The Spirit of the Holidays

… is awesome! The pervading sense of kindness, hopefulness and cheerfulness makes this one of my favorite times of the year. But it also can be a time of intense stress trying to get everything done and meeting everyone’s expectations.

To keep yourself physically and mentally healthy during this time of year try to take time out for yourself. Take that ½ hour or hour and practice yoga or meditation. Or how about a bubble bath with candles and soft music? Or perhaps an active meditation like walking or running in nature without thinking (harder than you might imagine).

I am blessed to have a chocolate Labrador named Willie who “needs” a walk every day. I have hundreds of acres of undeveloped land across the street from me and my daily mile or two with her is one of my special times. It’s hard to stay stressed while watching the cavorting of a group of crows or the soaring of a red tail hawk or just listening to the conversations of mockingbirds, blue jays or mountain quail. My coyotes frequently watch me to ease their boredom and once in a while I’m treated to a glimpse of a mule deer that has strayed from the top of the mountain. If I can keep my mind from thinking, I always come back refreshed and ready to tackle the next thing on my list.

Remember, stress does add extra free radicals to your body’s load, so make sure you take your anti-oxidant supplements and of course, to keep your skin looking it’s healthy best use an anti-oxidant crème: derma e®’s Age-Defying Night Crème with Pycnogenol® and Astaxanthin is my favorite and the essential lavender oil it contains is also relaxing.

I hope that the holidays are a very special time for you and your family and that the New Year is a kind and generous one.

Warm wishes and yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M.

Being Thankful

Thanksgiving Day is about counting our blessings. Yes, it’s also about sharing a meal with family and friends, but it was originally meant to be a time for us to give thanks for an abundant harvest.

Too often we do forget how blessed every one of us is. People who suffer from depression can be helped substantially by simply writing a list of things to be thankful for: from the taken-for-granted roof over our heads and food on our table to the support of our friends and family,the love of a special pet, etc. The longer the list, the better. Try to read this list at least twice a day. Science has shown that when we are thankful we actually are releasing positive brain chemicals that really do make us feel better. This technique can be used by all of us to have a better outlook on life.

I personally have so much to be thankful for: two great daughters, a supportive husband, wonderful pets, a comfortable home, a bountiful garden, fantastic neighbors and very dear friends. My list is multiple pages in length. I do try to spend a few moments every morning in prayer, meditation and thankfulness. It has made an amazing difference in my life. I invite you to add thankfulness to your everyday life and see how uplifting it can be.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day filled with abundant blessings.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.
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Ghosts, Goblins and Frankenstein

Halloween is my favorite holiday. My childhood memories of dressing up, of running from house to house with a pillow case and getting all the “treats”, then unloading them onto the living room floor to see what treasures I had are some of my best. I also love the spookiness, the black cats, the bats and other things that go bump in the night.

Unfortunately I live where I do not get to see any trick-or-treaters, but I always celebrate the holiday in spirit anyway. And although scars might be stylish at this time of year for at least one night, they can be a real problem for folks the rest of the year. Scars can seriously interfere with a person’s self esteem and at the very least will seem like a nuisance.

So what can be done about them? Silicone patches, vitamin E oil and other scar “fixes” do provide some benefits, but the downside to each is sometimes not worth the hassle for the marginal benefits.

Tamanu Oil is said to be extremely good for wound healing and scar reduction. However there are several natural ingredients that do diminish the appearance of scars and help them blend in with the surrounding tissue. Allantoin and Panthenol are keratolytic; helping to break down scar tissue. These natural ingredients also have an opposite and complimentary function in that they encourage healthy tissue growth. derma e® has blended these two amazing ingredients into our Scar Gel, a pleasant to use, non-oily formula that makes scars seem to disappear. If a scar is lumpy, bumpy or has discoloration, then this product will make a significant difference. It is excellent for removing the red or purple color from stretch marks too.

We had a father write to us years ago that his daughter had gone through the windshield and had multiple lacerations and stitches. He thanked us for the Scar Gel as he had used it regularly and said that you couldn’t see a scar on her face. In another incident, I tripped over my Rottweiler Ziggy and fell into a counter top opening my forehead to the skull. It required 22 stitches to put my forehead back together. I used the Scar Gel religiously and today there is no evidence of my accident (it is my picture that you can see on our website). This is one product that does make a difference in peoples’ lives and I am thankful that our Scar Gel is so effective.

