This is a very common question that I get asked a lot in my natural health practice. Almost daily, in fact, someone will ask me if I have “anything” that can help them with… (insert ailment, condition or symptoms here). Some of more common questions:

• Can you help with my headaches?
• I’m depressed and I have anxiety… Can natural remedies help?
• Can you help with my stomach problems? I’m constipated/have IBS.
• Can you help with my pain? My joints hurt/my back hurts.
• I’m always tired and have lots of fatigue… Is there a natural substance that can help restore my energy?
• I have allergies and don’t want to take allergy shots anymore.
• My child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD… Is there something nutritional that I can do to help him or her?
• I don’t sleep very well at all and taking sleeping pills makes me groggy the next day… Is there some natural and safe substance that can help me?

These are just a few of the more common questions I’m asked. And the answer to all of them is always YES. There are natural substances, herbs, essential oils and gentle therapies that can help your body get back into balance and feel better.

The beautiful thing about working with natural health remedies, therapeutic essential oils and whole food nutritional products, is that those items are all very supportive of the human body. They help to restore balance INSIDE the body. While you do your part to work on changing your lifestyle, daily habits and dietary intake, the supplements that I recommend not only support you in that endeavor, but actually FEED your body the essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals and antioxidants you need. All of the “good stuff” that helps your body repair damage, grow new cells and get back in balance.

The human body is designed to be “in balance.” People are not meant to have all of these symptoms and ailments that, unfortunately, plague so many of us today. Typically, natural substances do not cause side effects like most prescription medications. Instead, they support gentle healing, so you can get back to feeling your best.

So, again, the answer is YES. There are a wide variety of natural and herbal products that probably can help you with your (insert symptom or ailment here). Regardless of your health condition, nutritional, natural and herbal therapies, combined with other safe therapies and treatments, support lasting healing to help you be the best you can be.

As a Naturopath, Health Coach and Aromatherapy Consultant, I am passionate about helping you become the best you can be utilizing natural therapies. Read on to learn more About Me, the various Natural Health Services that I offer, read Testimonials from those I’ve helped and contact me to get started today!

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I remember watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show where Dr. Mehmet Oz was talking about America’s addiction to prescription medications. The show was primarily about pain-relieving, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, the primary drugs people get addicted to.

It was an intense show and, although I know that Americans take too many prescriptions, I wasn’t prepared for the statistics. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reports that more Americans are addicted to prescription drugs than to heroin, cocaine and ecstasy COMBINED! They report more than 6 million people are addicted to prescriptions. YIKES! Those are staggering numbers.

Are you one of them? Chances are that either you, or someone you know, is taking a prescription. Unfortunately, Americans are being brainwashed into assuming, because the drugs are being prescribed by your physician, they are safe. That is simply untrue.

Have you ever read the multiple pages of “Side Effects, Contraindications, Warnings and Interactions” included when you pick up your prescriptions? You should… It will be a wake-up call. We have to do a better job about managing our pain or depression, rather than mindlessly reaching for a drug.

I agree with Dr. Oz when he states, “…..many people taking prescription drugs — legally or illegally — are hiding from their real problems. Instead of addressing painful emotions or aches, addicts swallow a quick fix.” Also, “We use these pills to numb ourselves to what’s really happening in our life, which is often a wake-up call to make a change.”

Of course, one of the main problems with taking all of these drugs: People don’t realize they have options.

While flipping through a magazine, watching TV or even listening to the radio, I’m absolutely certain you have heard an ad about a fantastic new drug that can “cure what ails you.” The media and Big Pharma are constantly bombarding us about drugs… You can’t escape them.

But most people don’t realize there are other ways to deal with what ails them that can be just as effective and far safer for them. Instead of addressing the real cause of the problem, unfortunately, we’d rather mask that symptom with a drug.

That’s not surprising. We do live in a world where we want instant gratification.  We want it fixed now and don’t want to be uncomfortable while we’re fixing it either.

I have met with countless clients over the years who have been addicted to anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs. In my opinion, this is the worst kind of addiction. In the beginning, they thought it was harmless enough. Just a little “help” to get them over the divorce/loss of job/boyfriend troubles, etc.

Then it turned into numbing. I always know when I’m talking to someone who is addicted. When I ask them a question — How do you feel? — they can’t answer it.

