Why Organic?
One can easily make compost from garden and kitchen waste.
Though this is a bit more time-consuming than buying prepared chemical
pesticides and fertilizers, it certainly helps to put garbage to good
use and so saves the environment.
Organic farming does not use chemicals that may have an adverse affect on your
health. This is especially important when growing vegetables. Chemical companies
tell us that the chemicals we use are safe if used according to direction,
but research shows that even tiny amounts of poisons absorbed through the skin
can cause such things as cancer, especially in children.
On the average, a child ingests four to five times more cancer-causing pesticides
from foods than an adult. This can lead to various diseases later on in the
child's life. With organic gardening, these incidents are lessened.
Remember, pesticides contain toxins that have only one purpose - to kill living
things.
Less harm to the environment. Poisons are often washed into our waterways,
causing death to the native fish and polluting their habitat.
Organic farming practices help prevent the loss of topsoil through erosion.
The Soil Conservation Service says that an estimated 30 - 32 billion tons of
soil erodes from United States farmlands every year.
Cost savings. One does not need to buy costly chemical fertilizers and
pesticides with organic gardening. Many organic recipes for the control of pest
and disease come straight from the kitchen cupboard. Sometimes other plants can
be grown as companions to the main crop. An example of this is the marigold,
which helps to repel aphids from vegetables.
Mixing 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and 1
cup of cooking oil can make a cheap garden pest spray. Put 3 tablespoons
of this mixture in 1 quart of water and spray on plants.
A simple mulch of pine needles will help to suppress the growth of weeds as
well as keeping the moisture in.
Organic gardening practices help to keep the environment safe for future generations.
Thanks to gardeningadvice.co.uk
Feeling SAD and Blue?
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is alive and well this time of year, and affects many of us living in climates with reduced daylight. In fact, in this part of the world, we are too far north to receive adequate sunlight, except from May through September, even if there were no cloudy days!
Sunlight seems to be the key in various theories about why SAD exists. Why is sunlight important? Because its UVB rays are converted into Vitamin D through absorption by the skin, and it is thought that a lack of Vitamin D may cause the symptoms of depression indicating SAD. Other hypotheses indicate that the lack of light disrupts the normal biological rhythms of the body for sleep, hormone levels, and emotions. In either case, light therapy can be an alternative to antidepressant drugs or other invasive techniques. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may include mild depression, irritation, food cravings and weight gain, and lack of sex drive.
Fortunately, there are holistic therapies that can help! Phototherapy (exposure to full spectrum light) is one area that has proven effective for some. To achieve the amount of light absorption needed to combat SAD, 30 minutes exposure under a light box with 10,000 lux is recommended. As previously mentioned, increased intake of Vitamin D may also help. Ask your doctor for a recommended dosage as this is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the fats cells and liver. Vacations to sunnier climates is another very enticing option and one that many animals take advantage of! Getting sunlight and taking good care of your body is very important, both for absorption of vitamin D in sunlight, and for keeping a good mental outlook.
What about scent? Many scents are evocative of happy times. How can they help the winter blues? Citrus oils have long been known for their antidepressant qualities. Doesn’t the smell of grapefruit get you going in the morning? Blood orange has the reputation of being the most antidepressant of all the citrus oils. That is not to discount the effects of the floral families of essential oils. Lavender has long had the reputation of uplifting and calming. Geranium is an oil recommended for balancing emotionally, psychologically and physiologically. Diffusing essential oils cleanses the air and keeping bacteria at bay! Here are some suggestions for diffusing some cheering blends throughout the day to keep you going:
1 drop each of bergamot, lavender, and frankincense
1 drop each of lemongrass, rosemary, and rose
1 drop each of blood orange, black spruce, and patchouli
At night time, sleep can be difficult because we haven’t exercised enough, or have too much on our minds. Any number of reasons can keep us from a restful night’s sleep. Try these blends to ease into a quiet night:
1 drop each of lemon, geranium, and vetiver
1 drop each of roman chamomile, lavender, and marjoram
Note: This information is not to take the place of a health practitioner. Please consult with yours if in doubt or on medication.
©2007 Heather Garrod is a certified aromatherapist and owner of Planet Botanix. Planet Botanix, is an educational centre for alternative skin-care, specializing in aromatherapy, beginning with the plants that yield the botanical ingredients, essential oils, dried herbs, and classes on how to put them all together. For those less inclined to make their own, Planet Botanix is the sole distributor of popular aromatherapy line, ‘Beebalm and Basil.’ Planet Botanix, the store with a conscience, also supports local artisans with ethical products which range from skin-care, art, jewelry, and fairly-traded foods.