Contrary to popular belief fluoride does not have any health benefits.  In fact fluoride is a poison, a toxic by-product of aluminum.  It is more poisonous than lead and only slightly less poisonous than arsenic.  Before 1945 fluoride was regarded solely as an environmental pollutant.  In fact, the aluminum industry had been marketing and selling their fluoride waste as a rat poison and pesticide.

 It truly bewilders me that a known toxin could be marketed so heavily as a health benefit. However, due to a savvy public relations campaign in the 1940s to eliminate lawsuits and to save face for a major corporation and our military, that is exactly what happened- and the myth is perpetuated to this day.  

 During the 1940s Dupont supplied fluoride to the US military’s Manhattan Project for the making of atomic bombs.  Fluoride is necessary for the processing of uranium and plutonium.  The military needed millions of tons of fluoride for their project.  As a result of the processing the workers and the surrounding area of Dupont’s plant in New Jersey became highly contaminated with fluoride emissions.  The disturbing consequence of the contamination was that many people and animals became sick and crippled, and entire crops were wiped out.  Even before this area’s contamination the use of fluoride in fertilizers as a pesticide had resulted in the deaths of many animals and the destruction of many crops, but Dupont did not head this warning.

 With impending lawsuits against both Dupont and the U.S. atomic bomb program, the Manhattan Project stepped in and agreed to do their own studies on fluoride, studies which were to span over a ten year period.  The studies were never completed, but “proof” was still submitted to the courts that the consumption of fluoride in small doses was/is safe.  These same inconclusive and incomplete studies proposed that fluoride prevented tooth decay.  Sadly, this evidence was generated by the very people who had large stakes in, and who could only benefit from, the continued processing of fluoride.  

Fluoride has never been proven to have any health benefits, but has been proven time and time again to be damaging to our health.  Long term use can be injurious to our central nervous system, and has been linked to learning disabilities and Alzheimer’s Disease.  During the time of Nazi Germany the Nazis used fluoride to make their prisoners docile and infertile.  

Continued studies have shown that fluoride suppresses the immune system, inhibits key enzyme production, causes Osteoarthritis, and inhibits thyroid function.  Fluoride has also been linked to bone and uterine cancer, and kidney and liver damage. 

Fluoride use can also lead to fluorosis, a condition which weakens the teeth and makes them prone to decay.  Dental fluorosis usually occurs in children between the ages of one and four years of age, and is becoming increasingly more common.  It can usually be detectedy by white, yellow or brown spots on the teeth.  An important thing to remember is that what is happening in our bones is reflected in our teeth.  If dental fluorosis is not cared for it will inevitably lead to skeletal fluorosis, which has been a contributing factor to the increase of bone fractures in children.  Though common in children it is not exclusive in children.  Adults are also susceptible to fluorosis.  Fluorosis is fluoride poisoning.  In India, where there are high levels of fluoride in the ground water, tens of millions of people have been afflicted with crippling skeletal fluorisis.  The Indian government has been working hard at removing fluoride contamination from their water sources.

Since 1997 the FDA has required all products containing fluoride to carry a poison warning label.  Most recently the ADA (American Dental Association) has encouraged them to have labels which instruct “keep out of the hands of children under 6 years of age”.  Does that sound like something that is good, let alone safe, for us? 

In addition to fluoride being in most toothpastes and oral rinses, it is now showing up as an ingredient in “nursery waters”.  Fluoride is also still very much an environmental pollutant due to the continued processing of aluminum and water fluoridation.  Currently forty-two of the U.S.’s major cities fluoridate their public water supply- Detroit being one of them- that’s 2/3 of our country’s drinking water!   Unlike chlorine and other contaminates found in our water, fluoride cannot be removed from water through boiling or filtration.  Water fluoridation is actually banned in many countries, including China, Austria, France, Scotland, Finland, Belgium, and many others.

Very sadly, the powers that be have allowed the contamination of our waters, soils, and air.  We can however write, call, and meet with our representatives to encourage and insist that they take better care of us, and our environment.  This may not be an easy task, but it’s an important one, and with unity and diligence we just may get somewhere.  

Fortunately, you can find toothpastes and other oral hygiene products without fluoride.  Nature’s Gate, Kiss My Face, and Tom’s of Maine are a few companies that make a non-fluoridated line of products (though still read the labels since they also offer ones that contain fluoride).  Better still, you can make your own toothpowders and toothpastes.  It is only possible through natural ingredients, care, and our diet to truly have healthy teeth and gums.  Below is a recipe for a toothpowder that Mike and I use.  


To find out if your water is fluoridated visit: 
https://www.ada.org/public/media/presskits/fluoridation/overview_uscities.pdf

To find out who represents you visit:
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

The Fluoride Action Network:
http://www.fluoridealert.org/ 

 

All Natural Toothpowder  

2 TBSP dried lemon peel
¼ cup baking soda
2 tsp sea salt (optional)
½  tsp sage
½  tsp cinnamon 

*you can also add  ½  tsp of fennel  

Chop the dried lemon peel and using a mortar and pestle, or food processor, grind into a fine powder (make sure that the peel is completely dry),blend remaining ingredients together and voila, toothpowder!  

