Flickr User Tobyotter

New and existing research indicates that the world’s highest selling weedkiller, Roundup, may pose a serious threat to public health.

Non-profit organization Earth Open Source recently released a review of existing data that suggests glyphosate, the primary active ingredient in Roundup, causes birth defects in the embryos of lab animals. The review also says that industry regulators have known about this for years and continue to ignore the information.

According to the Huffington Post, the Earth Open Source study reports that “by 1993 the herbicide industry, including Monsanto, knew that visceral anomalies, such as dilation of the heart, could occur in rabbits at low and medium-sized doses”. The report further suggests that since 2002, regulators with the European Commission have known that glyphosate causes developmental malformations in lab animals.

In a different independent study from 2007, it was found that Roundup induces adverse reproductive effects in a certain kind of male rat offspring.

The European Commission stated it would not comment on whether it knew about studies dating back to 2002 that showed the toxicity of glyphosate.

“Our examination of the evidence leads us to the conclusion that the current approval of glyphosate and Roundup is deeply flawed and unreliable,” states the report. “What is more, we have learned from experts familiar with pesticide assessments and approvals that the case of glyphosate is not unusual.”

Prayer beads, commonly known as mala, a Sanskrit term for garland, are used to recite mantras and say prayers. Malas date back to Hinduism in approximately 500 BC. Historians believe they began in India and spread to China, Japan, the Middle East and then to Europe. Western cultures commonly use rosary prayer beads.

The mala beads are usually held in the right hand and your fingers move from bead to bead in rhythm with the breath or mantra being recited. A common mala has 108 beads. In Buddhism, one hundred of the beads are meant for mantra recitation while the eight that remain are dedicated to all sentient beings.

Malas are made from a variety of wood, seeds, plants and semi-precious stones.

Our traditional 108-bead Sandalwood Mala by Celedra is handmade using red sandalwood seed beads from the Far East. The mala has accents of delicate silver beads separating semi-precious beads of rose quartz and clear quartz, finishing with a blue stone set in a silver drop two-sided guru bead.

Red Sandalwood

The 108-bead Ebony Mala is also handmade from ebony seed beads from the Far East. It has accents of delicate silver beads separating semi-precious beads of blue lace agate and clear quartz, finishing with a stone set in a silver drop two-sided guru bead.

Ebony

The Amethyst and Rose Quartz Mala Mate symbolizes spiritual awareness and love. Mantra: I am the embodiment of grace and sovereignty.

Amethyst and Rose Quartz

The Jade, Garnet and Carnelian Mala Mate symbolizes prosperity, motivation and success. Mantra: My natural state is abundance and ease.

Jade Garnet and Carnelian

This mala is handmade using natural beads of turquoise and red sandalwood seeds from the Far East, finishing with a turquoise stone set in a silver drop two-sided guru bead.

Celedra Red Sandalwood & Turquoise Men & Women's Wrist Malas

View all the malas available at Organic Bug.

Suzanne Krizanek / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Beauty treatments can be painful — both to your physical body and to your wallet. Many adults choose to upkeep their image by frequently visiting a stylist for treatments ranging from waxing and tweezing to dyeing, polishing and bleaching. Because these treatments are so widespread and popular, it is often assumed they will not in any way harm your health. However, the results of some independent investigations into the chemicals that make up some of these treatments may surprise you.

Brazilian Blowout Keratin Hair Treatments

The Brazilian Blowout, sometimes known as just a keratin hair treatment, promises to smooth out dry, frizzy or wavy hair. The end result should leave hair shiny, easily manageable and with volume. This treatment has gained popularity over the last couple of years, but attracted controversy when an independent research lab discovered a dangerous chemical, formaldehyde, in the product. Reports also circled stating that the stylists administering the treatment, as well as clients, had become sick with symptoms ranging from headaches and burning eyes to respiratory problems. The Brazilian Blowout company responded by conducting their own study. Their results concluded that the product does contain traces of the chemical but stated that the amounts are “considered safe and allows for use of the term ‘formaldehyde-free’”.

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, a hair treatment solution may contain 0.2% formaldehyde to be considered safe. However, these treatment products are unregulated and just the top five products contain ten to 20 times the ‘safe’ amount.

