Happy Mother’s Day to all  Moms (and a special shout out to Jennifer @ Organic Baby University- http://organicbabyuniversity.com/)!

When I was a young Mother (early 70’s) there was no internet  to extract information from – which I’m grateful for.  All of the information available at our fingertips today is pretty overwhelming and can oftentimes make it difficult to judge what is true and factual vs. what is creative marketing. I see today’s new Moms struggling with so many decisions and options then, dealing with the associated guilt and confusion of their choices.

Fortunately for me, life was simple…there were not so many choices nor did fear control decisions. I was a 60’s child and all about natural (as nature intended) so, my four children (pictured above) were born naturally (no drugs) and breast fed. My firstborns were twin preemie girls and a year and half later I had my third girl. I had 3 babies in cloth diapers (that we washed and hung to dry!). I intended to be the greatest Mom ever (like we all do) and wanted only the best for them. Fortunately, I understood that “we are what we eat”. What made me know this? In my teens, I started paying attention to the way food made my body feel. If I ate candy, I got a headache. If I ate processed food, I became tired and sick to my stomach. I simply felt better when I ate whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and grains.

By the time I became a Mom, eating for health was a lifestyle. I used a cookbook called “The Ten Talents” by Rosalie hurd et al (http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Talents-Cookbook-Rosalie-Hurd/dp/0615255973#) which proved to be very informative and accurate in proper diet as well as what and when to feed my babies. Knowing now that the body is like a building block (the body’s health today is what was done many years ago) I’m so glad that I made the choice to feed my family this way. As a family, we were rarely sick. I don’t recall having prescription drugs in the house as they were simply not needed or used. We ate well and spent plenty of time outdoors.

Over the years I’ve tried to stick to fresh food (no processed, canned or frozen) whenever possible but, it wasn’t popular with the kids then, and the Grandkids now. I get comments from them like “we can eat whatever we want at my other Grandmas house” or “Mom lets me eat it”. I just say “I love you” and try to educate.

The one thing I’ve learned about being a Mom is, we each make our own decisions and, fortunately or unfortunately we have to live with those decisions!  Today in America, convenience is governing our decisions. Our food supply has become non-nutritional, our health is waning, our children are obese and our society embraces prescribed drugs. I really appreciate people like Dr. Oz and shows like The Biggest Loser because they help people become more aware of and sensitive to their decisions.

There is no more important job in the world than being a Mom. My hope is that you’ll make the best choices for your family, they are depending on you!

I hope you have an extra fun Mother’s Day and enjoy the best gift, your children.

- Patty



Thank you to everyone who made Natural Products Expo such a great success! Hope to see you next year.

If you are a retailer and would like more information on selling Plantlife products at your store or co-op, please contact Nancy Baldini at (888) 708-7873 or email info@plantlife.net.

We can effectively “winterize” our homes and ourselves naturally with aromatic and fun do-it-yourself projects. I’ve compiled a list of just some of the things you can do to make this winter a little easier on your home, body and mind!

Body & Hair

Due to chilly temperatures, high winds and lower humidity in winter, our skin tends to dry out quickly which can be itchy, uncomfortable and downright irritating. It is important to keep our skin covered and out of the elements whenever possible though it isn’t always feasible so, a little prevention goes a long way!

Dry Skin
Help prevent dry skin this winter by adding some pure essential oils to your routine. Oils like Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Geranium are excellent to create your own body oil or even add to your existing (fragrance free) products.

Chapped Skin
Chapped, cracked skin results from exceptionally dry skin and can be very painful. Healing essential oils like Lavender, Patchouli and Chamomile can be quite effective in relieving the pain and hydrating the affected area. I make a smaller version of the Dry Skin Recipe above for my husband however, I use 2 ounces of Carrot oil and 5 drops each of Patchouli and Lavender. I like to store this blend in a travel size bottle for the hubby to take with him.

Athlete’s Foot
Though Athlete’s foot isn’t relegated to just the winter months, I think it’s important to recognize, especially for those of you involved in winter sports. A simple and relaxing foot soak at night will not only help fight this fungus but invigorate sore, tired feet (awesome after a long day of skiing or snowboarding).

