“Many doctors and psychiatrists prescribe synthetic anti-depressants for children with Depression or other developmental disorders.

While these medications certainly do have their place, it is my experience that they are significantly over prescribed, without first investigating more natural and equally effective alternatives.

It is alarming to see how many children are on a cocktail of prescription scheduled anti-depressants and psycho-stimulants. Often the drugs cause more complications than the original problem itself.

The use of strong scheduled drugs for children also often replaces proper assessment and the use of a complete and thorough treatment program for the child and the family” – Michele Carelse, Clinical Psychologist.

Diagnosis of childhood Depression

Childhood Depression is not always as easily diagnosed as adult Depression and can be masked. Children who are Depressed do not always look sad and ‘down’ all the time, but may have other persistent symptoms that indicate that there is a problem.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from Depression, it is always best to consult a psychologist for diagnosis and to determine the underlying causes of the Depression. Children and especially teenagers who talk about suicide should always be taken seriously.

While this is sometimes a way to get attention or may be something the child learned about at school, it could be serious and it is always better to be safe and have your child properly assessed.

Never discontinue prescription medication without first consulting your doctor or a health care professional who is experienced in natural medicine.

Symptoms of Childhood Depression

What is MindSootheJR?

Because of the increasing demand for a safe, natural herbal treatment for children with DepressionAnxietyOCD, or those with Autism and related disorders, Native Remedies has developed MindSootheJR Using the same highly successful formula as MindSoothe (adult version), MindSootheJR contains St John’s Wort and Passiflora in child-friendly dosage.

Regular use of MindSootheJR will:

  • Assist in the treatment of Child and Teen Depression
  • Reduce anger, Mood Swings and oppositional behavior in children with ODD
  • Help to optimize levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, often implicated in some of the secondary symptoms of Autism and PDD.
  • Reduce Anxiety and symptoms of childhood OCD
  • Assist with concentration and behavioral difficulties associated with childhood Depression
  • Improve confidence and Lift Mood in children with Anxiety and Self Esteem problems linked to Depression

Safe all herbal Anti-Depressant for children without the side effects of prescription anti-depressants

How does MindSootheJR work and what are the ingredients?

The ingredients in MindSootheJR are well researched and have been shown to be effective in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety. Both are very well respected naturopathic Herbs and have been safely used for centuries.

Depression is often associated with an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially serotonin. This is often caused by Stress, but may also be hereditary or linked to disorders like Autism or other developmental disorders.

St John’s Wort, one of the principle ingredients in MindSootheJR is widely used as a treatment for Depression and other disorders associated with serotonin imbalance. It has been well researched and many clinical studies have demonstrated that it can be highly effective in the treatment of Depression and other mood disorders.

Passiflora has been extensively used by naturopaths as a calmative and to reduce IrritabilityRestlessness and Anxiety. It acts as a natural tranquilizer, without further aggravating the symptoms of Depression, which can happen with the use of some Herbs like Valerian.

The proportion of St John’s Wort and Passiflora in the remedy has been carefully calculated to ensure therapeutic dosage and maximum effectiveness.

How has MindSootheJR helped others?

“Thank you for your reply….we have a very long and complex story behind our seven yr. old – the short of it is that in just 24 hrs, we noticed a very positive change in him from both of these products. Unbelievable to both my husband and myself. At this point, in the very initial stages of the products’ use, I cannot even begin to explain how pleased we are with the results – you have NO IDEA from whence we came! Thank you more than you’ll ever know.” – Rebecca G.

“Thank you for recommending MindSootheJR for my 10 year old daughter. We were both going through a difficult time after my divorce and I was literally tearing my hair out with her, yet knowing that she was hurting like I was. I noticed that she was much calmer from the first day. She has been taking MindSoothe for about 6 weeks now and I have my sunny, happy girl back again!” Jeanette, U.S.A.

“My son has ADHD. – he always struggled to complete his work and I think that he became Depressed because he was always in trouble. We started him on your Focus remedy which helped but he was still very angry and Irritable with everyone. MindSootheJR took away the Irritability from Day One and he is now doing very well at school and at home” Malcolm, Durban

“I have a child with Autism and the doctors recommended that I put him on prescription anti-depressants. One recommended wellbutrin and the other said that paxil would work, but I am not in favor because my child is only 6 years old. We have used the MindSootheJR for a few weeks and I just wanted to inform you that he is much less Restless and seems calmer than before, making it easier for me and my wife. I also notice that he does not flap his hands around so much and he used to pick at his skin which is much less now too – only when he is very tired.” – Danny, CT

How old must the child be?

