Kumy and Ann Thariani founded Gilden Tree Skin Care in 1990 with a single product, the Footscrubber.

The Footscrubber is actually a tool similar to a pumice stone but made from terra-cotta. Unlike pumice stones which smooth out with repeated use, terra-cotta keeps on scrubbing.

Gilden Tree Making a Big Difference

But Gilden Tree isn't just another company making good products. Footscrubbers are made in Pakistan by women who had never had an opportunity to earn money for their families.

After two years of making America's feet softer, the  Footscrubber had become a favorite in the U.S. Instead of pocketing the profits, Gilden Tree started paying for the education of its Pakistani employees' children and then the women themselves.

In 2005, Gilden Tree was featured in TIME Magazine as a giving something back company that worked with artisan groups around the world.

Gilden Tree’s product line has expanded beyond the Footscrubber and today includes many body care products and a beautiful line of natural cotton robes, towels and accessories.

Natural Cotton Robes and Towels

Gilden Tree practices environmentally friendly textile manufacturing in Pakistan and in 2005 became an official Certified Organic manufacturer. They also strive to use the most minimal packaging possible and are always looking for ways to recycle and reuse.

Make a Difference with Gilden Tree

Gilden Tree works hard to support its employees, their families and the environment. Do your part in supporting their efforts and get fabulous products at the same time.

Save by shopping Overstock Items Mark Downs at Gilden Tree and get in on the Free Samples with Every Purchase deals.

Daily affirmation cards with I am phrases    US $11.95

When you are feeling good about yourself, it's easy to send your subconscious mind positive messages. But when times are tough, it's even easier to send messages of doubt, anger and fear. Learning to use affirmations on a daily basis is one of the best ways to maintain an anti-aging mind.

Let the Children Lead You

To understand the power of a positive attitude on the aging process, all you have to do is look at children. We are born in a positive mental state of mind but, let's face it, life is tough at times.

As children we suffer pain and sorrow but spring back to a place of optimism and love. As we age, with that same pain and sorrow, we can fall into despair and anguish.  The opportunity to return to optimism and love is still possible when we change our attitude.

Louise Hay, one of the foremost proponents of positive thinking and daily affirmations, cautions that a change to the positive side doesn't happen overnight. She calls this "resistance."

It's human nature to resist change and depending on how
many years you have been living on the dark side,
you can be quite resistant to optimism and joy.

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Practice Makes Positive

Practicing daily affirmations is really a misnomer.  Because every though we have and every word we speak is an affirmation.  Children think and speak of hope, dreams and visions of a world and life that is grand and exciting. Even when their lives aren't necessarily easy, their future always holds magical possibilities.

Psychology Professors Brandon J. Schmeichel at Texas A&M University and Kathleen Vohs at the University of Minnesota have studied the power of affirmations.  They suggest to us that willpower is like a muscle that supports and strengthens how we perceive our self.  From their studies, Schmeichel's and Vohs' concluded that positive self affirmations counteract ego depletion and change the way we think about tasks and goals.

In other, words, you have the power if you have the will
to move mountains or be crushed by them.

Exercise Your Positive Power

Louise Hays says that by slowing down and doing the homework of daily positive affirmations, you can tap into a higher spiritual source.

Daily positive affirmations are exercise for the mind. You may encounter aches and pains caused by releasing daily negative affirmations. But how else are you expected to move that aging mountain that has been crushing your spirit?

Using affirmation cards is a great way to send powerful messages to
yourself and reawaken the spirit of your inner child.

Order Now and Save!

Daily affirmation cards with I am phrases    US $11.95

Daily Affirmation for Parents    US $3.74

Weight Loss Auricular Magnet Therapy Personal Kit for 1    US $3.99

How Weight Loss Magnets Work

Weight loss magnets are very small magnets you wear on the ear lobe. Based on Chinese acupressure point therapy, the magnets help to control your appetite by stimulating the Shen Men and the Master Sensorial points.  Stimulating the points of the ear is know as  auricular therapy.

Stimulating acupressure points activates the production of endorphins. Endorphins are natural chemicals produced in the brain that cultivate feelings of relaxation and pleasure.

Since overeating is often caused by stress and unhappiness, more endorphins in the body help prevent overeating especially binge eating.

The magnets are held in place with an adhesive tape or glue. They are left on the ear for days to weeks as allowed by the body's natural waxes and oils.

Due to the anti-addiction effect of stimulating the Shen Men and the Master Sensorial points, the weight loss magnets are also used to reduce the urge to smoke.

