Throughout my life, it has become apparent that when I am healthy and happy, my hair and, certainly, my finger and toe nails, have reflected this positive state by being healthy and happy also. If I become vitamin or mineral deficient or when my heart or kidneys—my two weak spots during some phases of my life—were struggling, these states quickly became reflected in the health and strength of my hair and, very quickly, in the health and strength of my nails! I eventually came to believe/realize that if my emotions were in a whirl for any length of time at all, this unsettled state of mine would impact my hair and nails as well.
Of course, being the curious person that I am, I began research to see if thoughts along these lines were my imagination or a real phenomenon! Guess what I very quickly learned! And then, being me and being involved in a ‘health care and improvement’ world, I began to research herbs, essential oils, homeopathics, supplements, and the connection between general nutrition and optimum health as reflected in my hair and nails.
There is absolutely no question that the condition of our hair and nails often (always?) serves as an outward indicator of our internal health. The condition of the hair and nails can be (No, is!) a reliable signaling system for conditions ranging from nutrient deficiencies to hormonal imbalances and can even be an early indicator of a chronic illness.
After a bit of pondering, I chose to discuss the spleen for this month’s Foot Zone Focus. I did this for several reasons. First, I wonder how much the majority of us, including foot zone therapists, people in general, and even medical doctors, really ‘know’ about the spleen. By ‘know’ I mean understand both how important this small organ is to good health, and how much trouble it can cause if it should rupture.
Please ponder for a moment what is causing stress in your life. What in your life is ‘stressful’ to you? And, please, consider for a moment that our bodies and our minds are simply not equipped to handle long-term, chronic stress without suffering serious consequences, big and small.
Some people – I wish I were one of them – respond to most situations calmly. They simply handle stress well, with little or no ill effects on their bodies or minds. For these people, stress is not all bad. In small doses and handled properly, stress can even help us accomplish tasks quickly and well.
Can alternative health products such as essential oils, herbal remedies, and Blessed Water/Homeopathic remedies really help us reset our thinking and handle stress more appropriately? I certainly do believe that they can! Some of those remedies are featured in this month’s newsletter. Let’s begin today, however, with a little bit of information about the effects of stress on us physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Why am I taking up time and space to point out to you the long-term effects of stress and to discuss the things that might be stressing each of us out? Because, as I said in the first paragraph, I am hoping you will ponder the stress in your life and take steps to minimize the effects of stress on your health and happiness.
‘Grounding’, in some circles and descriptions, refers to the mental, spiritual, and emotional effect of having direct contact with the Earth, such as by walking barefoot or lying on the ground. Research has shown that such grounding can reduce inflammation in the body and repair free radical damage. When a person becomes properly ‘grounded’ as a regular part of their lives, they can expect improvement in blood pressure numbers, sleep quality, pain and stress levels, and wound healing. Improved mental acuity and overall emotional balance are part of their lives.
However, it is believed—I would call it known—that there are many other ways to achieve the positive effects of “grounding” to the earth than walking around barefoot. As you probably know, there are many types of ‘grounding mats’ on the market today. Although I have a couple of these mats, they are not the topic of this article today.
In my opinion—and in the opinions of many people who use various alternative methods of wellness every day—many other ways to feel emotionally and physically centered and balanced were built right into this earth’s creation and in the things created and made available to us. Many of the products produced and sold at Butterfly Express are useful in ways that improve the ‘grounding’ of the individuals who make use of them on a regular (daily) basis. The following products, with accompanying special pricing, are the focus of this newsletter.
Of course, the things mentioned here are only a few of the wonderful things available to us in God’s Pharmacy.
I find the chosen title of this article, those big bold words above, to be educational all by themselves. WOW! Caring for our lymphatic systems is precisely what we are doing during a ‘cleanse’, even if that cleanse is meant to target the intestinal tract specifically. Every alternative method of eliminating allergies that works recognizes this and works to cleanse and strengthen this vital system.
