Friday, July 25, 2008

an Aromatherapist's inspiration

Aromatherapy is a powerful healer. How do I know? Well… put a scent in your burner, relax, and I’ll tell you a story.

Years ago my life was at a stressful high. As a result I developed dreadful insomnia. It would take hours to fall asleep and I would wake up often during the night. I tried the suggestions from my doctor and the health food store clerks. Nothing really worked.

As luck would have it, I received a gift that included a lavender massage oil. Curious, I went to the store it came from to learn more. I skimmed an aromatherapy book and later, based on an idea in the book, put the massage oil on a cotton ball and placed it in my pillowcase. That night I fell asleep in five minutes for the first time in six weeks.

This turn of events impressed me so much that I was inspired to study essential oils further. I developed a blend that did wonders at keeping insomnia at bay. That blend has seen little change over time and has become my best selling item. People have brought friends to me so they can try it. It works.

That brief introduction to essential oils started me on the path to where I am now… helping myself and others find relief from stress and common ailments. If you have a minor health problem, want to pamper yourself, or just want your room to smell nice, aromatherapy can help. No matter where it takes you, it is sure to be a wonderfully aromatic journey.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

FDA Globalization Act 2008

Wow - the FDA is trying to pass regulations for cosmetic manufacturers that could put many small manufacturers out of business. So if you currently, or think you may in the future, make your own cosmetics (that includes skin care products), or care about being able to buy top quality organic skin care from small companies, then act now to protect your rights!

Read commentary here from Health Freedom News: http://www.thenhf.com/fda/fda_133/fda_133.htm

And the FDA law blog at http://www.fdalawblog.net/fda_law_blog_hyman_phelps/2008/04/fda-globalizati.html

You can try to view or listed to notes from the subcommittee meetings here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/FDAGlobalAct-08/index.shtml. I could not access either but perhaps you will have better luck.

Watch this video from Donna Maria from the Indie Beauty Business Network (you may remember Donna Maria from the Handmade Toiletries Network) regarding the proposed FDA Globalization Act.



We strongly recommend that you read this petition to stop the FDA Globalization Act 2008, sign it if you believe in it, and also email your congressmen and women: http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/indie_business/2008/06/stop-the-fda-gl.html

Introducucing new blog author Lynda Byington RA

Welcome to our newest blog author, Linda Byington!

Linda is a Registered Aromatherapist and ACHS Graduate, and is the founder of Elemental Aromatherapy LLC. Her interest in aromatherapy and healing modalities began in 1990. In 2003 she became a Registered Aromatherapist ("RA") through the national exam written by the Aromatherapy Registration Council. Linda then received a Diploma in Aromatherapy, with Honors, from the nationally accredited Australasian College of Health Sciences. She is certified in Swiss Reflex Therapy by Shirley Price of England, and has studied the Ingham Method of Reflexology

Career highlights include lecturing on aromatherapy topics, teaching hands-on workshops, custom formulating, and manufacturing aromatherapy personal care products. As a therapist she offers Ingham Method Reflexology, Swiss Reflex Therapy, and Aromatherapy Consultation.

Linda is a member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the Reflexology Association of Oregon, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and the Women Entrepreneurs Organization.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Weekends and eating right seem to be as evasive as Big Foot sightings!

How many people do fantastic during the week with workouts and eating perfect meals only to have it all come crashing down on the weekend? I think the routine of the work week has a lot to do with it. Each day that the alarm goes off we are set on a predictable path to spend the day. Sure we hit glitches and snags like co workers asking us to join them in the break room for the impromptu birthday cake for Stan or the retirement lunch for Doris but we have our meals packed and planned JUST FOR THIS!


Then along comes Saturday morning. We roll out of bed with no alarm screaming that we are late. We can smell the kitchen...or worse the breakfast buffet even before we get out of bed. This is where the internal dialogue and battle begin. I can have real scrambled eggs this morning, or I can have cream in my coffee...I have been so good this week I can have one little treat...Which turns to another helping then another treat meal then another and soon it is Saturday evening out with friends or family and the inner demon beckons again...Well you blew the whole day what are a few buffalo wings now?