Shen Men Point

Known as the heavenly gate, the Shen Men acupressure point is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to be one of the most important points on the body.  It is used when the patient needs calming.  Stimulating the Shen Men point has a sedating effect and is thought to ground the patient's spirit.  It also governs and eases pain in the heart.

Shen Men stimulation has been shown effect in treating addiction, weakness of willpower, chronic anxiety and attention deficit disorder in children.

Master Sensorial Point

The Master Sensorial point is associated with the appetite, stomach and small intestines.  Stimulation causes a calming sensation and is used on patients suffering from anxiety, worry, depression, sadness, excess fatigue and vertigo.

Treatment on the point has been show effect in treating alcohol and drug addiction and to reduce unpleasant, excessive or distorted sensations in the body.

Weight Loss Auricular Magnet Therapy Personal Kit for 1    US $3.99

Quit Smoking With Zerosmoke Auricular Therapy Magnet    US $20.00

Quit Smoking Auricular Magnets 30 Personal Sets    US $59.00

Don't use any magnet therapy if you have a pacemaker, insulin pump or are pregnant.

The Secret Ingredient in Cynergy TK Products

Cynergy TK Night Cream    US $17.95

All good anti-aging skin care products have a magic ingredient and Keratec's is sheep's wool.  Ninety-five percent of a sheep's wool is pure keratin.  Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that resemble bundles. Keratin is produced in the stratum granulosum portion of the epidermis or top layer of the skin.  The stratum corneum, or outermost layer of the epidermis, consists of soft keratin that keep the skin elastic and moist.

Along with this soft keratin, collagen, the main protein of our connective tissue, give skin its strength and elasticity. As we age, keratin and collagen production decreases and the result is sagging and bagging.

Anything we can do to stimulate keratin and collagen
production is going to keep those sags and bags away.

Why You Will Love Cynergy TK

• Cynergy TK is a natural cosmetic ingredient.
• These high quality products don't come with high price tag.
• Keratec is a TSE-free company (tissue engineered biomaterial).
• The keratin is not denatured with strong solvents.
• Keratec is an environmentally friendly company.
• The sheep are not harmed during the sheering process.
• Keratec uses wool only from farmers who agree to Best Farm Practices.
• Cynergy TK skin care products also contain:

Tamarillo - a tree tomato native to South America

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Chamomile

Kiwifruit extract

Manuka Honey

Avocado Oil

Sweet Almond Oil

Cucumber Extract

Evening Primrose Oil

Macadamia Nut Oil

Vitamins A, B6, C and E

Minerals iron, cooper and potassium

Beta carotene

Zinc protein complexes

• Cynergy TK skin care products are lanolin and paraben free.

Try Cynergy today for a natural anti-aging protein boost for your skin.

Pure Source Cynergy TK Night Cream from New Zealand    US $17.00

Cynergy TK Day Cream with functional keratin    US $17.45

Cynergy TK Night Cream    US $17.95

According to the Mayo Clinic, vertical nail ridges are just another sign of aging and not a health concern.

With all due respect to the fine doctors at the Clinic, nail ridges aren't normal and are a clear warning sign that you are not in optimal health.

Don't ever settle for the 'it's just your age' answer. Take a proactive attitude to your aging process and accept only the best answers where your health is concerned. The medical profession readily admits that the cause of nail ridges is unknown.  Lack of knowledge isn't an anti-aging approach.

Wisdom From Sages

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine practice of India. Although it has evolved over its 5000 year history, it has not strayed from the basic premises that your body is a living microcosm of the universe and, when in harmony or balance, you have perfect health.

When out of balance your body gives you signs that something needs correcting.

Unlike Western medicine, Ayurveda doesn't discount your aches, pains and other symptoms but seeks to harmonize the imbalance.

Your Dosha

A dosha is simply a method of typing your mental and physical characteristics. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.   You have an inherent dosha (or combination of two or all three) and can become imbalanced in any. Take a quick, free quiz to find your dosha at the Chopra Center.

Nail Ridge and Vata Aggravation

Nail ridges are a sign of Vata imbalance. Vata is the Wind element and governs movement and change. Vata types are usually thin, light and active. Like the wind, they are always changing. An imbalance of Vata causes anxiety, insomnia, dry skin and poor digestion.

The seat of the Vata dosha is in the colon and nail ridges are a symptom of malabsorption.

10 nos Himalaya Herbals Triphala Trifala    US $9.99

Signs of Malabsorption

• Bloating
• Burping
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Heart burn
• Indigestion
• Vomiting

Causes of Vata Imbalance

Vata aggravation can be caused by eating too many cold, dry and light foods such as raw vegetables.  Vata naturally increases as we age and is disturbed by over exertion, multi-tasking, lack of routine, poor sleep, stress, agitation and cold and windy weather.

