Digestive problems, including constipation, have occurred for centuries. The Native Americans relied on herbs and plants to cure their bathroom woes. Because their diets were limited to the foods they could readily find in the woods and on the prairies, they did not always consume enough fiber. While hunting, they might fore go eating for a day or two. What the Native Americans ate depended solely on what was available for hunting and foraging.

As you might suspect, this type of lifestyle led to troublesome constipation now and then. Native Americans learned quickly which plants acted as laxatives to safely ease their constipation and return their digestive systems to a state of normalcy.

Throughout history, people have relied on natural laxatives to ease their constipation. In fact, it is still common practice in Chinese medicine to ingest a mixture of rhubarb root, ginger root, and licorice root instead of over-the-counter medications. The most common Indian (Ayurvedic) natural laxative formula is a mixture of psyllium, flax, and chia seeds steeped in black cherry juice.

Here are some of the most common constipation cures throughout history:

Aloe Vera
For centuries, the beverage form of Aloe Vera has been used as a natural laxative for even the worst cases of constipation. The juice should be made from the powder of the ground up leaves.

Basil Leaves
Many people use basil in everyday cooking. Throughout history, basil leaves brewed as tea have been proven to help reduce gas, reduce stomach cramps, and relieve constipation.

Bottle Gentian
To prevent constipation, many Indian tribes relied on natural laxative plants to support proper digestion. Logically, if the body can digest food effectively, constipation can be avoided. Bottle Gentian was used as a juice to aid digestion and even suppress the appetite.
Buckthorn

Around 2 A.D., a Greek physician touted the use of Buckthorn for a number of ailments. One method of preparation involved using the bark to make a tea, and this natural laxative is still in use today. Also, the tea helps ease related symptoms of constipation as well.

Chamomile
While Chamomile cannot cure constipation or even relieve its symptoms, Chamomile can help reduce gas to aid in easy digestion. If your system is digesting food more effectively, constipation can be avoided before it starts. For best results, steep the chamomile flowers in hot water for at least three minutes.

Culver’s Root
When the Native Americans found themselves battling malaria, they would use Culver’s Root as a natural laxative for the bedridden. Culver’s Root can be toxic, so it’s definitely not a choice for the novice!

Dandelion
Dandelion leaves taste bitter, but many people enjoy adding them to salads or steeping them for tea. Dandelion contains properties acting as a mild natural laxative. While dandelion leaves may not suit everyone’s tastes, they are extremely nutritious and good for the body.

Flowering Spurge
The Mesquakies Indians discovered Flowering Spurge worked as a laxative when ingested as a tea. The root was infused with hot water and drank in the morning to help keep the tribes’ digestive systems regular.

New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea was made from the roots of Ceanothus Americanus and turned into a tea. Because tea was hard to come by during the Revolutionary War, New Jersey Tea became a common substitute. During the process, it was discovered this beverage worked as a mild natural laxative.

Peppermint
If your constipation is tied to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, studies show peppermint leaves steeped in tea can help relieve pain and discomfort. This can help the intestines and bowel to relax, which helps the eliminatory process in turn.

Tamarind
The ancient Egyptians believed massive amounts of garlic and Tamarind were best for curing constipation. They also relied on mint to aid with digestion as well as prevent constipation.

Wild Indigo
Native Americans used a mixture of buffalo lard and Wild Indigo to help diminish intestinal troubles. With a reduction of gas and intestinal pain, people were more likely to effectively eliminate waste.

What about over the counter laxatives?

Contrary to popular belief, using laxatives on a routine basis to obtain regular bowel movements can ultimately lead to laxative abuse or addiction. Once laxative abuse starts, many complications can occur and it can be difficult to get the digestive system back on track.

You may experience complications from prolonged or acute laxative abuse, including problems not directly related to the digestive system.

