LEARN A FRESH FOUNDATION, RAW FOOD HEALTH SECRETS & tips to help increase energy, mental focus, sleep well, release weight, save money, the environment and look & feel fantastic!

TASTE delicious, easy recipes the whole family (&your body) will love!

EXPERIENCE healthy, organic, gourmet, nutrient-dense meals

RAW FOOD TO LIVE FOR – INTRO TO LIVE FOODS

You will leave this class, inspired, motivated & with the knowledge of how to begin eating raw & make delicious meals for yourself others.

Experience: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & desserts. Bring your appetite!

9 gourmet dishes provided!

WHEN: Sunday, February 7th, 2010 from 2-6 pm

WHERE: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, # 320- 1026 Davie St , Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M3

INVESTMENT: reg.$150/person *EARLY BIRDS Just $100/person + GST

REGISTER BEFORE DEC 31, 2009 & SAVE $50/person! (all prices exclusive of GST)

REGISTER TODAY: http://www.rawfoundation.ca/Classes_Events_BDXT.html 

OR CALL Janice at 778.839.8424

Nationally recognized Live-Foods Health Chef & owner of RAW Foundation Culinary Arts Institute, Janice Skoreyko inspires & motivates, people to build a solid foundation of sound nutrition principles & the healthiest eating habits with fast, easy, delicious recipes from the vibrant world of living foods. Come, learn to prepare gourmet recipes quickly, simply, & bursting with flavor! Space is limited. Preregistration and prepayment required. Register today!

~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Resveratrol has been sold as a nutritional supplement for the last 5 or so years, yet the health benefits of this supplement are just now becoming more widely known, spoken about and recognised in mainstream media. Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol, an antioxidant compound found in many foods and plants such as blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, rhubarb and grapes…which is one of the reason studies cite the benefits of drinking a glass of red wine daily. Grapes naturally produce resveratrol on their skins as a natural defence mechanism to protect from pathogens, fungus, viruses and bacteria overgrowth.

As Hippocrates said, “let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”, the plants, berries and whole foods that we eat and are grown in our local environment can also provide our human bodies with needed nutrients for our own immune enhancement, and protection from dis-ease. Recent research on resveratrol indicates benefits for general and specific immune enhancement, heart health, cancer (by inhibiting angiogenesis – inhibiting the development of new blood vessels which feed tumors), and inflammation. Studies also indicate benefit in reducing cholesterol in the body, namely by a reduction of LDL cholesterol (the harmful cholesterol) and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The antioxidant effects of Resveratrol are also widely known, resveratrol helps to neutralise free radicals before they can damage healthy cells and protect cells damaged from environmental pollutants. Resveratrol also helps to decrease COX1, an enzyme that increases inflammatory substances which promote tumor growth. Resveratrol shows an ability to enhance life extension and healthy aging in clinical studies and promote longevity.

Studies have shown that resveratrol is difficult to absorb, thus for best absorption, combine its use with other bioflavinoids such as lutein or quercetin. Discontinue this supplement prior to surgery and consult your health care provider prior to use in pregnancy and lactation. Consult your holistic health care provider prior to use if taking anticoagulant medications.

Health benefits of Resveratrol include:

• Lowering insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
• Enhancing longevity by reducing the risk of chronic and degenerative disorders
• Protection of blood vessel walls
• Decreased platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke
• Helps to prevent or reduce plaque formation, a component in Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases, and prevent brain injury due to stroke, a neuroprotective agent
• Counteracts insulin resistance, offering protection from diabetes
• Prolongs the life of cells in the body
• Blocks compounds which cause inflammation
• Offers protection from cancer by interfering with the development of blood vessel formation nourishing a tumor

Dosage: Recent studies indicate daily supplementation of 500 mg of resveratrol or higher for full health enhancement benefits. Resveratrol may also help to promote weight loss, by suppressing estrogen production, thereby decreasing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass.  To order Resveratrol capsules, click here.

~written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

L’ glutamine is the most widely used amino acid within our bodies, found with in both the bloodstream and in muscle tissue. When the body is under extended stress, levels of glutamine can become depleted, resulting in needed supplementation from external sources.

Glutamine is used to produce protein, used for energy and as fuel for the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract and for most cells in the body.

