I chose to create a commercial for Gaia Herbs using the adobe application “After Effects”.

Gaia Herbs is an herbal supplement company based out of Brevard, North Carolina. They stand by natural and organic farming, transparency, purity, potency, and integrity, which yield quality products. I decided to construct a commercial for this company, highlighting their core values and beliefs.

Small acts yield big changes when it comes to cleaning up and saving our precious Earth. I’m sure most people know that in order to save our planet we must “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. This statement definitely holds true and should be practiced at all times. However, since this saying is so broad, it leaves many confused as to what they should/could be doing to clean up their act and revive our planet. Here is a short list of simple acts one can do in order to save our planet:

1. Compost food waste.
2. Buy local.
3. Avoid plastic bottles, cans, bags instead use glass for storing and reusable bottles.
4. Use environmentally friendly household cleaning products as well as beauty and hygienic products, etc.
5. Volunteer for local community clean-ups.
6. Instead of buying new, try repurposing what you have.
7. Limit what you throw away – reuse as much as you can.
8. Opt for natural weed killers and fertilizers for your lawn.
9. Do not litter.
10. Invest in solar panels.
11. Opt for eco-friendly cars/transportation.
12. Use reusable shopping bags.
13. Plant a tree.
14. Use long-lasting light bulbs.
15. Conserve water – take quick showers, do not leave water running longer than you are using it.
16. Eat less meat.
17. Use re-chargeable batteries.
18. Avoid E-waste.
19. Turn the lights off in your house when you are not using them.
20. Unplug/ turn off devices that you are not using.
21. Eat less packaged goods.
22. Opt for online billing, ticket purchasing, receipts, etc. to avoid using paper.
23. Purchase handmade, handcrafted goods.
24. Avoid purchasing aerosol cans.
25. Reuse jars and packaging from goods (nut butter jars, pickle jars, vinegar jars, etc.)

Houseplants have been trending for quite some time now. Everywhere you look you’ll see beautiful arrangements on Instagram, in magazines, online, and even on TV. They are a decorator’s go-to house accessory to create the most gorgeous space. Just by adding a bit of greenery, it can transform the look of a room and liven it up completely.

Not only are they beautiful to look at and add personality to a space, but they can also improve our health and boost our environment to help us heal. Here’s why:

1. They purify the air – As humans, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide…Plants do the opposite. Instead of taking in oxygen they release it and instead absorb carbon dioxide, which increases oxygen levels within a space. Plants also help rid the air of common toxins and pollutants such as formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, and more. 
2. Can boost your mental well-being – A study was completed to confirm this finding, and it appears to be true. Plants were placed throughout common areas of a heart and lung rehab center in Norway, and patients reported an increase in well-being within four weeks, which is much sooner than those in other centers without plants.
3. Can help deter illness – Plants can add moisture to the air in a process known as transpiration. Studies have shown that this moisture that plants give off keeps dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs away. Higher humidity also decreases the survival rate and transmission of flu viruses.
4. Boost healing – Studies have shown that plants can promote healing. One study examined the recovery rate of surgical patients and saw that patients with plants had a lower systolic blood pressure and lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue compared to those who did not have household plants.
5. Increases productivity – Studies have shown that plants can increase concentration, memory, and productivity. This can be due to a cleaner environment, better air quality, or organic chemicals plants give off.

So next time you go to water your houseplants, thank them for all that they do to keep us healthy and vibrant!

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and have been used by cultures all over the world for healing and medicinal purposes. Due to their antibacterial, antiviral, stimulating, and calming properties, they have become a very popular alternative for a multitude of health concerns.

Essential oils are created through a process of distillation, which separates the oil and compounds of a plant by steam. They are highly concentrated plant compounds that have a very strong, yet therapeutic aroma. Depending on the type and grade of the oil, they can be diffused, inhaled, applied onto skin with a carrier oil, or taken orally. 

One essential oil blend in particular that I have been using regularly to keep me healthy during this time is thieves’ oil. According to a long-told wise tale, the usage of this oil blend dates back to the year 1413, the year of the Bubonic Plague (The Black Death). The Black Death was highly contagious, spreading so rapidly that it was infecting everyone who had come in contact with it. However, during this time there were four thieves who were stealing from the sick and yet never became infected with the plague, despite being in close contact with the ill. At the time, the crimes that these men committed were so terrible that they could have been burned alive as punishment, however, the judge told them that he would spare them if they confessed their immunity secrets. They told the judge that they were perfume and spice merchants who prepared an essential oil blend and rubbed this blend on their hands, ears, temples, feet, and masks over their mouths that kept the infection away. From then on doctors who treated plague victims would use this herbal infusion on their patients to heal them. 

