Aloe Vera Gel for Teeth (via Dr Weil's blog)

Aloe vera gel can soothe burned skin, take the itch out of bug bites and help treat rashes from poisonous plants. It also appears to be good for your teeth. A study published in the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry found that aloe vera gel worked as well as regular toothpaste to clean teeth and eliminate cavity-causing bacteria. What’s more, the study showed that the gel isn't as hard on the teeth as abrasive toothpastes so may be better for folks with sensitive teeth or gums. However, one of the authors of the study warned that not all aloe vera gel will work - you need the kind that contains the stabilized gel located in the center of the aloe vera plant and that hasn’t been treated with excessive heat or filtered during manufacturing. One of the study authors notes that such processing destroys or reduces the effects of some essential enzymes and polysaccharides. To find a good aloe vera tooth gel, the researchers suggested checking with the International Aloe Science Council to review the products that have received its seal of quality.

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Plastic bottles

With all the hype in the last month about plastic bottles, I wanted to throw my two cents in the pot.

Sigg bottles from Switzerland is going to make a killing on this, because they are the best but expensive alternative to Lexan(no7) Nalgene bottles. I just bought one to replace my Nalgene, and it is good enough for now.

Other aluminum bottle companies can also make huge inroads here, if they take advantage of the current plastic phobias that are running wild. Kleen Kantene is one competitor in the market, maybe its time to have more competition? Some US based manufacturers?

Nalgene's soft plastic bottles that were not victim of this scrutiny suck. I've used them for years, and they make the water taste gross, just like a leeching plastic bottle would. I don't think this is a good route going forward either.

Maybe bio-plastics, or other substances could be made into bottles? Plastics engineers get yo shit together. I (maybe we) need something new, so I can be free of plastic paranoia.

Do the permaculture + organic types have any thoughts on this?

Update: 5-16-08: I purchased a Sigg bottle and a Camel Back BPA free bottle. Both are nice. Nalgene has responded very responsibly to the problem. You can check it out here. They clarify a few things that help in regards to this problem. http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/

Mike Adams - Health Ranger

I've been inspired by Mike Adams of http://www.healthranger.org/. He is a very healthy and active guy who is a professional health activist. Check out his site. I have found some very good stuff there, on what to eat, what not to eat. He has written a number of books, and hundreds of articles. Mike also has many free audio downloads if you have an interest in checking those out. I've been drinking the shake he has listed on there for about a week now and it makes me feel great, and full for at least 4 hours of the day. Check it out and hopefully you'll be inspired to.