Happy Halloween!

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M. SHARE

What's my favorite?

I am frequently asked, out of all the derma e® products to choose from, which is my favorite? Without a doubt it is the

Age Defying Night Crème. This rich orange moisturizer contains two super antioxidants, Pycnogenol® and Astaxanthin, which are both currently known as the strongest antioxidants yet discovered for topical application to the skin. It also incorporates my very favorite essential oil, Lavender, known for its healing and calming qualities.

The Free Radical Theory of Aging teaches us that the aging process is due to an accumulation of free radical damage. In the skin this shows up as fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, uneven skin pigmentation or brown spots. The powerful antioxidants in derma e®’s Age Defying Night Crème help prevent and correct this damage.

Pycnogenol®, pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, has been shown to be 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to support and stabilize the capillary system in the skin, encouraging it to pick up fluid and not leak any additional fluid. This benefit is extremely important for those who suffer from under eye puffiness or have capillary issues such as rosacea.

Astaxanthin, extracted from marine algae off the coast of Hawaii, has been shown to be 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and is also anti-inflammatory. It stimulates the killer cells in the skin to seek out and destroy pathogens before they have a chance to invade and cause damage.

Antioxidants are truly the answer to optimizing the health of the skin. I have a tremendous amount of sun damage on my arms from living in the sun (gardening, horseback riding, cleaning corrals, water skiing, hiking, etc. – anything outdoors) and when I use this amazing crème, I can see the damage diminish within just a few days of regular use. Antioxidants are the answer to anti-aging and age prevention. Find your favorite antioxidant and you too will have healthy, younger and better looking skin.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M. SHARE

Cure those dark circle blues…

“How do I get rid of the dark circles under my eyes?” This is one of the most common questions I get asked.

First and foremost, we need to understand why those dark circles appear. Basically, they are calling out an internal imbalance that needs to be corrected. You cannot get rid of dark under-eye circles completely until you identify this imbalance and correct it.

In Chinese medicine, the appearance of dark under-eye circles is caused by a “kidney deficiency” which is not seen as the organ that filters our fluids, but as a set of functions that regulate the aging process, from birth to death. This deficiency can be overcome with herbs and acupuncture. Many allergy sufferers also experience these dark under-eye circles because again the body is responding to an internal imbalance. Additionally, those of us who are highly stressed and suffer from sleep disorders also have dark under-eye circles. There are several other reasons for these, but they all signify some type of imbalance.

While you should work towards correcting the imbalance, there are topical solutions that can help reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Because these dark circles are the result of blood stagnation under your eyes, herbs that enhance blood flow such as Yarrow, Horse Chestnut, Gingko Biloba, Eyebright, Pycnogenol®, Peach Seed Oil, Dang Gui, Astragulus, Ginseng, and Salvia (to mention a few) can help move this stagnation out. This could take days or weeks to work so mineral pigments such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can offer immediate lightening effects.

derma e® has formulated our Eye Bright Dark Circle Crème with blood moving herbs, antioxidants and mineral pigment zinc oxide to help visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles. For maximum benefits, gently massage the crème from the inner corner to the outer edge in a half circle under the eye area to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph. Regular use of the Eye Bright Dark Circle Crème will promote younger, brighter, and healthier-looking eyes

Yours in Health, Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M. SHARE

Say ‘Good Bye’ to large pores; ‘Hello’ to great looking skin

Large pores are the curse of oily skin and are frequently seen in the T-zone of combination skin (normal skin). However, before you belittle them too much, remember that pores play a vital function in oil production and help keep the skin soft and supple.

So why do pores become enlarged? Well, genetics certainly plays a part and so does hormonal activity, but 78% of enlarged pores are because of incorrect skin care. Pores appear enlarged when they are irritated, inflamed, and clogged with debris, like dead skin cells, dirt and oil. So this is certainly an issue we can do something about.

So how do we reduce the appearance of these pores? First and foremost is cleansing. Washing your skin morning and night (if your skin is really oily, then maybe at noon too) is the most important step in pore reduction. Choose a gentle cleanser that encourages the health of the skin without drying it out.

