“ADAPTOGENS” are substances that can assist in TOTAL body healing. They are immune tonics, yet they also assist the mind and body where the healing needs to take place.  As they orient their nutrient dense chemistry in the parts of the body that have excessive stress and imbalance, they can assist the body in achieving healing and longevity. Adaptogens can restore the mind and body from stress, illness, deficiency and overall imbalance.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS have been used medicinally since at least 3000 BC. Mushrooms are reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. It is well-established that mushrooms are adept at immune modulation and affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. Extensive research over the last 40 years has demonstrated that mushrooms have potent antineoplastic properties that slow growth of tumors, regulate tumor genes, decrease tumoral angioneogenesis, and increase malignant-cell phagocytosis. Additionally, evidence suggests that medicinal mushrooms may safely boost chemotherapeutic efficacy and simultaneously protect against bone marrow suppression.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/

REISHI: What makes this mushroom unique is its calming properties — all of which are thanks to the compound triterpene. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22207209  Reishi has also been shown to fight cancer cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3585368/
People who should avoid Reishi mushrooms include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a blood disorder, will be undergoing surgery or have low blood pressure.

LION’S MANE: Aids mental clarity and concentration  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24266378

CHAGA MUSHROOMS: an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent contenders for fighting free radicals and inflammation.

​SHIITAKE: These mushrooms are particularly good for the heart health.

TURKEY TAIL:  contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. PSK is so effective that it’s an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan. Turkey tail has been shown to improve the survival rate of people with certain cancers, and improve the immune system of people receiving chemotherapy.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7910230

CORDYCEPS: can help the body utilize oxygen more efficiently and enhance blood flow. This mushroom has been shown to not only improve exercise and athletic performance but also speed up post-workout muscle recovery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909570/

AGARICUS MUSHROOM: used for cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), hepatitis B, digestive problems such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and to reduce side effects due to cancer chemotherapy. Other uses include prevention of heart disease, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and stomach ulcers.
In Japan, extracts of the agaricus mushroom are approved as a food additive.

Agaricus mushroom contains chemicals that might improve the body's use of insulin and decrease insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Some developing research also suggests it might be able to strengthen the immune system, fight tumor development, and work as an antioxidant.  https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1165/agaricus-mushroom
 
MAITAKE MUSHROOM: stimulates both the innate and adaptive immune systems in cancer patients. In vitro research has shown maitake can induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, and inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells.
Maitake has a hypoglycemic effect, and may be beneficial for the management of diabetes. It lowers blood sugar because the mushroom naturally contains an alpha glucosidase inhibitor. 
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grifola_frondosa
 
Medicinal mushrooms are meant to be used as an adjunct, NOT a replacement for the prescribed medicines you may be taking. Always talk to your doctor beforehand to confirm if adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet is safe, especially if you’re using certain medications or are pregnant.

Not only do crystals come in all sorts of colors, but they’re also found in many different shape formations. Experts say the structure of a crystal doesn’t change the type of energy it emits, but the shape does affect the way you receive said energy.

“Crystal shapes can help to amplify your intention and your experience with them,” says Heather Askinosie, crystal expert, co-founder of Energy Muse, and author of CRYSTAL365. “Choosing a crystal shape that pairs well with your intention will enhance and magnify your transformation.”

Below, a few experts weigh in to help demystify the different crystal shapes, what they mean, and how to use them.

1. Cubes
If you need some grounding vibes in your life, a cube-shaped crystal might be the perfect gemstone companion for you. Askinosie says meditating with cubic crystals in your hands can help you connect to the energy of the Earth. You can also place them in each corner of a room to protect the space.

2. Pyramids
Crystal pyramids are said to be powerful for manifesting your desires. “Their strong base acts as an anchor for your intention,” says Amber-Lee Lyons, chakra expert and founder of Chakra Girl. “The apex of the pyramid sends the intention out into the universe. Pyramid crystals will take you to that next level.”

3. Spheres
“The crystal sphere reminds you that you are a part of the greater whole connected to all the energies in your surroundings,” Askinonsie says. “You can imagine that you are holding the world in the palm of your hand.”
The Zen vibe these magical crystal balls give off also makes them great meditation buddies. Amber-Lee Lyons says adding a small one to your crystal collection that fits nicely in your hand while you meditate can also double as a mini massage ball to relax any tense muscles.

4. Tumbled stones
Consider tumbled stones as stepping stones into the wonderful world of crystals. “Some may call them basic, but I call them practical,” Amber-Lee Lyons says.
But don’t be fooled by their size—these travel-friendly stones are indeed powerful. Amber-Lee Lyons says what’s especially great about them is how mobile they are. You can easily carry them in your pocket or purse, or even tuck them inside your bra to help you connect with the energy all day long. Having one so close, maybe even touching you directly, can act as a reminder of your intention.

