Aromatherapy For Children: A Parent’s Guide To Essential Oils
Our fast-paced lifestyles often leave little time for taking care of our children as well as we’d like. Often, we find ourselves compromising between what would be the healthiest options and what’s most convenient.
Fortunately, aromatherapy offers both; pure, effective natural medicines with simple, easy-to-use methods. The only time required is learning a little about a select group of essential oils, what they do and how to use them. Here’s a quick review of five important oils commonly used with children and infants, and some ideas on how to use them most effectively.
There are several easy methods to utilize natural essential oils with children. These include topical application via caring touch massage; direct application to wounds; inhalation from cloth (like clothing or a pillowcase); room sprays and diffusers; and the all-purpose aromatherapy bath. The key difference in using essential oils with children, compared to adults, is that children will need smaller amounts of oil for the same effect. Certain oils are not recommended for use with little ones at any time; peppermint, most eucalyptus varieties, and red thyme, for example, are considered too strong. If in doubt about any oil consult a knowledgeable practitioner or reputable text.
The dosages and dilutions used for children are generally significantly lower than those used with adults. Dilutions for caring touch massage can start as low as 1 drop per ounce of carrier (hazelnut is excellent for most applications) for newborns, moving up approximately 1 drop per year, within a range of about 3 drops per ounce. For example, a massage blend for a four year old might contain anywhere from 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce, depending on the oil and the child. Oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Vanilla are exceptionally gentle ? more could be used without worry. An oil like Rose, while wonderful for children, is fairly potent, and using a little less may be prudent. The child’s weight and overall condition can also be considered; a larger child may use a dilution at the higher end of the range; also a child in a weakened state should use a little lower concentration.
By now you might be wondering “which oils should I be using?” We’ll start with vanilla…Everyone loves vanilla, right? It turns out that babies especially respond well to the comforting sweet aroma. A therapeutic grade vanilla can be a little more costly than most other oils, but the amount you need is only measured in a few drops. Vanilla, being so gentle, can be used in concentrations of up to 1% (that’s 10 drops per ounce of carrier). Really all that’s needed is a hint of the aroma for it to work wonders. I’ve received reports of children being instantly calmed by a gentle vanilla massage, then immediately asking for more!
Another highly regarded oil for relieving stressful moments is Roman Chamomile. Roman Chamomile is premier oil calming little ones over two years of age, particularly for traumatic moments. A drop or two of Chamomile can be massaged undiluted into the solar plexus for quick effect. For an aromatic bath, first blend the appropriate number of drops as noted above into one tablespoon of carrier oil. Pour this in the water once the tub is full to prevent the aroma from evaporating too quickly. Roman Chamomile is a wonderful ingredient for an aroma mist; just add 5-10 drops per cup of water in a spray bottle, shake well then mist the air.
Lavender essential oil is also highly regarded for its soothing qualities, along with a host of other healing actions. Lavender oil has been called ?a medicine chest in a bottle’, as it is anti-inflammatory (good for small burns ? apply directly as needed), relieves pain and supports wound healing. Clinical studies have proven Lavender oil’s effectiveness for improving sleep. Mix in a two-to-one ratio with Chamomile oil for a synergistic combination. Apply one drop of this blend to the pillow at nap or night time. Lavender works well in a bath, too. Additionally, Lavender can be mixed in equal parts with Tea Tree oil to add a soothing quality to Tea Tree’s antiseptic action. Really, every parent should have a bottle of Lavender on hand.
When sour moods are in need of a lift, citrus oils supply the aromas of choice. Tangerine and Sweet Orange are especially liked, and Mandarin has a certain calming effect not found in any other oil. Citrus oils are often cold-pressed from the peels of the fruit; these can be mildly irritating to the skin. Stick to using these in room sprays or diffusers. Steam distilled citrus oils, often made from the leaves or flowers of the citrus trees (like Neroli, Petitgrain, or Mandarin Petitgrain ? an especially nice oil for young ones) can safely be used in topical applications like massages and baths. All these oils are known as antidepressants, and might just lift your mood as well as your child’s (not to terrible of a side effect!)
