Tangerine Dream

Delicious Creamy Orange Flavor, November 1, 2004

Spiru-Tein contains energizing ingredients and this powder blends into delicious creamy orange shake when blended with orange juice. I prefer the taste of soy protein and this product contains Non-GMO isolated soy protein.

This powder not only has a broad profile of essential vitamins and minerals, it is filled with diet-aids (Lecithin, Spirulina, Choline and Inositol) and enzymes (Bromelain and Papaya).

Ingredients: Non-GMO isolated soy protein, fructose, tangerine flavor, di-calcium phosphate, freeze-dried pinapple pieces, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xanthan gum, guar gum, psyllium, natural color, maltodextrin, potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, oat bran, microcrystalline cellulose, spirulina, vitamin C, vitamin E acetate, choline bitartrate, inositol, apple pectin, bee pollen niacinamide, vitamin A palmitate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, ferrous fumarate, calcium pantothenate, lecithin, lemon bioflavonoids, papaya, bromelain, chlorophyll, pyridoxine HCL, riboflavin, thiamine HCL, vitamin B-12, ergocalciferol, folic acid, biotin, potassium iodide, chromium chloride, sodium selenite, sodium molybdate...and Love.

While you don't need a blender, I'd recommend a shaker, like the Tupperware shaker or the one from GNC. I find this blends well with a variety of ingredients. You may enjoy making your own shake variations in the blender. This powder tastes best when blended with very cold orange juice.

Nature's Plus is a company that is known for their dedication to quality. They have 21 quality control procedures to ensure the potency of their products. Not only do they use the highest quality raw materials from reputable suppliers, they also take great care to produce products with only all-natural ingredients.

If you enjoy this product, I have a feeling you will love the All-One Nutritech products. They have an incredible Fruit Antioxidant Dietary Supplement and a rather tasty Totally Fiber Product you can sprinkle on yogurt.

~The Rebecca Review

Ricola Natural Cherry-Honey Herbal Throat Drops

Tingly Cherry Drops, October 4, 2004

If you are looking for the "Eucalyptus" immediate-if-not sooner sinus clearing Vicks experience, this will more mild in the initial stages and it seems to be almost equally effective by the time you have finished one or two drops.

I think the honey soothing experience may be better for a sore throat experience. The menthol is for pain relief and can help to suppress coughs. I find it to be a much milder nasal decongestant than Eucalyptus oil. Although, lately I'm wondering about the safety of ingesting Eucalyptus oil. I've read even small amounts can be toxic. So, I think this Cherry-Honey Ricola drop is much safer because it does not contain Eucalyptus.

Active ingredient: Menthol

Inactive Ingredients: Elder, Horehound, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Linden flowers, Mallow, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Wild Thyme, Honey, Malic Acid, Natural Cherry Concentrate, Natural Color, Natural Flavors, Starch Syrup, sugar.

Because this contains Hyssop, I'd not recommend this product to pregnant women, anyone with epilepsy or high blood pressure. Hyssop can be used to relieve colds and fevers. It is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral. Horehound is also not recommended for pregnant women.

Recommended Reading to Check Natural Ingredients: DK Natural Health Magazine Complete Guide to Safe Herbs. This book also talks about herbal interactions with prescription medications.

These Ricola drops don't contain Eucalyptus, so they seem safer. They also don't contain artificial colors. They also taste better than the Vicks cherry drops.

~The Rebecca Review

Hyaluronic Acid

Critical Molecule of Youth, September 21, 2004

In the years of youth the human body abundantly produces a special water-gelling molecule called HA that is largely responsible for producing these visible signs of youthfulness. That is because HA, a key component of collagen, is the body's natural "space-filling" molecule... ~Bill Sardi, researcher and author

After using a Hyaluronic Acid face cream by Derma E on a daily basis, I took a second look in the mirror and my skin was literally "plumper" as if it was more hydrated and healthy.