MindSootheJR can safely be used by children from about the age of 6. Children younger than 6 can also use MindSoothe but should be supervised by a health care practitioner.

Caution : Never discontinue prescription medication without first consulting your doctor or a health care professional who is experienced in natural medicine. Do not use MindSootheJR together with other prescription anti-depressants. If your child is very fair in complexion, use a sun block if there is excessive exposure to sun as St John’s Wort can sometimes increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunburn.

How quickly will it work?

MindSootheJR contains two different ingredients, which act in different ways.

The Passiflora takes effect very quickly, especially when presented in tincture form. You should notice that your child is calmer, less Irritable and less easily frustrated.

St John’s Wort works by preventing the over-Metabolism of serotonin and the effect is gradual, taking 3 – 5 weeks to reach its full potential. Within this period you should notice a gradual improvement in mood and behavior, as well as concentration.

It is important that MindSootheJR be used regularly as recommended. Continue use for about 6 months and then gradually taper off over a period of about 3 weeks. If symptoms do not return it will not be necessary to continue treatment.

How do I administer MindSootheJR?

Instead of the capsules used in the adult formula, MindSootheJR comes in convenient and easy to administer drop form.

Determining dosage is easy as MindSootheJR is especially formulated to be administered at the dosage of one drop per age year of the child.

Dosage: (dilute in 25 – 50 ml water or juice) Use one drop per age year of the child twice daily. For children over the age of 15 years please see our adult formula.

Simply dilute MindSootheJR in a little water or juice (about 1/4 glass). No more fussing and pleading with your child to swallow pills or capsules. Use the recommended dosage in your child’s favorite juice – Nothing could be easier!

How long will a bottle last?

One bottle of MindSootheJR will last 30-45 days.

Aromatherapy and You

December 17th, 2005

Aromas are inescapable! Think about how you encounter them on a daily basis from roses in the garden, a cup of steaming mochacchino or soothing Jasmine tea, Basil that permeates spaghetti sauce, and fresh citrus juices.

Noses detect hundreds of scents a day, and of those, the aromas of plants, fruits, barks and roots are able to do more than just feed us. Leaves from the Tea Tree plant not only heal cuts and burns, but the Essential Oil is strong enough to use as an all-purpose cleaner.

The Lavender flower yields an oil that can ward off insects, reduce Stress, scent linens and get rid of bruises. Peppermint oil is a natural way to bid farewell to unwanted houseguests like bugs and mice.

Did you know that the sodas and flavored bottled waters you drink contain Essential Oils? That the common Vanilla flavor you find in ice cream is made from dark brown Vanilla pods?

Perfumes and colognes contain numerous blends of Essential Oils. High quality Soaps, shampoos, bath oils, body powders and Lotions all include varied essences of flowers, plants and fruits.

I had many successful experiences using pure Essential Oils, and I have read and heard of so many others enjoying relief from pain, healing of skin problems, awakening of positive spirits, etc. For example, a few years ago, before I had my own bath & body products business, I had to find a full time job.

That prospect didn’t make me enthusiastic, yet after applying a small dab of lemon Essential Oil, diluted in a Jojoba oil carrier base, I was feeling cheerful and positive. This in turn came through in the interview and I was hired that afternoon.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a therapeutic natural practice that can be used to advance health, Beauty and a sense of ease. It involves using pure Essential Oils with various methods, including bathing, inhalation and massage. Aromatherapy is derived from two words: Aroma means scent and Therapy means treatment. This scent/treatment has evolved over the centuries and across continents.

In his book “The Art of Aromatherapy” Robert B. Tisserand examines what happened to mankind during the twentieth century: “Our minds have run away with us, and as we have become more obsessive, so we have become steadily more neurotic.

As doctors increase their knowledge of disease so disease becomes more tenacious and widespread. As new drugs are formulated and marketed, the harm done by those drugs increases proportionally.”

Aromatherapy works in harmony with your body. Side effects from properly administered dosages are absent. Your body becomes stronger as it’s fed the complex nutrients of purity from Essential Oils, not something synthesized in a lab and deprived of all its components.

There are no new Essential Oils—only the same, reliable plant life that has been used successfully for thousands of years. Combining the rich and fragrant oils of RoseJasmine and Neroli, for example, may appear to be a new twist to you, but guaranteed this expensive blend of floral oils have been utilized for an individual with an Overactive Mind Stress! some other time and place.

A Brief History Of Aromatherapy

Before 1993 you wouldn’t have been able to find the word ‘aromatherapy’ listed in a dictionary even though this art/science has been effectively used for thousands of years. In fact, the word was invented in the 1920’s by a French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé who studied the cosmetic properties of plants. He soon learned that plants contained Organic antiseptic elements that worked better than inorganic antiseptics.