Second, would be regular exfoliation. Exfoliating with a scrub such as derma e®’s Microdermabrasion Scrub helps remove embedded dirt and dead skin cells. Additionally the scrub helps stimulate healthy new cell growth.

Third on the list: moisturize with an appropriate skin crème. For those with normal skin an anti-oxidant crème that optimizes the health of the skin would be a good choice. For those with oily skin you probably need a crème that helps balance oil production such as the Very Clear ® Moisturizing Crème.

Never squeeze blackheads or pimples. For blackheads I do recommend a “strip” to gently extract them. Once a week, steam your face to open up the pores, loosen debris and help detoxify in general. This is actually good to do for all skin types. And lastly, deep-cleansing facial mask preferably containing bentonite clay (this is a great detoxifying ingredient!) will also help remove debris, retexture skin and bring out your healthy best.

Of course drinking those 8 glasses of water a day, exercising and eating lots of fruits and vegetables will help as well (remember skin is the outer expression of inner health). With a good skin care program in place you will be able to say ‘Good Bye’ to large pores and ‘Hello’ to great looking skin.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.
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Manage Hormonal Imbalance, Naturally

Most women suffer from hormonal imbalance at some time in their lives. From premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to the full blown symptoms of menopause, there can be hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, or vaginal dryness. The list goes on and on.

Before menopause, the imbalance is usually an abundance of estrogen relative to progesterone. At menopause the production of both estrogen and progesterone is reduced and imbalances between the two are even more apparent. For hundreds of years, women have used herbal remedies to balance hormones and smooth the transition of menopause.

Black Cohosh and Wild Yam are two herbs that are well known as “women’s herbs” and with good reason. Native Americans used black cohosh for depression, menstrual disorders, kidney problems and rheumatism. It contains phytoestrogens and is rich in triterpenes and saponins. Recently black cohosh has been recognized for its ability to help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, mood swings and PMS.

Wild Yam contains diosgenin, a precursor to progesterone. Also known as “colic root”, it is anti-spasmodic,anti-inflammatory and helps balance the hormones.

derma e® has blended these two powerful herbs with St. John’s Wort (that enhances mood and reduces anxiety), Ginseng (an adaptogenic herb), and Lavender (soothes and calms the body) in our Flash Relief Crème. Applied topically to fatty areas of the body (lower abdomen, inner thighs,breasts, etc.) this amazing crème soothes, calms, and reduces the symptoms of menopause or PMS.

Menopause should not be a medical condition; it should be a natural transition in a stage of life. However, because of modern diets, stress, lifestyle, and exposure to an abundance of xenoestrogens in our environment, our bodies can become very unbalanced. Nature provides the answers to this imbalance and with a little effort you too can be PMS-free and make menopause a smooth transition in your life.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M. SHARE

Happy 4th of July!!!

So how did you spend the holiday? Perhaps a day at the lake, lounging around a pool, a couple rounds of golf, or a BBQ with family and friends? Chances are you may have spent a good part of it outside in the summer sun.

Photo oxidation is one of the primary reasons for skin damage and aging. The free radicals created by the sun’s rays go to work on damaging just about all the structures of the skin. Add this free radical exposure to the already overwhelming list of stress-induced, exercise-induced and of course environmental exposure (pollution, etc.) and your skin and body are under a very impressive assault.

However, as a holistic practitioner, do I want you to give up the sun exposure or the exercise? Absolutely not! Sunshine is needed for vitamin D synthesis (we are seeing more and more deficiency of this very important vitamin) and for production of several “feel good” brain chemicals.

So how do you protect your skin and body? With antioxidants of course! Make sure the vitamins you are taking include a good measure of antioxidants to protect your body in general and use a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and younger looking. Pycnogenol®, Green Tea, Astaxanthin, Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Tamanu Oil all have research to show that they are very effective antioxidants when topically applied. The “topically applied” is an important piece of information, as not all antioxidants work topically or when applied externally to the skin.

