The health benefits of fenugreek include anemia, pregnancy, lactation, digestion, loss of taste, fever, hair care, dandruff, stomach disorders, biliousness, respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, sore throat, diabetes, inflammations, wounds and insomnia.. It is a member of the bean family and is found in India and southern part of Europe.
Some benefits of fenugreek:
* Good for breast feeding mothers * Reduce menstrual discomfort * Minimize symptoms of menopause * Reduce cholesterol * Reduces cardiovascular risk * Control diabetes * Relief for sore throat * Relieve constipation * Good for kidney troubles * Prevent colon cancer * Good appetite suppressant (Read more in detail...)
Fenugreek is used to treat wounds, inflammation and gastrointestinal ailments. According to ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, fenugreek can be used for inducing labour and aiding digestion. It is also good to improve metabolism and health. Irritated skin condition can be soothed by the external application of fenugreek. Fenugreek is also used for fevers and muscle aches.
Fenugreek is considered to be a safe herbal food. It is used as a spice also and tastes oddly of bitter celery and maple syrup. Precaution: The only side effect seen in people taking high doses of fenugreek is the mild gastro intestinal distress. Fenugreek is not well recommended during pregnancy because it may lead to miscarriage.
Heating Essential oils in an oil burner or vaporizer is a quick way to neutralize room odors and create a fragrant long lasting aroma. Thyme and Eucalyptus are strongly antiseptic and this scent freshens the air and banishes smells. Ingredients:
3ml lemon Essential oil
1ml thyme Essential oil,
1ml Eucalyptus Essential oil
Mix the oil together in a brown glass dropper. Shake well.
Use Shake then put 5 drops in an oil burner/vaporizer and heat gently.
Caution Keep away from eyes.Store in a dropper bottle to prevent accidental ingestion.
A natural alternative to commercial conditioners is a herbal vinegar rinse- It eliminates residual shampoo, help restore the natural acid balance of the scalp, and leaves your hair looking clean, soft and incredibly shiny... plus it doesn't smell half as bad..trust me!! How to Prepare; Fill 3/4 of a clean Kilner jar with herbs or petals according to one's preference. Crush them slightly to help release their natural oils. Pour over cider or white wine vinegar to cover (DON'T USE MALT). Make sure all herbs are completely submerged. Storage: Seal and leave in a warm, sunny spot for 2 weeks, shaking the bottle every couple of days, and pushing down any uncovered plant. When ready strain and pour into a sterilized bottle.
Play around with the following herbs: Chamomile or Calendula/Marigold; For fair and irritated scalp. Sage and Rosemary; For dark hair. Nettle; To Strengthen brittle hair. Violet, Marigold or Parsley; For Dandruff Rose Petals;For dry scalp. For a scented rinse Try use Rose petals, Lavender or Jasmin flowers.
By the way.... vinegar rinses also help reduce/eliminate dandruff problems!! Try it out!
This is a recipe for those who want a natural alternative to the commercial paste; which by the way is filled with SLS and even sugars to make it into the commercial paste that we know of. Yep, SUGARS... and why would we need to brush our teeth with a product containing sugar- when it's the sugar that we are trying to brush away!? So here goes...
Ingredients
60 grams fine sea salt
150 grams Bicarbonate of Soda
8 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drop lemon essential oil
2 drops of Frankincense essential oil
1/4 tsp of crushed cloves (optional)
Method
Mix Sea salt and Bicarbonate of Soda together in a bowl. Add Essential oils one drop at a time then mix to prevent clumping.
Store in separate jars, each for each member of the family.
All materials can be bought online from www.SoapCafeMalta.com under the category ''DIY Cosmetic Supplies''
Lavender Wheat Bag is 100% natural and contains no drugs or chemicals. French Lavender flowers that have been dried are mixed into the grain to give the product its famous aroma to give you many hours of relief. The simplest way to heat a wheat bag is to place it in the microwave, with a glass of water, and heat for three to four minutes. Wheat bags are a great alternative to hot water bottles for children, as they will not leak!
