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<channel>
	<title>Green Living</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.gentle-earth.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com</link>
	<description>Healthy and Green Living Lifestyle Tips</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:45:11 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Diabetic Self Management Guidelines &#8211; Lessons From an Israeli Family</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/diabetic-self-management-guidelines-lessons-from-an-israeli-family/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/diabetic-self-management-guidelines-lessons-from-an-israeli-family/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:10:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=153</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A healthy balanced diet is the best cure for diabetes as well as prevention and treatment of all stages of the disease. In fact, attention to nutrition is the basis for diabetes treatment and side effects. The purpose of the diabetes diet is to balance the sugar levels to avoid jumping to a dangerous extreme. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A healthy balanced diet is the best cure for diabetes as well as prevention and treatment of all stages of the disease. In fact, attention to nutrition is the basis for diabetes treatment and side effects. The purpose of the diabetes diet is to balance the sugar levels to avoid jumping to a dangerous extreme.</p>
<p>In addition to a strict diet and maintaining a healthy diet, you can also improve blood lipid profile and lower blood pressure, if found. You can also help in weight loss. Losing weight is essential to reduce the body&#8217;s insulin resistance, which usually is expressed in fat cells. Many times, weight loss alone can prevent the onset of diabetes.</p>
<p>In general, dietary recommendations for diabetics (juvenile diabetes, adult diabetes, gestational diabetes) is to eat foods with a low glycemic index (legumes, vegetables, meats, for example), which can balance the sugar levels. Dietary recommendations for diabetic people of all levels, are essentially recommendations that apply yo the entire population and will provide anyone with true health benefits, as well as prevent diabetes in its pre-stage of latency.</p>
<p>However, diabetic patients are obliged to keep these rules in order to prevent future complications of unwanted diabetes. They maintain regular meals at regular times, which will include healthy food and not the most accessible, necessarily. These suggestions, often difficult to fill, start with a gradual change, so that future goals and objectives are realistic and match the patient&#8217;s agenda.</p>
<p><strong>Nutritional Tips for Diabetes</strong></p>
<p>Ensuring only full and complex <strong>carbohydrates </strong>come in (you can safely eliminate them completely, that&#8217;s even recommended)- Omit from your diet all foods containing wheat flour and empty carbs. These carbohydrates are empty and full of sugar. The recommendation is that at least half the grains consumed are complete. Examples of these cereals can be wheat bread or brown rice (recipe eg rice and lentil salad with orange). I personally would avoid grains altogether.<br />
Avoiding them have tremendous health benefits outside of the diabetic scope.</p>
<p><strong>Fruits and vegetables</strong> &#8211; You should make sure to consume many species of vegetables of different colors, both fresh and cooked. You should also eat fruit, but make sure the type and dose of fruit are being considered. Be careful of fruits with a very high sugar content.</p>
<p>Limiting the amount of saturated fat and trans fat &#8211; This recommendation states that you should eliminate all those sausages, butter, nuts and other fast foods. This prevention also helps directly reduce cholesterol levels. This restriction also includes lessening the quantities of beef eaten. Instead, you can eat more chicken, which is thinner.</p>
<p>Eating <strong>fish </strong>- the amount recommended for people with diabetes is two servings of fish a week, to satisfy its consumption of fatty acids such as Omega 3.</p>
<p><strong>Limiting the amount of alcohol</strong> consumed &#8211; This recommendation is not backed up by studies which have demonstrated the link between alcohol and diabetes or glucose levels rise. Therefore there is no sweeping recommendation completely to stop drinking, but be sure that the alcohol consumed will be taken in conjunction with food, to try to avoid situations of hypoglycemia.</p>
<p><strong>Carbohydrate Counting</strong> &#8211; The count is intended to try to adjust the dose of medication to the amount of carbohydrates eaten. However, the overall calorie count is done to maintain a healthy weight. Eating large amounts during the day may cause a disruption in glucose balance, so be warned. Furthermore, excess calories can make you fat, which we want to get rid of and maintain.</p>
<p><strong>Minimizing sodium and sugar</strong> &#8211; These should be avoided whenever possible. Sodium and table salt in large quantities, as well as the added sugar in many dishes &#8211; are devil. This recommendation seems like a difficult action, because it keeps the flavor of food bland, so I recommend searching for substitutes which can compete with salt and sugar. Usually you can find different plants such as basil, garlic, onion and spices species and sauces that are adapted for people with diabetes.</p>
<p>Get in my website for more <a href="http://freshbeetle.com/diabetes-management-guidelines/">diabetes self management guidelines</a>. Hope you learned something new.</p>