Herb to Balance Vata

Triphala is an Ayurvedic formula of  three Indian fruit plants, Harada, Amla, and Bihara. It detoxifies and cleans the colon, blood and liver. In the process, it can also reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Modern research indicates due to its high antioxidant properties, it may lower the risks of cancer.

Herb take time to work and dosha aggravations take time to balance. Be patient but expect results.

10 nos Himalaya Herbals Triphala Trifala    US $9.99

10 X Himalaya Herbal Triphala Tablets Very Cheap Price    US $19.99

SUNDARI Gotu Kola and Triphala Body Oil 5 oz    US $17.00

If Biotin hair care products and supplements aren't  doing the job, it's time to call in the big guns.

Signs of Aging Hair

• Hair Loss. Your hair has been falling out your entire life but, with age, it isn't always being replaced by new growth.  At an average size of just 0.0005 cm, it's amazing hair survives at all so take extra care with what you got.

• Thinning strands.   Is it possible to become less than 0.0005 cm and still be visible. You may not think so when you look in the mirror. But as we age, the strand diameter does become smaller.

• Brittle Hair.  From your thyroid to your medications to harsh shampoos and hair dyes, your once silky locks begin to resemble straw.

• Gray Hair.  The loss of melanin (pigment) that results in graying hair.  There is little we can do to prevent this loss and most resort to using hair dyes that cause aging hair to become even more brittle and dry.

Learn more about what you can do to keep your hair as ageless as possible.

Caviar: An Egg by Any Other Name

Alterna Caviar Blonde Conditioner 85 fl oz NIB    US $14.99

It's a delicacy, a status symbol, an aphrodisiac and now a hair care ingredient. Fish aren't just good for your heart, their eggs, specifically those of sturgeon or salmon, are good for your hair.

Caviar is replacing chicken eggs as the protein of choice in quality shampoos and conditions . Scientist have discovered that this unique protein is better utilized by the body and encourages the production of collagen; making thinning aging hair strong again.

But protein alone is not the anti-aging answer to your dull, brittle hair. Caviar is super rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C and D, amino-acids, minerals and phospholipids. Phospholipids are fat molecules that form a protective barrier against environmental damage and making your hair feel like silk.

King Caviar For Your Hair

Alterna, started in 1997, by Michael Brady in Beverly Hill and sold exclusively in hair salons, is the King of Caviar hair products.  Alterna adds extra vitamin C to their anti-aging line and Cytokines.

Cytokines are protein released by cells that causes them to interact, which is a good thing. Alterna calls this interaction microcirculation. Cytokines can jump start your immune system and, added to to hair care products, can protect your aging locks from toxins.

Alterna isn't cheap so stay out of the salon and pick some up here. If you are desperate to get some anti-aging relieve for your hair, Alterna is well worth a try.

Alterna Caviar Blonde Conditioner 85 fl oz NIB    US $14.99

ALTERNA CAVIAR BLONDE CONDITIONERLITER    US $9.99

ALTERNA CAVIAR MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER    US $13.50

The Good

Probiotics' best friend is Prebiotics - complex carbohydrates that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria.

Best sources of prebiotics are

• Unrefined wheat
• Oat
• Barley
• Soybeans
• Onions
• Leeks
• Artichokes

Fructo-oligosaccharide Prebiotics are dietary fibers found in

• Fruits
• Garlic
• Grains
• Vegetables
• Bananas
• Asparagus
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Burdock
• Chicory root

The Bad

Candida has friends too. The ones you need to avoid are

• Yeast
• All commercial baked goods
• Fermented/pickled/smoked foods (except miso and tempeh)
• Mushrooms
• All cheeses and cheese products
• Tomato paste
• Melons
• Peanuts and pistachios (due to mole)
• All types of vinegar and condiments such as salad dressing and relishes

And, of course, sugar in all forms including honey, syrups and molasses. Avoid common sweetener ingredients: sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharide and polysaccharides. (Stevia is your only sweetener source). Sugar concentrated alcohol including beer is also off limits.

Fruit consumption should be minimal but not necessarily eliminated. Do avoid dried fruit and juices which are too concentrated.

Gluten-containing foods such as wheat, barley and rye should also be kept to a minimum.

Likewise lighten up on coffee and black tea consumption and cows milk, which can be hard to digest; soy milk is a good alternative (watch the sugar).

The easiest way to eliminate the bad foods is to eliminate processed
foods which are loaded with sugar, refined flours, chemicals
additives, preservatives and food coloring.

Supplemental Support

Garlic does more than just scare off vampires, it will kill Candida fast.

