Herbal Healer: What is everlasting?

August 15, 2012 8:00 pm • By Ted PanDeva Zagar Times Correspondent

Think of the tiny, delicate, roundish paws of kittens and you have an image of everlasting’s dainty golden yellow flowers. Perhaps its common name issues from the fact that this vibrant shade of sunshine is not lost to seasonal aging or even drying. For this reason everlasting’s spicy, aromatic flowers are frequently added to other herbal blends to enhance eye appeal as well as to bolster flavor and widen the spectrum of healing potential.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
One of everlasting’s premier strengths is its ability to address skin conditions. It stimulates the growth and regeneration of new skin cells, and it works its magic on acne, dermatitis, sagging skin, stretch marks and even scars. Aromatherapists address phobias, depression and cases of shock by relying upon the essential oil distilled from everlasting. This botanical revealed an ability to significantly lower cholesterol levels when placed under the critical eye of scientific scrutiny. A tea made from the flowers has been used to relieve an ailing gall bladder, and its diuretic properties give welcomed relief to those suffering from rheumatism and cystitis. As an anti-inflammatory, everlasting beckons us from its shelf to address pain, and its antibacterial properties help in cases of infection.

ABOUT THE HERB
Because this perennial shrub attains a height of only one foot, it is also known as dwarf everlasting. It hails from temperate areas in Europe and Asia, being commonly found between eastern France and Denmark as well as on the mountains of Uzbekistan. Interestingly, everlasting’s tiny, sun-like blooms appear during August, the month that hosts the astrological sign of Leo and its solar system associate, the Sun.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Add new life to your skin by applying a blend of a few drops of everlasting essential oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond. This plant still basks in an ages-old reputation for making your smiling face look younger!

The opinions expressed are solely the writer’s. NOTE: Visit herbalastrology.com to read Ted PanDeva Zagar’s other articles and columns that discuss the benefits of herbs and natural foods. DISCLAIMER: The author’s comments are not intended to serve as medical advice, and he urges his readers to seek qualified wellness professionals to resolve matters of health.

My Thoughts

This is news to me. A trip to Baguio, or wherever they grow those everlasting flowers, may not be a bad idea. Who doesn't want to look younger? On second thought, the trip will probably add several years to the way I look. Maybe it's best to hunt for the everlasting oil.

Friday, May 11, 2012

A Bikini Body?

Want that Bikini Body?

YOUR DAILY FIT TIP

By Carly Young, Special to Lifescript

Published May 11, 2012

Do you want a slimmer waist, muscular backside or defined triceps? Do you want all-over body toning to look great in that beachside bikini? Or do you just want to feel great, have more energy and be healthy?

Write it down. Making a list of all the benefits that will come with working out and focusing on your overall health as well as your appearance will help keep you motivated. You can also add potential rewards to your list as a reminder of what you’re working so hard for. Do you want to treat yourself to a manicure or would you rather work toward buying that teeny bikini? Take a business card from your favorite nail salon or print out a picture of the bikini you want and tape it to the list. Then keep your list in plain view.

The next time you hear the TV calling your name, take a good look at your list. Is watching “American Idol” really more important than burning fat, gaining muscle and improving your cardiovascular health? No way! So hang the list in a prominent place to remind you why you want to exercise – it’s a great motivational weight-loss tool! If you exercise right when you wake up, tape the list to your alarm clock so you have to remove it in order to press the snooze button. If you exercise right after work, hang up the list so it’s the first thing you see when you walk through the door.

By keeping your goals in mind and sight, you’ll be much more motivated to lace up your shoes and break a sweat. And your workout will go much faster if you keep the image of a tight, toned booty in your mind at all times!

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MY THOUGHTS

If you're way past the vanity stage, then I know what your answer would be. It's not how you would look in a bikini. It's how less you would go and see a doctor and visit a drugstore. Once again, an issue of meaningful beauty.

I don't need someone to tell me how good exercise is for me. It's the road that leads to meaningful beauty. The sad part, I am unable to put theory into practice. I wish I have the time for American Idol. At least, I can hop on a stepper or a treadmill while watching something.

But then, I will never be able to "find" time. I need to "make" time. Meaningful beauty is not hard to come by. You just need to want it first.