Keeping a wheat bag in the freezer to put on bruises and scrapes similarly avoids the leakage and mess of ice packs, and as wheat bags do not freeze solid, they will mould themselves comfortably around the injured area.
Breastfeeding mothers often find wheat bags comforting for engorged breasts; wheat bags can also be used during labor and menstruation to help soothe cramps.
Wheat bags have also been known to help all the following conditions: • Arthritis • Aching Joints • Sprains and Strains • Menstrual Pains • Lumbago • Rheumatism • Sports Injuries • Stress & Tension • Relieves Some Symptoms Of Migraine Headaches
Ginger root tea being rich in vitamins B6 and C, potassium and magnesium, oils such as gingerols and zingerone, have many health benefits for the body. Aids in Digestion It stimuates digestion and also relieves the person of the symptoms associated with indigestion such as stomach bloating, gas and vomiting.
Relieves Morning Sickness Pregnant woman can safely consume this herb. Regular consumption helps in minimizing the morning sickness to a great extent.
Strengthens Immunity This is because ginger tea contains large quantities of anti-oxidants, which increase the immunity of a person.
Cures Menstrual Cramping It helps in directing the blood flow to the pelvic region. This releases the blockages and cures cramping in the process.
Treats Common Cold Being very warm in nature, increases the perspiration in a person and thus brings down the fever.It also relieves soreness in throat as well as opening up the blocked sinuses in a person
Cures Acne Ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties, because of which, any kind of pimples or swelling on skin gets reduced with its regular consumption.
Protects Liver Drinking ginger tea daily, twice a day, helps in keeping the liver protected against the ill effects of such toxic substances. Moreover, it reduces the effects of a hangover!
Green tea is definitely considered as one of the anti aging drinks! The healthful properties of green tea are hugely attributed to polyphenols, chemicals with potent antioxidant properties.
~Green tea has anti oxidants and anti inflammatory properties that will help get rid of free radicals.
~It promotes digestion and improves mental processes.
~Green tea also reduces the risk of damages from ultraviolet rays, hence decreasing your risk of skin cancer.
As well having superior flavor, peppermint tea possesses the following health benefits:
~Treats irritable bowel syndrome ~Eases nausea and vomiting ~Controls flatulence and diverticular disorders ~Improves digestion and reduce heartburn ~Dissolves gallstones ~Reduces the severity of herpes outbreaks ~Fights bad breath ~Controls muscle aches and chronic pain ~Clears congestion and cough related to colds and allergies ~Controls mild asthma ~Fights stress
Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps are believed to create negatively charged ions in the air. This is a good thing because modern day pollution and electrical equipment creates positive ions in the air which are potentially harmful to us and cause air quality in areas affected to deteriorate. By using a Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamp you replace the negatively charged ions in the air which helps us to avoid the alleged physical and mental harm that the ‘electric smog’ creates.
Other sources of negatively charged ions include waterfalls and the sea, with up to 10,000 negative ions per cubic metre apposed to just 100 negative ions per cubic metre in the city at rush hour.
Many people swear by Ginseng Tea and consume it on a regular basis. According to these Ginseng supporters, it is beneficial in the following different ways :
•Ginseng helps build up an appetite. •Ginseng helps with digestion. •Ginseng aids respiration. •Ginseng is rejuvenating and works against fatigue. •Ginseng helps reduce physical and mental stress. •Ginseng aids the immune system. •Ginseng works as an aphrodisiac. •Ginseng helps counter arthritis. •Ginseng helps counter asthma. •Ginseng helps counter diabetes. •Ginseng reduces the risk of cancer. •Ginseng lessens the effects of Crohn's Disease. •Ginseng is effective against Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome. •Ginseng helps lower (LDL) bad cholesterol levels. •Ginseng is effective against headaches. •Ginseng provides a cure for stomach ulcers. •Ginseng provides a cure for diarrhea. •Ginseng is good for blood circulation.
I know most of you love scrubs... so here is a fantastic recipie for a DIY body Scrub! (This also makes a fantastic revitilising foot scrub for tired feet)
30grms fine sea salt (Epson Salt or Himalyan salt works best)
90 grms grapeseed oil
60 grms finely grated natural soap
1/4 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1/3 teaspoon orange essential oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest (optional)
Mix everything well in a clean bowl and store in a sterile jar. Shelf life 1 month.
