How to Buy Apothecary Products

How to Buy Apothecary Products



An apothecary was traditionally a person who prescribed and sold herbal medical treatments. From the middle ages to the middle of the 20th century, people relied on apothecary shops for treatments for every type of ailment, from tetanus to tumors, from headaches to hair loss. Nowadays, at least in Western countries, apothecaries have largely been replaced by pharmacists who dispense manufactured drugs. Follow these steps to find out where you can still buy apothecary products today.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Valid credit card







Buy Apothecary Products Online




1


Decide what you're looking for. There's no government regulation of what the word "apothecary" means or what products they may sell. Some specialize in
beauty
products. Others sell teas or herbal treatments for illness.





2


Try searching for herbalists instead of apothecaries. Many people who sell herbal products don't use the word apothecary even though they're performing the same function that an apothecary would. You can also buy them from the "Spirit Apothecary Botanicals and Findings" Web site, which is just one of the thousands that sell apothecary products online (see Resources below).





3


Choose an apothecary who matches your belief system. Some have a spiritual emphasis, with links to Wiccan or Magickal Web sites. Others have no spiritual emphasis--only an interest in potent, safe herbal remedies.



Buy Apothecary Products Locally




1


Try your local Yellow Pages (available online, as well). "Apothecary" may or may not appear as a category. Try searching for "Herbs," "Health Foods" or "Nature Stores." The larger the city you live in, the more likely you are to find these kinds of businesses.





2


Call before you go. Apothecary and herbal stores have different specialties. Make sure they can help you before you travel to the store.





3


Ask questions when you arrive. Part of an apothecary's service is his or her knowledge about the wide variety of products offered, from beauty products to medicinal herbs to soothing teas. Apothecary products are often a little more expensive than drugstore products because they are not mass produced. Still, people who believe in natural health feel that they're worth it.





4


Learn more by reading articles at the "Old World Apothecary" Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










It's best to learn something about natural and herbal products before using them.








While apothecaries offer products for many conditions, it's best to see your doctor, if not the emergency room, if you start developing chest pains or any severe illness.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about the herbal medical treatments you undertake. Herbs can cause conflicts with prescription medicines. For example, some herbs render birth control pills ineffective.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033059_buy-apothecary-products.html

How to Build a Healthy Building for Non-Toxic Living

How to Build a Healthy Building for Non-Toxic Living



The non-toxic lifestyle requires a commitment to the total elimination of toxic influences from the home. Homeowners, apartment renters and office workers rarely think about the toxic effect that buildings have upon their health. However, there are a number of healthy building tips that help avoid seasonal allergies and asthmatic reactions. Follow these steps to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet capability




Budget for construction of new building







Find the Perfect Healthy Living Builder




1


Speak with neighbors and family about green building. These personal connections can often yield a recommendation for a friendly, relatively inexpensive contractor willing to work on a healthy building.





2


Consult with your local university, college or technical school. Speaking with architectural, construction and design professionals leads to a quick education and some vital contacts in the green building community.





3


Ask local contractors and construction companies about their flexibility in terms of materials used. Smaller companies that specialize in home building are often willing to use sustainable materials to gain better publicity and land another client.



Construct a Non-Toxic Building




1


Install small windows throughout the home or building, instead of a few banks of large windows. Circulation of fresh air sweeps away dust and allergens that build up quickly.





2


Build a central vacuum system into your new home. Clean living requires quality air, filtered throughout the house. Central vacuums are able to gather dust in one location in the house while exerting the same amount of suction in each room.





3


Prohibit the use of particle board or pressure-treated wood during the construction of your home. Particle board releases noxious formaldehyde fumes. Pressure-treated wood often has arsenic in it and can be lethal during removal or renovation down the road.





4


Learn more at the "U.S. Green Building Council" Web site (see Resources below). They offer a "Sustainable Building Technical Manual" that will be invaluable to those who haven't tried to build a green building or maintain a green construction site before.








Tips & Warnings










Consult with a variety of contractors, architectural firms and building professionals about healthy building options. One contractor's idea of healthy building may differ from others in the area. Don't be afraid to shop around on the GreenBuilder site to find the right contractor for you (see Resources below).








Set aside a sizable fund for constructing your new, non-toxic home. There are plenty of green and healthy building options out there. However, these options are often quite a bit more expensive than traditional construction methods. This is due to the low volume of healthy building materials on the market today.








Prepare your family for illnesses and allergic reactions that may come about due to natural building materials. These reactions can include labored breathing, rashes and stomach cramps. Consult your family physician to deal with short term symptoms and ways to make green living completely healthy.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033092_build-healthy-building.html

How to Brew Chinese Medicinal Tea

How to Brew Chinese Medicinal Tea



Herbs have been used for centuries by the Chinese as primary treatments for all types of illnesses. Today, traditional Chinese medicine is practiced all over the world. The tried and true ancient remedies that employ a creative and knowledgeable use of herbs are often just as effective and sometimes safer than modern medicine. There are hundreds of herbs that are regularly employed in traditional Chinese medicine and it's always best to consult a trained professional before attempting to treat a serious illness or complicated set of symptoms. For simple concerns, brew teas with
Chinese herbs
to relieve aches, pains and anxiety.









