSeptember is Yoga Month, so if you've been thinking about trying yoga, now is the time to do it. If you're just starting out try Rodney Yee's AM and PM Yoga for beginners. It's very simple and each routine is only 20 minutes. Watch the video below for more info!
Aug 24, 2009, Global Warming – 5 Places to See Before They’re GoneHave you ever wanted to go to New Orleans and take in the culture, or hike through the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado? If so, you really should do it quickly; because of Global Warming they may be gone or significantly altered before too long. Here’s a list of 5 places you should see before they’re gone: 1. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia 2. New Orleans, Louisiana 3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 4. Alpine Glaciers, Switzerland 5. Amazon Rain Forest, Brazil If you’d like to learn more about ways you can leave less of an impact on the environment please visit our Green Living page. To learn more about Alternative Energy, please visit our Alternative Energy page. Peace Aug 10, 2009, Holistic Care for Your Rescued PetHave you recently rescued a pet and looking for the best care possible? Before you make the step into conventional veterinary care take a look at holistic care for your new family member. Not to say that you should give up conventional care totally, but if you combine holistic care and conventional care you can choose the best of both to emerge with the most ideal care for your rescued pet. Here at Peaceful Organic Planet we have discovered a wonderful company, Pet Alive, that sells pet-friendly, safe and effective natural remedies for animals. All remedies are formulated to the highest therapeutic standards and manufactured under strict pharmaceutical conditions for your peace of mind and the well being of your pets. We have personally tried several of their remedies and have had great success with all. Therefore, we believe that homeopathic remedies are a very gentle way to treat pets, especially those who have already had trauma in their lives. Click here to check out some TRUE stories of how PetAlive has helped many customers’ rescued and adopted pets achieve improved overall health and well-being. Aug 4, 2009, Iron and VeganismAre you vegan or maybe thinking about going vegan? If so, here is some very useful information we found on Care2 that we would like to share with you: As a vegan, one thing that is really important to think about is that your body requires a certain amount of iron in order for your body to produce the oxygen-carrying proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin which contribute to the production of blood cells. The World Health Organization says that iron deficiency is the most prevolant nutritional disorder int he world. They say that around 80% of the population could be iron deficient and 30% may have iron deficiency anemia. Your body stores some iron to replace any that's lost, but if you are low in iron for an extended period of time it can lead to anemia. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, low energy, irritability and weight loss. If you don't eat meat that doesn't mean you are going to suffer from anemia. Follow these simple guidelines to stay healthy and anemia free: Recommended Iron Amounts
Males
Females
Here are 12 plant-based foods with some of the highest iron levels - Tips to get the most iron out of your food:
* Eat iron rich foods with anything containing vitamin C. It helps your body absorb iron. Thanks to Care2 for this invaluable information! For more healthy food information check out our healthy food page! Jul 30, 2009, Lyme DiseaseIt's summer and the ticks are out in full force, which means a greater risk for developing Lyme Disease. That's why we would like to pass on some information about Lyme Disease courtesy of Native Remedies:
Prevention Early Symptoms Treatment Other herbal ingredients such as Mentha Piperita, Solidago Virgaurea (also known as Goldenrod) and Viscum Album promote the body’s natural flow of bile, helps to fight infection, and support healthy circulation. Jul 27, 2009, Quit Smoking on this Peaceful Organic PlanetAre you ready to quit smoking, but not sure how to do it in a way that is natural and not harmful to your body? To quit smoking may seem impossible, but with some natural alternatives you'll be smoke free in no time. You'll be healthier, feel younger and will have more money to spend! Did you know that Nicotine addiction is actually more than a habit? According to Dr. Neal L. Benowitz of the University of California, “Tobacco addiction is best considered a chronic disease, with most smokers requiring repeated interventions over time before achieving permanent abstinence”. So if withdrawal symptoms can't be avoided, why add the possibility of experiencing potentially deadly side effects of medications such as Chantix (Chantix warnings include the possibility of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, seizures, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, as well as vivid nightmares and sleepwalking episodes) to the recipe? Natural remedies can be used to aid the difficult process when you stop smoking – while avoiding unnecessary side effects. Here are a few ideas to help you kick cigarettes in the "butt" without putting yourself at risk: Homeopathic - Stop Smoking UltraPack