Sunday morning you wake up feeling bloated and tired and guilty. It is ok you say to yourself, I will work it off today on the treadmill! Those 1,500 extra calories won't get me, damn it! Sunday morning begins with a slow start and the demon inside starts whispering, well you said you would work harder today anyway why not have this little.....or that little....and the battle ensues again today...for another 1,500 or so calories. So over the weekend despite your honest intentions, despite your commitment you ate 3,000 calories more than you wanted, more than you should have and more than was needed. There are 3,500 calories in one pound, did you know that?


For the start of the new work week, all that commitment and workouts are spent just working off the weekend. So realistically you have Thursday and Friday to make new dents after training and dieting off the splurge of the weekend. MAN! Just seeing it typed out here in front of me is like a slap of ice water. WHAT? Is that what is happening? Now look back at the weeks, were they all perfect? If they were not perfect add those added “treats” to the weekend surplus. Imagine all week long the sweating at the workouts, the "no thanks" at the luncheons all for what? The binge we do on the weekend? We work out to eat Buffalo wings on the weekend? I bench press till my arms are ready to turn to useless appendages hanging at my sides because I want to eat pizza and ice cream Saturday night? Yikes...no....um..I do it to be fit and lean...leaner than I am now but if I look at it this way I am slowly walking in circles waiting to be thin..I do not want to walk in a slow circle I have a direction and a goal for this!


How do we get out of this trap? Wait, we know this answer! How will this food I am about to consume get me towards my goal? How will this "treat" affect all my hard work I put in this entire week? Imagine working so hard, your dedication is dead on, your heart and soul are poured into this project....you hand it to your very best friend, soul mate, partner in life only to have them say OH perfect then cut it up in tiny pieces and throw it in the trash. I made that for you!! I did that ALL FOR YOU AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT IT!! This is what we do to ourselves when we over “spend” on our calories thinking we deserve it for all our hard work during the week.


Fail to plan the weekend and you are planning to fail. So, what do you do? Education on calories is a fantastic way to avoid junk. Let's look at some calorie busters here:
1 slice of pizza is about 300 calories. Ok 300 calories is not too bad, but do we eat one piece? You can help yourself here by ordering a salad and eating it before the pizza. The fiber from the salad will help fill you up as well as help you absorb less fat from the pizza. Another good tip is order the pizza with half the cheese; this will cut the fat and calories somewhat, probably close to 100 calories less. Another tip is to drink that water! Before it arrives drink a full glass and after it arrives drink a full glass, fill yourself up before the food has a chance to over power you!


4 pieces of Buffalo wings are 210 calories. Ok 210 calories sounds ok, right? Really, though, only 4 pieces? How many eat 4 pieces? How many skip the blue cheese dressing that comes along with it? One serving of dressing to go with your measly 4 wings is also about 200 calories. So in a 4 wing with dressing treat you have eaten the caloric value of a full meal, and predominately fat. Don't forget that beer to drive those wings right to the heart, literally. Beer can be anywhere from 100 to 200 calories a mug, bottle, glass, stein or however it is you picture it being served in. All those calories are a complete waste.....drink water. The alternative for the wings, order a salad with grilled chicken. You can request some hot sauce on the side to sprinkle over the salad and a small side of lite dressing to drizzle over the salad. Here again there is that magic fiber to help prevent the digestion of the fats and to fill you up. If your buddies want to mock you for choosing a salad over the 6 alarm wings, tell them after their beer and junk food you will arm wrestle them....or better yet tell them to meet you in the gym!