Finally, there’s Tea Tree essential oil. Tea Tree is highly regarded as a natural antiseptic for cuts and scrapes. Tea Tree oil can still be a little strong for the younger ones if applied directly; blend with Lavender as noted above for these cases. A few drops of the Tea Tree and Lavender blend can be added to a warm bowl of water for an effective, soothing wash for cuts and scrapes. Also, a natural antiseptic spray can be mixed and used as needed. Use two ounce of pure water and one half ounce of rubbing alcohol. To this, add 8 drops each of Chamomile and Lavender, plus 12 drops Tea Tree; shake before each use. This Australian wonder oil has many further applications; every household should have a little stashed away.
This is just a quick overview on caring for children with essential oils. Once you get started, you’re likely to find these and other oils are a safe, effective means to naturally support your child’s health and happiness. As your knowledge and experience grows, you’ll find there are aromatherapy remedies for many common childhood ailments. In much of the rest of the world, essential oils are considered potent medicines, deserving a place in everyone’s medicine chest. There are many great books on aromatherapy, with loads of information and recipes to get you started. Just remember, when using essential oils with children start slowly, and with small amounts; their response to certain oils and concentrations will likely tell you about the oil’s effectiveness. When used with care and respect, essential oils can become a much appreciated part of your natural health and wellness lifestyle.
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The author is a natural wellness professional with degrees in Naturopathy, Herbology and Iridology. She regularly uses reflexology in her practice, which demands the use of the highest grades of therapeutic essential oils.
Aromatherapy Massage: Natural Touch Into The Mind And Body
When you can?t help but running and facing all the hazards of daily rat-race, sometimes you may feel that a good massage could have been the best thing to battle the health-hazard.
You need something cooling and refreshing and that?s it?aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy massage is what is done with a natural touch. Gentle and soft human touches blended with natural elements are soaked into your mind and body in aromatherapy massage and this makes a raft of benefit here.
In aromatherapy massage, it is the essential oil that makes the mirth. This is used to resurrect your spirit and to lead you towards a healthy life ahead. Essential oil is not merely any oil. It is extracted from the nature itself, from different herbs and plants. So, you can go through an aromatherapy message session to refresh yourself with natural essence. Use it to stimulate the feelings of your beau and feel the difference.
However, it is the massage part that makes the most effect in aromatherapy massage. It is kind of a full body massage giving special treatment to certain parts of the body. When you go through the aromatherapy massage session, your body sucks the natural benefits mixed with the essential oils and let you feel relaxed. While the massage is on, you inhale the fragrance and take in some portions of the essential oil that is vapourised in the air. This makes a refreshing aura around.
The soft and gentle rubbing relaxes your blood-veins in aromatherapy massage and you get a feeling unmatched. It makes your blood circulation smoother and that makes the effect.
You can use aromatherapy massage on your new born baby to nourish its growing muscles better and to make his joints stronger. The massage on new born babies, however, is to be soft enough. It should soft also on any part of the body of a grown person too. Particularly, try to avoid pressing on previous injuries.
However, every time, be sure to use the best diluted blend of aromatherapy essential oils while going through the massage or doing aromatherapy massage. There are recipes available in the market. The most basic blend says that you are to put 10 drops of different well diluted essential oils and one ounce of career oil, the that of sweet almond oil. Lemon or lavender is particularly good for stress-relief while you can use eucalyptus and peppermint to heal your sore-muscles. Jasmine makes your love life better with its sweet fragrance spread around to make a romantic aura. Use of aromatherapy massage in fact, gives you all round satisfaction. It adds pleasure and curbs your tension. It?s all about a heavenly touch of the nature.
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Mercy Dorson is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with various researches on rare species plants. To find Aromatherapy Massage, essential oils, aromatherapy, oils visit www.essentialoils-and-aromatherapy.com/
Arthrits & Strong Bones
Do your have arthritis? Or think you might? Over 90 MILLION people in the United States have arthritis. That is one person in 3 people are suffering every day, 24 hours a day.
