Natural Living in the US

When you do your gardening, you always end up with some leaves and weeds, dead plants and probably some grass clippings. Most people see this as rubbish and send it off to the landfill. Not only is this a waste of one of nature’s fertilizers but it takes time and money to get rid of this garden ‘rubbish’. So, what alternative is there? Well, a gardening tip to consider is do what nature would do and use all this garden ‘rubbish’ to provide nutrients for your garden. Following are the gardening tips to help you convert this garden ‘rubbish’ to compost.

The first thing to know is that organic waste is considered better for your garden than any chemical fertilizer on the market. Nature has a decomposition process that promotes proper chemical change resulting in excellent nutritional benefits to the plants in the garden.

Of course, the question is, “Where shall I put this pile of smelly garden ‘rubbish’”? Gardening tips; your compost heap shouldn’t be smelly and if it is, you need to alter the composition of it to prevent it becoming anaerobic ie too much nitrogen. This requires the heap not being too wet and having enough oxygen. Once you’ve got the balance right, you will find that the decomposition process is actually producing some fertilizer that isn’t a pong to the nose!

So, what does this suitable place for a fertilizer heap look like? Gardening tips; is should be an area that has plenty of width space and not too deep. If it’s too deep, the materials down low in the pile will not be able to get enough of the necessary requirements, and you end up with a smelly heap. Try to choose an area where you can spread out the garden ‘rubbish’. You can, if you’ve got the space, have two heaps side by side. Remember, it’s width not depth that’s important.

What rubbish can you put into the heap to be converted to garden food? Gardening tips; it must be quickly decomposable – that is, able to rot away quickly. Did you know that orange peel takes years to decompose? Therefore, it’s not suitable; nor is meat or diseased plants. However, you can use most other organic material including grass clippings, woody plants, leaves, and vegetable scraps. Using your lawn mower, shred garden ‘rubbish’ to help quick decomposition.

How do you start the composting process? Gardening tips; make the materials as small as possible. Mix up the pile quite frequently to allow oxygen into the heap which will aid the decomposing process. Water periodically, but not too much as this is a sure way to invite anaerobic micro-organisms which will give you a smelly pile.

No matter what, your compost pile will be a little unsightly. Gardening tips; find a place that isn’t easily seen and is also near the garden areas that you will want to fertilize. Be aware of your neighbours; it may be out of sight for you but right in the vision of your neighbor. They really don’t want your compost heap near their entertaining area! Construct a compost pen for your pile, or buy a ready-made compost bin to contain all the decomposing material.

Summary:

Use your garden ‘rubbish’ as garden food and put back nutrients into the soil. Some gardening tips will ensure that you get a good start to making your own fertilizer.

Hemroid symptoms can cause extreme discomfort such as anal itching, anal pain, bleeding, lumps near the anus and pain during bowel movements. Homeopathic medicines have been used for over 200 years and are a good natural solution to easing hemroid symptoms and discomfort hemorrhoids causes.Homeopathic medicines are not invasive and are made from natural plants and minerals. The active ingredients are in such small amounts that they are considered non-toxic. They also have no known side effects making them safe.The ingredients that are chosen for the homeopathic medicine are based off the symptoms caused by the condition to be treated. The ingredients used in some homeopathic medicines help with easing the pain, burning, itching and the total discomfort of symptoms.Below are some of the ingredients in these remedies and the hemroid symptoms that they each assist in treating:

Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut will help with sharp stinging pains and the bleeding that hemroids causes. It is used in herbal remedies to treat diarrhea and treat the digestive system.

Stone Root

Stone Root helps with pelvic congestion, itching and dry feces. It has astringent and diuretic properties.

Arnica The Arnica herb will help with injuries caused by over-straining and hemorrhage. It has inflammatory qualities and can also assist in decreasing hemroid pain.

Witch HazelThe Witch Hazel herb relaxes the veins around the engorgement. It helps ease sores and the raw anus. The herb also reduces the pulsing in the rectum and reduces swelling and inflammation.These herbs used in homeopathic treatments will set you natural immune response in motion and calm your hemroid symptoms.

The world of modern medicine is full of choice, and yet in an age of so called miracle drugs and contemporary therapies, many people are revaluating their options, and are considering joining the natural healing trend; but is this a new trend, and if so, where did it spring from?

The fact of the matter is that whilst the current trend is gathering pace, as more and more people are discovering the benefits of alternative medicine, it is not a new fashion. It is something that is as old as time itself, or at least as old the time since Homo sapiens have walked the planet the world over. The ancient Chinese developed natural healing on their continent, and in North America, the native indigenous Indian population developed their own brand of natural healing based on their understanding of the natural attributes of Mother Earth.