The drug has numbed them so much they are unable to get in touch with their emotions and express themselves. Whether it’s mad, sad, happy, or even depressed, they can’t feel anything at all. Of course, when they are ready to get off the drug, the predominant emotion people feel is FEAR. They are scared to FEEL. They don’t know it at the time, but that’s what it boils down to.

I strongly believe it’s those very emotions that can actually HELP people get better. The anger they feel is there for a reason: To tell them something about their life. If they are depressed, they need to look at WHY and work on fixing that problem. Drugging yourself so you don’t have to FEEL anything is not the way to handle it.

If you’re on prescription meds, you can get off them, but you will need help. Doing it on your own is not advised. You will need nutritional help, as your diet plays a huge role in the way your brain chemistry works. Naturopaths and holistic healers can help you slowly and safely wean off of dangerous prescription drugs.

As you start to feel withdrawals from a drug, your brain chemistry will be affected and eating certain foods (and not others) can make this process significantly easier. You will also need nutritional supplementation to help your body physically deal with the damage from the drugs and help to boost your immune system.

And, of course, talking to a qualified therapist or priest can help you with the emotional side of this problem and help you work through whatever it was making you anxious or depressed in the first place.

The important thing is to remember this: You do have options to help yourself heal from addiction to prescription medications.  There are MANY different natural healing modalities that work as well (if not better!) than prescriptions.

Before taking a single step, however, you must be able to answer all of the following questions with a simple Yes.

• Are you willing to work on yourself?
• Are you ready to address the real problem?
• Can you face what’s uncomfortable about your life and make changes?
• Can you put yourself, your body and health first in your life and do what’s in YOUR best interest?

If you are, it’s time to have a talk with your regular physician and discuss their approach for very slowly weaning yourself off of the meds. The next conversation should be with a qualified natural health practitioner who can give you the nutritional support so you can make this transition as easy for yourself as possible.

I have wonderful Natural Health Services that can help you manage this transition. Be sure to read my Testimonials to discover what others have said about working with me regarding their emotional and physical health.

And, lastly, get in touch with a good therapist or priest. It must be someone you trust and with whom you can discuss your innermost thoughts.

You don’t have to be addicted nor take the medications forever. There is help and hope out there for you.

Natural Health Consultations (only by phone)

The benefits of phone consultations include:

• Comfort and privacy – you can sit in the comfort of your own home, an office or whatever location works best for you.
• Convenience – you don’t have to fight traffic, drive across town to a doctor’s office and sit in a waiting room.
• Affordability – My prices are significantly lower than other doctors in the field because my overhead is lower. I don’t maintain a separate office, receptionist, expensive inventory, etc.
• Listening – My intense, personalized hour-long consultations provide you with a great opportunity to be heard. With a regular doctor, you probably only chat for a few minutes; with me, you’ll have much longer to explain exactly what’s troubling you and receive in-depth recommendations.
• Coaching – Naturopaths don’t give exams or diagnoses. Instead, we listen to your symptoms and provide recommendations on ways you can naturally improve your health. (Another benefit is you’ll never have to take a “prescription” from me – just natural remedies.)
• Scheduling – Since my appointments are all by phone, I can often accommodate your schedule. I’ve had early, late and even weekend phone appointments – sometimes appointments over lunch – whatever is convenient for you.

How I can help

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?

Do you have health challenges that you want to overcome? Are you done taking medication and dealing with the side effects? Are you ready to be well?

My natural health services can help you get back on the path to wellness by offering:

• Nutritional counseling & supplementation
• Herbal recommendations
• Lifestyle changes
• Integrative therapies geared toward your unique health challenges

You can’t help but reach your health goals when you have the attention, personal support and guidance you need.

As a young adult, I suffered from anxiety and depression and other health challenges.  I understand the challenges these conditions pose, and I know that conventional treatments can be frustrating and ineffective.  Don’t despair…people with the following health conditions have found relief with nutritional therapies (see Testimonials):

• Sleeping Problems
• Headaches
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Digestion Issues
• Fatigue/Low Energy
• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue
• Allergies
• Pain Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management

If you suffer from any of these health challenges, please know there is often a nutritional imbalance involved.  Working to correct that imbalance can make all the difference.  The suggestions and recommendations I make can absolutely make a difference in how you feel and will help you manage stress levels and emotions.

