Celebrating My Birthday On Earth Day

I have always been honored that April 22nd, my birthday, became Earth Day. I am very connected to Mother Earth and appreciate the myriad of complex relationships that make up the multitude of ecosystems that I have had the opportunity to explore.  

This year, I have decided to turn my special day into a special week and hike a tiny piece of the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to Canada, a total of 2,600 miles). I will be leaving this Sunday from Walker Pass and backpacking to Kennedy Meadows (52 miles total according to the trail map). I did some backpacking when I was younger and wanted to make sure I carried the lightest pack possible. So after pouring over backpacking reviews, I am carrying an Osprey Arial Pack and using a Mountain Hardware tent. Both are a little over 2 lbs each. All of my equipment was selected with weight considerations in mind. I carefully went through the rest of my list either cutting items or opting for the lighter alternative. For example, using a plastic spoon opposed to a metal camping spoon just to save a couple of
precious ounces. 

When I started to get my first aid kit ready, I had major issues deciding on what was really "necessary". I knew I wanted derma e® Skinbiotics® Treatment Oil (with Tea Tree and Oregano Oils) for its antibacterial and anti-fungal protection as well as to calm any insect bites I might get. Breathing these oils also helps keep my upper respiratory tract healthy and as I'm just recovering from a nasty cold that my husband gave me, this was essential. Next, I wanted to take the derma e® Intensive Therapy Foot Crème to soothe and help heal my feet after a long day but I couldn't justify even a couple ounces. The Anti-Ache™ Crème was another consideration but again those ounces were just too much to add. 

As for skin care, I wanted to take my Age-Defying Night Crème with Astaxanthin and Pycnogenol® to help keep my skin moisturized and healthy but realized I probably needed to wear an SPF if I was going to be in the sun 10-12 hours a day.  So, I am taking the Age-Defying Moisturizer SPF 15 with Astaxanthin and Green Tea. I also wanted to take my Tea Tree and E Face & Body Wash to protect against body odor and because of its anti-bacterial benefits, but again I had to choose an oatmeal lavender travel bar that weighs next to nothing.   

Well, my decisions have been sound ones and at the end of the day my pack with food and 5 liters of water (10 lbs) weighs just under 40 lbs. I'm still debating about a novel I'd like to take for the afternoon breaks. I am so looking forward to immersing myself in Nature and hope that the week will be a great salve for my body, mind and spirit.  

I hope your Earth Day is special too.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O. M.                

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is this week and the Holidays are right around the corner. Where did the year go?   

As we begin to get into the hustle and bustle of the season, it is important to remember to enjoy every day. To really notice and appreciate the gifts given to us on a daily basis will help us both physically and mentally.   

How so you ask? Well there is a substantial amount of research that has proven that being “thankful” actually releases brain chemicals that make us happier and healthier.  One exercise that I give my sad and depressed patients is to make a list of all the things they have to be thankful. This list should include everything: food so that you are not hungry, a roof over your head, clean water to drink, friends, family, your eyesight, your hearing, your sense of taste, your ability to smell, a beautiful backyard, birds that sing, children that are happy and healthy and the list goes on from there to material gifts of money in the bank, a nice car to drive, etc.  You should be able to fill up at least a page to two pages.

If you have chronic depression read the list twice a day or when you start to get down. And if you think some of the above is silly or taken for granted, then think on a global level about how many people do not have the basics and that we should be grateful that we live where we do and have what we have. We cannot be sad while we are being “thankful”. This too has been proven. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day this year, but also try to get into the habit of being grateful every day and reap the rewards of “thankfulness”.

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, D.O.M.

Yerba Maté: Eliminate the Coffee Buzz

I have enjoyed coffee since I was in college. The pleasant aroma and the “pick-me-up” in the morning was something that I came to “need”. As the years went by, and my life became very busy and stressed, I noticed that the coffee was making me even more impatient and frustrated with life’s little ups and downs. My “coffee buzz” also came with the shakes. Luckily, during my visits to Paraguay, I found Yerba Maté. This delicious tasting beverage gave me the wake up I needed without the agitation and physical symptoms that I was experiencing with coffee. Yerba Maté is a small tree that grows in Paraguay, Argentina and several other countries. Its leaves are harvested by local farmers, processed (dried and cut up) and then packaged for sale. It has become my hot beverage of choice. I carry Maté with me when I travel so that I can have my morning cup of pleasure.  