Dandruff
Essential oils like Cypress, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, Basil and Thyme are all excellent for treating dandruff. You can add any of the oils to an existing (fragrance free) shampoo or conditioner (10 drops essential oil per 8oz). You can also create your own warm oil stimulating blend!

Home

Your home can fall prey to a myriad of winter related issues including moisture, mold and even infestation problems. While essential oils won’t stop your roof from leaking or shovel your driveway, they may help purify the air and spirit!

Mold/Mildew
To help fight mold and mildew that forms when moisture collects in the home, try diffusing Tea Tree or Rosemary essential oils. These oils will help cleanse the air of invading fungi which, in the long run can help with allergies and respiratory issues.

Fresh air
My home isn’t necessarily prone to mold issues during the winter however I do have a problem with dry, stale air. Every night, I like to diffuse a blend of Sweet Orange, Bergamot and Grapefruit essential oils to not only purify the air, but also to remove the flat, stagnant smell that permeates throughout the house from the lack of fresh air. As it happens, this particular blend lifts my mood considerably on those long, dark winter nights.

Rodents
Some of us experience rodent infestations in the late fall early winter. I suppose those lovely little creatures are just looking for an abundant food source as well as a warm, safe place to hideout however, my house is not a viable option. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t kill them, I just want them to know they aren’t welcome to stay. You too can repel rodents by simply adding a few drops of Peppermint Essential oil to cotton balls and placing the cotton balls in and around any entry/exit points or common areas rodents would be attracted to (kitchens, near animal and other food storage areas). Make sure to keep these cotton balls away from areas where children and pets can reach them.

Health

Colds and Flu
Tis nearly the dreaded cold and flu season and time to stock up on those essential oils no home should be without. While we’ve already extolled the virtues of Eucalyptus essential oil and its many noteworthy healing properties (read more here), there are other oils like Tea Tree, Lavender and Peppermint that can help you defend yourself against the nasty bacterial and viral infections that abound this time of year.

Aside from diffusing Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils, you can also carry a handkerchief or tissue with you that has a few drops of your chosen oil (I like Peppermint). You can use this to inhale the aroma and clear your sinuses or even when working with or around sick people.

For sore throats, try gargling with Tea Tree Essential Oil. Simply add 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 4 ounces of water and gargle to coat. Do not ingest, just spit out. Repeat as needed.

For kids, add a few drops of Eucalyptus and Lavender essential oils to a humidifier to not only ease nasal and chest congestion but also to promote sleep.

For a simple, yet all around effective essential oil kit, try Plantlife’s Basic Sampler Set. This set includes Lavender, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Tea Tree Essential Oil. All the oils you need to get you started!

Note: Always dilute essential oils prior to topical use. Be certain to test all oils to ensure no reaction occurs. To test, simply apply 1 drop with carrier oil to the crook of your elbow and allow oil to absorb. If reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately.

We’ve all bought candles at some point simply because they were pretty, would look perfect on the mantle or make a great gift. We don’t stop to think that burning those candles might release toxins into the air that we inhale, that the friends and loved ones we gifted these candles to would be inhaling said toxins.

Fragrance

Sure, “Sugar Cookie” or “Apple Pie” are fragrances that stir up meaningful memories but, that’s exactly what they are, fragrances. Unfortunately, you can’t capture the aroma of Apple Pie simply by bottling the air while baking, the aroma has to be synthetically made. A good rule of thumb is, whenever you see the words “Fragrance” or “Perfume” oils (even if it says Natural Fragrance) you can assume it is completely synthetic and you should keep away.

Since synthetic fragrance contains phthalates, which are chemicals that can cause or trigger several issues including; hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, allergies, headaches or migraines, asthma attacks and even reproductive problems, you want to ensure you steer clear of burning this surreptitious menace.

Wax

Another point of contention is the type of wax used in most commercially available candles. While hard-core Paraffin users will swear to the ingredient’s “organic” status, other candle makers and users sing a different tune. Because paraffin is so much cheaper than alternative waxes like soy, plant and beeswax, it is the most common candle on the market.

