The Best Possible Facial Skin Care Product – Why What You’re Offered is Often Far From It by Laurel Levine

What you are undoubtedly looking for the best possible anti aging facial skin care product that you can possibly get your hands on, but what you are being offered is often far from that. The quality of most of the products being provided by the cosmetics industry is incredibly low, and despite the promises of the manufacturers that their formulas are safe and effective they are actually neither.

There are literally thousands of different chemical agents regularly used in the development of skin care formulas, and the vast majority of them can be hazardous to your health. These chemicals are primarily used a preservatives, antibacterial agents and firming compounds, all of which are necessary. Natural compounds will act in these roles every bit as effectively as chemical agents, and natural ingredients won’t pose a threat to your well being.

A not so fun fact that most consumers don’t seem to realize is that there are roughly 4,000 chemical agents that are used just to produce the fragrance of an anti aging facial skin care product. To me, introducing potentially harmful chemical agents to create scent is just exposing you to chemicals for the sake of doing it. Fragrance plays no role whatsoever in changing the way your skin looks and feels.

The cosmetics companies do not have to use chemicals in their formulas for any reason, but they will continue to use them because they are available at very low cost. Most cosmetics companies won’t spring for the few extra dollars per product that it would take for them to supply you with the healthy ingredients you need in order to revitalize your skin. Your safety and satisfaction is not a consideration when it comes to developing their products.

Thank goodness that not every anti aging facial skin care product is developed using harmful chemical agents, but the ones that aren’t can sometimes be difficult to find. They are generally manufactured by smaller companies that are more concerned with quality than most of the larger corporations are. Many of the best anti aging formulas are being developed in places that most people would never think of.

New Zealand is where the finest line of anti aging formulas is being produced, with a company there having discovered the only ingredient known to stimulate the increased production of fresh collagen and elastin proteins. This ingredient is called Cynergy TK, and it is a mixture of unique keratin proteins laced with enzymes. This compound makes a tremendous difference in your skin.

An all natural anti aging facial skin care product featuring Cynergy TK would not be complete without the equally amazing kelp extract dubbed Phytessence Wakame. The extract curtails the harmful behavior of the hyaluronidase enzyme, which is what is largely responsible for the rapid degradation of your hyaluronic acid. This action allows your hyaluronic acid levels to rise considerably.

In conclusion, there are also tissue promoting compounds like avocado oil and active Manuka honey included, as well as a host of other oils and waxes. By using an anti aging facial skin care product developed with these powerful ingredients, you will find the success you have been missing with other formulas.

You can learn more insights by visiting my web site and discovering more natural ingredients I personally use daily.

Burgeoning Indian Diagnostic Market by RNCOS E-Services Pvt. Ltd.

With the increasing prevalence of diseases, demand for diagnostic devices and services has significantly risen as people are becoming more conscious about health issues and prefer prevention of diseases rather than cure. In the backdrop of improved purchasing power of the middle class families, rising awareness among patients and enlarged reach of healthcare services, the diagnostics market is anticipated to grow at a fast growth rate. Consequently, the diagnostics market in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of more than 22%, says our new report “Indian Diagnostic Market Analysis”.

Our in-depth analysis of the diagnostic market has found that one of the main factors responsible for such a high growth rate of the diagnostics industry is the Point of Care (POC) tests because of increasing consumer awareness about health concerns. Besides, demand for highly technological innovative tests will increase as they can provide more precise results.

Our team of experts has also segmented the diagnostics market on the basis of techniques. The main techniques along with various other discussed in the report are biochemical testing, hematology, immunology and critical care. Among the segments, biochemical tests are anticipated to dominate the diagnostics market and will account for around 36% of the total market by the end of 2010. The report has also identified the molecular diagnostics as the emerging and fastest growing segment of the diagnostics industry.

“Indian Diagnostic Market Analysis” provides information of the key competitors in the market along with their business information and areas of expertise. The report shows a highly concentrated structure of the market, with the top players dominating the market. The research will help consultants, industry analysts and vendors to get in-depth knowledge of the current, past and future performance of the industry. The report provides an extensive research on the recent trends of the Indian diagnostics industry along with impartial analysis considering the impact of financial crisis on its performance.

For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM242.htm

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Is the Best Skin Care Line for Acne Prone Aging Skin Covering All Your Symptoms? by Laurel Levine

Let’s face it. Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease that is not exclusive to teenagers, which is why I am often asked what is best skin care line for acne prone aging skin? More often than not you are going to find products designed to help one problem or the other. I will be honest in saying that most of the topical acne treatment will cause you problems, and most anti aging formulas simply don’t work.

The primary causes for the development of acne are the sebaceous glands overproducing oil, this oil and dead skin cells combining to clog skin follicles, and the inflammation caused by the P. acnes bacteria. The formulas that you use in order to treat these issues are more often than not going to irritate the skin, cause redness, and result in severe dryness and flaking. The ingredients in many of these formulas can be otherwise detrimental as well.

When people ask me about what I think is the best skin care line for acne prone aging skin, I am always sure to tell them to avoid any formulas that contain ammoniated mercury, mercury (II) chloride, or hydroquinone. Like all forms of mercury the two commonly used to treat cases of acne are severely toxic to humans, and there is significant evidence that hydroquinone can cause certain forms of leukemia.

The best treatment for ridding the skin of acne will contain either Maracuja passion fruit extract or Jojoba oil for keeping the production of collagen in balance. This formula should also feature ingredients like active Manuka honey for destroying the P. acnes bacteria, and anti-inflammatory compounds such as Witch Hazel, Capuacu butter, Babassu wax, and Shea butter. These natural compounds will eliminate your acne.

Now, what is the best skin care line for acne prone aging skin? The formula should contain a mixture of as many of the ingredients listed above as possible, but it also has to have in it ingredients that can reverse the causes of aging. With all of the plant based ingredients already listed you have antioxidants covered, but there are a couple more issues that have to be dealt with in order for your skin to look younger.

The very best skin care line for acne prone aging skin will feature a recently developed compilation of enzymes and protein complexes called Cynergy TK, which is the only compound currently available that can significantly boost your collagen and elastin production. To make sure the creation of fresh tissue isn’t all for naught the formula needs grape seed oil and Phytessence Wakame, which are proven to prevent the breakdown of tissue and polymer caused by various enzymes in the skin.

Make no mistake about it. Products that feature all of these ingredients, whether together in the same formula or not, make the best skin care line for acne prone aging skin. These compounds are the safest way for you to achieve clear skin, and the most effective ingredients known for reducing lines and wrinkles. A line of products like this will do it all.