All materials can be bought online from www.SoapCafeMalta.com under the category ''DIY Cosmetic Supplies''
• Hazardous substances are commonly used in processing textiles. These chemicals can leach out of the products over time and get into our bodies. (source: Greenpeace page 20)
• Conventional cotton uses 24% of all insecticide and 11% of all pesticides used in the world each year!
• Organic cotton is a clean, sustainable alternative to conventional cotton and is a much purer fiber to put next to your skin.
• Organic Cotton is naturally waxy, so the towels will need a few washes to reach maximum absorbency
• Ecru is unbleached organic cotton in it’s natural colour
Treat yourself to soft and snugly organic cotton towels…
N.B: These towels wash beautifully, but make sure you DON’T use fabric softener, it reduces absorbency
Today, research is showing rosemary's ability to help improve memory and help in the prevention of Alzheimer's Rosemary tea. Made of the plant's leaf,iit contains rosmarinic acid and many other antioxidants that have been reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that preserves brain tissues.
Drinking rosemary tea benefits the digestive tract and can help those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It stimulates the release of bile to help digest fats, thus relieving intestinal cramps and spasms. It also helps in relieving indigestion, flatulence, and bloating.
Other benefits of drinking rosemary tea include helping in the following: • menstrual cramps • amenorrhea • arthritis • headaches • fever.
You've probably been told to wash your hands since you were a kid: before you eat, after you use the restroom, when you're sick. It's such a simple, well-known and effective way to prevent the spread of germs.
So why are we writing about something you already do? Because hand washing with safer soaps can reduce toxic exposures, too!
Hand washing is an effective -- but often overlooked -- way to reduce our exposures to toxic chemicals. Chemicals can migrate onto our hands from the many toxic products we use everyday -- and the simple act of washing our hands can help reduce our exposure. This is especially important for young children, whose hands are so frequently in their mouths.
Choose a safer soap. Ironically, some soaps contain chemicals you should avoid (like triclosan, mostly found in anti-bacterial soap!!). Choosing a safer soap is an important part of reducing your toxic exposures.
(Check out the article regarding anti bacterial soap in the 'facts' section)
1. High in antioxidants:Chocolate is high in flavonoids, an antioxidant in the polyphenol category. Antioxidants can help to prevent cell damage and have been linked to prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases.
2. Helps with cholesterol: Scientists at Penn State found that dark chocolate and flavonoid-rich cocoa powder reduced LDL ("bad" cholesterol) oxidation.
3. Reduces inflammation: An Italian studyshowed that when volunteers ingested small amounts of dark chocolate,their levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) decreased.
4. Lowers blood pressure: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that dark chocolate had an effect on lowering blood pressure.
5. Helps with mood: Chocolate contains tryptophan,a precursor of serotonin, which can help with depression. Research also shows chocolate can increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA) known as the "love chemical."
6. Improves blood flow: Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that cocoa has anti-clotting, blood-thinning properties that work in as similar way as aspirin. Nobody is suggesting to replace your aspirin with chocolate, but the research is compelling.
7. It's delicious! Research shows that enjoying food and life is beneficial for your health.
Most studies were done using cocoa powder or dark chocolate. Experts suggest that adding small amounts(a one ounce piece a few times a week) of dark chocolate to a healthy diet that includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will give you a variety of phytochemicals (beneficial elements of plants) that have proven health benefits.
The ingredients are gentle and they clean deeply without leaving any residue, thus, it does not weigh down the hair. A regular bottle of shampoo contains about 70% water... with a Solid Shampoo, you can get rid of the bottle; less packaging is good for the earth, and there is no need for preservatives in a solid formula!!
How to use: Rub it on your wet hair several times until you have the desired amount of lather, then wash your hair as usual. (I usually suggest to wash hair twice for deeper cleaning)
A solid bar format is also ideal for travel, gym and even camping! - no worries about leaks or spills!
