HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS - REVEAL #3

"Rooibos"

(Red Bush)

Organic Rooibos Tea
"Youth Preserving"
Caffeine-Free

It's been so long we had one of these post segments.  I've realized I still have not finished revealing the six healthy skin, hair, and nails tips.  We are up to Reveal #3.

Rooibos has many health benefits for the skin and powerful medical properties. It has aspalathin and anti-inflammatory antioxidants that calms redness and roughness. 

Plus, it helps protects aging associated from sun exposure. 

Rooibos is a favorite among South Africans and grows only in the mountainous region.

Researchers suggest drinking a cup a day of the red or green brew can repair and beautify your complexion as effectively as many pricey skin creams.

Bonus Tips:  Rooibos can help prevent Alzheimer's disease by staving off age-related damage to brain cells, helps fight allergies, improves circulation, prevents some cancers, settles stomach, calm and relaxes, defends cells and DNA from scavengers free radicals.


                                                        Enjoy a nice cup today!

HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS REVEAL #2

 

"Cranberries"

 



Gorgeous Skin!

 

     The second beauty reveal is cranberries!  These red berries not only helps your skin look radiant but helps you internally.  Remember to have a glowing appearance on the outside you must work on the inside to detox the toxins building up in the blood and organs.  Cranberries are perfect to achieve the result because of the high concentration of antioxidants and phytonutrients.  Cranberries has power bonuses - the berries contain a compound that kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, anti-cancer benefits, inhibits the growth of cancerous cells and tumors, prevents urinary tract infections, protects the heart, and liver.

 

What does it do to the skin?

 

Cranberries detoxifies the skin and is extremely useful for acne-prone, psoriasis, or oily skin.  It helps reduce skin inflammation, itchiness, redness, and irritated skin.

 

Here is a great home remedy toner brought to you by, Woman's World magazine...

 

Blemish-Busting Cranberry Toner

• 2 tbs. (tablespoons) cranberry juice (100% pure juice)
• 1/2 cup witch hazel

Pour ingredients into a clean, reclosable bottle.

After washing your face, shake the bottle, then pour some toner onto a cotton pad and apply to face.

*Keeps for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.



HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS REVEAL #1

 

"Gamma Linolenic Acid"

 

 

 

 

     Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an Omega 6 essential unsaturated fatty acid found in plant seeds.  It is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.  GLA is very effective in helping with skin disorders, brittle nails, hair, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and premenstrual syndrome.

 

 

Three excellent natural sources of Gamma Linolenic Acid:

1. Black Currant Seed Oil 
2. Evening Primrose Oil
3. Borage Oil

According to Dr. Andrew Weil it takes about six to eight weeks to see changes after having any of the above in your healthy diet.

THE REVEAL OF SIX HEALTHY HAIR AND SKIN TIPS

"Balancing The Healthy Glow"

     Six postings I will reveal a "healthy hair and skin" tip to achieving optimal health.  Keep checking in to find out.





FACIAL BEAUTY SECRETS

"Facial Mask"

Aloe Vera Spa Mask

     Why not bring "The Spa" to your home without spending expensive money on treatments.  Create your very own beauty remedies by utilizing the items that you may already have in your kitchen.  A great benefit - you will already know what exactly is in your mask.  Chemical, preservative, and artificial colorings free!

     What's in my mask?

Vitamin E, Raw Manuka Honey, Kelp, Organic Aloe Vera
and a splash of Coconut Milk

• 1 capsule vitamin E or 1/2 teaspoon of pure vitamin E oil
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 aloe vera leaf
• 1 teaspoons of kelp powder
• 2 tablespoons of coconut milk

Directions: 
Wash off your aloe vera leaf and slice open from the side of the leaf to remove the gel.  If using a vitamin E soft gel capsule, then take a toothpick and puncture a hole through it to let out the liquid.
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix.
Wipe down your facial steamer with alcohol before and after use.
Rinse face off with water after you steamed your face.
Pat dry your face.