As I was for 43 years. It has now been 27 years of being without arthritis.
The reason for this is that your cells are crying for vitamins and vitamins.
As Linus Pauling, 2 time winner of the Nobel Peace Prize said… “Every ailment, every systems and every disease can be traced to vitamin and mineral deficiency.”
Practically everyone knows how important calcium is to bone health, but there’s another mineral that is equally critical, albeit in lesser amounts — potassium. In fact, I’ve heard about a number of research studies recently focused on the connection between potassium and bone health, so word is getting out. The most recent study, from the University of Basel, Switzerland, showed that a group of postmenopausal women with low bone density had, on average, a 1 increase in bone density achieved by the women in the Swiss study is considered significant, especially because it affected the hips and spine — two areas especially vulnerable to fracture. Though the study used potassium citrate supplements, it is possible, as Dr. Brown points out, to get what you need from dietary sources.
You can achieve the AI of 4,700 mg per day by including 13 one-half cup servings of fruits, vegetables and legumes in your daily food intake.
Admittedly, 13 sounds like a lot, but a large salad, for example, is four to six servings, a large apple is two. Those, plus a banana (440 mg, about one-and-a-half fruit servings) for an afternoon snack, and a baked potato at dinner along with a green vegetable and other vegetables, bring you easily to the goal of 4,700 mg.
Once again, I want to emphasize that if you decide to take potassium citrate supplements anyway, it is important to do so under the direction of a health-care professional who is well-versed in potassium needs and balance, such as a naturopathic physician or nutritionist. Potassium levels can be monitored by a simple blood test to be sure that you are getting neither too little, nor too much.
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Margie Garrison is an authority on the treatment of arthritis. Visit her websites for more natural health help and information at www.yoursuccesslinks.com and www.cureyourarthritis.com/VHC
Alternative Medicines And Reiki - Magic Touch
The magic touch of Reiki was once only available in a few places, namely Hawaii and Japan. Although telepathic Reiki or distance healing could be practiced anywhere and could help people or animals in other places, a visit with a Master required most people to make a long trip.
Today, the magic touch of Reiki is available in cities throughout the United States and in many other countries, including Japan, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and parts of India and Africa.
Just the vast spread of the healing therapy is indicative of its effectiveness. Clinics and practitioners would not be in business for long if they were illusionists or charlatans. Researchers and scientists may not understand ?how? it works, but they have theories.
Practitioners have differing viewpoints concerning the spiritual nature and origin of telepathic Reiki. Scientists are not currently delving into that area of the practice, but, in the United States, national organizations are sponsoring research into the ?magic? touch of Reiki.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a division of the US National Institutes of Health. The Center is dedicated to investigating alternative and complementary therapies like telepathic Reiki and other forms of Reiki therapy.
Currently the Center is sponsoring research concerning the effectiveness of Reiki in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a painful condition for which there is no known cure. The Center is also investigating how the magic touch of Reiki may affect the well-being and quality of life in people with advanced AIDS.
In the area of prostate cancer, the Center is looking at the effects of Reiki on the progression of the disease. In addition, there has been some research concerning how Reiki affects anxiety in people who have prostate cancer.
In the area of diabetes, the Center is evaluating the possibility that Reiki can help control blood sugar levels, improve heart function and reduce the pain from nerve damage. Since, the magic touch of Reiki cannot currently be studied in a laboratory setting, clinical studies are necessary.
Creating scientifically well-designed studies is difficult, since a Reiki practitioner would know whether or not he or she was ?tapping into? the universal life force energy. One aspect of scientific studies is the ?blinding? of administrators and recipients, so that neither knows whether they are receiving an active compound or a placebo (inactive compound). In Reiki studies, ?blinding? is nearly impossible.
The Center is not currently sponsoring research concerning telepathic Reiki or distance healing. Accepting the effectiveness of telepathic Reiki must really be a matter of ?faith?.
Although Reiki healers come from all religions and all walks of life, they do share the common belief that there is a flow of energy in and around every living thing. Some call it ki or chi. Others call it the universal life force.