Paraffin for candle making is by definition a byproduct of distilling petroleum. Petroleum is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons present in certain rock strata which can be extracted and refined into things like gasoline. Here’s the rub, although the National Candle Association (NCA) defends the use of Paraffin wax in candle making, both the EPA and the State of California (under prop. 65) have identified several major toxins in paraffin including Toluene and Benzene which are known human carcinogens.

The simple fact that there is debate on the topic of Paraffin adversely affecting air quality is enough to turn me off to the ingredient!

Wicks

Wicks are yet another big issue. Even though the use of lead in candle wicks is banned in the US, there is regretfully no surefire way to tell what kind of wick a given candle contains – especially when it comes to imported candles.

Since candle makers do not have to list ingredients on the labels, how are consumer supposed to know what base materials are in their candle? How are we to decide for ourselves if we want to inhale harmful chemicals?

Plantlife Candles

By now, I’m sure most of you know our motto, “For People and Planet”.   It’s this same motto that drives us to provide the highest quality, most sustainable products. We apply this attitude to our candle line as well. As a health and wellness company at heart (not to mention our love of pure essential oils) the air we breathe is just as important to us as what we put in or on our bodies.

Like all Plantlife products, our Aromatherapy candles were formulated for their therapeutic benefit. Weather it’s our relaxing Lavender (great for the bedroom) or our uplifting Lemongrass & Orange, all of our candles are made with 100% pure essential oils, a mixture of plant based and soy waxes and cotton wicks.

New Pest-Off Product and Special Promotion

We are thrilled to announce the release of the newest addition to our Pest-Off line of natural pest repellent… The Pest-Off Candle! Like all Plantlife candles, the Pest-Off Candle is made with only 100% pure essential oils (including Citronella) known for their repellent properties.

Keep troublesome pests away from your kitchen, picnic table or campfire with this wonderfully natural new candle!

To celebrate the release of our Pest-Off Candle, we are giving you a coupon code good for 15% off ALL Plantlife Candles. We so rarely offer discounts on our candles so act fast!

To redeem the Plantlife Candle Coupon, simply enter coupon code: PLCL15 in the box at checkout. Click here to shop now!

Yet another excellent multi-purpose tool in natural living is Lemon Essential Oil. You may have noticed many of our recipes include a few drops of this very versatile oil, largely due to the fact that Lemon EO is just about great for everything.

Among its many applications, Lemon Essential oil is a known bactericidal and Antiseptic oil. It stimulates the central nervous system and increases resistance to disease. This oil is excellent for circulatory issues, oily skin, varicose veins, astringents, detoxification and purification.

Truth be told, Lemon was the first essential oil I ever purchased. I wanted to try my hand at homemade cleansers and figured I’d get the most bang for my buck with this oil. You could say Lemon essential oil made me a believer in the awe-inspiring abilities of bottled nature because whatever concoction I made (from deodorizers to countertop cleaners) worked like a charm!

Brief History

Citrus Limon (Lemon Essential Oil) is the product of the outermost peel of a lemon. Although no one can pinpoint where the tree originated, it was introduced to the Middle East about A.D. 1100. In 1493 Columbus brought citrus fruits to the Americas.

Facts

• It takes over 3,000 lemons to produce just 1 kilo (2.2lbs) of Essential oil
• Our Lemon Essential Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method in which the outer rind is    scored and the resulting oil is captured.
• Lemon has historically been used to aid in breaking fevers as well as to fight scurvy.
• It is a very popular oil in Spain where it is often referred to as a cure-all
• In studies, it has been shown to increase concentration and memory during testing.
• Italy and North America are the biggest producers of Lemon Essential Oil.

Blends Well With…

Here are a few suggestions for essential oils that blend well with Lemon for the maximum therapeutic or aromatic benefit!

Lavender - Chamomile – Sweet Orange – Ylang Ylang

Neroli – Eucalyptus – Frankincense – Tea Tree

How to Use

There are so many excellent uses for Lemon Essential Oil, it would be impossible to list them all. Here are a few more popular or traditional ideas!

