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why chocolate is good for you!

Did You Know…

… that the world’s most incredibly sweet, decadent and satisfying food is actually good for you?

     Once considered the “bad guy” in the world of food, chocolate has turned into a national health-food phenomenon.  Read on to find out why and how chocolate is considered the “No. 1 longevity food in the world.

Chocolate is formed out of raw cacao seeds, the product of a fruit grown on the cacao tree (theobroma cacao).  Cacao trees are exotic—growing naturally in the shade of tropical rainforests in South America and the West Indies.  According to researchers, “The raw cacao bean is one of nature’s most fantastic superfoods due to its mineral content and wide array of unique properties.”

No wonder experts like nutritionist David Wolfe, author of Naked Chocolate, are extolling the benefits of the world’s most popular comfort food.  Its benefits are far-reaching:

check out the book: Naked Chocolate: The Astounding Truth About The World’s Greatest Food

Chocolate is good for sufferers of asthma, as it contains the anti-asthmatic compounds theobromine and theyophilline.
Cocoa, a component of chocolate, contains flavonels, antioxidants that increase blood flow to the brain.
Cacao also contains high levels of sulfur and magnesium, increasing your focus and alertness.
Chocolate can actually make you happier, longer. That’s because cacao enhances the amount of time the happiness-inducing compound anandamide stays in your system.
Chocolate decreases your anxiety and stress levels. A clinical trial demonstrated that dark chocolate reduced the production of stress hormones in as little as two weeks!
Chocolate is good for your teeth; the theobromine compound contained in chocolate kills the bacteria that cause cavities.
Chocolate contains zinc, a key mineral that contributes to the health of your immune system, liver, pancreas and skin.
Chocolate ensures your blood stays healthy, as it contains the key mineral copper.
Chocolate is considered by many nutritionists to be the best food for your heart.  A study conducted by the German Institute of Human Nutrition found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, in part due to chocolate’s ability to reduce blood pressure.


In addition, a 15-year study involving men ages 65 and older, scientists studied the eating and exercising habits of 470 men, tracking their chocolate intake as well.  Their results?  “The men in the group that consumed the least cocoa were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than those in the group that consumed the most cocoa.”  Additionally, “Men in the study who consumed the most cocoa were less likely to die of any cause.”

     Just because chocolate is good for your health doesn’t mean you should indulge in the rich, calorific, sugar-laden chocolates that are widely available.  Many commercial chocolate bars contain ingredients such as refined sugar or unhealthy sweeteners, trans fatty acids and artificial flavors.  The key to gaining the most benefit from the world’s No. 1 longevity food is to choose chocolate that is …

organic

dark (as opposed to milk chocolate)

raw

stone-ground and/or cold-processed  … with a minimum of additives that can negate the health benefits.

Such chocolates  like; organic dark chocolate, especially; xocai brand cold processed natural dark chocolate are available at raw-food and natural-food stores, as well as online chocolate retailers like Amazon, Sacred Chocolate.

Not only is chocolate good for your insides, but ere’s a few Benefits of cocoa absolute essential oil: aphrodisiac, creates a feeling of well being and contentment, clarity, relaxes the muscles, anti-aging, decreases anxiety, anti-bacterial, an overall balancer of the body and mind.

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Method of Extraction: Hexane Free extraction
Parts Used: bean
Country of Origin: France
Principal Constituents:
Arginine – an amino acid responsible for helping blood flow and increasing sexual desire
Phenylethylamine – unites with dopamine in the brain which creates a feeling like being in love, and increases focus, intuition, along with a sense of well-being and contentment
Theobromine – gently activates the neurosystem which then provides clear thoughts and relaxes muscles, speeds up metabolism, is anti-aging and can successfully prevent the growth of 102 types of bacteria
Tryptophan – is a mood enhancer and decreases anxiety
Anandimide – generates a feeling of calm

Cocoa essential oil (or absolute) makes a luscious lip balm too. For a peppermint patty lip balm; Just use 1 oz. of coconut oil, 1/2 oz. beeswax and add a few drops of this lovely chocolately goodness and a drop or two of peppermint essential oil and you’ve got yourself an awesome lip treat!

where to Find cocoa absolute essential oil:

OrganicInfustionswholesale:

Cacao Absolute (Chocolate Essential Oil), from Theobroma cacao

http://www.anandaapothecary.com/.

