Nature's Alternatives
Nature's Alternatives
Nature's Alternatives
Table of Contents
Introduction
This zine is meant as a guide for folks who are curious about more natural ways to deal with everyday life. It is meant to be a melting pot of all the information I have been collecting and researching for the past few years on natural means of living. In it you will find lots of suggestions on ways you can improve your health, your home environment, and your beauty regimen in ways that encompass and worship nature.
Society surrounds us with quick-fixes for almost every ailment and problem that we humans could possibly suffer from. They are advertised on radio, television, and visually, through eye-catching logos and billboards. We rely so much on brand-name products and become dependent solely on them, never questioning how the same problems can be helped in more natural, inexpensive, less harmful ways. Many ways to treat health problems are more easily accessible, and simpler to treat than we have been taught. Nature has provided us with its own resources that can help us humans resolve our problems. Why spend money on unnatural products that are foreign to our bodies and can have harmful side effects? We can reclaim independence and take charge by knowing our bodies and what natural solutions to health problems, home issues solutions, and natural beauty are availa ble. Thats why I have created this zine with natural solutions because I believe we can reconnect to natural solutions that are easier, cheaper and kinder to us and the health of our world.
Natural living is important for many reasons that include maintaining good health, saving money by not having to support the use of commercialized, chemical-laden products, and helping the environment by reducing the use of toxic substances in the home, in the air, and on the body. I felt that there was a need for information on natural living to be passed out to those who are curious but are not sure how to get started.
For coughs... Try licorice Root Tea -soothes throat and relieves coughs
For productive coughs (coughing up mucus): Drink plenty of fluids to help rid yourself of what your lungs are trying to get out of your system. Do not take cough medicine that helps to suppress coughs. Cold medicine that serves as an expectorant is good to take. For nonproductive coughs (dry coughs): It is recommended to take a cough suppressant. The herb Thyme, when made into a tea can help to suppress coughs by relaxing tracheal muscles. Steep two teaspoons of loose Thyme in hot water for 10 minutes.
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Siberian Ginseng: 300 mgs twice a day for 7-10 days Astralagus: 250-500 mgs 3-4x a day Garlic: 1,000 to 1,500 mg of pure or concentrated garlic or garlic extract powder, or 2,400 to 3,600 mg of fresh garlic equivalent* Spirulina: Take 1 teaspoon of spirulina in a liquid. (Putting it in smoothies is my favorite way of taking Spirulina) Elderberry: 1 tbsp. of liquid extract or syrup 4x daily for 35 days.
Useful tips for colds: Using an air humidifier Drinking hot liquids Eating chicken soup (yummm) If congested, salt water in your nose and spitting it out your mouth for congestion. Eucalyptus oil is good for relieving congestion. put 5 drops in a hot bath or 6 in a cup of boiling water and inhale.
At first sign of sore throat drink tea (you can also add cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, honey, or lemon juice.) 3-6 drops of pure tea tree oil to warm water and gargle. do this 3x a day. hot liquids like turkey or chicken broth (sipped) gargle with warm salt water *** My own sore throat remedy that I have found to work (take at first sign of a sore throat). Mix one package of Emergen-C in water with a dropperful of Echinacea liquid extract (available at health food stores). Do this up to 3x a day.
For women: Premenstrual Syndrome & Menstrual Problems: B-Vitamins are very important for menstruating women, so make sure you are taking a B-complex supplement. B6 has been shown to help with moodiness, fluid retention, bloating, and fatigue associated with Premenstrual Syndrome. Calcium and Magnesium are also important. Vitamin A has been shown to help lessen blood flow in women who have heavy menstrual bleeding. For Menstrual Cramps Fennel tea, Raspberry leaf tea, cramp bark tea, heating pad, taking a sea salt and baking soda bath. *Fennel tea may increase menstrual bleeding in some women due to its muscle relaxing properties
Some suggestions for combating Fatigue Getting regular exercise Eat a breakfast high in complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars. Eat a light lunch (eating too much can make you feel tired) Watch less TV and spend less time on the computer Make sure you have enough downtime and alone time for yourself Wake up earlier and go to bed earlier Find something to be motivated about (creative projects are great) Have confidence in yourself (will get you more excited about life, thus making you more likely to take action). Try to avoid these foods as much as you can: sugar, alcohol, fats, caffeine, white flour products, and highly processed foods. Eat more of: fresh fruits and vegetables and less of red meat. 7
Partake in regular, vigorous exercise (helps to speed up food digestion. Running is a good example) Drink more water (increased fluids in general) Eat flaxseeds (a natural, mild laxative) Take a psyllium husk supplement. Ive heard eating the crushed seeds is even better. Make sure to drink plenty of water with these. Drink Aloe Juice Get more fiber in your diet (see below) Lower the amount of meat and dairy you eat if it is excessive and fill your diet with more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-filled foods) Drink dandelion root tea
Lindseys digestion tea :) teaspoon powdered ginger or inch knob of peeled, fresh ginger 1 tablespoon dried fennel 1 tablespoon Honey (for taste) Steep for 5-10 minutes. This tea relieves cramps and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, food intolerances in general, etc.