How do you define ‘mental wellness’? What does it mean—and what does a person who is mentally stable look and behave like? The name of this month’s second-essential-oil-blend special came to mind immediately! Resilience! YES! Such a person would be well-balanced and able to handle—and handle well—whatever life (and people and/or circumstances) may send their way! Such a person would be known for their kindness, their compassion, and for the genuine love they have for themselves and those around them. I am fortunate—and very blessed—to have many such people in my life.
Personal note: I recently had a birthday. It could have been hard due to grief and loss that will be forever associated in our family with that day and with Thanksgiving day and week. However, my phone kept ‘beeping’ with messages, and every time I opened my e-mail or social media, there were a dozen friends or so checking in and lifting my spirits, and offering me courage and peace. What a beautiful few days I have had!
This month’s specials targeting ‘mental wellness’ and the things I will try to teach you about these remedies that I consider nothing less than ‘gifts from Heaven’ are my way (and Butterfly’s way) of telling you how much we love and appreciate you all and your faith in us as you let us try to provide for you some of the things that have blessed the lives of my family (and so many others) for so long!
During sleep, our bodies should be working to support healthy brain function and maintain our physical health.
How is that working for you?
I hope very well! But, if not, I hope something in this article can help you! There are few things in life more frustrating—and more detrimental to our health—than lying awake, so very tired, but unable to sleep. Not getting enough good quality sleep is, however, more than just frustrating because sleep is a very essential function! Without sufficient rest/sleep, it is impossible for a person to be well either physically or emotionally! As you sleep, your body and mind get a chance to recharge. If that ‘recharging’ gets accomplished, you should wake up refreshed, energetic, and alert. If not . . .?
During childhood and into the teenage years, sleep also supports growth and development. Getting inadequate sleep over time increases the risk of chronic (long-term) health problems.
Studies show that when we don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep, our immune system gets disrupted and weakened. This, of course, makes it more likely that we will get sick when we have been exposed to any sort of illness. Our bodies need sleep to fight infections that are passed from one person to the next. Long-term lack of sleep also raises our risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
I could go on and on here, but let’s just get on to possible solutions!
Albert Einstein is reputed to have said that he studied science in order to ‘understand God’s thoughts’ as He created the world. As I have studied anatomy and physiology and the healing properties of “God’s pharmacy’—for a lifetime—I am always in awe of the genius of our Creator and His overwhelming love for each of us!
With plants, in either herb or essential oil form, we have been given wonderful ways to nourish and heal our bodies. And the energetic miracle that is Blessed Water/Homeopathic Remedies is almost beyond belief!
We are meant to be well and happy and energetic into our advanced years! Please do not accept pain and physical limitations as a normal part of the aging process! Eat right. live well, and use the wonderful and amazing remedies that God has provided for us everywhere in the world!
As fall rolls in and the air turns crisp, it also brings along an unwelcome guest—“sickness season.” Cooler weather means respiratory viruses and other illnesses tend to pop up more often. Kids in school are exposed to all kinds of germs (and generously share them at home). Plus, when it’s chilly outside, we spend more time indoors and closer to others, making it easier for germs to spread. To make matters worse, cooler temps and drier air create the perfect environment for viruses to stick around longer, both in the air and on surfaces.
The best way to stay healthy is to give your immune system a boost before sickness season kicks into high gear. That way, you can avoid, or at least lessen, the bugs that come your way. But life happens, and sometimes those best-laid plans don’t pan out. That’s where the products in this blog come in. They can help you stay well, bounce back faster, and make those symptoms a whole lot easier to handle.
The end of summer and the upcoming return to school for children, teens, and college students can be a stressful time for everyone involved, including parents. This seems to be true to some extent, no matter the age of the child or even how well the previous school year went. And then, the school day usually requires the student to focus and pay attention while sitting at a desk—something many children find quite difficult. Then there are the issues of getting homework done and back to school with the children, young or old!
The remedies focused on as specials and offered at discounted prices, were chosen with these issues in mind. However, as you will quickly see from the product descriptions, they address energy levels, the ability to focus and pay attention, and handling anxiety from any cause and in any type of situation.