There are many forms of natural healing, but they all have the same common theme, and seek the same common end result; the restoration and maintenance of good health and well being, through an appropriate, well balanced, healthy diet; the existence of a gentle exercise regime, the abolition of stress, and the use of herbal remedies and natural therapies to counteract illness and disease.

Some natural healing techniques target certain specific problems, like acupuncture for example. Other forms of natural healing take a more holistic approach and are aimed at improving your overall health and well-being.

The genetic name that we give to cover all forms of natural healing is “alternative medicine”, and it encompasses everything from herbal remedies, to aromatherapy, acupuncture, meditation, and osteopathy. The term “alternative medicine” focuses your attention on the fact that is a practice in its own right, totally separate and different from conventional medicine. Instead of taking conventional prescribed drugs, (which can often have harmful side effects), alternative medicine brings to the table the option of taking a wholly natural medication or therapy, derived from Mother Nature; one that is safe and that has no harmful side effects. The various branches of alternative medicine include, but are not limited to:

• Homeopathy – the practice of using small watered down variants of the cause of an illness, which act in a way similar to helping the sufferer to build an immunity.

• Naturopathy – as the name intimates, this type of natural healing employs the body’s own defense and repair mechanisms, enhancing them to bring about the desired result. It utilizes diet, colonic irrigation, regular gentle exercise, etc.

• Acupuncture – the therapy that comprises of using long, thin acupuncture needles to piece the skin at certain nodal points, thus diverting the body’s flow of energy to block pain and to remedy certain complaints and injuries.

• Chiropractics – this is a form of massage and manipulation and it targets the musculoskeletal system through manipulating the spinal column, and kneading any damaged soft tissue

• Midwifery – This well known practice targets pregnant women, and aims to help the birthing process through natural actions such as controlled breathing and muscle response management. Midwives offer advice on the care of infants while still in the womb, throughout the birth, and after the birth.

• Herbal medicine – the use of certain plants, herbs and extracts to counteract certain illnesses and conditions. This ancient form of natural healing goes back many millennia, into the domains of so called white witches, shaman, and witch doctors.

The terms “natural healing” and “alternative medicine” are but different faces of the same coin. They cover several different manifestations of natural medicine, and some entail spiritual or religious undertones, and some are born out of more recent times to reflect modern day life and modern day ailments, not forgetting to mention mankind’s more enlightened understanding of our world and the circumstances in which we exist.

Is natural healing a new phenomena?

We have already discussed the ancient roots of natural healing and alternative medicine so we know that it is not a new occurrence. What may be considered to be new however, is our understanding and belief that we are all entitled to the very best of health and well being, and this is what we turn the powers of alternative medicine towards to achieve our goal. We often find that so called “old wives tales” such as rubbing a dandelion leaf on an insect bite, really do work, and this is because it is knowledge of the healing power of Mother Nature that has been handed down the ages. More and more discoveries are being made each and every day about the healing ingredients of certain plants and herbs, and many modern drugs use these same findings today, albeit in artificial ways.

It’s All About You

Your own health and well being is the most important thing you have. All the wealth in the world is of no use if you do not have the life and the ability to be able to enjoy it. Without your health, you are nothing. You alone know what it is that you need and what it is that you lack. By turning to the power of Mother Nature and taking advantage of the natural remedies and cures she has to offer, you can be truly fulfilled in your overall health and well being. If you combine this with a well balanced, healthy diet, a gentle but regular exercise regime, and a stress free lifestyle, you can utilize the benefits of natural well being to maximize your very existence.

Natural medicine and natural healing are not new. It is only our modern day commitment to using it to achieve our own ultimate well being that is new, and that is something that each new generation learns in turn.