In the digestive tract glutamine is used to promote the healing of damaged cells by stimulating regeneration and growth for new healthy cell turnover, to minimise the effects of food sensitivities and allergies and to protect and help heal a leaky gut. Quality of glutamine is important. The best sources of glutamine are from fermented beets. Lower quality glutamine products are sourced from crab shells and by-products of glucosamine.

L’glutamine can offer the best health enhancement with taken during times of increased intestinal permeability (antibiotic use, leaky gut syndrome and times of extended stress). L’ glutamine can assist with enhancing energy levels, and an improved sense of wellbeing,

Dosage varies depending upon the reason used, although 500 mg taken 3-4 times daily is often a standard, recommended dosage. This supplement can be taken during the day or at night to support further healing during the sleep cycle.

For athletes, glutamine can help enhance recovery after a workout, healing due to overtraining. L’ glutamine helps to enhance immune system function, used as a fuel for white blood cell function, and studies show that glutamine helps to enhance the lymphocytes cells which fight illness.

For individuals working with balancing the bodies PH, glutamine acts as a buffer for acidic conditions and plays a role in the maintenance of a healthy acid/ alkaline balance.

“What health conditions can be improved from the use of a far infrared sauna?”

Infrared sauna therapy is specifically designed to create a comfortable, deep, penetrating heat thereby leading to an increase in core body temperature, a raise in metabolism and subsequent profuse sweating which has numerous health benefits including:

• Cleansing and Detoxification
• Heavy metal detoxification
• Skin health (acne, eczema, psoriasis, wound healing, and scar tissue)
• Assists with the breakdown of cellulite
• Supports healthy immune response
• Pain relief (from Arthritis, Back pain, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Headaches)
• Weight loss (burns up to 600 calories in one 30 minute session)
• Heart disease (clinically shown to lower blood pressure)
• Women’s Health
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Stress management
• Increased circulation, elevated blood pressure
• Athletic injury and recovery, post exercise pain,
• Muscle and Joint pain, soft tissue injury, muscle spasms, stiffness, adhesions, shoulder pain, tight shoulders

Disclaimer: The information contained within is not meant to replace the clinic advice of a doctor or your main health care practitioner nor does it address individual circumstances. The data and opinions contained in the information are solely for information and educational purposes only.

Almost anyone can use a far infrared sauna, with just a few exceptions, however if one has a specific health condition it is important to consult your primary care provider prior to use.

Hemophiliacs and women who are pregnant or who might be pregnant are NOT advised to use the sauna. Individuals with MS and Lupus may find benefit from the sauna at a lower temperature.

For more information on our infrared sauna sessions and to book a sauna appointment contact us at: 604 683 2298 or info@alchemyelixir.com

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Fall is the time when children head back to school and it is also the time to enhance and support the immune system to effectively ward off colds and viruses during the winter months.

Sometimes the simplest suggestions are the most effective prevention. To enhance the immune system and protect against viral infections:

• Wash hands frequently
• Epsom salts added to a hot bath is a useful way to raise the body temperature and jump start the immune system, (as an elevated body temperature is the immune systems first line of defense against viruses and bacteria).
• Vitamin C and Beta Carotene are ‘tried and true’ agents to support immune system function and enhance the white blood cell activity against infection.
• Herbs: Astragalus, Yarrow, Elderflowers, Boneset.
• Essential oils, (such as Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Lemon, Rosemary) added to the bath, as a steam, inhaled through a tissue or diluted in water and poured into a spritzer bottle can disinfect both the air and counter surfaces.
• Breath Essential Oil as a steam is my top recommendation for clearing congested sinuses.
• Winter Warming Tea Blend and Clear Breath Tea Blend provide additional support for the lungs and immune system.
• Phytogen an potent immune enhancing herbal blend in capsule form.