Eating it often may be difficult so supplements are a great alternate. Other supplement that will support your Candida cleanse are

• Digestive enzymes
• Cloves
• Goldenseal
• Grapefruit seed extract
• Oregano oil
• Pau d’Arco

Candida Clear from Vitabase Health Supplements contains Caprylic acid and Oregano Oil ( fungicidals), Pau d’Arco (oxygenates cells) and Biotin (prevents fungal infection) and gets a 5 STAR customer rating.  Add a garlic supplement from Vitabase Health Supplements and you'll have super Candida fighting power.

Candida Diet Recipes

Candida-Safe Recipe Collection By Karen Tripp

Recipe Zaar - 136 recipes for a Candida diet

Pamela Sinh Nutrition - Candida diet recipes

Spark Receipes - 200 Candida diet recipes

Recipe to Health - e-book Cooking for the Anti Candida Diet - 119 recipes

Check out these signs and symptoms of Candida.

The body loves a good cleansing - inside and out. The basic Candida cleanse is simple:

• Add probiotics to your diet
• Eliminate sugar

If that last one made you cringe, alternative practitioners say that sugar cravings is one sure sign of Candida overgrowth.

But if you really want to find out if your gut is a Candida breeding ground, you will have to give up the sweets for awhile. How long?  It can take years if the infiltration is high but you should start feeling better within weeks while developing good eating habits at the same time.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that do more for your gut than all the Pepto Bismo in Texas. Nicknamed the "friendly bacteria," Probiotics are found in foods and supplements.

While doctors dispute Candida syndrome, nothing is disputed about the wonders of Probiotics.  Studies by the American Society for Microbiology confirm that the good bacteria successfully treats diarrhea, urinary tract and female genital tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, atopic dermatitis and can reduce recurrent bladder cancer.

The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine has found that Probiotics can decrease the levels of certain substances in the urine that can cause kidney stones.

Probiotics are found in yogurt, miso and tempeh and added to other foods and beverages. Unfortunately, the commercial products, including yogurt, are high in sugar so check the labels.

Probiotic supplements are the easiest way to ensure a high quantity and quality supply of the bacteria. Try Probiotics at Vitabase Health Supplements.

Don't go Probiotic crazy; it isn't a cure-all. Currently known side effects of too much of the friendly bacteria are mild digestive symptoms such as gas or bloating. Check with your doctor if you immune system is compromised or you have other health problems before taking supplemental Probiotics.

Sugar

Sugar is an American staple and you will find it in nearly every processed product on the grocer's shelves. It's not enough to just stop eating cake and ice cream; that loaf of brown bread may have more of the white stuff than your Snickers bar.

And speaking of white stuff, white flour and rice will spike your blood sugar levels and are a banquet for the hungry Candida. You can still enjoy all your favorites using diabetic recipes and the sugar alternative Stevia, which you can get at super low prices at  Vitabase Health Supplements.

The Next Step

Put Your Candida On A Diet

Is the stress hormone cortisol wrecking your good mood and leaving you exhausted?

Our adrenal glands are tiny, about the size of a grape, but work hard at keeping us alive.  Daily life takes it toll on this powerful fight or flight hormone. Keeping it healthy doesn't take a lot of effort but has some amazing rewards.

Do you know the signs of of Adrenal Fatigue?

How To Heal Your Adrenal Glands

1. Pinpoint The Cause Of Your Distressed Adrenals

Only when you face the issues that are causing your fatigued glands can you focus on healing.

2.  Eliminate Stressors

Do what you can to lessen your stress and then find a way to deal with the stress you cannot control.

Exercise is at the top of the pyramid especially those that incorporate calming techniques such as Yoga and Tai Chi. Expressive dance is another way to lose yourself in the empowering movement of your body. If your body is rebelling with aches, pains, anger or frustration, re-evaluate the life path you're on; it is probably the wrong one.

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3. Take Care of You

Chinese medicine (CM) tells us to live in harmony with nature and the seasons.  Winter is a time for rest and recuperation. Less daylight signals the body to sleep more. You should avoid staying up very late or arising too early.

In CM, Winter is a water element and associated with the adrenal glands.  Winter can add to the already exhausted adrenals and leave us defenseless to colds and the flu. It's important to rest more and eating nourishing and warming foods such as soups and stews.

4.  Use Supplements That Support

• Ginseng

Red Korean Ginseng Root Powder Panax FATIGUE SEX 1 lb    US $39.99

A tonic used in Chinese Medicine for centuries, Ginseng is said to increase vital energy (Chi) and to enhance resistance to illness. It is incredibly effective in treating chronic fatigue and studies suggest that its ability to support the adrenals is the key to its amazing stress fighting power.