Let’s look at a couple of the super antioxidants for optimal skin health:

Pycnogenol®
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This amazing antioxidant is 50 times more effective than vitamin E as a free-radical scavenger, helping to protect your skin from the damaging effects of oxidation. Pycnogenol® is an extremely important nutrient that builds strong capillaries, reduces puffiness around the eyes, and most importantly gives the skin smoothness and elasticity. It even enhances skin's resistance to inflammation. Pycnogenol® works synergistically with vitamin C to rebuild collagen and helps prevent UVB radiation damage. Nature has given us this amazing ingredient in the bark of France's maritime pine tree.

Astaxanthin
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From sea algae off the coast of Hawaii, this amazing antioxidant has been reported to be 500 times more powerful than vitamin E. Astaxanthin has the amazing ability to shut down free radicals and protect the skin from UV damage (it is 1000 times more effective than both beta-carotene and lutein in protecting skin from exposure to UV light) and environmental stress. This remarkable nutrient reduces skin inflammation, helps normalize skin and enhances the activity of defensive cells. As a natural anti-inflammatory, it stimulates the killer cells in the skin to find and destroy potential pathogens before they can damage the skin.

So for great looking summer skin nourish your skin daily with moisturizers rich in anti-oxidants and after sun exposure reapply to diminish the damage caused by UV radiation.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Cellulite…. There is Hope!

Cellulite is the dimpled-looking skin that often appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks. Although excess fat certainly adds to the problem, it is compounded by insufficient muscle and weakness in the connective tissue allowing the fat to poke through.

The good news is that with a little work you too can have great looking legs. Wayne Wescott Ph.D. & Rita La Rosa-Loud have written a book “No More Cellulite”. Their findings show, that with as little as 40 minutes of exercise three times a week the cellulite disappears in as little as 6-8 weeks. Their exercise program included 20 minutes of cardio-vascular workout and 20 minutes of squats, lunges and crunches with weights. They also found that people who modified their diet melted pounds and cellulite much faster than those who did not have a dietary change.

Other experts on cellulite recommend daily thigh-firming exercises – a few suggestions are:

1) Sit with your back against a firm surface with your knees bent and your hands on the floor. Place a cushion between your knees and squeeze as you breathe in slowly to the count of 8, as you exhale, release. Repeat five times.
2) Stand with your knees slightly bent in a ballet position and hands on your waist. As you breathe in, rise onto your toes and as you breathe out, lower yourself into a squatting position. Be careful to only go as low as is comfortable and keep the back straight.
3) Brisk walking, rebounding, swimming, and cycling are highly recommended for toning the buttocks and legs.

Find a way to make exercise an enjoyable activity that you want to do. For example, exercise with friends or use it as time for yourself, and then delight in increased self-confidence and body strength. Research shows that results-only orientated exercise is doomed to failure, so beat the odds and make it fun.

Proper nutrition to help fight cellulite includes eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and chicken. A daily caloric intake of 1800 – 2200 calories is recommended to help shed that extra fat. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. Cut back on your consumption of coffee, black tea, fat, sugar and salt. And if you are in good health, a vegetable or juice fast to completely cleanse the system can help.

Dry skin brushing will stimulate the circulation not only of blood, but also of lymph, and encourage the drainage of excess fluid and waste. Dry skin brushing gives the added benefit of exfoliation and can be done before bath or shower. Take a natural bristle brush and stroke in the direction of the heart avoiding sore or broken areas of the skin. Massage the thighs using the balls of your fingers in a circular motion. Massage and brushing will help encourage the breakdown of fats that give the dimpled appearance.

Incorporate the above ideas into your life in an enjoyable and positive way. Not only will you reap the rewards of lovely legs, but you will enjoy improved health and well-being too.

Healthy Wishes,
Dr. Linda Miles L.Ac., D.O.M.
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For Beautiful Summer Skin ...

The temperature on the thermometer is climbing, and the sunshine beckons: summer has arrived. So put away those jackets and scarves, slip on a pair of shorts and sandals, and grab the sunscreen. And just as you switch to your summer wardrobe, remember that you also need to change your skin care routine.

