Don't Worry, Be Happy: 10 Happy Foods for the Season

Tis the season of change... and with change can come fatigue and depression. Yes, even  perfect LLadies out there can suffer like the rest.

Utilizing food and supplements that aide in keeping you emotionally and physically energized are key this season. Here's a list of 10 foods you should be stocking up on as the weather gets cool (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere) because happy LLadies shine through even the darkest skies...

1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - take supplements
2. Zinc - can be found in foods such as pumpkin seeds & wheat germ
3. Vitamin B-3 (niacin) - try dried beans and/or supplements
4. Water
5. Vitamin E - sunflower seeds, vegetable oil, turnip greens, peanut butter
6. Calcium - you don't have to only drink milk or eat cheese - calcium can be found in broccoli, tofu and kale
7. Folic Acid - load up on sweet potatoes, almonds, orange juice (fortified) and whole grain breads
8. Stevia - a natural sweetener and alternative to Splenda, mega popular, find it at Whole Foods.
9. Vitamin C - broccoli, oranges, papaya and get this - potatoes!
10. Iron - supplements, beans, peas and nuts

For more details please visit:

http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/10-happy-foods-fight-depression-fatigue-naturally-136750.html

Exercise Your Body and Spirit While Relieving Fall Allergies: Yoga Does A Runny Nose Good

I thought I'd beat allergies this season but today has proven the opposite. Sniffling, I googled fall allergies herbal remedies and came across Yoga for allergies. As a novice yogi (I received my certification through Integral Yoga last year), I do my fair share of breathing and asanas but honestly, have been slacking lately due to a significant increase in my workload. I've gone thru a box of tissues since noon, it's time to get the yoga practice back in full effect!

Here's a direct quote from Alternative Medicine Zone, see if these techniques help you out this allergy season.

Hay fever and other allergic reactions are widespread with fall in the air and ragweed pollen being rife. One answer to the coughs and runny noses and sniffles could be certain breathing exercises and yoga for allergies. While this is not an instant fix, regular practice could well offer relief –

Kapalbhati Pranayam: This consists of quick and forceful inhalations and passive exhalations. This can offer relief from a lot of allergy symptoms by clearing the nasal passage. But this breathing exercise is important to perform properly; otherwise you will end up not inhaling enough oxygen and become lightheaded.

Nadi Shodhna: If you are very congested you may not be able to perform this breathing exercise because it involves breathing in through one nostril and exhaling through the other and then switching and doing the opposite.

Yoga Asanas that may help with allergies include the Shoulder-stand or the salamba sarvangasana which can help to improve drainage of nasal passages and hence help to open them, because of the inverted pose adopted. The Bridge pose of the setu bandha sarvangasana uses the backbend to help expand the lungs and the chest improving and increasing the breathing capacity.

Lotus Tea's Amazing Benefits!

We should have known with the Lotus tea being one of the most auspicious symbols that it would be good for you too! It treats everything from diarrhea to heart disease, ulcers, heavy menses, hemorrhoids and more. You can cop Lotus tea in your local Chinatown for a couple bucks a box.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of Lotus and other teas.

Astragalus: Immune System Booster

It's that season - time for colds & the flu. Everywhere you turn you're scared shitless about catching it. You hear horror stories and spray antibacterial products on everything. You're afraid to kiss your mother because you heard one of her co-workers' sons had the flu. You get it. One of the key herbs in boosting immunity is called Astragalus. It's used in traditional Chinese Herbal medicine to also help with intestinal illnesses, night sweats, improving overall energy, cardiovascular disease and blood pressure issues. But it's mostly about improving immunity function as it has antibacterial properties that ward against illness. Might not be a bad supplement to invest in this season. More about Astralagus here.

Balance Your Garden (the One Down There)

All this talk about Sarah Palin has inspired me to address a very uncomfortable subject. Vaginal itch, the yeastie beasties or just a general feeling of imbalance down there. Don't front like you never had it. A gyno once told me that our vajay-jays are like gardens which must maintain balance. If you've ever felt like your garden of Eden is out of whack, take heed of this info!

Three little words: Tea-Tree-Oil.

Australian Aborigines have been using the leaves from Melaleuca alternifolia for an undocumented time. Around 1770 British expedition teams in Australia found comfort in the drinking tea brew from its leaves, hence the name Tea Tree.

Nevertheless, the oil from the Tea Tree has many uses. Treat cuts, scraps, nail fungus, athlete's foot, acne, dandruff, warts and insect bites to name a few. But this entry is dedicated to your "vajeans."

Before you go out and get that messy monostat, try Tea Tree oil suppositories. You can either buy them pre-packaged at a health food store (I suggest calling ahead) or online. You can also make your own by combining a very small amount of Tea Tree oil with olive oil (1:10) and dipping an unused tampon in the mix then sticking it up your pum pum for the evening. You should repeat for up to 6 days.

