The Magic Of Aloe Vera (Part 1) - The Wikaniko Way

A little while back I burnt my hand getting something out of the oven. I did the usual - running under a cold tap to cool the hand - but it was still quite painful. I didn't have any pharmaceutical cream to apply but I did have aloe vera hand cream.

I had heard about the benefits of aloe vera so decided to try it on my burn. Within 30 seconds, the pain was reduced to a slight itchy tingling. 

Although the pain did return later in the day, nevertheless it demonstrated the healing power of aloe vera. Obviously the concentration in the hand cream was probably nowhere near that of any medical grade gel. But hey...who cared. It did its job.

After a couple of applications of the hand cream, the burn was healing, leaving just a red mark.

The healing power of aloe vera has been known about for thousands of years, yet people are fooled into thinking that only pharmaceutical compounds are the only viable method of healing small burns, cut and so on. Or even major illnesses.

However aloe vera is an important natural plant with many benefits, yet it is also something that appears to be put in a crank category (on a par with homeopathy) by the medical and pharmaceutical companies, 

Personally, I believe there is a valid reason for this attitude. Aloe vera is a cheap plant that can be grown in the comfort of your own home,. To use it doesn't require any medical training. The leaves of the plant are what does the work just like dock  leaves do when curing the sting of a nettle. 

In short, if it doesn't make pharma companies money then it is ridiculed.  And the medical profession goes along with this it seems.

This may be a controversial thing to say, and I stress it is just my own personal opinion, but I know from personal experience how both professions keep me where they want me.

As a diabetic, I am expected to take medication - metformin in my case - to control my blood sugar level. However I recently found out that aloe vera juice can do the same job.

What's stopping me ditching metformin and just using aloe vera juice? 

The answer's quite simple. I am supposed to trust the medical profession. Metformin is a tried and tested remedy that works; aloe vera juice isn't. But metformin does have side effects both short term and long term.

By contrast it isn't known yet whether taking aloe vera is a suitable alternative. The jury is still out - or rather there doesn't seem to be a jury since serious research into the benefits of the plant is lacking.

So, what is aloe vera? Basically it's a plant grown in various parts of the world. The word aloe is from the Arabic meaning radiance. The earliest reference to it comes from the ancient Egyptians who are said to have used the plant as both a healing remedy and for use during embalming of mummies. It apparently has natural preservative properties.

In Sumeria (1750 BC) it was used to treat nausea and stomach problems. Aloe vera is also known to have been a favourite remedy of Alexander the Great's doctor. Even Cleopatra is said to have used the plant as a beauty product.

So, as you can see, aloe vera appears to have been used by our ancestors for all sorts of reasons. But it is now finding resurgence in our fast paced modern world.

For more information about Aloe Vera gel and the many other products available take a look here.

www.wegogreen.co.uk

www.wegogreen.org.uk

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Planting Trees For Our Future

While watching the TV the other night an advert came on advertising toilet paper. The advert extolled the virtues of the company behind the product by saying something along the lines of ..."we plant 2 trees for every one knocked down to make our toilet rolls."

Although on the surface this is seems commendable I often wonder how many old trees are destroyed simply to make toilet rolls!

The interesting thing is that there is an eco alternative to traditional paper rolls. Yes, there is an alternative - they are treeless toilet rolls made from sugar cane - sugar cane waste in actual fact. This waste is a fibre called bagasse, and it is formed after the sugar cane stalks have been crushed and the juice released.

The great thing about bagasse is that it is highly concentrated in cellulose which is ideal for making tissue -  hence treeless toilet rolls.

Trees are vital to us for all sorts of reasons - the most important being they produce the oxygen we need to live. Clearing forests, while sometimes necessary, has however gone beyond necessity it seems.

But people have been powerless to stop it. We can demonstrate all we like but in the end governments around the world make the final decisions. Even those that purport to be democracies.

And what about places like Africa? Much of this continent has been cleared of tees to make way for so-called modern development. In fact, deforestation has caused so much damage that even larger animals such as African Elephants are now in danger of extinction.

But a few of us are doing something worthwhile to put back what's been lost. It's called the 10,000 trees project.

And you can get involved. You can buy trees for just £5 with a choice of 3 - 2 fruit trees: Mango and Apple; and an indigenous tree.

When you purchase an indigenous tree for example it:

1. Provides food, medicines and shelter
2. Improves living standards of the local population
3. Rebuilds worn soil
4. Reduces erosion
5. Replenishes groundwater aquifiers
6. Creates a microclimate
7. Encourages the return of other indigenous species
8. Improves the soil quality necessary for
                                                           both bio-diversity and agriculture

So what are you waiting for?

It is said that when you give a man (or woman) a fish you can feed him for a day, but teach him or her to fish and you feed for a lifetime.

And so the same applies to planting trees. You are giving life back to a land that was barren. And helping its people at the same time.

If that's not a worthwhile cause....

To find out more about the 10,000 project visit www.wegogreen.org.uk and to purchase one of the trees for just £5 (and receive a certificate as well) visit the Tree Section in the shop.