During the summer months, skin has different needs. Foremost, your skin needs protection from the sun; the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun produce harmful free radicals which damage cell structures including DNA. This photoxidation accelerates the aging process, causing lines, wrinkles and skin cancer. Antioxidants protect the skin by scavenging and thus inactivating the free radicals. Studies have shown that daily supplementation with astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, significantly reduces UV-induced skin damage. A daily antioxidant supplement and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect your cells from free radical damage. Your face, because it is constantly exposed to the sun, needs extra protection. Use a daily moisturizer rich in antioxidants (Astaxanthin, Pycnogenol®, Ester C®, Green Tea and Vitamin E) to give that added protection to your face. Antioxidants should be part of your daily skin care routine to nourish and protect skin.

Although antioxidants offer some protection from the sun, if you intend to be in the sun, periodically apply sunscreen. If possible, avoid spending long hours in the sun, do your outside activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Even though we are careful about protecting our skin, sometimes we still end up with a painful, red sunburn. Allantoin and panthenol, applied to sunburn in a cool gel, draw out the heat and stimulate healing. After spending time in the sun, sunburned or not, rehydrate yourself. Drink plenty of fluids, and apply an antioxidant rich moisturizer to help your skin recover. Remember that sun damage is not always visible instantly and that even tanning is harmful. Sun damage today and tomorrow and next week causes next year’s wrinkles. Protect your skin everyday to prevent wrinkles and to keep skin looking younger.

Summer temperatures and humidity cause more perspiration and more oily skin. Winter moisturizers often contain oils to hydrate dry winter skin. In the summer, choose a water or serum-based moisturizer to hydrate skin without adding heavy oils. To remove oil and dirt, it is important to use a light, quality cleanser, and you may also find you need to cleanse your face more often. Toners can help refresh the skin, and if you have enlarged pores, refine their appearance. Avoid using any isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) based cleansers or toners; they are extremely drying and remove the natural oils the skin needs. Witch hazel is an excellent natural astringent that refreshes and hydrates skin without removing the natural oils. People prone to acne or blemishes may find that summer increases breakouts. Look for a natural cleanser specifically formulated for acne to heal and prevent breakouts. Even if your skin is oily, resist the temptation to skip the moisturizer: your skin still needs moisturizing. Not moisturizing will only lead to very oily patches and very dry patches.

Remember, drink lots of fluids, protect your skin, cleanse, moisturize, and enjoy!

Yours in Health, Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D.O.M.

Skin Problems and Solutions

Fungal Infections – Due to the increased humidity, those undesirable fungal infections show up more often. Tea Tree is a natural antifungal and antiseptic that can be used topically to treat any fungal infection including athlete’s foot.

Insect Bites – Tea Tree is a natural antibacterial antiseptic that can be used to heal and soothe pesky insect bites. Some people even find it works as a natural insect repellent.

Rashes – Heat and humidity also cause rashes and pathogenic itching. Use a soothing gel or crème containing healing herbs such as aloe vera, chamomile, and peppermint to calm irritated skin and soothe away rashes. These can also help soothe skin after a brush with poison oak or ivy.

Cracked Feet – Barefoot walks, though enjoyable, lead to dry, cracked heels. Rub Vitamin E oil directly into the cracks before bed to heal your feet. Products formulated specifically to treat cracked skin are moisturizing and contain healing oils such as clove, bay leaf, and arnica for inflammation.

Spider Veins- In the winter we can hide spider veins, but in the summer we want them to disappear. Horse Chestnut strengthens and supports leaky capillaries and veins. It can be taken internally or applied topically. Remember that continuous dietary supplementation or topical application is required to keep the spider veins from reappearing.

NATURAL WONDERS

I love to hike and am lucky enough to visit several places on the Pacific Crest Trail here in Southern California. Recently, I was hiking in the Kennedy Meadows area (tall pines and mountain stream – very beautiful) when I met a couple and their black Labrador. The dog's ears were taped and I asked what the problem was. It turned out that when he shook his head hard the veins in his ears broke and began to bleed. They had him on steroids to try and stabilize the vessels and were also physically supporting the ears with the bandages.

We started talking and I mentioned that Horse Chestnut was used in Europe to support the venous system, especially when the veins lacked strength as they do when spider or varicose veins develop. And that Pycnogenol® also supported the capillary system in the skin and body to help prevent bleeding issues. They were very appreciative of the information and said that when they got back down the mountain they would pick up the dietary supplements as they really wanted a natural approach to the problem.

derma e®'s Clear Vein® Crème for spider veins and bruising uses both Horse Chestnut and Pycnogenol®, as well as Grape Skin extract and Witch Hazel. The combination of these ingredients in a pleasant-to-use crème is a very effective treatment in reducing the appearance of spider veins and other skin issues due to venous fragility and inflammation. derma e® does not use Vitamin K, a naturally occurring clotting factor, because we wanted a very safe product that could be used everywhere, even on those broken vessels around the nose or cheek area.