Nervousness and slight insomnia can be experienced by some initially. Talk to your doctor before using if you have high blood pressure.

• Licorice Root

Not the candy - licorice has a wide range of benefits from weight loss to heart health. It reduces inflammation and stimulates the adrenals. It also suppresses the hormone aldosterone. High levels of aldosterone can cause sodium retention.  Don't use licorice without your doctors' approval if you suffer from hypertension.

LICORICE ROOT 100 CAPS 450 MG EXP 10 11    US $7.50

• Black Cohosh

Known for relieving menopausal symptoms, Black Cohosh also relieves irritability, inflammation, mood swings, depression and sleep disorders. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant.

• Vitamin B-complex

Especially B5 - the all important B's are essential for growth and development. Deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, depression,  muscle pain, infections and eczema. Side effects are possible in mega-dose use. Just stick to the RDA.

• Vitamin C

Not just for the common cold, Vitamin C is a supportive nutrient for your overall health and especially beneficial for your heart, immune system and skin. More than the RDA is suggested by experts; as much as 500mg per day.  Side effect of gastrointestinal complaints is possible when taken on an empty stomach or when mega-doses are used.

• DHEA

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands and that can become depleted by stress and aging, DHEA has been shown effective in treating skin rashes, Lupus, depression and arthritis. Use with caution and under doctors approval.  It should not be used if you have diabetes, mental health issues, liver disorders or have a history of cancer.

1 Natrol DHEA 25mg 300 tabs HPLC VERIFIED EX 2010NEW    US $4.99

5. Avoid Sugar and Alcohol

Fatigued adrenals have a lower ability to produce cortisol. With less circulating cortisol, the ability to convert glycogen into glucose is decreased and maintaining healthy sugar levels is compromised. Low blood sugar leads to hypoglycemia, which further drains the overworked adrenals.

If you respond to your low blood sugar by using caffeine and sugar you are on a crash-burn course. Stevia is a calorie free herb from Paraguay with a negligible effect on blood sugar making it a great alternative to cane sugar.  Sugar-free and diabetic meals as well fresh fruit are all better choices.

If you feel tired or develop mental fog after eating a sugar "treat," it's a clear sign that your adrenals are overloaded.

If hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, fatigue, depression, moodiness and vaginal dryness aren't enough, the loss of progesterone during menopause can have you saying no more than you or your partner would like.

While your doctor may be quick to recommend antidepressants, balancing your hormones makes more sense and is far better for your overall health and well-being.

Why Progesterone

As women, we have a love/hate relationship with the hormone that is involved in our menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

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Manufactured progesterone is found in birth control pills and HRT (hormone replacement therapy).  It's used to promote fertility, regulate abnormal menstrual periods and tame the flames of PMS.

Progesterone is the hormone that makes us
women and, when out of balance, can make us
crazy and cranky women.

Progesterone sends a message to the
brain to calm down.

Often referred to as the sex hormone, progesterone has several other anti-aging benefits:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Protecting your cardiovascular health
• Alleviating depression
• Reducing the risk of fibrocystic breasts
• Decreasing not just the appearance but the actual amount of wrinkles on the skin.

Wild Yam = Wild Woman

But back to your sex life or lack thereof.

Progesterone also sends a message to your libido to reconnect to your sexuality.

Think you shouldn't care about your sex life? Think again.

Sex isn't just pleasurable and good for your relationship, it's great for your health and a powerful anti-aging tool to have in your arsenal.

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Hormone Mood Balance Dong Quai Black Cohosh Wild Yam    US $14.99

Mexican Wild Yam 240 capsules 415 mg in sealed bottles    US $20.00

• The hormone oxytocin, known as the love hormone and credited with giving us the ability to have healthy relationships with others is secreted during sexual activity. Oxytocin deceases stress and anti-social behavior making you a more loving person.

• Along with oxytocin, you get a rush of the hormone DHEA during an orgasm. DHEA supports your immune system, improves brain functioning, your mood and the texture of your skin. It's produced by the adrenal glands and is depleted by stress and aging.

• These feel good hormones naturally relieve aches and pain and increase your ability to obtain quality sleep, which is often a serious problem after menopause. Poor quality sleep ages you fast and makes you look even older by preventing the natural rejuvenation process.

• Finally, sex is good for your self esteem by making you more aware of your body and inspiring you to keep it in better shape.

If It Isn't Progesterone

Progesterone is good but not the clause of all our woes. Thyroid problems, stress, and cortisol imbalances can also effect libido. Check with your doctor if adding a little progesterone rich Wild Yam doesn't get the sparks flying again.