July 2001

Ginseng Lowers Blood Glucose
In addition to being a symptom of diabetes, elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Supplementing the diet with American ginseng
(Panax quinquefolius) may have a glucose-moderating effect. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that healthy subjects taking 3, 6, or 9 grams of ginseng had postprandial glucose reductions ranging from 26 to 38 percent. The ginseng was most effective when taken a minimum of 40 to 120 minutes prior to glucose-tolerance testing.
 Vuksan V, et al. American ginseng improves glycemia in individuals with normal glucose tolerance: effect of dose and time escalation.
J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:738-44

Words from us…

Wayne’s World
Hello July! We have chosen aromatherapy, the fragrance of life, as this month’s theme. Aromatherapy employs the potent essences of aromatic botanicals, whose mind-body connection stimulates emotional responses to external stimuli. In other words, these essential herbal oils (extracted from plants and trees) can be used for natural "feel good" therapy. Use them with baths, inhalation, friction, massage and compresses to create enjoyable and therapeutic mind-body experiences. Aromatherapy usage can bring about gentle, soothing, positive changes. Our resident expert at Stay Healthy! is J.C. He has put together numerous selections of products, plus books, that will entice you to learn about and use these wonderful medicinal aromas. Good scents make sense, for they are safe and effective.
Call 877-2494 and ask for J.C., or visit him in the store.
Thank you so much for your patronage. Stay Healthy!

The Evelyn Files…
Aromatherapy, the art of essential oils, dates back to 3000 BC. In The Book of Practical Aromatherapy (p3), William H. Lee tells us "…the Egyptians were the first to perfect the art". In the 1900’s aromatherapy took a back seat to Pasteur’s theories. The rebirth of aromatherapy took place in France when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, burned his hand badly in an explosion while conducting experiments in his lab. In severe pain, he quickly plunged his hand into a vat of lavender essence, thinking it was water. He got immediate relief from the pain, and his hand healed quickly without scarring.
According to Sheila Lavery in Aromatherapy: A Step-by-Step Guide (p6), aromatherapy "… means treatment using scents." Uses are many and varied: baths, diffusers (car and home), cleansing, disinfecting and massage. Lemon, for example, is used as a disinfectant in European and English hospitals. W.H. Lee describes the capabilities of lemon as follows: "Lemon acts as astringent and refreshing tonic, a natural deodorizer and deodorant, and antiseptic, viricidal agent and disinfectant. Lemon also helps stimulate the immune system and can perk up depressed psyches. Use Lemon to fight blotchy skin, and to fight off germs and viruses."

Good health to you always. Evelyn J

The Wood Report 
Cooking with Essential Oils is another aspect of aromatherapy from Ayurveda (the East Indian "Science of Life"philosophy). Remember that 1 to 2 drops of essential oil is equal to 1 to 2 teaspoons of powered herb. Allspice, bay, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, nutmeg and vanilla are just a few of the many flavors to select. You can even create a custom "churna" (seasoning mixture) for your specific "dosha" (constitutional type or energy). Use steam distilled and cold pressed oils that suit your dosha, adding one drop of your mixture to any food or drink. Avoid oils extracted with petroleum solvents.

"Natures Aromatherapy"– a poem by Nina Wood ã
Fragrant pines on a Christmas tree lot, or swirled in snow on a mountain top
Eucalyptus scent at a campground spree, mingled with a salt tang from the sea
Smoke and spices waft from stoves, and tantalize the sleepy nose
Who has not these aromas breathed and in déjà vu the soul retrieved 

James Sloane answers questions:
Q: I have been diagnosed with gallstones. Are there any natural methods to eliminate them?
A: I would suggest starting with dietary changes and stay away from "junk foods", especially foods high in sugar and saturated fats. Also stay away from coffee. You should increase your fiber intake, and take a source of essential fatty acids (fish oils, flax seed oil, hemp seed oil). I also like lecithin for liver and gallbladder problems. Boldo, milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion root, horehound, and chicory are good for gallstones. Check at Stay Healthy! for a digestive supplement containing ox bile. Bile salts are helpful in dissolving gallstones. Avoid liver flushes that recommend large doses of olive oil. The oil can contract the gallbladder and increase the risk of a duct blockage. This could result in an emergency surgery. You are better off trying to dissolve the stones. –James Sloane

J.C. Speaking Words of Wisdom
Aromatherapy can open your mind and balance your emotions by actually stimulating hormones throughout the body. All aromas trigger neurological and physiological effects. It is scientifically validated that floras (lavender, chamomile, etc.) promote well being and that obnoxious orders (gas fumes, cigarette smoke, etc.) can make people angry. We can use essential oils to change our lives towards a healthy attitude. Carry oils with you and use them to your advantage, i.e. in traffic or at home. 
Aromas can free and uplift our spirits.
Knowledge applied is wisdom…

Graphics by Nik