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T's Tonics

Handmade Natural Products and Organic Herbal Tea

What are your Spices and Herbs for Love?

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Spices of love?
Since the beginning of time, we humans have been using spices, herbs, foods and oils to elevate our moods and play on our emotions. We are deeply tied to the comforts they create and the pleasures they give to our lives. Foods, drinks and all that go with them are an important part of our connections, relationships, and ceremonies; the most memorable times in our lives.
The science of the connection between our moods and foods is extensive. A lot of it makes sense. Here are a few easy ones for putting a little more spice (or love) in your life:

cinnamonious chai tea

chai spices

Chai spices – There is a reason people love to drink more Chai tea in the winter. Spices not only heat the blood, increase circulation, and help us deal with the cold better but they actually warm the emotions too! Specifically, black pepper, nutmeg and ginger have been used for centuries to increase the libido. Nutmeg supports the nervous system to overcome frigidity. Cinnamon and cloves help with circulation. Orange and lemon peel is uplifting to the spirits. All of these spices are part of most Chai tea blends. It’s a great way to warm up and energize your day. (Ours at T’s Tonics is called Cinnamonious Chai).

rose petals

rose petals

Rose petals & Jasmine flowers – these traditional symbols of love have something more to them than just symbolism. The oils of both rose and jasmine absolute are used to help balance hormones and lessen frigidity. The herb and oil complement the heart chakra thus helping them “open up the heart”.

Rose petals and rose oil’s aphrodisiac-like fragrance helps bring harmony and is stimulating to the mind.

jasmine

jasmine buds

Treasured in India for it’s seductive fragrance, Jasmine is uplifting and can help with depression, anxiety and nervous exhaustion.
These flowers together create a subtle yet lovely effect on the mood and set the tone for a romantic night. Share time with your loved one over a steaming cup of Bark & Bloom. With it’s blend of Red Rooibos, hibiscus, jasmine blossoms, rose petals, rosehips, ginger root, and lemon oil, it is a balancing, relaxing, non caffeinated goodness for the evening. Always nice with a good book in front of a warm fire.
Both Cinnamonious Chai and Bark & Bloom can be found on-line at tstonics.com.

Filed Under: Tea

10 ingredients never to put on your skin

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10 ingredients never to put on your skin and why:

 Filler chemicals are now being called to task for their health compromising factors. Toxic chemicals in personal care products have been directly linked to hormone imbalances, allergies, neurological disorders, obesity (cells store toxins), fatigue, and cancer, to name a few. Here’s the list to avoid:

  • Parabens
  • Propylene Glycol (anti-freeze)
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
  • Mineral Oil
  • Formaldehyde
  • Butane, propane
  • Dyes and perfumes           
  • Petrolatum
  • Aluminum
  • Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Dioxybenzone                       

Why? Being the largest organ of our body, our skin is quicker than our stomachs to absorb and carry directly into our bloodstream whatever is put on it!

  • Solvents and petroleum-based chemicals are found to have an even higher absorption rate than other types of substances.
  • These chemicals get stored by our bodies and can accumulate in the organs and tissues. Medical professionals are linking them to brain, nerve and liver damage (Matthew et al., 1995).

“Consumers should also avoid personal care products that contain toxic synthetic ingredients that can penetrate the skin and accumulate in their tissues. In some cases, these products can have a greater impact on health that either diet or exercise.” Dr. Terry Friedmann, M.D.

Our skin is one indication of how well our liver is working. The liver is the processer of chemicals and the detoxifier of the blood. How well this 2nd largest organ in the body (after the skin) functions, affects almost every other organ in the body. It also helps in the digestion of fats by secreting bile to break down fats. This is where alcohol and drugs are processed, and overuse of substances can greatly impede the function of the liver.

Another Reason: When we put chemicals on our skin and then go into the sun, they can become “baked” on our skin. Some doctors now believe that toxins on the surface of our skin are causing some skin cancers. Use safe protectors in the sun, like zinc oxide, myrrh oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and clothes.