• Carpet Cleaner – Just 20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil per gallon of water in your carpet cleaning machine will help brighten and freshen dull carpets. For darker carpets, perform a spot test first!
• Deodorizer - Whether it’s the air in your home or office, or your gym shoes, Lemon essential oil makes an ideal deodorizer and purifier. For the air freshener recipe please read more here.
• Cleaning Products – As I mentioned above, Lemon Essential Oil is my “go to” oil for ALL my cleaning needs. It does everything (and more) traditional chemical cleaners do without the nasty side effects! For recipes, read more here
• Skin and Hair Care – Lemon’s astringent qualities make it ideal for oily skin and hair. A few drops of this EO in your homemade (or natural, existing) hair care products will help with oil absorption. A simple skin tonic (see recipe here) aids oily and acne prone skin.
• Naturally remove gum, tree sap and other sticky substances with a few drops of Lemon essential oil. Apply the oil, let it sit for a few minutes and remove the substance.

For a limited time, you can purchase a 30ml bottle of Lemon Essential Oil for only $8.00! This is a savings of $9.60 off the regular price for this size oil. Sale only applies to the 30ml bottle and not the 10ml bottle. Regular list price for the 30ml Lemon Essential Oil is $17.60.  Buy Now!

Note: Lemon essential oil can cause photosensitivity. Avoid sun or UV lights for at least 12 hours after topical application.

The one place we should always feel safe and secure can be surprisingly bad for you. Sure, we’re all aware of silent killers like carbon monoxide, but did you know that the soles of shoes, fresh dry cleaning and dry dust mops can cause a plethora of respiratory problems?

In an enlightening article by Melinda Wenner Moyer from Redbook, Ms. Moyer identifies common household pollutants which may be wreaking havoc in our homes and on our health. Click here to read Ms. Moyer’s article in full.

Because the insulation of homes is so much better now than it used to be it creates an almost airtight seal on the home. this means…

“whatever you emit indoors — whether it’s your burnt microwave popcorn, cigarette smoke, or cleaning-product fumes — is going to persist in the indoor environment for longer,” says Lynn Hildemann, an environmental engineer and researcher at Stanford University.

What Can You Do?

Kick off your shoes in the front hall. The bottoms of our shoes are covered in a fine layer of chemicals, dirt, bacteria, and mold. That stuff settles onto floors and into carpeting, and regular household activity can stir it up, causing you and your family to breathe it in, Hildemann says. Try stationing a shoe basket or rack in the entryway to keep things more organized.

Wait a few days before picking up your dry cleaning. Freshly dry-cleaned clothes can emit chemicals that have been linked to cancer and neurological problems, according to the EPA — and it’s important to make sure the solvents are completely dry before bringing them into your home. You could also switch to a dry cleaner that uses “wet” or CO2 cleaning, neither of which emit the same kind of dangerous fumes, according to the EPA.

Go fragrance-free. The EPA warns that some air fresheners can release compounds that cause headaches and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Lemon and pine scents concern experts most, Hildemann says: The chemicals that produce those smells react with ozone in the air to form formaldehyde and ultrafine particles that can collect in the lungs. For a safer room freshener, dip cotton balls in a sweet-smelling extract like vanilla and stash them around the house.

VENTILATE! Not surprisingly, indoor pollution becomes more of an issue during the winter, when we keep our windows closed for months on end, light cozy (but smoky!) fires, and braise our favorite cold-weather meals in the oven. Not only does cooking produce fumes, but gas stoves release trace amounts of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into the air. That doesn’t mean that roasting one turkey is going to hurt you — just like other chemicals, the exposure is cumulative.

Ms. Moyer does include a few other often overlooked areas of the home which should garner a little more attention as well as convenient and easy ways to help cut down on the amount of chemical pollutants hiding in your home. While the article does espouse the benefits of natural cleaners (yay), my only wish would have been for just a mention of the natural cleaning powers of pure essential oils.  Maybe next time!