This oil recipe is a blend of several different oils including cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary. It has a spicy, rich, and potent aroma which automatically fills the room. Research states that this essential oil has immune boosting properties, antimicrobial activity, fights nasal and sinus congestion, promotes respiratory and cardiovascular health, and is also energizing and mood uplifting. I’ve been applying 2-3 drops daily to my wrists for optimal and efficient absorption. 

In recent years, there has been much debate over whether or not the sugar content in fruit is actually good for us and if it affects us the same way processed sugar does. Several health articles, diet guidelines, and even some doctors (conventional and holistic) state that if you want to “lose weight..detox..correct your blood sugar..etc” to avoid fruit because “fruit sugars and refined processed sugars are the same”. 

This information is anything but true. Fruit is essential for healing and promoting good health. The natural sugars found in fruit are bound to antioxidants, which are vital to keeping us healthy. They are not digested in the same way as processed sugars and certainly do not cause harm to the body. Since fruit is so easy to digest, the sugars immediately go into your cells and promotes healing.

Fruit has always been and always will be one of the most important foods for our health. It contains essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healing the body, feeding our cells, and nourishing essential organs and body systems. Fruit also defends against pathogens and contains antioxidants to prevent illness and disease.

Take a candy bar or sugary drink for instance – You might also notice that one of the main ingredients is “sugar” and “high fructose corn syrup”. These sources of sugar are processed and not from a natural source, which causes inflammation, blood sugar/insulin spikes, affects chemical/neurotransmitters in the brain, feed pathogens, and more. These sources of sugar should be avoided at all costs.

A piece of fruit only contains natural sugars made from the fruit itself (not man-made). This source of natural sugar known as fructose (different from “high fructose corn syrup and fructose as an additive) is essential for cellular and brain function. The sugars found within fruit are released at steady rate, which does not cause your blood sugar to spike and it also does not lead to inflammation. 

Another myth debunked: Fruit does not feed pathogens, instead it fights them. I was once told by a doctor that, because I had Lyme Disease, I would never be able to heal if I continued to eat fruit as it “feeds pathogens”.

Since then, I have learned so much more about the healing properties of fruit through following the medical medium. If you’ve been told to cut fruit out of your diet, consider bringing it back so you too can discover its healing benefits.

COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus disease, is a newly discovered infectious disease first originating from China. This disease has managed to spread throughout the world in a matter of months, creating a pandemic. Statistics show that this disease is far more dangerous and widespread than the Bubonic Plague. In order to prevent the spread of this infectious disease, it is crucial to stay healthy, maintain good hygiene, be cautious, avoid public places as much as possible, and practice social distancing. 

At this time especially, it may be hard to stay away from the news and media. However, it may be best to take a break from the news and media reports, as much of what is being reported is meant to intentionally scare us. Most of the information being reported is true, however, many reporters have put fear in us that “everyone at some point will contract this virus”. The media also heavily reports deaths, death rates, and negative outcomes following this disease, however, often fails to mention the recovery rates, and how many people will/may actually contract this disease. To clarify, I am not saying to avoid your current state’s restrictions, recommendations and updates (as these precautions are mandatory and effective if followed properly). In this case I am referring to news reports/articles and other media outlets such as social media that always seem to find their way to our smart phones, laptops, etc. With all this being said, it is important to listen and stay updated to your current state’s recommendations, but to not let fear take over and to try to maintain a positive mindset.

As mentioned in the news, media, by doctors/nurses/medical professionals, there is no cure. Viruses often stay in your system and will become “dormant” over time. However, no one has truly addressed or attempted to educate the general public on healthy habits, healthy eating, how to improve your immune system in order to avoid illness. The reason why so many people fear this disease is because they are unsure of what to do and how to best protect themselves in this situation. It has been engraved in the minds of the public that this infectious disease is inevitable and will run its course and that there is not much we can do but to quarantine ourselves and hope for the best. I am coming out and saying that this information is false. There is so much you can do to boost/enhance your immune system and protect yourself as well as others. 