5. Crystal points
As its name suggests, a crystal point keeps you sharp and on point.  Mariah K. Lyons, crystal healer and founder of ASTARA, says to use these powerful points for manifestation purposes. “Write down a mantra, affirmation, or desire on a piece of paper,” she says. “Fold the paper and place the crystal point on top, pointing up. This acts like a pyramid, directing all the energy from the intention on the paper upward into the cosmos and radiating out into the surrounding environment.”
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6. Hearts
Heart-shaped crystals are not naturally occurring; they’re cut and polished into this shape, but they still radiate a strong love energy. Mariah K. Lyons says to meditate with a heart-shaped crystal to activate your heart chakra. “Focus your energy and attention on your heart and imagine filling your heart with pure loving light,” she says. “Imagine the light fills your heart and weaves in and out clearing any old wounds and traumas and bringing healing and peace into the heart and body.”

​The metallic shine of Marcasite has been valued by numerous civilizations since antiquity.
The Ancient Incans, Greeks and Egyptians all valued marcasite. It was not uncommon to see Cleopatra herself adorned in Marcasite gemstones.

Marcasite is a natural gemstone and is derived from a mineral called 'pyrite'. Pyrite and Marcasite (FeS2) are iron disulfide compounds, however Marcasite jewelry is made from Pyrite (fool's gold), not, as the name suggests, from Marcasite. Pyrite is similar to Marcasite, but more stable and less brittle.

Pyrite works with the solar plexus, increasing one’s vitality. It provides a massive boost to one’s willpower and directs this energy towards overcoming bad habits, allowing one to build a strong foundation for new healthy patterns, and a constant flow of positive energy. 

Hormone and nicotine patches work because our skin absorbs a lot of what we put on it. Many of the ingredients in conventional deodorant have serious safety issues.

Triclosan, for example, may disrupt normal thyroid function and alter hormones. Aluminum, which is present in some “natural crystal” deodorants, has been classified by an oncologist as a genotoxin and hormone disruptor. Other harmful ingredients may include propylene glycol, parabens, and “fragrance,” which often includes phthalates.
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Ready to toss your store-bought deodorants goodbye?  Here’s an easy recipe!
Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons baking soda – if this feels like too much after trying it, decrease by a tablespoon and increase the arrowroot powder by one tablespoon
• 5 tablespoons arrowroot powder or non-GMO cornstarch
• 6 tablespoons shea butter (it’s not greasy and absorbs easily)
• 30-60 drops essential oil (tea tree, frankincense, lavender and patchouli are good options)

To Make
In a deep bowl, mix baking soda and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch together). Using your hands or a fork, work in the shea butter until it looks like very crumbly dough. Add in essential oil if using and then whip the deodorant together using a hand mixer. It will seem too dry at first and you’ll wonder if it’s really going to come together, but it will. You do need a deep bowl, though, because in the initial stage of mixing you don’t want the powder to go over the side of the bowl. Transfer to a clean glass jar – I use a 4 ounce jar.
To Use
Using your fingertips, scoop out a very small amount of deodorant – really, a little goes a long way – and rub it in your underarm area until it’s invisible. The deodorant will absorb quickly and keep you smelling fresh, but if you want extra dryness protection you can apply a layer of arrowroot powder over the deodorant using a makeup brush.
 

Does this sound like you these days?

• tired & drained? 
• poor social skills?
• deny yourself of pleasures?
• lack of passion, enthusiasm, excitement?
• lack of creativity?
• fear of change?

Then CARNELIAN is the stone for you!
 
Carnelian is our ideal stone to help enhance and/or balance our sacral chakra. It entrains us to the vibrations of physical & mental energy, creation energy!

In fact, if you’re needing energy or vitality of any sort, Carnelian really helps boost that.
It also amplifies our creativity energy; that “take-action energy”. Or if you are just physically tired, you could use a boost of Carnelian energy.

Carnelian is a somewhat translucent, yet vibrantly colored Micro-Crystalline Quartz. 
It’s a type of quartz (silicon dioxide), but it doesn’t grow in the shape of the usual 6-sided Hexagonal Quartz shape with a point, because it’s what we call “Micro Crystalline”, meaning that there are teeny-tiny crystals there, but you can only see them under a microscope.  
​
It’s usually a deep succulent orange color, getting its color from iron impurities in the quartz. It’s most often a solid (slightly see-through in spots) orange, but it can also be banded. 

Anytime of the year is a good time to make sure your Essential Oil First Aid Kit is ready but especially as you’re planning summer excursions.