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		<title>Attack of the Ticks: 2012 Insect Population Booming</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/attack-of-the-ticks-2012-insect-population-booming/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/attack-of-the-ticks-2012-insect-population-booming/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:11:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=152</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[USDA Proven Garlic Juice Acts as Front Line of Defense for Families Every year, humans battle with insects on a number of different levels. We battle against the dangerous and potentially deadly diseases these insects transmit, we fight to keep them from ruining crops and our other necessities of life; we even engage in skirmishes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>USDA Proven Garlic Juice Acts as Front Line of Defense for Families</strong></p>
<p>Every year, humans battle with insects on a number of different levels. We battle against the dangerous and potentially deadly diseases these insects transmit, we fight to keep them from ruining crops and our other necessities of life; we even engage in skirmishes using repellents, traps and other devices for control of our own back and front yards every summer when the ticks, fleas, gnats and mosquitoes decide to move in on our homes in numbers.</p>
<p>Although some insects will do little more than try to land on your food or be an annoyance, ticks in America and throughout the world carry a number of deadly diseases that can be transmitted to humans and a slew of other animals or pets. The winter of 2011 was a very warm one when compared to previous years, and because of this many experts agree that tick population, along with mosquitoes and other insects, will be much higher in 2012 than in other years.</p>
<p>“This is going to be a horrific season, especially for Lyme,” were the words used by Leo J. Shea III, the president of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society and clinical assistant professor at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, part of NYU Langone Medical Center. Lyme disease occurrences have more than doubled in the past 20 years, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis and other tick-borne diseases have also been on a steady incline.</p>
<p>Scientific institutions and government organizations around the world are constantly fighting to keep these deadly diseases and the insects that transmit them under control, but only so much can be done on your behalf, and a great deal of responsibility still falls on you as an individual or family to take the necessary measures to avoid infection.</p>
<p>In New Haven, Connecticut, the USDA conducted a series of tests in an effort to better inform the American citizen on how to best keep ticks away from their homes and off their property. The results were clear: garlic, particularly a special strain of garlic used in the creation of a natural product known as Mosquito Barrier, was found to repel ticks for 4 weeks and kill any larvae that may be in the area.</p>
<p>Ticks wait on blades of grass, low-hanging leaves, along the sides of walls, on pieces of wood, and just about anywhere else that a suitable host might pass by. All they need is a slight smell or vibration to know that you or your pet is in the area, and they will wait until the perfect moment to attach themselves, using a natural numbing agent to keep you from feeling anything at all while they feast on your blood.</p>
<p>The Mosquito Barrier product is simply perfect for <a title="keeping ticks away from your house" href="http://www.mosquitobarrier.com/ticks.html">keeping ticks away from your house</a> and off your property, and it is also very cost-effective when you look at what some of the other repellent products cost. Visit the Mosquito Barrier website to learn how much of the product you will require to cover a property of your size for the entire season – a twin pack is usually enough to last a city residence for the whole year.</p>
<p>Mosquito Barrier is not harmful to you, your family, your pets or your environment. Your lawn and any garden or plants that you have in the area that you must spray will not be damaged by the routine sprayings, and the slight garlic scent of the product disappears to the human nose within just an hour or two as soon as it dries. Don’t wait until you’re pulling ticks off your ankles this summer; place your order for Mosquito Barrier today.</p>
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		<title>Bio Oil Frequently Asked Questions</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/bio-oil-frequently-asked-questions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/bio-oil-frequently-asked-questions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:26:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bio Oil is among the leading skin care brands out in the market today. Union-Swiss, a multinational company that allowed Bio Oil to have a spot in center stage, was actually bought by the brothers Justin and David Letschert during those times when the company was already going for sale. The brothers cut off all [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bio Oil is among the leading skin care brands out in the market today. Union-Swiss, a multinational company that allowed Bio Oil to have a spot in center stage, was actually bought by the brothers Justin and David Letschert during those times when the company was already going for sale. The brothers cut off all the other products that they deemed as those that would not sell but by instinct left Bio Oil in their franchise. This was a good decision and through the years, Bio Oil is still among the pioneer in skin care. Let us now look into the <a href="http://www.biooilguide.com/faq-questions-and-answers">Bio Oil FAQ</a> or frequently asked questions so that we can learn more about the skin care regimen used throughout the years.</p>
<p><strong>What is Bio Oil?</strong></p>