Store the toothpowder in a spice jar or other sealed container.  When using, add a little water to the powder to make it into a paste and brush as you would normally.  We follow each brushing with a brushing of pure Myrrh extract.  Myrrh promotes healthy gums as well as prevents tooth decay.  Remember also to drink plenty of water throughout the day, consume little (or no) refined sugars, floss regularly, and eat foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D (green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrots, and the blessed sun are good sources for all!).
 

Baking Soda and Sea Salt act as an abrasion to clean teeth.
Lemon Peel whitens teeth.
Sage whitens teeth, removes plaque, and freshens the breath.
Cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth.
Fennel freshens the breath.

with
loving
kindness.

 -t.

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The secret of health for both mind and body is to not mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”   -Buddha

  

I hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday in whatever way you chose to celebrate, and that the new year brings you an abundance of joy, peace, and well-being.  May we also be reminded that new beginnings do not only happen after the last page of our calendar year has been turned, but that we have the opportunity for rebirth with each and every moment, each and every breath.  Life is a series of lessons, and a gift of continual growth and reawakening. 

Mike and I have been making it our tradition this time of year to choose a place away from home to spend Christmas.  We personally embrace the season more than the holiday, and our only gift to each other is to simply be with one another.   

These sojourns help us to escape the normal stresses that the Christmas holiday inevitably brings in tow.  We enjoy arriving in places as strangers to find empty streets and closed storefronts.  With minimal busying and distractions we embrace the divine offering of the present moment.  

Originally we thought that we would be doing some winter camping in Tennessee with friends, however that didn’t work out as planned, so instead we chose Grand Haven.  Although the city was quieted, and greenness replaced with snow and ice, the pulse of nature was strong and we quickly found our rhythm within it. 

Our stay in Grand Haven was filled with walks along the shoreline where I was mesmerized by the way that the tide and the sand, like a paintbrush and paint, embellished the snow, a once empty canvas, with abstract images resembling sunbursts and works by Jackson Pollock, even mandalas at times.  We walked the South Pier to the lighthouse, which stood red and proud, the wind getting stronger with each step as we moved farther along.  Foxtail and other grasses were browned but still very much alive, and the White Pines at Rosy Mound stood majestic as usual.   

We spent three days in Grand Haven with a quick stop in Grand Rapids on the drive back to Detroit to visit Mike’s parents.  Upon returning home we found Luka and Japhy Ryder in good spirits and good health, our dear friend Welby always takes such good care of them when we leave town to travel.  I found my gardens covered with snow, but I know that despite appearances there is life still pulsating underneath the frozen ground.  Nothing is truly dead, just in transition.  Though I anticipate spring’s arrival I will respect and appreciate this time of rest for the earth, for it is with the help of rest that there is renewal, for all life. 

Though much of plant life this time of year is in the midst of its transition and appears lifeless to the human eye (but not the human spirit), my kinship with nature does not lie dormant.  I have been thinking of the many plants that have become symbolic of winter.  I thought that it would be interesting to share those that come to mind when I think of winter and celebrate their beauty, as well as their extraordinary medicinal purposes. 

I have great faith in food as our medicine, and that the earth provides us with all we need to sustain us, and I live my life accordingly.  I would like to suggest, however, before incorporating any medicines- natural or synthetic- that you do your own additional research to rule out any personal contraindications that might be.  Also, adhere to recommended doses gathered either through your own education or that of a homeopathic practitioner, herbalist, or other persons you trust in the field of natural healing.  The plant world is extremely beneficial to us, and though much of our work with it is intuitive, it is always wisest to add the support of the bounty of wisdom from others that is readily available to us. 

 

Pine needles are very high in Vitamin C.  All pines have the same medicinal properties but Scotch and White Pines have the highest concentrations.  Both Scotch and White Pines grow in Michigan, however the Eastern White Pine is a Michigan native.  To reap the benefits you can simply chew on pine needles or make a tea.  It is best to use green needles.  For tea, take ¼ cup of pine needles and steep in boiling water for about ten minutes.  One cup of tea offers more than the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C.   Pycnogenol, which is a substance extracted from the bark, is very high in antioxidants and acts as an anti-inflammatory.  Pine nuts also contain high levels of antioxidants, protein, fiber, niacin, Vitamins E and K, and have been known to lower blood cholesterol levels. 


Although Holly berries are poisonous the leaves of the Holly plant, as well as its bark, have several healing properties.  The leaves, which can be made into a tea, act as a diuretic as well as a febrifuge (fever eliminator).  The bark steeped in cold water for at least twelve hours then consumed will cleanse the bowels, and will also provide a tranquilizing effect.  