Here is some information you can follow to protect yourselves and stay healthy:

• Herbs and supplements to help defend from viruses: Liquid Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin B12, Lemon Balm, Cat’s Claw, L-Lysine, Vitamin C, Spirulina, Mullein Leaf Extract, and Goldenseal Extract.
• Consuming raw garlic is great as well, as it is antiviral and rich in allicin which helps prevent disease.
• Raw thyme is another herb that helps reduce the viral load within the body and is a great tool to help recover and heal from illness.
• Elderberry syrup helps to rebuild the immune system and replenish all organs.
• Turmeric is great for to treat inflammation and inflammatory conditions.
• EAT WHOLE FOODS! Avoid anything processed & eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise/move your body
• Meditate to calm your mind and sooth your nerves

Anti-viral practices:

• Wash your hands diligently
• Keep hand sanitizer on you at all times 
• Do not to touch your face or eat with your hands if you have not washed them
• Do not wear the same clothes that you left your house in all day – change as soon as you get home
• Ask for no ice at restaurants/coffee shops etc. as the ice is often kept out in the open and can expose one to airborne viruses, sweat, and potentially other germs if employees have grabbed ice with their hands
• Wash hands after handling money/credit card machines, packages, gas pumps, grocery carts, public door handles, etc.
• Avoid raw food and asked for cooked meals – cooking the food can kill off pathogens
• Wear masks in crowded public places – airports, airplanes, etc.
• Practice social distancing
• Avoid public places as much as possible – self-quarantine

Around 5,000-3,500 BCE, meditation was used by many individuals and religious groups throughout India. It was a practice that connected the mind with the body in order to create a stronger awareness of our actions, emotions, feelings, and behavior. It was used for enlightenment and to go beyond the mind in order to find peace, happiness, and bliss. Our minds are extremely complex, and multidimensional. It requires focus, concentration, and the proper tools in order to silence the mind and gain mental clarity. Mindfulness takes practice and patience but can be done with the right tools and guidance.

When you first begin meditating, you may find it hard to turn your mind completely off. In order to do this successfully, it is recommended that you sit on the floor with a straight back (or lie down) and try focusing on your breath. Pay attention to how the air feels as it enters your nose, travels through your windpipe, fills/expands your stomach, and how it feels leaving your body. Every time you notice your mind wandering, return to your breath. By doing this, it trains your minds to remain in the present moment and become self-aware. If you begin to feel antsy or feel that you cannot sit still, tense an individual muscle, relax it, and then direct your breath into that portion of your body by focusing on that area as you breathe in and out. Usually this technique is the most effective when you start from the head/facial muscles and work your way down your body — tensing and relaxing your shoulders next, then chest, then arms, then hands, then abdomen, then hips, until you reach your feet. It is suggested that you should try to aim for a quick five-minute meditation to start and work your way up as you feel that you have mastered the ability to turn the “inner chatter” off.

Meditation is not only great to improve mindfulness, mental clarity, and focus, but it also great for stress reduction, emotional health, energy levels, building intuition, decreasing inflammation, producing more serotonin, improving metabolism, immune function, reducing blood pressure, improving sleeping habits, reducing aging and much more. Just five minutes of mindful meditations each day can improve your overall health and reconnect your mind with your body. Daily meditations can also help to release old stored emotions, thoughts, memories, and feelings that no longer serve. One may experience emotional releases during their meditation sessions and that is ok! This is completely normal and means that your body is healing on a deep subconscious level. Things from the past may surface and when this happens, it is important to acknowledge it, address it, and release whatever you do not wish to hold on to. 

Our minds are extremely powerful and can truly shape us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is considered to be the “hub” of our health, governing everything aspect of the body. Everything we do, how we act, how we feel internally, externally, and mentally is all controlled by the mind. When the mind is aligned with the body, and spirit through meditation, optimal health can then be achieved.

Sleep. We all do it. We all need it. But why? Those eight (or more) hours each night are far more important than you think. 

Sleep is extremely vital to helping a person maintain optimal health and well-being. Unfortunately, in our society today, we often do not embrace the necessity for adequate sleep. Our country is so fast paced that we are often too preoccupied, procrastinate, overwork ourselves, and cannot seem to settle down at night. Sleep then gets shoved to the bottom of our long “to-do lists”, when it should be number one. It is suggested that one should aim to receive eight hours of sleep per night, (give or take depending on age, health status, etc.), in order to reap the full benefits of a good night’s sleep.  