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Read out Natural herbs . Also check out for pregnancy diet and aloe vera capsule
Alternative Therapies For Long Term Health
Alternative therapies have been described as one of the ranges of systems of healing or treating disease not included in the traditional medical curricula taught in Europe and America.
Sometimes alternative therapy practices are based on belief systems. Alternative therapies usually incorporate spiritual, metaphysical and religious foundations, sometime untested practices or newly developed approaches to healing are also included. Alternative therapy is generally safe and effective. Conventional practitioners have adopted it and it is no longer considered as alternative therapy. Alternative therapies are commonly categorized together with complementary medicine under the term ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM for short).
Some critics say that some of the fields of alternative therapy are not scientific. Jurisdictions also differ concerning the legality of the branches of alternative therapy. Numerous supporters of alternative therapy strongly disagree with the limitations extended by the government agencies that approve medical treatments. India, home of several alternative systems of medicines, has already recognized many of the alternative therapies. Many people make use of conventional medicine for diagnosis, while turning actually to alternative therapies. The studies show that most people use alternative therapies with conventional medicines. Increasing numbers of medical colleges? world over have begun offering courses in alternative medicine. The most common CAM therapies used were the prayer, herbalism, breathing meditation, meditation, chiropractic medicine, yoga, body work, diet-based therapy, progressive relaxation, mega-vitamin therapy and Visualization.
The practice of using complementary medicine collectively with conventional medicine is known as integrative medicine. Alternative therapies include herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, Alexander technique, Bach and other flower remedies, massage, hypnotherapy, shiatsu, ayurvedic medicine, nutritional medicine, yoga, anthroposophical medicine, spiritual healing, iridology, kinesiology, meditation and others.
It is advisable for patients to inform their doctor when they are using alternative therapies, because some treatments may interact with conventional medical treatments, and such possible clash should be investigated in the interest of the patient. However, many patients are usually unwilling to share this information with their doctors since they fear it will hurt their doctor-patient relationship. However not informing their conventional doctor can sometimes cause harm.
Many critics of alternative therapy claim that people have been hurt or killed directly from various alternative therapies or the subsequent avoidance of conventional medicine which they consider unnecessary.
It may be very surprising to learn that many of the prescription drugs are now being tagged as dangerous for human health, there is a big problem posed by people’s attitude in using the alternative remedies, the problem is not in those remedies themselves, but in the way people like to use them to address their health challenges.
In other words people generally come to the alternative therapy searching for that magic pill to cure them with a snap of finger, as the conventional prescription drugs do not offer cure usually, instead they only help to suppress the symptoms for the time being. Vast majority of chronic diseases are caused by the lifestyle adapted by the patients themselves. Usually patients are asking for a magic herb to cure their symptom. If they have pain, they want a pill that will eliminate the pain. The problem with patients is that they fail to recognize the internal cause of their pain, or they fail to take ownership of their role in creating the disease they are expressing.
This is extremely frustrating for practitioners of alternative therapies. Because therapists want to help patients, but most patients really aren’t looking for long-term solutions or the cure, what they’re actually looking for is short-term masking of their symptoms, using products that they can call natural. There is a huge challenge before the therapist and that is educating patients. However, most patients aren’t looking to be educated. They don’t want to change their lifestyle, and they don’t want to have to do anything that’s too uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Alternative medicine is not better than conventional medicine if the patient treats it as a temporary cover up for a set of symptoms that they have created in their life through their reluctance to change that lead to long term health goals.
Alternative therapies really can do wonders for you, if you turn to them whole heartedly and follow them religiously for a long term cure of your problems. One more thing to be certain of is proper accreditation of the therapist but this does not always guarantee the expertise.
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Leanne Kemp is the Managing Director for Wotaboutme. Look online to find a day spa, haircut, aromatherapy massage anywhere in Australia. Perfect for gifts for him or gifts for her. For updates, check out the Wotaboutme Blog
Alternative Medicines And Organic Medicines
There are an increasing number of consumers becoming concerned about the chemical ingredients found in their products. The demand for organic products is growing because more people are choosing a healthier lifestyle.