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” -Thomas Edison

Nutritional Health Consultations

I offer natural health consultations exclusively via telephone so you can start enjoying better health in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Even if you are not in the San Antonio area, I can assist you and help you feel better.

To alleviate any concerns, I offer a complimentary 10-minute telephone appointment so you can address any questions or concerns you have.

To reach me by email, simply fill out this form and let me know the best times to phone you.

Are you ready to live a better life? If you are ready to put yourself first and make your health the top priority in your life, let’s get started! Contact me today for a phone consultation and for better health!

TX Natural Health Services

Why quit coffee?

There is quite a debate going around about coffee. Depending on who you read, there are theories that suggest drinking coffee is actually good for you. It does have antioxidant value associated with it, so that can definitely be a good thing.

But for me, it’s how you’re drinking your coffee that matters. Personally, I don’t like the taste of coffee, so it was necessary for me to “doctor it up” to make it tolerable!  I think in and of itself, coffee probably does have some slight nutritional value, as long as you’re drinking it black! But since we live in a nation of Starbucks and seemingly with a coffee shop on every corner, how many of us are actually drinking BLACK coffee? It’s so easy to get Lattes, Frappucinos, Cappucinos, etc. – most of which are laden with milk, sugar and flavorings, and in some cases, even espresso!

I am not perfect, and I did get into the habit of drinking my coffee with cream, flavorings and sugar.  It was the only way I could get it down and make it taste good. Then I got addicted. I tried once to stop and couldn’t. I loved the flavor and the extra “kick” it gave me in the mornings. This has lasted for the last year and a half.

Finally, I reached a point where I recognized that it was having a detrimental effect on my health. Of course I know this intellectually; sugar and milk are definitely not good for the body! But my body didn’t seem to mind too much… Except for lately. I could tell that my energy level was not as good as I would like. That’s what happens with a drug like caffeine: you end up needing more and more of it to get you to feel as good as you used to. So, one cup of java soon can turn into 3-4 cups! Then watch out!

The adrenal glands are not made to function with the constant attack from caffeine. It forces the adrenals to produce more and more adrenaline, pushing your body into the “flight or fight” response.  Then later, when that response wanes, you need another cup (or even two!) or the afternoon candy bar to boost you up again to make it through the rest of the day.

For many people, this is a pattern that has been developed over many years. Many clients I talk to have the addiction that has resulted in many different health ailments; digestion issues, sleep problems, dehydration, headaches, weight gain (from blood sugar imbalances) and fatigue and general malaise. Over time, this roller coaster ride with caffeine and sugar eventually results in adrenal fatigue. For women, this is especially problematic because we already seem to have a lot of hormonal imbalances going around! Add to that problems with adrenal function and it’s a recipe for fatigue and lethargy.

So that’s where I was. I recognized that this was definitely not helping me and in fact, was starting to creep up to an extra 1/2 cup or even another full cup of coffee in the morning. Just to get that extra little “hit” that I needed to get going.

So I decided I wanted to quit. It took me two weeks of preparation. The first week, I started making the coffee weaker and weaker; adding a little more water and less coffee each day. Then the 2nd week, I started drinking less and less. I’ve heard about the headaches and how awful you feel when quitting caffeine. So I thought that I would stop on Thursday and purposely scheduled myself an easy day on Friday, followed by Saturday and Sunday being off and at home to rest and take it easy.

Turns out, this was a very good plan. My Friday was fine and in fact, didn’t really feel like I missed my coffee, although I missed the sweetness. Saturday, however, was another matter. The monster headache started about 8:30 am; by 11:00 am it was downright AWFUL! I resisted the urge to pop an aspirin; instead, I reached for my essential oils.

Peppermint Essential Oil, applied to the top of my head, my forehead and temples, definitely helped. It took the edge off and probably brought it from a 10 down to an 8, which sure was more tolerable. Then I got a tip from a friend about Frankincense Essential Oil. I put a drop on my tongue and held it to the roof of my mouth. Literally within 5 minutes, the headache was completely gone. It never returned, and by the end of the day, the malaise I had felt was gone too! I continued to drink extra water, relax, and generally took it easy for the first few days.