Formaldehyde has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a known human carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance). The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Studies involving workers exposed to formaldehyde suggest a link between formaldehyde exposure and several types of cancer, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

Hair Dyes

What if you could lose weight and keep it off or stop smoking and quit for good? Rebecca Parks Barnard is a registered hypnotherapist who developed Limba Systems, which replaces bad habits with new ones by retraining your brain’s limbic system — no drugs or crash dieting required!

Barnard conducted a 6-week trial in the fall/winter of 2009 with 21 women who used LimbaSlim for 21 days, and by the end of this trial, every single participant lost weight! One woman from Alaska remarked, “I don’t remember when food stopped being for hunger and started being for entertainment, but I do know that this is when that process started to reverse.” Barnard shares more about her healthy and natural Limba Systems programs and how they work.

Organic Bug: You’re a certified hypnotherapist, writer and speaker…how did you become interested in aroma hypnosis?

Rebecca Parks Barnard: I have been interested in hypnosis for many years. The first course I took in self-hypnosis was in 1975 in Southern California…About five years ago, I had an experience with an olfactory memory…I was in a meeting and I got a whiff of a fragrance that transported me back in time (as fragrances do, you know that olfactory memory phenomenon we all have). Someone in the meeting was the perfume that my Great Aunt Hannah used to wear when I was a child. Aunt Hannah had been dead for 20 years when I smelled this, and it was like ‘boom!’ déjà vu. I was overwhelmed with the memory of her.

…This started me thinking about what’s going on in the brain when that happens. I had such interest in the brain and behavior for so many years, so I started looking into olfactory memory and found out it’s the limbic system that is activated when a remembered smell triggers one of those memories.

And, guess what? The limbic system is the part of the brain that controls desire, habit, addiction, memory, and emotion! I thought ‘hey, that’s the same part of the brain that is responsible for weight loss, addiction, food addiction, all sorts of motivational stuff.’

I had one of those “light bulb” ideas: what if we put a brand new fragrance with a hypnosis that talks directly to whatever particular motivator you’re looking for?  Hypnosis is used for all sorts of behavior changes:  quitting smoking, losing weight, motivation for success or relaxation, etc. — What if I couple a hypnosis session with a fragrance that was brand new to you? Wouldn’t it create a new olfactory memory that you could trigger whenever you needed?

Hypnosis works great, but the problem with it is that it requires repetition, and it’s expensive to go to a hypnotherapist [around $100 a session.] You might have to go six or eight times (sometimes it will take in the first session) but it can be variable…With the Limba kits, I blend these luscious organic essential oils myself so I know that it’s a combo you’ve never smelled before. The scents are different for each of the programs [e.g., LimbaSlim: organic grapefruit and orange blossom; LimbaFit: organic rosemary; LimbaQuit: organic peppermint; LimbaSleep: organic lavender; LimbaTidy: light lemon).

OB: Limba is designed to retrain your cravings — can you tell us how it works?

RPB: Say you’re doing the weight loss hypnosis…you do the hypnosis and at the same time you smell this fragrance. Then later, you’re out and about and going out to lunch with friends and they’re getting ready to order the chimichanga and you’re just starving so of course you want to order the most fattening thing on the menu. You take out your LimbaSniffer, and you take a whiff of it…It transports you back to this mental place of strength that you experienced during the hypnosis. Your mind is instantly reminded of the healthful eating suggestions in the hypnosis, and you suddenly crave something more nutritious than the fattening thing that you thought you wanted to eat. It really just changes your cravings…

You receive the LimbaKit, which is a CD of the 10 minute hypnosis and a Limba Sniffer, which is a metallic, lipstick-sized diffuser that you can carry in your purse…The LimbaSniffer is infused with the fragrance (When you get the kit, you get a bottle of the fragrance and you squirt it into the sniffer yourself so it’s fresh.) So you have your sniffer in your hand and you press play and lie down in a comfortable position…the recording gently instructs you to take a deep sniff of your LimbaSniffer…it tells you exactly when to sniff and when to put it aside…as a hypnotherapist, it’s always been important to me that the subject doesn’t have any anxiety at all…so I don’t want people to ever wonder, and I go ahead and put detailed instructions right into the recording. Then it takes you through a classic hypnosis induction where you take deep breaths and countdown from 10 to 1 and visualize a beautiful scene that is described, with music and soft nature sounds.  You really don’t do anything except press play and do what it says…

Read testimonials from Limba Systems users here.

OB: What is the science behind Limba Systems?