I knew Yerba Maté was supposed to be healthy but I didn’t realize how healthy. These leaves are packed with vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals. It contains caffeine but with its other constituents, the net effect is one of being a vasodilator helping to decrease blood pressure (as opposed to coffee’s caffeine punch which is a vaso-constrictor elevating blood pressure). And of course, no coffee jitters. It contains saponins which are recognized for stimulating the immune system. In studies on anxiety and depression, saponins were found to inhibit by 50% the monoamine oxidase responsible for these problems. Check out this link to learn more about the health benefits of Yerba Maté. (http://www.allabouttea.co.uk/tea-news-blog/14-health-benefits-yerba-mate).

Originally, I was buying my Yerba Maté online but found the shipping to be very expensive. Of course, being involved in the Natural Products Industry, it wasn’t long until I found Guayaki Yerba Mate. Theirs is the best for a lot of reasons. I can buy it locally, it has the best flavor, it is truly organic (you can’t always trust that claim from some of the South American brands), it is shade grown (which is significant because I have personally seen how the rain forests are burned down to make room for the Yerba Maté farms), and it has less dust than the other brands I have used. Maté is perfect in combination with other herbs as well such as Lemon Grass, Field Mint, Lemon Verbana, Eucalyptus, etc. The combinations are truly endless. My favorite cocktail at the moment is my scoop of Maté, a good pinch of mint leaves, astragalus, and some licorice root. With our busy hectic lifestyles, many of us should not be drinking coffee but switch to either green tea or Yerba Maté. For me, Maté is the perfect choice and I love Guayaki’s and all that the company stands for.

Yours in health,

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

Treat Yourself this Halloween

Many of you know that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love the spooky atmosphere and things that go bump in the night. My father was a huge fan of Halloween and our house was the ultimate in “trick or treats”.

Our front yard was converted into a cemetery with headstones and crosses. Black cats, scary pumpkins, and spider webs with large black spiders greeted you on the walkway to the house. My dad and a friend had recorded some bizarre noises in an echo chamber and he had this soundtrack coming from speakers set on the roof. And if you made it to the front porch there was a coffin sitting by the front door. When you rang the doorbell the coffin opened and a skeleton sat up and looked at you. Of course dim lighting completed the overall aura. If you were still standing there when the door opened, you were greeted with “Boo” by either a monster or a giant hairy gorilla. Many children had to be chased back up the walk to give them the treat that they so deservedly earned.

Today’s Halloween is much different from my perspective. I see many more Halloween parties as the way children celebrate, and much less of the “trick or treat” activity. Either way, Halloween night is usually a long one for parents as they walk children from door to door or escort them to a party. At the end of the night, your feet are telling you they have had enough! They are probably tired, hot and achy by then.

derma e®’s Intensive Therapy Foot Crème is a certain “treat” for your feet. Cooling Peppermint and soothing and pain-relieving herbs like Arnica, Tea Tree, Peach Seed extract and Pycnogenol® refresh and revitalize your feet.

This crème was formulated with several diabetic issues in mind: neuropathy, lack of circulation, overall achiness and tired, dry feet susceptible to infection. Yet we have received great testimonials from marathon runners that using the Intensive Foot Therapy Crème after the 26 miles has been the best thing that they have ever found to relieve the stress their feet have suffered.

derma e®’s Anti-Ache™ Herbal Pain Relief Crème is another formula that is the perfect companion to help relieve muscle aches and pains. Whether it is Halloween festivities or marathons (that are in abundance between now and December) causing tired, achy feet or muscles, these two soothing crèmes are the perfect “treat”.

