The Arctic, non browning apple is the first G MO apple approved by the USDA. This new variety will be  available in markets in 2016, labeled Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny. Non browning is achieved by gene silencing, reducing the amounts of poly-phenol oxidase that causes browning. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, who parented this apple, says the nutritional value is comparable to other apples.

In fact, a 2003 survey proved wild apples to have 475 times more phytonutrients than commercially produced apples. The least nutritious varieties include Empire, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady and Fuji. Other commercial varieties and wild apples contain as much as 80 times more cancer compounds than the ones previously listed .Fuji, the most popular apple today, contains almost no phytonutrients to fight cancer and is also at the top of the list of the least nutritious apples. 

The most nutritious apple originates from New Zealand, Called Monty's Surprise.This variety produces the most phytonutrients that reduce or destroy most cancer cells, especially colon cancer. New Zealanders call it the Full Monty. Hopefully, these apples will be available by the time Arctic apples appear in 2016.

Sources: Chemical and Engineering News: Coming Soon: Non browning Apples, Britt Erikson, Feb 23, 2015

Eating On the Wild Side, Jo Robinson, 2014.

Strontium is detected in 99% of U.S. drinking water. The present amounts raise concern in at least 7% of public drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the E.P.A. to check unregulated contaminants of concern in drinking water every 5 years. The E.P.A. will make a decision about regulating Strontium levels in drinking water in 2015.

Strontium is a trace element that can replace calcium in the bones. It especially affects children, infants and adolescents. I am concerned for pregnant and lactating women also. Small levels of Strontium could affect mother's milk. Also the skeletal formation of fetus may also be adversely affected by Strontium levels. 

Recently, the E.P.A. has decided not to regulate 2 organophosphates in drinking water. They originate from pesticides. The E.P.A. estimates up to 10% of pesticides drift from their target during application. These and other pollutants of similar nature could easily land in our sources of drinking water. The E.P.A. has no regulatory government agency to over rule its decisions. Only the court system can over rule an E.P.A. mandate.

Concerned about contaminates in our drinking water? Contact an environmental agency lobbying the E.P.A. . They often collect funds to take the E.P.A. to court on our behalf. Or, you can always contact your state and national representatives who have contacts in Washington. Let them know your concerns. 

Questions? email Judy Griffin, PhD. at petitefl@aromahealthtexas.com

Concerned about Strontium in your bones? Contact Judy Griffin about a trace mineral analysis consultation at 1800 4962125/ 817 293 5410

Source: Chemical and Engineering News: October 27 2014. 

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics will be collecting more data on what is killing our honeybees. We all know pesticides are a culprit, but mites and lack of habitat will also be included. The new surveys will look at small bee keepers with less than 5 hives. The goal is to document colony movement, stress to the hives and losses. This seems to be necessary to provide funding to help the bees and legislation to remove toxic pesticides from the market. We hope.

The good news is the USDA will provide 4 million dollars to farmers and ranchers to use conservation and provide cover crops that provide food for the bees. This is a small amount, but it is a start.

The reason the USDA is beginning to move to help the bees is because of environmental groups protesting toxic pesticides.  Also,folks  are willing to contact their congress men and women to aid in the honeybee dilemma. We need research and answers to allow the colonies to grow and pollinate our food. Yes, I'm petitioning each of you to let state and national legislators know this is important. I'm also asking you to plant flowering herbs and plants that attract and feed bees every year. Whether you grow in pots or gardens doesn't matter. If you have questions about easy plants to grow, please contact me or the county agricultural department or local nurseryman. If you live in the area, I may have some cuttings or extra plants you can have for the asking.

We started the organic movement 50+ years ago, one gardener at a time. We can do the same to save bees. Keep the faith.