I have also started buying the Solaray Hyaluronic Acid as a dietary supplement after reading about people in Japan who eat a sticky gelatinous root vegetable instead of rice have smooth skin, flexible joints and full heads of hair even when they are quite old. Researchers have finally concluded that they have unusually high levels of hyaluronic acid in their bodies.

Also look for Pycnogenol and the All One Protein Powders, especially the Antioxidant blend.

You might also want to look for the Derma E products:

Microdermabrasion Scrub - Salon Quality exfoliation right in your own home!

Astazanthin and Pycnogenol Age-Defying Moisturizing Crème
Cracked Skin Relief Crème
Vanilla Bean Cleansing Mousse
Tea Tree & E Antiseptic Crème

Each capsule contains 20 mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 50 mg of Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid). These are "enteric coated" capsules so they survive the stomach.

~The Rebecca Review

P.S. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice also seems to make your skin softer and you can mix it into a variety of fruit juices. The taste becomes very mild after about two weeks. I actually have grown rather fond of the taste of Aloe Vera after seeing great results.

Solaray Free-Form DL-Phenylalanine 500mg 60 Caps

Improve Your Mood, October 4, 2004

Low norepinephrine and dopamine levels are often associated with depression, lethargy, trouble focusing, negativity, and mental fuzziness...Also, I often have my patients take natural amino acids such as tyrosine (1,000-1,500 milligrams a day) for energy, focus, and impulsivity control, and dl-phenylalanine (400 milligrams three times a day on an empty stomach) for moodiness and irritability. ~Daniel G. Amen, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

If you are considering this supplement, please consult with your physician. There may be a good reason for you NOT to take this product. I find that it is helpful for occasional depression (mild forms) and can enhance your love life by promoting feelings of being "in love." It can also be helpful for "love withdrawals."

Why does this product help? D-Phenylalanine can convert to phenylethylamine and that can make you feel "in love." I have also noticed that this product enhances your sex life and can increase pleasure in interesting ways. I figure it is simply because your body has a building block of pleasure and uses it to its advantage.

Taking this product can also make you act a bit silly and heady in certain circumstances. I notice I laugh (feel a bit giddy) a lot more when taking two pills and jokes are especially funny in comedies. When taking one pill I feel comforted, happy and more satisfied with life in general. While I don't take this every day, I can say that if you take this and then go out to Italian food, you will probably end up having great sex. I have also noticed I respond less severely to negativity and take things less seriously. I tend to turn negative situations into jokes or just ignore what people are saying and go on to think about something more pleasant. That type of reaction. I get less emotionally involved in negative situations.

So, think about being "in love" and how perfect the world seems and how the colors of the world stand out more. This is what this product can do if it is safe for you to take Phenylalanine.

Essential Amino Acids and Mood:

Amino acids aid in the production of hormones, "neurotransmitters" and enzymes.

Phenylalanie is an essential amino acid (cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet), which is a building block for pleasure neurotransmitters (chemical compounds used for communication between neurons/brain cells). The human brain is made up of a web of billions of cells called neurons.

Essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, "phenylalanine," threonine, tryptopahn, and valine.

Nonessential amino acids: alanine, arginine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, gylcine, proline, serine, taurine, and tyrosine.

Basically Phenylalanine is a precursor for neurotransmitter biosynthesis. It is one of the 20 essential amino acids the body cannot synthesize (manufacture). The protein in food is a combination of chemical units called amino acids. When your body lacks even one amino acid, it can have a negative effect on your health.

How does this relate to Dopamine?

Phenylalanine helps to produce neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

The primary monoamine neurotransmitters are "dopamine," norepinephrine and serotonin. Dopamine is associated with emotional response. Dopamine is often called the pleasure chemical and is also released at the moment of sexual climax, therefore the triggering of the feeling of bliss.

