The Herbal Legacy: WILLOW BARK

How WILLOW BARK works:  

Willow bark has a natural content of salicylic acid, which removes old and dead skin cells from your face and body; it helps your body make way for new and fresh skin cells.  Willow bark also offers anti-inflammatory properties, helping your body relieve swelling and sensitivity.   Willow bark helps your body improve the following skin conditions: dry, dull or lacking moisture. 

WILLOW BARK Native Roots:

• Native Americans used several varieties of the willow; they wove baskets with willow, used willow for pain and reducing fever. 

• The white willow bark was chewed by Native Americans to reduce fevers and relieve headache, white willow bark contains tannins, which are actually good for the digestion.

• The framework of the vapor-bath or sweat-lodge of the Native Americans was made of willow poles, bent and tied with their bark.

• For some Native Americans the willow was mystically connected with the departure of the spirit from the body at death; willow twigs had certain uses in funeral rites.

A Native American Herbal Legacy:

 

Long ago, before medical technology was available, pioneer doctors relied on Native American knowledge of nature to treat illness. Our ancestors freely shared their healing knowledge of plants, roots and berries with early settlers. In fact, Native American herbal treatments were so effective; many have been refined into present day medicine for your health and wellness.  

WILLOW BARK is a Native American legacy herb that is widely used today for your health benefit.  You will find willow bark extract in Sister Sky's White Willow: lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. We hope you found this post an insightful blend of education and history.

Wishing you wellness.  -The Sisters of Sister Sky

 

Exercise and Morphine?

Consider This High

Alvina Begay, Navajo/Dine, Nike N7 Ambassador for Indian Country

Improved self-esteem is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.

Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as "euphoric." That feeling, known as a "runner's high," can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.

Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. They are manufactured in your brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of your body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neuron receptors endorphins bind to are the same ones that bind some pain medicines. However, unlike with morphine, the activation of these receptors by the body's endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.

Regular exercise has been proven to:

• Reduce stress
• Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
• Boost self-esteem
• Improve sleep

Exercise also has these added health benefits:

• It strengthens your heart.
• It increases energy levels.
• It lowers blood pressure.
• It improves muscle tone and strength.
• It strengthens and builds bones.
• It helps reduce body fat.
• It makes you look fit and healthy.

"Go get your endorphines today!" - Marina

Source:  WEBMd