Smoke Less Aromatherapy Kit
Acupuncture So if you're ready to kick the habit in a natural way, try one of these alternative methods and you'll be on your way to a healthier, happier, richer and longer life! Jul 21, 2009, Give Yourself A Memory Boost on this Peaceful Organic PlanetIt seems that lately I’ve been either walking from one end of the grocery store to the other at least twice, if not more because I forget something on the list. Do you find yourself doing that or forgetting simple things like appointments, someone’s name or to pay a bill? If so, find comfort in the fact that these little lapses are normal, especially if you are over 40. Happily there are some ways that you can give yourself a memory boost at any age, according to ayruveda. Try some of these tips and see if they give you a memory boost: Breathe Exercise Your Brain Feed Your Brain Exercise Your Body Get Plenty of Rest So if you find your memory slipping, give it a boost and try one or all of these tips. You’ll be happy that you did! Namaste Jul 9, 2009, Pet AdoptionYesterday I found myself in a very unpleasant situation, that really got me thinking about pet adoption. You see, somehow our neighbor's 13 year old dog got out and it wasn't discovered until he came home from work. Our neighbor searched frantically for Lady all night long and still hadn't found her by the time he left for work the next day. In this tough economy, he just couldn't miss work because he's an independent contractor. We thought that we could help him out, so because one of the County Animal Control Centers is fairly near to my job, I decided to go there on my lunch break and see if Lady had been picked up. It was such a difficult thing for me to go into that place knowing that most of those animals had a death sentence over their heads (at this facility it was only a 7 day waiting period). There were beautiful dogs and cats (some just babies) just waiting for someone to come and take them home. The dogs all got up when I walked by and looked into my soul, wagging their tails, begging me to take them. I so wished that I could have taken every one of them. The conditions were pretty poor and the place smelled awful. My heart was breaking. Without seeing Lady there (We found out later that she actually was there, but sitting in the truck waiting to be processed), I left in tears. Please everyone, if you find that you want a pet and are truly ready for it, think about pet adoption from a shelter in your area. Go to the County shelters first where they have a high kill rate and if you just can't find the right pet, then go to one of the more humane no-kill shelters. There are soooooo many beautiful pets just waiting for a home that have been abandoned, displaced or turned in because their family for one reason or another just didn't want them anymore. Think really hard about your decision as well, because once you get that pet, it's for life, so make sure you want to have that responsibility. If you already have a pet, please make sure they are spayed or neutered and please think twice, three times or one hundred times before you decide to turn them into a shelter! I know that the economy is tough, but I would go hungry myself before I would let my pets go hungry or go to a shelter. Go to Petfinder for a list of adoptable pets in your area. Please, please, please consider Pet Adoption! For information on how to take care of your pet in a natural and healthy way check out our natural pet page. Jul 2, 2009, Prescription DrugsI don't know about you, but we were so shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Jackson. Even more shocking in the days following was the revelation of the abuse of prescription drugs and the fact Michael's demise was probably caused by that abuse. Hopefully, if there is anything good that could come out of such tragedy, it will be that people will become more aware of the abuse of prescription drugs and will start turning to alternative medicine and natural prevention. Because of the broad availability (especially for celebs) of prescription drugs and misconceptions about their safety, they are particularly prone to abuse. Here are a few facts about prescription drug abuse: The elderly are among those most vulnerable to prescription drug abuse or misuse because they are prescribed more medications than their younger counterparts. The abuse of certain prescription drugs-opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants- can alter the brain's activity and lead to addiction. Nearly 7 million Americans used prescription drugs nonmedically in 2006, which is more than the number who used cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants combined. The three classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused are:
* opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine; What Can You Do? The best way to avoid having to take prescription drugs is by prevention. Eat healty, exercise, avoid stress and laugh a lot. If you do happen to get sick or have pain we recommend that you at least think of trying alternative medicine. There are a lot of great methods, so just check them out and see which one fits best for you. Last, but not least, if you suspect that someone you know (even yourself) may be abusing prescription drugs, seek some advice and urge them to get help. You could be saving someone's life! Unfortunately it's too late for Michael Jackson and others like him. Namaste Jun 25, 2009, Wellness on this Peaceful Organic PlanetAs I was scanning the internet today I noticed an article written by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). It caught my eye because its headline was "Shifting America from sick care to genuine wellness". I thought to myself "It's about time that or nation is finally focused on preventing illness rather then just treating it." Here is an excerpt from that article: "With the Senate health committee convening daily to craft a comprehensive health reform bill, the basic outline of this landmark legislation is now clear. Yes, it will ensure access to affordable, quality care for every American. But, just as important, it will hold down health care costs by creating a sharp new emphasis on disease prevention and public health. As the lead Senator in drafting the Prevention and Public Health section of the bill, I view this legislation as our opportunity to recreate America as a genuine wellness society – a society that is focused on prevention, good nutrition, fitness, and public health. The fact is, we currently do not have a health care system in the United States; we have a sick care system. If you’re sick, you get care, whether through insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, community health centers, emergency rooms, or charity. The problem is that this is all about patching things up after people develop serious illnesses and chronic conditions." I completely agree with Senator Harkin and sincerely hope that the United States will soon become a healthy, happy or more balanced nation. Please take the time today to read our Healthy Food Tips and to try one of our Healthy Recipes. In addition, check out our page on Natural Healing to learn some great wellness tips and natural ways to heal. Hopefully with lots of informed people like you, this nation and the world will be the picture of health and happiness that we all desire! Much Peace & Good Health to You! Namaste! To read the rest of Senator Harkin's article please click here. Jun 24, 2009, Organic Weed ControlIt's that time of year when everything is in full bloom, gardens are growing and everything is green, including the weeds! Normally people would use stuff like roundup and other weed killers to eradicate the pesky little plants. Unfortunately not only is this harmful to you, but could seep into water run-off and eventually end up in our lakes and rivers. Where we live in Florida many dolphins have been showing up with horrible lesions on their skin that can be attributed to the toxic pollution that has been running into the river. It breaks our hearts to know that there is such disregard for the lives of all the beautiful creatures on this earth. We don't want to contribute to that injustice and I'm sure you don't either. Luckily there are some things on the market that you can use that won't harm you, your family or the earth. Here are a few: Nature's Avenger Organic Weed Killer There are a lot of things you can also do without having to spray. Follow this link for a list of simple tips for organic weed control. So if you want to maintain a safe, natural and non-toxic yard and garden try one of these products or tips. You'll be very happy that you did! Jun 18, 2009, Cool Summer Recipe for a Hot Summer DayNow that we've reached the hot days of summer, you may find yourself wanting to eat something cool. Here is a great summer recipe to keep you chillin' during those sweltering days: No Cook Yummy Watermelon Tomato Gazpacho Makes 4 cool and delicious servings 3 cups watermelon seeded/puree in blender 1 cup watermelon diced small Mix the pureed watermelon with the diced watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber,bell pepper, lime juice, cilantro, ginger, jalapeno & green onion. Take a ladle and put it into chilled soup bowls and serve. So refreshing for a hot summer day! For this and other great vegetarian recipes check out our Healthy Recipes page. Jun 15, 2009, Father's Day Gift of Aromatherapy: Peaceful-Organic-PlanetLooking for something unique for Father's Day? Why not try the gift of aromatherapy! You may think that aromatherapy is just for women, but men have played a huge role in aromatherapy since its beginning. The term aromatherapy was originally coined in the early 20th century by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French male chemist. For Father's Day you could try one or a few blends that possess an earthy, spicy or masculine aroma. Here are a few ideas that you can use to give your dad a unique, thoughtful and therapeutic Father's Day gift this year: Try a Car Scenter Aromatherapy Diffuser for your Dad's car! Include a couple of earthy essential oils like Patchouli or Clary Sage, or if your dad suffers from a little road stress try a lavender and rosemary blend to keep his next drive stress free. Is your dad trying to quit smoking or need to relieve stress? Try the Smoke Less Travel Kit Stop Smoking or the Stress Ease Affirmations Kit. Both are great aromatherapy Father's Day gifts that will let your dad know just how much you care.