Mosquito Bites: moisten skin soon after the bite happens and rub an aspirin tablet on bite to reduce inflammation
Tea tree oil (used topically) is good for cuts and infections due to its antibacterial properties. Do not use on face, as much irritation can occur Baking Soda for Bee Stings For effective bee sting relief apply a baking soda paste. Bee stings are acid and the alkalinity of the baking soda helps to neutralize them. 1 tsp baking soda tsp water 1 drop tea tree essential oil Place baking soda in palm of hand or small vessel and add water, a few drops at a time, until a spreadable paste results. Add the tea tree oil and apply to bee sting. Leave on for as long as needed and reapply new paste if necessary. 9
The Mind
This next section talks about natural ways to help with issues that take place in our minds. I cover topics like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Mental health is different for all of us, so if you believe or know you suffer from any of the issues talked about in this section, you should be talking to a qualified healthcare professional. If you suffer from any of these mental health issues and want to try some of my recommendations in this section, make sure they are discussed with a health professional, especially if you are trying them as an alternative to or in addition to any prescription medications you may be using.
Doing a quick yoga routine every morning. The stretching will wake your body up and help your mind to transition from sleep to wakefulness. Ive found that this is especially helpful when you have to wake up extremely early. It will also help ease that groggy feeling of having to get up early for work!
An alternative to caffeine! 1 glass of warm water Juice of half a lemon 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar This drink boosts digestion, metabolism, and helps you to detox. It will give you a better, less jittery energy boost. Coffee tastes good but it can dehydrate you, and boost cortisol (stress hormone) levels amongst other things. Energizing Essential oils Peppermint and rosemary essential oils have fragrances that can instantly uplift you when inhaled. Rosemary has also been shown to boost brain function, so keep a little bottle at hand when studying. Take a few whiffs whenever you feel you need them. :) 10
Limit caffeine consumption (avoid caffeine after lunch), Start an exercise routine Establish a set bedtime and stick to it every night Letting go of stressors before bed (guided meditation can help) Take a warm bath before bed Try taking Melatonin, a supplement found to help with sleeping problems. Try one of the following herbs: hops, passionflower, valerian, and chamomile. you can get these at health food stores. Reduce commotion in your bedroom where you sleep. stick to simple colors and dont put too many things on the walls. Address mattress problems. Dont use your bed for anything else besides sleep and making love. Dont do work on the bed. Eat foods high in tryptophan, which promotes sleep (turkey, bananas, figs, dates, yogurt, milk, tuna, nut butter).
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Make-your-own Dream Pillow Dream pillows are sacks filled with assorted herbs whose aromas help you get to sleep. You simply put it under your pillow at night after giving it a good squeeze to release the aromas in the herbs. One nylon sock Dried lavender Dried Mint Dried Rosemary Dried rose petals Flaxseeds or rice Mix herbs and flaxseeds/rice together and funnel them into a sock. Then tie the top of the sock in a knot so the herbs do not fall out. Give it a good squeeze with your hands to release the scents, and youre done! :)
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Anxiety
Some suggestions that may help with anxious thoughts: Cut down on caffeine and stimulants in general Have a regular exercise routine (endorphins relieve anxiety) make sure you are getting enough sleep find a meditation technique that works for you (youtube it!) keep a journal to jot down thoughts to help better organize them and thus create more ease
Important supplements to be taking if you suffer from anxiety: calcium & magnesium, b-complex, zinc, l-tyrosine (good for anxiety and depression). Follow recommended dosages.