<p>Bio Oil can offer moisturizer due to the plant-based extracts such as <em>Calendula (Marigold) Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil, Chamomile Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, </em>and<em> Soybean Oil </em>that can soothe the skin due to their antioxidant properties; <em>V</em><em>itamins A </em>and<em> E </em>that improves the skin tone, elasticity, texture and suppleness of the skin; <em>synthetic chemicals</em> and <em>PurCellin Oil</em> that can help in the overall ability of the oil to deliver its promises.</p>
<p><strong>What is Bio Oil Used for?</strong></p>
<p>Since the oil is a skincare brand, the usual treatments it can offer are the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Moisturizing agent with antioxidant properties that aids in preventing dry and dehydrated skin</li>
<li>Improves the color of the skin and can help in improving the appearance</li>
<li>Can help in masking the appearance of stretch marks, surgical, superficial or acne scars, dark spots on the skin</li>
<li>Lightening eye bags and wrinkles</li>
<li>Relieving mild eczema</li>
<li>Can be added in baths for soothing and conditioning the skin better.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Will Bio Oil work for me?</strong></p>
<p>According to the clinical trials of Bio Oil, those who used the product saw positive results through consistent use of the oil. Still, it should be noted that skin problems like stretch marks can only be lightened through the use of the oil. This goes the same for scars, wrinkles and dark spots. What the oil does is to make sure to increase the rate of regeneration of new cells to get rid of the old cells thus improving the skin condition.</p>
<p><strong>Can Bio Oil Treat Acne Scars?</strong></p>
<p>It can fade acne scars through the reduction of discoloration of the surface of the skin. For superficial scarring and blemishes, the oil can do wonders as it can speed up the Bio Oil does work in hastening the fading. For complicated cases of scarring on the other hand, it may take 2 months of regular use before there are improvements.</p>
<p><strong>Can Bio Oil Get Rid of Stretch Marks?</strong></p>
<p>Due to the ability of the oil to improve the skin condition, balance the skin tone and improve the elasticity and texture of the skin, stretch marks can be prevented. Be aware that the oil can do so much for stretch marks that already developed but it can still prevent them from worsening. There are reports that a few users of the oil experienced complete removal of their stretch marks but the most common reports say that the oil can decrease the dark color of the striae so as to blend better with the surrounding skin.</p>
<p><strong>How Much is Bio Oil?</strong></p>
<p>There are 3 sizes of Bio Oil available: 60ml, 125ml and 200ml and their prices depend on the particular market from where you are to buy it. It is safe to say that the approximate price would be 15 USD for 60ml, 20 USD for 125ml and 27 USD for Bio Oil 200ml.</p>
<p><strong>Where Can I Buy Bio Oil?</strong></p>
<p>Major retailers such as <em>Wal-Mart, Costco, Tesco, K-Mart, Walgreens, Safeway, and Boots </em>are<em> </em>the common places that offer Bio Oil<em>. </em>Additionally, the product can be bought in over 22 countries such as Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and the US. There are legitimate online retailers that also offer Bio Oil such as platforms like amazon.com, cvs.com, babiesrus.com, drugstore.com and walgreens.com among others.</p>
<p>For more inquiries, type in <a href="http://www.biooilguide.com/">www.biooilguide.com</a> in your search bar to visit a Bio Oil dedicated site. Other related concerns about Bio Oil can also be found through the website.</p>
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		<title>Natural Herbs Used In Treating Anxiety</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/natural-herbs-used-in-treating-anxiety/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/natural-herbs-used-in-treating-anxiety/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:50:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=150</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anxiety is inevitable in our daily lives. A particular level of anxiety may be normal, but excessive anxiety levels could lead to a full-blown anxiety disorder. A lot of us get butterflies in the stomach when we&#8217;re headed to a certain social event, but people who are suffering from social anxiety disorder experience intense distress [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anxiety is inevitable in our daily lives. A particular level of anxiety may be normal, but excessive anxiety levels could lead to a full-blown anxiety disorder. A lot of us get butterflies in the stomach when we&#8217;re headed to a certain social event, but people who are suffering from social anxiety disorder experience intense distress whenever they are required to talk in public or even as simple as writing a check in crowded grocery stores. Prescription meds can be used as a remedy, but there are natural herbs that could aid in fighting the harsh effects of <a href="http://worldental.org/sedation-dentistry/overcoming-dental-fear-sedation-dentistry/5707/">social anxiety disorder</a>.</p>
<p>Kava is considered to be among the family of pepper trees, which naturally grows in the South Pacific. Kava is widely used in treating anxiety in Europe, specifically in countries like Switzerland and Germany. Despite having only a few scientific evidences to prove the efficiency of kava, a series of research suggests that it helps in toning down the activities of our limbic system and amygdala. These are areas of the brain that have something to do with anxiety disorders. Kava has no additive effects. The suggested dose is 100 to 200 mg, and it should be taken 2-4 times per day. However, the Food and Drug Administration warns people about the potential harmful effects of kava on the liver. There are even some reported cases of liver damage due to use of kava. That said, it is wise to consult your doctor first if you plan on taking it.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Valerian is another natural herb used in anxiety treatment. It is usually found in the form of teas and capsules. According to some studies, valerian could be used in reducing anxiety as it can provide some effects that resemble those of a pharmaceutical drug called Valium. Such herb is traditionally used in treating insomnia, but it has also been found to be an effective treatment for anxiety. Some anxiety sufferers take it in conjunction with other herbal remedies like lemon balm and St. John&#8217;s Wort. If you are taking Valerian root, you must avoid engaging in some activities such as driving, given that one of the side effects of Valerian is drowsiness. Just like kava, Valerian has some effects on the liver. Thus, patients who have liver problems should steer clear of this herb.</p>