Healthy Glowing Skin:

We all desire to have beautiful, glowing skin, right? We want to look healthy and vibrant. We know that our skin tells on us; it tells our age, vitality, health, and more. So what can we do to have radiant skin?parasailing-on-beach

  1. Help the liver and skin by drinking lots of pure water.
  2. Take a daily supplement of healthy omega 3s like fish oil or flax oil.
  3. Limit alcohol & drug usage.
  4. Move & Sweat! Sweating at least once a week is a wonderful way to detoxify the skin.
  5. Thoroughly cleanse your skin with pure water before going to bed. Then put a good moisturizer on. Our skin dries out at night. Never use harsh soaps.

6. Treat your skin to yummy, delicious, nutritious organic skin foods!

Like aloes & oils:

aloe vera

aloe vera plant

Organic Aloe Vera– soothes sunburns and rehydrates the skin.  It has been used for thousands of years on skin irritations, wounds, infections, rashes, blisters, minor burns, sunburns, acne, chapped skin, poison ivy, vaginal infections, wrinkles and much more.

Grapeseed oil – is a light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is rich in vitamin E and omegas, which protect and repair.

Myrrh essential oil – acts as a natural sunscreen against harmful UV rays.  It is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records and was used by the Egyptians and Arabians for sun protection and a variety of skin conditions including wrinkles and stretch marks.

Lemongrass essential oil helps repair connective tissue by stimulating the agents in the tissue to rejuvenate and reconnect.  It is often used on ligaments.  It is also an excellent insect repellant and has an uplifting effect on the senses. Good for oily skin and acne.

Lavender essential oil – soothes burns and skin conditions, including wounds, rashes, acne, eczema, allergies, bloody noses, and more.  It is balancing and calming to the emotions.

Elemi essential oil – has been used in skin and healing ointments in Europe for hundreds of years.  The Egyptians used elemi for embalming.  It is used for scars, acne, and wrinkles as well as muscle/nerve pain today.

Palo Santo essential oil – called the holy wood of Ecuador, this oil has properties similar to Frankincense and is excellent against aging of the skin.

Tea Tree essential oil – Is a rejuvenating oil known for it’s anti-viral, anti-fungus, antiseptic, and regenerating abilities.

Find some of these combined for maximum skin repairing power on our skin page: tstonics.com/products/skin-protection/

Good Skin herbs:

Calendula – Effective in soothing and rejuvenating the skin. Good for rashes, irritations, skin growths, outbreaks, etc.

Plantain– A contact reliever for many skin ailments. Good for diaper rash, bites, stings, itching from poison ivy, open wounds, etc.

Horsetail/Shavegrass herb – High in silicon which builds connective tissue, this herb is good internally and externally as a collagen builder for the skin, hair, nails and bones.

Yellow Dock – High in many minerals and vitamin C, yellow dock is a blood purifier and builder and good for all skin problems. Take internally combined with burdock and chaparral for great results.

Burdock – Also a blood purifier, this herb is one of the best for chronic skin ailments. Helps to neutralize and eliminate toxins in the system.

Chaparral – Used externally on sores and wounds. Has astringent properties. Also a blood purifier, it is good for acne, arthritis, and helpful in ridding the body of growths and tumors.

 

 

13 Ways to Help Digestion

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13 tips towards Better Digestion

If it’s true that most “dis-ease starts in the gut”, (as claimed by Dr. Schulze (super tonic), Stanley Burroughs (the Master Cleanser), my childhood doctor, and many others, than it pays to have a healthy gut, literally.

Here are 13 simple herbs, foods and ideas to help, some you probably know, some may be new:

citrus fruit

Citrus fruit for energy

1. Vitamin C:   It’s true. Vitamin C, among other great benefits, can help make you regular. In fact, studies done among the oldest peoples of the world, found one commonality they all share was that they all started their day with fresh (local) fruit and water, (first thing before breakfast). You will see fairly quick results in improved digestion in increasing your intake of fresh fruit or a vitamin C supplement by even 1-2 more a day. (Your can’t overdose on vitamin C, you will just get the “runs” if you have too much.)

“fruit, I must have fruit.” – from Monte Python.