Ladies, it works. Keep your garden beautiful.

Gotu Kola: Raising Your Mental Capacity One Drop at a Time

Gotu Kola also known as the "miracle elixir" is a swamp herb that has been used in China, India and Indonesia for over one thousand years. Its best known for the promotion of mental clarity but also aides in skin disorders such as psoriasis and leprosy (I thought that Jesus dude took care of that one, guess not) as well as asthma, fever, diarrhea, arthritis, insomnia, lesions, varicose veins, memory and so much more.

You should take gotu kola for no longer than 6 week intervals at a time, breaking for at least 2 weeks before resuming. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have been diagnosed with precancerous melanoma it is not recommended. Gotu Kola can be found in tincture form, use about 15-20 drops in a small amount of water 2-4 times daily to become a member of Mensa.

Sweet Sweet Stevia

Stevia is a natural no calorie sweetener rich in antioxidants and low in glycemic levels. Stevia leaf is cultivated in the Amazon rainforest, specifically Paraguay and Brazil, and can be found in liquid or powder form. In Japan stevia is used to sweeten diet soda and other products.

Use stevia as a substitution for sugar (even brown or sugar in the raw) or sugar replacements (i.e., splenda, equal, sweet n low) which contain harmful chemicals. Stevia tastes very sweet and contains a high level of fiber, so keep in mind it's super potent and a little goes a long way. Use will help with cavity prevention along with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level plus aides in weight loss. You may purchase stevia at a health food store near you.

Stinging Nettle Leaf

Stinging Nettle Leaf (Urtica Dioica) has many uses including alleviating allergies, stopping hair loss, promoting healthy urinary tracts, diabetes, hypoglycemia, pain and inflammation relief along with healing wounds, killing germs and stimulating digestion.

You can purchase Nettle Leaf drops at a local health food store or apothecary. Use a dropper full in a small amount of water. You'll find seasonal allergies will disappear as well as some weight. Yup, it's a natural diuretic.

Ms Behavin' in Seattle - May 14th

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

Join us for May n' Ms Beehavin' at McLeod Residence!

Ladies Lotto Seattle
Wednesday, May 14th 7-9pm
Mcleod Residence

Guest speaker: Kristen McCormick from the natural beauty industry and her own line, Ms Beehave! She's going to educate us on what's in our products, the natural beauty industry, going green with business, and bring samples of her line!

RSVP: sarah@ladieslotto.com

Please bring a guest!

*Welcome to stay after for their special movie night, featuring Big Trouble in Little China!*

Got a Headache?

Found this gem on the Ayurvedic Cure Blog

How to get rid of Headache

Try putting a cold compress on your forehead or behind the neck. Many headaches are caused by tense neck muscles. Conversely, use a moist hot pack to loosen up tense muscles - see which works best for you.

Massage the ears and ear lobes as well as the neck. If you can, find two tennis balls or racquet balls and put them in a sock. Lay on a flat surface and place the two balls just below the base of your skull on the occiput and relax. You may feel sinus pressure or minimal discomfort at first but it will go away. Lay in this position with the still point on the occiput for as long as needed. This is especially helpful for sinus headaches.

'Tension headaches' are ones that create pain in the neck and shoulders. Massages are great ways to get rid of such headaches. Make sure the massage hits key areas like the neck and arms. Massages on the scalp also help to release tension.

Peppermint is excellent against migraines, Chamomile is wonderful for stress or tension, and between the two of them, they taste lovely and will help with just about any headache. Keep in mind however that this is a very gentle remedy and may not help with severe headaches, though they would probably make a wonderful addition to, say, Willow Bark tea.

How to get rid of Headache - Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities (around 1 teaspoon each) and grind together with a little water to make a paste. Apply paste on the forehead. A paste made of sandalwood powder can also be applied on the forehead.

The seeds of Bishop's Weed (Ajwain) are useful in the treatment of headache and stress. They can be either smoked or sniffed frequently.

An easy remedy for headache pain is simply to go to sleep. Many people are able to sleep off their headaches. Make sure you are not sleeping in an awkward position and do not be tempted to oversleep. Oversleeping is more likely to induce headaches, not to relieve them.

Breathing exercises are a known cure for headaches. Taking very deep breaths and then exhaling slowly may help. The correct breathing exercises will have your stomach moving more than your chest.

*TREATMENT FOR ALL TYPE OF HAIRS:*

*TREATMENT FOR ALL TYPE OF HAIRS:*

*OILY-HAIR TREATMENT:*

Massage ground cucumber or watermelon (use a food processor for best
results) into freshly shampooed hair and leave on your scalp for 15 minutes
before rinsing.