As we sleep, our body reboots, resets, and repairs from the day before. We go into a “mini comatose state” which allows our bodies to focus solely on its important nightly tasks. Our bodies also detox in our sleep, which allows for deep cleansing and deep healing. Dreams and nightmares also fall under this category, as it is our mind and soul’s way of releasing what no longer serves. In addition to the numerous healing benefits of sleep, it also has been known that sleep contributes to better productivity, performance, and concentration. This is due to the resetting and rebooting of the mind and body to help you feel refreshed, energized, and focused throughout the day. Getting an adequate amount of sleep can also lower the risk of weight gain. Often times when we are tired, we naturally tend to overeat to keep up awake. Sometimes we eat too close to falling asleep for the night, which also interrupts the overnight healing process. Digesting food requires a lot of energy and involves many body systems; therefore, the body is unable to effectively repair, reset, and detox, which can lead to unwanted weight gain. Sleeping can also lower the risk of heart disease, as sleep allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate. Mental health can also be improved during sleep, as well as lowering inflammation levels, and strengthening the immune system.

These are just a few reasons as to why sleep is so important for our health. Not only does it heal us on a deep, cellular level, but it also keeps us alive and feeling great. This month, I am planning on prioritizing my own sleep to boost my immune system, sharpen my mental focus/clarity, and increase my overall day-to-day energy levels. I am and aiming for eight hours of sleep every night and will keep you updated on how I am feeling by the end of this month.

People are dropping like flies – Calling out of work sick, not being able to show up for class, and everywhere you go in the distance you can hear the sound of people coughing, sneezing, blowing their noses left and right…and in that moment, you realize flu season is officially upon us. 

At the end of the day there is only so much we can do to protect ourselves, boost our immune systems, and avoid any contact with germs/illness. I’m sure most of you have heard about taking high amounts of vitamin C during this time, drinking a ton of water, washing your hands throughout the day, etc. However, even with these resources, many may still fall ill. What many may lack in this situation is essential information regarding herbal supplements, how to use zinc and vitamin C to your benefit, and how to truly avoid the “unavoidable” – getting the flu.

Given that there are germs and viruses everywhere you go (heightening during flu season) it is crucial to practice good self-care. This means not only washing your hands regularly throughout the day and maintain good hygiene, but also getting adequate sleep, managing stress levels, eating healthy, drinking a lot of water throughout the day, etc. My top tips are to carry all-natural hand wipes or hand sanitizers on you while you are out, prioritize sleep, meditate every night, and add lemon, mint, cucumber or some fresh fruit to your water to encourage you to drink more frequently throughout the day. Eating out at restaurants should also be limited during this time. If you do end up going out to eat, I recommend opting for piping hot dishes instead of a salad, as the high heat will help to kill off any viral bacteria that may have gotten in contact with the meal before being served. 

Taking supplements year-round is crucial in order to build your immune system to prevent illness and encourage speedy recoveries if one does get sick. Our immune systems take a hit each time we get stressed, each time we travel, are around different people, are in heavily populated public places, and need that extra support. Some supplements and herbal remedies I recommend are liquid zinc sulfate, vitamin C, B-complex, chaga mushroom, cat’s claw, lemon balm, and spirulina. When you feel like you’re slightly coming down with something and feel a vague tickle in your throat, taking liquid zinc sulfate multiple times throughout the day is essential and will wipe it out before it even starts. By doing these things and taking care of ourselves throughout the year, the flu can ultimately be avoided.  

 In addition to taking supplements to boost your immune system and prevent illness, there are so many additional herbs and supplements you could take as direct weapons against the flu. Olive leaf is great supplement to take if you feel fatigued and run-down and can help stop the flu dead in its tracks. Echinacea and goldenseal are powerful “natural antibiotics” that are great to take when you are battling strep, tonsillitis, sinus-infections, etc. Eyebright also helps with knocking down flu symptoms and strep infections. Elderberry syrup and Cherry bark are also great flu-fighting supplements which help with coughs, combat sore throats and congestion. Lomatium root and Mullein leaf both can help alleviate respiratory and sinus related flu symptoms. Propolis, red root, and rose hips are also great to take to boost the immune system and offer so many healing benefits.

While you are sick, it is important to eat very healthy and drink tons of water to flush the virus and toxins out. Adding in fresh cucumber juice, celery juice, or any green juice can help you heal at a faster rate by providing the body with easy to absorb nutrients. Ginger/lemon water is also great to sip on throughout the day to heal, clear out congestion, soothe sore throats, settle your stomach, clear out toxins, aid in detoxification, and more. During this time and while you are sick with the flu, it is important to avoid dairy products (which can produce excessive amounts of mucus and feed viruses), eggs (feed pathogens), and chicken (including chicken broth –flu viruses can feed off of birds ex: avian influenza). If you are not willing to give these products up, make sure to take extra herbs and garlic.