<p>Moreover, passionflower is yet another natural treatment for anxiety. It is said to have calming effects, and many people with mild to moderate anxiety are taking advantage of its benefits. Some studies have shown that such herb has similar effects to benzodiazepine, which is a pharmaceutical drug used mostly in the treatment of all types of anxiety. Passionflower naturally grows in North America. You can avail of it from vitamin shops.</p>
<p>A natural herb used in treating mild to moderate depression, and gives relief to anxiety, is St. John&#8217;s Wort. Health experts suggest an initial dose of 300 mg thrice a day. It could have interactions with certain medications, like birth control pills and antidepressants. Thus, always consult a medical professional before you plan on combining it with other prescription meds.</p>
<p>Furthermore, S-adenosyl-methionine refers to the substance which is naturally found in the body. That being said, the herbal supplement practically doesn&#8217;t have side effects. It could increase dopamine and serotonin, which people with anxiety and depression are lacking. You will see improvements in just a few days of taking it. The suggested initial dose is 200mg every day.</p>
<p>Anxiety can be severe for other people, and psychotherapy and/or medication are needed for the recovery from this debilitating disorder. However, for those who have mild to moderate anxiety, some herbs contribute to reducing the levels of anxiety in patients. Just always keep in mind to inform your doctor about any measures you take with regard to treating your anxiety disorder.</p>
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		<title>Vertical Gardening: How to Build a Living Wall at Home</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/vertical-gardening-how-to-build-a-living-wall-at-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/vertical-gardening-how-to-build-a-living-wall-at-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:43:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have always wanted to have a vegetable garden at home, but didn&#8217;t have the space for it, a vertical garden could be a great idea. There are several ways you can build a vertical garden. One is to grow plants right against the wall. This can be called the true &#8216;living wall&#8217;. Another [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have always wanted to have a vegetable garden at home, but didn&#8217;t have the space for it, a vertical garden could be a great idea. There are several ways you can build a vertical garden. One is to grow plants right against the wall. This can be called the true &#8216;living wall&#8217;. Another is to place planters on the balcony or window sills. You can also let climbers like cucumber plants grow against a wall or fence, up another upright plant or a trellis. You can find many such <a href="http://sustainablesuburbia.net/vertical-gardening-ideas/">vertical gardening ideas</a> on the web, if you have the time to do a little research.</p>
<p>The first thing is to select the spot. Most vegetable plants need six to eight hours of sunlight. They also need plenty of fresh air. Choose a spot that satisfies both conditions. If you are unable to decide on the first day, watch your garden  or balcony for as many days as it takes. Note down where the sun is and what is in shade, at different times of the day.</p>
<p>After selecting the spot, choose the type of vertical garden you want. You can choose one in which planters are nailed or screwed against the wall. Or you can go for the hydroponic garden and grow plants in containers using only water and no soil. There are many ways you can do it. Some ideas are patented and will cost you money, such as Grow Wall, Zipgrow towers and Arista Caseto. If these suit your budget though, they can make getting started &#8211; and maintaining your garden &#8211; easier. On the other hand, the DIY vertical garden can be as simple or complex as you want to make it.</p>
<p>Get as many vertical garden ideas as you can from the internet or books and choose the one that suits your goals and space. Try doing an image search on Google or Flickr for some great visuals.</p>
<p><strong>The vertical wall garden:</strong></p>
<p>Here is an idea that is free and easy to implement. It requires you to fix planters or rain gutters with screws or nails in several rows against the wall. You will need planters or rain gutters, a foot or a meter scale, screws or nails, an electric drill, a screwdriver and a hammer.</p>
<ul>
<li>Using the scale, draw a horizontal line on the wall three feet above the ground. Draw another line three feet above that. You can repeat this as long as the height of the wall allows, but keep in mind that you will need to water the top row, and if you are planting vegetables or herbs, to pick from it as well, though you may choose this row to plant trailing herbs such as oregano and thyme, that will hang over the edge.</li>
<li>Mark the spots where you want to fix the planters or rain gutters along each line, and then screw or nail the planters or rain gutters at the marked spots starting from the lowest line and moving up.</li>
