Milk thistle, an herb originally found in the Mediterranean area, is another supplement with many benefits to the body and skin. Used in herbal remedies for centuries, it is a safe supplement with no known side effects. Studies have shown its protective and regenerative properties for the liver in most liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis. An amazing example of preventative medicine, milk thistle not only protects the individual cells of the liver from incoming toxins, but simultaneously causes the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances like alcohol and drugs, medications, mercury and heavy metals, pesticides, and even poisonous mushrooms.

The benefits of milk thistle, however, are not limited to the liver. It is a demulcent, meaning it soothes injured skin. According to studies these demulcent properties soften and moisturize dry and cracked skin and soothe mild roughness of the skin’s surface. A common ingredient in natural moisturizers available commercially, milk thistle brings balance back to the skin and promotes healing. For those suffering from acne or eczema, the gentle healing effects of milk thistle taken internally and applied externally can bring dramatic results in the reduction of redness and irritation.

Available as a tea, a dried herb, pills and in skin care products, milk thistle is yet another natural ingredient in the quest for healthy, radiant skin. At Pure Skin by Maggie, you can find milk thistle from Solgar supplements. We are committed to helping our clients have their best skin and bringing them all of the tools necessary to making that happen.

Work from within to reduce dark under-eye circles with our amazing new Vitamin K Eye Cream. Combined, the active ingredients in this cream create a powerful formula designed to diminish puffiness and dark circles. In addition, the antioxidants and deep skin hydration properties of this formula leave the delicate and oft-neglected skin of the eye area refre


There are many causes of puffy eyes and dark circles, and while they are rarely linked to a serious medical condition, you want to look and feel your best. Whether the cause is family history, broken capillaries, changes in hormone levels and fluid retention, dermatitis or allergies, the correct care can produce dramatic results. See the difference with a product that neutralize free radicals, promotes healing, strengthens blood vessels and capillary walls, and improves hydration of the delicate skin around your eyes.

We are very excited at Pure Skin by Maggie! Our products and gift cards are now available for order online and we can even ship internationally!

Check out the changes to the website...http://www.pureskinbymaggie.com/product_all.php

By Kat James
Fish oil is unquestionable proof that real “magic bullets” sometimes do exist.

My very first leap-of-faith, life-saving supplement regimen included fish oil, which—combined with alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle, and probiotics—not only healed my sick liver but also completely transformed my skin and my moods. This was back at the dawn of the 90s, more than a decade before fish oil became known to the general public. Today, there are hundreds of studies on omega-3 oils showing dramatic reductions in everything from anger and anxiety to depression, from risk of sudden heart attack to insulin resistance, and from joint inflammation to bone loss and more recently breast cancer and diabetes.

Transformed Skin and Hair
The effect on my own skin from fish oil all those years ago—and ever since—was nothing short of amazing. Within a couple of months of starting this regimen, my skin literally “forgot” that it had been continually irritated, prone to horrible rashes on my eyes and chin, and unquenchably dry. It forgot that it needed heavy-duty lotions to avoid crawling with discomfort after every bath and shower. The space between my brows, the crannies on the sides of my nose, and my legs all failed to attend to their constant scaling. Dryness and inflammation had “left the building” along with my need for body moisturizers.
My hair was transformed dramatically from my fish oil regimen, too. It went from being super-brittle, coarse, and dull to being glossy and silky. I was able to grow it out long (and have it actually grow downward instead of outward) for the first time since childhood. Beyond the fact that hair is a biological appendage of the skin (which is why people with oily skin have oily hair and people with dry skin have dry hair), there are other possible explanations for fish oil’s effect on the hair. Hair health is particularly vulnerable to hormone imbalances and compromised circulation (many hair loss remedies focus on this). Stress is another cause for hair changes. Because omega-3s and fish oil have been proven to increase circulation, reduce the impact of stress, and help balance hormone activity, they offer proven benefit in each of these contributions to hair health.


Purchasing Omega-3s
Molecularly distilled fish oil supplements are the gold standard and recommended by more and more mainstream, as well as alternative, doctors. Avoid cheap drug store brands. Ironically, getting all your fish oil from fish could give you unwanted outcomes unless you are careful about avoiding mercury, as high mercury levels not only contribute to heart problems but are also known to cause hair loss. In order to get the omega-3s you are after, be sure to eat wild fish. I take a supplement that also contains GLA, an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fat found in hemp seeds and oil, evening primrose oil, and even more plentifully in borage seed oil. GLA has been shown to improve inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.