A great gift your dad may also love is an aromatherapy candle. For an earthy choice try Frankincense & Patchouli 100% Essential Oil Aromatherapy Candle
For a Pre-Shave Oil that is ideal for men with sensitive skin, ingrown hairs, razor burn or tough beards try Art of Shaving Pre Shave Oil - Sandalwood Essential Oil So as you can see there are many great Aromatherapy Father's Day Gifts to choose from. We're sure your dad will appreciate the thoughtfulness and usefulness of any one of these great gifts! Have a great Father's Day! Jun 10, 2009, Alternative Pain ControlRecently we read an article about how science is finally recognizing that therapies such as biofeedback, meditation and yoga are beneficial as alternative pain control methods. This idea that the mind has power over the body may be especially useful to chronic pain patients who often find themselves without satisfactory medical treatments The article said that many doctors don't put much stock in the theory because it's all new, but we know that the mind-body "concept" has been around since ancient times. In 2005 Stanford University did a study with people who have chronic pain. They used an imaging device in different areas of the brain to see if the subjects could control the regions of the brain involved in the pain. When asked to make the pain worse, the image of a flame would get larger. When asked to decrease the pain the image would get smaller. Not surprising! This particular person was able to decrease her pain up to 40% by using her mind! Now that science is discovering what so many of us already know, hopefully pain medicine will move away from the concept of strict mind-body separation toward a more unified—and ancient-sounding—view in which "mind and body are really one." Jun 8, 2009, Natural Summer Travel TipsIt's summer time and a lot of you will be traveling with your family. Here are a few natural summer travel tips to help make your travels more comfortable and healthy: Often, travel away from home alters your daily routine from every imaginable aspect of life-- including sleep, diet, stress, exercise, and environment. These changes can lead to many unwanted side effects, from insomnia, obesity, digestive upsets, increased allergies—and much more. To soothe your nerves and maintain a sense of calmness while you travel, try Pure Calm to quickly to facilitate a calmed mood and soothed nerves. It's safe for children & adults. If you're on a road trip put the Calm Within Relaxation CD in the car's cd player to release stress with relaxing sounds & techniques. To keep everyone healthy while traveling it's important to boost the immune system in a natural manner. Try to keep everyone eating a healthy diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables. Make sure everyone gets plenty of sleep. Traveling is very exciting, but getting the adequate amount of sleep is the best way to keep everyone in a good mood. Make sure for minor injuries, scrapes, cuts & insect bites you have something on hand to help soothe the sting. Native Remedy's Pure-Heal Gel is a completely natural aloe based gel that will provide immediate comfort and promote healing. While you're traveling with your family this summer be sure to remember these natural summer travel tips and have a wonderful vacation! Kim from Peaceful Organic Planet Jun 1, 2009, Hydroponic Fruits & VeggiesDo you want to grow your own organic fruits and vegetables but just don’t have the room? Or if you’re like us, you may have a hard time growing food in an outdoor environment that is very prone to pests and extreme heat. If so, then a great solution for you would be to grow your fruits and veggies hydroponically. Hydroponics (from the Greek words hydro water and ponos labor) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, without soil. Plants can be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel. Basically it means that your plants are going to be clean, less likely to attract pests or disease, have higher and quicker yields, and can be grown virtually anywhere; inside or out. There are a few different methods that can be used, but we found a great method called Bubbleponics. It’s a cross between Aeroponics and Hydroponics which feeds highly oxygenated nutrient solution DIRECTLY to the entire root zone of your plants. It makes growing you own food almost fool proof because it eliminates under or overfeeding and watering and automatically maintains the ideal oxygen level to keep the root systems healthy and thriving! The best part is that there are organic nutrients available so that you can be sure you will have the most healthy and freshest fruits and vegetables possible. What could be better then that? So check out hydroponic growing. It can make those who never had a green thumb in their lives, the best growers around and save lots of money on the high cost of buying organic produce. Happy Growing! May 26, 2009, MindSoothe - Promote balanced mood and feelings of wellbeingInformation on Promoting balanced mood and feelings of wellbeing Naturally Information on Promoting balanced mood and feelings of wellbeing Naturally Permalink -- click for full blog post "MindSoothe - Promote balanced mood and feelings of wellbeing" May 12, 2009, Natural Pet Care to Beat the Summer HeatWith summer around the corner, it’s time to prepare your pet for the season, too! Warmer weather and travel can affect your pet’s health, from digestive upset to changes in mood. Summer-Ready Checklist Having remedies ready for digestive, emotional, and seasonal support is important to sustain our pet’s overall health, comfort, and safety! Here at Peaceful Organic Planet we love PetAlive Remedies and highly recommend them. They are very effective and very safe. In honor of summer they are having a 20% off on everything sale! Just click on the coupon below to shop and use the code vacay20p at checkout. Don't forget to visit our Natural Pet Page for lots of great tips on Natural Pet Care, Health and First Aid. Have a great summer!
May 7, 2009, Summer Natural Skin CareSummer is sneaking up on us and it's time to undo the the beating that our skin has taken over the last year and get it ready for the next summer season. From the after effects of poor care and too much sun to our diet and other daily life factors we've encountered, it can all be seen on our biggest organ, the skin!. From controlling acne, rosacea & eczema to preventing skin damage and aging, summer heat & humidity can aggravate existing skin issues. Here are a few tips to help combat the summer skin bummers: Acne, which affects the skin’s oil glands and Rosacea, which is a condition caused by enlarged blood vessels that lead to redness and pimples on certain areas of the face, are both extremely aggravated by summer humidity and increased sweating. It’s extremely important to develop a good skincare routine that involves cleansing and moisturizing in the morning, evenings and after workouts. Eating a healthy diet, drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep will make a huge difference in your skin’s appearance. Lavender Essential Oil acts as a circulatory stimulant and antiseptic. It also prevents scarring. Be sure to protect your skin regardless of your age. Skin that’s exposed to the damaging effects of the sun’s UVA rays, even through car windows and on cloudy days, is at an increased risk of cancer on the face, neck, arms and hands. It’s recommended that you use a daily sunscreen of SPF15 or greater depending on activity level, exposure and complexion. Also you should perform monthly self skin exams and have an annual professional check up, especially if you live in states like Florida or Texas. To help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and creases that appear around the eye area, cheek bones or forehead, be sure to factor in environmental influences and follow a holistic lifestyle. There are dozens of creams and lotions on the market that will promise anti-aging, anti-wrinkle or complexion improving, but factors like genetics, risks and realistic expectations should also be considered. What you really need is an herbal tonic that rejuvenates and nourishes the skin from the inside out! Click here for some great organic skin care tips! Have a healthy and happy summer! May 4, 2009, Be Kind to Animals WeekMay 3 to 9, 2009 is the American Humane's Be Kind to Animals Week. It's a great time to honor the animals in our lives, promote ways to treat them kindly and also to urge others, including children to do the same. This event has been celebrated every year since 1915! Even though this event is held once a year, here is a list of ways that you and those you know can be kind to animals and speak out for animals every day: 1. If you something that looks suspicious and you think an animal is being abused report it. It could be a dog chained in a yard that looks malnourished, a child abusing a cat, or any animal that you feel is in distress. Be a voice for the animals that cannot speak for themselves. 2. Research policies and legislation that impacts the animals in your community and also throughout the country. The more informed you are, the better you will know what to do. You can also register with the American Humane to receive Action Alerts with just a click of the mouse. Being an advocate for animals makes a great difference in their well-being. 3. Help find one of the 3.7 million animals at our nation's shelters that could not be adopted into loving homes and must be euthanized, a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. Check out Petfinder for listings in your area. 4. Treat wild animals as humanely as your family pets. Make an inviting space in your garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. Look for ways to coexist with animals if they come too close to your home and find ways to protect your property that are humane. All animals deserve respect. 5. Treat your pets as kindly and lovingly as you can. Learn how you can help your pet live a happy, healthy organic life as possible. Make sure your pet has proper identification, is taken to the vet on a regular basis and has the necessary vaccinations. Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner. Always remember that when you take on that responsibilty it is yours until the end of that animal's life. If you choose to give it up for whatever reason, whatever happens to it afterwards you are responsible for. 6. Look for products that are not tested on animals. This is so simple and logical; it's the least we can do. Most organic products are not. Click here to search for Cruelty-Free Companies and Products. We hope that you will celebrate the lives of animals with us this week and throughout the year! Peace! Apr 30, 2009, Swine FluIt seems everyone is holding their breath and beginning to be in a bit of a panic over the Swine Flu outbreak and pending pandemic. What natural precautionary measures can you take to ensure that you are as ready as you can be in the case you may come in contact with the Swine Flu? The best thing you do is to stay calm. Holistically speaking your mind and body are one, so if you stay calm it will reduce stress, therefore keeping your body strong. Wash your hands! A lot! Everytime you touch anything that has been touched by another person you're putting yourself at risk and in essence your whole family. When you wash, make sure you use soap and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds if not more. Try not to touch your face, nose or mouth. Be really conscious of this. You'd be surprised how many times your hands come in contact with your face. If you must for any reason, be sure to wash your hands first! If you work in a place where you are constantly in contact with the public wear surgical gloves. Just be careful not to touch your face and change the gloves frequently. Make your own natural antibacterial wipes to wipe down door handles, shopping cart handles or wherever else you may touch throughout the day: Take Colloidal Silver Try Native Remedies ImmunityPlus for a Stronger Immune System. Last but not least eat a healthy diet and get lots of sleep. A strong, healthy and well rested body means a strong immune system and a Swine Flu defense! Peace and Stay Well! Apr 17, 2009, Earth DayEarth Day is coming on April 22, 2009. It’s a great day to bring awareness of what we can all do to help clean up the environment and to maintain what is already here, not just on Earth Day but everyday! Here are a few ideas you may want to give a try on Earth Day, but don’t forget to carry it forward throughout the year! 1. When you go for a walk, take a plastic bag and some gloves and pick up any trash you see along the way. Try it on Earth Day. Then carry it on to your next couple of walks, and before you know it, it will become second nature to you. Who knows, you may even inspire someone else to join in. 2. Go out and buy Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs 3. Volunteer with a local area clean up crew. Click on this link, enter your zip code and find out where you can volunteer. 4. Organize your own clean up crew. You can advertise on local bulletin boards, craigslist and green organizations. You could even find sponsors to provide supplies, water and even t-shirts for your crew. Get creative! 5. Plant a tree! 6. Buy a supply of Reusable Shopping Bags These are just a few things you can do on Earth Day and beyond. There are thousands of more great things to be done. Do your research and you’ll be sure to find a wonderful way to honor the Earth. For more great tips, check out our page on Green Living! Happy Earth Day! Mar 30, 2009, Organic MakeupUp until now organic makeup has been hard to find and if you did find it, it was probably out of your price range. I was pleasantly surprised as I was looking at Walmart that Physician's Formula now has organic makeup called Organic Wear. The best part is that the prices were no higher then the other cosmetic products on the shelves. Naturally, I had to try it! So far, I've tried the Blush, the Loose Powder and the Blush/Bronzer combination (hint: the blushes and bronzers go on lighter then they look, so buy a shade darker then you think you need). They go on your skin beautifully. I intend on trying the whole line one product at a time as I run out of those other brands I'm currently using. (All cruelty free, of course) Doing a little research, I found that the products are considered very safe and the packaging is environmentally friendly. All the products are free of: All in all, I would have to say it's about time we had an accessible, affordable organic makeup line! If you'd like to learn more about Organic Wear click here. To learn more about Organic Beauty click here. As always, Mar 27, 2009, Depression – Treat it NaturallyThere are many reasons for depression. It could be the loss of a loved one or job, traumatic memories from the past or even a genetic disorder. Depression isn’t just your average “feeling blue” mood, it’s a feeling of overwhelming sadness and loneliness for no known reason. Symptoms of clinical depression could be sleep loss, no energy, no sex drive, no appetite or even an excessive appetite. Although there are prescription drugs available for depression, some of them have been known to make matters worse and can even lead to suicide. That’s why it is a far better choice to try and treat depression naturally. Here are three natural remedies that may help to avoid mind altering prescription drugs: 1. St. John’s Wort – This has been found to be effective in treating depression and anxiety. According to the British Herbal Medicine Association Scientific Committee, a dosage of 2 to 4 gram dried herb in any form 3 times a day will generally suffice to drive off the blues. 2. Ginkgo Biloba – This helps because the flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides improve blood flow to the tissues and organs. They also act as an antioxidant to help keep the body healthy. 3. 5HTP- This will raise the levels of serotonin that helps in alleviating the symptoms of depression and possibly of anxiety and panic disorder. Another great natural remedy is Triple Complex Mood Tonic by Native Remedies. It’s taken internally to support normal serotonin levels and is safe for all ages, as well as during pregnancy and nursing. There are also many other options such as acupuncture, healthy eating, massage therapy, meditation and color therapy. Regular gentle exercise such as walking, biking or swimming can also be very beneficial. We wish you all much peace and happiness, naturally! Mar 23, 2009, Migraine HeadachesLucky for me I have not had to experience the pain of a migraine headache; however, I have many friends who have. There are treatments available by prescription in conventional medicine, but why not try something natural instead of relying on something that could have side effects that could leave you feeling worse. Here’s a list of some natural migraine headache remedies that you could try: Try ginger tea for migraine headaches that are in the front of the head. Ginger tea can combat the onset of migraines due to the ability of ginger to block the effects of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraines. Avoid sugar, refined foods, animal products (meat & cheese), caffeine, alcohol, soda and salt. Keep a migraine diary to try and figure out which foods actually trigger the headaches and then simply avoid that food. Avoid direct contact with the sun when at all possible. Sunlight dilates the blood vessels in the brain which causes painful headaches. Exposure to full moonlight, walking by the water or fragrant flower gardens can be helpful. Taking 400 mg of vitamin B2 daily may cut the frequency and duration of migraines, but you'll need a prescription for that dosage. Migraine headache relief can be obtained from the juice of ripe grapes and is an effective home remedy. Grind fresh ripe grapes and drink without adding any water. The effectiveness of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating chronic headache and migraine has been proven experimentally and scientifically. Another natural way to relieve migraine headaches is biofeedback. This is a safe and potentially effective way to eliminate pain. Biofeedback is not actually a treatment, but a training program designed to help a person develop the ability to control their autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. Pure essential lavender oil rubbed into the temples followed by resting with your eyes closed for at least 5 minutes works very well for eliminating a migraine headache. I have actually seen this work for some of my friends. Try some or all of these alternative remedies and develop a routine that works the best for you. With the right mix of treatments you can reduce greatly or even eliminate migraine headaches forever! Mar 20, 2009, Commit to SitNo matter what you do every day, one of the best things you can do for your health is Commit to Sit. Even for a few minute a day, meditation will help you reduce stress, keep your blood pressure down, give you a mental break and give you an energy boost to help you make it through the rest of the day. Do what's realistic for the moment, and set a goal that you would like to work up to. So start for two minutes, then five minutes and so on. Commit to sit every day in meditation, in the moment. It isn't that you don’t have the time, its that you must make the time to take the time. For some great info check out our Meditation page. For a little guided meditation check out Minute Meditations: Guided Imagery Meditations to Relieve Stress & Enhance Wellness Namaste! Mar 18, 2009, Organic Protein Shakes for a Spring Pick-Me-UpWith Spring around the corner, everyone will be getting out more, running around and keeping themselves very busy. Not only can you get worn out, but you may not take the time to stop and eat a healthy meal. Why not supplement your lack of a healthy meal by whipping up a protein shake for breakfast before you run out the door or maybe for dinner after you get home from the gym. Whatever you decide, a protein shake can provide you with a complete and balanced meal. Here's a recipe that I like to use: 2 cups of fresh or frozen organic fruit (strawberries, bananas, mango or any combination of fruit that you love - If you are going to use blueberries, make sure you mix them with something else because they tend to get jello-like) 1 cup of organic plain - lowfat yogurt or yogurt substitute (I like Silk) Half cup of organic milk, soy milk or milk substitute of your choice 1 scoop of organic protein powder of your choice (soy, rice, whey, hemp) If you are using fresh fruit and want your protein shake to be chilled, add one cup of ice. If you are using frozen fruit, your protein shake is going to be much thicker. Add a little more milk if you'd like it to be thinner. Blend all the ingredients together until nice and smooth. Drink and enjoy! I really love to experiment with different fruits. Try and create your own special protein drinks. Try to use unsweetened milks, yogurts and protein powder. This will give you a more healthy protein shake. Here are a couple of different protein powders you can try:
Living Harvest Organic Hemp Protein Powder Mar 16, 2009, Green Beer on St. Patrick's DaySo St. Patrick’s Day is almost here and you’re getting ready to wear your finest green outfit and drink a big mug full of green beer. Although the wearing of the green sounds fantastic and a mug full of beer sounds refreshing, green beer not only looks awful but it really isn’t good or natural for you. The food coloring put in the beer to make it green is known to be harmful not only to children (linked to ADHD) but can cause asthma and even cancer. If you’re going to have a beer, why not try some locally brewed, organic beer? You’ll even be helping out the environment and doing a green deed because the beer is being shipped from halfway across the country. If you can’t find organic, locally brewed beer in your area, then you can always opt for a nice bottle of organic brew. There are several great beers available. Even Miller puts out an organic beer called Miller Organic Amber from Henry Weinhard’s. Here’s a small list of organic beers you may like to try: -Prince of Wales' Duchy Originals Organic Amber Better yet, why not try making your own organic brew with Nut Brown Ale Organic Beer Kit Whatever you decide to do, have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day and remember not to drink and drive. Luck o’ the Irish to you! Mar 9, 2009, Spring Ahead With Green CleaningSpring is right around the corner and it’s time again for the proverbial Spring Cleaning. To totally get your home clean and healthy, why not try green cleaning. Did you know that President Obama’s transition team just invited the CEO of Seventh Generation to give his input on creating a sustainable economy? This marks a significant shift in the power structure! While other corporations are struggling, Seventh Generation had its best year yet and has actually doubled their staff within the past 24 months.
By using eco-friendly products you will not only gain health, but you’ll be part of the solution. We know that green cleaning products can cost a little more, but there are solutions to that as well. Some of the most basic and non-toxic cleaning ingredients are already found in your own home; baking soda, vinegar, coffee (for odors) and mayonnaise to name a few.
If you want to go ahead and purchase your cleaning products, just be sure to watch out for the companies that are jumping into the game offering lower cost products that provide a lot more in the way of green washing then they do washing greenly. Although, the true green products cost a little more they are totally worth it in the long run. We recommend Seventh Generation, Ecover, and Ecos. For more green cleaning tips click here.
Here’s to Happy and Healthy Spring Cleaning! Mar 4, 2009, Botox - NotAre you feeling like you need a little facial lift & considering botox? Did you know that botox is a toxin produced by the bacteria that causes botulism, which affects the nerves. When injected into a muscle, it produces a reduction in the activity of the muscle. I don’t know about you, but that sounds absolutely horrible (and painful) to me. Not to mention the way it makes you look afterwards. Eyes wide open looking, permasmile. It just doesn’t look natural.
There are some great alternatives that will give your face a dramatic natural lift without the painful botox injections. One simple and free way to lift the muscles in your face is with facial exercises. Not only will this give your face a lift, but will strengthen your muscles rather then reduce their activity. This site will show you how! If you think you need a little extra help to exercise your face try the facial flex ultra
Frequent facial massages are also a great way to give your face a lift. I’ve seen people look ten years younger after a facial massage! Healthy skin is really just a reflection of what’s inside. Here are some things you can put in your body (and what not to put into your body) that will help keep your skin firm and young:
* Drink water! It’s important to keep your skin hydrated and it also flushes toxins. Drink at least 6 cups of water or tea everyday for a healthy glow. An added benefit is that it will help you lose what. Can botox do that?
So for instead of opting for botox, why not try these options for a naturally more youthful you! Mar 2, 2009, Spring Break BeautyNow that spring break is right around the corner it’s time to take your hair from the winter blahs to spring break beautiful.
Winter is a very harsh season for hair. The cold and dry weather along with indoor heat can cause your hair to be brittle and dry from lack of moisture, which can cause a lot of breakage. A wonderful, natural and economical way to remedy this problem is with a Pure Coconut Hot Oil Treatment. Coconut Oil not only provides essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair, but you’ll already feel like you’re at the beach from the wonderful coconut scent! Here’s how to do it:
Start with an organic cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. Warm about a half cup of the oil and pour it into a cup. Make sure you don’t overheat the oil. Coconut oil tends to heat very quickly. Massage the oil into your hair and scalp for about a minute and then comb through to the ends of your hair. Dip a towel in hot water, ring it out then wrap around your hair. Leave the towel on for about 20 minutes. Remove the towel and shampoo your hair thoroughly. You can do this hot oil treatment as often as once a week to keep your hair looking shiny, strong and healthy. Wherever you decide to go on your spring break, you’ll be heads above the rest of the crowd with healthy, beautiful shiny hair. Best of all, its all natural and won’t cost an arm and a leg so you can use the money you save on a new pair of flip flops! For more great tips, check out our Organic Hair Care page!
Happy Spring Break! |
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like "I am calm and relaxed" or "My intention is for well being" while picturing yourself in a beautiful place. You'll be surprised how far a positive thought go! 
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for your baked goods and simple, natural decorations are all good options. 
paired with a 
.Your dad will be sure to love this one!
in a bowl. 
. It's an antibacterial/antimicrobial and totally natural remedy that will help you combat anything!
for your home. Not only will you be using less energy, you’ll be putting more green in your own pocket by saving money on your energy bill and not having to buy lightbulbs again for another 8 years!
and vow never to accept paper or plastic again!
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This is important, because you want the least amount of processing possible.