Product Reviews

May 24, 2013 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Product Reviews, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Mad Hippie Advanced Skin Care: Product Review

Fitness and wellness buffs like me, are usually concerned about the condition of their skin as well as how taughtly it contains the muscles beneath it. But, I don’t want to use something labeled with so many “Contains No:” bulletins that it has no efficacy. There are a few skin care products I have come across lately that conform to my ingredients standards and still do a great job. Tackling aging skin is a passion of mine. Whatever I pack on my dermis to minimize the damage I did in my past is enticing to me. Mad Hippie sent me their...

May 10, 2013 In News, Product Reviews, Spotlight, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

A Journey in Kundalini Yoga: DVD Review

Yogis can be so dogmatic, even completely inflexible when it comes to the style of yoga they practice.  I know this, because I was one of those die-hard, one-style-all-the-time practitioners for years.  It was Ashtanga and Ashtanga only for me - until I couldn’t do Ashtanga anymore. A hand injury that has forced me to keep weight off of my left hand for over a year now, powerfully nudged me to take a look outside my yoga box. There is truth in the statement that even in injury there is blessing. For some reason, Kundalini arrived on my radar and it was...

August 22, 2012 In News, Product Reviews, Spotlight, Supplements By Vancouver Health Coach

Does Grapefruit Seed Extract Really Work?

Today I stopped in at one of the local natural health pharmacies here in Vancouver, and saw one of the staff recommend a product called grapefruit seed extract (GSE) to a lactating mother whose baby was suffering from oral thrush (candidiasis).  Not to be confused with grape seed extract, which is commonly used as an antioxidant supplement, grapefruit seed extract is used as an all purpose antimicrobial in the natural health industry that is touted as being both safe and natural.  In 2005 the journal Medical Herbalism [2005:14(3)] printed a letter I wrote outlining the problems with grapefruit seed extract, which cited several...

December 14, 2011 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Green & Healthy Living, News, Product Reviews, Spotlight By Lisa Virtue

Release some tension with all natural Spoonk acupressure mats

History often repeats itself, especially when we’ve done good. In India, yogis have been privy to the healing effects of the ancient bed of nails for centuries. This practice is known as acupressure.  Finally the western world is catching on, and just when we need it! With modern day stress, we are in dire need of methods of relaxation. It seems paradoxical, that a bed of sharp nails may actually serve to relax us. But once you give it a good try, you will see for yourself how soothing it is. The modern day version of the yogis’ bed of nails, is...

November 9, 2009 In News, Product Reviews By Vancouver Health Coach

2 Top Choices for Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano has a wide range of natural compounds with proven healing effects, including carvacrol and thymol. Some of these active ingredients damage the cell membranes of bacteria, causing fluids to leak out of the bacteria and impairing their metabolism and replication. Studies have shown that using oil from the whole herb, rather than just some of its individual chemical compounds, creates a synergy that greatly enhances potency.   Oregano is high on antioxidant activity which is probably the origin of the many health benefits of oregano oil. The most widely known and spread benefit of oregano oil is its ability...

September 27, 2009 In News, Product Reviews By Vancouver Health Coach

Top 5 Natural Deodorants

Even if you don't have bad body odor, chances are that you’re applying an underarm deodorant in an attempt to leave you fresh and approachable. Interestingly, how many of us actually take the time to review the ingredients in our deodorant, or even know if it is safe? If you're concerned that your underarm deodorant may increase your risk of cancer or other health issues, why not choose a product that does not contain these chemicals.  Here are some of the best organic deodorants available that really do absorb wetness and will leave you smelling fresh. Weleda's deodorant sprays (rose, citrus and sage) are third-party certified by various organizations including BDIH, NaTrue and...