*DRY-HAIR TREATMENT:*
Massage mashed avocado into freshly shampooed hair and leave on for 15
minutes before rinsing.

*NORMAL-HAIR TREATMENT:*
Massage mashed peaches -- no pits of course, into wet hair for 15 minutes
before rinsing.

*SHINE AND VOLUME BOOSTING HAIR RINSE:*
Combine one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of warm water in a
bowl. Pour this mixture over freshly shampooed hair. This rinse will restore
the natural balance of your hair and add shine and softness. Fine hair will
especially benefit from its strengthening properties.

*CLEANSING RINSE:*

Cleansing rinses are excellent for removing shampoo residue, which can weigh
down your hair and make it lifeless. Combine 1 cup of vinegar and a couple
of tablespoons of dried rosemary in a glass or microwaveable bowl. Put the
mixture into the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Next, use a spoon to
crush the rosemary on the side of the glass bowl to release the fragrance.
Strain the mixture and let it cool before using. Apply to hair after
shampooing, leave on for 2 minutes, and then rinse out with cool water. It
sounds like more work than it is.

*HOT-OIL TREATMENT:*
To make a hot-oil treatment for dry hair, place 1/4 cup of canola or soybean
oil in a glass measuring cup. Place the cup in a bowl of hot water, and
allow the oil to warm. Any vegetable oil will work, but canola oil is a good
choice because it contains no added ingredients. Use hands to spread the
warn oil through wet hair, leave it in for two minutes tops. Wash hair
thoroughly with shampoo.

*AYURVEDIC HERBAL HAIR OIL:
FOR TREATING DANDRUFF: *
Contains Neem (Margosa), Kapoor Kachora and coconut oil.
For centuries Coconut oil has been used to promote healthy hair growth.
Combined with Neem, well known for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
properties, this hair oil fights dandruff, soothes itching and nourishes
hair roots.
How to use: Massage oil gently into scalp. Keep overnight or at least for an
hour. Wash off with herbal shikakai shampoo or Ayurvedic Herbal Neem
Shampoo. Use daily for best results or at least once a week.

*FOR HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH:*
Contains Henna, Hirda, Behada, Amalaki, Magic Nut, Bhringaraj, Rosary Pea,
Sweet Flag, Cashmere Tree and Mandoor (Mineral).
Gives firmness to the hair root. Promotes healthy hair growth, stops
excessive hair fall. Fights bacterial infection. Helps preserve natural hair
colour. Henna acts as conditioner (does not colour the hair)
How to use : Mix with water or oil to make a paste. Massage gently into
scalp. Wrap a towel, moistened with hot water, on your head. This will open
up pores and enhance penetration to hair follicle. Keep towel for 15 minutes
and the paste for one hour. Wash off. Use daily or at least twice a week.
Initially dead hair will fall. Do not worry. Regular use will promote
healthy hair growth.
*HERBAL SHAMPOO FOR ALL HAIR TYPES:
*Contains pure extracts of Shikakai (fruit of soap pod tree) and Reetha
(soap nut).
These are the best known natural cleansers. Gently cleanses and gives
natural body and bounce. Use it as often as needed-does not remove the
scalp's natural oil.
* HERBAL SHAMPOO FOR
GREASY SCALP:
*Contains Neem (Margosa) which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
properties.
Works well on dandruff prone scalp.
* CONDITIONING
SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR: *
Contains pure extract of special variety of Henna which is organically
cultivated in the dry deserts of Rajasthan.
This low-foaming shampoo contains Henna, which has been used for centuries
to impart red tones to dark hair and give bounce and shine to dull hair.

*OIL SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR:
*Contains Castor Oil in Coconut derivatives. An excellent shampoo for dry to
normal hair. Castor oil has emollient properties. The oil nourishes hair and
promotes hair growth. It gives a rich lather and cleanses the hair without
excess drying. Gives the hair a healthy and natural glowing look.
* TREATMENT WAX FOR
DAMAGED HAIR:*
Contains Pure Henna leaf extract. This effective conditioner is made from
extract of Henna. Restores body and shine to dry and chemically abused hair.
Excellent on dull, lifeless hair.
How to use: Apply with fingertips on hair and leave for 5 minutes. For oily
and normal hair, shampoo off. For badly damaged or dry hair just rinse off.
*FOR DULL AND LIFELESS HAIR:*
Contains pure extract of Fenugreek seeds. In India, it is centuries old
tradition to soak Fenugreek seeds overnight in water and then apply the
paste to the hair for good conditioning. We bring you this recipe in a ready
to use hair conditioner that contains Fenugreek extracts blended with orange
and lemon oil.
How to use: Apply after shampoo and rinse off with water.

If you want to more details about hair care or any othe details about
disease plz visit the free website www.herbsandcures.com I took the tips
throught that website.