If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that are used for treating aging skin, visit my website today.

The Wrong Acne Treatment or Skin Care Product Can Make Matters Worse by Laurel Levine

Let’s face it. Whether you are looking for an acne treatment or any other skin care product, you need to read the label of ingredients. The wrong ingredients can cause irritation, inflammation and pimple formation. The right ones can promote healing and prevent new blemishes from forming. Here’s a look at what’s good and what’s bad in pimple treatments.

Benzoyl peroxide is possibly the most commonly recommended acne treatment in the world. It is not a particularly hazardous compound, but it does cause redness, dryness and irritation. Redness and irritation contribute to inflammation, which is what’s going on inside of a pimple anyway.

As you may know, a dermatologist can inject cortisone into a large pimple, cyst or boil that does not seem to be responding to other treatments. Cortisone is a steroid. It is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories known.

One shot and the size of the pimple starts to shrink almost immediately. But, it cannot be used for large numbers of pimples, nor can it be used on an on-going basis, because of the health problems it can cause. So, the question is this.

What causes the inflammation to begin with? It could be a skin care product, hormonal activity, exposure to toxins like chlorine or a person’s diet.

The benefit of benzoyl peroxide is not due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It works by killing the P acnes bacteria, naturally present on the skin’s surface and within the pores.

Research has shown that the use of oral and topical antibiotics has caused the P acnes bacteria to become even stronger, more resistant to antibiotics. Whether or not benzoyl peroxide causes increased resistance is unknown, but a skin care product containing Active manuka honey will not cause the problem.

Active manuka honey is available in an acne treatment that can be used on the whole body. Benzoyl peroxide cannot and should not be used on large areas.

If you do a little shopping around, you can find a skin care product that contains active manuka honey and jojoba oil. Jojoba helps to balance sebum production. Over-production of sebum is a possible cause of pimples.

Those are some of the good ingredients. Some of the bad ones are common allergens like parabens and artificial fragrances.

Others are the common irritants like petroleum-based alcohols and azelaic acid. Azelaic acid at a 20% concentration is a commonly recommended acne treatment, but the side effects are redness, itching and irritation.

Then there are the toxins. The toxic ingredients you might find in a skin care product include lead and mercury. While the concentration of those heavy metals is too low to poisoning, it is high enough to cause adverse reactions that can look a lot like pimples.

Finally, there are the petroleum-based oils that seem to be in everything from hair conditioner to women’s makeup. They clog the pores, which is a bad thing for anyone that wants to avoid pimples.

Make no mistake about it. Safe, gentle and natural are the keys to treating any condition. It is particularly important to remember those keys when you are shopping for an acne treatment.

To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.

The Effect That a True All Natural Skin Care Formula Can Have on Your Skin is Amazing by Laurel Levine

The effect that a true all natural skin care formula can have on your skin is absolutely amazing. Ingredients such as plant oils, waxes, and extracts combined with specially developed protein fusions and carefully selected enzymes can seemingly perform miracles. These formulas will give you skin that is firmer, fuller, and more wrinkle free than you would have ever hoped that a product could.

The major problem that you are going to run into when attempting to improve the health of your skin is that there are hardly any formulas out there like the one I just described. Most of the formulas that are claimed to be “all natural” are anything but that, and many of them will be made up of ingredients that can actually set you back in your quest for healthier, younger looking skin.

What you need in order to change the way that you look is an all natural skin care product designed to improve the firmness and elasticity you have lost over the years. You need components that are capable of inciting your system to improve the production of your collagen and elastin. There must also be compounds present that will stem the continuous assault on your hyaluronic acid polymer by a particular variety of enzymes in the skin.

The answer to smoothing out your wrinkles that you will find most often when searching for an effective formula, are products that either seek to introduce new firming tissue into the skin, or those that are designed to alleviate wrinkles by relaxing the muscle underneath. Neither of these methods is going to solve any of your problems, and you could end up with permanent damage from using one of these types of products.

The supposed all natural skin care products that provide you with bovine derived collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid only have a fleeting effect on the skin. Hyaluronic acid will temporarily bind water to the surface of the skin, but that is about the only positive thing the ingredients will do. The truth is that none of the compounds can even be absorbed by the skin, so nothing about your appearance really changes.

The so-called relaxing compounds found in the other type of low quality wrinkle reducers actually paralyze your muscles, making them unable to move. Paralyze is a word to strong to prominently appear on a label, so less threatening words like “relaxing” and “freezing” appear instead. Continued use of this type of formula may leave you unable to regain control of your muscles.

The safest and most effective all natural skin care formulas when it comes to reversing the effects of aging are those that contain the combination of Functional Keratin and Phytessence Wakame. Functional keratin is made up of a pair of special keratin proteins that when fused together promote the accelerated growth of new collagen and elastin. Phytessence Wakame kelp extract disrupts the activity of the enzymes in your skin that break your hyaluronic acid down, enabling levels of this polymer to significantly increase.

These are the all natural skin care formulas that actually get something positive done.

You can learn more insights by visiting my web site and discovering more natural ingredients I personally use daily.

Skin Care Acne Control Formula – Advice for Occasional Breakouts and More Serious Cases by Laurel Levine

Did you know an effective skin care acne control formula is good whether it is for treating just an occasional breakout, or if you are battling a case of acne 24/7? The problem is that people tend to depend on the products that are clearly labeled as acne formulas, even though they may not be the best choice. This is because most of us don’t understand everything that certain all natural ingredients can do.

The problem that you will run into with most of the anti acne formulas on the market is that the primary ingredients will cause the skin to become dry, itchy, flaky, and irritated. This is because there are really no good moisturizing compounds present in order to counteract the affect that ingredients like benzoyl peroxide have on the skin. The multiple types of alcohol frequently included in these formulas don’t help things either.

The reason that there are so many different drying compounds in the typical skin care acne control formula is that one of the major causes of acne has to do with excessive oil production. The skin producing too much oil is not a huge problem in itself, but when it is combined with a retarded ability to slough off dead skin cells it becomes a major issue. The oil and the skin cells are what start the whole process of acne development rolling.

What happens is these keratin cells become trapped with the excess oil down in the sebaceous follicles in the skin. Once the “plugs” are snugly in place, a slow growing bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes causes the inflammation that triggers your breakouts. There are non-inflammatory forms of acne, but the commonly experienced papules, infected pustules, and nodules come from the inflammatory version.

A good skin care acne control system will feature ingredients that will kill this bacterium, provide anti-inflammatory compounds, and control the secretion of excess oil without drying. Most formulas will accomplish these feats over the course of about three months, but these formulas can be damaging to the skin as I pointed out. These products also generally contain compounds in them that can be harmful to your health as well.