Appliance:  (make sure you read your facial steamer directions carefully)

Facial Steamer

Optional:
Add a few drops of lavender oil in the water of the steamer.



Lavender

I received this sample of Lavender oil from one of the vendors at the Green Festival last year.  I figured I would put this healer oil to use by including it into my steam water.  Makes you relax. 

Apply the facial mask and let the spa serenity begin...

 

Natural healing takes it course...

 

Benefits of:

 

• Vitamin E oil (pure) helps block free radicals from the body in which it plays a large part in the aging process.  Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  It protects skin from cell mutation in the sun and pollution.  Vitamin E oil will help repair and improve appearance of damage tissue.  (Caution if you have acne prone skin - limit the amount of the oil due to it can may you break out more)
• Aloe Vera gel (pure) An excellent moisturizer.  Aloe vera gel has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in which it helps fight off bacteria and inflammation.  No greasy residue feel - excellent for oily skin.  Aloe vera gel keeps skin hydrated and firm.
• Kelp a seaweed that helps regulate thyroid glands, hair, and skin.  Kelp stifles the aging process.  The chlorophyll in kelp detoxifies the skin.  Kelp's other skin nourishing nutrients are omega 3 essential fatty acids, polyphenols, 16 amino acids, vitamin A, iodine, and niacin. Improves the body pH balance. (Alkaline food)
•  Raw honey has antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties that can speed the healing of infections and wounds including acne.  Raw honey improves skin hydration.  (Alkaline food)
• Coconut milk nourishes and cleanses the skin pores to removing dirt and excess sebum.  Coconut milk can remove dead cells from the skin by acting as a gentle exfoliating agent.  It hydrates the skin and moisturizers as well.  Coconut milk is a healer because it has cooling properties that calm dry irritated skin or rashes.
• Lavender oil aromatherapy for insomnia and pain.
• Facial Steamer  boost circulation and draw blood to the surface of the skin promoting a warm healthy glow.  Unclogs pores allowing dirt to release out.
• Drink daily cups of burdock root tea.

As we work on the external of our bodies let us not forget the internal process we need to do...

Helps detox internal body system
"Burdock Root"

• Removes toxins from the blood.  "Blood Purifier"
• Increases circulation.
• Destroys bacteria and fungus cultures.
• Strengthens the liver.
• Soothes the gastrointestinal tract.
• Helps the kidneys eliminate impurities.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

     Now you know some of my beauty secrets, dare to tell me yours?


                                                                                                         Namaste



ALL AROUND PROTECTION 101

"Summer Season"

     Last Friday, June 21, 2013 has marked the first day of summer!  Are you excited?  We get long hours of daylight sun.  The summer season is the only season in which we get the hottest sun than any other season.  We all need to prepare and be on top of our protection game not only for the summer season but other seasons as well especially when the sun is giving us bright strong ultraviolet rays.

     I compiled a list of important protection tips that can help benefit you and your family in keeping safe and healthy from the sun.  Even though the sun helps us get some vitamin D but it can also gives us melanoma skin cancer.

Well, what should I do?

1. Apply a natural sunscreen (no chemicals) to expose skin including ears. *Make sure in the Active Ingredients area it only says Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide preferably Zinc Oxide (read labels)
   
    

 Remember the largest organ of the body is the skin (see posting on skincare).  What you apply or inject in your skin affects the body.  It's very important to keep the skin free of toxins, colorings, and chemicals due to the skin organ is open with millions of pores.  The skin absorbs what you put on.  Look for a sunscreen that says broad spectrum, no chemicals, and make sure it has either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide blocks UVA and UVB light. 