I subscribe to the statement that "God didn't make a problem that he didn't make a cure for" so no matter what your problem, keep looking for the solution. It does exist! SHARE

Yours in Health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

People today want an instant fix to whatever ails them. If they have a pain, they want a pill to fix it; if their skin looks bad or is starting to show signs of age, they want a crème they can apply to correct the “issues.” And while a crème will help, most folks don’t realize that beauty is actually from the inside out.

You cannot have great looking skin or look healthy if you are not living the good life. And what is the “good life”? It is all the things our Mothers tried to tell us as we were growing up: drink 8 glasses of water a day, eat your vegetables especially the green ones, avoid sweets, get a good night’s sleep, take your vitamins, and get plenty of exercise.

The one big thing we can add to the list is to cope with stress, whether with yoga, meditation—whatever means works for you, this one is huge in our modern society. In fact two of the main stress hormones, catecholamine and cortisol break down into Free Radicals adding to the Free Radical load that our bodies must deal with. April is National Stress Awareness Month—and do we need it! Take control of stress before it takes control of you.

Beauty shows from the inside out. To look great on the outside we must take care of the inside. And although we cannot keep Father Time from his work we can certainly hold fast to Willie Nelson’s advice that “wrinkles should be where smiles have been.”

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

April 22 is Earth Day.

Yes, April 22 is Earth Day. Long before it was officially Earth Day it was my Birthday. SHARE

I have always thought it appropriate that this day was chosen to honor Mother Earth and encourage healthy and sustainable environmental practices. I am very proud of the efforts that derma e® makes toward a healthier planet:100% wind energy, recycling at all levels of the company, recyclable packaging for our products, and Guyra Paraguay (part of The Paraguay Project) works directly on preserving the rainforest and other ecologically rich lands.

Since I was a child I have always been a “naturalist”, spending most of my waking hours outside, hiking in the local hills and observing all the wildlife (insects, reptiles, mammals and of course the plants). I marvel at how they interact and feel that we (humans) need to preserve wild spaces, that this planet is ours to share, not own, and that all life is interconnected in some grandiose cosmic plan.

In my adult life I have been involved in community planning, in trying to preserve “open space” and “scenic corridors.” Gardening is one of my spring and summer pastimes and I compost (red worms) year round.

I had read an article some time ago that challenged each one of us to live one day “trash free.” That doesn’t sound like much of a challenge at first glance but when you start to look at our lifestyles and habits, it is a huge challenge. I suggest to you that for at least one day on Earth Day, why not try to live “trash free”?

Like Mahatma Ghandi, I believe that “you must be the change you want to see in the world”. Happy Earth Day.

Yours in health, Dr. Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M.

KISS A GIRAFFE?

Did you know that a giraffe’s mouth is one of the cleanest of any mammal? Their saliva is actually anti-bacterial to help guard against infection from the many mouth wounds they get while snacking on the thorny Acacia trees. I learned this and more while visiting Giraffe Manor. And Laura, the resident mascot, was very willing to give all guests a big wet kiss!

But for those of us who can’t keep a giraffe in the backyard, Mother Nature has provided easier and more effective natural anti-bacterial agents. Both Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil are highly anti-bacterial and also anti-fungal. Even Bottom Line newsletter recommended carrying a bottle of Tea Tree Oil when traveling (try derma e® Tea Tree and E Oil). They suggest rubbing a small amount between the palms and then breathing in the vapors to ward off colds and flu.

Several studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil is as effective as over-the-counter remedies for eliminating fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s feet, jock itch, etc. Tea Tree Oil as an ingredient within a soothing moisturizing crème is the answer for preventing or relieving idiopathic dermatitis (dry, itchy irritated skin with no known cause).