These formulas typically contain multiple members of the paraben family, which is known to be carcinogenic. It is not unusual for one to find other carcinogenic or toxic agents in these formulas as well, which is why I suggest looking into using all natural formulas for eliminating your acne. Simple ingredients like Maracuja passion fruit extract and jojoba will regulate your sebum production for example.

An all natural skin care acne control formula featuring jojoba, Shea butter, and active Manuka honey are excellent for killing the acne causing bacterium in your skin, and reducing the inflammation in the skin cause by this bacterium. These ingredients are also effective in treating more serious skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis as well. They will heal your skin while leaving it moist, supple, and healthy.

Make no mistake about it. An all natural skin care acne control formula is far better for you, and just as effective.

To learn more about unique ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances you’ve probably never heard of, visit my website today.

Important Ideas About An Alcohol Problem by Rudy Silva

An alcohol problem can start from occasional drinking and as time passes these drinking increases. Having a drinking problem must mean that you cannot end the day, without consuming an alcoholic drink. If you regularly drink alcoholic beverages, the tolerance you have for alcohol may increase.

Soon, what used to be a quenching glass of wine or a mug of beer may no longer satiate you. The amount of consumption for alcohol may increase gradually. At times, people who have alcohol dependency will not stop drinking until they are drunk.

This would mean that if you will not stop drinking until you get drunk, you would likely to consume several bottles of wine or beer, which could lead to addiction, if you will not do something about it. While small amounts of drinking may be good for the health, binge drinking can actually damage your internal organs especially the liver.

Many say that drinking everyday does not necessarily makes the person an alcoholic. However, if physical signs of health problems begin to manifest, it could mean serious issue with one’s health. due to heavy drinking. As the liver is the first organ that alcohol destroys, the person may experience extreme fatigue, yellowness or jaundice around the eyes and facial skin. The sexual drive may reduce and stomach pains surge.

Drinking daily is enough to develop the habit into an addiction. Many people use alcohol to relieve anxiety, become more sociable and confident in dealing with others, help in relaxing one’s self and to forget about an immediate problem. People, who have failed relationships, a broken career or those who are grieving over someone lost, find it helpful to drink in the morning to get them going with their day.

At times, drinking alcohol becomes an outlet that it affects the emotional, behavioral and even mental faculty of people who have not consumed alcohol for several hours or a few days. They become distorted in their thinking that the only time they can think straight is when they are drunk. Even their speech may start to slur. Chronic alcoholism may even cause tremor in the alcoholic’s nerves, if they have not consumed alcohol.

Worse, being sober may make them to become violent and start hurting the people around them, including their loved ones. And if you try to make comments about the drinking, they tend to become annoyed by it. Relationships with family, friends and officemates are affected to the point that they deteriorate.

If they feel that their drinking habit is threatened they might try to avoid situations that are not conducive to drinking. People with an alcohol problem will become dependent on it that they do not choose the time to drink.

Even during unsociable and unacceptable times, alcoholic individuals may start to drink. When caught or confronted about it, they tend to tell lies about the real amount of alcohol that they have consumed. Sometimes they deny that they are drinking. At times, they hide the truth about their alcohol problem.

How to Find a Viable Cure for Dark Circles by Laurel Levine

Let me tell you a quick story. If you are looking for a viable cure for dark circles, puffiness beneath the eyes, wrinkles and sagging skin, then you are going to have to look past that which is so often recommended. The majority of the simple remedies and over the counter formulas suggested to treat these issues are not capable of producing major improvement or lasting change. The affect that they have will not rectify any of your problems.

Most of these cures will simply tighten your skin for a few hours at a time by causing the skin tissue to contract. This will temporarily draw the skin tight, increase the feeling of firmness, and help to reduce skin slackening. What these remedies don’t do is address the all important reasons behind skin slackening and lost firmness and elasticity, nor what causes bags to form underneath of the eyes.

Other than not correcting the issues that will offer a workable solution for puffiness beneath the eyes, wrinkles and sagging, their answer for providing a cure for dark circles skin is usually little more than forcing the blood vessels to constrict. This does temporarily lighten the discoloration, but it will return soon enough. None of the problems that cause discoloration are typically addressed by these formulas.

In order to cause the discoloration beneath your eyes to lessen considerably, you need specific natural compounds proven to have a positive effect on the circulatory issues at work. There is an incredibly effective peptide based compound called Haloxyl, which has been proven to reduce discoloration under the eye by 60% or more. Most companies refuse to include this compound in their formulas, because it is expensive.

A cure for dark circles, puffiness beneath the eyes, wrinkles and sagging skin that contains Haloxyl will allow you to improve blood flow to the area, allow for the speedy removal of oxidized blood accumulated in the eye, and rebuild fatty tissue to plump up the skin underneath the eye. The only thing that Haloxyl can’t do is lessen capillary permeability, but thinking cosmetic companies have you covered there.

This is why the companies providing you with the effective anti aging eye contour serums use another combination of peptides called Eyeliss, in addition to Haloxyl. Eyeliss strengthens your capillaries to the point where blood no longer seeps into the eye. It also reduces the bags beneath your eyes by tightening up slackening skin, increasing firmness and elasticity, and improving the drainage of excess fluid in the eye.

In order for a cure for dark circles, puffiness beneath the eyes, wrinkles and sagging skin to be complete, it has got to feature a specially developed blend of enzymes and protein complexes called Cynergy TK. What this magical ingredient does for you is reverse the lagging production of your collagen and elastin, so that you are creating these tissues in greater amounts. Cynergy TK will significantly enhance the look and feel of your skin.

Make no mistake about it. Products featuring Eyeliss, Haloxyl, and Cynergy TK do everything a cure for dark circles, puffiness beneath the eyes, wrinkles and sagging skin is supposed to.

If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that are used for treating aging skin, visit my website today.

Protect your Skin with the Best Anti Aging Skin Ingredients by Laurel Levine

I know that you only want the best anti aging skin ingredients in your wrinkle reducing skin care formulas, but do you truly understand what the most effective components are? A lot of people think they have a grasp on exactly what it is they need in order to reduce their wrinkle, but many are basing their choices on bad information. Most of the misinformation comes from the cosmetic industry.

They would like nothing better than for you to believe that the products they are selling you are absolutely safe for you to use, and are truly developed with the goal of returning firmness and elasticity to your skin firmly in mind. There are a few companies for which these things are true, but believe me when I say that those corporations are in the minority. The bulk of the cosmetic companies are not delivering what they say they are.