Did you know that each vanilla bean comes from an orchid that has been pollinated by hand? Once the vanilla seed pod has developed, it must be hand picked as well. After picking the curing process takes several months. So if you've ever wondered why vanilla extract, and especially vanilla beans, can be so expensive, this is why.
Turmeric (INCI: Curcuma longa) is an ancient powdered spice that is part of the ginger family. It has a wide range of therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
The active ingredient, curcumin, is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial/antimicrobial properties. It heals and prevents dry skin and is used to treat eczema and acne.
Turmeric is traditionally used in daily face and hair care, as well as in Hindu celebrations. It has also been shown to slow the aging process and wrinkle formation.
DIY Recipes
Scrub for facial skin. Mix some turmeric, salt, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon olive oil with coffee ground. Put prepared mixture on the face and make some massage movements. Then wash with cool water.
Cleansing mask. Mix turmeric powder with honey in proportion 1:1. Put it on the face. Keep for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cool water.
For more info here's a cool infographic thanks to ThankYourSkin.com
https://www.thankyourskin.com/6-surprising-benefits-of-turmeric-for-skin/
Anyone who has seen Fight Club knows that Tyler Durden said that soap was the yardstick of civilization. Now whether that was an actual quote from someone of historical importance or not, it is difficult to deny the influence soap has had on human civilization. When studying the history of soap, many theories emerge. Some claim that soap was first used in prehistoric times while others claim that the Gauls created it. There is even the possibility that soap may not have been used as a means to clean at first. In fact, it may instead have been used as an antiseptic to heal wounds.
The History of Soap Making by the Greeks, Romans, and Hebrews
Before soap became popularly used, the ancient Greeks were said to have used a combination of lye and ashes as a cleanser for pots and to clean the statues of their gods.
Goat's Milk Soap Recipes seemed to be the soap of choice by the Gauls and the Romans. They combined goat's tallow and the ashes of the beech tree to create both hard and soft soap products.
Today, soap is made from of fats and an alkali. In the past however, people made their own soap from animal fats and wood ashes. Regardless of who first created the concoction, it was undoubtedly used in Rome. This is an established fact because a soapmaker's shop was discovered within the rubble of Pompeii after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius...
"Hypoallergenic"- adjective. Definition: non-allergy producing. A term applied to a preparation in which every possible care has been taken in formulation and production to ensure minimum instance of allergic reactions. (Blakiston's Medical Dictionary) The definition of hypoallergenic is "having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction". Based on this definition, our products, including comforters are definitely hypoallergenic. The definition of non-allergenic is "having no tendency to provoke an allergic reaction". Therefore, it cannot be said in truth any product is really non-allergenic. Somebody somewhere will have a reaction. For many years, companies have been producing products, which they claim are "hypoallergenic" or "safe for sensitive skin" or "allergy tested." These statements imply that the products making the claims are less likely to cause allergic reactions than competing products. But there has been no assurance to consumers that this actually was the case.
Here is then the truth. Despite all the reassurances and claims that manufacturers give us about their products in terms of allergy reactivity, nothing is 100% guaranteed to be non-reactive.
This recipe is a great way to turn your slivers of natural soap into great handmade liquid soap. Method: Take one cup of well dried shredded soap and one cup of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the soap and stir until soap is completely dissolved. It's important to stir mixture slowly or you will end up with unwanted lather. Cool. Store in a pump- type dispenser or a squeeze-top plastic container. Use within 1 month. (You can also add a couple of drops of your favorite Essential oil!)
Your anti aging regime doesn't need to cost the Earth! Try this recipe and enjoy some 'me' time... or maybe, invite some girl friends over and make it a fun night in! Ingredients:
2 teaspoons plain yogurt 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 3 capsules Vitamin E (can be purchased from pharmacies or health shops)
Method:
Combine yogurt, honey and lemon juice. Prick open the vitamin E capsules and fold contents into the mix. Leave on Skin for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Can be applied once or twice a week on both face and body.
