Saturday, February 18, 2012

Adventures in Ayurveda

The greatest advantage I've learned on my health journey is perseverance. Even though I have often turned up fool's gold in the local libraries' health and beauty sections, I continue to periodically browse the stacks on the off chance my adventure will yield a nugget of practical wisdom. Most of the time I skim the material only to find a summary the author has carefully copied from the annals of orthodox wisdom and reorganized it a bit to freshen up the same old story. Unfortunately I have found not much, if anything in these summaries, to support my health solutions. One thing not likely to be found on this blog is information which has already been explained to death. Instead I aim to share new insights and practical approaches to the health investigator for consideration who already understands many of the basics of good health learned outside of the mainstream perspective.

My adventures in Ayurveda began several years ago. Initially they were reading dry texts on the basics of doshas. It was easy to discover my dosha, but not so easy to use it as an approach to improve my health. In fact I did not care for the plan set out for my dosha. I was increasingly frustrated by the complexity of a system I could not understand through books.

Potted neem tree
I came to realize even though I did not understand Ayurveda completely, I could start with something I did understand: herbs. The ancient practices and knowledge intrigued me. So I began my experiments with Ayurvedic herbs. My first tentative commitment to the process was an indoor neem tree. The more I read about neem and it's selfless giving to the environment, the more I began to see the miracles in the neem tree.

The taste of neem is initially something I can only associate with medicinal. Over time, my taste buds have adapted and appreciated the potency and power of neem. Even so I have yet to master a cup of neem tea.

My most recent adventures led me into an Indian grocery store. I was thrilled with the selection of beauty treatments including face packs, mustard oil (must be diluted) for hair packs, rose water, and multi-herbal soaps. But the greatest find was the herbal treatments for teeth and gums. 

It's no secret plunging into the world of detoxing can create a new condition the health seeker did not anticipate. Perhaps because the health seeker was so intent on fixing one problem, the seeker doesn't  see the development or possibility of the new issue. I was aware of this possibility when I had my amalgams removed and I was willing to take the risk. What I didn't know was what I would do if a new issue surfaced other than hope I could find a solution.

In the summer following the procedure I thought the pain and sensitivity were my body adjusting to a fairly radical procedure. Because of this faulty thought I lived with a dental infection for about 8 months. When I returned for a cleaning last month, the infection grew worse. It was so painful I immediately cut out most sugar and only felt good when I didn't eat or drink at all. Even water inflamed the infection. To try and beat the infection I increased my probiotics, rinsed with salt water, ate neem, packed amla in my cheeks like chewing tobacco, but I still hurt.

Luckily I came across Vicco Vajradanti herbal paste and powder. My tooth infection was most noticeable on one side, although I had an infection in every section where I had dental work this summer. The most painful section was in the top near the jaw. I rubbed the paste into my gums and 4 sensitive teeth and I had immediate relief. I then took about 2 teaspoons of the powder and rubbed it in the gums. I left this to sit in my mouth without swallowing for 5 or 10 minutes. The worst infection shifted down to the gum line. At first it was a hard bubble and now it is like a blister which disappears until I eat. It has been two weeks of regular use and the infection is no longer painful and almost gone. I intend to use the powder daily on the Juice Feast.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Not All Products are Equal (Part 1: Dandelion Detox Tea)

I love comedy. When I was growing up I spent a good portion of my limited television viewing time engrossed in skit comedy, memorizing it or adapting it to later act it out with friends. Yet somehow, I missed this gem. If you've ever been bamboozled by marketers and learned the hard way the difference between the good products and the bad then this Almost Live video is for you!



Over the years I've learned no matter how much I want a product to work, sometimes all the wishing in the world won't pull a kidney tumor out! But some products do truly distinguish themselves a cut above the rest.

When I was an undergrad I forced myself to drink decaffeinated green tea late into the night as I studied. I say forced because I truly wanted coffee and pop to serve as my late night companions. I am grateful I no longer drink those caffeinated beverages and I now have a deep affection for red, green, and herbal teas. My current study pals are: Marigold Lemon Tulsi Blend and 21st Century Tea. Yet at work, I have a taste for something different.


This tea is unequal to any other tea I have tried. I love the taste of it sure, but it is having an unusual effect on my body. As mentioned above, in my younger years I drank coffee and pop on a daily basis, I also used antiperspirant and deodorant just as regularly. Even so, up until I quit those habits I actually had sweat stains in some of my shirts. I know this is gross and what may be grosser is I confess I am a profuse sweater. Of course at this stage I realize only a dedicated detoxer is grateful for this function. But since I have cleaned up my act, my sweat is clear and without odor. That is until this tea. My sweat is still clear, but I am actually excreting an odor. For the past 3 years I have a rock deodorant crystal sitting nicely in the bathroom even though I quit using it some time ago.  Now I find myself having to avoid co-workers up close if I've forgotten to use it.

This tea has given me immediate and powerful detox results. As I reflect back on the Juice Feast it was a chore to get any additional liquids in me because I was already going to the bathroom more times that I cared for. But working in air conditioning does require I dress warmly and tea does give me a temporary boost in warmth.  So I fully intend to continue drinking this tea daily before and during my Juice Feast. 





Saturday, February 4, 2012

Organic Clothing

Owning organic clothing used to be a far off fantasy. As I have pushed myself with this blog to keep my commitment to good health during a time in many people's lives (graduate school) where it is easier to throw in the towel and pack on the pounds, this added commitment is another juggling event I add to the seam stress of my new wardrobe. There are few organic clothiers in my area, so trying on clothes before buying did not fit into my 7 month slow-but-sure purchases.

I have been wearing predominantly organic clothing from head to toe for the last month. Over a short staycation, I spent a day washing and drying everything carefully, packed up most of my conventional clothing for charity, and then launched overnight into my new wardrobe. I felt gawky and as unsure of myself as a newborn colt.

Over the last month I've grown comfortable mentally and physically with my new digs. These organic cotton and bamboo numbers feel good on my skin. My goal was to have a complete organic wardrobe prior to starting the Juice Feast, I am glad I didn't wait as I am delighted to have the awkwardness behind me. I relish taking another big step.

Initially, I found it challenging to find organic clothing. But now I know exactly what I want.

After 8 months of research, a few of my favorite online ecoboutiqies for unique pieces:

Nancy's Gone Green
Fair Tribe
Indigenous Design
Fashion and Earth


A few of my favorite online shops with organic basics are:

Gaiam
Sierra Trading Post
Fair Indigo
Green 3


Aventura
GGO Clothing
Gramicci
Sanuk (Organic Hemp Shoes)