According to Merriam-Webster, one definition of the word “Natural” is: “existing in or produced by nature: not artificial”. A somewhat vague definition but a good basis on which to build. It is with this definition, we the consumers form the standard for the food we eat, the products we use, even the clothes we wear. Has definitive clarification of this word by a governmental agency ever been warranted? And which agency do we trust to define this word?

In 2007, when petitioned by the Sugar Association and CSPI, the FDA refused to define the word “Natural” citing they had “other priorities for their limited resources”. Interestingly the petition for definition came about because of the real sugar vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup debate. To date, there is no formal US Government regulated definition for the term.

In the past year or so, we in the natural industry have heard quite a lot of talk on the “natural” subject ranging from seminars and webinars to newsletter and trade publications articles. Talk is always a good thing however, this topic can be quite the “Pandora’s Box” of issues.

And in Legal News…

Take the recent class action lawsuit filed in United States District Court – Central District of California. Robert Briseño vs. Conagra Foods, Inc. is a complaint for:

1. Violation of California Business & Professions Codes 17500 and 17200
2. Violation of California Civil Code 1750
3. Breach of Express Warranty

Basically, Mr. Briseño has filed suit against ConAgra Foods alleging the cooking oils sold under the Wesson brand name including; Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, Corn Oil, and Best Blend and were labeled and sold as “100% Natural” were not indeed natural. The plaintiff maintains the Wesson Oils are made from genetically modified plants or genetically modified organisms and therefore cannot be natural. ConAgra has admitted to using GM’s in the production of these oils.

Genetically modified plants in layman’s terms and as it pertains to this suit means the seeds used to grow the plants to make the oils were genetically engineered to, among other things, “allow for greater yield and to be resistant to pesticides”.

While some may argue a plant that is resistant to pesticides might not be a bad idea, others are seriously concerned about the issues of engineered farming practices, especially considering there has been no testing done on the long-term effects of these seeds.

I won’t bore you with the particulars (for more information, read entire complaint here), but this suit brings up a very important topic I would like to address. Since there is no clear definition of “natural”, should a company be allowed to use the term to market a product that hypothetically may be 90% synthetic? Common sense says no but, who is defining the synthetic ingredients? If no one is stating GMO’s are not natural, then did ConAgra really break any truth in labeling laws? Did they mislead the consumer? My personal opinion is a resounding yes.

Right and Wrong

As a consumer, I won’t apologize for wanting full disclosure on all the items I purchase. It would be wonderful if every manufacturer and distributor adhered to truth in labeling and marketing not because they have to but, because it is the ethical thing to do. Because they are in business for you, the consumer. Without you, they have no business. Is transparency really too much to ask?

We at Plantlife work very hard not only sourcing our raw materials, but in ensuring we are completely up to date on the latest market news, trends and discussions regarding ingredients. We build working relationships with our vendors and constantly question the “where, who and how” of our raw materials. We don’t adhere to the “buy the cheapest ingredient available and don’t ask any questions” mentality. We don’t change vendors often because of the relationships we’ve built and the quality of goods they provide. We continually strive to make the products we use and you buy the highest caliber and freshest quality possible. Is it expensive? You bet. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

What you see is what you get. We simply make our products out of the highest quality materials and list them clearly on all our labels. Because of the amount of work we put into this aspect of manufacturing, I find it disheartening when other companies intentionally mislead their customers in any manner including labeling and marketing.

It’s a great lesson. Regardless of FDA, USDA or other governmental agencies involvement, we have to be informed consumers. We have to ask questions and do our homework if we truly want to know what goes into the goods we purchase. It’s exhausting to be sure, but well worth the effort for our long term health and wellness.

We all could use a little more time in our day to relax.  A scant few minutes when we can close our eyes and just let the stress fade away.  We know the strain stress and anxiety put on our physical body but few of us have (or take) the time to decompress.