All essential oils are referred to as "top notes", "middle notes" or "base notes" depending on their aromatic qualities. Top note oils are the lightest, most stimulating and energizing oils. They have a fresh, immediately apparent quality that is intense. There aroma, however, does not last long because they evaporate very quickly.
Middle note oils usually form the main part of aromatherapy blends. They are strong, lasting and potent - not as stimulating or light and the top notes, nor as solid as the base notes. Their scent can be detected immediately after you get the impression of the top note. Examples of middle note oils are: • Chamomile • Cyprus • Fennel • Melissa • Black pepper • Cardomom • Geranium • Bay • Juniper • Lavender • Linden Blossom • Marjoram • Palma Rosa • Rosemary • Nutmeg • Spikenard • Tea Tree • Yarrow
Base notes linger longest because they are the last to evaporate. All their scents are full bodied, rich, and heavy and they emerge slowly, after the top and middle notes. They form the base of any blend.
Examples of base note oils are: • Clove • Balsam Peru • Cassia • Jasmin • Cedarwood • Ginger • Frankincense • Patchouli • Sandalwood • Rosewood • Valerian • Vanilla • Rose • Vetiver • Ylang ylang
Ideally, start of by blending oils which are of the same 'Family' group. Floral oils will almost always create a harmonious blend, i.e. Rose with Jasmine, Lavender with Geranium and so on. For the beginner, floral essentials oils are the best for learning to blend. There is really no way of creating a bad blend with florals. The trickiness comes with the addition of other groups such as spicy (i.e. ginger, black pepper, etc.), Citrus (i.e. orange, grapefruit, etc.) and so on. To help with this, most all essential oils fall into a scent/extraction group... which are:
* Citrus * Spicy * Floral * Green (also referred to as green) * Woody * Resinous
A perfume blend to try: 20 drops of sandalwood essential oil 10 drops rose essential / fragrance oil 5 drops musk fragrance oil 10 drops jasmine essential oil 1 teaspoon jojoba or sweet almond oil 1/4 teaspoon honey Combine all ingredients well and store in a glass bottle that is dark in color. It is a perfume that actually gets deeper and better with time. (Taken from "Secret Potions, Elixirs & Concoctions" Marie Anakee Miczak, Lotus Press 1999)
How to make... 1. Put 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch** in a bowl with 10+ drops tea tree oil. (I like 20 drops, but I'm a tea tree oil nut. I hear lavender oil will work as well.)
2. This deodorant can be used as a powder, but if you want a stick, go to the shortening section of the store and buy this solid-at-room-temperature-awesome stuff:
3. Stir 2+ TBSP in until it's the consistency you like.
4. Smash into empty deodorant container. (Will be a bit sturdier once it sets a day or so.)
When applying this deodorant, use a lighter hand than you would with normal stick deodorant, especially the first couple of days or it'll drop little balls on your bathroom rug.Used correctly, this stuff is invisible and lasts for ages, as it works with a very light layer. You should not be able to SEE it once applied.
**If you have especially sensitive skin, increase the amount of cornstarch to 6T and decrease the baking soda to 2T.
Rose Hip Oil is extracted from the seeds contained in the intensely red berry-like fruits -or hips- of a wild rose-bush that grows in the cool, lush mountain rainy valleys of the southern Andes, in Chile. It's healing properties where a well kept secret of the native people of Chile for centuries. Now they have been validated by scientific research worldwide.
The Benefits of Rosehip oil:
-An intensive Repair Treatment visibly improving your skin's quality and appearance.
-Revitalizes your skin while reducing wrinkles and signs of premature ageing.
-Improves surgical, accidental and even old scars left by acne or chickenpox.
-Nourishes and deeply moisturize your skin without being too greasy.
-Source of topical retinoic acid (vitamin A) How to use RoseHip Oil
Massage the oil into the affected area with your fingertips until it is completely absorbed. If you use it during the day you must place a sunblocker on top.
Rose Hip Oil applied twice a day every day for about three months reduces scar tissues, helps to prevent and reduce stretch marks, attenuates wrinkles, age spots and burned skin.