When we are "in love" our brains are overproducing dopamine. Dopamine is said to be responsible for feelings associated with sexual pleasure, romantic love, verbal fluency and creativity. Which I guess might explain why when we talk to someone who seems to be making us very happy, we suddenly feel the need to write poems. We can also have surges in dopamine when we are eating, listening to music or even looking at objects of beauty. Our rewards centers then release dopamine.

Why Take both D & L-Phenylalanine?

D-Phenylalanine can convert into phenylethylamine (PEA), the "love chemical" released into the bloodstream when a person falls in love. PEA is also found in chocolate, although many tests show it is broken down before it reaches the brain. Phenylethylamine does cross the blood brain barrier and it is associated with sexual attraction, emotional infatuation and the excitement of love.

Phenylalanine can:

Promote Sexual Arousal (I'd have to agree although some say this is not proven)
Elevate Mood and helps to Aleviate Depression
Decrease Pain
Aid Memory
Decrease Appetite (people who are in love can find a decrease in appetite to be normal)
Alleviate some symptoms of PMS (I also use Dandelion Tea)
Help to overcome alcoholism and other drug addictions. You can also get addicted to people.

L-Phenylalanine is converted to L-tyrosine, then L-dopa, then into norepinephrine. It is effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS.

D-Phenylalanine can convert into phenylethylamine and is capable of giving relief from back pain, arthritis and chronic pain.

The combination product called DL-Phenylalanine can be used to combat pain, elevate mood and encourage mental alertness.

STRONG CAUTIONS:

L-Phenylalanine can promote high blood pressure in anyone predisposed to hypertension.
Phenylalanine can promote the cell division of existing malignant melanoma cells. Avoid this product if you have any form of cancer.

THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY ANYONE WHO HAS PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU), HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR CANCER. DO NOT TAKE WITH MAO inhibitor antidepressant drugs. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Please consult with your physician before taking this supplement. This information is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other health care professional.

Recommended Doses: 500 mg a day and then with your doctor's advice, you can work up to 1,500 mg a day. I find that 500 mg is sufficient and I up the dose to 1,000 mg a day if I'm planning for romance.

More is not Better. In fact, high doses of certain amino acids may be toxic and can produce nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant side effects.

~The Rebecca Review

Ricola Natural Cough Drops

Delicious Honey and Mild Lemon Flavor, October 4, 2004

If you are looking for the "Eucalyptus" immediate-if-not sooner sinus clearing Vicks experience, this will more mild in the initial stages and it seems to be almost equally effective by the time you have finished one or two drops.

I think the honey soothing experience may be better for a sore throat experience. The menthol is for pain relief and can help to suppress cough. I find it to be a much milder nasal decongestant than Eucalyptus oil. Although, lately I'm wondering about the safety of ingesting Eucalyptus oil. I've read even small amounts can be toxic. So, I think this Original Ricola drop is much safer because it does not contain Eucalyptus.

Active ingredient: Menthol

Inactive Ingredients: Caramel Color, Elder, Horehound, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Linden flowers, Mallow, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Wild Thyme, Honey, Malic Acid, Natural Cherry Concentrate, Natural Color, Natural Flavors, Starch Syrup, Sugar.

Because this contains Hyssop, I'd not recommend this product to pregnant women, anyone with epilepsy or high blood pressure. Hyssop can be used to relieve colds and fevers. It is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiviral. Horehound is also not recommended for pregnant women. Lemon Balm is not good for anyone who has glaucoma but in general seems to help with anxiety. Linden flower is a remedy used to treat colds, flu and coughs, but is not recommended if you have heart disease.

Recommended Reading to Check Natural Ingredients: DK Natural Health Magazine Complete Guide to Safe Herbs. This book also talks about herbal interactions with prescription medications.

These Ricola drops don't contain Eucalyptus, so they seem safer. They also don't contain artificial colors.