Bamboo For Diabetics

Do you (or does anyone you know) suffer from diabetes? I am, and I'm probably one of millions around the world. It's not a pleasant disorder for many reasons, not least because most people look well on the outside, but are unaware of what's happening on the inside.

It doesn't help either when one's family still carries on as if everything is normal; for instance buying food products which albeit enticing can only be eaten occasionally.

It also doesn't help when people buy clothing such as socks made of material which are inappropriate.

Contrary to popular belief, blood sugar level is just one aspect of diabetes. Of course, it is the primary reason for the the disease, but diabetes isn't a case of normal blood sugar level and every thing is hunky dory. It isn't, as I can personally testify.

For example, proper foot care is paramount to the overall treatment of diabetes. Many people feel tingling or pins and needles in the feet. This is a sign of poor circulation. It is therefore paramount that proper footwear (including socks) is worn.

It is vital that diabetics use preventative measures to ensure the reduction of complications. These should be included in a treatment plan.

One part of this is the wearing of socks made from appropriate material for daily foot care. Medical professionals recommend cotton socks, and while I agree, I have now found an alternatives which is better - bamboo socks

Unsure? Try these reasons:

1. Bamboo is a natural fibre grown without pesticides or chemicals. It is extremely soft like a rich cotton fibre after it is processed.

2. Bamboo provides excellent wick protection - 60% better than cotton alone. This helps the foot stay dry and reduces the risk of fungus on the toenails or athlete’s foot.

3. Bamboo is hypoallergenic, non-irritating and great for sensitive skin. People with diabetes have extra dry and sensitive skin.

4. Bamboo is odour resistant, antibacterial, antifungal and has antistatic properties.

5. Bamboo is extremely durable as well as being eco-friendly. Bamboo takes in greenhouse gases and produces more oxygen, up to 35% more than an equal amount of trees.

6. Bamboo fits the foot snuggly, hugs the foot without feeling bulky; this feature reduces the risk of rubbing which leads to blister formation and foot complications. In fact they are so soft you want to wear them. They feel absolutely wonderful on the feet.

7. Bamboo is renewable and sustainable-It grows quickly and regenerates easily without replanting since it is a grass.

8. Bamboo has a thermo- regulating quality which helps keep feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. People with diabetes often have difficulty with temperature regulation due to circulatory problems.

9. Bamboo is a critical source of food for the Panda bear but not the “Moso” bamboo used to produce socks.

10. Bamboo socks are easy to maintain with normal machine washing and drying especially when turned inside out and dried on a low temperature. They also maintain both their shape and softness. How many normal socks still look and feel the same after washing?

11. Bamboo has UV protection without added chemicals which can help prevent sunburn, a severe complication for people with diabetes.


Finally, if you think they are expensive, think again. Men's bamboo socks costs as little as £2.99 per pair. A very small investment for your foot care, don't you agree?

www.ecofriendlyincome.org.uk
www.wegogreen.org.uk

The Beauty Of Bamboo - the Wikaniko Way

Did you know that bamboo is one of the most versatile plants on the planet?

No? I didn't either till recently.
 
Now, you may or may not have heard much about this humble plant, but it is actually now being used as a fabric in things from clothing to cushions to even towels.

Most people when they think of bamboo also think of Pandas. However bamboo apparently has some  wonderful properties which makes it useful for a whole host of things - not just eating!

First, it grows pretty much anywhere on every continent (except the North and South Poles) and from sea level to 12,000 feet. It grows quite happily all by itself. It isn’t bothered whether there is a drought or a flood, so it doesn’t require constant watering.

Second, bamboo doesn’t require insecticides or pesticides to grow well as it keeps the bugs away all by itself.

Third, it has a great root system that prevents soil erosion in areas that have poor soil or have suffered de-forestation, so it can improve areas that have suffered before and help restore them. In fact in areas that have been deforested or over-grazed by cattle or sheep, and may now suffer from landslides and extreme soil erosion, bamboo can step in and its amazing root system clings on to the soil and keeps it just where it is.

Fourth, it grows quickly, really quickly apparently, (up to 2 inches an hour!). It reaches maturity in 2 –5 years, which makes it easily sustainable.

Fifth, (and perhaps scientists should think about this more), bamboo absorbs tonnes of carbon dioxide, and chucks out loads of oxygen. In fact it releases 35% more oxygen than the same area of trees would.

So, all in all, apart from keeping Pandas happy, it is a terrific plant….

Believe it or not there are 1,500 species of bamboo, and the one that the panda eats is not the same as the ones that are made into fabric!

The great thing is the range of everyday products that bamboo can be used for is huge. You probably have seen some of then - notably wooden pots sold in garden or craft centres. But the plant is now used for clothing such as socks and jumpers.

Towels and other garments made from bamboo are also beautifully soft! They feel wonderful.

Bamboo Towel Benefits

Some of the benefits of using bamboo towels are that they are three times more absorbent than cotton, so they dry you much more effectively.