1. Removes cellulite 2. Cleanses the lymphatic system 3. Removes dead skin layers 4. Strengthens the immune system 5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands 6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging 7. Tones the muscles 8. Stimulates circulation 9. Improves the function of the nervous system 10. Helps digestion 11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!
A more thorough explanation...
• It increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas.
•It helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood. Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of cellulite.
• It stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon, thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified. After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid material in your stools.
• It helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.
• Dry brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
• It helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.
• Individuals who sit at a computer screen all day long will particularly take pleasure in the benefits of skin brushing. People who have inactive lifestyles or jobs usually experience stiff and sore necks and shoulders that reach even into their arms and down their spines and into their lower backs. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic energy that permits you to feel energized and invigorated.
Getting Started With Your Skin Brushing Regimen is easy as 1.2.3 !
1. Purchase a natural, NOT a synthetic, bristle brush.
2.Begin brushing your skin in long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction. Always brush towards the heart. Try and brush several times in each area, over-lapping as you go.
3. After brushing your skin, rinse off in the shower and apply a natural base bath oil. Do not brush on or over skin rashes, wounds, cuts, infections, poison oak or poison ivy. Note: Any well designed program will take about 30 days to see and experience the changes. Please be patient and keep up the program
Researchers in nutrition, through controlled experimentation, have found that Magnesium Sulfate (Epson Salt) accelerates the body's healing time by one-third. As an example, if an injury requires three weeks to heal under normal or standard conditions, it would only require two weeks to heal if Magnesium Sulfate is added to the diet as a nutrition.
Can use Epsom salt for internal and external applications. Internally, it is used for irregularity and constipation and will promote a bowel movement within 1/2 to 6 hours if the instructions are followed correctly. Externally, it is used for soaking minor sprains (ligaments), strains (tendons), and bruises (as in muscles). You can apply Epsom salts in two ways externally:
* Towel Soaking: By placing 2 cups (16 oz.) of Epsom salts in one gallon of water, mix well, and soak a towel or bandage. Next, apply the towel to the involved region or area for 30 minutes, 3 times daily.
* Bath Tub Soaking: By placing 2 cups (16 oz.) in a bath tub of hot water. The water temperature should be as hot as you can tolerate but comfortable for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use 2 to 4 times this amount if your body conditions warrant it. You do not want to burn yourself. You want to rub your skin all over with a wash cloth to open up the pores for absorption of the Epsom salts. If some areas are sore, rub them a little longer. If you are treating an injury you should rub both the area of the involved site on one extremity and the same area on the other extremity (bilateral stimulation reflex). In rubbing both extremities you yield a little extra stimulation to the injured site. Do not rinse off before getting out of the bath tub. Just dry off and retire for the evening.
Epsom salt baths are taken routinely, just before going to bed, the night before a major competitive event or race. It also helps with combating jet lag. The bath will allow a more productive and restful sleep as well as produce an energy-charging-up effect on your body for the next days’ performance.
Hawaiian black sea salt, or lava salt, is a dramatic, glossy black sea salt. The unique color comes from lava, which adds minerals and activated charcoal which results in a sulfuric aroma and earthy flavor. One can also bathe in these salts; NB: An additional rinse after soaking may be required to remove residual activated charcoal.
Medicinal Benefits:
* Activated charcoal main use is to treat accidental poisonings. Once ingested, it binds with certain chemicals in the digestive tract, preventing them from being absorbed into your system and causing harm.
* Activated charcoal lowers the concentration of total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood serum, liver, heart and brain.
* Charcoal has been used as a poultice to reduce inflammation and absorb poisons from your skin caused by infection, chemicals, or insect bites and stings.
* Charcoal alleviates intestinal gas and upset stomach.
* Charcoal is also use in the treatment of allergies, skin problems, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, ulcer, bad breath, body odor, lower cholesterol levels, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
This crystal salt from the Himalayan Mountains, which is over 250 million years old, is as pure as the ancient primal oceans and contains all the minerals and trace elements essential to human life. The elements trapped within the Himalayan salt are particles small enough to be able to be absorbed by the human cells.