Yours in health,

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

Bye Bye Blemishes

For many of you, fall generally means that it’s time for the kids to go back to school. To make sure they are prepared, you may be getting their school supplies and fall wardrobe in order. During this time, they are also paying close attention to their skin, or blemishes rather, so you may find yourself searching for blemish-fighting products. To make sure they go back to school with the confidence they need to look and feel their best, I would like to share with you why the natural approach really is the best approach when helping your kids achieve clear, healthy skin. 

What you see as a pimple has actually taken days or weeks to create. Deep in the pore, for a variety of reasons, an accumulation of dead skin cells mix with sebum to form a plug and that creates a whitehead. If the plug is in contact with the air, it darkens and a blackhead results. The plug continues to grow until the duct bursts. In combination with bacteria that can cause infection, you then have a red inflamed papule or zit.

To start, choose skincare products for your kids that contain gentle yet effective herbs that have been scientifically proven effective on blemish-prone skin. Tea Tree, one of my favorite natural first-aid remedies, contains powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help clear blemishes and prevent breakouts. Willow Bark, the natural source of salicylic acid, is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter blemish-fighting products. It can help remove dead skin, dirt and toxins, and unclog pores. Rosewood acts as both an antiseptic and an astringent and can help balance both dry and oily skin. Lavender, another one of my favorites, contains astringent and antibacterial properties to help fight breakouts. Lastly, Chamomile has strong anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for helping reduce redness and calm skin. These herbs work very well together in skincare products to help clear and prevent breakouts.

As for their skincare routine, because blemishes can also be the result of too much bacteria, make sure they cleanse skin 2-3 times a day with a gentle anti-bacterial cleanser. Then, have them follow with a moisturizer that is formulated to balance yet hydrate the skin. Breakouts do not occur because of too much moisture from a facial moisturizer, they result from skin that is not balanced. A spot blemish treatment is also good for those that have specific breakout areas. Exfoliating at least once week will also be beneficial because it prevents build-up of older skin cells and stimulates new cell growth.

Since hormones and nutrition can also cause blemishes, helping your kids make healthy lifestyle choices will also make a difference. To help prevent hormonal fluctuations, any type of exercise such as joining a school sports team or participating in outdoor activities are good. If they are easily stressed, maybe take walks together, or practice stretching and breathing exercises. A good night’s sleep, about 7 to 8 hours is also ideal. Because food can trigger the occurrence of blemishes, help your kids eat a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and very few processed foods that can be high in sugar and salt. Drinking plenty of water is also very important. If possible, pack a water bottle in their lunch, or make sure they have one with them at all times so they are less likely to give in to sugar-laden drinks.

While blemishes can zap your kid’s confidence this time of year, hopefully this natural approach will help them look and feel good on the inside and out.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, DOM, LAc

The Paraguay Project

I’m frequently asked about derma e®’s The Paraguay Project and how it began. So here is the story.

My daughter, Sonny Miles, was in the Peace Corp in Paraguay. As a volunteer in a rural community teaching health and environmental education, she soon fell in love with the country and people and wanted to help her “second home”. When she returned to the U.S. she proposed The Paraguay Project to David and me. At first we began by buying the beautiful spiderweb lace (nanduti) from women’s co-ops. It has been proven over and over again in many less developed countries that giving women income elevates the entire community.

While we still sell the lace on the derma e® website, it soon became apparent that our limited sales were not enough to make a real difference. So David and I decided that a percentage of each sale of derma e® products would also be donated to Paraguay. Sonny was able to identify organizations that would actually put the money to good use instead of helping themselves.

Guyra Paraguay is an organization dedicated to educating the people of Paraguay in order to save the wild habitats that are still left (Rainforest and Chaco (desert)). Global Infancia works directly with women and children (who are often abused) teaching self-esteem, life skills and providing shelter if necessary. Clyde E. Bay Foundation teaches nursing skills and establishes health clinics so that remote villages can have medical assistance. derma e® is very proud of the fact that our donations have enabled this organization to finish a nursing school!

Our most recent special project was in the little village of San Pedro. The community needed another school classroom and asked derma e® for help. This became a joint project between the community and derma e®. We supplied the needed funds and the community supplied the labor. It took only 6 weeks for the community to build a new classroom.

