Olive Leaf Extract
Kim Anderson

Olive Leaf extract has become my favorite herbal defense against many common maladies. I usually get my Olive leaf from Natures Sunshine Products www.naturessunshine.com which provides a total for 400mg of olive leaf extract, standardized to contain 12% oleuropein and comes in capsules. I have also seen it in liquid from other companies, but haven’t tried it. One should be able to find it in most health food stores, too. I like to use it at the first sign of a cold or flu or if I think I might have been exposed. I’ve given it to all my family members- 2 teenage sons and husband. According to HART’S Herb Allure, p2., “Researchers have determined that a bitter glucoside known as oleuropein, along with its active constituent elenolic acid, are primarily responsible for olive leaf extract’s extraordinary antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic activity. For example, studies have shown that oleuropein inhibits the of Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic-resistant organism that is the cause of nearly all hospital infections. Oleuropein is also a powerful antioxidant and the compound responsible for olive leaf’s extract’s ability to successfully inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Elenolic acid is the element that is the primary destroyer and growth inhibitor of viruses, interfering with bacterial and viral growth, while simultaneously activating immune cells that fight infection. Elenolic acid also kills numerous flatworm, hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm parasites.”

So, here we have an herb that not only fights infections; but also boosts the immune system. There have been no known side effects from taking olive leaf extract, but it is still not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Also, according to A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition, by Healthnotes copyright 2006,p.296, “At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with olive leaf.” So, it’s also presumed safe to take with other medications. Please note that if you begin to take this herb, especially in a large dose, a “healing crisis” may occur in which you may feel some flu like symptoms. Just reduce the dose until your body can adjust. I haven’t found anywhere that a person would have to cycle on and off doses to maintain its effectiveness-unlike some information on Echinacea. However, I don’t personally take it when I don’t need it. Realize that one should always consult their health care professional, pharmacist or prescribing doctor to get all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your health care.

To your perfect health!

Kim Anderson began her spiritual journey after a bout with breast cancer 6 years ago.  She is a Shamanic practitioner, Reiki Master, certified teacher and healing arts student. She lives on a small farm with her husband and has two sons in college. Kim is not only full of life but she is filled with information and has joined us here at CalmingWinds as a guest writer to share her knowledge of alternative healing.

Book Review for the Week of February 9, 2009

“Slowing Down to the Speed of Life”

 Written By: Richard Carlson

Here’s a book that you may want to include on your list for reading for 2009. Richard Carlson discusses in this book the abosolute need for recognizing that thinking creates emotional response. Learning to be emotionally aware can bring our attention back to our errors in thinking. Some issues require analytical thinking and when we don’t have all the variables or perhaps ignore all them we then turn our emotions inside ourselves.

Obsessing over issues  without results then cause us to be drained, frustrated and stressed.  Slowing down the speed allows a person to address issues that require a more free flowing thought process that will bring resolutions.  By slowing down you begin to enjoy life, operate at peak performance and efficiency levels, and solve problems where one or more variables are unknown. Toxicity happens in more than your gut but in your mind as well.

Why is ~Color~ so important in our lives ?

Color can play a major role in creating the ambience and mood because its vibrational energy will charge our emotions and energy levels.

Those living in a crowded city will often be longing for the country because it offers a noticeable relaxing and lifting feeling. What people don’t realize is their lighting has changed to one predominanantly filtered through green leaves which creates a sense of calmness and increased sense of connection with our surroundings.

When asked to relax, often you will take yourself back to a dream holiday. The first image that often comes to a persons mind is their vacation. Beaches being an image sought out by many. The image of the mind brings the colors of yellows and blues of the seaside which will increase your energy and soothes the nervous system.

You can use color in your life to change your mood, increase energy, bring order and clarity in your life, stimulate the immune system, increase concentration and digestion. The list can go on and on.

Try adding these two colors in your life and see what changes you feel~

Add Violet in your life when….

You want to regain balance
You want to stimulate the natural healing
You want to remove obstacles in your life
You want to calm hyperactivity
You want to lift depression

Add Orange in your life when…

You want to un-blocked energy
You want to increase creativity
You want can’t let go of the past
You fear experiencing pleasure
You lack interest in what’s around you

How do you add color in your life. Try adding it to your clothing and accessories, paint on your walls or furniture. Bring bright flowers in your home or office and place them in areas where you will be in contact with them often. Eat foods that are of the color you want to add to your system.  If you’re on the computer change your mouse pad to a solid color. Bright yellow will help with concentration and staying alert.  Eat outside in natural sunlight.   Little changes can make major impact on your body and mind.

~Tonia

In the distance, the hawk calls from its sacred nest, drawing you closer and revealing a perspective unknown in our world. From above, the wind is a force of healing and rejuvenation. Its single purpose is to heal and unite the physical and mental with the Spirit.

This is the magic of CalmingWinds.com: wellness for mind, body and spirit.

Disclaimer: Although holistic health practices are often very successful in promoting healing and wellness, they may not be sufficient intervention for some health conditions or complaints. IAny correspondence not intended as a substitute for regular medical care or advice, diagnosis, prescription, or treatment for any disease, physical or mental. You should always consult your physician when making health-related decisions.