Traditional gardens are sometimes completely shut off from the natural environment and are often inhospitable to birds and other wildlife. Gardens are part of the larger landscape so becoming familiar with local ecosystems and native plant species enables you to plan your garden. Planting a few well chosen shrubs or trees can turn your garden into a sanctuary for all kinds of birds. Native plants are especially effective since there found in a bird’s natural habitat.
Providing food and water is sometimes enough to attract birds to your garden. However, if you want the birds to stick around you’ll need to carefully plan your garden. In order for birds to frequently visit your garden it must provide, along with food and water, shelter and nesting areas. Providing for more than one bird species is also important. Include in your garden plan a variety of seed and berry producing trees and shrubs, such as Washington hawthorn, mountain ash, cherry and dogwood. Flowers such as hollyhock, nasturtium, and sunflowers produce seeds which also attract birds.
Remember to provide food year-round. In the spring there are many berry producing shrubs which are great for the garden and provide food for birds, such as blueberries and raspberries. In the summer, seeds of perennial flowers provide food and in the fall trees such as dogwood and shadblow produce fruit which birds love. Birds which over winter in your area will need sustenance provided by winterberry or other fruit bearing shrubs.
For birds to find your garden welcoming it should also provide water. If your garden lacks a natural source of water create pool or fill a birdbath. Any water source instantly attracts birds, even wild ducks and gooses. Keep the water fresh by filling it daily. In the winter when the water freezes knock out the ice and replace with fresh water.
Different birds prefer different conditions in which to eat and live. Robins eat at ground level where they search for insects and worms while many other birds prefer to be off the ground a bit in the flowers. Some birds prefer the height of shrubs and others still like to be in the canopy of taller trees. Plants not only provide food for birds they also supply them with shelter. Evergreens and other dense shrubs provide nesting areas. They also provide protection from the cold in winter and a respite from the summer sun.
Along with providing all the things which attract birds to your garden you should also be aware of all the things that might keep birds away. Some birds may stay away because the noise is too loud or because there chased by pets. Others might avoid your garden if it doesn’t seem quite natural enough.
Creating a garden which attracts birds is great for the environment. It provides a habitat for birds as well as beneficial insects and other wildlife. While birds will thrive and will benefit the most from your efforts you’re also providing years of enjoyment for both yourself and visitors to your garden.

“All natural” is now teetering on the edge of becoming mainstream. Case in point? Pizza Hut. Their new “all natural” pizzas have hit the stores and marked the beginning of…well, something. I’m not entirely sure what though. It seems like a good thing, but is it? If Pizza Hut can use the term “all natural”, doesn’t it make you question how strict the requirements are for earning that status? Before “all natural” completely takes over, let’s take a step back and make sure we know exactly what it does and does NOT mean. Prepare to be shocked!

What “All Natural” DOES Mean:

No Artificial Sweeteners or Colors: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that nothing synthetic can be labeled “all natural”. Artificial sweeteners and colors are the quintessential “synthetic”, so those are covered and “all natural” foods won’t contain them.

No Artificial Flavors: The FDA defines a natural flavor as one that is derived “from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf” or similar plant (or even animal) material. While this looks good at first glance, you could “derive” many unnatural products from natural plant or animal materials. But at least purely synthetic artificial flavors are not going to be found in “all natural” foods.

What “All Natural” DOES NOT Mean:

“All Natural” Does NOT Mean Organic: Most foods claiming to be “all-natural” are simply stating that they haven’t added anything man-made to the animal or plant that you are consuming, such as the variety of chemical preservatives commonly found in our food. However, there is a strong possibility that the plants or animals used in the product were subjected to pesticides, herbicides, genetic modification or chemicals during their growth. On the other hand, the label “USDA organic” has received a national definition in the U.S., and strict rules and regulations to go along with it…which include no use of pesticides, herbicides, genetic modification or chemicals.

“All Natural” Does NOT Mean No High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): This one is unbelievable, but true. The FDA says: “HFCS contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives and meets FDA’s requirements for the use of the term ‘natural.’ HFCS, like table sugar and honey, is natural. It is made from corn, a natural grain product.” I have NO IDEA why they say this – HFCS is not found in nature and requires multiple enzymatic treatment steps to be made. “All Natural” should most certainly, DEFINITELY, mean NO HFCS. Some companies (such as Schweppes, Kraft and Snapple) have been sued in the past for labeling HFCS ridden drinks as “all natural”.

“All Natural” does not mean NO processing: It is virtually impossible to get food that has not been processed unless you are buying it from a farmer’s market.

“All Natural” does not mean healthful: Remember that all “natural” things are not necessarily good for you. For example:

-MSG is natural and there is a great deal of concern about its health implications.

-Salt is natural, and so over-abundant in today’s foods that most Americans consume 2-3 times more than their recommended daily allowance.

-Sugar is natural. Because “all natural” means no artificial sweeteners are added, some “all natural” foods may be saturated with sugar to compensate. Be sure to check for the amount of sugar on the label.

Going back to the “all natural” Pizza Hut pizza, it has 220 calories, 8 grams of fat and 460mg of sodium per small slice…a far cry from being healthful. How did Pizza Hut do on the “natural” part? Well, it looks like the ingredients really are natural, although the pepperoni contains “natural flavors” and as we know, that could mean just about anything.

