Invented in the late 19th century, plastic has become a common household item. From containers to cling wrap, to water bottles, it’s literally everywhere. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that some of the plastics that we use in our everyday lives may actually be hazardous.

Most plastic containers and bottles will contain a label that looks like the recycling symbol. If you pay close attention, you’ll see that these triangles contain numbers inside of them. These numbers indicate the type of plastic and also provide some information as to whether that particular plastic is safe.

The most dangerous types of plastics are those labeled with the numbers 3, 6, and 7.

3- PVC or V (Polyvinyl chloride): Used for cling wrap, cooking oil, peanut butter jars, detergent, and window cleaner bottles
6- PS (Polystyrene): Used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable Tupperware, and carryout containers
7- Other (Polycarbonate): Used in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, “sport” water bottles, and clear plastic cutlery.

All of the above information and more including the rest of the numbers can be found by downloading the handout from this link.

Unfortunately, it’s near impossible to avoid using plastic. However, this site lists several things that you can do. Some of them include:

• Do not microwave food in plastic containers that do not have a ‘microwave safe’ rating
• Avoid clingwrap, especially in the microwave and especially on fatty foods such as meat and cheese
• Use alternatives to polycarbonate plastic baby bottles
• Avoid plastic water bottles

Do keep in mind that most containers that have a ‘microwave safe rating’ have been tested for how much chemical migration happens as these containers are heated. But at the end of the day it is best to keep your lifestyle as natural as possible; and that includes what you eat from and drink out of.

Hi, I have been suffering for several years from symptoms of an almost constant feeling of needing to cough and hack up mucus. Sometimes it gets to the point where I may gag and have even thrown up. I have never seen a doctor for this. Some people I know think that I have been hacking for so long that my body is conditioned to this. My girlfriend says just swallow it, but it rarely feels like it goes all the way down. Any advice and ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Mark

Dear Mark,
Have you checked to see if you have any food allergies, eg Dairy or Wheat.  Many of our food allergies occur because we don’t produce sufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach.  The stomach’s role is to break food down into its smallest parts so the nutrients can be absorbed into the body via the small intestine.  Gentian or Swedish Bitters taken 3 times daily before meals will help produce hydrochloric acid, it would also help if you took digestive enzymes.
First step, eliminate wheat and dairy and take suggested herbs for 2 weeks I am sure you will see some improvement.  Any further questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Kind regards,
Maria

Sinusitis comes in several forms and in varying degrees of severity.  The symptoms you have mentioned are associated with Sinus which our Sinus herbs can treat.  This remedy can be taken for months or years and it will treat all of you, not just the symptoms. The tonic is not a cure but will keep your sinus under control.  In times of stress or changes in weather, allergens, and colds or flus can set off another attack.  Herbs will slowly but surely change the diseased state.   Please feel free to contact me if you would like further information.

Kind regards,

Maria

Hi, can you please advise what ages / doseages that this is appropriate for?
Thanks
Gaylene

Hi Gaylene,
Thank you for your enquiry.  Sinus Tonic directions for dosage quantities are:

2 – 5 yrs:          Take 2 ml three times daily
6 – 10 yrs:         Take 3 ml three times daily
Adults:              Take 5 – 10ml three times daily

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Kind regards,
Maria

I have weeks where I constantly wake up with a head ache and go to bed with a headache. At on stage when it got real bad I went to doctor and had a sinus CT scan and it appeared that my sinuses where infected. Had 3 or 4 courses of antibiotics and as soon as I stopped taking them the headaches seemed to come back. Have not gone back on the antibiotics. Have tried homeopathic nasal spray with some relief. I do not actually get a blocked or runny nose. Is this a Sinus problem?
Jola

Dear Jola,
The infected sinuses may be causing the headaches which means it is a sinus problem.  The herbs Euphrasia and Sambucus are the herbs in the tonic that work specifically on your sinuses, Dandelion, Gentian, Echinacea, Calendula, Globe Artichoke and Berberis, which all help to deal with infection, the immune system, and stimulate digestion.  There is also a touch of Chilli to enhance the action of the other herbs and to aid absorption.  If you are patient and diligent with the Tonic, then long term relief will be forthcoming.
It may be worthwhile seeing an Osteopath or Acupuncturist to check your alignment.  Also, try avoiding wheat and dairy products for 2 weeks, this can also be a contributing factor to headaches, especially when your immune system is under attack.
Hope this helps,
Best wishes,
Maria

You are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals everyday.  They are everywhere, all of the time.  In the air you breathe, in the water you drink, the food you eat and in the soil in which we plant our seeds.  These pollutants manifest themselves as a variety of symptoms; decreased immune function, hormonal dysfunction, neuro-toxicity, chronic fatigue, obesity, lethargy, psychological disturbances, cancer and much, much more.  Juice detoxification will help reduce this accumulation of poisons and decrease the damage to help your body rejuvenate.

