There is alot of medical data that talks about the positive effects of fasting, however because we are not used to not eating for long periods of time, it can be quite confusing and intimidating for some people to accumulate all that data and actually put it into practice. Here I will cover the effects of fasting and how it will help you.

Hours, days, months and finally years go by where we just mindless put whatever we feel like into our bodies. We hardly think twice about what we eat and how it plays on our system. For as long as we crave it and it tastes good, that's usually all that matters. With this mindset, one cannot imagine how much the digestive system and the body as a whole goes through. Most of the things we eat are probably not very healthy for us and provide little if not no nutritional value at all.

Fasting comes in when we decided to put the breaks on our eating habits and jump start our whole system. By fasting you are not only giving your body a break but you are also becoming more aware of your body and what you put into it. It has a very profound detoxifying effect as it gives the body an opportunity to flush out everything that it doesn't need. This also creates a change in a persons energy levels, making them feel more grounded and calm.

The saying "You are what you eat", really comes to surface as you realize the change in the way you feel and look. After a few hours of not eating make sure you break your fasting with fresh and healthy foods that are easy to digest. Keep yourself well hydrated and indulge in various food types.

While fasting you may notice changes in your moods and emotions, this is where your mind and your body together change the notion that your food controls you, instead it controls the food. It is very healthy practice to fast a few days in a year and give your body a break from everything. It further helps you appreciate your body and create deep feelings of self love.

One must always eat to live and not live to eat, as that is when true living really happens. Stay healthy and stay happy. Happy Fasting!

Juniper essential oil grows mainly around North America, northern Europe and from Siberia to southwest Asia. Extracted from blue-black berries Juniper is known by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to combat epidemics. Around the time of the First World War French hospitals used Juniper in the sick wards to combat diseases such as small pox. Juniper berries are also used in making gin.

Properties: Antispasmodic, antirheumatic, depurative, diuretic, detoxifying, emmenagogic, purifying, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic.

Digestive System: Useful for indigestion, minor stomach upsets, flatulence, and colic.

Urinary System: Juniper is a strong antispasmodic and diuretic for treating cystitis and kidney inflammation. Good for alleviating water retention.

Respiratory System: A respiratory tract antiseptic, juniper is also good for convulsive coughs.

Skeletal System: Arthritic and joint problems such as gout will benefit from Juniper.

Skin: Good for disorders of the skin. Cleansing and toning Juniper is especially useful for treating oily skin and acne. Detoxifying for cellulite.

Emotion: Useful for treating sleep difficulties due to worry and tension. Juniper strengthens anyone feeling emotionally drained. It is particularly good for cleansing the mind of negative vibes accumulated from others. It revitalizes people who are cold and aloof and feel as though they are misunderstood and unsupported.