By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS
Why this magic compound may be the closest thing to an antiaging elixir

Sorry. Don’t kill the messenger. Calorie restriction is the only strategy that has been consistently shown to extend life in every species studied so far. Feed rats about one-third less than they normally eat, and faster than you can say “Methuselah,” they live approximately 50 percent longer than their normal lifespan. It’s worked in yeast, fruit flies, mice, the aforementioned rats, and—most recently—in rhesus monkeys.


And though the likelihood of a long-term human trial comparing “free-eating” and “calorie-restricted” subjects over a couple of decades is pretty remote, all indications are that reducing calories would extend life in our own species just as it does in every other one that’s been studied. So that’s simple enough, right? Just reduce your calories by about 33 percent, and you’ll have a nice, long, healthy life. OK, class dismissed, lesson learned.

By Chris Kilham
Among the estimated 50,000 plants used as medicines around the world, a few enjoy superstar status for their broad healing benefits—one of these is the herb turmeric.

By Vera Tweed

Whether you want to ease PMS, stop hot flashes, or save your heart, key remedies can make a huge difference

Despite emancipation, and less discrimination in the workplace, women are facing greater health challenges as the world becomes more toxic. Supplements can go a long way toward protecting against environmental invaders and the ravages of time, especially when combined with a wholesome diet and regular physical activity. The trick is choosing the most effective supplements.

An easy way to keep weight down
The multivitamin lays an important foundation. By filling gaps in today’s nutrient-depleted food, it provides nutritional insurance and can assist with weight loss, according to a study of obese women published in the International Journal of Obesity. Researchers noted: “Obese individuals are more likely to have either lower blood concentrations or lower bioavailability of minerals and/or vitamins.”

The study compared the effects of a multivitamin and mineral supplement, calcium, or a placebo on weight and health markers among 87 women in China between the ages of 18 and 55. There was no diet or exercise program. Women who took the multi lost nearly 8 pounds in 26 weeks, whereas those who took a low-dose calcium supplement (162 milligrams daily) lost slightly less than 2 pounds, and those taking a placebo lost less than 0.5 pound.

In the trial, the multi helped women shed fat, rather than muscle, and significantly increased the number of calories burned in the normal course of life—a phenomenon sometimes described as “revving up metabolism.” And multis improved cholesterol levels.

Different formulations are designed for women at various stages of life, but as a rule, multivitamins don’t contain a full day’s calcium requirements: 1,000 milligrams; 1,200 milligrams after age 50. This total includes calcium from food and supplements, so your personal needs depend on your diet. Vitamin D, fish oil, and CoQ10 are other basic nutrients that need to be taken separately, and each provides a range of benefits (see top 10 list).


Today’s Biggest ChallengeToxins disrupt hormones, speed up the aging process, and promote disease. We can limit our exposure (by eating organic food, using toxin-free skin care and household products, and avoiding plastic food containers), but we can’t completely escape from environmental pollutants. However, it’s possible to reduce the impact of toxins on our bodies.

Although their effects are not fully known, many toxins mimic estrogen, disrupting the natural balance among hormones. Manifestations may include accentuated PMS symptoms, early and more severe symptoms of approaching menopause (such as hot flashes and mood swings), a more difficult transition through menopause, and increased risk for hormone-related cancers. Specific nutrients or herbs can help to counteract this damaging process.


These supplements provide a broad scope of benefits, from relieving hormonal discomforts to protecting against female cancers and heart disease—the top killer of women.


1 Vitamin DLow levels of vitamin D increase risk for a host of conditions, including high blood pressure, PMS, heart disease, stroke, cancers, depression, arthritis, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, colds and flu, allergies, asthma, osteoporosis, and overall risk of premature death. Integrative physicians frequently recommend taking 2,000 international units daily, a significantly larger quantity than can be found in multis. Vitamin D is available in capsules and liquid supplements.


2 Fish OilSeveral studies have found that fish oil can reduce menstrual pain. In a study of 42 teens, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 6 grams of fish oil daily was the effective amount. Fish oil may also prevent breast cancer. To combat inflammation and improve virtually all aspects of health, including the heart, skin, brain, joints, and overall mood, 3 grams of total omega-3 fat content daily is the usual recommended amount.
3 CoQ10Compared to men, women often have less dramatic symptoms of heart disease and are less likely to get rapidly and correctly diagnosed. CoQ10 is a vital nutrient for the heart because it feeds mitochondria, the energy-generating component of cells, and makes the heart stronger at any age. The supplement lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, inhibits deadly clots, and improves recovery from heart surgery to a remarkable degree. And it can help with weight loss. CoQ10 is available as an individual supplement, and from 50 to 300 milligrams per day is taken in divided doses with meals.