The very best anti aging skin ingredients are those produced by nature, in the form of plant derived oils and waxes, enzymes, and most proteins and peptides. These are the ingredients that deliver to you the essential nutrients that you need to have skin at its very best. Certain mixtures of proteins and enzymes have been proven to actually stimulate the creation of new collagen and elastin, but very few products feature these compounds.

The reason for this is that most companies don’t develop their formulas using creative combinations of natural ingredients. The answer to turning back the clock and regaining your youthful appearance is there, but companies in the industry tend to opt for the use of mainly synthetic compounds. This is a cost saving measure, and not because any of the manmade ingredients being developed are in any way more effective that natural ones.

The chemical agents used to develop many of the anti aging skin care products will accumulate in your soft tissue over time, and can take a serious toll on your health. What these chemicals are primarily is toxins and carcinogens, which is why the best anti aging skin ingredients are all natural. You are also placing yourself at risk with no real hope of achieving the younger looking skin you are after in most cases.

Products that contain livestock derived collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, or one of the potentially harmful peptides touted as “Botox alternatives” will not address the issues that cause your skin to wrinkle and sag. Your skin cannot absorb the animal derived tissues and polymer due to their density, and these Botox alternatives do little more than cumulative damage to your facial muscles over time.

The best anti aging skin ingredients the protein and enzyme blend Cynergy TK, the nano-emulsified Coenzyme Q10 called Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10, Phytessence Wakame kelp extract, and grape seed oil. A dramatic increase in collagen and elastin can be achieved through Cynergy TK and Nano-Lipobelle, while Phytessence Wakame and grape seed oil prevent the decomposition of your tissues and polymer caused by harmful enzymes.

See! The best anti aging skin ingredients probably aren’t what you thought they were, are they?

If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that are used for treating aging skin, visit my website today.

Natural Ways to Tighten Skin – Know What Works and What Doesn’t by Laurel Levine

When seeking out natural ways to tighten skin you had better have some idea of what works, and what doesn’t. There are a slew of anti aging skin care formulas that are said to give you everything your skin needs in order to replenish your collagen and elastin stores, increase your hyaluronic acid, and reverse oxidative cellular damage caused by free radical activity. Only a handful of formulas actually do all of these things.

Most of the anti aging formulas that are available will provide you with at least some of the antioxidants you need for reversing free radical damage, but the supply is often very limited. This is because few of the products available are developed using nothing but all natural ingredients. Synthetic compounds simply can’t provide you with the number of potent antioxidants that natural sources will.

You also have to watch when you invest in natural ways to tighten skin so that you can be sure that no harmful chemicals have been slipped in. You would be amazed at how many formulas marketed as 100% all natural contain harmful parabens, and other toxic or carcinogenic chemical agents. These chemicals are used as preservatives, antibacterial agents, and firming compounds, so I guess the manufacturers don’t feel as though they are worth mentioning.

Of course, they also don’t seem to think they should tell you that topical Botox alternatives are potentially risky, and do nothing to actually reverse the causes of aging skin. These compounds simply immobilize the muscles in your face so that you cannot contract them. This is thought to decrease the risk of developing new lines and wrinkles caused by the creasing of the skin while making expressions.

Just like there is risk when having Botox clinically injected into the skin, there is a chance that what is supposed to be temporary paralysis could become permanent when the alternatives are applied to the skin on a regular basis. You don’t have to worry about such dangers when using formulas that contain animal collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for repairing your skin, but then you don’t have to worry about them working either.

Natural ways to tighten skin that promise to replenish your tissue and polymers store by allowing you to absorb additional tissue into the skin, won’t do a thing for you. The fact is that these substances are much too dense to make passing through the skin possible, so they aren’t going to help you elevate your tissue and polymer levels at all. There is something that will though.

The most effective natural ways to tighten skin feature a unique blend of proteins and enzymes called Cynergy TK, which has been shown to vastly improve collagen and elastin production. Cynergy K is partnered with a combination of Phytessence Wakame kelp extract and grape seed oil, which are proven to prevent the destruction of your collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid by harmful enzymes in the skin.

Natural ways to tighten skin that will do all of the things you need them to are difficult to find, but the results are well worth the effort when you do get a hold of one.

If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that are used for treating aging skin, visit my website today.

Natural Ways to Tighten Skin on the Face – What You Think You Need Versus What Works by Laurel Levine

What is it that you are looking for when it comes to natural ways to tighten skin on the face? Of course you want something that will reverse oxidative skin damage, increase your supply of once plentiful collagen and elastin, and help reduce the loss of tissues and polymer in the future. What is it that you think an anti aging formula needs in order to alleviate the outward signs of aging?

Most consumers have been fed so much misinformation about what they should use in order to get rid of their wrinkles, that they continuously throw their money away on ineffective products. The cosmetics companies have spread so many lies about the quality and effectiveness of their products that it is little wonder that the buyer is confused. I hope to make things a little clear for you today.

The most heavily marketed natural ways to tighten skin on the face are thosre formulas that seek to either replenish your collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid by delivering them directly into the skin, or smooth out wrinkles by relaxing the facial muscles and causing them to sag. Neither of these remedies addresses the issues that need taking care of in order to truly achieve younger looking skin.

What the majority of consumers don’t understand about collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid whether human or animal derived is that their molecular density is many times too great to make absorbing them possible. These compounds have been ruled insoluble, so there is no known way that a cosmetics company can process these tissues and polymers that would allow them to be soaked into the skin.

The natural ways to tighten skin on the face that utilize harmful peptide for temporarily paralyzing your facial muscles do not take care of what you need them to either. The sagging of your incapacitated facial muscles will smooth your skin for most of the day, but not without some risk. There is a danger of suffering from “facial freezing”, which is a term used to describe when these muscles don’t come out of their paralyzed state.

You need something safe and effective for eliminating your wrinkles, and returning firmness and elasticity to the skin. The best products for receiving the heavy doses of antioxidants needed to repair oxidative cell damage are those that boast a wealth of protein complexes, enzymes, and plant oils, waxes, and extracts. These compounds provide nourishment to the skin.

Natural ways to tighten skin on the face that feature an amalgamation of Cynergy TK, Phytessence Wakame kelp extract, and grape seed oil work wonders. The enzymes and protein complexes in Cynergy TK have been clinically proven to produce a dramatic increase in the creation of collagen and elastin. Grape seed oil and Phytessence Wakame shield your collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid from damaging enzymes.