~The Rebecca Review

DermaE Calm Transdermals

Reduce Stress with a Calming Blend of Floral Fragrances, August 15, 2004

DermaE is a company specializing in products for a wide range of skin conditions. They also produce two wonderful soothing herbal transdermals. The Calm blend transports you to a land of blossoming Champaca trees and waving fields of daffodils. Narcissus is the botanical name for the jonquil or daffodil and Champaca Absolute is a famous fragrance that is obtained through a distillation process and a maturation process that includes storing the oil in leather bottles in a dark, cool place. Champaca is also antiviral, antiseptic and astringent.

The blending of Champaca and Jonquil also reminds me of the tea served in Chinese restaurants. There does seem to be a hint of orange blossom, clary sage and rose mingling within the calming warmth of this fragrance. The Michelia Champaca Alba trees are native to China and Southeast Asia and are propagated by air layering. A fascinating process by which a new plant is obtained through the removal of a ring of bark on a branch. This section is then wrapped with presoaked sphagnum moss. Amazingly enough, roots start to grown through the moss, you can then cut the branch from the tree and plant it to produce a new, large plant with glossy green leaves.

Other Uses for Champaca: To relieve headaches, soothe irritated skin, calm emotional upsets and alleviate depression. The fragrance is very uplifting and calming and has a sweet tea-like fragrance. You can create your own massage oils by blending this calming oil into a bottle of Jojoba or Sweet Almond Oil. I like mixing this oil with additional Vitamin E beauty oil.

Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Champaca Absolute, Jonquil.

This formula was designed to reduce anxiety, panic, nervousness, fear, agitation, irritability and anger. You can apply 1-3 drops above the midpoint of the eyebrows before doing yoga, meditation or stretching for a calming session. Bach's Rescue Remedy is a blend of flower essences and is a nice companion to the Calm oil. If you enjoy naturally scented products, the DermaE Vanilla Bean Cleansing Mousse is absolutely delicious and is even has anti-aging benefits.

Also try Crunch Candlelight Yoga and Yoga Zone Flexibility and Stress Release to put you into an advanced state of absolute calm. Yoga is the only permanent solution I've found to reduce stress to the level where you can fully relax into peace. The Calm formula is also perfect for the evening as you drift into sleep.

~The Rebecca Review

Vanilla Energy Meal

Increase Your Energy, November 1, 2004

Spiru-Tein contains energizing ingredients and this powder blends into a delicate lime-tinged shake when mixed with milk, soy milk or Rice Dream. I like using double the milk or juice because it makes the shake much more palatable and decreases the taste of Whey. I prefer the taste of soy protein, but this shake has many benefits and the whey taste is hardly noticeable.

Whey is a highly respected source of branched-chain amino acids. The amino acids found in this product include: Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Arginine, Lysine, Aspartic Acid, Methionine, Serine, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Threonine, Proline, Phenylalanine, Glycine, Tryptophan, Alanine, Valine and Tyrosine.

Amino acids aid in the production of hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes. There are essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and when your body is lacking in even one amino acid, it can have a negative effect on your health. This product provides essential and nonessential amino acids.

This powder not only has a broad profile of essential vitamins and minerals, it is filled with diet-aids (Lecithin, Spirulina, Choline and Inositol) and enzymes (Bromelain and Papaya). You also get the added benefit of cleansing ingredients (Chlorophyll) and Fiber (Bran, Cellulose and Apple Pectin).

Ingredients: Micro-filtered whey protein concentrate, fructose, di-calcium phosphate, xanthan gum, vanilla flavor, fructooligosaccharides (FOS - supports the growth of probiotics/healthy bacteria), guar gum, psyllium, maltodextrin, potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, spirulina, vitamin C, vitamin E acetate, choline bitarate (plays a role in the metabolism of fats), inositol (helps the liver process fats), apple pectin, bee pollen, niacinamide, vitamin A palmitate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, ferrous fumarate, calcium pantothenate, lecithin, lemon bioflavonoids (from lemons and an important for collagen formation), papaya (digestive enzyme), bromelain, chlorophyll, pyridoxine HCL, riboflavin, thiamine HCL, vitamin B-12, ergocalciferol (a form of Vitamin D), folic acid, biotin, potassium iodine, chromium chloride, sodium selenite, sodium molybdate...and LOVE. No really, they list Love as an ingredient.