Anyway, that is just a glimpse of the caloric waste we can do to ourselves over 48 hours time. We can spend the next 72 to 96 hours of eating right and working out making up for those poor choices or we can look at things realistically. Sit back for a moment before you make your weekend food choices and really give it thought.....will these wings, pizza, ice cream, beer or whatever battle food you may face...are they really worth walking in a slow circle for? What is it you want for yourself? Do you want the 15 minute meal or the life time of satisfaction?


Nothing tastes as good as keeping your word to yourself. Nothing feels as satisfying as putting on those "thin pants" and having them feel loose on you. Nothing matches the "head turning" you will create when YOU are the fit one in the crowd. When people look at YOU and think “wow I wish I looked like that!"


Before you order that food, or make that choice....what is it you really REALLY want?
Make a plan for the weekend.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Oregonian A&E Features ACHS and Lavender UPick


The A&E in the Friday Oregonian featured a delightful article about the College urban herb garden and our lavender u-pick. you can see an online version here http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/121563871737280.xml&coll=7

Be sure to go to page two to read the full story!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Featured Herb of July

The open house may have passed (and was great fun) but we don't stop there! :) Be sure to take a look at the featured herb of the month!

July Herb of the month:
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi is a common plant in the Northern hemisphere, being found in barren, mountainous locations in Europe, Asia and America. You have to go above 3000 feet to find this indigenous herb growing wild in the US. The Native Americans used this herb for a smoking mixture, called kinnikinnik. It is of the same family as the Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, and Trailing Arbutus, Epigaea repens.

When you order the Featured Herb of the Month you will receive a new herb of the month package. This package includes 8 oz bag of the herb of the month and an insert, describing your oil in detail with recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural healing lifestyle.

You also may wish to become a prepaid member of the Herb and/or Oil of the Month Club lasting 20 months:
Herb of the Month Club
Oil of the Month Club

You will receive a beautifully designed 3 ring binder. Each month you will receive a new herb or oil of the month package including 8 oz of the herb of the month or 5 ml of the oil as well as an insert for your personal binder, describing your herb or oil in detail, including recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural healing lifestyle.

Be sure to continue to visit our Apothecary Shoppe as well for all our specials and products:
ACHS Apothecary Shoppe

For information about Herbalism, or any of our programs at ACHS, please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

Featured herb of July

The open house may have passed (and was great fun) but we don't stop there! :) Be sure to take a look at the featured herb of the month!

July Herb of the month:
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi is a common plant in the Northern hemisphere, being found in barren, mountainous locations in Europe, Asia and America. You have to go above 3000 feet to find this indigenous herb growing wild in the US. The Native Americans used this herb for a smoking mixture, called kinnikinnik. It is of the same family as the Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, and Trailing Arbutus, Epigaea repens.

When you order the Featured Herb of the Month you will receive a new herb of the month package. This package includes 8 oz bag of the herb of the month and an insert, describing your oil in detail with recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural healing lifestyle.

You also may wish to become a prepaid member of the Herb and/or Oil of the Month Club lasting 20 months:
Herb of the Month Club
Oil of the Month Club

You will receive a beautifully designed 3 ring binder. Each month you will receive a new herb or oil of the month package including 8 oz of the herb of the month or 5 ml of the oil as well as an insert for your personal binder, describing your herb or oil in detail, including recipes and other fun ideas to incorporate into your natural healing lifestyle.

Be sure to continue to visit our Apothecary Shoppe as well for all our specials and products:
ACHS Apothecary Shoppe

For information about Herbalism, or any of our programs at ACHS, please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Alligator Pear!

Wow, YUM, right? Ok, ok I mean the Avocado..or for those knee deep in their studies the Lauraceae (however still YUM!) I am not sure when the buzz happened about these ugly little fruits being too high in fat to eat but I am here to squash that rumor. Sure an average one has around 20-30 grams of fat but this is good fat, healthy fat! Several studies have shown eating avocado helps prevent heart disease thanks to the monounsaturated fatty acids but it also helps prevent various forms of cancer such as prostate, oral and breast cancers. How many of you take fish oils to get these benefits? Yet you walk by this fruit in the produce section with your nose up? Well, did you also know that one avocado a day can give you 35% of your RDA for vitamin K, 30% of your RDA in fiber, 25% of your needed potassium as well as 20% of vitamins C and B6 and copper? They have all that nutrition in a measly 236 calories in one cup?!? Well, set the table, I am ready to eat! I personally eat one avocado daily.
Try an avocado sliced on your salad or, my personal favorite, to your cottage cheese with some salsa and see for yourself how delish this fruit is!