Potential complications include:

• Abdominal bloating, pain, or a sense of constant “fullness”
• Abnormalities in electrolytes
• Bleeding (which can lead to anemia)
• Dehydration
• Edema
• Esophagitis
• Gastric Bleeding
• Gastric Ulceration
• Gastritis
• Hemorrhoid irritation
• Inability to absorb nutrients properly (can lead to hypoproteinemia, calcium deficiency, or hypoalbuminemia)
• Inability to absorb medications
• Injury to the intestine
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Liver problems
• Melanosis Coli
• Metabolic disturbances
• Pancreatitis
• Perforations and lacerations of the esophagus (Mallory-Weiss Syndrome)
• Permanent impairment of bowel function
• Ulcerations in the bowels
• Weight loss

Is there an alternative to OTC laxatives?

The good news is YES! There is only one product that is both safe and highly effective against constipation…it is Oxy-Powder.

Oxy-Powder is actually an all natural colon cleanse product that uses oxygen to melt away compaction in your colon. Oxy-Powder has 3 natural ingredients: ozonated magnesium oxides, natural citric acid, and organic germanium-132. This product is by far the most safest alternative to laxatives your money can buy.

To learn more about Oxy-Powder go to:
http://www.oxypowder.com

It is an often-overlooked fact many healthful foods act as natural laxatives and provide an excellent alternative to their over-the-counter counterparts. With such a wide variety to choose from, you are sure to find something you like to help bring relief.

Increase Your Fluid Intake

The first thing to check when experiencing constipation is how much fluid you’ve been drinking. Not drinking enough liquids is a common cause of constipation, and simply adding fresh water and pure juices to your diet can really help.

Liquids increase the amount of ambient moisture within the colon. This promotes softer, bulkier bowel movements which are easier to pass. It’s important to note coffee, tea, and soft drinks do not help with alleviating constipation and can make the problem worse because caffeine acts as a diuretic. Fruit and vegetable juices remain good choices, but only pure water actually hydrates rather than dehydrates. Drinking a large glass of water every 10 minutes for an hour brings quick relief when needed.

Some juices that are particularly effective as natural laxatives include:

• Prune
• Apple-pear
• Grape
• Asparagus
• Wheatgrass
• Potato

High Fiber Foods

Fruit and prunes are well known natural laxatives due to their fiber content. Prunes help stimulate contractions in the intestines to eliminate waste. Prunes also attract water to the intestinal area to soften this material.

Other known natural laxatives include:

Exercise to Increase Regularity

One of the best natural laxatives is exercise. The modern lifestyle would seem to be a sedentary one and this leads to constipation. Regular exercise stimulates the colon and keeps you regular. Brisk 15 to 20 minute walks three or four times a week can do the trick.

Yoga is another excellent way to start exercising and it certainly can improve muscle tone on the inside as well as outside. Yoga is unique in that it offers modifications for difficult postures to beginners, so everyone can receive its benefits at their own level of fitness. Not surprisingly, owing to many thousands of years old Ayurvedic knowledge, many of the postures are geared specifically to promote colon health and natural digestive function.

Safer Alternative to Laxatives

A safe way to relieve constipation is by using Oxy-Powder®, available exclusively through Global Healing Center. Oxy-Powder® helps the colon remove impacted mucus, toxins, and waste and helps restore regularity and optimal bowel health. This product works gently, without any embarrassing or unpleasant side effects. Oxy-Powder® takes effect gradually over a 12-hour period, so you won’t experience any sense of urgency or loss of bowel control.

Oxy-Powder® uses Ozonated Magnesium Oxides, Natural Citric Acid, and Germanium-132 to effectively cleanse the colon without harming friendly intestinal bacteria. Colon cleansing permits better absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat and helps strengthen your immune system as well since you’re clearing out all that toxic sludge. You can experience an increase in energy, elevated mood, and a decrease in bad body and breath odors.

A laxative should provide effective, reliable, noticeable results without causing addiction, without causing you to lose bowel control, without diminishing your body’s natural digestive function, and especially without presenting any harmful side effects. It’s as simple as that, so conduct your own research and then choose the constipation reliever that’s right for you!

Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that fill people’s lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic, unremitting, and can grow progressively worse. Tormented by panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares, or countless frightening physical symptoms, some people with anxiety disorders even become housebound.

Often times when people are stressed out by everyday life and circumstances they turn to prescription drugs for relief. While some of these drugs may help ease stress, they are only a temporary solution to the problem.

So is there a natural way to treat anxiety? The good news is..YES! Holistic medicine has become popular within the last 5 years and more people are looking for a safer alternative in treating anxiety. Here are some ideas to consider if you or someone you know need a help with anxiety.

1 - Take 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily to improve hormone balance and natural mental wellness.

2 - Make a herbal sachet or small pillow stuffed with cotton and herbs for relaxation at night. Use lemon balm leaves, chamomile, catnip and valerian and keep it next to your pillow at night.

3 - Consider using St. John’s Wort, another herbal remedy for depression and anxiety. Dubbed “herbal Prozac” by some, St. John’s wort can be grown at home, or purchased in herb or supplement form. Again, take under the recommendations of a professional.

4 - Try Native Remedies’ Pure Calm supplement (see link under resources, below) as a natural treatment for anxiety. This alternative medicine combines herbs in a liquid form for fast assimilation.

5 - Try Kava in capsule or drink form. One of the primary herbs used to treat anxiety, Kava is a root known for its calming effect on the nervous system. It is a mild sedative and used to help treat tension, too. It can not be used in conjunction with prescription medicines, however. Kava should only be taken a few times a week. Contact an herbalist or homeopathic doctor for proper dosages.

Note*

Anxiety disorders often occur with other illnesses.

It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also co-exist with illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid conditions, and migraine headaches. In such instances, the accompanying disorders will also need to be treated. So, it is important, before beginning any treatment, to have a thorough medical examination to determine the causes of symptoms.

If you’re looking for a fun and easy project to help ease stress and tension, check out these step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own personalized stress ball.

What Exactly Is a Stress Ball?

A stress ball is an object that fits in the palm of your hand and can be easily squeezed to decrease muscular and emotional tension. It may be in the shape of a ball, or it may be something a bit more interesting, such as a funny face, a body part, or a pack of cigarettes (for those trying to quit!)

How Does a Stress Ball Work?

Whenever you make a fist, regardless of whether or not you have something in your hand, you create muscle tension. And when you release your grip, your muscles relax. This process of acute muscle tension and relaxation can flush out muscle tension and relieve stress. You can perform this stress management technique without a stress ball, by simply tensing and relaxing the muscles or your hands, or anywhere on the body that tension exists. But a stress ball gives you something to focus on and may aid in relieving stress. more…

What is intraMAX™?

intraMAX is a 100% carbon-bond liquid microcomplexed™ trace mineral supplement, plus an all-in-one multivitamin and much more. It contains 70+ trace minerals along with other health promoting “super foods” which totals more than 415+ essential carbon-bond organic microcomplexed™ nutrients in each bottle.

Why do we need organic minerals?

Because of soil depletion. Soil depletion occurs when chemical fertilizers kill the microorganisms in the soil that produce minerals for the plants. When an organic humus bed is destroyed, plants grown in that soil lack minerals as documented in 1936 by Dr. Northen in Senate Document 264. Without key trace minerals, the body cannot utilize amino acids, fats and vitamins properly. Minerals are indispensable to every organ, gland and muscle in the body. Without minerals, life cannot exist as they are the stimulus that produces energy and are required for all life functions. Trace mineral products generally have a metallic taste. Drucker Labs has great 100% all natural Tropical Passion flavors so that taking Organic Trace Minerals is now enjoyable. With 72+ different minerals which are extracted from an ancient organic humus bed that was living organic matter and near 100% bio-available, Drucker Technologies 100% Organically IntraMAX Rx™ with natural Fulvic Acid provides the trace minerals missing from today’s foods!