I wish I could tell you that I relieve stress with a vigorous workout but, I am admittedly a physically lazy person.  I’m not proud that I have, on occasion left the garbage cans at the curb for my husband to bring in because I simply did not want to exert the energy to roll them 20 feet to the side of the house.  I do however, indulge in other excellent (non-physical) de-stressing activities including prayer, meditation and long, hot baths.

For the purpose of this article, I’d like to focus on meditation.  As little as 10 quiet, thoughtless minutes per day can dramatically decrease stress levels.  According to a 2005 study conducted by Harvard instructor Sara Lazar PhD, certain types of meditation have even resulted in an increase of the thickness in gray matter in areas of the human cortex.

“Our data suggest that meditation practice can promote cortical plasticity in adults in areas important for cognitive and emotional processing and well-being… “

Read the full article here

How it’s done

If you’re new to meditation, I urge you to simply try spending 10 minutes focused only on breathing.  Simply close your eyes and follow your breath as you inhale visualizing it filling your lungs, then slowly release the breath and see it exit the lungs through the trachea, out your mouth and into the air.  Repeat this act until you feel calm, centered and relaxed.  There are many great methods and techniques of meditation but this is a simple, easy to follow meditative exercise that you can do almost anywhere!

Relaxation Aids

Generally when I relax or meditate, I like to diffuse essential oils to help promote mental clarity, focus and relaxation.  Since the very core of aromatherapy is to benefit the psychological as well as the physical, it complements the act of meditation perfectly.

Frankincense

Most of us are familiar with Frankincense (or Olibanum) in the biblical sense as a gift given to the Baby Jesus by the wise men.  At this time, Frankincense was very precious, rare and incredibly expensive.  It was not only a cure-all for many ailments but symbolically represented the divinity of Christ.

It has been used for over 5000 years, spanning many cultures for spiritual healing.  This exceptional oil is widely revered for its spiritual qualities as well as its medicinal history.  Because of its beneficial purifying attributes, Frankincense was used to “smoke” blankets and clothes and is to this day still used to purify the air.  Additionally, due to its anti-tumoral properties, Frankincense has been the epicenter of a recent study by immunologist Mahmoud Suhail.  Read the BBC article here.

It aids meditation by calming the mind, promoting relaxation by slowing and deepening breathing and enhancing enlightenment making it an ideal meditation companion.

Myrtle

A traditional emblem of love and innocence, the Greeks would create wreathes and garlands of Myrtle to lay at the altars of the Greek goddess Aphrodite as it was a sacred plant to her.  To this day, myrtle is worn by brides to symbolize the union of their marriage.

Perhaps its mild camphorous but slightly floral aroma lends to the romanticism of the oil, but it also is an excellent aid for respiratory ailments.  Not as harsh as Eucalyptus but with similar benefits, it has been used to help children suffering from asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.  Personally, I find rubbing a drop on the soles of my feet at bedtime completely alleviates the dry, irritating cough associated with allergies I sometimes experience.

For meditation, Myrtle helps to release anger and inner conflict.  It is an emotional cleanser and seems to harmonize and balance emotions.

Spikenard

Also known as “Nard”, this famous biblical anointing oil has been used in Ayurvedic treatments in India since ancient times.  Due to its natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it is commonly used in various skin treatments but is also revered in herbal medicine for its ability to aid in cell regeneration as well as hormone balancing.

From an aromatherapeutic aspect, Spikenard is widely used in meditation to stimulate inward reflection as well as balancing and grounding.  It’s wet, earthy aroma helps to sedate the overactive mind and allow deeper concentration.

We could all use a little more peace in our lives.  Even if you’ve eschewed the idea of meditation in the past, simply look at if from a different perspective.  It doesn’t have to be a completely foreign idea to simply relax.  As a good friend of mine (who has two rambunctious little girls) says, “you call it meditation, I call it a ‘mommy time-out’”.

As I thoroughly enjoyed the long 4th of July weekend, my mind traveled to why I always feel so good after a day at the beach… all because of wonderful molecules called negative ions.

According to Wikipedia, “An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. An anion, from the Greek word ἄνω (ánō), meaning “up”, is an ion with more electrons than protons, giving it a net negative charge (since electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged). Conversely, a cation, from the Greek word κατά (katá), meaning “down”, is an ion with fewer electrons than protons, giving it a positive charge.