Remember, antibiotics do not effectively eradicate viruses and are rarely prescribed for any symptoms of a viral related cold in all countries outside of North America. The common cold can be caused by over 200 viruses, thus the flu shot is a hit and miss attempt to inoculate against 3-4 of those many viruses. Simply the best way to rid the body of viruses of all kinds is to strengthen the immune system directly. Lifestyle suggestions can help rid the home of circulating bacteria and viruses…

• Clean your computer keyboard and phone mouthpiece with essential oils and water.
• A computer keyboard has been noted to contain more germs than a toilet seat.
• Change your toothbrush monthly, also known to harbor bacteria.
• Avoid ingesting sugar, which will decrease immune system function for hours after ingesting.
• Avoid consuming dairy, which is very mucous forming, and will worsen symptoms of congestion.
• Wash the kitchen dishcloth frequently…

For more information on the use of essential oils…

For health programs (and custom blended plant medicine) tailored to your specific health concerns, consider booking a clinic appointment.

“Give me a chance to create fever, and I will cure any disease” Greek physician, Parmenides

For centuries, cultures around the world have recognized the therapeutic value of heating the body for healing and improved vitality. Drawing upon the knowledge of ancient techniques to maintain good health; methods to induce sweating have been well documented in their use to provide relief from dis-ease and for health enhancement benefits. This traditional wisdom has certainly stood the test of time and is now coupled with advanced technology to create the Infrared Sauna.

Infrared sauna therapy is specifically designed to create a comfortable, deep, penetrating heat thereby leading to an increase in core body temperature, a raise in metabolism and subsequent profuse sweating.

One of the most recognized benefits of Far Infrared Sauna is the ability to assist in detoxification. Stress, environmental toxins, chemicals, xenoestrogens, airborne pollutants, poor dietary and exercise habits all affect our health via the deposition of toxic debris in our system. Using the far infrared sauna helps to purify our cells, specifically the cells inside our fat where our body stores waste and harmful toxins, such as cholesterol and heavy metals. Infrared sauna therapy cleanses and detoxifies your body from the inside out.

“How often can one use the Far infrared sauna?”

Far infrared sauna is considered to be an intense form of a whole body workout. Thus it may be necessary for those not in peak condition to gradually build up tolerance. For those who are physically fit and relatively healthy a 30 minute initial sauna session will be preferred and a sauna session will feel refreshing, cleansing and purifying. Once an individual has become conditioned to the heat, individuals with a sluggish metabolism and those desiring weight loss enhancement can take saunas up to 2 times daily, once in the morning and once in the later day. After the body becomes conditioned to being in the sauna, many people enjoy daily 30 minute sauna sessions.

Sauna sessions are also excellent during times of cleansing, during detoxification programs and to support any health program focused on improving or maintaining optimal health. Most individuals leave the sauna session feeling refreshed, invigorated and revitalized.

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

For many individuals, spring is the season of sinus congestion, sneezing and itchy watery eyes, yet it does NOT have to be a miserable time of coping with allergies. You can enjoy the changing seasons by bringing allergy and hay fever symptoms under control.

Often considered a flaw in immune system activity, allergies may be intensified in individuals with an impaired immune system. Allergens can produce excess histamine production in our body, provoking severe reactions including sneezing, irritation of the nose, eyes and throat, redness and inflammation of the mucous membranes, sinus congestion, even rashes and fatigue.

Prevention is the best medicine: strengthening and supporting the immune system is the key for minimizing allergy symptoms. Bioflavonoids, found in the white peel under the rind of citrus fruits, in berries, buckwheat, kale, garlic, green tea and onions, can aid allergy suffers in controlling symptoms. There are many types of Bioflavonoids, such as rutin, hespiridin and quercetin, however one particular bioflavonoid offers dramatic protection from the allergy response.

Known as THE allergy supplement, Quercetin is used to inhibit both the manufacture and the release of histamine. For allergy suffers, the therapeutic adult dose of Quercetin is between 750-1500 mg taken throughout the day. To enhance absorption of this well tolerated supplement, combine it with Bromelain, a digestive enzyme from pineapple. Bromelain also contains anti-inflammatory properties that enhance the activity of Quercetin.

Among herbal remedies used for allergies, the anti catarrhal properties of Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) make it an ideal remedy for nasal congestion, throat inflammation and bronchial conditions. Elderflower can be prepared as a tea and drank or gargled for symptoms of a sore throat. High in vitamin C and flavonoids, it is used for the common cold and winter chills.

The dried leaves and flowers of Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) are anti-inflammatory, anti catarrhal and contain antiseptic properties to the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica) are my favorite herb for individuals dealing with itching, hives and allergic reactions.