intraMAX™ contains over 415+ nutrients ALL-IN-ONE

• 70+, 100% organic microcomplexed™ trace minerals (full spectrum)
• proprietary organic “carbon-bond” intraCELL™ V Technology
• 124 antioxidants (”free radical” scavengers / anti-aging)
• 40 amino acids (”building blocks” of protein)
• carbon (living), (144,500 mg/l)
• 7 essential fatty acids (EFA)-omega 3, 6 & 9
• oxygen - 427 mg/l (dissolved & stabilized)
• 14 digestive enzymes (pure plant derived)
• 43 super green foods & phytonutrients
• 54 herbs (adaptogenic & supportive)
• 38 essential oils (organically bound)
• 64 vitamins and nutrients (essential)
• 19 macro minerals (100% organic)
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• aloe vera (organically bound)
• 8 protein mineral nutrients
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• fulvic acid (9.2%)
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• NO additives
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• intraMAX™ does NOT contain: preservatives, colloids, fat, cholesterol, wheat, gluten, caffeine, corn, yeast, rice flour, peanuts, nuts, soy, dairy, fish or fish oil, animal products, artificial additives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, fillers, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, starch, binders, coatings, excipients, or flow agents.

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Peppermint is one of the most popular and useful herbs of all-time. It’s rich in natural menthol concentrates, which have been used both medicinally and commercially since Ancient Times.

Facts about Peppermint:

• The chief element of peppermint oil is Menthol
• Commonly used as a both a flavoring and a therapeutic agent
• Peppermint oil has been widely used since Egyptian times
• 2 dozen species and hundreds of sub-varieties within the mint family
• Easy to grow: likes plenty of water and does great in just about any soil
• All mints are native to Europe but now grown the world over

Healing Powers of Peppermint:

• Causes constriction of blood vessels
• Provides mental clarity and elevates mood
• A natural insect repellent
• Induces perspiration
• Acts as an analgesic and is cooling to the skin

Uses of Peppermint (just to name a few):

• Expels gas and aids in calming indigestion
• Great at easing nerves and helps to de-stress
• Promotes easy breathing
• Aids in reducing fevers
• Natural astringent
• Relieves smooth muscle spasms

Take time to enjoy the many benefits of using peppermint both for medicinal use and to add flavor to your favorite items.

**Cautions: Do not ingest peppermint oil unless otherwise specified by a health care professional and be very careful if using it topically, as it may cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Dieting can be such a struggle. Many people think that in order to lose weight, they need to stop eating. And while it is important to cut back on sweets and other high calorie foods, it’s just as important to eat more of the foods that promote weight loss. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Organic Citrus Fruits:

Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, and limes are foods that promote weight loss as they contain high concentrations of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. This vitamin is an excellent fat burner. Vitamin C reduces the effectiveness of fat by reducing it content and liquefying or diluting fat. Vitamin C also helps to reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood. Boost the vitamin C in your diet by adding one or two citrus fruits to your diet every day. This will not only help you break down fat, it will also help reduce your cholesterol level.

2. Whole Grains:

Whole grains are high in fiber have a low glycemic index. This means that they raise blood sugar levels relatively slowly after eating. Foods with a low glycemic index can help curb the appetite and help you to feel full for longer. Whole grain foods that promote weight loss include whole wheat bread, fortified whole grain cereal, and brown rice.

3. Organic Non-GMO Soybeans:

Soybeans contain a chemical called lecithin that can shield your cells from accumulating fat. Lecithin prevents fat from forming on your cells and breaks down fat before it can accumulate in your body. Try adding soybeans to your diet once or twice a week. You can find soybeans at most health food stores or even in the frozen foods section of your local market.

4. Organic Apples & Berries:

Apples and many berries promote weight loss because they contain large amounts of pectin. This chemical is found in the cell walls of these fruits. When it enters the body, it helps to limit the amount of fat that the cells can absorb. Pectin is a soluble fiber that provides bulk and digests slowly, helping you to feel full.

Pectin also has a water binding property that allows it to absorb watery substances and carry them directly to the cells. These watery substances then bombard the cells and cause them to release fat deposits. You can get more pectin in your diet by eating loads of fresh apples and berries as well as applesauce. You can also try starting your day with a homemade smoothie that includes apples and berries to get your day started right.