RPB: [During the hypnosis], it lowers your brainwave frequencies…your standard awake brainwave frequency is called beta — that’s where we are most of the time. Alpha is a more relaxed state of play and daydreaming — kids are in alpha a lot when they’re just playing. Theta is deeper than that where you’re actually totally lost in a daydream. For instance, when you’re driving your car down the freeway and you pass your exit and don’t even remember it…In alpha and theta, you’re brain is really suggestible. [However,] you can’t put something in someone’s brain that they would object to you, because you’re so close to the surface of alertness that you would just wake up if someone said something silly.

…So what happens in the hypnosis CD, by taking the deep breaths and the visualization of slowly walking down a lovely staircase, it relaxes your brain into an alpha or theta brainwave state. Once you’re down on the beach (visually), you’re so happy and the waves are splashing…you’re so relaxed and then at that point…you’re told to visualize a table with nutritious, healthful food, and you just can’t help but take a bite and the juice drips down your chin…you realize that this is what your body has been craving and that your appetite is a gift. In that beach scenario, you’re alone on the beach and you love your body…

After listening to the CD when you’re back in your everyday life, you take a sniff to bring back that feeling of love and respect for your body – whenever you feel a need for it or before you’re hit with a situation that might be tempting for you…eventually those cravings go away and a lot of people who have done LimbaSlim don’t have to take a whiff anymore, it just retrains your cravings. It’s not a matter of willpower at all — you actually eat whatever you want, but what you want actually changes!

I have a great interest in women’s body image issues — the whole pressure we have to be a size 2 and all the self-loathing that goes on with women — I put in a lot of really positive body image messages into all of these CDs.

OB: Can you explain some of the benefits to using LimbaSlim as opposed to taking prescription or over the counter medications?

RPB: What’s wonderful about LimbaSlim is there’s no pill involved. You’re not doing anything to your body or ingesting anything. And also, it’s a permanent change. You can just revitalize it every couple of months if you need to, but it lasts forever. It creates a lifestyle change that’s necessary for weight loss. If a person just goes on a diet for three weeks to lose 10 pounds…they might do it by sheer willpower, but through the whole process, they’re looking forward to going back to their old way of eating. They’re not changing anything. They’re just doing something temporarily…What LimbaSlim does is create a change in what you want. When I first did this, I lost 22 pounds about three years ago, and I never dieted, not one bit…I just crave better foods now.

OB: There are five Limba programs, LimbaSlim, LimbaFit, LimbaQuit, LimbaSleep and LimbaTidy) — what is the most popular one?

RPB: By leaps and bounds, LimbaSlim is the most popular. The next most popular is LimbaFit. They are all 10 minute hypnosis CDs or MP3s, which is unusual, because hypnosis sessions are often much longer than that but it’s concentrated. LimbaFit turns you into one of those people who really wants to exercise, whether you’re a person who doesn’t at all, which kind of described me. I tell people that if you’re going to listen to LimbaFit, be ready and have your membership at the gym or at least your running shoes clean and a pair of socks or a corner of your living room ready to do some yoga, because you’re going to want to exercise when you’re finished with it. It takes you through this whole scenario where you visualize people who are exercising so happily and you just really want to join them.

OB: When can people expect to break a habit or start a new one?

RPB: They say it takes 21 days to change a habit, but I can’t find the source of that anywhere. But, if you do LimbaSlim every day for 21 days in a row, there’s no way your mind won’t be affected enough by it that when you just take a sniff of the Limba Sniffer you’re going to want good food and you’re going to love your body and appreciate it.

OB: In your experience, what is the most important element to successfully ridding yourself of a bad habit or craving for the long term?

RPB: The most successful element to rid yourself of a bad habit is to replace a bad habit with a good one. In the case of eating, clearly eating better foods and more nutritious whole foods instead of fatty, sugary, low nutrition foods does it. In the case of smoking, you replace smoking with a desire for clear air in your lungs…Generally, that is the key to changing a habit — replacing it with something else, something more healthful.

Read Barnard’s book Lose Your Thighs and Your Legs Will Fall Off for more practical tips.

In a recent study, performed by the Ecology Center, medium to high levels of toxic chemicals were found in one in every three children’s toys tested. The chemicals included lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

There is no place for chemicals in children’s toys. To prevent exposing your child to a harmful chemical from something as simple as a holiday toy, choose toys that are made from organic, non-toxic materials.

All children’s toys available on OrganicBug.com are safe for children. Here are five of our favorites.

