Most everyone is aware of the restorative properties of Aloe. It is very useful in that it can be used internally. We personally have found complete relief from a severe case of poison ivy by drinking a few ounces of aloe vera liquid each day and spraying the same product on the affected area several times a day.

Stevia is the sweetener of the future. Because the human body does not metabolize the sweet clycosides (they pass right through the normal elimination channels) from the leaf or any of its processed forms, the body obtains no calories from Stevia. Processed forms of pure Stevia can be 70-400 times sweeter than sugar. Whether these products are called Stevia, Stevioside, rebaudioside, Stevia Extract, or Stevia Concentrate, if they are in their in their pure, unadulterated form they do not adversely affect blood glucose levels and may be used freely by both diabetics and hypoglycemics. For people with blood sugar, blood pressure or weight problems Stevia is the most desirable sweetener. http://www.healthfree.com/herbgarden/sweetstevia.htm
 

A very useful herbal mixture we sometimes use is:

¼ teaspoon Grapefruit Seed Extract
2 ounces liquid Aloe Vera
2 ounces non-chlorinated water
3 drops Stevia

The Grapefruit Extract is bitter and the use of Stevia offsets that plus adds its own healthful qualities.

The manufacturer of this natural product says this about it:

All of Larreacorp's products contain a multi-patented compound called Larreastat™, which consist of over twenty-two natural chemicals.

This array of phytochemicals including antioxidants, flavonoids, and lignans is derived from one of nature’s most remarkable medicine chests, a desert shrub that inhabits the southwestern United States. Historically, the plant has been recognized for its powerful anti-oxidant abilities amongst other vital properties, which promote a state of stability and balance in the body and function to maintain good health. (next column)

For thousands of years, Russian peasants have known about two shrubs that are said to prolong life and promote feelings of well-being.

The first, rhodiola rosea (or goldenroot), is a little-known flower that grows wild in the northern regions of Europe and Asia. A gentle but effective mood enhancer, it helps to prevent sudden emotional shifts. This effect is even stronger in those individuals who suffer form mild to moderate depression.

The effect of this flower extract on stress is well-documented. In one double-blind placebo test, Russian students who supplemented with this herb showed a dramatic improvement in feelings of well-being and the ability to handle stressful situations.

For years, rhodiola rosea was known and used as an adaptogen—an herb that helps your body adapt to a variety of stresses placed upon it. If you’re low on energy, the herb can increase it. If your immune system is battered, the herb can fortify it. And if your mood is down, the herb can lift it. Researchers also discovered the slimming properties of this flower.

Chemicals in the flower activate the enzyme lipase, which works to shrink fat cells. In a clinical study at the Georgian State Hospital (in the former Soviet Union), 130 overweight patients were given rhodiola extract for 90 days. At the conclusion of the study, 92 percent lost an average of 20 pounds. A control group on the same diet—but without the flower extract—lost just 8 pounds.

When rhodiola rosea is taken in combination with an extract from the spring leaves of the rhododendron, the effects are even more startling. A study of 45 women showed an average weight loss of 5 to 6 percent for the first six weeks. After eight weeks, they lost as much as 14 percent of their body weight. Their body-fat ratios dropped. But the most noticeable fat reduction was around the waist, which declined by 11.5 percent on average. (Many health care providers believe that people who carry fat mainly around the waist are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems. Reportedly, women with a waist measurement greater than 35 inches and men with waists larger than 40 inches face higher health risks.)

Our newsletter and web site, www.balancedlives.net have changed since the last letter. We are not a one type of product web site any longer. Our new focus is on health products that have certain qualities. They must be natural or have a natural approach. They must be safe; and last they must work.