His interest was further ignited when he there was an explosion in his laboratory; badly burning has hands. Immediately he poured Lavender Essential Oil one of the few Essential Oils that can be applied directly on the skin on them and made the not so astonishing discovery that his hands healed quickly and with no Scarring.

However, the usage of aromatic plants has been going on for thousands of years. From the civilizations of ancient Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome, floral and herbal oils have been used in all manner of ways from flavoring food and beverages to being poured into baths and massaged into the body.

The Romans weren’t shy about employing scents. They inundated their baths and banquets with floral concoctions from scattering Rose Petals on floors to anointing their bodies with floral perfumes. After bathing their bodies were massaged with aromatic oils. Their beds and clothing, bodies and hair were scented with perfumes. Even men scented themselves with Balsam and Cinnamon oils.

The natural healing system of ayurveda, meaning “science of life” was established approximately 4000 years ago in the Himalayan region. Plants and all their properties are a relevant part of Ayurvedic medicine that continues to be practiced where it started and has now spread around the world.

Hippocrates is known as the “father of medicine”, and this Greek doctor was a noted advocate for the usage of Essential Oils, especially in the form of daily baths and Massages. Resins of Myrrh and oils of Cinnamon were often applied to a patient to soothe inner and outer complaints.

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils:

Pure, unadulterated Essential Oils derived from the leaves, roots, seeds, flowers or bark of a plant or tree are the source extracted directly from nature via a form of steam distillation. When you first begin working with Essential Oils, take care in handling them.

Lavender Essential Oil is quite safe for the skin, as is Tea Tree, but some people can have Allergic reactions to them. When handling Essential Oils, it’s wise to do a skin test. Simply apply a tiny amount on your wrist, and if there’s no reaction within 24 hours you are safe. As these oils can be costly, you must take care that they’re always kept in a cobalt or amber colored glass bottle and stored in a cupboard  and kept in a cool, dry place.

When you buy an oil, write the date on the vial. Most Essential Oils can last from one to three years. Citrus oils have a shelf life ranging from six months to less than two years. Essential Oils can last for several years, but the freshness disappears. There are some exceptions with the darker colored, “heavier” oils or resins. Patchouli is known to improve with age.

It’s important to know about Fragrance Oils and what they really are. I visited an e-group for soapmakers and when someone asked for a company where they could purchase Essential Oils, a person gave the name of a company that sold only Fragrance Oils!

Obviously, to this uninformed person, the terms are interchangeable. They’re not. Fragrance Oils are synthesized in a laboratory. They are sometimes referred to as “nature identical.” If you’re looking for an inexpensive scent, then Fragrance Oils fit the bill. But Fragrance Oils are not Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and never will be.

From personal experience, I’ve learned that sniffing an Essential Oil right from the bottle and diluting it with a Carrier Oil such as sweet almond or Jojoba, makes a huge difference. I smelled my favorite, Vanilla absolute, a thick balsamic oil derived from the pod of the Vanilla plant.

I determined that the first whiff brought out the usual Vanilla scent I was accustomed to, but a millisecond later there was a stronger, harsher scent. I then added a few drops to a bottle of Sesame oil and the change was magnificent! I had the aroma I equated with the spicy-sweet scent of a dried Vanilla bean pod. The Carrier Oil had combined perfectly with the Essential Oil!

You should always dilute Essential Oils in Carrier Oils when applying directly to the skin, or even in the bathtub. This is a necessary safety precaution. Essential Oils are very strong and need to be diluted. Also, some Essential Oils may smell good enough to drink, but are for EXTERNAL USE ONLY!

AROMATHERAPY IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT

The methods described here are for those of you who wish to be able to change the fragrance environment of a room, car, office, closet, drawer, etc. There are psychological benefits to entering a room that has the crisp aroma of citrus, or a subtle scent of fresh blooming flowers.

Aroma Lamps – Aroma Lamps are either electric or operated by a tea light or votive Candle. There is a small cup shaped portion that is usually made of glazed ceramic and holds a few ounces of water. However, other materials may include glass and stone. Warm or even hot water should be used; as that is less work the Candle has to do.

Only a few drops of Essential Oil are added to the water, thus making it ideal for costlier Essential Oils. Care should be taken to see that the water doesn’t boil away.