The above brand, Alba Botanica, is what I'm currently using.  But, after doing further research for this posting and reading labels more thoroughly - not a good suggestion due to it has the chemical octrocrylene and homosalate ingredient  click here http://www.albabotanica.com/sun/natural-protection/revitalizing-green-tea-broad-spectrum-spf-45.html
http://www.albabotanica.com/sun/natural-protection/kids-broad-spectrum-spf-45.html

This lead me to do further research and found the below sites.  (I had just bought 3 new tubes from Whole Foods Supermarket - now I will be returning)

Here is an article from prevention on "How to Find a Natural Sunscreen" http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/how-find-best-natural-sunscreen 

Another site to get more info on products, the level of chemicals, and overall rating level "The Environmental Working Group (EWG)" gives a thorough breakdown click here
 http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Use the link above (prevention) and below as your guide when deciding to purchase a sunscreen.

***Very important to read - EWG 2013 GUIDE TO SUNSCREENS
http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

     2.  Protect your lips. 



     3.  Protect your head.  Wearing a hat helps reflect the sun off your face too.

     4.  Protect your eyes.  Wear UV protection sunglasses.

     5.  Hydrate your body system.  Plus, protect your intestinal tract.

• Purify water is the best for your body to keep hydrated.  Water helps the liver and kidneys flush out toxins.  It helps with skin complexion.
• Coconut water is the best electrolyte natural drink that has no chemicals or colorings not like Gatorade to help the body hydrate.  It helps the heart, digestive system, and blood.  Coconut water has the highest potassium than bananas and vitamin C.  Coconut water is identical to the human blood plasma.  It was given to wounded soldiers as an emergency plasma transfusions during the Pacific War 1941-1945.  Coconut water was used as a IV saline solution (short-term intravenous hydration fluid) during World War II.  Coconut water is "the fluid of life."
• Acidophilus Probiotics good bacteria to support and protect the digestive tract.  Why I have it listed in this category?  Very important to take regularly for everyone and children.  Since it's the summer time people go to barbecues and eat out more.  The food may be sitting out a long time, not properly cooked, or spoiled so building up a good immune system helps prevent stomach viruses and/or food poisoning etc. Strive to take 14-25 billion a day non-dairy. *Keep in fridge. 

     6.  Have aloe vera on hand.  (Great for sunburns and skin irritations)

Miracle healer

     7.  Keep your allergies in check. (This is a good non-drug allergy supplement)

Alternative Allergy Supplement 

Ingredients

• Quercitin
• Bromelain
• Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
• Hesperidin
• Acerola
• Rose hips
• Rutin

     8.  Inspect your body thoroughly for any suspicious moles.

Looks suspect Go to Dermatologist

     9.  Know when the sun rays are at its highest.  Try to avoid sun at that time.

10am-3pm  Sun Rays are high

     In conclusion before you and your family step outside make sure you are well protected and prepare for the day's weather.

                                                                                      Enjoy the season!

SHINGLES

"Herpes Zoster"

     Have you heard of it?  Had it?  Saw an outbreak of someone going through it?  Yesterday, I got a request from someone if I knew any natural remedies to help treat the painful virus infection.  Everyone knows I'm a natural remedy person at heart where I don't like taking drugs.  I always try my best to look at alternative routes to help heal the body naturally.  As a reminder if seeking natural remedies and taking supplements as always let your doctor know what you are doing and keep a journal of how the remedies are working for you.  Please be aware not all doctors like alternative methods.  Natural remedies can work quick or it can take time to work.  Do not be discourage.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes rashes, blisters, and pain on one side of the body.  It is an acute central nervous system infection caused by Herpes Zoster Virus - like the chicken pox. 

Who is affected?

Shingles normally attacks ages 50+ but it can attack younger people with a weakened immune system caused by stress, diseases, who had the chicken pox, or certain drugs.  Symptoms can last for months or even years.  Pain ranges from moderate to severe.  You can experience stabbing, shooting, burning, and throbbing of pain.  As you get older an increase risk for long term nerve pain may increase. 

Building up the immune system is the key to prevention.

How do we begin in treating it the natural way?