Special Savings during our open house week

Its that time of the year... There is so much going on here at ACHS!

If you haven't noted we are having our Lavender Open House:
Lavender Open House Link

Plus our Lavender U-Pick:
See our previous blog post just below.

In addition we also are having a special savings of 20% off limited through July 16!
Open House Savings Special

In celebration of the ACHS 5th Annual Lavender Open House, the Apothecary Shoppe is extending you a limited Open House additional savings to total 20%* off your order when placed by the end of day Wednesday, July 16th.

So, if you're not able to join us on-campus for this fun event, you can still take advantage of this great special saving by placing your order online!

Start shopping online now to receive this limited time special savings. Stock up on all your natural health needs or take advantage of this special savings while purchasing your holiday gifts! Be sure to add this promotion to your cart before checkout. Your additional discount will be taken off your order total during processing.

*May be combined with student or graduate discount to total 20% discount. Available in-store, online and orders by phone. Cannot be used with Recommended Reading Book Sets or Study Kits. Back ordered items will ship at a later date for a minimal shipping fee. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not valid in states where prohibited.

A
nd yet there's one more special... All Organic Seeds are 30% off while supplies last!
Organic Seeds Sale Link
With over fifty great organic seed varieties from which to choose from, click on the link to order yours while they last.

We hope you are all enjoying your summer!

For information about Aromatherapy, or any of our programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

Hi! I am Maureen Jeanson

but I usually go by Moe..or Mom depending on who is talking to me *wink*
I will skip the basic info as you can simply click my name to read my profile.
I am a 2004 graduate of Herb 401 from ACHS. My graduating thesis was on the Obesity epidemic still plaguing the world. Ironically, at the time of my thesis I WAS obese! I am not now...and you can really dig into why and how if you visit my website .

So, when Erika sent out requests looking for graduates to help out with the blog I causally sent her a calm email asking if perhaps I may join in. (really I was super excited and could barely type fast enough in my reply begging to be permitted this outlet to share my enthusiasm for total health!)

Along with my Master Herbalist, I hold certifications for fitness specialties from ISSA, ACSM as well as with the United States Navy. I hope to bring all of this education to your computer screen each week with the tips I use for maintaining and improving health and wellness in our own lives!

Thanks again for allowing me into your MIND!!!! *wink*

Special Savings during our open house week

Its that time of the year... There is so much going on here at ACHS!

If you haven't noted we are having our Lavender Open House:
Lavender Open House Link

Plus our Lavender U-Pick:
See our previous blog post just below.

In addition we also are having a special savings of 20% off limited through July 16!
Open House Savings Special

In celebration of the ACHS 5th Annual Lavender Open House, the Apothecary Shoppe is extending you a limited Open House additional savings to total 20%* off your order when placed by the end of day Wednesday, July 16th.

So, if you're not able to join us on-campus for this fun event, you can still take advantage of this great special saving by placing your order online!

Start shopping online now to receive this limited time special savings. Stock up on all your natural health needs or take advantage of this special savings while purchasing your holiday gifts! Be sure to add this promotion to your cart before checkout. Your additional discount will be taken off your order total during processing.

*May be combined with student or graduate discount to total 20% discount. Available in-store, online and orders by phone. Cannot be used with Recommended Reading Book Sets or Study Kits. Back ordered items will ship at a later date for a minimal shipping fee. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not valid in states where prohibited.