Cocoa Absolute at Wholesale prices – New Directions Aromatics

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com

Cocoa Absolute Essential Oil – $4.99 – Bless Your Body

http://www.blessyourbody.comRare and Exotic

 

Spring Meditation

After completing  Oprah and Depok Chopra’s 21-Day Meditation Challenge, a certain quote stood out in my mind’s eye and has stayed with me ever since.

“It’s been said in many healing traditions that the perfect medicine is often blooming right outside our front door. Everyday nature offers us its healing bounty, creating balance and cultivating greater harmony in our world. ” -Oprah & Depok Chopra

That snippet of their quote reverberated inside me, and echoes of the message still ring true. It even inspired a bit of poetry.

click here to read my poetry: Spring Meditation -on Yahoo! 

Happy Spring!!! words of wisdom and good life advice

butterfly blue sky istock   by szefei

Sometimes we all need a little reminder to be more positive in our lives…how else can we expect to have light in our lives if we are always looking at the darkness?

 

 Here are Some Bits & Pieces of Good Advice I’ve found:

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Always think positive!

If you want to get somewhere, you have to know where you want to go. Then never, never, never give up.

The secret of life isn’t what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.

Self-trust is the first secret of success. So believe and trust yourself.

Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.

Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.

How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself – so always think positively.

 One of my fave quotes:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking

so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us;

it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously

give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

A Return to Love” – Marianne Williamson

Other great quotes:

That as we travel from the old to the new, perhaps we should worry less about choosing what is right and focus on choosing what we cherish.

- Susan Saltrick -

Success is the Journey, Not the Destination.

- author unknown -

On a Positive Note

On a positive note I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.  People love that human touch – holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I’ve learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about. I just did. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

Note: people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel…..:)

I’ve learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night.”  Age 6

I’ve learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either.  Age 7

I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.  Age 9

I’ve learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom tells me to clean it.  Age 12

I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.  Age 14

I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me.  Age 15

I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.  Age 24

I’ve learned that brushing my child’s hair is one of life’s great pleasures.  Age 26

I’ve learned that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there.  Age 29

I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.  Age 30

I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it.  Age 42

I’ve learned that you can make some one’s day by simply sending them a little note.  Age 44

I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.  Age 46

I’ve learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.  Age 47

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.  Age 48

I’ve learned that singing “Amazing Grace” can lift my spirits for hours.  Age 49

I’ve learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.  Age 50

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.  Age 52

I’ve learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.  Age 53

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.  Age 55

I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.  Age 58

I’ve learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.  Age 61

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.  Age 62

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something back.  Age 64

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.  But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.  Age 65

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.  Age 66

I’ve learned that everyone can use a prayer.  Age 72

I’ve learned that it pays to believe in miracles And to tell the truth, I’ve seen several.  Age 75

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.  Age 82

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.  People love that human touch, holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.  Age 85

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.  Age 92

I’ve learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about.  Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

23 Things I Wish I Had Learned Earlier

1.  Any and all compliments can be handled by simply saying “Thank you,” though it helps if you say it with a Southern accent.

2.  Some people are working backstage, some are playing in the orchestra, some are onstage singing, some are in the audience as critics and some are there to applaud.  Know who and where you are.

3.  Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas.

4.  When baking, follow directions.  When cooking, go by your own taste.

5.  Never continue dating anyone who is rude to the waiter.

6.  Good sex should involve laughter.  Because it’s, you know, funny.

7.  You need only two tools.  WD-40 and duct tape.  If it doesn’t move and it should, use WD-40.  If it moves and shouldn’t, use the tape.

8.  If you tell a lie, don’t believe it deceives only the other person.

9.  The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship: “I apologize,” and “You are right”.

10.  Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

11.  When you make a mistake, make amends immediately.  It’s easier to eat crow while it’s still warm.

12.  The only really good advice that I remember my mother ever gave me was “Go! You might meet somebody!”

13.  If he says that you are too good for him–believe him.

14.  I’ve learned to pick my battles; I ask myself, Will this matter one-year from now? How about one month?  One week? One day?

