Natural Awakenings Twin Cities October 2022

eco tip
Silver Fillings:
Just ugly?
Or harmful too?
This is a picture
of a “Silver”
or “Amalgam”
filling. It is 50 -
52% MERCURY!
If the mercury in
this filling were spilled in a school,
it would be evacuated....
This is a picture
of a “light cured”
composite filling.
They can last as
long or longer
than mercury
fillings with no danger of releasing
harmful heavy metals.
As noted on Dr. Mercola,
Dr. Oz, and 60 Minutes...
Mercury fillings may have a
significant negative impact on your
overall health.
Make 2022 2017 YOUR year
for healthy choices!
Dr. Madelyn Pearson is the
current president of the
Holistic Dental Association and
has advanced training in safe
mercury removal.
Call or visit our website for
more info: (651) 483-9800
www.NaturalSmilesDental.com
The Helpful Nature
of Houseplants
Nestled among books on a shelf,
soaking up sunlight by a kitchen
window or filling the bare corner of a
living room, nothing adds beauty and
interest to a home quite like a living
plant. Bringing nature indoors also has
numerous human health advantages.
Benefits of Houseplants
They oxygenate the air. We inhale
oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide,
while plants do the opposite during
photosynthesis. This makes them
ideal air fresheners. At sundown,
when photosynthesis stops, most
plants go back to absorbing oxygen
and releasing CO 2
, except for orchids,
succulents and bromeliads, making
them wonderful bedside companions.
They eliminate toxins. Studies have
shown that plants filter indoor air,
removing volatile organic compounds
like benzene, xylene, toluene, trichloroethylene,
ammonia and formaldehyde,
which are commonly found in
furniture adhesives, paints, carpets,
chemical cleaners and craft supplies.
They humidify the indoor environment.
Through a process called
transpiration, moisture travels from
plant roots to small pores on the
underside of leaves, where it changes
to vapor and is released into the air. In
arid climates and during winter, this
creates a favorable indoor atmosphere
that decreases dry skin, colds,
sore throats, dry coughs and even the
transmission of the flu virus.
They enhance our mood. Research
shows indoor plants boost our mental
health. One study found that viewing
plants while recovering from surgery
led to physiological improvements by
lowering blood pressure and reducing
the perception of pain, anxiety and
fatigue. Also, the act of taking care of
plants has been shown to be emotionally
helpful.
They help with productivity. Placing
a philodendron by the computer
might be a good idea, as a number of
studies have shown that being close
to nature improves concentration,
memory and productivity.
Pet-Friendly Varietals
Some plants can be toxic to dogs and
cats, but here are a few that are perfectly
safe for our furry best friends:
rattlesnake plant, spider plant, parlor
palm, ponytail palm, African violet,
bird’s nest fern, Venus flytrap, Boston
fern, polka dot plant, orchid, staghorn
fern, bromeliad, date palm and herbs.
Maintenance Tips
Watering: Over- or under-watering
are the most common houseplant killers,
but there are easy fixes. One is a
relatively inexpensive moisture meter
that helps monitor hydration levels in
a planter. Or simply stick a finger into
the soil and add water only when it is
dry one inch below the surface.
Low-light choices: Many plants
thrive indoors with partial, indirect
sunlight, and some are low-light tolerant,
including lucky bamboo, spider
plant, pothos, snake plant, staghorn
fern, English ivy, peace lily, maidenhair
fern, philodendron, anthurium,
corn plant and dragon tree.
Anna/AdobeStock.com
12 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com