By Gaetano Morello, ND

protect yourself naturally with these lifestyle tips

The idea that we are destined to fall victim to one of the many chronic illnesses that plague Americans is just not true. Our environment largely determines the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the habits we develop. Through common-sense lifestyle changes, we can improve our chances of avoiding serious illnesses. Below are 10 tips to improve your health destiny and to help you feel better every day.


1. fruits & vegetables
It’s easy to forget to eat daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables; however, the effort can pay huge dividends. The vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals found in them protect your body from a variety of illnesses. They can act as antioxidants, improving overall general health and even retarding the growth of certain cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends eating six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables every day.


2. avoid sugar
Elevated blood sugar levels create myriad physiological problems. Consuming large amounts of it results in “glycation”—a process in which sugar in the blood sticks to proteins, hormones, and cells. The resulting damage can contribute to increased vulnerability to diabetes and heart disease. More than 80 million Americans have elevated blood sugar levels—and the number is growing. There aren’t many ways you can improve your diet more than cutting down on excess sugar. If you can’t eliminate it, at least reduce it by switching to all-natural substitutes, such as stevia.


3. healthful fats
Essential fats are critical for the functionality of the human body. The problem lies in the vast amounts of bad fats—trans fats and saturated fats—that we consume in processed foods found in the typical American diet. Healthful fats, such as omega-3 fish oils and polyunsaturated fats, can improve a number of health areas, including cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and even in the regulation of blood sugar. Work good fats into your diet by consuming nuts, seeds, and healthful oils such as olive oil, and make cold-water fish, such as salmon, part of your weekly diet.

4. sleep
Sleep is much more important than we used to think, and most of us aren’t getting enough. A good night’s sleep not only rejuvenates your body’s energy levels, it also benefits other less obvious health concerns. Maintaining a balanced immune system, fending off the effects of aging, and keeping your memory sharp all depend on getting good, restful sleep. Lack of proper sleep increases your susceptibility to disease, as was demonstrated in a recent University of Chicago research study that discovered increased blood sugar levels in those with insufficient sleep patterns.

Give the gift of pure skin ... gift cards available in any amount. Check out www.pureskinbymaggie.com to see a list of available treatments and prices!!

By Emily A. Kane, ND, LAc

How fish oil, B vitamins, and kitchen spices can put the brakes on psoriasis


Q: My skin is flaky and itchy and nothing I’ve tried seems to help. Do you think I have psoriasis, and if so, what can I do for it? —Hannah, Dallas
A: Yes, it’s very possible that your flaky, itchy skin is due to psoriasis, the rapid turnover of skin cells that typically appears as silvery scales on elbows, knees, the scalp, and in the groin area. Sometimes the nail bed is involved, resulting in yellow discoloration and thick, pitted nails. Joints can be affected too (this is called psoriatic arthritis). All forms of psoriasis tend to worsen with alcohol consumption, smoking, eating lots of animal fat and protein (particularly from red meat), and a lack of zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, D (which is especially important), and E. Typically, psoriasis is worsened by stress, constipation, and poor digestion. Some common drugs also worsen psoriasis: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen), antimalarial medicines, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and lithium; steroid withdrawal can also exacerbate the disease.

The first order of business with any skin complaint is to look at your diet. Anything that goes into your mouth should be optimally digested and assimilated without the help of the immune system. Very often, however, our digestive systems reject foods, requiring help from the immune system to properly detoxify or clear the offending substance (or substances) from the body. Therefore, an elimination diet is a must when it comes to treating any skin disturbance. The top food irritants (and a good list to strictly eliminate for six to 12 weeks) are dairy products, wheat in all forms, corn (the more refined the worse, as in high-fructose corn syrup), soy (nearly ubiquitous in processed, dry food), and nightshade vegetables (tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and chile and bell peppers).

If eliminating these top food allergens does not significantly improve your skin, try a few days of water-only or fresh-juice-only fasting to see if your skin starts to clear. Sometimes, this is miraculously helpful.
Fish oil is one of the most important nutrients for the skin. My favorite is a cold-pressed wild Alaska salmon product. Because wild Alaskan salmon oil is so minimally refined, the absorption is excellent. The omega-3 content in fish oil is a potent anti-inflammatory, as well as being a skin emollient that works from the inside out. Most itchy, flaky skin complaints are due in part to irritated, inflamed skin cells. An easy way to promote a natural anti-inflammatory effect is with tasty kitchen herbs, especially turmeric, ginger, cumin, anise, fennel, basil, rosemary, garlic, and pomegranate seeds. All these seasonings can block the inflammatory white blood cells responsible for psoriasis and other skin afflictions.