Organic fruit and vegetable juices are the cleansers of the human system.  They purify the blood, cast out accumulated toxins from the cells and help in the production of new cells to replace those which have either depreciated or been destroyed by disease and our bad dietary habits.  Organic juices will quickly supply you with generous amounts of minerals, vitamins, trace elements and enzymes without the toxic effects of drugs.

With juices, you can eliminate or prevent many chronic and degenerative diseases, revitalize your blood, sharpen your nerves, rejuvenate glandular activity and, in a matter of days, restore the acid-alkaline balance of the system.

7 Day Detox Program – Juice a selection of organic apples, oranges, bananas, beetroots, pineapple, grapes, celery, ginger, cabbage, radishes, potatoes daily.

Herb teas – Fenugreek, Stinging Nettle and Red Clover, one teaspoon of each mixed in a teapot.  Steep for approximately 10 minutes and strain.  3 cups per day

2 Litres of filtered water daily.

THE FIRST 2 – 3 DAYS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE HEADACHES OR NAUSEA, THE WORSE YOU FEEL THE MORE TOXIC YOUR TISSUES AND THE BETTER THE DETOX IS WORKING.

I have been suffering with this weird headache for months on my right side of my skull. It just dawned on me it might be sinus problems as i have continually had the sniffles since Easter especially. Can you tell me if this headache would be a sinus headache. I used to get it occasionally but have tried everything from magnesium powder it sort of relieves it but then comes back. It has a pulling type of headache and find it hard to sleep mainly because if i sleep on that side it wakes me up as so uncomfortable. Please help me wondered if your tonics would help me!
Kind regards
Anne

Dear Anne,
Thanks for your email.  It is possibly a sinus headache, but you may need to eliminate other possibilities first.  I would suggest you see a GP and an Osteopath just to make sure everything is in alignment.  If you find that does not alleviate your headaches, then I would suggest you try our Sinus tonic.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
Best wishes, Maria

Maria
I dont suffer a runny nose, but pain around my face - cheeks and brows and of course headaches.
I find I am clearing my throat as well. Are these symptoms of sinus? Can the tonic help?

Thanks,
Paola

Dear Paola,

Thank you for your enquiry.  The sinus tonic has been treating people who have similar symptoms as yourself for the past 10 years, they have been achieving great results.  The combination of Sinus Tonic, Gentian and Kali Bic will help treat the symptoms you are experiencing, if taken diligently 3 times per day.

If you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to call.

Best wishes,
Maria

Maria,
I have had swollen membranes in my nose for about 2 years. I have deep pain on the left side of my nose (bridge area) and left ear pain and crackling. CAT scans have shown that I do not have an infection. Just inflamation. I have tried numerous sprays, the neti pot etc. Nothing has worked. Do you think your product would be able to relieve this pain and foggy type of feeling? Thanks for any info.
Anna

Dear Anna,
Thank you for your enquiry.  Sinus tonic contains 9 herbs that deal with infection, work on the immune system, and stimulate digestion.  The two herbs eyebright and elder are used specifically for your sinuses.  If the tonic is taken diligently 3 times per day, this may help reduce the inflammation and pain you are experiencing.  High doses of Vitamin C and Cod Liver Oil may also help.
Please do not hesitate to call if you would like to discuss further.
Best wishes,
Maria

Martial Arts is rapidly gaining in popularity throughout Australia and it’s no wonder why – when you consider some of the benefits, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start earlier!

Adaptability
Martial arts can be practised by people of all ages and all levels of fitness, regardless of your previous exercise background. There is a style to suit everyone, depending on what your goals are. Be sure to let your instructor know if there are any specific issues you have that may affect your performance.

Self Defence
Different styles of martial arts have varying philosophies regarding fighting and the use of one’s power. However, all use viable methods of self defence that can be used in real-life situations. These include female-only schools that have adapted their programs especially for women.

Variety
Martial arts is considered a holistic form of exercise that trains the whole body, refining an individual’s strengths and working on their weaknesses. Some styles will use weapons, others will train empty-handed, and still others will use a mixture of both. The aim in all martial arts, however, is to reach your potential and train to the best of your abilities.

Culture
Many martial arts styles have fascinating histories that go back thousands of years, originating from all across the globe. Studying martial arts is a great way to broaden your cultural horizons and expand your knowledge about the wide range of languages and traditions that influence contemporary martial arts.

Social
Training is usually styled on a school system, with teachers and students all participating as one group. There are always chances to meet new people or learn more about your chosen martial arts style from senior students.

Competition
If you’re interested in taking it to the next level, most schools will often offer you a chance to compete against other like-minded people. This adds a whole new element to your training and is an exciting way to further challenge yourself.

Sources and further reading:
http://martialarts.about.com/od/choosingaschool/a/choosestyle.htm
http://www.martialstudent.com/index.html