MiYim Organic Cotton Plush Sleepytime Charlotte Collection

When your child cuddles up at night with a Plush Sleepytime Bear, you can be assured your child is not breathing in toxins, chemicals or dyes. Each bear is made from naturally colored, buttery-soft organic cotton. The organic cotton is untreated, unbleached and unprocessed with color dyes acquired from nature. Bears are approximately 12 inches tall.

MiYim Dr Seuss “The Cat in the Hat” Eco-Plush Toy

The Cat in the Hat Eco-Plush Toy is a very popular gift item. Spark a child’s interest in reading by giving this fun, cuddly toy. The Cat in the Hat Eco-Plush Toy is made from natural cotton that is untreated, unprocessed and unbleached. Colors on the toy are derived from natural plant and mineral sources. Made with a polyester fiber filling, The Cat in the Hat Toy is eco-friendly and safe for your child.

Maple Landmark Woodcraft Classic Tic Tac Truck

Put a little twist on the traditional game of Tic Tac Toe with the Tic Tac Truck. Trucks are made in Vermont, primarily from maple hardwood which is free from added chemicals and harvested from sustainable forests. The bed of the truck serves as the game board with round indentations where X and O game pieces may be inserted. Unlike plastic trucks, which can easily break or release chemicals, these wooden trucks will last for generations. The truck is approximately 9 inches long and weighs 2.75 pounds. It is recommended for children of three years and older.

Little Pickle Press 3 Book Series in a Little Pickle Bag

These three award-winning children’s books introduce kids to environmental issues. Books in the series include What Does It Mean To Be Global?, What Does It Mean To Be Green? and What Does It Mean To Be Present?. Books are packaged in an eco-friendly, global-minded book bag created with recycled PET and pursuant to fair trade practice.

Green Toys Recycled Fire Truck

The Recycled Fire Truck from Green Toys is made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. Your kids will play for hours with this durable truck’s rotating roof ladder and lateral side ladders. There is no metal on the truck, and the plastic is non-toxic. The truck comes packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties.

Marketing agencies tend to go overboard with the word “superfood”. While “superfoods” like acai and goji berries are beneficial for your health, you do not have to spend $15 on a 6oz bag of goji berries or $25 on a bottle of acai juice to receive antioxidants and powerful health properties from food. Here are ten inexpensive healthy foods that can easily be found in most supermarkets.

Sweet potatoes
One cup of cooked sweet potatoes with skin intact contains 769% of the recommended daily value of vitamin A. It also contains 65% vitamin C, 50% manganese, 29% vitamin B6 and 27% potassium. Smaller amounts of the vitamins E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid are found in sweet potatoes. Minerals found in sweet potatoes include calcium, iron, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Sweet potatoes are fat free and contain 7 grams of fiber.

Dark green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables such as kale, bok choy and spinach are packed with nutrients. They contain calcium, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, lutein, fiber, and vitamins C, A and K. Enjoy greens in a salad with an olive oil vinaigrette dressing, lightly steamed or in a blended fruit smoothie.

Broccoli
Raw broccoli contains more than your recommended daily value of vitamins C and K. It is very low in calories, with just 31 calories per cup. To obtain the most nutrition, eat broccoli raw or lightly steamed.

Sprouts
There are several varieties of sprouts, including alfalfa, clover, buckwheat, garbanzo, lentil, mung bean and radish. Sprouts pack in protein, vitamin C, iron, folate, manganese, phosphorous and copper as well as smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals. Sprouts can be very inexpensive when purchased in bulk as a seed and sprouted in your own kitchen. The sprouts only take a few days to mature.

Blueberries
Blueberries have a very high antioxidant capacity. They are rich in anthocyanin (an antioxidant), vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper, selenium, zinc and iron. Some studies state that blueberries have the highest antioxidant rating of any fruit and they also fight free radicals that can affect disease and age the body. A recent study at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center suggests blueberries may help reduce belly fat and lower cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome risk.

Kiwi
One kiwi, in just 45 calories, contains all the vitamin C you need in a day.

Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is very beneficial to heart health and cholesterol levels in your body. Flaxseeds also contain lignans, anti-cancer compounds and fiber that enhances digestion. Throw ground flaxseeds in a smoothie or sprinkle them on a salad.