2. Water: This is the one I notice right away. If I haven’t been drinking enough water, things go more difficult. We all know good water lubricates, hydrates, oxygenates, energizes, cleanses and flushes our cells and whole systems. But for me, it is the first thing that gets left behind when I am out of my normal routine, traveling or too busy.
3. Movement: Oxygen and circulation are key to keeping our systems functioning. These are most quickly increased with movement.
4. Probiotics: Good probiotics give your intestines hundreds of little digestion helpers. Who doesn’t want hundreds of entities working on their behalf? Probiotics contribute greatly to a healthy, working gut. Get them in yogurt or kefir or a good probiotic supplement.
5. Fermented foods: Works similar to probiotics above. Sauerkraut, kimchee, kombucha, etc.
6. Vinegar: the powerhouse. A tablespoon of cider vinegar taken after a heavy meal of proteins and fats will help cut the digestion time in half! Taken daily it keeps your pH balanced.
7. Aloe vera: Good for lubricating the digestive tract as well as helping skin, allergies, whole system, internally and externally

aloe vera

aloe vera plant

8. Diatomaceous Earth (Fossil Shell Flour) – can help by cleaning out the gut. It moves through the digestive tract “attracting and absorbing bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticide and drug residues, E. coli, and heavy metals” and passes them out of the body. –explained by and available at bulkherbstore.com
Herbs:
1. Fennel-Good for colic, (used in “Gripe Water” which is great for upset tummies), aids digestion especially when uric acid is a problem, as in gout.
2. Cascara Sagrada –For when you are really constipated. Works well without causing the runs. It restores the tone of the bowel producing a permanent beneficial effect. Best at night on an empty stomach.
3. Safflower – helps to prevent and eliminate uric and lactic acid buildup as well as water retention and so it’s good for gout as well.
4. Ginger root has long been used as a remedy for digestive disorders, nausea, morning sickness, fever and coughing among other things.
5. Peppermint – mild enough for babies, it has been used for centuries to alleviate colic as well as minor bloating, gas, indigestion and digestive problems in all ages.

chamomile

chamomile

Bonus: Chamomile – safe for babies and all ages, mild and restorative. Works well with other herbs. Has calming effect also.

Bonus 2: Slippery Elm bark powder – Not only great for the throat (opera singers love this), Actually coats the stomach lining and strengthens it. Will stop the runs, even safe for babies and animals. Available at the health store.

A lovely way to get as many aids in at a time is in a tea blend such as our Tummy Tea that you can sip thoughout the day.

All systems are different and some herbs work for some types, but may not for you. Hopefully, you have found a gem here to help. “A happy gut makes everything better” so keep exploring, this is just a few suggestions to inspire.

We would love anyones adds and suggestions.

Arnica

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Arnica


What is arnica?  Arnica is a high mountain meadow plant well known and documented in Germany and many parts of the world for its quick healing abilities.  (the German nickname for it means “stand up and walk home.”)Arnica Flower Pic

It’s bright yellow flowers are used in external applications for muscle pain and inflammation. It can help ease acute discomfort in back, shoulders, neck, leg cramps, and injury pain.

It is being used in the United States now by plastic surgeons to prevent bruising and inflammation pre and post-surgery.  In fact, more and more doctors are using and recommending arnica as “the one best course of action to take in the early stages of all cases of physical trauma.” – as stated by Dr. Larry Malerba, D.O.

The active compound in it is helenalin which helps constrict blood vessels and decreases inflammation and bruising from blunt injuries.

“I have personally witnessed remarkable results in my own medical practice with bruises and hematomas resolving in short order, much more quickly than would be expected if left untreated.” –Dr. Larry Malerba, D.O.

It is becoming more known as personality figures are getting the word out about how quickly it works.

Dr Oz. of the Oz Show said about arnica: “One of the smartest things to have in your cupboard.”

Arnica is also making a big appearance in the sports world. Athletes are taking it internally (only in homeopathic form) and applying it externally to injuries, pulled ligaments, overworked or strained muscles, and helping with pain.

ridgeview water polo girls team

fish lips from the polo team girls

“This herb is the most powerful, quick working medicine I know for inflammations, bumps, bruises, and injury pain.  It is an essential in our family with kids active in sports!” –Carolee Prescott, massage therapist, OR

It is also good for sprains and sore muscles, and reported to help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  It helps relieve the pressure, pain and swelling of injuries on location. The earlier after injury that it can be applied the better.  Think of it as your ice pack.  It is recommended that it not be used internally, or on open wounds or broken skin.

It is available in the form of ointment, tincture, or homeopathically in your local grocery health section.

