The Importance of Cleansing

It seems like so many people make the same New Year's resolution year after year. I constantly hear of dreams to get in shape and loose weight, but rarely do I see these dreams lived out. I believe that we cannot change the outside of our bodies without first addressing what is happening inside of our bodies.
What many people do not realize is that throughout the years fecal matter and various toxins become trapped inside of our intestines. Even if one has regular bowel movements the intestinal walls are still impacted with waste. This can result in numerous health problems such as:
*Obesity
*Acne
*Fatigue
*IBS
*Infections
*Heart Issues
*Cancers
*Poor Eyesight
*Memory Loss
*Wrinkles
*Premature Aging
*Lack of Energy
*Diabetes
*Arthritis
*Many other acute, chronic and degenerative diseases

That is why I am starting off this year with Muir Botanicals's Herbal Cleanse and a detox program. This cleanse is designed to remove toxins from your body while supporting your liver and other organs. It can be taken with or without the assistance of the program mentioned below, but healthy eating habits are recommended for optimum results. Many believe that detoxing the body can result in improved hormonal function, immune health and psychological wellness.

New Year's Cleanse and Detox Program
"This 10-day program stimulates the release and elimination of metabolic waste products that tend to accumulate particularly over the winter months. Please note that Days 4 to 7 of the program are when the majority of the detoxification occurs. Toxic wastes stored in the fat cells release into blood stream and pass to the liver for deactivation and elimination. It is possible that during this period you may experience some cleansing reactions such as headache, bad breath, spots or boils, dizziness or aching joints [or fatigue]. These are natural effects of detoxification and will diminish over two or three days as the liver cleanses the blood. Should these symptoms persist contact a healthcare professional. 
This program utilizes both nutritional changes and the use of herbs to assist in the cleansing of the body. Muir Botanical's Herbal Cleanse can be taken during the duration of the program.  It is recommended that you take no vitamins or other nutritional supplements while on a cleanse, and should not discontinue prescription medication without discussing this with a qualified healthcare professional. 
Recommended foods:
Days 1 to 4 - nuts, seeds, beans and legumes, fruits and vegetables (preferably raw or lightly steamed), whole grains (e.g. mush), cooked brown rice, oil and lemon juice on salad, soy yogurt, and any other whole foods not of animal origin 
Days 5 to 7 - this should compromise one only of the following food groupings for three days of the program.
 i) Apples (about 3lbs. daily) 
ii) Grapes (about 5 lbs. daily) 
iii) Fresh papaya and pineapple (one of each daily) 
Days 8 to 10 - gradually add back the foods included under Days 1 to 4.
Foods to Avoid: Milk, butter, cheese, eggs, meat and all meat products, sugar, and anything containing added sugar, salt, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and all carbonated beverages, chips, candies, canned or frozen foods, cakes, and pastries, alcohol, and any other foods that are not completely natural. Modifying the program: The program can be modified for those individuals suffering from hypoglycemia or an otherwise weakened system, as well as those not able to commit to a more rigid cleanse. The three-day fruit fast is omitted, and the foods plan outlined in Days 1 to 4 is recommended.


Diabetics, those with cancer, gout stomach ulcers, liver kidney heart or lung disease, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, or any one with a compromised immune system should consult with a healthcare practitioner before embarking on any cleanse or fast." (adapted from Natural Options to Health: A Herbalist's Manual by Rachel Beck BA Dip. Hom. C.H.T. pgs 18-19)


I believe that a cleanse is the perfect way to start off any weight loss or wellness program, and what a better time to do that than the beginning of a new year?

Muir Botanical's Herbal Cleanse is now available on ETSY!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89549284/herbal-cleanse

(orders will not be shipped before Jan. 15th)

Muir Botanicals At Home Facial

Learn how to give yourself an inexpensive herbal facial at home.

Eczema

My two year old has eczema, do you have any advice for us?- Shauna Torres


Eczema is a common skin condition, and children show signs of it during an early age. Sixty percent of children who have eczema will show signs of it during the first year of life. There is a link between eczema, allergies and asthma. Children who have a mother with allergies or asthma are more likely to have eczema. Also, children with eczema at a young age are prone to develop allergies/ asthma later on in life, so it is important to protect young children's skin at the first sign!

Eczema can be identified by red, flaky, itchy skin.

Topically, herbs that stop itching such as plantain and oats are great to relieve some of the irritation.

Internally, herbs that help to purify the blood such as oregon grape root can be used. Anti-inflammatory herbs and anti-histmines such as nettles and chamomile will help to boost the immune system's response especially if allergies are involved!

And always remember, that skin conditions are indicators of what is happening inside the body. Proper support of the digestive system is key to overcoming eczema! A healthy diet free of caffeine, alcohol and excess sugar and full of vegetables, fruit and other whole foods is a great way to start protecting beautiful skin!