You need effective natural ways to tighten skin on the face that are armed with the tools necessary to get the job done. Formulas with Cynergy TK, Phytessence Wakame, and grape seed oil will have a huge affect on how your skin looks and feels.

If you'd like to learn more about little known but clinically tested natural ingredients that are used for treating aging skin, visit my website today.

Body Building & Age Appropriate Training (Part 1) by Frank Zane

What's the maximum and the minimum amount of workouts needed for progress, how many sets, reps, weights, workout frequency, what kind of training cycle, how much aerobics, stretching, what kind of diet and food supplements are best? These Age 50 questions are what I investigate in my training on a continual basis.

The older I get the less I train. I get more sore, need longer to recuperate from the soreness, and use it as my guide as when to train, it could last as long as 6 days between workouts. Curiously, I notice when I have clients and train with them, the soreness goes away right after the beginning of the workout, I get a pump by doing one set of high reps of each exercise and stretching between sets.

A few hours later soreness erupts, increasing during the night and presents itself full blow the following morning, and depending of the severity of the workout, lasts for as long as 5 or 6 days. Sometimes I'm sore going into a workout but it fades as the workout ensues. It's best to let this soreness resolve itself and heal itself adequately, this is how growth occurs, time must be allowed for recuperation and healing. With this in mind I don't rush from one workout to the next, unless I have to.

When I do rush I pay the price of chronic soreness (especially in the shoulders) and possible injury. True, when one is used to training a lot his whole life and now finds himself with other priorities and with injuries it makes it necessary to slow down a bit. Question is "how do I fill the time gap created by the training vacancy?" The answer is to come up with good time investments that re quire a minimum of energy expenditure.

I've certainly had lots to do lately so a little extra time and energy from not training as hard comes in handy. The time investment best be one that gives you joy in per forming it.

In 1992 I wrote Fabulously Fit For ever. Being 50 years old at the time, I got into my best physical condition since competition days 9 years earlier. In my peak condition preparation I noticed I couldn't do as much as when I competed. Still, I managed to do my best, got into great shape and took some good photos. Now in my mid sixties I've notice a further slowdown in the last few years. The demon reared it's head at age 61. I found out I needed more rest between workouts.

Cont’d in part 2

To Young Body Builders. Injuries Could Do You In by Frank Zane

Avoiding injury becomes more important as you age. Younger bodybuilders, who feel they will be young forever, usually pay little attention to this but often pay dearly (in injuries) in their later years. If you are one of these young turks, learn from those of us who had to gain this knowledge the hard way.

Here is some you should know. Once you develop an injury you will likely get the same injury over and over again. It becomes like a 'fault line' on your body that is prone to cracks. I know this from experience. Because of my hunger to win titles I did excessive forced reps with heavy weights and developed lots of injuries. Resist this urge. You can almost always achieve the same effect by using a lighter weight and going slow on the negatives (the part where you lower the weight). This simulates the effect of a heavier weight.

Remembering the I970s, after teaching school September to June, my training was consistent but contingent on my strength and energy reserves. After school let out I was free to pursue workouts full time with Arnold as training partner, who didn't have to do much work for a living.

I dived into heavy poundages like my peers were using and before long my back and neck were hurting. Living in a Santa Monica apartment 2 blocks from Arnold, he'd drive to my place and give me a vigorous neck/shoulder massage, easing my pain to make it through.

Afterwards I developed a simple guideline. If something hurts, don't do it. I know, I know, even the great Arnold has often said 'no pain, no gain' but take it from me, there are certain kinds of pains you do not need. The 'pain' of rigid discipline is good. The 'pain' of skipping desert is good. The 'pain' of not going out drinking with buddies so you can hit the gym early the next morning is good. The pain of your joint grating as you do a forced rep with excessive weight is extremely harmful!

Heeding this advise will make you much more successful long term. It is ok to be sore a day after intense training but it is not ok to continue doing an exercise that feels painful in the moment.

By Frank Zane. This article first appeared in Frank Zane's Building The Body Quartely and has been republished here with his permission.

Truly Effective Body Building by Frank Zane

Change only comes through awareness. Before you can change something you must now what it actually looks like in the present. This is actually harder than it seems. A body that is changing as you train is a reflection of progress. To track this progress the following two things are important.

The first is keep a written record of all your workouts, exercises, weights, sets and reps. Also track your diet in writing and look up the calorie values of everything you eat. Sound like a lot of work' It is less work than you think once you get into the habit of doing it and will enable you to effectively compare you past and present look.

In bodybuilding it's important to learn to see yourself as others see your body. Looking in the mirror is not enough, you see what you expect to see. Taking photographs is the best method. I've done this in the past, especially when preparing for competition and even now when I have a distinct goal in mind that I'm training to reach. Every 3 to 4 weeks out comes the camera to give me proof of my progress. Seeing how your body is improving is the best ongoing motivation you can have to sustain your training drive.

With the advent of digital cameras keeping record of progress becomes very easy. You have someone take your photos in relaxed front, side, and back positions and with hands on hips from the front, arms flexed from the front and back. Outdoors is best when the sun is at a 45 to 60 degree angle with the horizon so there are no distinct shadows on the body. I've always preferred 9 am to 11 am depending on the season. Try to duplicate the lighting conditions each time so you can get accurate comparisons.

Most people who train are only incidentally aware of their improvement. Their trousers may become loose around the waist, they may drop a few pounds on the scale, their friends my mention they look younger. But photos don't lie and they should become part of the archives of your progress. Digital photos can be stored on CDs and last forever. You'll be glad you did this later on and these records will become valuable. Mine have.

This article first appeared in Frank Zane's buiding the body publication and has been republished here with his permission.

Body Building As You Age by Frank Zane

As you mature in your years and continue to train you will want to be mindful of some of the following issues. How often you train, how many sets, repetitions you perform for a given exercise and most important the kind of diet you follow. Another important question is: Should you use supplements'

As I age I have resorted to training less. Call it the curse of old age but I've noticed that I develop more soreness, and take longer to recover from workouts. I use this as a gauge to determine how often I should train. Sometimes I have to rest up to six days between training sessions! One interesting thing I've observed is when I train with clients, the sore feeling disappears shortly after starting the work out.

A few hours later soreness erupts, increasing during the night and presents itself full blow the following morning, and depending of the severity of the workout, lasts for as long as 5 or 6 days. Sometimes I'm sore going into a workout but it fades as the workout ensues. It's best to let this soreness resolve itself and heal itself adequately, this is how growth occurs, time must be allowed for recuperation and healing. With this in mind I don't rush from one workout to the next, unless I have to.

When you rush to go back to the gym you will likely experience persistent soreness and could even get injured.

