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.

Happy Earth Day! Happy Birthday!

Earth Day is Sunday April 22. I am honored that this day, which is my birthday, was chosen as the day to celebrate Earth’s natural environment. Since I was little I have been fascinated by nature and the miracles it brings.

Our family was fortunate enough to live near open space and my brother and I would spend weekends hiking through the local mountains, catching snakes (and letting them go), observing coyotes, rabbits, horny toads, quail, hawks and an occasional deer. We enjoyed the seasonal aspects of the plants, new grass, abundant flowers in the spring, new growth on trees, the drying and browning over the summer months, the further contracting in the fall and finally the cycle beginning to start over in winter (remember this was Southern California and our vegetation turns green in winter). I developed a deep respect for nature in general, and specifically for the complexity of the eco-systems and how humans make an impact through our daily activities.

In the early 1960’s Los Angeles had one of the highest smog issues in the country and you could see and feel the thick brown blanket laying over the valleys. This was just one of my many observations as to how we (humans) can negatively affect our environment.

Now, I personally try to lessen my impact on Nature. I recycle, compost my garden with a red worm compost bin, vote with my dollar and do not buy highly-packaged products (I buy larger packages instead of convenience sizes, or bags rather than plastic containers). I have a supply of reusable grocery bags, drive a 45 MPG diesel Jetta, and try on a daily basis to do the right thing for the environment.

That brings me back to living in the present moment. (As an aside, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift; that is why it is called the present”. – Bill Keane). Being in the present is a huge stress-reducer as we no longer worry about what has happened or what is going to happen but only focus on what is happening now. If we could avoid the “what if” syndrome and only worry about “what is”, we would save ourselves so much time, energy and stress (and you may or may not know, that I’m all about reducing stress whenever possible).

So on this Earth Day I would invite you to focus on the day, and on Nature. We have had beautiful weather around the country already this year, so take time to enjoy the gifts of the Earth: admire the flowers, the green grass, the songs of the birds or the warm sunshine. And maybe on this one day, try to really stay in tune with Earth, take an all-day hike, plant a tree or a pot of flowers, or just sit back, relax and be happy. I wish for all of you a very special and enjoyable Earth Day.

Yours in health,

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

Spring Cleaning

I recently had the opportunity to go on a road trip through the southwest US (California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico) and Spring has definitely sprung. The wildflowers lining the freeways and on the hiking trails were just awesome. Also, here in my own backyard we have Blue Lupine, California Poppies, Indian Paintbrush, and a bouquet of other flowers that I don’t know the names of. Purple, yellow, blue, white, orange: a rainbow of color in fact. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year.

Traditionally I also try and do a spring cleaning; getting rid of the dust, dirt and clutter that has accumulated during the winter months. (Did you know that the more “stuff” you have, the more it will energetically weigh you down? I highly encourage you to look around and get rid of anything that is no longer meaningful or useful in your life – you will notice an immediate lightness in your being.)

In addition, your skin could use a “spring cleaning” as well. Winter’s dryness and cold has left an excess of old skin cells just waiting to be shed to reveal those younger, plumper cells and healthier looking skin. Why not treat yourself to an at-home facial? Light some candles, put on some relaxing music and put out the Do Not Disturb sign for 30 minutes. Gather up the following skin care items: a cleanser (my pick is the Hyaluronic Hydrating Cleanser), a scrub (my # 1 recommendation is the Microdermabrasion Scrub), a mask (I like the Hyaluronic Hydrating Mask), a toner or astringent (Pycnogenol® Facial Toner is my choice here), and finally a moisturizer (as I’ve said before, my favorite is the Age-Defying Night Crème). Grab some cotton balls or pads, and put a couple of small towels into very warm (almost hot) water. Make sure you have a place to either sit or lie down comfortably during this process.

First cleanse your face thoroughly, then wrap a nice warm towel around your face with your nose exposed for breathing. Let the warmth, music and candles do their magic for 3 to 10 minutes. Do not allow your face to get cold. Stop when the towel is starting to get cool. Next take the scrub and gently massage the face avoiding the orbital areas (around the eyes) and focusing on the T-zone where dirt and oil tend to be trapped. I stress that you should do this gently because you want enough pressure to exfoliate effectively but not abrade the skin to the point of irritation. Rinse off the scrub with warm water. apply your mask and again wrap the face with a warm towel. Rest for 3-10 minutes.

Remove the mask with a warm water rinse and towel dry. Then use your toner to close pores, restore pH balance, remove any additional residue and prepare skin for your moisturizer. I like to use either a cotton ball or pad with my toner. Then finally apply an ample amount of your favorite moisturizer and spend a few minutes thoroughly massaging your face. Take a few more minutes to rest and relax. Now look in the mirror and see a new, refreshed, and hopefully very relaxed and healthier looking you!

If you have a specific skin care issue then use the products that are appropriate for that issue, such as:
Problem skin or acne – Use Very Clear® products
Sagging or loss of firmness – Use DMAE or Ester-C® products
Sensitive skin or rosacea – Use Pycnogenol® products
Lines and wrinkles – Use Age-Defying products

Obviously I feel the derma e® products are the best, but if you have another cleanser, toner or scrub that you prefer, then use those. Most importantly: “spring clean” your face and take the time for yourself!!!

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

The Power of Natural

The skin is the largest organ system in the body responsible for thermoregulation, waste removal, and protection. To perform these functions, skin needs to be healthy and by being healthy, it in turn also will look its best. Skin is the outward expression of our inner health and we cannot discount the importance of a healthy lifestyle which should include a balanced diet, exercise, plenty of sleep and minimizing stress.

However the most important thing that we can do to achieve healthy skin is to use powerful natural ingredients topically. Dr. Lester Packer, of the Packer Lab at UC Berkeley, California has proven that the very best way to provide essential vitamins and nutrients to the skin is to apply them topically.

Yet, are natural ingredients really that powerful? The answer is an undeniable “Yes”. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and many Western drugs are derived directly from plants. A good example of this is Salicylic Acid from White Willow Bark. One of the main reasons that natural ingredients are so powerful is their complexity. One ingredient may contain a mixture of antioxidants, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, volatile oils, and even more. The body responds better to this complexity and many natural compounds work synergistically so that the total effect is greater than either one alone.

Natural ingredients often are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antiseptic yielding a vast array of benefits. They can stimulate the body’s own healing powers, restore balance, fight inflammation, and sooth irritation to mention a few.

Of course in the fight to maintain young, great looking skin, there is nothing as powerful as super antioxidants that can counteract free radical damage. The key to anti-aging is the wide array of amazing natural antioxidants.

So look to the power of natural for young, healthy and great looking skin!!

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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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.

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

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.

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