I use a small carrying case that holds up to eight - 2ml bottles of essential oils. You can use anything to carry your essential oils as long as it is dark and insulated (if you are traveling in super warm temperatures).

Suggested oils might include:
Lavender: Stings and bites, burns, bruises, scrapes. It has analgesic, antiseptic and more properties to help heal wounds. Not to mention the calming effect it will have to the person affected.

Tea Tree: Tea Tree is good for all types of infections. It is antifungal, antiviral and anti-bacterial. Tea Tree is good for all kinds of skin wounds and irritations from sunburn, to acne, athlete’s foot and more.

Peppermint: Peppermint is known for its anti-nausea and indigestion relief. Peppermint also helps with headaches, sinus congestion and even for painful joints!
I recently read where adding a few drops to some calamine lotion, helps relieve and heal Poison ivy lesions more quickly!  And if you are camping, Peppermint will help keep the ants away from the picnic table.

Roman Chamomile and/or German Chamomile: Excellent to help you and your children relax and fall asleep more easily after a day of excitement.
Of course, they also have anti-inflammatory properties and are helpful for burns, bee stings, nettle rashes, and other injuries. These oils are natural antihistamines and may help with various air born allergies.

Eucalyptus: Best known to help relieve congestion from coughs and colds, but did you know that it is also an excellent insect repellent…..especially Eucalyptus Lemon. Eucalyptus has great antiseptic and antiviral properties.

Rosemary: This wonderful stimulating essential oil is great to use on long road trips. Rosemary can also be used along with Peppermint for those headaches that can pop up out of nowhere.
Just a drop or two mixed with a little carrier oil and rubbed on the back of your neck and shoulders will relieve those headaches within a few minutes. Use Rosemary on painful muscles and joints too!

Lemon: Lemon is known for its antiseptic and disinfecting properties. Lemon will freshen and clean most all surfaces. It can be very effective on insect bites.

Helichrysum: Helichrysum is a go to for injuries that are painful as it has superb analgesic properties, is antibacterial and helps if used on bruises shortly after they occur. Since it has analgesic properties bumps and bruises won't be as painful.
​
Four Robbers Blend (OnGuard/Four Thieves): Four Robbers Blend is used to keep our immune system strong should we encounter some ill people while exploring shopping areas or in various places where crowds gather like: fairs, museums, celebrations etc.

​This relaxing facial treatment increases circulation and nutrients to the skin, increases lymphatic flow, and reduces inflammation. Increasing blood flow and circulation to the skin helps to regain a younger appearance. It also helps with acne so is appropriate for teenagers!

Some of the benefits of Facial Cupping include:
Reduce puffiness
Lift muscles
Minimize under-eye bags
Minimize wrinkles
Plump lips
Reduce sinus & allergies
Decrease TMJ pain and swelling

How does it work?
Glass suction tubes designed for the face are used to rhythmically and gently vacuum tissues of the face, neck and upper chest. The suction created, lifts, tones, relaxes facial muscles, and plumps the lines. It moves toxins and stagnant blood out, and ushers new nutrient-enriched blood and fluids in, to detoxify your face; thereby repairing and nourishing your face. Its deep invigorating action increases elastin and collagen. It reverses gravity’s effects on your face, like hanging upside down would, giving a youthful glow. It gives your face a lymphatic drainage and increases circulation, resulting in a clearer, cleaner, more even complexion.  AND it’s completely painless and leaves no marks.
 
Facial Cupping History
Women in Asia, Russia and Europe have been utilizing facial cupping for facial rejuvenation and youth maintenance for 5000 years. It was one of the secrets of the Geisha.

Facial Protocol
Step 1: Massage of face and neck with an organic oil which includes Alpine rose stem cells, argan and pomegranate oils.
Step 2: Light Suction
Step 3: Application of an organic serum I have created which includes Rosehip Seed Oil, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Jasmine.
Step 4: Gentle massage with Jade Roller
 
Facial Cupping
This procedure utilizes glass suction tubes specially designed for your face.  They have soft, rounded edges, and will not leave any marks on your face at all. The negative pressure created by the light suction is the opposite of what we are used to in life; most therapies push into the skin, prodding, and compressing. This creates space for movement, flow, and nourishment.  As with any facial massage, or treatment, the skin may be red for a few minutes after the treatment, but it quickly returns to its original color, making the treatment accessible for lunch hour spa breaks and for the woman (or man) on the go.
 
Maximum Benefits
Recommendations for Treatment:
Your skin will look improved with one session so it’s a nice thing to do for yourself anytime. However, a series is required for optimal results. For maximum beneficial results, the following schedule of treatments is recommended:
•    First 3 weeks: a treatment twice a week (each session 60 minutes)
•    Following 6 weeks: a treatment once a week (each 60 minutes)