I have to keep things simple in my mind so by my definition, there are both negative and positive ions which are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge. From a health perspective, negative ions are the good guys and positive ions are the bad guys (just the opposite of the meaning of the words, negative and positive). Ions are invisible, tasteless and odorless so we don’t realize how much our health and daily lives are affected by them.

Negative ions are in abundance outdoors (especially at the beach due to the pounding waves and salt water). They are created by nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight and moving air and water. Circulating air contains thousands of negative ions, unlike the home or office building which may contain none. Negative ions produce biochemical reactions in our bodies that increase the level of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost energy. Negative ions also increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in greater alertness, decreased drowsiness and more mental energy!

According to Michael Terman, PhD, of Columbia University in New York:

“The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions and we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms when people report lightened moods. In fact, Columbia University studies of people with winter and chronic depression show that negative ion generators relieve depression as much as antidepressants. The best part is that there are relatively no side effects.”

Now let’s discuss positive ions (the bad guys)! I’m sure anyone reading this who sits behind a computer all day can relate to the feeling of being “drained”. You just want to go home and lay down. Well there is a reason for this…positive ions. Our daily lives are filled with positive ions that suck the life out of us. Just think about all the electronic devices such as TV, florescent lighting, computers, air conditioning, cell phones and the list goes on that we use everyday. Positive ions drain us of our precious energy and cause tiredness, irritation, depression and other health issues.

I hear folks blaming their job for how bad they feel…they think that just because they feel better when not at the office, that it’s the job. Well it may be the job, but more than likely it’s the positive ions draining them and lack of negative ions. Think about it…you leave the office totally drained, go for a quick walk and you’re ready to party! Sometimes just going outside during the day revives the energy level.

So as I enjoyed my weekend and thought of ions and the effect on wellness, I thought I’d pass on a little information and a few tips I’ve learned to feel good daily. In this case, we want to keep it “negative”, ions that is!

1. Spend more time outdoors, than indoors.
2. Open the windows and allow fresh air in the house, office or car.
3. Limit daily use of electronics and air conditioning or just be aware of what these devices are  doing to you…counteract with a walk or taking a break and going outside.
4. Leave the florescent lighting off at the office (or use less). Use a desk lamp.
5. If you live by the beach, mountains, waterfalls, lakes…get out and enjoy it.
6. Walk, run, bike, swim, and sit….outdoors.
7. Decorate with live plants and water fountains.
8. Take baths with salt (preferably Plantlife’s Bath Salt (over 84 trace minerals, pesticide and    herbicide free)).
9. Add a decorative salt lamp to your desk.
10. Use an air ionizer.

My goal in writing this is to make you aware of ions as they play a vital role in your health and the way you feel. I do hope you will conduct your own research on ions. Nature provides us with everything our bodies need to be well!

I know this isn’t “The Sound of Music” nor am I Oprah but, I thought it would be fun to share a few of our employees favorite things with you so you can see that we love and use the wonderful products we make!

So I polled some of the front office crew and asked them to share their favorite Plantlife product and why they enjoy using it. Here’s what I got!

Patty Taulbee – Does a little of everything but not much of anything…

Favorite Product: Bar Soap

OK so the running joke with people who know me is that I always have a “new favorite” product. If you spend any time with me, you would hear all about what is good for you and what is not good for you (skin is your largest organ and EVERYTHING gets absorbed into your system)! I always look past the marketing hype on everything and look at the results…results ALWAYS speak the truth!

When I was getting into making my own body care products years ago, I did so because the result from products I was using caused dry skin, cracked skin, chemical sensitivity, weird bumps on my skin, clogged pores, and the list goes on. All I knew was that the more I slathered stuff on, the worse it got. Now, many years later, I understand why and I am grateful that I cared enough about myself to not listen to the marketing hype but do my own research and come to my own conclusions. I’m supposed to be writing about my favorite Plantlife product but had to precede it with a little about me…so whoever reads this understands I’m not just trying to promote product.