Now, it’s been over a week since I have stopped coffee altogether. Some friends have been around me at work with it, and I still LOVE the smell of it, but I don’t miss drinking it at all. I have substituted something so much better. I have always had NingXia Red drink in the morning, but since stopping coffee, I have doubled my dose every morning and I am convinced that it has made this transition SO much easier.

I now have more energy that the coffee ever gave me and I just feel so much better. My blood sugar has stabililized, and overall, I am so glad to be 100% rid of all caffeine. My “coffee” now is a supercharged Wolfberry Juice filled with powerful essential oils that provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals that help support immune system function and keep blood sugar levels stable and balanced. So much healthier than regular coffee.

If you’re wanting to get off coffee or anther caffeinated drink, I’m here to tell you that I can be done – and it can be done with as little discomfort as possible. Follow the suggestions above and watch your energy soar and your health improve!

Essential Oils Kill Deadly MRSA Staph Bacteria

Tests at the University of Manchester conclude that certain essential oils can kill deadly MRSA bacteria within 2 minutes of contact. This is exciting news in the world of essential oils! Unfortunately, mainstream medicine will probably still want to use dangerous antibiotics to try to treat any infection. But it’s nice to know that essential oils are more powerful, safe – and they work.

The essential oil blend “Thieves” from Young Living has 5 single essential oils in it: Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. These oils all have been found to be anti-viral, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-infectious essential oils. Studies have been conducted at Weber State University in 1997 demonstrating this blend to have killing power against microorganisms. 

If you want to learn more about essential oils, ask me or look into Young Living Essential Oils – therapeutic grade essential oils that can help keep you healthy and well.

Bring a natural travel kit for healthy travels

Many of my clients ask me about healthy remedies to take when traveling, so I’ve put together a list of some essential items for your consideration. I recommend that you always take these items with you just in case.

1. Homeopathic Arnica — You can find it in pellets, drops and ointment. Good to use in ANY injury to calm down inflammation.
2. Bach Rescue Remedy and Bach Rescue Remedy Cream — This product is one of my all time favorites. Bach Rescue Remedy itself helps in times of stress, so you can use it before a flight or boat trip if you get nervous and stressed out. The cream can be used for scrapes, skin abrasions, rashes and cuts. Click on the link to learn more about the various Bach Flower Remedies.
3. Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract — Take this extract as a preventive measure to protect your body against foreign invaders. Mix 10-15 drops with 4 ounces of a strong juice like grape juice, stir well and drink 2-3 times per day. Also, I use this amazing product to clean fruit and vegetables. If you’re camping or cooking in your hotel room, this product is essential to keep your food clean and fresh.
4. Probiotics — Good to keep your digestive system in running order!
5. Ginger Capsules — Great for preventing and treating nausea.
6. Essential Oils — There are several essential oils I never travel without:
   
   • Pan Away soothes any muscular inflammation that I might incur while hiking.
   • Peppermint Oil eases headaches and nausea.
   • Lavender treats bites, burns, or inflammed skin and also to help you sleep in strange places.
   • Purification cleanses the stale air in hotels or musty cabins.
   • To learn more about these therapeutic grade essential oils, click here.

I consider these items essential for traveling, and don’t leave home without them! Also, remember to drink plenty of water while traveling to keep your system hydrated, especially if you’re going to be on a plane.

Getting plenty of sleep is also essential to keeping your immune system healthy! And, remember not to go crazy with your diet. Eating plenty of fresh whole foods with the occasional splurge will result in you feeling your best while having fun traveling!

In my experience, many Americans don’t understand the positive aspects of choosing natural treatments and alternative medicine over conventional therapies. With that in mind, consider these key points when you’re looking for the best and safest solutions for your health:

Alternative medicine…

Is Safe, Natural and Gentle. Most forms of alternative therapies are safe and non-invasive. Most herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplementation and options like massage, Reiki and acupuncture are all wonderful therapies that Naturopaths would considered safe and gentle. By the way, one might argue that acupuncture is an “invasive” procedure with the use of needles. As an advocate of acupuncture (and having benefited by the many sessions I’ve had), needles are used, but they are very tiny and you can hardly feel them at all. Certainly, they’re not as invasive as a surgeon’s knife! Of course, please be sure the supplements you’re taking are safe for you too.