Today, it is becoming much easier to include organics in everyday life.
A Toxic Environment
Chemicals found in manufactured foods, personal care products, industrial agriculture foods, and chemically treated water, have been linked to many health problems. Chemical ingestion, inhalation, and absorption into the body have shown to increase birth defects, rates of cancer, neurological conditions, and behavioral and developmental problems in children.
New evidence also shows pesticides in a woman’s bloodstream can be passed to a fetus in the womb. Most of these toxic chemicals are so cheap that they are used in very high concentrations in many personal care products. Industrial agriculture use excessive amounts of water, power, and industrial chemicals which has increased soil, water, and atmosphere contamination. Herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and animal waste are accumulating in ground and surface waters.
Benefits of Buying Organic
Eating an organic diet decreases chemical and pesticide exposure. Organic farming eliminates the use of chemical additives and the produce is high in nutrients, low in nitrates, and free of artificial preservatives. The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and all of its creatures. Organic based ingredients contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients. Using organic products such as skin care products can help you take better care of your skin.
The Salt Factor
Table salt is different from salt from natural sources such as the ancient Himalayan salt mines. Table salt has been processed to remove most of the natural elements. Grocery store salt consists of mostly chemical sodium chloride. If the sodium chloride is too high, re-crystallization of the table salt takes place. It poisons the system because those substances cannot be eliminated. A natural salt like Himalayan sea salt can provide good health. It also eliminates from your body so there is no toxic build up. Natural Himalayan sea salt contains up to 84 natural minerals.
Great Things Come In Small Batches
Handmade organic products are carefully made with the body and environment in mind. Handmade products have no artificial ingredients and unnecessary chemicals normally used to produce colour, fragrance, and texture. When using these products every day in your bath or shower, you receive the benefit of naturally helping to protect yourself from disease. Natural anti-bacterial action is gentler and more holistic than chemical anti-bacterial action. A person can be exposed to many bacterial infections and viruses. Hand made organics help to protect the body naturally. There many benefits when using organic body care products. It leaves the body feeling clean and soft. They contain natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. As well, they are free of chemicals, petroleum-based products, and artificial fragrances.
Economic Benefits
By complying with social and environmental standards, fair trade organizations such as the 100% natural cottage industry crafters, further an equitable and sustainable structure of production and trade that benefits people and their communities. They support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers. Fair Trade Organizations link low-income producers with consumer markets as well as educating the public about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products. They provide resources and networking opportunities for its members. As well, members are screened for their full commitment to fair trade.
Building a Brighter Future
By choosing organic products, you are supporting a sustainable, chemical free world and providing a healthier and cleaner planet for our children.
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Read out Natural herbs . Also check out for pregnancy diet and aloe vera capsule
Asthma And Acid Reflux - How It Makes It Worse
Dear Friend,
Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the airways become inflamed causing wheezing, and difficulty breathing. People that suffer from Asthma generally have a very sensitive airway that can become irritated very easily.
Did you know that asthma and acid reflux are a bad combination?
There has been a fair bit of research done relating to asthma and acid reflux which shows that asthma symptoms will get worse when acid reflux or heartburn is present. Acid reflux is a result of undigested content in the stomach.
Acid reflux can result in painful heartburn which you can be treated with several antacid medicines. Antacids will neutralize your stomach acid to reduce the burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus tube. Since asthma and acid reflux are a bad combination it is important that you deal with the acid reflux.
The older we get and the more overweight we are the more likely it is we will suffer from acid reflux. That said it does happen in all types of people, even children. There is some interesting research that indicates asthma and acid reflux are related. That those who have asthma are much more likely to suffer from acid reflux, likely a result of pressure changes in the chest.
Most asthma sufferers complain of early morning awakenings. That is between 2 AM to 6 AM is the worse time for asthmatics. Mainly due to our bodies natural regulatory system called, “Circadian Clock”. Researchers have determined that our bodies natural low point during a 24 hour period for lung capacity is between 2-4 AM.