15.  At hard times I ask myself, “How do I feel?  What do I want?” I use it whenever I’m at loss for words or thoughts.

16.  Never pass up an opportunity to pee.

17.  If you woke up breathing, congratulations!  You have another chance!

18.  If you move far from your family when you’re young, consider choosing a career with an airline.  Your need to see your family will last a lifetime, as will your travel benefits.

19.  Living well really is the best revenge.  Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just proves that the other person was right about you.

20.  Be really nice to your friends because you never know when you are going to need them to empty your bed urinal and hold your hand.

21.  Work is good but it’s not that important.

22.  Never underestimate the kindness of your fellow man.

23.  And finally…Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect, it just means you’ve decided to see beyond the—imperfections.

Remember, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.

 

Nepalese Good Luck Mantra

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs:

Respect for self

Respect for others, and

Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation.  Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt and dance like you do when nobody’s watching.

essential oil scientific research on the human brain

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This is so interesting, a must-read for updates on essential oil scientific research on the brain:

Ananda Apothecary wrote:

Scientific research regarding health and medical applications of essential oils is going on regularly at universities and other facilities around the world. Many of these studies are immediately applicable to aromatherapy practitioners for improved health and well-being, while others spark interest in the potential of essential oils as a part of future medicine protocols. Modern scientific research is regularly confirming aromatherapy’s practical medical applications!

Here’s a look at two important journal publications just released about direct effects of essential oils in the brain, reviewed by the staff at Ananda Aromatherapy of Boulder, Colorado.

In the first study, performed at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Shizuoka Japan, Tarragon, Inula, Lavender and Tulsi~Holy Basil were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In other words, their ability to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, the primary information-handling neurotransmitter. Supplements with this action are becoming more and more popular with regular folks trying to increase their smarts, and are used to treat dementia (Alzheimer’s) by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.

Of the essential oils tested, Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) produced in France had the highest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, though all the oils tested showed significant AChE inhibitory activity. All the oils were analyzed by GC/MS to find the individual natural chemical constituents of the oils which produced this effect. Of real interest is that 1,8-Cineol had the greatest inhibitory activity of all the constituents examined. Why this this interesting? Rosemary essential oil has long been considered a mental stimulant (we find in the office to be particularly brightening) and has been studied for this effect, improving mental focus in humans through a variety of tests. The primary component of Rosemary essential oil is 1,8-Cineol (it is also a major constituent of Eucalyptus oils, used for invigorating massages and steam treatments).

Also of great interest was that the effect of these constituents relative to their amounts in the complete natural essential oil was not very high – meaning the complete essential oil, with nature’s balance of the chemical constituents, was synergistically more effective than the singly-extracted molecules. This is a theme in aromatherapy: that the complete natural essential oil will generally have more benefits than a single ‘active ingredient’ extracted in a laboratory — Therapeutic grade oils are those that retain the natural balance of the plant’s, with proper harvesting and distillation methods.

The second study very much ties in with the first, as it demonstrates the ability of Lemon essential oil to directly prevent dementia (Alzheimer’s).

How can you benefit from these studies? The best method is to find a cold-air nebulizing diffuser. These employ no water or other carrier, and make a very fine mist of essential oils that easily evaporate into your room. These are the only diffusers that create high concentrations of essential oils in the air — enough to show measurable biochemical effects. A ‘warming’ diffuser or other non-nebulizing style will allow you to smell the aroma, though the concentration will be significantly lower.

read more at;
http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils-news/2009/04/aromatherapy-research-update-essential.html

how to hug a traditional Indian: ancient Indian sign of tender love

happy spring! butterflybluesky istock photo by  szefei
Happy Spring :)

(butterflybluesky istock photo by  szefei)

While researching for an article I’m writing I found this lovely olfaction trivia

…from a ‘smell-o-rama’ smorgasborg of the history and culture of  “smell”.