The dried herbs can be combined together in equal parts and prepared as a medicinal tea. For allergy relief, consume three to four cups of tea daily. Peppermint leaves can be added to enhance the taste.

For a preblended herbal tea used for seasonal allergies, our Sin-U-Clear Tea Blend contains herbs traditionally used to minimise the bodies production of histamine, clear up congestion and reduce the symptomatic effects of allergies. This tea is best used as prevention prior to the allergy season, and then drank throughout the allergy season.

Steaming with essential oils is also beneficial to relieve allergy symptoms. When in contact with foreign pathogens, our sinuses increase production of mucous. Our Breath Essential Oil Blend contains anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, is antiseptic to the mucous membranes lining the nasal and sinus passages, the volatile oils found in the blend immediately help to disinfect and clear congested sinuses when used in a bath, as a steam, or inhaled by placing a couple drops of oil on a Kleenex.

Never take essential oils internally, instead place a few drops in a humidifier or in a basin of hot water, then cover your head and inhale the fragrant vapors. Take care not to burn yourself on the water or hot steam. An almost forgotten home remedy, steaming is one of the best ways to treat upper respiratory infections and sinus congestion.

Some additional tips for reducing seasonal allergies, wheezing and sinus congestion:

1. Avoid dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream), which can increase the body’s mucous production.
2. Consume hot lemon drinks with a dash of cayenne pepper to help decrease excess mucous production.
3. Garlic and onions are useful medicinal foods for clearing up sinus congestion. Add them into ones daily diet.
4. Practice strengthening your lungs, by blowing up a balloon every day.
5. Begin using horseradish as a condiment in your foods to immediately clear up sinus congestion.
6. Dilute 2 tsp organic unpasturized apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 tsp honey and ¼ cup water and drink
3-4 times daily to help minimize symptoms of wheezing and tightening in the chest.
7. Avoid salt, dairy, corn, milk eggs, chocolate; foods high in fats, tartrazine (also known as FD&C yellow).
8. Frequent steaming with essential oils such as Eucalyptus or our popular Breath Essential Oil.
9. Yoga, deep breathing practices and singing is useful tonics for strengthening the lungs.

For health programs (and custom blended plant medicine) tailored to your specific health concerns, consider booking a clinic appointment.

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

After the festive holidays and an excess consumption of sugar and rich food, January and February are excellent times to focus on cleansing both internally and by reducing contact with environmental toxins.

1. Start your morning by drinking a large glass of room temperature water with 1 freshly squeezed organic lemon to activate the digestive juices.
2. Eat your greens! Vegetables are packed with anti cancer nutrients, their vitamin and antioxidant content are essential for immune system function, detoxification and the high fiber content will assist in lowering cholesterol and help keep the colon clean. Make it a goal to consume 4 -5 half cup servings of fresh vegetables daily.
3. Herbal Teas such as Red Clover, Nettle Leaf, Burdock Root, and Dandelion Leaf are known as alteratives or blood cleansers, which assist in the removal of waste matter from the bloodstream, kidneys and liver. Our herbal blend, Clean Green Herbal Tea is specially blended to support the function or the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system in removing impurities from the body.
4. Green tea assists the liver with detoxification, and helps to prevent the formation of carcinogens in the body, (such as the cancer promoting toxins from pesticides, nitrates in processed deli meats and benzopyrenes found in diesel fuel). To purchase organic green tea, click here.
5. Munch on seaweeds. Seaweeds help remove heavy metals from the body and assist in preventing damage from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
6. Raise your body temperature. A lowered body temperature can contribute to lowered immunity and an inability to overthrow viruses and bacteria. Regular use of Epsom salts added to bath water for a heating, relaxing soak. Epsom salts encourage sweating and subsequent elimination of waste matter through the skin. Hot yoga and seasoning your food with fresh ginger or cayenne pepper powder can also improve circulation.
7. Dry skin brushing: a natural vegetable bristle brush (avoid synthetic fibers or animal bristles), for use on dry skin, before showering. Skin brushing helps to remove dead skin cells and promotes detoxification by encouraging lymphatic drainage, accelerates the removal of waste matter from the body, and increases blood flow through the veins and back to the heart. How to skin brush: Begin brushing the extremities first, starting with the arms and feet, moving to the legs, hips and buttocks, and brush in a circular motion always moving towards the heart. Avoid brushing areas of varicose veins, rashes, open wounds, infection and over thin sensitive skin. Skin brushing is an invigorating way to begin the day and can be followed with a cool shower, or Epsom salt bath.
8. Populate main living areas with plants known to cleanse the air and detoxify the environment: aloe, spider plants, boston ferns, banana plants, english ivy, philodendrons are greens which specifically help to remove benzene and formaldehyde from a living space.
9. Decrease the use of plastics in your home and avoid using saran wrap or plastic containers in the microwave (instead use a glass plate), - or better yet, do not use the microwave at all. Plastics are constantly ‘gassing off’ emitting chemicals known as xenoestrogens, a group of toxic chemicals that mimic estrogen and are known to disrupt endocrine function. For more information, I recommend a well referenced article “Get Plastic Out Of Your Diet” written by Paul Goettlich, Nov 2003. which can be read through the clicking on the link.