<li>Drill holes at the bottom of the planters for drainage, if there aren&#8217;t some already. If it is rain gutters you have, drill the holes 6 inches apart. Also if you are using gutters, to ensure good moisture coverage, make sure your drainage holes are staggered from one row to the next, so that the excess water leaks down into the next row of plants and runs along the gutter before dripping down to the next row.</li>
<li>Fill the planters or rain gutters with garden soil. Add fertilizers or compost if necessary.</li>
<li>Sow seeds or plant saplings in the planters or rain gutters, whichever you find more convenient. Do not forget to water the plants regularly.</li>
</ul>
<p>Once your plants grow and cover the wall, it will indeed look like &#8216;living wall&#8217;. Choose the plants that require less floor space and water, such as climbers. These are also less prone to insects, diseases and animal pests, according to &#8216;Vertical Gardening&#8217; by Derek Fell ( 2011). You can find more vertical gardening ideas and container garden help at <a href="http://sustainablesuburbia.net">Sustainable Suburbia</a>.</p>
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		<title>Holy Basil &#8211; Possible Pancea</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/holy-basil-possible-pancea/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/holy-basil-possible-pancea/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:39:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A panacea is defined as that one remedy that can do anything. A cure for what ails you, whatever that thing might happen to be. From a cold, to a cut, to a contraceptive, a panacea is the cure-all. This of course means that it is a mythological substance. Though, as it turns out, maybe [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A panacea is defined as that one remedy that can do anything. A cure for what ails you, whatever that thing might happen to be. From a cold, to a cut, to a contraceptive, a panacea is the cure-all. This of course means that it is a mythological substance. Though, as it turns out, maybe not entirely. For certainly while a miracle all-curing drug has yet to be formulated, there is a certain plant that was discovered that may turn out to be the closest thing to a panacea that we will find in the real world. This plant is known as holy basil, or tulsi, and it has been causing a stir among scientists for a while now. Native to tropical regions, the plant has long been used by tribes that have existed since ancient times, as a useful herb for a variety of applications; medical, spiritual and otherwise. It was from these ancient practices that modern scientists discovered the plant and that it actually did have significant benefits when applied in a variety of ways. The most common applications of this plant involve first drying it, then using the crushed leaves as either a tea or a food additive. Both were tested and shown to indeed have medical use.</p>
<p>As a tea, tulsi was used for centuries in Eastern cultures as a spiritual medium of sorts. It was drunk ceremoniously to aid in meditation, or was used in burials to help guide spirits of the dead to a peaceful afterlife. Modern scientific studies of the <a href="http://holybasil.org/">holy basil plant</a> have shown that a tea made of the dried and crushed leaves or flowers of this plant can be used as a relaxant, or to alleviate headache or muscle pain. It also may help in balancing and maintaining blood glucose and cholesterol levels because of its high levels of eugenol, which also accounts for its pungency. Current testing to see whether or not this plants legendary treatments of airborne illnesses, insect-spread diseases, ulcers, poisoning and organ inflammation are true, are ongoing. What has been shown to be true is that the extracted oil from this plant can be used as an antibacterial salve, and that the leaves can also be used to drive away insects from valuable crops because of their strong scent. The eugenol may also make the tulsi oil an effective painkiller. Of course at a most basic health level, the tulsi plant is rich in antioxidants and so is a good supplement in any case.</p>
<p>Besides being a supplement when ingested directly or brewed as <a href="http://holybasil.org/holy-basil-tea/">holy basil tea</a>, the dried and crushed holy basil is also often used as a food-additive. The strong smell and flavor are desirable in a lot of rice dishes in Thailand and other regions in East Asia where rice is heavily consumed or where stir fried dishes are popular. When put in food, the desire is more for a flavor or aroma enhancement rather than a health benefit. Nevertheless, the curative properties of this plant are gradually becoming confirmed as more and more studies are done on it. Currently, the biggest study is to see whether or not the plant contains enough Beta Elemene to make it useful as part of cancer treatments. If this is confirmed, it will certainly be a big breakthrough for medical science. Still, the plant has already been shown to do so many beneficial things for the human body that it may soon outstrip other popular plant-based health supplements currently on the public market. Realistically, a true panacea, one that can cure anything from itches to tumors, may never be found, but the holy basil plant is definitely starting to seem like the next best thing.</p>
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		<title>Easily Make Your Own Homemade Perfume</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/easily-make-your-own-homemade-perfume/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/easily-make-your-own-homemade-perfume/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:55:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=139</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s not that hard to make your own perfume at home. A few key ingredients, a few weeks to let the mixture mature is all it takes. You can tailor the fragrance to suit your personality, and have fun experimenting and being creative with the different scents. Being a Good Perfumer The one thing to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s not that hard to make your own perfume at home. A few key ingredients, a few weeks to let the mixture mature is all it takes. You can tailor the fragrance to suit your personality, and have fun experimenting and being creative with the different scents.</p>
<p><strong>Being a Good Perfumer</strong></p>
<p>The one thing to remember when it comes to being a good perfumer is experimentation. A single drop of one oil or another is all it takes to completely change the scent of a home perfume. Also, mixtures can smell one way on one person and differently on another. So it is best to experiment and have fun trying out different combinations and diverting from the recipes you read about.</p>
<p><strong>The Basics of Making a Perfume</strong></p>
<p>So if you want to experiment, you’ll need to know the basics of creating a perfume. There are 3 key parts to a perfume and they are: distilled water (which dilutes the formula), the carrier base and the scent oils.</p>
<p>A perfume needs a carrier base, and the most common one is alcohol. The alcohol dilutes the fragrance oils so that they can be applied directly to the skin. In making homemade perfume, 100 proof Vodka is what is normally used, some people are beginning to use organic vodka.</p>
<p>The fun part comes in choosing the different oils to create your unique fragrance. There is a whole range of different oils you can use from lemon, passion fruit, to mint, jasmine and saffron. Just know that essential oils are categorized into 3 groups: the base note, the middle note, and the top note. To make a good perfume, you’ll need to use at least one oil from each note. The base note consists of oils that are made from resins, roots and words. These are the smells that last the longest in a perfume. Some examples include sandalwood, and musk. The middle note consists of flowery oils like rose, jasmine, and basil. While the top note are the more citrus oils like lemon, mint, and orange.</p>
<p><strong>Having A Go</strong></p>
<p>So now you know the basics behind making a perfume, here is a recipe and the directions to making a perfume.</p>
<p><em>The <a title="Bali Home Living" href="http://www.balihomeliving.com/">Bali Home Living</a> Beach Smoothie Combination</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Top notes: mint, and passion fruit</li>
<li>Middle note: rose</li>
<li>Base notes: musk and sandalwood</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Directions</em></p>
<p>You will want to use 10 drops of oil in total. You can choose how many drops of each oil you want to use, but have one oil that you use the most out of the 10 drops as this will be the focus of the perfume.</p>
<p>So for the 10 drops of fragrance oils you will then need to use a quarter cup of vodka. Start by adding in the base note first (musk and sandalwood) one drop at a time, stirring slowly before adding in another drop. Take a moment to smell the mixture before adding in each drop.</p>
<p>After you have mixed together the oils with the alcohol, cover it up and put it in a dark place for 2 days. After the 2 days are up, it is time to add in 2 tablespoons of distilled water. Now you’ll need to cover up the mixture again and let it sit in a dark place for 2 weeks to let it mature. Once it has matured you will want to put the mixture in a dark bottle – and then you’ll have your own perfume.</p>
<p>Head on over to Bali Home Living for more recipes and detailed instructions to make your own <a title="homemade perfume" href="http://www.balihomeliving.com/the-organic-guide-how-to-make-your-own-homemade-perfume-at-home/">homemade perfume</a>. There are also a range of articles on different home treatments from hair, face to skin beauty as well as living the tropical life.</p>
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		<title>Natural Stress Relief &#8211; Aromatherapy for Beginners</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/natural-stress-relief-aromatherapy-for-beginners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/natural-stress-relief-aromatherapy-for-beginners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:22:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered how the refreshing smell of lavender can instantly soothe your nerves and drive your stress away? Or how a whiff of eucalyptus seems to numb your pain? This is because these scents induce a positive reaction from the body, which can help us cope better with negativity. This is essentially what [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever wondered how the refreshing smell of lavender can instantly soothe your nerves and drive your stress away? Or how a whiff of eucalyptus seems to numb your pain? This is because these scents induce a positive reaction from the body, which can help us cope better with negativity. This is essentially what aromatherapy is all about.</p>
<p>Aromatherapy refers to the use of fragrant oils and scents to improve on the psychological, physical, and emotional well-being of a person. It is a practice that has been handed down by the Egyptians and Chinese, who first introduced this unique method of healing back in 2000 BC, although it was only in the 19th century when the medical skeptics began accepting the healing effects of this medium.</p>
<p>The fact is that we all have used aromatherapy intentionally or unintentionally, and have all benefited from the healing powers of Mother Nature.</p>
<p>The human body is a complex and wonderful creation that is gifted with a powerful sense of smell that can differentiate between 10,000 different aromas. As you inhale a specific odor, your olfactory nerves send signals to your brain that can trigger memories, improve your mood, and even alter a person’s behavior.</p>