1


Identify the physical ailment or set of ailments you wish to treat.





2


Consult a professional practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine for guidance as to which herb or combination of herbs works best as a tea to relieve your symptoms. In lieu of a professional, consult an encyclopedia of Chinese medicine or log onto the Internet and do your own research as to which herbs are traditionally used to treat the symptoms you have.





3


Obtain the herbs you need either from a health food store, from a licensed herbalist or order the herbs online. Find commonly-used Chinese herbs at your local Asian food market.





4


Brew medicinal tea from the herbs you selected. Place the recommended amount of herbs into a glass or ceramic cooking pot. Add water until the herbs are covered. Cover the pot and let the herbs soak overnight.





5


Add more water if necessary to make sure the herbs are covered. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the herbs simmer for 30 minutes. This is your first batch of tea.






6


Strain the tea into a glass container. Replace the herbs. Add more water to cover them. Bring the herbs and water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes.





7


Pour the second batch of tea into the same glass container with the first batch and discard the used herbs.





8


Drink only the prescribed or recommended amount at one time and wait until the tea has cooled to a tepid temperature. Drink the tea without any additives such as honey, sugar, milk or creamer. These substances will interfere with the medicinal properties of the herbs.





9


Keep your brewed tea in the refrigerator and heat your next dose to a tepid temperature before drinking. Do not let the tea come to a boil.








Tips & Warnings










The following are a few of the herbs traditionally brewed into medicinal teas and the ailments they address. Chrysanthemum reduces fever and aids in the prevention of liver damage; Lemon grass calms the mind and body;
Catnip
calms the mind and body; Ginger eases cold symptoms, flu symptoms, menstrual cramps and nausea;
Rosemary
eases cold symptoms, headaches, stimulates the liver and improves circulation; Licorice root eases coughs, sore throat, menstrual pains and aids in digestion; Ginseng energizes the body; Thyme has antiseptic properties, eases sore throats and coughs, and improves the immune system; Rose hips and hibiscus are often brewed together to ease headaches; Sage calms, improves digestion and relieves coughs and congestion.








Herbs are often used in various combinations to increase the tea's effectiveness. Follow the instructions you receive from your licensed practitioner, Chinese apothecary or encyclopedia of Chinese medicine when using more than one herb at a time.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2050601_brew-chinese-herb-medicinal-tea.html

How to Boost Afternoon Energy Without Caffeine

How to Boost Afternoon Energy Without Caffeine



Many of us feel the urge to snooze by the time 3 p.m. rolls around, but we still have a few hours left at work. You can ensure all-day energy and give yourself an energy boost without caffeine jitters.









1


Make sure you're getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night.





2


Understand that boredom, frustration, and other negative emotions can sap our energy and lead to lethargy.





3


Take a walk in the afternoon. Exercise is a natural energy booster.





4


Take regular breaks away from your computer. Instead of e-mailing your coworker, get up and walk to their desk.





5


Try ginseng, which, over time, can help dispel fatigue.





6


For more immediate results, try cordyceps or ashwaganda, both of which are prized energy enhancers. Look for standardized extracts in capsule or tablet form, and follow dosages recommended on the products.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2116122_boost-energy-afternoon-caffeine.html

How to Benefit from the Alexander Technique

How to Benefit from the Alexander Technique



The Alexander Technique is a method of re-education aimed at ridding the body of tension that inhibits fluid physical activity and leads to pain. The Alexander Technique is said to foucs on regaining body balance and solving a range of problems, including poor posture, difficult movement, pain and repetitive stress issues, through increased self awareness and eliminating movement habits.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access









1


Read about the Alexander Technique in "The Use of the Self." You can purchase it on the Amazon Web site (see Resources below).





2


Stand in front of a full-length mirror and observe your body, focusing mostly on your head's alignment with the rest of your body.





3


Watch yourself talk, walk and move your limbs in a mirror and notice how your head's alignment with your neck and torso changes as you do so.





4


Think about what you see when you look in the mirror and how it relates to what you are feeling.





5


Focus on mentally instructing your neck to be free on your body, allowing your head to benefit from movements that are smooth, delicate and without tension.





6


Try changing the alignment of your head and its relationship with your body as you do normal things, like talking, standing, walking and lifting your arms.





7


Notice how changing the alignment of your head affects your body movements and how you feel. Also, note changes in your breathing.





8


Concentrate on freeing your neck as you perform your daily activities.





9


Learn more about how you can benefit from the Alexander Technique by visiting the American Society for the Alexander Technique Web site (see Resources below). On this Web site, you'll find more information about the technique, book and
DVD
suggestions and teacher contact details.