Many patients with psoriasis are low in B vitamins, including folic acid. You can confirm this with a blood test for homocysteine, a by-product of cysteine breakdown. Cysteine is an amino acid that requires B-complex vitamins for optimal processing. A high homocysteine level (above 7) suggests a B-vitamin deficiency or malabsorption; it also confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Ask your doctor for the appropriate blood test.

You should also have your blood levels of vitamin D3 checked—they should be 60 to 90 nanograms per milliliter. Oral doses up to 8,000 international units daily are safe, and this level of supplementation may be required for up to a year to bring your levels up. Typically, skin problems (as well as mood, joint, and bone-loss issues) improve with optimal vitamin D3 levels. Avoid vitamin D2—it’s far more expensive and doesn’t work nearly as well as the D3 form for most people.

Be aware that certain natural remedies, including echinacea, inula, burdock, biotin, ginseng, and high doses of vitamin C (500 milligrams or more daily), can actually aggravate psoriasis in some cases.

Another possible cause of your skin problems is eczema, which is characterized by itchy or flaky skin. Eczema is usually some kind of dermatitis, which simply means skin inflammation from a topical irritant or the greasy type that happens on the eyelids and/or scalp. The latter is called seborrheic dermatitis, which frequently is a fungal problem. Any topical treatments that contain salicylic acid, menthol, tea tree oil, vitamin E, and/or aloe can help soothe eczema symptoms as you work on cleaning up your diet (and yes, an elimination diet is also helpful for eczema). Ask someone at your local health food store to help you find a product with any of these ingredients.


Finally, as with most diseases, stress management is critical. Try to get exercise and fresh air daily. Get counseling if you are having trouble changing bad habits.

Acai(ah-sigh-ee),美國經研究發現Acai裡面有豐富的抗氧化成分叫anthrocyanins, 這種一樣的成分通常是來自紅酒. Acai所含的抗氧化成分比紅藍莓,紅酒還要高. 研究室測試出Acai也有含有一種天然脂肪酸(脂肪酸通常來自鮭魚鲱魚等)這種脂肪酸是來至於植物,類似橄欖油的營養成分.

抗氧化成分可以幫助延緩皮膚老化 omega天然的植物油可以幫助促進心血管和消化道健康 現在在美國很多維他命公司都拿來當作天然的減肥藥 。

一包裡面有四小包

做法:
1.可以甚麼都不加就直接食用
2.
-一小包Acai -香蕉一根 - 8oz的蘋果汁或是豆漿 用冰沙機打成泥狀就變成好喝的Acai冰沙
3.
-2小包Acai -4oz瓶果汁或是豆漿 -香蕉一根 -麥片一小杯 用冰沙機打成泥狀之後再把麥片跟切好的小份香蕉放在上面及變成Acai碗囉!
每一包含的成分: 脂肪成分4.5g 7% 天然脂肪酸6 (omega6) 690mg 天然脂肪酸9 (omega) 2700mg 糖分 12g Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 8% 鈣 4 % 鐵 6% 。
Acai是我每天固定的能量早餐! 喝了會讓我一天都充滿了健康的活力 而且我發現喝了Acai之後不較不會想要吃甜的東西! 這也難怪美國人把它研發當減肥藥 加油! 想減肥的人可以試看看喔!

Sandalwood(檀香)

療效:

具有安撫情緒的功能. 萃取檀香木精油必須要有三十年以上的樹齡,因為檀香精油的萃取不易所以至今在印度只有兩家檀香精油萃取工廠供應全球所需. 檀香精油對於乾性濕疹及老化的皮缺水的油性皮膚相當有幫助.

2010的一月一號在台灣,起了一個大早去逛逛台北的花卉展. 在台北市大安公園裡面難得可以聞到那麼新鮮的空氣~

陸生海竽

彩色海芋與陽明山竹子湖的白色海芋不同，屬於陸生型，因色彩豐富所以稱為彩色海芋。原產於南非的彩色海芋，非常適合中部的氣候與潭子鄉的土壤，目前台中縣以潭子鄉為最大種植區，產季於每年十一月至隔年四月，不過，採收後的種球還可當做商品販賣，因此經濟價值很高，當初潭子鄉將稻作轉種彩色海芋，就是因為經濟價值高於稻作五十倍，並外銷到日本.