So what does this all mean? Unfortunately, it means that it’s not that simple to make sure that you really are eating what most of us would consider to be “all natural” food. That being said, many “all natural” foods really are what we would think of as “all natural”. We have to stay vigilant and informed so that we make the right food choices and I will do my best to bring you the most important information.

Organic Gardening For: Beginners

Organic gardening will give you peace of mind and a great sense of satisfaction when you and your family sits down to eat. Imagine the sense of excitement you’ll get when you first see those little green shoots peering through the soil!

So What Is Organic Gardening?

Many gardeners wonder what exactly organic growing means. The simple answer is that organic gardeners don’t use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on their plants. Think natural!

Organic gardening is using recycled materials to grow crops. You can and should use animal waste, kitchen scraps, and vegetable waste to mulch and compost. Common household items like vinegar and soap are used to prevent pests and weeds.

Organic growing is the working together of nature. Using naturally cultivated soil to grow natures seed.

Planning Your Organic Garden

Choose where to plant your garden. Ideally you want an area that will get plenty of light and be protected from the wind.

How big do you want your plot to be? Don’t start off too big – you want to enjoy your gardening not resent how time consuming it can quickly become if you start off too grand!

Draw a scale plan of your gardening area and work out how much of each crop your going to use and where to plant them. Think “groups” rather than rows as they are more productive and easier to attend to.

Getting The Soil Ready For Your Organic Growing Plot

You need to look into testing your soil before you begin. Tests are available from your local gardening center. Good soil should be pleasant to the touch, eye and nose. Once you are satisfied with your soil you can begin.

Planting In Your Organic Garden

Your going to be best served growing from the seed rather than buying plants as they could have been sprayed with pesticides at some point. Also you’ll feel a lot more like a gardener using seeds! Obviously patience is needed to grow from the seed.

Weeding Your Organic Garden

Use a hoe to stop weeds developing into large competitive monsters to your plants! Just simply dig around your crops with a hoe once a week or so.

Once your crop seedlings are larger, the soil is warm and drenching rains have ended, put down a layer of mulch to hold in moisture and smother weeds. Mulch is material that can be laid down around the plants to control weeds.

Pests In Your Garden?

Don’t despair at the sight of insects on and around your crops! To start with just have a watch of them and see if they are actually causing damage. A lot of bugs will just nibble small enough amounts that good healthy plants can resist and recover from, so don’t be too hasty!

Creating Compost For Your Organic Garden

So what are the benefits of compost? It should be used as mulch to reduce evaporation, reduce weed growth, insulate the soil from extreme temperature and keep soil cooler in the day and warmer at night time!

Good compost should be made up of balanced materials. It should be balanced between carbon materials – washed egg shells, milled grains, dried grass, straw and leaves. And nitrogen materials – most kitchen scraps, fresh grass and other plant matter.

David Stuart

www.organicgardening4u.com

www.LivingSunFoods.com Part I of Cancer Killin’ Rich interview of how he reversed stage IV cancer through diet and change of lifestyle. For more information on Raw Food Chef and Natural Living Educator Michelle Pierson please visit www.LivingSunFoods.com

Tinnitus Natural Healing

There are few circumstances in livlihood too feel as top notch as somebody thanking you for helping them. Recently I spoke at a music teachers conference roughly the effects of tinnitus in a livlihood in music. In fact, as I write this, I’m on a plane over the mid-west United States on my way home on that really conference. The third morning of my stay I was having breakfast on the patio of the hotel restaurant. As I started eating, I spotted a lady coming towards me with what can only be described as focused determination. Tinnitus Natural Healing

She had heard about my seminar the previous day from some friends of hers and had spent all afternoon evening and morning trying to track me down. She was very excited and breathing rapidly when she came right up to me and said, “Paul, I’m so happy I finally found you.” She went on to say how sorry she was that she missed the seminar but how grateful she felt to actually speak to me in private. I’ve had this happen to me many times before so I knew I was about to do some serious soul work. I invited her to sit down while I finished eating and tell me her story.