Beans
Beans are a healthy, cholesterol-free source of protein. One cup of great northern beans contains 15 grams of protein, 46% of the daily recommended amount of manganese, 45% folate, 29% phosphorus, 22% copper, 22% magnesium, 21% iron, 20% potassium and 19% thiamine, in addition to smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals. Beans have also been known to raise good HDL cholesterol levels.

Cherries
Cherries are full of anti-inflammatory properties, and they are high in antioxidants that help the body fight off free radicals.

Raw cacao powder
Although you may have to make a special trip to Whole Foods or buy raw cacao powder online, it is still a substance worth looking into. Raw cacao powder is made from cocoa beans, but it is cocoa before it has been heavily processed and had sugar added to it to form chocolate. Raw cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. It also contains 42% of the recommended daily value of magnesium and 22% of iron.

Jonäno made its grand entrance into the world of eco-fashion in 2005. The company is strongly committed to environmental protection, fair trade and style. Because of the high standards of the Jonäno brand, Organic Bug is happy to introduce the Jonäno collections to their apparel offerings.

Jonäno’s clothing is created using peace silk, hemp, bamboo and other organic fibers. The soft bamboo ecoKashmere is produced from certified and organically-grown bamboo. To further reduce the carbon footprint, the bamboo is harvested close to the manufacturing facilities in order to reduce transportation resources. The eColorgrown fabrics are created in Brazil by local artisans and the materials are sourced from small farmers. Jonäno also works with the Planet Access Company, whose goal is to provide work opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Planet Access Company also works with energy efficient machinery and lighting, using recycled packaging materials and employing a paperless inventory system.

The line offers an assortment of elegant evening wear. The Jonäno ecoKashmere asymmetrical hem bandeau chili red dress is stunning. The flattering fit is highlighted with a soft sensual drape of the asymmetrical hem.

The Jonäno Bloom ruby knot front black dress is the versatile little black dress every woman should own. The empire waist flows into an A-line above the knee-pocketed skirt. The dress is made from a blend of organic bamboo viscose, organic cotton and a hint of spandex.

For days at the office, the Jonäno Bloom double sash shirtdress is a classy and fashionable option. The light ruffling at the elbow adds a feminine element and a double sash ties at the waist to add subtle, unique detail. Pair the dress with your favorite heels for a stunning, high fashion look, or swap the heels for cowboy boots and a chunky faux leather belt for a relaxed night out.

The line also offers tanks, tees, vests, sweaters, graphic tees and leggings. The Jonäno butterfly bamboo apres dance sweater is a cashmere-soft sweater with long flowing sleeves and a soft, flowing silhouette. The sweater is created from organic bamboo and printed with low impact water-based inks. Wear it casually with jeans or dress the look up with black pants.

Jonäno is a fashion and environmental pioneer. Through their use of organically grown, renewable, biodegradable and highly sustainable resources, they are redefining what it means to be an environmentally-conscious fashion company.

Shop all Jonäno styles.

At juice bars across the country health enthusiasts line up to order little shots of a vibrant, green liquid known as wheatgrass. Wheatgrass juice was introduced as a health and healing juice in the 1950s by Dr Ann Wigmore. When Dr Wigmore discovered she had colon cancer at the age of 50, she began a diet of raw greens and blended, sprouted seeds. After one year she was cancer free and began studying the nutritional properties of grasses, eventually focusing primarily on wheatgrass. Dr Wigmore believed that most of the degeneration and illness humans suffer from is caused by a lack of vitality and life force in the food we eat. Dr Wigmore advocated for a diet of raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts and green juices.

Many health experts – including Dr Young, author of The pH Miracle – emphasize the fact that wheatgrass juice is composed of approximately 70% chlorophyll. The chemical structure of chlorophyll is almost identical to the structure of hemoglobin. The only difference is that chlorophyll contains magnesium whereas hemoglobin contains iron. Because of the similar chemical structures, the human body is able to transform chlorophyll into hemoglobin. This increases red blood cell count, and the blood’s capacity to deliver oxygen to cells throughout the body.

Individuals interested in holistic health agree with Dr Wigmore’s research into the benefits of wheatgrass, and many claim wheatgrass juice also contains the following benefits:

- Improves digestion
- Helps cleanse the liver
- Enriches the blood
- Fights tumors
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves skin problems
- Prevents hair from graying
- Protects from carcinogens
- Boosts the immune system
- Neutralizes toxins in the body
- Removes heavy metals from the body
- Helps all types of blood disorders.