How to hug an Indian traditionalist:

In India, the traditional affectionate greeting – equivalent of the Western hug or kiss – was to smell someone’s head. An ancient Indian text declares “I will smell thee on the head, that is the greatest sign of tender love”.

 

 

More here on “limbic system’ posts ->  http://yellowstaressentials.wordpress.com/?s=limbic

great blogger alternative therapy blogs to follow

we dont see things as they are we see them as we are

Here’s some great blogs :

 

Blogger Alternative Therapy Blogs to follow:

Best Aromatherapy Books on Chakras

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Books about AROMATHERAPY AND CHAKRAS (Amazon links):

highly recommended reading:
Essential Oil Recipe Blends & Dilutions for Energy Work; Clearing & Balancing the Chakras

The Fragrant Heavens by Valerie Ann Worwood. the spiritual aspects of aromatherapy.
Also by Valerie Ann Worwood; The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion ,
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils .also by Valerie Ann Worwood.
Anita Slotte’s ” Tools for Transformation ” article,
http://www.alternativeculture.com/spirit/chakra.htm

Aromatherapy information;
http://www.bhia.org/aromatherapy.htm

Chakra information;
http://health.indianetzone.com/aromatherapy/1/essential_oils_chakras.htm

Wonderful website on chakras; Suzanne Bovenizer’s website ;
http://www.suzannebovenizer.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils/aromatherapy-and-the-energetic-bodies

MORE READING ON CHAKRAS AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE :

MORE OF MY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ARTICLES:

Frankincense ensures King Richard the Lionheart entrance to heaven

Happy March!

I had to giggle when I read this post today.

Apparently, long ago, kings and royalty used Frankincense in their burial rites not only for embalming purposes, but to ensure they would be granted entrance to heaven. LOL!

If that were still true today, Frankincense would probably be in such short supply that the price would be unaffordable for any ‘commoner’.

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When embalmed after his death in April 1199, the heart of King Richard I was soaked in frankincense – suggesting that the monarch feared that his many acts of treachery and brutality might exclude him from the kingdom of heaven.

Autopsy of 12th-century monarchy reveals heart embalmed in purifying frankincense …read more about it here.

We found many interesting things,” he said. “But the most interesting was the presence, in substantial quantities, of frankincense, which has never been found in any other embalming. It is unique. This suggests that Richard, and those around him, knew of episodes in his life which had a bad smell… Frankincense, linked to Christ’s story, may have been intended to make him smell like a saint and therefore to ease his passage to heaven.”

Although Richard has gone down in popular history as a good and noble king, his 41 years were stained with treacherous revolts against his father, King Henry II, and with massacres of Muslims during the Crusades and of English Jews. He is also believed by historians to have had a number of homosexual love affairs – something then regarded as unnatural.

Now Frankincense has an even greater spiritual context ! LOL… I better invest in Frankincense!! :D

See more of my posts concerning Frankincense here;

great point about natural perfumes

Natural perfumes are 100 times better than their synthetic counterparts, for a multitude of reasons. But it’s easy to see why they are getting more use these days as so many of us are concerned about our ever-increasing toxic environments.

One thing you might not have known and is a great point about natural perfumes is a comment by Ananda from Amrita Aromatherapy about wearing a natural perfume: (one of her lovely perfumes is called SWOON see it here on poppyswap)

Depending on your body chemistry, how much you apply, and your activities while you wear it, it will evolve and unfold on your skin over the course of 2-4 hours. Natural perfumes usually wear close to the skin and are not meant to enter a room before you – they are meant to be your intimate affirmation and personal, sensual ritual.

Natural Perfume can be applied to the pulse points, navel, and

hair as often as you desire.

So true!

Check out this cool video of how to make natural perfumes:

Have you ever tried wearing natural perfume? If so, I’d love to hear what you thought of it and if you’d wear it again.

February love: Valentine’s Day articles

I love February, and not just because it’s the month of my birthday :) (lol). But  because February is also the month of love, and is always one of the busiest months of the year for me, and I LOVE being busy – it hightens my energy!Image

Sooooo…I though why not share some of my Valentine’s articles with you; from gift ideas for your vexing valentine to essential oils for love…

enjoy! and give your love a big squeeeeeeze! :)

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