October Newsletter

Autumn
Autumn is my favorite time of year. Can't you just hear 'Autumn Leaves' by Nat King Cole playing in the background?
 
The falling leaves drift by the window,
The autumn leaves of red and gold ... 

It's time to pick apples and bake pies from scratch. It's time to rake leaves and drink hot apple cider. It's time for Len and Laurie to go on vacation. HolEssence will be closed October 5-13 while we are in Nova Scotia.  

NOW is the time to call and register for the following events. However, while we are gone you can still call the store at 815-276-7173 to

- Schedule appointments
- Sign up for an Intuitive Reading with Debbie Jacob on Saturday, October 18th
- Register for The Book of Five Rings with Peter Petrouski on October 26th

When you call, simply leave your name and call-back number. Karen Wylie will return calls each evening and get you scheduled, signed up, or registered.

Craig Jadown will still be at HolEssence on Tues and Wed, Oct 7 and 8 for acupuncture appointments. Please call him directly at 847-848-1298.

We will be back at HolEssence on Tuesday, October 14th.

This is required reading for clients who take Laurie’s Life Harmony program. As such, we keep it in stock at HolEssence.

Having a tough time catching some Z’s? We have an amazing sleep section at HolEssence. It’s stocked with Valerian Root (a natural sedative), Yogi Bedtime Tea, with soothing chamomile, eye masks and lavender eye pillows, soft ear plugs, guided imagery CD’s to help you drop off, and dreamy sleep music. Our sleep remedies are much more effective than counting sheep. Come in and check out our sleep section – you’ll be catching Z’s before you know it.    

Sometimes referred to as the "Whisper Stone", Peach Aventurine is best used in quiet meditation because its qualities become readily apparent when one is seeking centering and quiet. It is a particularly helpful mineral to those who exhibit shyness or anxiety. It enhances dignity, presence, and calm. Peach Aventurine helps to still the loud, critical voice within. Peach Aventurine gently increases the energy of the sacral chakra. It helps with decision making and can boost creativity.

Physically – Peach Aventurine is beneficial for the lungs, heart, adrenal glands, the urinary system, and female reproductive organs (ovary specific).

Peach Aventurine is associated with the sacral chakra.

Ever wonder about the difference between crystals, sones, and minerals? Simply click on the link for an explanation - The Difference Explained.

On a per-gram fresh weight basis, oregano and other herbs ranked even higher in antioxidant activity than fruits and vegetables, which are known to be high in antioxidants. In comparison to the antioxidant activities of a few select fruits and vegetables, the potency of oregano ranks supreme. Oregano has:

• 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples
• 30 times more antioxidant activity than potatoes
• 12 times more antioxidant activity than oranges
• 4 times more antioxidant activity than blueberries

For example, one tablespoon of fresh oregano contains the same antioxidant activity as one medium-sized apple. Adding a moderate amount of fresh herbs may go a long way toward boosting the health value of a meal, especially as an alternative to salt and artificial additives. Even if you're not into oregano, other herbs also appear to pack a significant antioxidant punch. Among the more familiar, ranked in order, are fresh dill, garden thyme, rosemary and peppermint. 

The most active phenol component in some of the herbs with the highest antioxidant activity, particularly oregano, was rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant. 

Antioxidants have become synonymous with good health. They are a class of compounds thought to prevent certain types of chemical damage caused by an excess of free radicals, charged molecules that are generated by a variety of sources including pesticides, smoking and exhaust fumes. Researchers believe that destroying free radicals may help fight cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Fruits and vegetables have long been viewed as a rich source of antioxidant compounds. Health officials have been urging consumers for years to eat more fruits and vegetables in order to gain the health benefits of antioxidants, but progress has been slow, according to researchers. 

More recently, researchers have begun to formally study the health benefits of fresh herbs and spices. Both have been used for thousands of years to flavor foods and treat illness. The two differ mainly by source:

• Herbs typically come from the leaves of plants
• Spices come from the bark, stem, and seeds of plants

Fresh herbs have emerged as a quick and easy way to get a concentrated source of antioxidants - without all the extra calories of whole foods.

Herbs can be consumed in a variety of ways. Some people prefer to drink herb extracts, which can be made by adding herbs to hot water to make potent antioxidant teas. Others use concentrated herbal oils available in some health food stories. Most of us prefer a little dash and sprinkle of the familiar leafy or powdered versions to add flavor to our favorite meats and vegetables.

In general, fresh herbs and spices are healthier and contain higher antioxidant levels compared to their processed counterparts. For example, the antioxidant activity of fresh garlic is 1.5 times higher than dry garlic powder.

Just as consuming too much of any food product can carry health risks, herbs should be used with moderation. Whatever form they take, herbs are not a substitute for a balanced diet. Pregnant women in particular should consult their physicians before taking herbal supplements.