Tips & Warnings










Learning about the Alexander Technique and applying it to your life can be fairly inexpensive. You can start on your own, without paying for classes. If you wish, you can seek the help of a teacher later.








Though the Alexander Technique is said to help with many types of pain, it is not meant to cure diseases. If you are suffering from a serious ailment or are in severe, undiagnosed pain, seek the help of a doctor immediately.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031386_benefit-alexander-technique.html

How to Use Green Fashion

How to Use Green Fashion



What does it mean to be green in the fashion world? It doesn't mean go out and buy all new organic clothing. It is about the well-known slogan: reduce, reuse, recycle. And of course, shopping locally and choosing quality (materials) over quantity is the greenest of them all.







Things You'll Need:





A shopping tote or your own reusable shopping bag



A little extra cash flow for quality materials and brands







Shop Vintage




Step
1



One of the best ways to shop green is to shop at vintage stores. Buying vintage clothing saves the bag, the tag and the shipping overseas. Why is vintage shopping considered green? A product that was made five, ten, even fifty years ago costs nothing to the environment today. And probably if it was made 50 years ago and is a reputable brand, it is made of higher quality materials, such as wool or fertilizer-free cotton.




Step
2



Vintage stores can usually be found locally. When you are shopping at a nearby boutique, you are being green. Why? You are walking, not using a car, you are carrying a tote, not using a plastic bag and you are purchasing an already used item (that covers the reduce, reuse and recycle element mentioned above).




Step
3



Not only are vintage stores grand, but resale shopping in the right location is another green option. There are resale stores in Chicago, where socialites (even Oprah) drop off their once-worn Burberry clothing. You can buy high quality, low cost (and low waste) items. Even check out Goodwill or Plato’s Closet. At Plato’s Closet you can trade in your clothing for other clothing items or sell them for cash.




Step
4



Shop on eBay. Searching for a Michael Kors purse or BCBG dress? eBay has it all. But be careful—check from where items are shipped and make sure they are either vintage items or high quality items—not knock offs.




Step
5



Go to auctions. Look for local postings of auction locations,
dates
and times. Check out Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago.


Shop Quality Fabrics




Step
1



Another great way to maximize your Green Fashion is by purchasing quality products over quantity. This is hard, since you will have to sacrifice synthetic fabrics for higher quality (and higher cost) materials. But who wants to wear acrylic anyway?




Step
2



Choose cashmere, linen and silk. Linen is the most eco-friendly and is typically affordable. Be sure to read the labels, as linen can sometimes be bleached or dyed. Stick to earth-friendly tones. When choosing cashmere or silk, choose high-quality brands over mass-marketed labels. It's better to have one or two cashmere than twenty polyester sweaters.




Step
3



When choosing cotton, choose only organic cotton products. If not organic, cotton is filled with pesticides. Cyanide, dicofol and naled are a few of the fertilizers used on cotton fields (and are cancer-causing agents!).




Step
4



Read the labels for not only fabric listings but also how to wash. If it is dry clean only, choose an eco-friendly cleaner. Washing by hand is great and hanging to dry is even better (and keeps your clothes looking new longer).







Tips & Warnings









No matter where you go or what you buy, bring OWN bag!



http://www.ehow.com/how_2282644_use-green-fashion-.html

How to Use Gold Energy

How to Use Gold Energy



Gold has been a source of mystic power for millennia. Like silver, gold will balance the energy systems of the body, but in a more warming way. Where silver reflects the moon, gold harnesses the energy of the sun. Gold jewelry doesn't usually contain enough pure gold to be an effective healing tool. Here is how to harness gold's power.







Things You'll Need:





Gold



Other warming minerals



Small bag or pouch (optional)







How to Use Gold Energy




Step
1



Gold surrounded by clear quartz points makes an excellent amulet to keep near the heart chakra for attracting love and wealth.




Step
2



Gold gem essence is a valuable tool for healing when placed on chakra points or at painful areas of the body.




Step
3



Gold pairs especially well with precious gems, such as emerald, diamond and ruby. It is strong enough to partner with them and increase their energies, while making its own contribution.




Step
4



For easier handling, attach small pieces of Gold to thin slices of Quartz using beeswax.







Tips & Warnings









Gold, adularia and labradorite are natural partners.








Try combining these minerals in bracelets or necklaces.








Combine pieces in a pouch and wear them, or just tuck them in your pocket.








22-karat Gold is the purest you are likely to find in jewelry. Its purity makes it stronger for energy use, but it also makes the metal softer. Be careful with any stones set in 22-karat Gold.








Some people are more sensitive to mineral energy. Watch your reactions when you use these stones.








If you experience anxiety or restlessness, or physical symptoms like nausea, you may want to cut back your exposure.








If you are sensitive, try using only single stones, and not combinations.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2222827_use-gold-energy.html