AskTheHerbalistBlog.com

The more a fruit is allowed to ripen on the vine (or tree, bush, plant) the more alkaline it tends to be.

Generally speaking riper fruit is more alkaline forming in the body. This is a great asset for those trying to balance their pH levels. For more about the benefits of an alkaline diet click here.

This is yet another reason to favor, fresh, locally grown produce. Much of the fruit found in supermarkets, was picked upripe and shipped long distances to the store. Fully ripe fruit just does not travel well.

Aside from being more alkaline, fruit that has been allowed to fully ripen while still attached to it’s life source typically tastes better, is juicier and has a higher enzyme content.

Ask your produce manager at the store which fruits are in season. Also check out farmer’s markets and local roadside stands. Best of all grow a few fruit trees in your yard, it’s great fun and very fruitful.

This past weekend I had a chance to visit the Body, Mind, Spirit Expo, here in Raleigh. At one Chiropractor’s booth was displayed an “unhappy meal”. I found myself looking at a burger and fries — that were 10 months old. The date of purchase was listed on the sign next to the “food” that was lying there on the table.  Other than a slight discoloration of the fries and a mild dehydrated look of the burger and bun — This meal did not look all that different from one that might have been purchased a few hours earlier.

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Don’t miss tonight’s conference call, Tuesday 9:30 pm Eastern time

Dial: 641-715-3200

Code: 928668#

It’s free to listen in, other than long distance that may apply from your area. If you have Vonage or a similar service, you’re all set.

Now that summer is well upon us, bug season is in full swing. It seems like the bug population has been steadily increasing as the season goes on, at least here in warm and sunny NC. If you happen to be suffering from bug bites, (which I have lately) a little lavender can help take away the itch or sting. I apply a few drops directly and rub. I’d also reach for lavender in the case of a minor burn. In case of a serious burn don’t hesitate to get medical care ASAP.

Lavender is one of a few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin in most cases.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s Tele-Seminar, Cancer and Natural Health

Tuesday, Aug 21, 9:30 PM
dial 641-715-3200
Code 928668#

Call is offered at no-charge. Long distance charges may apply from you area.

Intro

Disclaimer

Define Vibrant Health

Alkaline pH Balance

• Why is it important, what does it do for me?
• What is a pH scale?
• How to get pH chart
• How to follow alkaline diet
• X2O Alkaline Water
• Magnesium alkaline mineral

Good digestion

• Eating right
• Chew your food
• Limit Liquids with meals
• Enzymes
• Probiotics
• Relax and enjoy your food

Detox

• Exposure to toxins
• Grand parents
• Umbilical cord
• Colon cleanse
• Liver cleanse
• Heavy metal detox

De-Stress

• Stress is damaging to mind, body and Spirit
• Modern society is chronically stressful with little outlet for stress
• We can take steps to minimize and undo the damage stress has on our bodies
• Meditation, yoga, tai chi, chi gong
• Supplements for stress

Movement

• Walking
• Human body was designed for movement
• Have fun, play ball, ride your bike, go swimming, throw a Frisbee
• Join a class such as aerobics, yoga, etc. Social interaction makes it more enjoyable and improves ability to stick with it.

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Careers in Natural Health

• The average person can earn money working with supplements, herbs etc.
• Increase your education
• Helping others is extremely satisfying and fulfilling
• Personal experience.

Question: I am looking for a recommendation of what herbs to take, in what quantities, and at what points in my cycle to increase fertility. I have been trying for over a year and a half, have been to see specialists, have been on fertility drugs, etc. all to no avail. I would like to give the “natural” way a try for a while but do not know what to take when.

John’s Answer:

Hey thanks for the great question. The herb Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has been gaining popularity in recent years as an natural alternative to fertility drugs. It is thought to increase fertility and libido in males and females.

Maca has been used by native Peruvians for over 2000 years. It was discovered that when herd animals were brought to higher elevations their fertility decreased. feeding the animals maca herb helped the animals to become fertile again.

You can now find maca all over the Internet and in health foods stores in aphrodisiac, enhancement and fertility formulas. The brand I have found to be of the best quality and value can be found here.

We recently had a teleseminar on Practical Herbalism, we discussed Maca. You can listen here, the recording will be available at no charge for a few more days. (After that we’ll have a different recording on a new topic)

I don’t know what your diet and lifestyle habits are like, but you may get a lot of benefit from a pH balancing program. I have known several women with problems similar to yours, who got great results, just by following a pH balancing program. Take a look at our alkaline pH balance page for more info.

If you’d like to do a phone consultation for a small charge, I have more information I could share, but I also need to know a bit more about you.

Thanks again for the great question,
John Houser, CNHP, Herb Specialist

P.S. Tonight, Friday Aug 10, 2007 we will be having a live seminar on Practical Herbalism, right here in Raleigh, NC. Call 919-875-1005 for directions and to reserve your spot. Starts at 7:30 PM.

Today let’s chat about Capsicum

In a  recent study - capsicum dissolved fat cells in laboratory tests.

“Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry”

May be helpful for weight loss. Capsicum is found naturally occurring in hot peppers. If you like hot stuff, eat up. Otherwise capsicum pills are available.

May also be helpful for –

• Digestion
• Regulating body temperature
• Keeps you warm in winter
• Circulation
• Herpes and Shingles

Consult your personal health practitioner if you have a health condition for which capsicum could be considered.

Last night we had a very informative teleseminar on Practical Herbalism. You can listen in on our audio page at  http://www.asktheherbalist.net/audio.php

You have 2 opportunities this week to learn about herbs and natural health.

Tonight (Tuesday)

Practical Herbalism Teleseminar - Introduction to several herbs and their practical applications in this short teleseminar. Empower yourself with this information. Take control of your own health.

Call in details: Tuesday night at 9:30 PM Eastern, 8:30 Central

Dial: 641-715-3200
Access code: 928668#

Friday Night

Live presentation: Practical Herbalism.

Join John Houser CNHP, Herb Specialist, live in Raleigh, NC for this information packed learning experience. John will cover several herbs and their practical use. More in depth info will be presented.

Call to reserve your seat and get directions, space is limited.
919-875-1005

The Raleigh Herb Shop
6320 - 132 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27616

August 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm

Practical Herbalism

Introduction to Herbs and practical applications. This introductory course gives the lay person a good overview of herbs and uses.

This week we’ll cover a number of useful and popular herbs. Today let’s look at Alfalfa. — ( Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa has a long history of dietary and medicinal uses –

500 BC Alfalfa - “father of all herbs “

Alfalfa is a very nutrient rich, it’s high in vitamins A, D, E, B6, and K , plus folic acid, niacin, plus several digestive enzymes.

In China - since about 500 AD — Alfalfa has been used to treat kidneys -

Western herbalists have used alfalfa  to both cleanse and rebuild the blood.

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Learn more about this herb and many others at our up coming seminar this Friday August 10, 7:30PM

Practical Herbalism

Introduction to Herbs and practical applications.

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This introductory course gives the lay person a good overview of herbs and uses.

Join Us - as Herb Specialist, John Houser teaches and explains the practical use of herbs, for everyday, natural health and healing.

Location: The Raleigh Herb Shop — 6320 - 132 Capital blvd - Raleigh NC 27616

Call to reserve your spot: 919-875-1005

Seating is limited, no charge for admission.

August 10 2007- 7:30 PM

If you live within a few hours drive of Raleigh, NC you won’t want to miss this event.

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Also don’t forget about our regular Tuesday night Teleseminar!

Many people have enjoyed receiving our Alkaline Diet Chart . If you haven’t gotten your complimentary Alkaline Foods Chart yet, or if you just misplaced yours, then grab it here. http://www.asktheherbalist.net/alkaline-diet2.php

We’ve also got a series of helpful tips that comes along with it. We like to see people achieving a great deal of success with pH balancing or what we like to call “Getting Alkaline”.

Here’s a few success tips that go along with the Alkaline Diet Chart:

• “Acid” food does not necessarily mean “bad” food. There are some very helpful and necessary foods on the acid side of the chart. We are just looking for balance here. The goal is to eat more of the Alkaline  forming foods.
• This is not a calorie counting, low carb or fat restriction diet. There’s no need to feel deprived. If you feel hungry, just eat more of the alkaline foods.
• If you stray on occasion it’s not the end of the world, just get back on track as soon as you can.
• The alkaline diet is not just for weight loss, it’s a total well being improving, health building, lifestyle.
• This is not a “Lose 10 pounds in 10 days” or any such thing. The idea is to build real health. Weight loss is a side effect.
• If you have any questions (about anything) simply visit our website www.asktheherbalist.net and enter a question. We’ll do our best to get back to you in 24 hours or less. We love to help and want to see you succeed.

In our last tip we shared  an introduction to the “5 Steps to Vibrant Health”.

Step 3 is detox,

Think about this:

Is your body like a clear running mountain stream, or a stinky, rotten, moldy cesspool?

By the way your body is 70% water.

A recent study found an average of 200 industrial toxins in the umbilical cords of newborn infants.

We’re being exposed to mega-toxins even before birth!!!

It may be time to take responsibility for your own heath. I personally take massive steps to keep my body detoxed on an ongoing basis. There’s no way of escaping living in a chemical dependent, industrialized world, but we can help our bodies get rid of the mess.

We’ve put together some detox info you can read here:
http://www.asktheherbalist.net/detox-colon-liver-metals.php

I personally like to keep my body as clean as possible, inside and out!

John Houser, CNHP, Herb Specialist