Plantlife products are all awesome…for many reasons. Probably the most important one is the ingredients. It’s like cooking, if you use fresh, high quality ingredients, your dish will have more nutritional value and taste better. All Plantlife products are made with the purest, freshest, highest quality ingredients.

When I think about which Plantlife product is my favorite, I can’t decide. They are all awesome and so healthy for the body. I think though if I have to choose one, it would be our soap. Plantlife soap is very moisturizing, has a fairly neutral Ph and always makes me feel soft and clean (and the aromas are all soooooooo yummy). Every time I take a different soap home from work, I report back and tell everyone about my “new favorite” (Plantlife has 28 different soaps)! I’ve tried other products to wash with but I always go back to our bar soap…why, because of the results and the aromas!

Nancy Baldini – National Sales Manager (really)

Favorite Product: Sore Muscle Massage Oil

My favorite product is the Sore Muscle massage oil. After a long commute sitting in rush hour traffic, by the time I get home my shoulders and back are so tense, I immediately turn to my sore muscle massage oil. Within minutes the tension is gone and the soreness has faded away. I also massage the bottoms of my feet after working a long day at a trade show or just wearing those “oh so cute” shoes (that are not so cute by the end of the day).

Judy Smith – Everybody’s Favorite Person (in the whole world)
Favorite Product: Foam Soap (Fresh Mint to be specific) and Herbal Lip Balm

I simply cannot live without Fresh Mint Foam Soap. I love the fresh and lively aroma of this soap and the clean rinse formula. I really like the fact that I can clean almost any surface and the aroma fills the air and lasts all day.

Running a close second to the Foam Soap, you’ll never find me without an Herbal Lip balm (or ten). I don’t really use the lip balm the traditional way. With my advanced wisdom (age) comes pretty thin skin which is prone to minor cuts and scrapes. The herbal lip balm eases the pain and helps my skin to heal quickly without scarring.

Jennifer Howe – Tid Bits and Whatnots Coordinator (I just made that title up)
Favorite Product: Geranium Essential Oil

This one took me a while. I was just so torn between the Sore Muscle Bath Salts and the Geranium EO but, a decision had to be made and I went with the one product I use most often. I don’t exercise enough to warrant Sore Muscle Salt baths every night…

Let’s put aside the fact that I adore the floral aroma of Geranium Essential Oil almost as much as I love “new baby smell”, the insane and numerous benefits of this wonder essential oil make it my numero uno, most favorite product ever in history. Ok, that’s a little dramatic but seriously folks, it’s in the top five for certain.

I first used Geranium in my homemade skincare products (including toner and body oil) and loved the effects. The toner tightened and brightened while the body oil moisturized and balanced my skin. The more I researched, the more in love with the oil I fell.

Having an hormonal imbalance can be quite disturbing (just ask my husband of 12 years). The aroma-therapeutic effect of Geranium helps to balance my hormones, therefore my emotions, therefore my life. As an added bonus, just 10 drops in my bath water, helps quiet my tumultuous mind before bedtime.

Carrie Garcia – Production Manager (biggest job of all!)
Favorite Product: Ginger Berry Body Oil and Lemongrass Body Wash

I had to pick two because there is no way I could choose just one! For me, the Ginger Berry Body Oil is the best thing since sliced bread. Nothing beats rubbing the oil into my skin after a shower or bath and feeling the softening effects hours later. Also, I’m a busy mom and don’t have time to get regular pedicures so I rub a little Body Oil into my feet after the shower and they stay soft and supple with no cracking or sandpaper texture.

I have to also choose Lemongrass Body Wash because my kids love it. With three boys (4 if you count my husband), you can imagine soap is a hot commodity in our house. The Body Wash is not only a hygienic alternative to bar soap since it’s shared but, it also makes a great bubble bath. Plus, I don’t have slippery pieces of soap to scrub off the bottom of the tub afterwards.

Remember, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can email us at info@plantlife.net or give us a call Monday through Thursday 7:00am to 5:00pm PST.