5. Organic Garlic:

Garlic oil helps to protect the cells from the accumulation of fatty deposits. Garlic is also has a potent antibiotic that can be used to strengthen the immune system. You can add garlic as a flavor enhancer to a wide variety of foods that you normally eat.

6. Organic Black Beans:

Like most legumes, black beans are low in fat and packed with fiber. Black beans actually contain 15 grams of fiber per cup. This fiber fills you up and takes longer to digest so you feel fuller longer, which means you are less likely to snack.

7. Spicy Foods:

Many spicy foods, such as peppers, contain a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to increase your body’s ability to burn fat and curb your appetite.

There are many foods that promote weight loss by filling you up so you feel satisfied, regulating your blood sugar levels, and stimulating your metabolism to help you burn fat. Boost your intake of these foods and you’ll have a better chance of losing the weight you need to lose.

Along with a healthy weight loss plan rich in foods that will help your body to shed excess fat more quickly, you may want to consider a weight loss supplement to give yourself an extra edge.

Slowly but surely, the world is coming to realize the harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, organic products are increasing in popularity – and for good reasons. Grown without the intervention of dangerous chemicals, consumers can enjoy improved health and a clear conscious when using organic products, which aren’t only better for their health but are also better for the planet. Plus, products such as organic tea provide a richer flavor that isn’t hindered by trace amounts of chemical flavors.

How Organic Tea is Grown

Organic tea is made from plants grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, only natural fertilizers, such as compost, are used. Other well-established organic agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, are also followed. Crop rotation, naturally replenishes nutrients in the soil, which means farmers don’t have to depend on chemical amendments to produce bountiful crops.

Why Organic Tea is Good for You

Tea, in general, has long been known for its healing properties and for its ability to calm and soothe nerves. Drinking non-organic tea, however, includes also ingesting the harmful chemicals used to grow the plants. As a result, the benefits of the tea are wasted. Why ruin such an amazing natural product by throwing harmful chemicals into the mix?

Why Organic Tea is Good for the Planet

Organic tea is beneficial to the planet for a number of reasons. First of all, the practices utilized with organic farming ensure the soil remains fertile for years to come. Non-organic farming practices have a tendency to strip away the nutrients, making it necessary to either move to a new plot of land (which may involve cutting down more trees) or using artificial measures to improve the soil.

Organic farming is also beneficial to the planet because it doesn’t involve chemicals. Just as ingesting these chemicals is harmful to your body; the soil, water, and air pollution that they cause is harmful to the planet.

The Cost Factor

Because organic farming is more time consuming and because the crop yields are typically less than when using non-organic farming techniques, the cost of organic tea is generally higher than non-organic tea. But with the improved flavor and potency of the organic tea, not to mention the health benefits, many consider the extra cost to be well worth it. In addition, the extra cost goes toward compensating the farmers rather than paying a corporation to create more harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Studies on Organic Tea

A report published in Japan stated that drinking ten cups of this organic tea per day has been shown to provide men with three more cancer-free years than those who drank less than three cups. Another Japanese study indicated that drinking five or more cups of green tea per day reduces the chances of developing breast cancer and also helps slow down the spread of the disease.

Yet another study conducted by Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed that drinking four or more cups of the tea every day helps prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce the symptoms of the disorder in those who are already suffering from it.

Preparation

Regardless of the type of organic tea you decide to brew, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it maintains the greatest flavor when brewed. First, take care to never over brew the tea, as it will destroy the taste and many of its benefits.

To prepare your organic tea, you will need to fill a kettle with cold water. Place it on the stove and heat it until it boils. Then, remove the kettle from the heat and allow the water to stand for about three minutes. Next, place your organic tea bag, (or 2-4 grams of loose tea), into your cup and pour the heated water on top. Allow the organic tea to sit in the water another three minutes and then remove it. Finally, allow the brewed organic tea to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!