They are oh-so incredibly soft and fluffy, even after many washes. This is because of the bamboo’s fibres, which are strong and perfectly round, so they don’t break easily, and because of their perfect roundness they are smooth.

Products made from bamboo are also anti static; so no ‘clinginess’.

Bamboo also has a natural antibacterial and anti fungal quality, which remains even when it is processed to the final product. This means that you won’t have to wash them as often - good for you and the environment! It also means that when your kids leave them in a damp pile on the bedroom floor they will still stay fresher for longer.

I've started wearing bamboo socks as I am diabetic. Not only are they better for my feet than cotton, they keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.

To see what is currently available from my shop click here.

You Need More Than A Website Now

The internet has grown tremendously in the last 2 decades with millions of people getting connected every year.

In the early days businesses fought shy of using this technology believing it wasn't something that would affect them. But as we've seen this last couple of years, many well known companies have gone to the wall as they can't compete with online sales.

In fact, it's reckoned more people buy online now than visit high street stores.

However, too many business - large, as well as small - think all you need to do is get a domain name, create a website preferably with eCommerce facilities and that's it.

Wrong!

Having a website in the early days maybe all you needed, but not now. You need to do more.

So what do you need to do?

The first thing that should be realised is that just because you are marketing your products online, all the rules of offline marketing go out the window. They don't.


Yes, they may well need adapting to a new media, but that's all you do. In fact, at a basic level even if you don't use modern internet methods, you still need to advertise your website offline in a flyer or newspaper ad.

The next thing that should be realised is despite people buying products from major household names such BHS or Amazon, most people will look for local businesses. I did last year when we needed a new boiler and gas fire.

I'm no different from anyone else.

Of course there will be times when you need to buy something that only a nationwide business can offer. But in general it is local shops, plumbers, builders that you will seek out.

The third thing to realise is that the internet now has levelled the playing field for firms and businesses of all sizes. Even the local independent shopkeeper has an equal chance of getting his or her message out as the global corporation.

Oddly many independent shopkeepers still think the internet is not for them. That's short term thinking in my view.

But how can this type of business compete with larger shops? The answer is quite simple

It's called Social Media.

But what is social media or SM for short. Quite simply it refers to online networking, something I am sure you are aware of offline - breakfast clubs and so on.

In general, the rules behind this are no different to networking offline. However the internet is also a different animal. Which means you could get caught out if you don't know how to use sites such as Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and all the other available social networking sites properly.

Now, you are probably thinking: learning how to use SM is both complicated and expensive.

While it can appear complicated in reality once you know what you are doing, it is very simple indeed. What matters though is that you must be consistent and persistent, otherwise you won't get the results you are after.

As for being expensive, there is now a course available which costs a mere £99 (inc VAT). The course itself is worth over £4000.

So here's a question for you. Which is better? Paying out £99 for a course which cuts to the chase and will help you get what what you want from social media. Or try to figure out what to do yourself, which could end up costing you time as well as a lot more money than £99.

I know which I prefer.

By the way, I get the course for FREE.

So, why not do yourself a favour, whether you have been in business for a long time or only a few weeks. You might be surprised how little you actually know. I know I did.

To find out more about this fantastic course just click on the SHOP tab on the following website and scroll down to the Social Media link.

www.wegogreen.org.uk

Going Green Is Easy - With Wikaniko

Have you ever looked at the products stored in the cupboard under your kitchen sink? You know the sort of stuff I mean, - cleaners, polishers, car wash stuff and so on.

Well, if you haven't, perhaps it's time you did. And when I say look at them, I'm really referring to the label detailing contents, how you use them and the warnings.

If you do look, then I think you might be rather surprised at how dangerous they are to use. You might also surprise yourself when you see how products you've got.

No wonder child experts suggest putting a lock on the cupboard to prevent small children getting hold of them. Even having child proof tops on bottles isn't a guarantee of total safety.

Now I know it is impossible to ensure everything we use is safe and healthy. But at the same time, wouldn't it be nice to be able to use products which are not only safe but healthy and healthier for the environment too?

Yes, that would be nice, I hear you say. But it's just too costly. After all companies would have already made them already wouldn't they?

Well, I have tremendous news for you. There are loads of alternatives around which are not only safe to use, healthier for you, eco-friendly and competitively priced (even cheaper in some cases) than the poisonous and dangerous products sold in most shops and supermarkets.

If you like that, then I have even better news for you. You can buy them in the UK offline or online.

Many of the products have been around for decades, and you might have even used them without realising. For instance, have you heard of Astonish or Bio-D? These two manufacturers create and manufacture a wide range of environmentally products but in general only a handful are available in shops.

But if you like these sort of products and would like to see what else they make along with a whole lot more products you probably didn't realise existed then just visit this site. There are around 1000 products available covering household products, personal care products, yummie things like raw chocolate.

There are even products suitable for diabetics, lactose intolerant individuals, vegetarians and vegans.

Find out more about the products, their ingredients and benefits visit www.wegogreen.org.uk.