As a professional body builder who has spent most of his time training, I now have to contend with training a lot less. The question is, how do I fill my time' By doing creative things that do not require lots of energy.

I wrote Fabulously Fit Forever in 1992 at age fifty. I was in the best shape of my life since my competition days but I realized that age was taking its toll on me and I could not do as much as during my competition days. Now that I'm in my mid 60's I've slowed down even more. What follows is a set of general guidelines for how often you should train at a given age.

This article first appeared in Frank Zane's Building the Body publication and has been re-published here with his permission.

Age And BodyBuilding Part 2 by Frank Zane

I stated in my book Fabulously Fit Forever that a man in his twenties can train up to 6 days a week. A man in his thirties should train no more than 5 times a week and a man in his 40s no more than 5 times a week. If you are 50 reduce it to 3 days and if you are 60 reduce it even further to 2 days a week and finally only train heavily one day a week in your 70s. This, of course, does not include other forms of recreational exercise such as walking or hobbies.

A man in his seventies could do a full workout once weekly and other forms of non weight training twice a week while a man in his sixties could do an an upper body workout and one lower body work out each week. The sixty something could, in addition, do two recreational exercises.

The fact is, the longer you rest between workouts the better the quality of your next workout, you will be stronger and have more energy. Up to a point that is ... after a certain length of not training you should consider yourself on a layoff. This is counter-productive from a progress standpoint. Layoffs are necessary, especially when injury or overtraining occurs. I find the following two types of layoffs to work best:

1. A three day layoff. This is a good length of time to abstain from training to recuperate from overtraining or heal a minor injury. Applying ice to the injury is a good therapeutic idea throughout this short layoff period.

2. A week layoff: Do this every couple of months to give your body complete rest. If you travel for business or take a vacation this is a good time to do it. If you also sleep a lot during this period when you return to the gym you will feel rejuvenated.

When you take a whole week off you feel rejuvenated and are much stronger the next time you hit the gym. For the first time you workout after the layoff I suggest gradually easing yourself in by doing lighter weights and then gradually increasing each time afterwards.

This article first appeared in Frank Zane�s Building the Body publication and has been re-published here with his permission.

Workout Routines: How To Grip Part 1 by Frank Zane

The way in which you grip dumbbells and workout bars makes a difference in the effectiveness of each exercise you perform. The most common ways to grip are:

a. Under hand grips: Your palms face away from your body

2. Underhand grip: Where palms are facing away from your body

3. Mixed Grip: Where one hand faces your body and the other hand faces away from your body

d. Neutral grip: Your palms face each other.

The different styles have pluses and minus for specific exercises. Below is a list of some of them and advice on when best to use each one.

Pronation means turning your wrist inward as you move it toward your body, and supination is turning wrist outward as you move it toward your body. Using an overhand grip when gripping a bar keeps your hands in the same position when you do exercises like reverse curls, and this is fine.

When you do exercises like pulldowns, wide grip chin ups, bent over barbell rows, your wrists will pronate when you pull the weight toward your body, particularly if your thumbs are wrapped around the bar.

One serious disadvantage of this is that it can lead to injuries on the elbow�the outer elblow in particular. Unfortunately I had to learn this through experience having sustained injuries for years.

Conversely, with the underhand grip, at the start when you grip the bar and as you pull the weight towards you, your wrists are in a supinated position. This puts a great deal of stress on the inner elbow and lower biceps. Again, I learned this from making the mistake-the resulting injury takes a long time to heal. (I found the way to heal this injury is by doing high reps on barbell wrist curl with a light weight).

You Can Easily Lose Weight If You Want by George Hutton

Many people, actually most people today are overweight, or worse, clinically obese. There are many possible reasons for this, and we could go on and on trying to point the finger at one industry after another, but that wouldn't do us much good. The truth of the matter is that once you take responsibility for the shape and appearance of your body, the easier it will be to get to where you want to go.

If you want to lose weight, and chances are you do, then there are really only two ways to go about it. One is to eat less, or eat healthier, and the other is to exercise. Healthy food intake is a vastly complicated issue, so I won't linger on ideas about avoiding fast food or other popular topics. I'm sure you know all about that.

What I'd like to talk about is a form of exercise that you may have overlooked. One you perhaps may have seen others doing, and inwardly laughed, not knowing the true benefits they were receiving. I'm talking about the age old exercise of walking. Yes, that's right. Putting one foot in front of the other, again and again. It may not seem like much, but walking can do quite a lot for your metabolism, your health and your self esteem.

First of all, walking is incredibly easy. I may even so be so bold as to suggest that you have known how to walk for most of your life. Probably your whole life, when you think about it. Walking uses your largest muscles, the ones in your legs. Walking doesn't require any special equipment, except a pair of shoes, some shorts and a T-shirt. Even the shoes are optional.

Walking is also extremely addictive. Once you get into the habit of walking every day, you'll be amazed how much you'll look forward to doing it. Many people in substance abuse recovery programs use walking as away to reduce stress, and eliminate cravings. Walking can bring incredible peace of mind, and has been known to be a source of massive creativity. Many of the worlds greatest thinkers got many of their ideas and insights while walking.

If you are in need to lose a couple pounds, give walking a try. You'll be amazed how quickly you get the hang of it, and how well it can help reduce the stress. And when you consider that many times we overeat because we are suffering from too much stress, this can have the powerful side effect of reducing your caloric intake. Walking will benefit you in ways you haven't even begun to think about yet.

How to Locate Quality Dentists in Seattle Washington by Ron Warner

If you're new in Seattle or if you can't even remember when you last visited your dentist, you need to take some time researching for the best professional in the area. You cannot just settle for someone whose background you 're not even sure of. You'll always want to make sure that you are leaving the care of your teeth to someone who is a professional, no less.

Believe it or not, there are some out there who care nothing for your teeth or your health as they are simply in the business for the money. Those are the ones that you will want to avoid at any cost. A cheap price is not worth putting your health on the line for.

One of the best ways to find dentists in Seattle Washington is to talk with your friends and family. If you are unable to get a lot of help that way, you might want to try talking with your co-worker or even your boss as they may know someone who would be a great choice for you. Ask everyone about the prices, the practices and the personality of this person. Learning this information will help you out a lot when it comes to finding the right professional for you.

If you are just moving to the area and do not know many people, asking for word of mouth referrals may prove to be a little difficult. You can inquire from your current dentist about any dental practitioner he may know in Seattle, Washington. Usually, if you're just within the State, your dentist could help you find one. When all else fails, you could always visit a local dental college, as they are generally able to provide services at a much cheaper rate. Some would even offer useful free services such as cleanings. To find the dental schools that are closest to you, simply search online or in your local yellow pages.