While you don't need a blender, I'd recommend a shaker. I find this blends well with a variety of ingredients. You may enjoy making your own shake variations in the blender. This powder tastes best when blended with very cold juice or milk.

You may also want to try the Chocolate and Strawberry varieties. You can drink a shake before or after a workout or drink a shake daily to nourish your body with high-quality nutrients. Nature's Plus is a company that is known for their dedication to quality. They have 21 quality control procedures to ensure the potency of their products. Not only do they use the highest quality raw materials from reputable suppliers, they also take great care to produce products with only all-natural ingredients.

If you enjoy this product, I have a feeling you will love the All-One Nutritech products. They have an incredible Fruit Antioxidant Dietary Supplement and a rather tasty Totally Fiber Product you can sprinkle on yogurt.

Also try the "Tangerine Dream" soy protein powder with
orange juice. That is one of the most delicious protein
powders to mix with orange juice.

~The Rebecca Review

Vitamin C Drink 
Lite is recommended (no fructose)

Emer'gen-C Lite

When a friend recommended this product to me, my answer was: "Well, I already take Vitamin C tablets." I was then told that this is much better than any vitamin C tablet. I now agree. If you have been fighting any illness and then found yourself in a weakened state for weeks afterwards, this is a product that will basically take you to a new level of health. After only about 6 packets I had a renewed sense of vitality, a "clean feeling" as if my cells had been purged and I had way more energy to workout and keep up with my life. In fact, I can say that I went from operating at 50% energy to about 80% energy and I started to take control of my life again.

I generally think of myself as a healthy person, but something was not quite right and stress had knocked me for a few loops. When this happens to you, you don't want to be without this product.

Favorite way to drink this product: A mixture of ice, cranberry juice, dash black cherry concentrate, lemon-lime aloe juice, seltzer water, dash orange juice and 1 packet of Emer'gen-C. This will give you more energy than a caffeine drink and it will heal your body too.

When you add this product to water or juice it effervesces into a powerful, delicious and healthful activator of your metabolic functions. Each packet contains:

1,000 mg of Vitamin C as Seven Mineral Ascorbates
32 Active Mineral Complexes and B Vitamins

This is also electrolyte balanced and has 200 mg potassium and 50 mg Calcium in each packet.

Angels appear when you need them. Thank you to the friend who told me about this product. Super Orange is our favorite flavor. He has his entire office taking this stuff. What a character. Hey, it works!

(I now recommend the LITE version due to the lack of fructose in the ingredients.) 

~The Rebecca Review

Nelson Bach USA - Rescue Remedy, .35 fl oz

After reading a few books about Dr. Bach's discoveries, I wanted to find out if these remedies really worked. I can now say that they work very well and I was able to overcome my fear of flying with this remedy. I seem to remember peacefully flying while reading a book of poems. Normally I'm very anxious, especially with my birth date and recent occurrences on that date. I basically avoided planes for a few years.

Ingredients
Active Ingredients: 5x dilution of: Helianthemum Nummularium HPUS, Clematis Vitalba HPUS, Impatiens Glanduliferia HPUS , Prunus Cerasifera HPUS, Ornithogalum Umbellatum HPUS. Inactive Ingredient: Alcohol

This remedy is made from five of Dr. Bach's original 38 Flower Essences.