Asthma and acid reflux sufferers get hit twice. They must deal with their asthma and reflux. But as we mentioned before it’s not a good mix so rather than attempting over the counter remedies you should seek help from your doctor.
Luck of the draw has left you suffering from asthma and acid reflux but the good news is there are medications and treatments so see your doctor - don’t delay!
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www.asthmaportal.net offers real world asthma information for real people. We’ve got tons of content all about asthma. There’s nothing there to buy just real information for real people, so check out www.asthmaportal.net
Alternatives For Hormone Replacement Therapy
Do alternatives for hormone replacement therapy exist? Yes! Available alternatives for hormone replacement therapy are of two primary forms - synthetic therapy and natural hormone replacement therapy.
The synthetic hormone replacement therapy drugs are not the same as natural hormones that occur in the body. Since substances occurring naturally cannot be patented, drug companies alter the molecular structure and create new substances that are patentable and therefore protected for business purposes. Examples are Premarin, Prempro and Provera - these synthetic drugs are different in their molecular structure from the estrogens and progesterone found in the human body.
But alternatives for hormone replacement therapy using synthetic drugs may not treat your symptoms of menopause safely! And the problem with synthetic drugs is - since they are different from what occurs naturally in the human body, the body treats them differently, and the result is often harmful side effects. Synthetic hormone replacement therapy risks may exceed the benefits based on numerous clinical trials such as the Women’s Health Initiative studies!
On the other hand, natural alternatives for hormone replacement therapy use natural estrogen and/or natural progesterone hormones. Natural hormones are also referred to as bioidentical hormones. Using safer natural alternatives for hormone replacement therapy is recommended by numerous physicians since the body is able to receive, use and eliminate the natural hormones as needed. Most women may not need synthetic drugs with related side effects to regain health and eliminate symptoms of hormone imbalance.
The two primary hormones for a woman are estrogen and progesterone. Both are needed to function normally and for good health. In a healthy woman and normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is the main hormone produced for the first 10-12 days following the previous menstrual flow. With ovulation, the body begins producing progesterone that continues for the next 12 days or so. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels will drop at around day 28 and menstruation begins. However, if there is no ovulation, progesterone will not be produced by the body that cycle. This event is called an annovulatory cycle, and it is happens frequently today for women in their thirties and forties - no ovulation and no progesterone.
What this means is the woman will be deficient in progesterone with an excess of estrogen, which will likely result in symptoms of hormone imbalance. Progesterone balances or opposes many actions of estrogen. Without suitable progesterone in the body, symptoms of hormone imbalance will likely be experienced. The symptoms of hormone imbalance can be signs that your body isn?t getting the support it needs.
If the woman has had a hysterectomy, surgical menopause means the body produces little or no progesterone, creating hormone imbalance. And in postmenopausal women, the production of progesterone ceases as ovulation no longer happens. However, estrogen production will still be 40 to 60 percent of what it once was even after menopause.
How does a woman know more about appropriate natural alternatives for hormone replacement therapy? One way is to work with a naturopathic doctor who is schooled and trained in both conventional medicine and natural alternative medicine. If you are currently on synthetic HRT and want to change to natural HRT, you should consult with doctors experienced in the use of natural hormone replacement therapy. Naturopathic physicians are medical doctors that work to restore and support the body’s systems by using medicines and techniques that are in harmony with natural body processes. A naturopathic physician will prefer treatments which keep harmful side effects risks at a minimum.
Another way is to take the online hormone health test provided by a leading women’s health clinic. The online test takes just a few minutes and is free. Find out more about your health, symptoms, what the symptoms may be telling you and what to do about it based on your answers to important questions. And read more about hormone imbalance and physician-recommended natural alternatives for hormone replacement therapy.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
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Read more about natural progesterone at www.safemenopausesolutions.com/naturalprogesterone.html as well as estrogen alternatives for hormone replacement therapy. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of www.safemenopausesolutions.com which is a website of natural health articles and resources.