Here at T’s Tonics, we offer potent wild-harvested arnica from the mountains of Oregon and Idaho. Our arnica Bump & Bruise Spray has been tested as “the most potent form of arnica ever tested.” (in Salem). It is infused in pure grain alcohol for over 3 months and carefully combined with therapeutic peppermint oil which acts as a “driver oil” working synergistically with the arnica to go deep and stop swelling at the cellular level. We lovingly deliver this to you in a spray tincture form, making it easy to apply without touching sensitive areas as well as quick to soak in and work where it’s needed.arnica-spray-new

*This information is for educational purposes only and not to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases. 

T’s Tonics Arnica testamonials

“My wife sprayed it on my back which has been in pain and almost instantly it gave relief.  2 hours of no pain.  It was like a miracle.” –Antonio T.

“My arms and hands were going to sleep on me at night.  After I sprayed it on the back of my neck, I slept through the night without any numbness.” – Charity K.

“My fingers give me fits sometimes because of overworking and arthritis.  The arnica spray is very helpful at reducing swelling and discomfort.” If I use it after working hard, I will not wake up the next day as sore as I am without using it.” – Dennis H.

“It gave relief soon after spraying it on my knee injury.” –Steve H.

“I use the arnica spray on my inflamed skin dermatitis.  T’s Tonics is more potent and works better than other arnicas I have used.” –Marjorie O

Arnica is fresh picked and infused for many months following organic and wise women standards by T’s Tonics  in Powell Butte, OR. info@tstonics.com. Potency guaranteed.

 

Grapeseed Oil Benefits the skin

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Grapeseed oil? Many benefits:

Our family and company has fallen in love with this oil not only because the feel of it is so lovely but for it’s many benefits and uses. It is a daily part of our lives. And it is so easy!

Externally – Skin and healing:face

Grapeseed oil is used in many cosmetics, skin and hair care products, and massage oils because it is a light oil that has small molecules allowing it to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. (It feels amazing on the skin.) It is light enough for the face and beneficial around the eyes. It has been shown to be helpful in treating skin issues such as acne, eczema and other skin sensitivities.  It is rich in vitamin E (3 times more than in olive oil) and omegas, which help protect and repair, skin tissues. Because of this, it has also been shown to be beneficial helping reduce UV sun damage and dark spots on the skin. It helps capillary integrity and improves blood circulation making it good for varicose veins, spider veins, hemorrhoids, and stretch marks.

Internally:

Excellent to take internally in capsules for health benefits. Perfect to use as your oil in cooking and baking. It has a high smoke point making it a safer cooking oil choice.  And with little taste it doesn’t compete with the flavors of food. It is a good base for salad dressings, etc. and is excellent for stir-fry, meats, and sautés.

Grapeseed oil has 73% linoleic acid, higher than most other oils which is excellent for health. It increases high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) making it helpful for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetics!

We import pure, all natural grapeseed oil from Spain and use it in many of our products.

Here is a simple recipe:

face moisturizer

Combine ½ and ½ grapeseed oil

with aloe vera juice

add drops of lavender essential oil (10 drops per ½ cup) or another favorite oil.

Shake well and Enjoy.

 

6 herbs for beautiful hair

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kyries-wild-hair

6 Hair Building Herbs:

Organic nettle, has been included in hair tonics for centuries because of its ability to stimulate hair growth. High in vitamins and minerals, it’s also a blood purifier.

Organic horsetail, (this is an herb, not hair from a horse), has the highest silica content found among herbs. Silica builds collagen which is needed for connective tissues: it helps hair, skin, and nails to be healthy and grow!

Organic oatstraw is high in minerals, especially calcium and magnesium which help strengthen bones, teeth and hair.

Organic sage is good for the brain as well as the hair!

Organic St. John’s Wort is healing on the skin and great for your hair as well as calming to the emotions.

Jasmine green tea is high in anti-oxidants and full of tannins found helpful to whole body health and nourishing to skin and scalp.

Our Hair Tea has all of these and more! Try it out and know true love! Hair Teas Day Spray

Spray on wet or dry hair to nourish, manage and shine.  Keeps fly away & tangled ends manageable during the day while building hair health and adding shine. Not greasy or heavy. T’s Tonics’s special organic blend of orange and ylang ylang is refreshing and uplifting, the aloe & green tea add silky shine, herbs build hair strength and lavender nourishes skin and scalp. Great for kids too!