Here is a link to the Eczema Cream and Sweet Glycerine Tincture I make!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70854777/extra-strength-moisturizing-cream
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79847262/sweet-glycerine-tincture-for-eczema

Baking with the Moon

According to the Farmer's Almanac, Wednesday Sept. 7th will be a great day for baking based on the moon's phase. In honor of this day I would like to share with you a delicious recipe for Lavender Cinnamon Buns.


Ingredients:
1/4 cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Blend butter & sugar in a medium bowl. Then add in flour and baking powder until mixture is fine and crumbly. Whisk egg, milk, lemon juice and vanilla in a small bowl. Make a well in the flour mixture & using a fork, briefly mix in milk mixture to form a stiff dough. Do not over knead.

Prepare a floured surface and roll out dough 1/2 inch thick in a rectangle shape.

Filling:
1/4cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. dried Lavender OR 4 Tbsp. fresh Lavender flowers
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon powder

"Butter" rolled out dough, then sprinkle with Lavender, brown sugar & cinnamon.

Starting at widest edge, tightly roll up dough into a "sausage shape", sealing the far edge with a brush of milk. Pinch edges together. Cut evenly into 12 rounds.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.

Lavender Frosting
Add 1/2 tsp dried Lavender to 2 Tbsp boiling water. Let it steep until cool and then strain.  Add the Lavender tea to 1 1/2 cups icing sugar and stir to form a smooth spreadable paste.

Ice the buns while still warm. Enjoy!

I found this recipe in my Cooking with Greenheart: A Celebration of Herbal Cooking cookbook. To order your copy email them at greenheartherbalsociety@yahoo.ca

Planning Your Herbal Garden!

Besides owning a business I also work full time at the local nursery and greenhouse. Now is the time of the year when we stay busy hanging signs that say, "20 and 30% off!" "Clearance!" "End of Season Sale!" and my personal favorite, "All herbs 50% off!"
Summer is ending and we are getting ready to bring in a whole new variety of plants, so we have to clear out our inventory! So for any bargain shoppers (like myself), now is the perfect time to plan your herb garden for next spring!

My husband and I are so blessed to have just moved in a beautiful home with a huge sun room in the back. When I first saw this room I really had no idea what to do with it, but as fall is approaching I am suddenly falling in love with my new "greenhouse".  This is the perfect time to stock up on medicinal perennials. You can re-pot them now so they keep your house fresh all winter, and in the spring they will have strong roots and be ready to be outside! Of course you do not have to have a sun room, a windowsill will work perfectly!

A few herbs on the windowsill in my sun room.

Not only will plants help to keep the air fresh in your house, but anti-bacterial herbs will kill air borne pathogens! This makes having your herbs inside during the winter even better, since it is the time of the year that many people are trying to fight off the cold and flu! Thyme and Rosemary are just a couple examples of anti-bacterial herbs. I like to keep them growing in my kitchen window so they are handy for cooking as well! 

Lemon Thyme is one of my favorite Anti-bacterial Herbs! 

The most important thing to remember when keeping your plants inside, is that they can get messy! It is best to have holes in the bottom of your pots to insure proper drainage. A tray underneath your pots will catch the excess water, and keep your house clean all winter. Some pots even have built in trays! 

My Aloe Vera with a built in tray to keep things from getting messy. 

Well, I've been spending all this time typing and now I'm off to hit the bargain tables at the nursery. Happy indoor gardening everyone! 

Welcome to my Blog!

I am so excited about the response I have had for my blog that I am offering a discount to my followers! The next next eight followers will receive a 10% off coupon to my store!

Send me an email if you are already a follower, or are one of the next eight, at muir-botancials@hotmail.com and I will send you your coupon!

Thanks so much for reading guys!

Time for Myself

I have often heard that when you have a business, "yours is the last one to get done!" Meaning that you take care of everyone else, but sometimes neglect taking care of yourself. I regret to inform you that I find this saying true for myself. For years I have suffered with dysmenorrhea and PMS, in fact this was one of the reasons I first became interested in natural medicine. Month after month I would reach for a bottle of Menstrual Cramp Relief medicine that in turn would only make me feel worse, and I knew that there had to be a better way. As I have learned about herbs I have tried a few things here and there, but never taken the time to actually go to the root of my problem and try to find a solution. This last month I promised myself I would not put it off any longer, and I am proud to say that I created a herbal formula for myself and my capsules are made! 

A picture of the beautiful herbs I used. Some of which I have growing in my backyard! 

I used herbs that are specifics to the female reproductive system. One of my favorites is the Vitex berry, not only does it help with hormone imbalances, but it is also anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain. In fact, in her book Herbal Defense-Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging, Robyn Landis says, "It may be the most effective single PMS remedy for nearly every type of symptom." I love this plant so much I planted it in my back yard this summer!

The capsules ready to be capped off! 

I then decided to make myself capsules because, to be honest, they are easy to take and these particular herbs did not seem like they would make a nice tasting tea! 

The finished product! 

With these capsules, good diet, exercise and relaxation techniques I hope that next month will be stress and pain free! I will keep you posted! 

Please email me at muir-botanicals@hotmail.com if you have any questions you would like answered on this blog! Thanks for reading!