David and I feel very strongly about giving back. derma e® also supports Special Olympics, Heal the Bay, World Wildlife Fund, The Brittany Foundation, The Coalition To End Family Violence, and of course I volunteer at MEND - Meet Each Need with Dignity on a weekly basis giving acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs to my patients there. Volunteering is one of life’s blessings and if you would like some extra happiness, I highly recommend you give it a try.

I would also personally like to thank YOU for your support of derma e® products, as you too are contributing to the support of all of these great and worthwhile organizations.

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

A Bundle of Love for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day came early at my house this year. I adopted a 13-month old Rottweiler from a rescue: www.petmatchmaker.org. My “bundle of love” is the sweetest, gentlest puppy you could imagine. He is essentially an 8-week old puppy in a much bigger body, in that he had never seen cats, horses, chickens, television and almost everything was “new” to him. He is quickly learning what his new world is about, and has readily bonded to Ron and me. Willie, our chocolate Labrador, still has her nose bent out of shape but she will get over it.

When I got him home I noticed he was tracking unnaturally and that one hip seemed painful. Big breeds are very susceptible to hip dysplasia and that was the obvious conclusion. I have always given my dogs 1000 mg of Vitamin C per day for immune and bone health and have never had this problem before. In researching what I could do from a natural standpoint, there are now several actual studies on Vitamin C or Ester-C® at 2000 mg/day that show it can reverse the symptoms of hip dysplasia and that it did improve the animals’ mobility and reduce pain.

Interesting to me, was that one of the studies did before and after x-rays showing the joint was only marginally improved, yet the dog was running, jumping and seemed to be pain free.

As a doctor, I know how vital Vitamin C is for connective tissue health, re-growth and repair. Connective tissue forms the basis of bones, ligaments, tendons, and the elastin and collagen fibers in the skin. These elastin and collagen fibers in the skin are responsible for helping to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free from repetitive movements such as smiling or frowning. They also form the foundation of the skin and keep it firm and supple, preventing “sagging”. derma e®’s Ester-C® Crème is the perfect moisturizing crème if your primary skin issue is lack of firmness. And of course, make sure you are taking at least 1000 mg/day internally to keep your body healthy.

My new puppy will be getting his Vitamin C regularly along with other joint-specific supplements and I hope that soon he too is running, playing, and pain free.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

PS My puppy has a brother, Goliath, who still needs a forever home. If anyone is looking for a sweet, gentle and beautiful, Rottweiler please contact www.petmatchmaker.org in California.

Winter Skin Woes

I commonly hear the question, how can I keep my skin moisturized in the winter? This can be more challenging during this time of year because of chilly weather conditions, low humidity and indoor and car heating. A healthy lifestyle in combination with natural ingredients that effectively deliver moisture can help relieve dry, cracked and irritable skin.

I firmly believe that our skin is the outward expression of our inner health so make sure you drink plenty of water. At least eight glasses a day. A healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and proteins are also essential. And don’t forget stress reduction – yoga, exercise, or whatever works for you.

To aid in hydration, apply crèmes directly to the skin that are rich in natural moisturizing ingredients. The first ingredient that comes to mind that delivers maximum moisture is Hyaluronic Acid. Nicknamed “Nature’s Sponge” or the “Moisture Magnet,” Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin in a way that no other ingredient can, and is a recent addition to the list of exceptional skincare ingredients. This molecule earned these nicknames because of its remarkable ability to attract and bind water molecules, thereby hydrating, softening and smoothing dehydrated skin.

Daily application of crèmes enriched with Hyaluronic Acid restores needed moisture for plump, healthy and radiant skin.

If your skin becomes dehydrated to the point of cracking, it is essential to seek a combination of ingredients that not only deliver moisture, but that also offer anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help relieve skin discomfort and repair damaged skin. An excellent combination would include Bay Leaf Oil, Arnica Extract, Clove Oil, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. derma e® has combined these ingredients in our Cracked Skin Relief Crème.

For healthy, happy skin this winter, remember to hydrate the inside with water, as well as the outside with crèmes rich in effective natural ingredients.

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.

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.