Panic Attacks
Herbs for anxiety that aid in preventing panic attacks: catnip, chamomile, hops, linden flower, motherwort, passionflower **ragweed allergy could develop with use of chamomile on an ongoing basis. Do not use if you have a ragweed allergy. Skullcap and valerian root can be taken at bedtime to promote sleep and aid in preventing panic attacks at night *For panic attacks: *to help manage an acute panic attack: inhale slowly to a count of four, hold breath for a count of four, exhale slowly to a count of four and then do nothing for a count of four. repeat until attack subsides. Remind yourself that the attack will pass
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Depression
Some lifestyle suggestions that may improve overall mood and feelings of depression Having a diet that includes sufficient levels of Bvitamins( especially B6, B12, and folic acid), may be good to take a b-complex just incase. Cutting down on sugar (and see if it makes a difference in your mood throughout the day) Exercising regularly. Endorphins lift the mood. Exercise also helps to release anger and other negative emotions that can cause depression. Reaching out to loved ones. Dont isolate yourself Keeping a journal Making sure you are getting enough exposure to sunlight. Get outdoors as much as possible, if the weather permits. If this is not possible, make sure you are getting a good source of Vitamin D. St. John s Wort is an herb that helps with mild to moderate depression. Consult your doctor before taking. St. Johns Wort can be found at convenience stores in the herbal medicine section or most health food stores. Take the recommended dosage on bottle. Eat enough complex carbohydrates (a diet low in them can cause serotonin depletion, resulting in depression). Essential oils to help lift your mood: Rose and Thyme are two herbs whose essential oil aromas can help bring temporary relief to a bad mood. Just dab a little on your wrist and inhale. Essential oils can be found online or at your local health food store.
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Stress
To help combat the effects of stress, try some of the following suggestions: Limit intake of caffeine Get regular exercise Make sure you are getting enough sleep every night Adopt a meditation technique and stick to it regularly Try some deep breathing Monitor internal conversations you are having with yourself Take a vacation Pursue a hobby Create a relaxing, stress-free home environment, Aromatherapy. The following essential oils help to alleviate stress: chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, lavender, ylang-ylang. Add 10 to 20 drops in a warm bath and relax, or just dab some on a tissue and inhale periodically throughout the day. Go hiking Drinking tea mindfully. Dont just drink your tea while thinking about all the stressful things in your life. Take each sip slowly and focus on the act of tea drinking. This will get your mind into the present moment and you will get out of your head.
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A Tea for Headaches 3 parts lemon balm 3 parts chamomile 1 part skullcap 1 part passionflower
A Tea for Insomnia part hops 1 part valerian 3 parts chamomile 1 part oats 1 part passionflower Pour over hot water and steep for 15 minutes
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Disinfectant Spray This spray disinfects with the power of tea tree oil. You can find tea tree oil in the health and beauty section of your local health food store. It also calls for castile soap which is another name for olive-oil based soaps. Dr. Bonners is a popular brand of castile soap found at many health food stores. 16oz. spray bottle 1 tbsp borax cup water 3 tbsp castile soap (a good, popular brand is Dr. Bonners) 20-30 drops tea tree oil 18
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Bleach Alternative Use one cup of lemon juice in half a bucket of water and soak overnight, or substitute half a cup of borax per washload to whiten whites and brighten colors.
STAINS GUIDE
Blood - rinse with club soda or pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain and rinse in cold water. For stubborn stains mix cornstarch with water and rub into the stain. Allow to dry and brush away Coffee/Tea- Soak in strong vinegar solution or rinse with seltzer water Berries: Soak in either vinegar or milk until stain recedes Red Wine: blot with paper towels, then apply either club soda, rubbning alcohol, borax or white wine to blot out stain
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Pest Repellants
INSECT REPELLANT This recipe calls for some essential oils which can be found at health food stores or online. Witch hazel can be found in the First Aid section of most convenience stores, and Apple Cider Vinegar can be found at most grocery stores. 2cups witch hazel 1 tsp essential oil of citronella or lemongrass. 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Store in a spritzer Combine all ingredients in a 16oz spray bottle or two 8oz bottles. Shake vigorously. Requires no refrigeration. Apply liberally as needed. Keep away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
Eeeeek!!!
Ant Repellant Sprinkle Red Chili Powder, cream of tartar powder, salt, or sage near ant infestations. Roach Repellant place bay leaves in cracks around room
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Deodorizer
Rust Remover Lemon Juice Steel Wool Apply lemon juice to rusted area and scrub with steel wool. Wipe Clean Floor Cleaner cup of white vinegar 1 gallon hot water Mix and apply to vinyl, linoleum, and tile floors. Allow to dry. Tile, Tub and basin cleaner 1 cup baking soda cup liquid soap cup water 2 tbs vinegar Mix soda and soap. Then add water and mix. Then add vinegar and mix. Apply. Rinse with sponge to avoid leaving residue. Store in a squirt top bottle and shake before using.