Cherry Plum - Fear of mind giving way, verge of a breakdown

Clematis - For the tendency to "pass out"
Impatiens- For irritability, tension and fidgetiness
Rock Rose - For frozen terror and panic
Star of Bethlehem - For trauma and shock

By putting this product under your tongue you get fast relief and a calm feeling that melts you into peace. I now keep this in my purse and carry it with me incase I start to get stressed out in any situation.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children (27% alcohol). If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health care professional before use. This product has been used to ease labor and has been used to calm tantrums. I personally haven't had a princess tantrum since I started taking this product. ;)

Directions: Take 4 drops in a small glass of water. Repeat as necessary. Can also be taken by placing 4 drops directly on or under the tongue.

Indications: For relief of occasional stress. Free from artificial additives and suitable for vegans.

Can be used for:

Accidents
Emergencies

Traumatic Situations
Impatience, tension and pressure
Tantrums
Sleeplessness
Sudden Bad News
Family Problems
Bereavement
When feeling stressed out about flying
When feeling stressed out about meeting new people
When feeling stressed out before an exam
Before giving a speech
Before going to the dentist
When dealing with a grumpy person who is driving you insane
When dealing with other people's high-stress level

Why would you ever want to be without this remedy? I love it. It is available in a dropper style and a spray style.

Made in England.

Also look for: Hyland's Calms for Nerve Tension.

Life is stressful but there are natural remedies to help you keep your cool.

~The Rebecca Review

P.S. Also try YOGA - It works! ;) 

Hyland's - Calms, 100 tablets

You can also keep these in your purse for when your friends and family are going through stressful times. Here, take a few of these. These are safe for children and you only need 1-3 tablets for the temporary treatment of nervous tension and insomnia.
Non-habit forming.

100 tablets.

While these are calming - Try Valerian to really knock yourself out.

~The Rebecca Review

Oregamax

Herbal Power with Hyssop and Mountain Sumac, November 1, 2004

Ingredients: Crushed Wild Mediterranean Oregano Leaf, Rhus Coriaria Fruit Powder (Mountain Sumac), Garlic Bulb Powder, Onion Bulb Powder.

Uses: For joint pain, coughs, infections, aching muscles, skin rashes, flu, colds, viruses, sinus infections, bacterial infections.

This product contains Mountain Sumac which contains tannic acid. Mountain Sumac has anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties. The garlic and onion extracts are antiseptic and fight bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses.

Sounds lovely doesn't it?

It is that time of year again when colds, flu and sinus infections are on the loose. I just gave my husband two capsules since he was feeling under the weather. I also take this product on a weekly basis to maintain health. He happily drank two pills down with some of the Tangerine Dream Spiru-Tein Powder mixed into orange juice.

I love this product because it helps me to stay healthy. The last time I gave some to my husband he said that in one day he felt way better than he had been feeling for a couple of weeks.

A fungus feeding off dead and dying material! A fungus in your blood? Can this be true? When the fungus grows it produces toxins and this can cause many problems.

Apparently oil of oregano kills fungus. It is strong stuff. I have a bottle of the oil and it is not the same thing as the oregano you buy in the store. The oregano in the store is Mexican sage and Marjoram.

My dad introduced me to the oil and it is great to prevent infections. My advice is to take it in the "capsule form."

If you choose to go with the oil, dilute the oil in a bit of olive oil. I find I can take it that way. I also blend the oil with a body oil and use it that way on my skin. You can also take two to five drops in orange juice twice a day.

This oil is great for sinus infections, food allergy reactions, etc. Cassim Igram claims this is perfect to rub on your chest if you have Asthma. The Biblical Hyssop is Oregano and that is just fascinating because I have a blended essential oil called Exodus II which has Hyssop. I mix it into Vicks. Young Living Essential Oils has the best essential oils.

Oil of Oregano is an essential oil derived from the leaves of wild oregano plants. The oil has powerful antiseptic qualities, so it kills germs and bacteria on contact. The medicinal use of oregano helps to treat or reverse some common health problems including, colds, flu, rashes, nail fungus, gingivitis, yeast infections, acne, etc.

Use the oil on the skin. Choose the pills for internal use.

~The Rebecca Review

Please Consult with your Physician before taking supplements.