It is widely believed that if you kiss your lover under a swag of Mistletoe that you will remain in love forever.  What many may not know is that Mistletoe has many medicinal properties.  Mistletoe is actually a hemi-parasitic plant that attaches itself to deciduous trees.  Large doses of Mistletoe can have harmful effects and, like Holly, the berries of Mistletoe are very toxic, so use with caution and knowledge.   Mistletoe has been used to increase circulation, relax tight muscles, and as a remedy for stress and anxiety.  It has very positive influences on the nervous system, and is also used to relieve headaches and asthma.  Some believe that you will receive restful sleep and beautiful dreams when Mistletoe is laid near a bedroom door, hung on a headboard, or placed underneath your pillow.
 

Myrrh’s healing properties are found in the resin from a genus of trees and shrubs called Commiphora. The resin has been discovered to stimulate the production of white blood cells, thus making it an excellent aid in fighting infections.  It is an analgesic, and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.  It has been used to treat respiratory infections, sore throats, digestive disorders, arthritis, and diabetes.  Myrrh is also excellent for keeping gums healthy.  Mike and I add a few drops of the extract to our toothbrushes whenever we brush our teeth.
 

Frankincense is extracted from Boswellia trees (there are 25 different species) and, like Myrrh, it’s the resin that is used.  Frankincense can be used as an astringent, an antiseptic, and again, like Myrrh, it is also beneficial in tooth and gum health.  It is helpful in relieving morning sickness, arthritis, sore muscles, and promotes healthy skin.  Frankincense is also used to treat depression and to relieve respiratory disorders.   In Chinese Medicine it is used to free the flow of the meridians.  Frankincense has a very warm and earthy scent to it and used in aromatherapy it stimulates the mind, connects us to the spirit, has a grounding effect, and rids us of negativity.
 

Ginger- ah, beautiful ginger!  Most of us know of ginger as a remedy for stomach ailments and digestive disorders.  The reason that Ginger in so beneficial for our digestive systems is that it stimulates the pancreas and as a result increases the production of certain enzymes that aid in digestion.  Ginger is also antibacterial and contains many antioxidants.  It is very beneficial in protecting the liver, improves blood circulation, and is a good friend to the respiratory system thereby alleviating colds, asthma, sore throats, and sinusitis.  In addition to taking ginger internally you can also use it externally. You can infuse a hand full of ginger root with a little water and add it to compresses to relieve arthritis inflammation, as well as apply it directly to gums and teeth to relieve the pain caused by infection and decay.
 

When using Wintergreen the leaves are the parts mostly used, however the berries are edible as well.  Wintergreen is anti-inflammatory and can be used topically to relieve muscle and joint pain.  Native Americans used to chew on wintergreen leaves to increase lung capacity and stamina.  Internally it is used to alleviate rheumatism, bladder inflammation, and urinary tract infections.  It is also known to prevent tooth decay.  Wintergreen contains four different phytochemicals.  Phytochemicals are plant based antioxidants which protect our cells from oxidative wear.
 

Nutmeg is an anti-inflammatory, a powerful stimulant, and like ginger has many benefits to our digestive system.  It is an astringent and is helpful in treating rheumatism, eczema, toothaches, urinary incontinence, and sciatica.  While most people know Nutmeg to be a popular ingredient in baked goods it should be used with care and in small doses.  Large doses are extremely toxic and will act as a psychotropic.  The psychotropic effect actually comes from Nutmeg poisoning.  Use with care.


Clove oil is powerful in stabilizing our blood circulation and regulating our body’s temperature.  Cloves aid in digestion, relieve colds and asthma, and when applied directly to an aching tooth it will relieve the pain almost instantly.  As a child I used to tuck cloves in between my gums and cheeks to relieve the pain of toothaches, a rediscovery that came in very handy for myself only recently.   Cloves sautéed in a little sesame or olive oil then applied by drops into the ear can relieve an earache.  You can also use poultices made from clove oil and apply topically to alleviate muscle cramps and headaches.  Three to five drops of clove oil mixed with a little honey, and a crushed clove of garlic then taken internally will relieve spasmodic coughing.

 
Bayberry is very popular as a candle scent this time of year (and my favorite of all candle scents no matter what season).  American Bayberry grows along the shores of the Great Lakes-especially Lake Erie, so Michiganders have the added benefit of it being a native plant.  American Bayberry is the species most used by herbalists, and it is the leaves, bark, and berries that are utilized.  Bayberry taken internally helps relieve respiratory disorders, colic, diarrhea, uterine hemorrhaging, influenzas, digestive disorders, and rids the body of parasites.  It is antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, an expectorant, and stimulates the circulatory system.  You can chew on Bayberry bark to relieve toothaches, gargle infusions for a sore throat, and apply in poultice form to relieve varicose veins.  Bayberry also helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
 

Wishing you all good health in body-mind-spirit in 2010 and always!
 

With
Love 
and
Light, 

-t.l.c.
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