• Cayenne Pepper:  Can help relieve itchiness, pain, and discomfort.  Creating it as an ointment - mix a little pepper in a no chemical fragrance free lotion.   Apply 4-6 hrs.
• Oatmeal:  It soothes burning and itching irritations.  Creating a paste and apply it to the blisters or red spot areas.  Mix uncooked (raw) oatmeal with water to make a paste (do not use a lot of water when mixing it).  You can soak in a oatmeal bath - adding oatmeal to your bath water.  Helps you to relax and alleviate the irritation.
• Apple Cider Vinegar:  With a 100% cotton ball dab it in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area.  Relieves the irritation and itching.
• Vitamin B complex supplements:  Relieves stress and maintains a healthy immune and nervous system.
• Acidophilus Probiotics:  Take daily.  Look for a non-dairy.  Keep it in the fridge to preserve freshness.
• Vitamin C:  1000mg Take daily.  Builds up the immune system.
• Vitamin E:  Apply the oil on the affected areas.  Heals the skin and scars.  Make sure it is 100%   vitamin E - no added ingredients.
• Mediation & Yoga:  Reduces stress, helps circulation, and breathing.
• Acupuncture:  Insertion of needles to various key points of the body to bring circulation throughout the body and strengthen the organs to balance the yin and yang.  When seeking for an Acupuncturist - make sure the person is Certified Licensed, does not reuse the same needles, and make sure he or she wipes the body down with alcohol before starting inserting the needles.  Look for an Acupuncturist who is well experienced in the area.
• Daily Teas:  Drinking several cups of tea daily can help soothe, heal, and prevent shingles.

1. Licorice
2. Echinacea
3. Ginseng
4. Nettle
5. Red clover
6. St. John's Wort
7. Lemon Balm
8. Green Tea 
9. Turmeric (see posting on Pain Killer Tea)
10. Clove
11. Cinnamon

•  Aloe Vera:  "Miracle Plant", "Silent Healer", "Plant Immortality" Applying the gel of the aloe vera to the affected areas will heal the shingles.  Can be mix with herbs to create an ointment or a tea wash.

Making a Tea Wash

Lemon Balm, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Calendula, Echinacea, Hyssop, or Golden Seal - Boil in distilled water.  Once cool down make a mixture of the herbal tea and mix in vitamin E oil and fresh Aloe Vera gel.  Apply with a cotton ball to the affected areas at least 3x a day.

• Amino Acid Lysine:  Eat foods that contain lysine, such as, watercress, legumes, carob, spinach, fish (wild), shrimp (wild), parmesan, gouda, or gruyere cheese, eggs, soybeans (NO GMOs), seaweed (spirulina, kelp etc.), tomatoes, carrots, orange juice, apples, mangos, bananas, apricots, pears, pumpkin, peas, beets, cauliflower, celery, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, figs, and sprouts.
• Flax Seed Oil:  Essential fatty acid supports a healthy nervous system and skin. Take 1 tablespoon a day
• Selenium:  100mg a day.
• Vitamin D3:  Take 1000iu or 2000iu daily.
• Tea Tree oil and Lavender Oil:  Mix equal parts of oils and apply on the affected areas.  Lavender helps the skin heal and relaxes the body (nerves).  Tea tree is antiviral -  kills bacteria, soothes the skin, and reduces inflammation. * other oils can be combined as well - Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Geranium, and Bergamot.
• Zinc:  25mg Take daily.  Builds immune system.
• Vitamin B12:  Studies have shown by getting an injection of B12 works quicker than supplement pill form.  It helps with pain relief and drying out the rash.  If you can't get to a doctor for a shot than try taking liquid form but make sure there isn't no preservatives, soy, additives, corn, or artificial colorings in it.
• Ice pack or cool cloth:  Will have numb the pain.
• Turmeric and fresh mint:  Mix turmeric powder with mint juice (juice up some mint leaves) or use aloe vera gel and apply to the affected areas.  
• Water:  Drink lots of purified water to flush out the toxins. 
• Dandelion root and Burdock root:  Helps detox the liver.