Atomizers – Requiring no heat, Atomizers, sometimes referred to as nebulizers or nebulizing Diffusers, disperse the Essential Oils on a revitalizing current of air as it passes through an intricately engineered blown glass chamber. This course naturally suspends and ionizes the oil into extremely fine molecules, causing them to remain suspended in the air for longer periods.

Many aromatherapist practitioners and others who utilize the finest Essential Oils choose Atomizers. It’s important to be careful with the Atomizers. Since there is a continuous mist emitted it should not be used for more than a few minutes at a time. Many of the models do have built-in timers to avoid any problems like overuse. Also, make sure that this is done in a clear area, away from furniture,  wall hangings and other objects.

Candles – Candles create a more romantic ambiance and do double duty in helping disperse your preferred aromas throughout a room. In the spirit of true aromatherapy, it’s advised to use beeswax, palm wax or soy wax Candles as paraffin contains carcinogenic chemicals. Wicks should be trimmed, and the Essential Oils need to be added at the top of the Candle, but never on the wick itself.

You can add the Essential Oils after the Candle has been lit and there’s a small pool of wax at the top of the Candle. Don’t add the oils to the flame itself as oils can catch fire.

Diffusers – You can buy Diffusers to plug into your car’s cigarette lighter, as you can also find those that plug into any wall socket. The Atomizers suspend a fine mist of Essential Oils into the air for aromatherapy is the best method of using Essential Oils for therapeutic treatments. Many aromatherapists believe that this is the most effective method of enjoying the aromas.

Sachets – If you want your linens to smell clean and fresh, the addition of a smell sachet filled with your favorite aroma will create a pleasant smell whenever you open the drawer or closet. You can buy them already made, or make them yourself. Highly recommended would be a small muslin or organza bag filled with dried Lavender buds and a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil. Not only is Lavender a universally pleasing aroma, it also serves as an all-natural way to keep moths away.

Carrier Oils:

The most common way to dilute a pure Essential Oil is with a cold-pressed Carrier OilCarrier Oils allow the Essential Oil to slowly permeate the skin, protecting it from irritation.

JojobaSesame, sweet almond, Rose hip, refined rice bran, wheatgerm, Evening PrimroseGrapeseed, kukui nut, SunflowerHazelnutSafflowerAvocado or Apricot Kernel oils are commonly used. Several of the Carrier Oils can be combined and when Essential Oils are added, this makes for a very nutrient-rich bath oil.

Determining Quality of Essential Oils:

Read the label. If purchasing Rosemary oil, for example, you would expect to see that name on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of Essential Oil from a reputable supplier/company:

1.Botanical/Latin name. In this case it would be Rosemarinus officinalis. 2.Part. What part of the plant has the Essential Oil been extracted from? For Rosemary, that is the leaf. 3.Method of extraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide CO2, or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled. 4.Country of Origin. Rosemary comes from many different countries, and in this case Morocco is the origin. Location can make a sizeable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.

Aromatherapy isn’t government regulated. Products can claim to be “natural” when in fact distilled water is the only untainted ingredient. Any reputable retailer of Essential Oils will be very knowledgeable about their product and capable of proving its purity. They will and should be happy to answer your questions.

To learn more about aromatherapy, please get a copy of “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils” by Julia Lawless, as the book features photographs of the Essential Oils themselves, Botanical origins, along with several ways to safely use Essential Oils.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism (Illustrated Encyclopedia S.)
Click here to read more about this book

Ways To Remove Hair Color

December 17th, 2005

There’s nothing like coloring your hair to make you feel and look new. A new hair color can do wonders to your confidence level, though not always. Sometimes, it can spell disaster. A color might look really good on the packet cover, but once you’ve used it the reactions might vary from “oh my God” to major Depression. So, if you fall into this category, then we can suggest you some solutions to remove hair color.

Okay, so somehow the hair color you have been dreaming about went wrong. It may be too bright, too dark, or simply is not the color you wanted. And, laying the blame on the colorist’s door or the product company will not help. What you need is damage control-you need to remove hair color.

However, this is easier said than done. Hair color is not like furniture paint that can easily be removed with paint remover. One option to remove hair color is to go to a color correction specialist. The only way to remove hair color is with a color removal product. But only professionals should use products designed to remove hair color. These products are not recommended for consumers unless they know exactly what they’re doing.

But what you can do on your own to remove hair color is to cover up. And depending on the color you selected, you may be able to cover the permanent color with a semi or demi-color. But before you decide to re-color your hair with another color, seek the advice of the color manufacturer, because mixing colors can result in bigger disasters than before.