While you may not be able to tell from an advertisement whether or not the dentist is an outstanding professional, you, can at least, discover who is in your area and maybe get some information on the cost of their services. At the very least, this is a good starting point. You may have to visit a few different clinics before you find the one that you are comfortable enough returning to time and time again. It may take some time and effort on your part, but it will be well worth it finding the right one in Seattle Washington. Once you find the perfect one, you will be able to refer your friends and family to him or her so that they do not have to go through all of the trouble you did.

Be Your Own Herbal Expert - Pt 4 by Susun Weed

Herbal medicine is the medicine of the people. It is simple, safe, effective, and free. Our ancestors used - and our neighbors around the world still use - plant medicines for healing and health maintenance. It's easy. You can do it too.

In your first lessons, you learned how to "listen" to the messages of plant's tastes, how to make effective water-based herbal remedies, and how to distinguish safe nourishing and tonifying herbs from the more dangerous stimulating and sedating herbs.

In this lesson, you will learn how to how make herbal tinctures. You will make tinctures from fresh and dried roots as well as from fresh flowers and leaves.

Then you will collect your tinctures into an Herbal Medicine Chest and begin to use them. Shall we begin?

TINCTURES ACT FAST

Tinctures are alcohol-based plant medicines. Alcohol extracts and concentrates many properties from plants, including their poisons. Alcohol does not extract significant amounts of nutrients, so tinctures are used when we want to stimulate, sedate, or make use of a poison. (Remember that nourishing herbs are best used in water bases such as infusions and vinegars.)

The concentrated nature of tinctures allows them to act quickly. It also makes them perfect for a first-aid kit or herbal medicine chest: a little goes a long way.

I have dozens of tinctures in my cabinet. But these are the ones I carry with me when I travel; they are the ones I don't leave home without. This is my traveling herbal medicine chest.

Echinacea tincture Motherwort tincture Skullcap tincture

Ginseng tincture Dandelion root tincture Wormwood tincture

St Joan's Wort tincture Poke root tincture (danger) Yarrow tincture

MAKING DRIED ROOT TINCTURES

I strongly prefer to make tinctures from fresh plants. But many people have a hard time getting fresh plants. Most books therefore ignore fresh plant tinctures and focus on making tinctures only from dried plants. The only dried plant parts I use to make tinctures are roots and seeds. All other plant parts I use fresh when making a tincture. And I actually prefer to use fresh roots too.

To make a tincture from dried roots:

* Buy an ounce of dried Echinacea augustifolia or Panax ginseng root.

* Put the whole ounce in a pint jar.

* The dried root should fill the jar about a third full. If not, use a smaller jar.

* Fill the jar to the top with the alcohol. Cap tightly and label.

Almost any alcohol can be used to make a tincture. My preference is 100 proof vodka. A lower proof, such as 80 proof, does not work nearly as well. Higher proofs, such as 198 proof or Everclear, can damage the liver and kidneys, so I don't use them to make medicine.

The tincture is ready in six weeks, but gets stronger the longer it sits. I like to wait about six months before using my ginseng tincture and a year before using my echinacea tincture.

MAKING FRESH ROOT TINCTURES

Roots generally hold their properties even when dried. But two of my favorite root tinctures must be made from fresh roots are the dried ones have lost much of their effect.

Making a tincture with a fresh root is similar to making one with a dried root.

* With great respect for the plant, dig up its root.

* Gently rinse mud away. (For more about digging dandelion root, see Healing Wise.)

* Chop root into small pieces and fill a jar to the top with the chopped root.

* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.

* Fresh root tinctures are ready to use in six weeks.

MAKING FRESH LEAF AND FLOWER TINCTURES

I use only fresh flowers and leaves in my tinctures. These delicate plant parts lose aroma and medicinal qualities when dried.

Tinctures can be made from dried herbs, but I find them inferior in both effect (how well they work) and energetics (how many fairies are in it), not to mention taste (how many volatile substances remain) and somatics (how something makes you "feel").

What if the plants you need to make all the tinctures in your medicine chest don't grow where you live or you can't find them? Try one or more of these solutions.

* Take a vacation to a place where the plant you need does grow. And make sure to go at the best time to gather it.

* Find an herbal pen-pal who lives in the area where the plant you want to tincture grows. Have your pen-pal make a tincture of the fresh plant for you. You could make a tincture of something you have lots of to give to her too.

Even if the plants do grow where you live, it may take a year or longer for you to find them, harvest them and make tinctures. While you are "in limbo," it's fine to buy tinctures to use in your herbal medicine chest.

When you finally find the plants you want, don't be afraid to make several quarts of tincture. Tinctures last for hundreds of years if protected from heat and light.

St. Joan's wort tincture: Eases muscles spasms, anti-viral, pain-relieving.

* Pick yellow Hypericum perforatum flowers in the summer's heat.

* Fill - don't stuff - a jar with the blossoms and leaves.

* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label. (It will turn bright red.)

* Your fresh St. Joan's wort tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Motherwort tincture: Eases menstrual cramps, mood swings, stress.

* Pick Leonurus cardiaca flowering tops (leaves and flowers) in early fall or late summer.

* Fill - don't stuff - a jar with coarsely chopped blossoms and leaves.

* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.

* Your fresh motherwort tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Skullcap tincture: Pain-relief, headache remedy.

* Pick Scutellaria lateriflora flowering tops when there are seeds as well as flowers.

* Fill - don't stuff - a jar with the blossoms and leaves.

* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.

* Your fresh skullcap tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Wormwood tincture: Counters food poisoning and parasites.

* Pick Artemisia absinthemum leaves in the late summer or early fall, when mature.

* Fill - don't stuff - a jar, with the coarsely chopped leaves.

* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.

* Your fresh wormwood tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

Yarrow tincture: Counters all bacteria internally and externally, repels insects.

* Pick Achillea millefolium flowering tops, white ones only, when in bloom.

* Fill - don't stuff - a jar, with the coarsely chopped herb.

* Fill jar to the top with alcohol. Cap tightly. Label.

* Your fresh yarrow tincture is ready to use in six weeks.

DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TINCTURES

An herbalist in Austin Texas shared her special way of preparing a tincture that helps her keep her cool in stressful situations. She tinctures fresh lemon balm, gathered before it flowers, for six weeks, in 100 proof vodka. She pours that tincture over a new jar of fresh lemon balm leaves. After that sits for six more weeks, it's a double tincture. She then pours the double tincture over another new jarful of fresh lemon balm and lets that sit for six weeks. After which she has a triple tincture. She uses: "A dropperful sublingually - works absolute wonders for me when I'm stressed out and ready to scream."

PLANT POISONS

You remember that there are four types of poisons in plants: alkaloids, glycosides, essential oils, and resins. The first three are fairly easy to move from plants to a tincture.

Resins, because they "fear" water (hydrophobic) are difficult to tincture. When I want to tincture a resin I do use high proof alcohol. Some examples would be: pine resin tincture, balsam bud tincture, calendula flower tincture.

TAKING TINCTURES

I see many people put herbal tinctures under their tongues. I prefer to protect my oral tissues from the harsh, possibly cancer-causing, effects of the alcohol.

I dilute my tinctures in a little water or juice or even herbal infusion and drink them.

USING YOUR TINCTURES

Here are a few of the ways I use the tinctures in my herbal medicine chest. For more information on using these tincture, see my books and my website.

Acid indigestion: 5-10 drops of Dandelion root or Wormwood tincture every ten minutes until relieved. I use a dose of Dandelion before meals to prevent heartburn.

Bacterial infections (including boils, carbuncles, insect bites, snake bite, spider bite, staph): 30 50 drops Echinacea or Yarrow tincture up to 5 times daily. For severe infections, add one drop of Poke tincture to each dose.

Colds: to prevent them I use Yarrow tincture 5-10 drops daily; to treat them, I rely on Yarrow, but in larger quantity, say a dropperful every 3-4 hours at the worst of the cold and tapering off.

Cramps during menstruation: 10 drops Motherwort every 20 minutes or as needed. Used also as a tonic, 10 drops daily, for the week before.

Cramps in muscle: 25 drops St Joan's every 25 30 minutes for as long as needed.

Cramps in gut: 5 10 drops Wormwood, once.

Diarrhea: 3 drops Wormwood hourly for up to four hours.

Energy, lack of: 10 drops of Dandelion or Ginseng tincture in the morning.

Fever: 1 drop Echinacea for every 2 pounds of body weight; taken every two hours to begin, decreasing as symptoms remiss. Or a dropperful of Yarrow tincture every four hours.

Headache: 25 drops St Joan's plus 3-5 drops Skullcap every 10 15 minutes for up to two hours. 5 drops of Skullcap may prevent some headaches.

High blood pressure: 25 drops of Motherwort or Ginseng tincture 2-4 times a day.

Hot Flashes: 20 30 drops Motherwort as flash begins and/or 10 20 drops once or twice daily.

Insect: prevent bites from black flies, mosquitoes, and ticks with a spray of Yarrow tincture; treat bites you do get with Yarrow tincture to prevent infection.

Nervousness, hysteria, hyper behavior: 15 drops Motherwort every 15 20 minutes.

Premenstrual distress: 10 drops Motherwort twice a day for 7 10 days preceding menstruation or 10 drops daily all month.

Sore throat: Gargle with Yarrow tincture.

Swollen glands: 1 drop Poke root tincture each 12 hours for 2-5 days.

Viral infections (including colds and the flu): 25 drops of St. Joan's wort tincture every two hours. Add one drop of poke root tincture 2-4 times a day for severe cases.

Wounds: I wash with Yarrow tincture, then wet the dressing with Yarrow tincture, too.

In the next installment of Be Your Own Herbal Expert, you will learn about herbal oils, including infused and essential oils. Future lessons will explore the difference between fixing disease and promoting health, applications of the three traditions of healing, and using the six steps of healing to take charge of your own health and make sense of medicine.

EXPERIMENT NUMBER ONE

Choose one plant and make several small tinctures of it using different types of alcohol. Taste and smell each tincture every week or so for 6-8 weeks.

EXPERIMENT NUMBER TWO

Buy or make different tinctures of the same plant: dried herb, fresh herb, timed with the moon, in different menstrums, made by different people, harvested in different places. Can you taste differences? Are the effects different? What else do you notice?

EXPERIMENT NUMBER THREE

Make a double or triple tincture of motherwort, skullcap, or lemon balm. See if it relieves anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional distress, headaches. I use a dose of 5-30 drops. Remember skullcap can induce sleepiness.

EXPERIMENT NUMBER FOUR

Tincture four plants that are common to your area. Learn at least three things they can each be used for and if at all possible, use them.

FURTHER STUDY

1. What is osmosis? Why does 100 proof vodka make stronger tinctures than 80 proof?

2. What is a menstrum? What other menstrums are used to make tinctures?

3. Of the four plant poisons, which are present in each of plants used in the medicine chest?

4. Why don't I consider vinegars tinctures?

5. How is a glyceride different from a tincture?

ADVANCED WORK

* Make a tincture from a resinous plant.

* Make a glyceride.

* How is a standardized tincture made?

Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Blackhead Removal: How To Use Steam To Rid Yourselves Of These Unsightly Menaces Of The Skin by George Hutton

Almost everybody will get acne at some point in their life. Acne is one of those things that everybody gets, but nobody wants. Some people get lucky, and only suffer a little bit, while others aren't so lucky and have acne for several years. One of the worst kinds of acne is blackheads. One because they are so obvious, and two because they can be so difficult to remove. But believe it or not, blackhead removal is not impossible.

First of all, it helps to understand what a blackhead actually is. Because they are black, many people assume they are somehow related to dirt. This is a commonly held myth that isn't true. Blacks are black due to the oxidation of the underside of the top portion. In that sense they are most easily removed by the same methods that will get rid of other acne and pimples. Here are some good ideas.

Steam. This will go a great deal to open your pores. If you have access to a steam bath, these can be fantastic. Even if you don't have a steam bath, you can make a small, temporary one. Fill your sink with hot water, and put a big towel over your head, and lean over the sink. Keep the sink full, and the water running. Be very cautious not to splash hot water on your face.

Put your face into the steam until you really start to feel some sweat. This signifies that your pores are happily open, and the skin is hot and flexible. This may take a few minutes, but the longer you can keep you face in the steam, the better. The water will both moisturize your skin as well as open up your pores.

Once you've had enough, then it's time to really clean your face while the pores are still open. Use a gentle soap and water solution, and use a sponge that isn't too rough. It may seem like a paradox, but you can scrub your skin too hard, and it actually may cause more pimples. After you have cleaned your face thoroughly, then apply whatever daily cream you are using to combat acne and blackheads.

Blackheads are one thing that is the most dreaded of all acne, and the good news it that there are plenty of ways to get rid of them. Once you know what they are, you are well on your way to treating them and getting the clean, smooth skin that you deserve.