I've worked for Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Vitamin Cottage as well as a few coops and other natural food stores. What I've learned about natural foods and supplements, in general, is that everything does not work the same for everybody. We are all unique individuals with systems that behave according to our own chemistry. One person who takes 400 mg. of Vitamin E and their hot flashes reduce, does not mean it will do the same for you or me.

But, I have seen and used the following products/techniques and know they will work time and again.

Cold Showers

Let's begin with Hydrotherapy or taking a cold shower first thing in the morning. Perhaps you picture yourself standing there freezing,teeth chattering as the water pours over your entire body and you are thinking,"Never again will I do this!" Don't despair.

Try my routine. In the morning, I get ready by dry brushing (I'll explain later) my body, applying almond oil to it  and then I turn the water all the way to the right for the coldest setting and step in. I wait at the back of the tub and let my feet become wet first. I then move in quickly with my right shoulder leading and then step back; I then step in with my left side. I turn around and get the back. I then wait out of the water spray as I rub my body with a loofa sponge or wash cloth to get the oil into my cells. I do the same routine again and again allowing my body to adjust to the temperature. If you bring the body to the temperature where it can meet the cold all the capillaries open up and your organs and glandular system are cleansed. Youth returns. And if I need to -  I quickly wash my hair. I am done in less than 3 minutes. I rub down with a towel and feel stimulated, fresh, alert and renewed. Certainly, I am wide awake now!

Find a long-handled, natural bristle brush. Before you begin the shower, beginning with the feet, brush vigorously in a circle. Next do the legs, the hands and arms, the back, abdomen,chest and neck. Brush until your skin becomes rosy,warm and glowing. Brushing loosens up large amounts of dead skin so that is why the shower comes next.

Benefits:

1. Stimulates and increases blood circulation in all underlying organs and tissues.

2. Revitalizes and increases the eliminative capacity of your skin and helps throw toxins out of your system.

3. Rejuvenates and stimulates nerve endings.

4. Prevents colds, especially when used with cold showers.

5. Contributes to a healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fats. (yea!)

6. Rejuvenates the complexion and makes it look younger, fresher and more velvety.

7. Helps prevent premature aging.

I cannot say enough about this. Yoga has helped me with back pain, injuries and frozen shoulder pain. I am a calmer person because of a daily practice and meditation keeps me sane. The Pranayama or breathing has helped deepen my breath as well as help me relax. 

Walking is easy. Go around the block a few times, take a stroll around the park, walk that dog, go down a country lane - so beneficial.

Be sure to go early in the day or late evening - we here in Texas are Hot these days.

As we age, the hair becomes dry. You can avoid this with a twice a week application of a good oil on the hair. It helps if the hair is wet to get to the roots. After your cold shower (ha, ha) take some Almond oil and massage it in all over. Then leave it on! The longer the better. Use a non-drying shampoo (Giovanni Smooth as Silk) and see the la difference! Sure you can go to a Spa but unless you have the time every week and the bucks ($75-$125) - I'd do a home treatment. In between treatments, use a good organic essential oil such as rosemary or lavender (Young Living or Mountain Rose Herbs). Apply a little bit to your dry hair each day.

When I was Health and Beauty manager for Vitamin Cottage, I was asked everyday, "What do I do for dry skin?" Well, after recommending and trying many natural and organic products, I found the best solution was to add a little oil (almond, jojoba,grapeseed) to your lotion.

Now, recently I was given a bottle of Avalon Organics Vitamin C Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 15 and it actually works! It moisturizes and replenishes my skin. Unbelievable.It is paraben free so perhaps that helps.

I like Rachel Perry's Bee Pollen-Jojoba Maximum Moisture Creme with Ginkgo for my face. I also use Weleda's Daily Creme and for a really dry face - Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil (pricy!) so try Aubrey's Rosehip Seed oil.

All for now, email me with questions. Have Fun!!