Offers more choices. Since most health insurance companies do not cover natural therapies, you’ll have many more choices available to you when searching for help. Often, insurance companies regulate who you can and can’t see, but because they’re out of the picture, you are free to choose what type of natural therapy you would like and which practitioner to see. Because each state has different licensing and laws, however, always check a therapist’s credentials before using him or her.

Ensures you are heard. Most alternative medicine practitioners will take the time to really “listen” to you and evaluate your symptoms. In the typical conventional medicine scenario, sometimes, all you’ll get is a quick appointment. I’ve had patients tell me, in some cases, their visits with their doctor were timed and lasted only 3 minutes! Yikes! Most Naturopaths and Chiropractors will take significant time with you (especially the first visit) to really assess you and your health. We take into account the health of your whole body, not only your physical symptoms, but the emotional ones too.

You’re In Charge. Whether you decide to take some herbs or homeopathy for yourself or make that Reiki appointment, you’re in charge of what goes into your body and what happens to it. Of course, for serious illnesses, I always recommend you partner with a natural health care practitioner who can assist you directly. But if you just have the sniffles or some allergies, there are LOTS of alternative remedies you can learn about, then try them for yourself.

There are some wonderful natural healing books that I recommend to help you in your quest to better your health. Although I don’t have this book on my list, for those of you who want to try homeopathy, this book and homeopathic kit are my favorites to have in your home.

Also, essential oils are some of my favorite things to try to use for allergies, insomnia and other minor ailments.

Don’t be afraid to try some natural therapies. The benefits far outweigh any risks that you may have heard about.

Of course, you’re always welcome to Contact Me with questions.

If you are wanting to get started with Young Living and take advantage of the true healing power of essential oils, there are three ways that you can order. 

Becoming a member of Young Living (YL) is pretty straightforward, and I’ll explain the 3 types of memberships below. If you decide to become a Young Living member, please know that I am here to support you and answer any and all questions you have about the use of the essential oils and their other products.

Young Living offers three types of memberships:

Retail Customer:
With this option, you will pay full price for all Young Living Products. Benefits include FREE sign up, and and there is never any obligation. You will receive email announcements of company product specials including buy one – get one free opportunities.

Preferred Customer:
With this option, you will receive a 12% savings on all products. There is a requirement to purchase at least $50.00 worth of products every month. In addition to the savings, preferred customers can earn an additional 10% reward (a rebate) back on every monthly order – plus FLAT RATE shipping. Rebates are redeemable towards future FREE products.

Wholesale Buyer:
With this option, you will receive a 24% savings on all products. There is NOT a requirement to make a monthly purchase, but there is a one-time fee ($40.00) in order to setup the wholesale account. Wholesale accounts are obligated to purchase at least one time every twelve months. In addition to the savings, wholesale buyers may earn a 10% reward (a rebate) back on orders. Additionally, if interested, wholesale distributors can participate in an affiliate referral program.

If you are ready to become a member:

• Contact Me and let me know you’re ready to place an order. I would be happy to assist you, and I would also like to answer any questions you may have.
• Join now online - select one of the 3 membership types above, and you’re ready to place your order!

As always, I’m available to discuss these essential oils and help you with deciding which oils would be best for you and explain how to use them. Let me know if I can help you!

Frankincense Essential Oil Being Studied for Cancer Treatment

Being an avid lover of essential oils, I was ecstatic to find this article this morning:

Frankincense Oil — A Wise Man’s Remedy for Bladder Cancer

It’s so exciting to see that conventional medical researchers are beginning to see the benefits of essential oils. Those of us that have been around them for years recognize and utilize them as powerful medicinal agents. I have seen them work on shrinking tumors, eliminate gastrointestinal problems,  alleviate allergies for many people and be fantastic remedies for a whole host of other ailments. In a word: they are POWERFUL.

I regularly recommend essential oils for people to help them enhance and improve their health. Fortunately, there is more and more research being done on these potent plant oils. It’s exciting to see mainstream medicine catching up and giving these oils the attention and recognition they deserve.

For more information about the best therapeutic-grade essential oils on the market, from frankincense oil to panaway oil and many others, please visit my essentail oil website: https://www.youngliving.org/HealthfulOils