If the hair color used was a light to medium shade, you may be able to cover it with a semi-permanent hair color after a few days. If you used a very dark shade, then it’s very difficult to remove hair color and you might as well live with it. Dark hair colors are hard to correct because the pigments in the dye are very strong. If your hair has been colored a shade of green, you could try a chlorine removal Shampoo, or, if all else fails, tomato juice soak.

Mistakes do happen, but learn from the mistakes and take care not to repeat them. And before you set out to repair the damage, call the manufacturer of the product first. They’ll be able to suggest you ways to remove hair color. Still, if you’re unable to correct the problem, remember it’s just hair. The color will eventually grow out or fade on its own.

You can also make the best of the situation by visiting a stylist and getting a new flattering hairstyle that’ll draw attention away from the ghastly color. You can also use this time to accessorize your hair and try out different styles. Anything that’ll draw the attention from the hair color should help. Also, remember to use hair-coloring products that are safe, because a head full of Orange hair is better than a head without hair.

Yoga Versus Pilates – Which Should I Do?

December 17th, 2005

Many have heard of Yoga and Pilates. But, not everyone realizes that there are several differences between these two types of exercising regimens. In fact, Yoga is hardly classified as just an Exercise program. Each of these methods are quite powerful tools to allow you to feel and look better. But, they are also very different. In order to help you to make a choice between Yoga and Pilates, let’s explain them a little further.

Yoga – It came way earlier

Yoga has been around for over 5000 years. It is something much more than just a way of exercising. In fact, it is a lifestyle change that many people need to take seriously. This type of program is centered on the spiritual healing of the body as well as the physical aspects. It uses a wide combination of Breathing and movements to get the body back into its targeted range. Yoga is something that encompasses the entire lifestyle in ethical, spiritual and physical form.

It is important to note that Yoga is centered on Meditation and that the poses that are done are done to allow for better concentration and better Meditation abilities.

Pilates – It’s a whole different animal

Pilates, on the other hand, is a physical Healing Process that uses movements and Breathing to work. In Pilates, the body is taken from one movement to the next in a fluid change. This allows for continuous improvement in the body in a normal way. Pilates uses Contrology in its dance form. In this, the poses that are done are more fluid and provide for a more natural movement from one to the next.

Both of these types of programs allow for individuals to improve in their health and well being through Breathing techniques. Controlled, regulated Breathing is very important to the success of Yoga or Pilates.

Which Should I Choose?

In order to know which of these you should choose, the best way to know which the better choice is for you is to actually give them a try. Sign up for a couple of classes and give them a try each. Which methods and processes do you feel more comfortable with? Which works the best for your lifestyle?

The choice between Yoga and Pilates is something that you need to make on your own.

About the Author

Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of this site. He provides more Yoga health benefits and Yoga sequences for your convenience .

Carpet Deodorizer

December 17th, 2005

*35 d. Eucalyptus oil *30 d. Lavender oil *25 d. Rosewood oil *in 4 cups of Borax.

Mix well in a bowl. Sprinkle onto carpets and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Vacuum up.

Spa Style Herbal Body Wrap

December 17th, 2005

6 cups very hot water 1/2 cup dried Chamomile 1/2 cup dried Rosemary 1/4 cup fresh mint or Peppermint leaves Cheesecloth or wide cotton gauze Linen or loose-weave cotton, cut into long strips 4 to 6 inches wide Roll of plastic wrap

Bring the water to a boil and remove it from the heat (or pour it into a stoppered sink). Wrap the Herbs in the cheesecloth or gauze, making a large bundle, and push them down into the water with a large spoon or other utensil. Cover the infusion to contain the steam and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Uncover the herbal infusion, stir it once or twice, and add the long strips of linen or cotton. When the fabric is saturated, wring it out and wrap the strips around your body (like a mummy) except your head, lower arms, and feet. The infusion and fabric should be hot, but not so hot they will burn you!

When you’re done, repeat the wrapping process by covering the fabric with the plastic wrap.

Make a cold compress for your head and pour yourself a cool glass of water to sip while you rest. Now lie down, Relax and let the Herbs do their work. Leave the wrapping on your body for no more than 15 to 20 minutes; then unwrap and cool your body for another 15 minutes before showering.

HINT: If you have High Blood Pressure, heart problems, or other medical conditions, such high-heat situations may be harmful. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have health problems and want to do this procedure.

Sandalwood Body Envelpe

December 17th, 2005

(a wonderful after shower oil!)

Add 3 drops of Orange (or Mandarin, my thought!) 1 drop Rose 2 drops Sandalwood to 1/2 ounce of your favorite massage Base Oil

Envelop yourself in the Sandalwood Body Envelope…or better yet, have someone else envelope you in it!

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