The European Chemical Agency intends to label Lavender essential oil dangerous because it has the capability of causing an allergic reaction. To date, by 2018, all lavender essential oil products will carry a health warning. The label may read " May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed ".This is the same labeling on lye, bleach and many poisonous household products. Lavender has been universally used for centuries as a fragrant,skincare product. The main properties are linalool, a terpene alcohol, and linalyl acetate, an ester of linalool.

Every natural or man made product can cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity. In 40 years of hospital, clinical and private practice, I have never experienced any fatality from lavender oil. I have environmental clients who react to a photocopy, patients allergic to olive oil and toothpaste, but these are not considered harmful or fatal by the ECHA.

The European Chemical Agency was created to restrict pollution from synthetic pollution. When my clients ask my opinion about targeting lavender essential oil as harmful, my response is, it is an agricultural product and should be labeled accordingly. My thought is: " It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature".  Expect a showdown.

I use the Lighten up spray in my private yoga sessions and workshops and I have found that there is a significant difference when I use it-the students feel happier and more relaxed.

As A kinesiologist, I tend to use the spray with clients who are quite tense, before I start the session. Very few people seem to have any knowledge of what Kinesiology is and how it works, so clients can be apprehensive before the first session

Lemon Rose Power Cleanser and Clarifier can be used during summer breakouts. It is also helpful for acne breakouts, cysts and blackheads, all in 1 product. Spray onto areas of concern 3 x daily, for best results. Lemon Rose cuts through oil and debris. It helps cleanse environmental pollutants that also affect the skin. The Rose oil balances every skin type and the skin from the astringent properties of Lemon.  

 Enjoy the clarifying properties of the blend that smooth the skin and leave it radiant.

 A 2 oz. spray lasts at least 30 days.

Recent regulations by the European Union to assess all insect repellents for toxicity and safety leaves only a few choices for consumers.Among the pending insecticides, lavender geranium and citrus essential oils and a seed extract from the Neem tree,Margosa, are expected to pass assessment.

In my travels and research over 20 years writing  Mother Nature's Herbal, I learned about these and many other natural insect repellents. I have found the best repellents come out of my gardens. I successfully use lavender for ants, moths and many flying insects. Lemongrass and citronella repels mosquitoes and geranium repels fleas, and most household pests. What the essential oils don't repel, Neem will. It has been used by gardeners for centuries to repel bugs from food crops and restore wood products. It's now recommended to wait up to 7 days before harvesting crops after application of Neem. It's time to take notice of what's growing in your garden that can replace potentially toxic products.

Author Judy Griffin, PhD.

Microbeads in exfoliating skincare products are best replaced with Rose Oil Masque and Peppermint Exfoliator. Both products by AromaHealth are safe for the environment, having a base of bentonite clay. The Clay is applied after cleansing on the face, neck and problem areas of the skin. Bentonite is a live material produced from our Earth. It drys quickly and leaves the skin radiant and healthier after each use. No scrubbing and deepening large pores like microbead exfoliants. Pores are grow smaller with Peppermint  Exfoliator and Rose Oil Masque. They are gentle and effective and only require a few minutes to complete  healing the skin. People of all ages can use these products. Peppermint Exfoliator is for oily skin and Rose Masque is for normal and mature, or delicate skin. Skincare should be easy,effective and inexpensive for all ages.

When researchers found microbeads in the Great lakes originating from skincare products, they contacted the major firms producing them. Most of the firms agreed to remove these products from the market, but not until 2015. In the meantime, fish are eating microbeads for food and transferring toxins to our food chain.

For centuries, beneficial clays have been used successfully in natural skincare. It's time to turn the clock back to our roots by choosing completely organic skincare, with out parfumes and chemicals that harm our food chain and environment. We should be applying only organic and natural products to our skin as well into our tummies.

Just wanted you to know that the kidney blend has worked extremely well. It absorbs fast, smells lovely and I have no problems with edema or incomplete urination anymore! What a relief!

Also, lots of deep fears that I didn't know I harbored came up by the third time I used it. and the special blend kept me going and healing without emotional distress. Just wanted to say thanks.