So, even though Laura is lovable and pet-able, keeping a bottle of “Nature’s First Aid Oil” in the medicine cabinet is probably a better idea.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

TEA TREE OIL PEDI-CURE

Volunteering as an Acupuncturist/Herbalist at MEND (Mend Each Need with Dignity, a non-profit poverty-relief agency), I see patients whose primary complaints usually include pain.

However, in the course of treatment I cannot help but notice that many suffer from nail fungus that is disfiguring their toes. I always give them a bottle of derma e® Skinbiotics® Oils, a blend of Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil, and tell them to soak their feet in warm water with ¼ teaspoon of the oil mixed into it, for about 15 minutes a day. Additionally, twice a day, I suggest they take a cotton swab soaked in the oil and dab the nail bed and under the nail as well. Do this for 10 to 14 days.

It is always personally satisfying to have my patients come back at the end of this time period and show me how good their toes look. The smiles on their faces are worth so much to me!

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

BODY CARE IS HABIT FORMING

... and should be! As with any healthy routine, it is important to create a habit of caring for your self. This helps you to be consistent (and so will be your results). Eat a balanced diet. Exercise. Get rest! Reduce Stress. And, nourish your skin - especially while you sleep. This is an optimal time for products to go to work for you while your body rejuvenates in slumber.

Body care can easily become part of your bedtime routine. First, find the products right for your skin with your personal derma evaluation™. Every night, cleanse your face, then tone to restore pH balance and close pores, tand apply a nourishing anti-oxidant formula to help prevent or to diminish the signs of aging. Rub on derma e® Anti-Aging Hand Crème, smoothing from forearms to fingers. And remember your feet. Massage them with Vitamin E Crème or Cracked Skin Relief Crème, and enjoy the calming results.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

derma e® suggests you DRINK HEAVILY

Water, lots of water. It is important to hydrate so that your skin is nourished from the inside out - then the products you apply topically will have a better chance to work from the outside in.

Water is a conduit for plumping skin and for cleansing. To help boost the benefits of hydration, nourish your skin with topical formulas rich in natural nutrients and vitamins. Super anti-oxidants such as Pycnogenol® or Astazanthin protect and optimize the health of the skin in topical formulas.

Carry our Anti-Aging Hand Crème to help keep your hands healthy as you reach out to quench your thirst. And for maximum benefits, try our naturally inspired Hyaluronic Acid products; often referred to as a “moisture magnet,” Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water while it binds moisture to tissue.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

RAISING YOUR ARM TO THE POWER OF NATURE & NATURAL REMEDIES

On my recent vacation, one of my travel partners was an 80 year old MD. He started complaining the first day that his arthritic shoulder was killing him and he could only raise it a little without pain. I told him "I can fix that.”

His response was “yeah right,” but he was willing to have me treat him and see what happened. I told him that if he didn’t have an open mind that I wouldn’t bother. He assured me he would give it a try. The next morning when another member of the group asked him "how's your shoulder?," his response was “worse than ever.” I assumed that he had mentally blocked the treatment.

But, the following morning he came to breakfast and demanded to know “how did you do this?!” as he raised his arm over his head with absolutely no pain. He had zero pain and complete range of motion the rest of the trip.

I am constantly amazed at the power of acupuncture but I also knew that if he had been taking a quality formula of Glucosamine, MSM and Chrondroitin for his arthritis, he wouldn’t have had the issue to begin with. Methyl Sulfonyl Methane is an especially amazing nutrient that is extremely good for connective tissue issues and for skin. That is why derma e® chose it as one of the key ingredients in our Anti-Aging Hand Crème.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN

Skin is the largest organ system of the human body. It has three main functions: thermoregulation (shivering and sweating), disposal of wastes/toxins, and to protect the body from physical or biological intruders (splinters or pathogens). It also absorbs nutrients. This is a very important role to remember when caring for the skin.

For optimal benefits, look to nature for the most powerful, most easily assimilated nutrients and ingredients. Vitamin E is a natural moisturizer, antioxidant and healing vitamin that encourages cellular regeneration and protects the skin's fatty acid components. This single ingredient inspired the brand of derma e® products. Our Vitamin E 12,000 IU Deep Moisturizing Crème is excellent for all skin types. It strengthens the barrier function of skin. Apply it wherever you wish to prevent or soothe dry chapped skin.