• Celery juice or Celery tea:  Can alleviate the pain and help tone up the nervous system.
• Lemon:  Can be rubbed on the affected area to relieve pain.
• Allspice paste:  Grind cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg with a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.  Add purified water.  Apply to the affected areas. (You can buy the spices ground)

 Hopefully these natural remedies can help those who are suffering with Shingles.


                                                                                                             Namaste

     



 

IT'S NOT JUST INTERNAL

Skin

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the body? Yes, really. It’s not just internal like the heart, kidney, or liver. The skin is made up of three different layers- epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous.

The epidermis is the outer most layer. It serves as the protective function and consists of epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissues are cells that are pack tightly together to form a barrier between the inside of the body and the outside world.

The dermis is underneath the epidermis. It is layers of connective tissue. The dermis supports the skin, contains blood vessels, nerve tissue, and muscle tissue. The dermis layer of skin is the one that gives us the “goosebumps” when we feel cold.

The subcutaneous is beneath the dermis layer. It is a connective tissue known as “adipose tissue” (fat). The subcutaneous cushions the skin and protects us from the cold.

As we try to protect our inner organs from toxins we eat, let us not forget to protect our outer organs. Since, the skin is the first thing we notice if anything is wrong. The skin gives us a warning of what irritates our body and how we are healing.

The skincare business is a billion dollar industry. Millions of products are produced for the skin. These products have so many chemical ingredients in which we cannot pronounce and never heard of except for the “scientific world”. The skincare business is a creative business. Why? They can label their product as natural and put a well-known natural ingredient in it. Then mix it with other chemical products. “We” as consumers fall in this trap and buy the products.

Have you ever examined the ingredients on the labels of your skincare products? Can you recognize any of the items? Is the “main” ingredient they advertise on the product at the first top three of the items? Middle? Last? For example, a lotion product that says it has avocado and it’s listed at the very end. Do you think it’s a good product to use? Nope, it is not on the first top items. Therefore, it means the product has less of this “main” ingredient and the product is worthless.

Many skincare and cosmetics products that we buy have ingredients that are not only harmful to our skin but it can hinder long term health, such as, cancer, and infertility. The cosmetic industry uses harmful ingredients because they are cheap and basically don’t care on what effect they cause on the consumer. If they did, then they will eliminate the harmful ingredients.

I would like you to be a Smart Consumer. Here are the most important harmful ingredients that are commonly found in most of these skincare products:

ü SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) &

ü AMMONIUM LAURYL SUFATE (ALS) (found in shampoos, toothpaste, facial cleansers, body cleansers, and bubble bath)

ü PARABEN PRESERVATIVES **HIGHLY TOXIC** (found in lotions, cosmetics, deodorants, baby products) **AVOID ANYTHING WITH THE ENDING PARABEN

ü PROPYLENE GLYCOL (found in body creams, cosmetics, and cleansers)

ü ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

ü DEA (DIETHANOLAMINE

ü TEA (TRIETHANOLAMINE)

ü MEA (MONOETHANOLAMINE)

ü ALUMINUM

ü MINERAL OIL (found in baby oil, scalp products, lotions, and cosmetics) CLOGS PORES

ü TALC

ü FD&C COLOR PIGMENTS (artificial synthetic colors RED#40, YELLOW#5, GREEN#6 etc.)

ü SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

ü IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA

ü DIAZOLIDINYL UREA

Don’t be fooled if you see some products labeled as “Natural” or “Organic” on front of the product labels. It can have just one or two of natural or organic ingredients and the rest of the ingredients are harmful chemicals.

Wow, these are not all the harmful chemical ingredients that are out there in the skincare products. These are some of the Main ones that can do damage to your health.

Now that you know, will you switch to a better skincare product?