Himalayan Crystal Salt supplies us with a truly ancient ocean of energy and regenerates our body on all levels.
How it can heal PMS: Mineral-rich salts can help ease PMS in two ways. The muscle-relaxing effects of magnesium combined with potassium, which helps the body get rid of excess water, can ease water retention and relieve muscular tension. JOINT PROBLEMS: Minerals have an alkalising effect on the body. Natural health practitioners such as Louise Hay have observed that this has an anti-inflammatory effect, easing painful conditions such as arthritis. BACK PAIN: Whether you eat or bathe in them, mineral-rich salts tend to relax. This is largely due to magnesium, which is needed for muscles to relax. Low levels of magnesium are associated with muscle cramps. Replacing table salt with a good mineral salt could help alleviate these.
BONE STRENGTH: Unrefined rock salts are rich in minerals needed for bone strength. Apart from calcium, bones use phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals as building materials.
Did you know?!! Baking soda helps wash away oil and perspiration, and it also neutralizes acids on the skin. Baking soda is especially great for soothing skin rashes, and can even help chronic problems like eczema and psoriasis. Some also claim that it helps counter the negative effects of radiation (whether from the sun or from x-rays, cancer treatments, and the like). It certainly helps a sunburn!
An essential oil is the aromatic and volatile extract of a plant. The essential oil may be liquid, semi-solid or solid, depending upon the product and climatic conditions.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus) Often used to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pains. The fragrance of the oil is believed to help combat exhaustion and dispel mental sluggishness.
Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus Grandis) Rich in antioxidants, primarily in Vitamin C. Grapefruit essential oil is used for muscle fatigue, stiffness, acne and skin tightening.
Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia) Is the all purpose oil. Known for it antiseptic and antibacterial properties thus helps to combat acne and eczema. It also encourages the growth of new skin cells. Moreover it is known to help relieve headaches, insomnia, tension and stress.
Lemon Essential oil Is an astringent that restores the skin's natural acid balance.
Orange Essential Oil (Citrus Sinensis) Rich in vitamin C. Has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Also widely used to treat acne and dermatitis.
Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita) Known for its antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Contains menthol, which is good for the skin. Also nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.
Rosemary Essential oil Rosemary has antibacterial and antioxidant activity. In hair care it is believed that rosemary encourages hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp. Tangerine Essential Oil(Citrus Tangerina) Has various benefits when used in skin care product formulations such as refining the texture of the skin, while also having good antiseptic and cell rejuvenating properties.
Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Now favoured in soaps due to its ability to treat many skin conditions. The clear clean smell of tea tree has expectorant, antifungal and bactericidal properties.
Vanilla Essential Oil(Vanilla Planifolia) Considered a supreme sensual aphrodisiac and one of the most popular flavours and aromas. Often used as a relaxant for nervous tension and stress.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil(Cananga Odorata) Historically, it has been used for its aphrodisiac properties. Sensual, balancing, relaxing and uplifting. This scent relaxes the body.
(Please Note: All essential oils must be used with caution while it's important that they are ALWAYS diluted with a base oil such as grapeseed oil/almond oil etc.
Essential oils must NOT be used while pregnant or breast feeding, or be used on children under 3 years of age)
Armed with a little bit of knowledge, real handcrafted natural soap is fairly easy to spot. First, it should say "soap" on the label. By law, fake soaps can't use that term so they call it a "beauty bar" or a "moisturizing bar" or some other nonsense. Next, look for soaps with cold pressed or extra virgin olive oil as a main ingredient which is rich in antioxidants and skin nutrients.
Harmful synthetic additives to avoid are: dyes, antibacterial triclosan & triclocarban, EDTA, TEA, DEA, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfates, and other chemical sounding names you don't recognize or can't even pronounce. Avoid them all. They're not kind to your health or the environment.
Of course the real test will be when you use the soap. If it dries your skin out or makes it feel tight or itchy, question its origin. There's nothing like well made, glycerin rich, handcrafted natural olive oil soap to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished. So if you're looking for skin loving soap, take the time to seek out natural handmade real soap. It may cost a little more, but your skin will thank you for it.
