The holidays are a time of giving to the ones we love. Each year we fret over what to give people, because we want to give them something meaningful and useful. This year you have an opportunity to give your loved ones the gift of health.

The greatest gift people can receive is wellness; health of body, mind and spirit. Are there people you know, family and friends, for whom my care could make a difference between suffering or enjoying life? Perhaps you know someone with arthritis, headaches, fatigue, hormone problems, digestive issues, allergies, weight problems etc.

We all know that we need regular supplies of macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fats. However when it comes to our micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, enzymes and trace elements, we often disregard their importance or think that we get enough from the foods we eat. It would be great if we could get all the micronutrients from our foods, but the nutritional quality of our food has been steadily decreasing. Our society has grown accustom to its prepackaged, preserved, available year round foods that are often lacking the vital micronutrients needed to maintain good health.

Most mornings my breakfasts consist of a smoothie. It is my way of getting in some of the supplements I know I should be taking, but do not always wish to take in capsule form. I change the smoothies by using different fruits and variations on the ingredients. This recipe will give you enough smoothie for two people

Ingredients:

After a busy hectic day, I enjoy adding Lavender oil to my bath to help calm and relax me. Lavender oil is for external use only and it not only helps calms the mind but it can also help to calm muscle pain and headaches. The oil can be used as a natural insect repellent when placed on clothes, skin or in the garden.

Indications:
Sore throat or any inflammation of the throat, neck pain, ear infection, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infection, coughs, sinus infections, and many more.

What you need:
- 1 pair cotton socks
- 1 pair thick wool socks
- Towel
- Warm bath or warm foot bath
- Cold water

8. Keep the alcoholic drinks to a minimum - one 6 oz glass of red wine has been found to be good for your heart. Drinking and especially overdrinking causes the liver to work harder to process the alcohol.
7. Exercise - take time to maintain your exercise pattern. Exercise can help manage stress, helps you burn extra calories and can help with any holiday depression. Even if you just get out a walk around the block, do something that moves your body.

Ginger root is used for many digestive disturbances, including flatulence, burping, colic, and nausea associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy and in small doses pregnancy. The ginger root is considered spicy and aromatic, with the dried root being hotter than the fresh root. This tropical plant is commonly used in most kitchens, especially in Asian cooking.

With the holidays just around the corner we are all busy cleaning our homes. I wanted to share with you another natural cleaner recipe.

Ingredients:
1 2/3 cup baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap (Castile, Dr. Bronner's)
Purified or distilled water
2 Tbs white vinegar
16oz flip-top bottle (not spray)
Essential oil for scent as desired

10. You are concerned about the side-effects associated with drugs
9. You want help understanding which supplements, diets and health claims are right for you
8. You want to spend more time with your doctor
7. You want to make an informed choice about your health
6. Your medical history and case are complex
5. You want to find the cause of the disease rather than just hiding the symptoms
4. You want support in making healthy lifestyle changes
3. You want to prevent disease and maintain health throughout your life

Vegetables:
45oz of Sweet Heirloom Tomatos (or Trader Joe's Organic diced or the like)
1 medium sized red onion (chopped)
2 sticks of celery (chopped)
1 small to medium bell peppers (seeded, chopped)
4 gloves of garlic (crushed or diced)