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Toilet bowl cleaner use above recipe ^ with the addition of cup borax or baking soda. You can also sprinkle borax or baking soda directly onto toilet brush and apply. Easy-Clean Microwave lemon slices water place lemon slices in microwave safe cup with atleast 8ox of water. Heat on high for 3 minutes. Let sit for 3 minutes without opening the microwave door. After 3 minutes, safely remove the cup and wipe down the inside of the microwave. Natural Air Freshener: Baking Soda! baking soda cleaned yogurt container Put scented baking soda in a yogurt container. Punch holes in the top of container- works well in problem areas
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Natural Air Purifiers (House Plants) Having plants in your home is great for more than aesthetic purposes. Plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and some can even remove chemicals from the air. The air in our homes is often polluted with chemicals from disinfectants, artificial air fresheners, paint, and aerosols. If you spend a lot of time indoors, it is wise to invest in houseplants so the quality of the air in your home can be improved upon. The following plants are natural air detoxifiers that can improve air quality in your home. These plants are highly efficient and low maintenance. Consider adding one (or a few) to your home. :)
Peace Lily Chinese Evergreen Golden Pothos (Devils Ivy) Snake Plant Daisies Chrysanthemums Spider Plants Australian Umbrella Tree Dracaena Ficus Philodendrons Aloe Vera English Ivy Boston fern
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Natural Beauty
This next section focuses on natural living in the beauty sense. It features many recipes for the face and body using simple ingredients that are naturally derived. They are a lot of fun to make and will be sure to pleasure your senses as well as your body and mind! Most of the ingredients can be found at your local health food store. Nature has truly rewarded us with a multitude of allnatural, wholesome ingredients with which to create a variety of products to both cleanse and nourish your skin, hair, nails, and more. -Stephanie Tourles, author of The Herbal Body Book
When thinking of the topic of beauty, try to focus on a more natural, inclusive vision of what it is. Everyone possesses beauty in their own way. Our culture has turned beauty into a strict standard that is attained by few, leaving the others to feel disempowered. When using my recipes, think of them as a way to play up your own innate beauty rather than trying to attain or cover-up a lack of beauty.
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The following list includes lifestyle factors that, when followed, will make you feel more beautiful from the inside out. These will give you a greater sense of wellbeing, thus making you feel and live more beautifully :) 1. Get plenty of rest 2. Exercise regularly 3. Eat a balanced diet 4. Take breaks to boost your energy. Meditate, relax, or walk. 5. Keep your skin and hair clean and full of moisture. 6. Use sun protection 7. Brush and floss your teeth regularly 8. Drink plenty of water 9. Give yourself a monthly total body treatment 10. Use natural beauty products 11. Dont smoke 12. Find ways to relax and de-stress 13. Invite joy into your life
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tsp honey 5 drops olive oil 1 squirt fresh lemon juice 1 drop lavender essential oil
Skin-Softening Bath cup ground oatmeal cup ground sunflower seeds One long sock Use same directions as first recipe Sugar and Spice Bath Mix A sensual wintertime bath for just you, or with the addition of a partner too ;) Using ingredients that can be easily found in any kitchen! cup baking soda 2 tbsp sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon tsp ground ginger tsp ground cloves Mix together all ingredients until well blended and store in a sugar bowl or shaker. Add 2 tbsp of bath mix to a warm tub of water. Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath 1 cup oil cup honey cup liquid soap 1 tbsp vanilla extract Mix ingredients together and run through the faucet of your bathtub
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Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to look through this zine! I hope that you enjoyed exploring all the recipes I provided and are hoping to put some of them to use. It was a lot of fun gathering all this information to share with you. If you are new to natural living, I hope you learned a thing or two after finishing this book. Next time you are thinking of using any product on your body that is loaded with unnatural substances and chemicals, please do a little research and see if there is a natural alternative that will give you the same results, or even better ones! Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are thinking of trying any natural health remedies in place of any prescription medications you may be taking. Become more proactive about your health and wellbeing by questioning what you have been told and doing some independent research on how you can achieve good health and well-being through more natural means. Happy learning! -Lindsey
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References
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Gladstar, R. (1999). Rosemary Gladstar's herbs for reducing stress & anxiety. Pownal, Vt.: Storey Books. Gladstar, R. (1999). Rosemary Gladstar's herbs for natural beauty. Pownal, Vt.: Storey Books. Green Housecleaning Guide. www.wmeac.org. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from https://wmeac.org/media/files/global/GREENCLEANGUID E.pdf Griffith, H. W., Harrison, G., & Levinson, D. (1988). Complete guide to vitamins, minerals & supplements. Tucson, AZ: Fisher Books. Halweil, B. Cleaning Products. www.worldwatch.org. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from www.worldwatch.org/system/files/Cleaning%20Products.pdf
Rose, J. (1976). Herbal body book. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Simons, A. (1992). Before you call the doctor: safe, effective selfcare for over 300 medical problems. New York: Fawcett Columbine. The Easy guide to Natural Cleaning. (n.d.). www.livingthing.net.au. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from www.livingthing.net.au/rc/guides/2005125_NatClean_ENG. pdf Tourles, S. L. (1994). The herbal body book: a natural approach to healthier skin, hair, and nails. Pownal, Vt.: Storey Communications.
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