Wheatgrass juice is also a good source of chlorophyll, enzymes, amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium sulfur, zinc, cobalt and protein. Vitamins B, C, E and carotene are strong antioxidants that eliminate free radicals. The juice contains 90 minerals, many of which have a strong alkaline effect on the body.

While health clubs can charge anywhere from $1 to $5 for a shot of wheatgrass juice, you may also choose to grow and juice it yourself at home from as little as $1 a week. To cultivate your own, you will need a wheatgrass juicer, seeds, soil and a tray to grow the grass in. The seeds will need to be soaked and sprouted in a jar before being placed in the soil. Your fresh wheatgrass will be ready for juicing in just seven to 12 days. From there, cut the grass with clean kitchen scissors or a knife, run through the juicer and throw back a shot!

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects you every day. Many people fail to think twice about the substances and chemicals they are putting on their skin through lotions and makeup. However, if you care about the products you take into your body through eating, you should also pay attention to what you are bringing into your body through your skin.

The substances you put on your skin can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream. Imagine putting chemicals, preservatives and emulsifiers on your skin every day as part of your daily routine. Then, imagine the impact it must have on your body if you do this for 30, 40 or even 50 years of your life.

Today as more and more people become increasingly cautious about their health, they are also re-examining the ingredients in their cosmetic and personal health products. Many non-organic makeup products contain harsh ingredients such as DEA, cyclomethicone, ammonium lauryl sulfate, nitrosamines, dioxane, isopropyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol, aluminium and formaldehydes. Natural health advocates claim the FDA very loosely regulates the ingredients that companies are allowed to put in makeup and personal care products.

Here are five harmful ingredients commonly found in cosmetics and their effects on the body:

1. Formaldehyde
This substance is found in a variety of beauty products. Formaldehyde can irritate your skin, cause asthma and possibly contribute to the development of cancer.

2. Parabens
Parabens have been linked to breast cancer in several studies. They are present in cosmetics in various forms, such as propylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben and butylparaben.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is found in soaps and shampoos. Some health advocates claim SLS can enter the heart, brain or liver through the skin and accumulate in these organs.

4. Fragrance
The danger with the term fragrance is that companies are able to hide a variety of different chemicals under this labeling term.

5. Toluene
Toluene is found in nail polish and hair dye. Toluene can be toxic to the nervous system.

As individuals learn more about these ingredients, they turn to organic cosmetics.

Organic cosmetics are cosmetic products that contain 100% natural ingredients.

 Organic cosmetics are frequently produced from fruits, vegetables, roots, botanical extracts, waxes and natural oils. They can be found in some mainstream department stores as well as at local health stores.

When choosing cosmetics, aim to choose products with simple ingredients lists containing natural ingredients, which you can pronounce. Choose organic brands to avoid harmful chemicals or embrace your natural beauty and don’t wear any makeup.

Pain relief can be tough. With so many things on the market these days that can be hazardous to your health, or just plain addictive, getting the relief you need without damaging yourself in other ways can be a tough gig. Well, why not look to Mother Nature?

Fish Oil

Fish oil has been shown to relieve joint pain, back aches, and arthritis. As your body digests the oil, it is naturally broken down into anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Arnica

Arnica, an herb derived from a European flower; has natural anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to reduce bruising, muscles aches and swelling.

Cherry Pits

That’s right, the pits are perfect pain-soothers, tackling backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, joint pain, even arthritis. Toss the comfy pit pack in the freezer or microwave and chase pain away naturally.

Turmeric

Turmeric, an ingredient in curry, has naturally occurring curcumin, which has been shown to ease rheumatoid arthritis. Eat it for mild overall relief, or get prescription caplets containing turmeric.

Chili Pepper

Chili Pepper has been shown to target and relieve arthritis, muscle stiffness and headaches thanks to capsaicin, its active component that desensitizes pain-producing nerve receptors. You can eat the spicy stuff for general (though mild) pain relief, or choose a topical capsaicin cream for more impact. Most often used for muscle and nerve pain people have also experienced noticeable relief from migraines and cluster headaches..

Corn Kernels

Similar to Comfypacs, Corn Bag Critters are sacks filled with microwave ready and freezable whole corn kernels. After just a minute in the microwave, the sack can hold heat for hours!

Menthol

More than the on-impact pain-relieving cooling and warming sensation from the Menthol, anti-inflammatory herbs like St. Johns Wort, Arnica and Balsam Poplar go to work to quell the swell deep down in the muscle.