<p>This is why millions of individuals across the globe have incorporated the gifts of aromatherapy in their very own bedroom. If you would like to join in on the craze, here are just a few of the most basic scents that can be beneficial for you.</p>
<h2>1. Lavender</h2>
<p>Lavender is a popular fragrance, especially among individuals who find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Concocted from the petals of lavenders, these essential oils exude a calming smell that has an almost enchanting effect. Persons who are often sleep deprived or suffering from insomnia can greatly benefit from a nightly whiff of this scent.</p>
<h2>2. Sweet Orange</h2>
<p>Whenever you feel the blues creeping in, turn to the bright and refreshing aroma of sweet orange essential oils that are sure to pick up your ailing spirit. This natural anti-depressant helps imbue a happy and warm atmosphere in your room and is perfect for those who are grieving or battling depression.</p>
<h2>3. Ylang-Ylang</h2>
<p>For the die-hard romantics, try the unique fragrance of ylang ylang oils to spice up the romance in your room. Known to be a natural aphrodisiac, the floral and tropical odor of ylang ylang has been a favorite among perfumers.</p>
<h2>4. Chamomile</h2>
<p>For those in pain or suffering from headaches, the calming fragrance of chamomile is guaranteed to soothe your aching nerves. Drawn from chamomile plants, chamomile extract has been renowned the world over for its unique healing effects that can help improve sleep and pacify the body.</p>
<h2>5. Eucalyptus</h2>
<p>Grown in hundreds of different varieties, eucalyptus is commonly used to relieve coughs, as it can clear up clogged nasal passages. As an essential oil, eucalyptus is potent at relieving muscle strains and is a proven immunity booster.</p>
<p>Nature has endowed us with some of the best and most appealing fragrances that can help our body cope with the daily stresses of life. By harnessing these scents, you can begin to release tension and start the healing from the inside-out. Nothing could be more natural than letting the essential oils of these plants help you get into the right frame of mind.</p>
<p>When Carla isn’t writing about the fun ways to make your home your oasis, she helps educate homeowners on green <a href="http://www.bedbugs.org/">bedbug prevention</a>, as well as environmentally friendly <a href="http://www.bedbugs.org/treatment/">bed bug treatment preparation</a> for those who have already had their home invaded. Whether its stress or bugs, you don&#8217;t need to resort to harsh chemicals to make your home a wonderful place to be.</p>
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		<title>How a GPS Device Can Help with Your Carbon Footprint</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/how-a-gps-device-can-help-with-your-carbon-footprint/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gentle-earth.com/how-a-gps-device-can-help-with-your-carbon-footprint/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:13:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Buzz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment & Energy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Independent research conducted in 2010 discovered that a standard in-car GPS device can actually help car drivers to reduce their carbon footprint and have a more positive effect on the environment when compared to drivers who don’t use them.  This might sounds strange at first, but there are in fact some solid numbers to back [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Independent research conducted in 2010 discovered that a standard in-car GPS device can actually help car drivers to reduce their carbon footprint and have a more positive effect on the environment when compared to drivers who don’t use them.  This might sounds strange at first, but there are in fact some solid numbers to back this claim up.</p>
<p>The complete study was conducted in Germany over a period of a year with the main participants being drivers that use their cars on a daily basis with common and popular driving habits.  This includes items like taking the kids to school each day, going to the shops twice a week, and driving to and from their work places – with a mix of both inner and outer city travel to get a fairer and more evenly balanced reflection.</p>
<p><strong>The Research Results from 2010</strong></p>
<p>The most interesting statistic taken after the year’s research and study showed that drivers who used the GPS and satellite navigation devices in their cars actually spent less time behind the wheel and tended to travel shorter routes and distances.  As a result this meant that their CO2 emissions were reduced – as was the amount they spent on fuel and consumption levels.</p>
<p>The reasons are clear; when using a GPS it will route you the shortest or quickest way – plus with many modern units now coming with real-time traffic alerts it mean that they were avoiding fuel-hungry traffic jams where typically fuel consumption is always higher.</p>
<p><strong>Facts and Figures in More Detail</strong></p>
<p>Many of the drivers used Honda Accords in order to complete the study, which are known already for their fuel-efficiency.  Each vehicle had the most up to date <a href="http://www.hondanavigationdvd.net/honda-accord-navigation-dvd">Honda Accord GPS DVD</a> inside it to ensure that it had the latest directions to reflect any changes to the roads in Germany.  When using a GPS in their car, the drivers surveyed managed to benefit from the following statistics.</p>
<ul>
<li>They spent less time in their car driving</li>
<li>They also drove shorter and more efficient distances</li>
<li>Their fuel efficiency was increased by 12 percent</li>
<li>Their fuel consumption actually dropped from 8.5 to 7.5 liters every 100 kilometers</li>
<li>Per driver they saw a 0.91 ton decrease in carbon dioxide over the year</li>
<li>The C02 emissions translated to a 25 percent decrease versus those without GPS</li>