A
nd yet there's one more special... All Organic Seeds are 30% off while supplies last!
Organic Seeds Sale Link
With over fifty great organic seed varieties from which to choose from, click on the link to order yours while they last.

We hope you are all enjoying your summer!

For information about Aromatherapy, or any of our programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

Friday, July 11, 2008

New Blog Author: Maureen Jeanson

We're delighted to welcome ACHS Alumni Maureen Jeanson, author of Squeaky Gourmet and owner of http://www.yourfitnessjourney.com to the blog authors! Maureen contributes on several health and wellness forums as an author and moderator. ACHS's College store, the Apothecary Shoppe, stocks Maureen's book Squeaky Gourmet and President Dorene Petersen is a featured review on the back of the book. Welcome Maureen!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

U-Pick Lavender!



The ACHS is having its yearly Lavender U-Pick!


Come to the Australasian College's garden and harvest lavender for your own use! $6/bunch or $10 for 2 bunches. (size of bunch is determined by zip tie and a bunch can be a quite a nice bit)




To U-Pick Lavender come by the college during our business hours of Monday through Friday 8:30 - 5:30 pm. We are located just off Macadam in Johns Landing.

Here is a link to directions to our campus:

Where is the ACHS campus

This is a great deal for fresh lavender and bunches can go quickly, drop by soon. :)

While at the college be sure to visit our Apothecary Shoppe for other items or specials.

Interested in Holistic Health education? Be sure to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors about all of our programs when you stop by.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

U-Pick Lavender!

The ACHS is having its yearly Lavender U-Pick!

Come to the Australasian College's garden and harvest lavender for your own use! $6/bunch or $10 for 2 bunches. (size of bunch is determined by zip tie and a bunch can be a quite a nice bit)




To U-Pick Lavender come by the college during our business hours of Monday through Friday 8:30 - 5:30 pm. We are located just off Macadam in Johns Landing.

Here is a link to directions to our campus:

Where is the ACHS campus

This is a great deal for fresh lavender and bunches can go quickly, drop by soon. :)

While at the college be sure to visit our Apothecary Shoppe for other items or specials.

Interested in Holistic Health education? Be sure to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors about all of our programs when you stop by.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

ACHS Lavender Open House listed in The Asian Reporter

The Asian Reporter Community Calendar lists ACHS's Lavendar Distillation demo and Open House on Wednesday July 16 from noon - 4:00pm at the college, 5940 SW Hood Ave. Portland, OR 97239.

At the Open House, you can learn about harvesting and distilling lavender into its essential oils, take a tour of the Botanical Teaching Garden, and learn how to grow different types of lavender with Master Gardener and ACHS SVP Erika Yigzaw.

The first five guests to the Open House will receive one free bunch of fresh picked lavender, so reserve your place today!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Quick Zit Fix

If you find yourself with a zit that popped up out of nowhere, at the first sign, apply a drop of lobelia tincture to the area. The zit will usually reduce in size or completely disappear within 24 hours without any residual hyperpigmentation to the skin. You can reapply the tincture to the area as often as needed.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

ACHS Graduate Laura Lamun on Raw Vegan Radio

On the June 25 installment of Raw Vegan Radio:

Interview with Laura Lamun, ACHS Graduate and owner of Little Moon Essentials!

She shares ideas and stories from her upcoming book "Raw Aromatherapy". You can hear the interview on iTunes by subscribing to Raw Vegan Radio, or by going to the website http://www.rawveganradio.com

Enjoy!


For information about Aromatherapy, or any of our programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

ACHS Graduate Laura Lamun on Raw Vegan Radio

On the June 25 installment of Raw Vegan Radio:

Interview with Laura Lamun, ACHS Graduate and owner of Little Moon Essentials!

She shares ideas and stories from her upcoming book "Raw Aromatherapy". You can hear the interview on iTunes by subscribing to Raw Vegan Radio, or by going to the website http://www.rawveganradio.com

Enjoy!


For information about Aromatherapy, or any of our programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

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