I was anticipating a sad story because, hardly anyone who tracks me down wants to tell me how great their life is. Anyway, as I suspected she was in turmoil. She was losing her sight due to a rare disease and wanted to get my advice on how to cure it. I explained that I have no experience in healing ailments such as this and that I was not a licensed doctor or miracle healer. She understood that but still wanted to know what I would suggest for her particular situation. So, after listening intently to her story and the intricate details of how she felt she had arrived at this point in her life, I started with the same question I ask everyone. “What is it that you truly want?” She replied quickly with the answer I fully expected, “I don’t want to lose my sight.” Tinnitus Natural Healing

And, just as I do when I coach tinnitus patients I shot back, “I didn’t ask you want you don’t want, I asked you what you do want.” “What’s the difference?” she asked. “There’s a big difference,” I said. “In fact, knowing what you don’t want and focusing on what you don’t want is a certain recipe for blindness.” I could see by the look on her face that she did not really see how this was possible. But, as I’ve stated many times before, focusing on a problem and trying to fix it, with the same mind that created the problem, will not work, ever! Over the next hour and a half I did my very best to give her the benefit of my experience.

We talked about the law of attraction and how the mind wants to habitually focus on problems. I also suggested that she share with me something that she doesn’t have in her life right now but has always wanted to have. In other words I asked, “Is there something you would like to do with your life that you’ve always wanted to do?” She lit up like a Christmas tree. “I’ve always wanted to make furniture!” So I asked her, “why did you choose to be a music teacher?” “Because,” she said, “I was good at it and it pays the bills so that’s what I’ve always done.” “You know,” I said, “the vast majority of people don’t know what they want in life so they settle for whatever comes along.”

Throughout our time together I truly tried my best to be a beacon and get her headed in the right direction. I asked her to pursue her dream of becoming a furniture maker and to stop focusing on “not going blind.” Even, if she does eventually go blind I know in my heart that if she pursues her goal she will have a full life, regardless of the circumstances that surround her situation. This is good advice. If you are not willing to go after what it is you want in life you will never truly be happy, period. We all have a purpose and it’s up to each of us to listen to our hearts and follow that purpose. Anything less is less than good enough and is a sure recipe for perpetual unhappiness.

As she thanked me for our time together I could tell that she was truly touched by my words. She had a smile on her face that was nothing short of joyous. I felt so good to have helped her. And, because I know and live the law of attraction I knew that I would be rewarded somehow, that’s just the way it works. I don’t expect it, I just know it. The next day, I checked into a 5 star resort and a 3 room palatial hacienda for only $99 a night.

A colleague had set it up and for the next 2 days I lived in the lap of luxury. Is it luck? I think not. There is one sure way of getting more of what you want in life and that’s to help others get what they want. Suffering from Tinnitus and Ringing in Ear? Get your life back forever by checking out Tinnitus Natural Healing now.

If you are seeking a career helping others to help themselves, professional certification from a natural healing school may be just the answer! With a vast number of interesting fields of study, professional certification can improve your overall career outlook, giving you the leading edge for employment and promotions within your chosen career. To compete in today’s employment market, professional certifications not only help individuals to further their education, but also helps to advance careers by offering the up-to-date skills and training necessary to succeed

Natural Healing Online Schools

Seeking a convenient and modern form of Natural Healing education? Perhaps Natural Healing online schools are the solution to your personal routine. As a school of the modern era, natural healing online learning programs merely require a computer and a reliable Internet connection. Natural Healing courses provide instant access to alternative modality class assignments, quizzes, lectures and interactive educational tools at the convenience of ones home, library or even at work. Learn about many natural healing techniques, diagnosing, and how they may be applied. Allowing individuals to work at their own pace, online schools bring education to the student.

Energy Healing

Energy healing careers are often incorporated into broad holistic practices of natural healing. For example, some energy healing careers in Reiki can be quite rewarding – both financially and personally. Depending on experience and training, these energy healing careers can earn practitioners about $50 per client session.

Practitioners in energy healing careers draw upon vital energy to remove energy blocks. This is believed to restore balance and harmony back into the physical body to bring about self-healing capabilities. Other energy healing careers include professions in Quantum touch, color therapy, visualization, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), kinesiology and magnetic therapy.

Healing Arts

While some healing arts careers necessitate weeks or months of educational training, others can take up to seven or more years of studies and clinical preparation. For example, if healing arts careers in natural medicine are desirable, then prospective students should review prerequisites for enrollment in naturopathic, chiropractic and acupuncture schools.

If you find healing arts careers in energy medicine attractive, then you will find that many energy healing programs entail course-intensive, practical training in a variety of mind-body-spirit therapies including studies in touch therapy, energy balancing (chakra balancing), Reiki, crystal therapy, color therapy, visualization, and other energy healing techniques. Students entering a natural healing education in massage therapy gain hands-on training and knowledge in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sometimes, CPR and first aid. In more extensive natural healing education courses in massage therapy, candidates will be introduced to more advanced bodywork modalities like acupressure/Shiatsu, craniosacral therapy, geriatric massage, infant/prenatal massage, animal massage, and countless .