<li>Their annual mileage numbers decreased by an average of 2,500 kilometers</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Where Was the Study Conducted?</strong></p>
<p>The 2012 research was conducted in the Dusseldorf and Munich cities of Germany – Germany was chosen because it has a complex road network with many variances and car drivers in the country are fast-adopters of GPS devices when compared to other populations globally.  There were three different study groups of people:</p>
<ul>
<li>Drivers with a GPS that included real-time traffic alerts</li>
<li>Drivers with a GPS without real-time traffic alerts</li>
<li>Drivers without a GSP altogether</li>
</ul>
<p>Every single car had a tracking device fitted to it which enabled the researchers to track and trace any drives that they did.  The tracker was also synchronized to monitor driving speeds and styles.  This amounted to over 2,000 car journeys in total covering over twenty thousand kilometers of travel distance.</p>
<p><strong>GPS Sponsors of the Study</strong></p>
<p>The Honda manufacturer is one car brand that actually includes GPS devices as part of the vehicle range as standard on the higher-end priced models.  They have used a lot of research in order to encourage car drivers to update their GPS maps on their Honda cars – you can find out more by checking out this Honda enthusiast’s website that talks in more details about associated cost and environmental savings that can be made by using a map update.  Go to: <a href="http://www.hondanavigationdvd.net/">www.hondanavigationdvd.net</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Sad Tale of Tzatziki and the Weeping Cucumber</title>
		<link>http://www.gentle-earth.com/the-sad-tale-of-tzatziki-and-the-weeping-cucumber/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:10:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GuestPoster</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gentle-earth.com/?p=127</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone who has enjoyed a gyro sandwich can attest to the deliciously delectable dill, yogurt, and cucumber concoction known as tzatziki. The cool cucumber and tangy yogurt provide a solid base for the aromatic dill and garlic, which work and play beautifully with all manner of roasted and grilled meats, as well as the wonderful [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anyone who has enjoyed a gyro sandwich can attest to the deliciously delectable dill, yogurt, and cucumber concoction known as tzatziki. The cool cucumber and tangy yogurt provide a solid base for the aromatic dill and garlic, which work and play beautifully with all manner of roasted and grilled meats, as well as the wonderful gyro sandwich.</p>
<p>However, anyone who has ever made tzatziki knows that there are a few potential pitfalls littered across the landscape, presenting the potential for culinary catastrophe at every turn. Many of these dangers can be avoided simply by choosing the correct ingredients, such as fresh cucumbers, Greek yogurt, young garlic, and the like. Still, danger still lurks beneath that fresh, promising exterior.</p>
<h3>Weeping Cucumbers</h3>
<p>As important as it is to start with the right ingredients, a good <a href="http://www.chickenandapples.com/easy-greek-tzatziki-recipe/">tzatziki recipe</a> also depends on those ingredients being prepared properly before they are introduced to the final sauce. Since the bulk of the sauce is made up of yogurt and cucumbers and the yogurt has already been covered, let&#8217;s take a moment to consider the cucumbers.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s say you made a wonderful tzatziki sauce for dinner. You served it on roast lamb or gyros and got rave reviews all around, but you made a little too much and had to put the rest in the refrigerator. The next day for lunch, you decide to pull it out and have a little with some pita chips, only to find a watery, nasty mess instead of the creamy sauce you made the night before. So, what happened?</p>
<p>Cucumbers are made up mostly of water, far more than most vegetables. As you chop, slice, or grate the cucumber for your tzatziki, the barriers holding that water in the cucumber are broken down, letting the water steadily seep out. Of course, this process, left to its own devices, takes several hours, which is why your beautiful tzatziki, over the course of a night, wept more than a man would watching Kevin Costner play catch with his father in Field of Dreams.</p>
<h3>Avoiding Disaster</h3>
<p>There are two potential ways to prevent this disaster from occurring, and both depend on the same simple concept: get rid of as much water as you can before introducing the cucumber to the yogurt. After all, the cucumber can&#8217;t cry into your sauce if its tears have already been spent.</p>
<p>The first method is called the salt-and-purge method. After chopping or grating the cucumber, toss it with a bit of salt and leave it to drain over a colander for an hour or two. The salt will pull out most of the moisture. Most people recommend about 1/4 tsp of salt or so per cucumber, and some of that gets washed away by the water as it gets pulled out.</p>
<p>The second, and much faster method is what I like to call the-old-Charmin-squeeze. Just wrap up your fabricated cucumber bits in a tea towel or a few layers of cheesecloth and just wring that water right out. Since this method takes a few minutes as opposed to a few hours and doesn&#8217;t add any salt to the mix, it is the one I prefer. Just be careful that you don&#8217;t wring the towel so hard that you break it, which happened the first time I tried this method.</p>
<p>Either way, once the water has been safely evacuated from the cucumber, it is safe to add to your yogurt to complete the recipe, which can then be enjoyed for up to a few days, as long as it stays refrigerated (if you can stay out of the bowl that long).</p>
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