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar offers numerous health benefits and has been used in traditional home remedies both topically and internally. After the fermentation and extraction process using organic apples, the end result is a vinegar loaded with trace minerals, beneficial enzymes, healthy bacteria and pectin.

Over time, it is common for the vinegar to form a “mother” ~ the name for the natural protein which forms from enzymatic activity on the natural bacteria in the unpasteurized vinegar. The presence of a “mother” in the vinegar ensures that the vinegar contains the live enzymes needed to aid various ailments. Shaking the bottle will help disperse the mother and it is safe to use and drink.

As non organic apples are heavily sprayed, ensure that the brand of Apple Cider Vinegar chosen uses only organic apples and is bottled in a dark container, as the presence of bright light causes the vinegar to oxidize and breaks down vital nutrients.

Some traditionally home remedies using Apple Cider Vinegar

• Used as a hair rinse after shampooing for healthy shiny hair, to help minimise dandruff and also used as a hair soak overnight to remove nits or lice from the hair shaft (shampoo out in the morning).
• Cold and flu prevention: 1-2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar diluted in warm water and ingested daily. Honey can be added to aid the bitter taste.
• Sore throat and an irritated cough: 1 teaspoon of Vinegar in 1 cup of water. Gargle and swallow. Repeat frequently throughout the day.
• Sinus congestion: Boil apple cider vinegar and use as a steam.
• The antiseptic properties makes this vinegar an excellent disinfectant wash for scrapes and wounds.
• May provide some relief from poison ivy and shingles when applied as a liniment or an external soak.
• Reputed to provide some relief from arthritis and bursitis and traditionally used long term to provide some relief from calcium deposits. It is thought that the acidic nature of the vinegar can help dissolve calcium deposited around the joints. Use as a topical application, soak a tea towel in apple cider vinegar and apply to the affected joint and dilute in water and drink internally.
• Sip, diluted in water before a meal to stimulate the digestive juices and enhance digestion.
• A delicious salad dressing, when combined with lemon, olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs.

Apple cider vinegar should not be ingested by persons dealing with digestive conditions casued from overacididity, ulcers or heartburn.

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Known as THE anti allergy supplement, Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in the white material beneath the peel of citrus fruits. Quercetin is the ideal supplement for individuals experiencing seasonal and chronic allergies and helps to inhibit the bodies manufacture and release of histamine, strengthen cell membranes and prevent the formation of other allergic compounds, which all contribute to the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

• An antioxidant and anti allergy remedy, used to minimize symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
• Quercetin can be used as a safe alternative to anti histamine drugs (and does not cause drowsiness) or can be used in conjunction with other treatment to strengthen the bodies natural resistance to allergies.
• Quercetin may benefit asthma suffers by suppressing two inflammatory mediators, histamine and leukotrienes.

Tips for using Quercetin:

Best taken with Bromelain, Pineapple or digestive enzymes for enhanced absorption and elevating its anti inflammatory effects.

Dosing for allergies and asthma suffers: The adult dose of Quercetin is at least 750-1000 mg of Quercetin taken in divided dosages throughout the day. To order Quercetin, click here: