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Archive for February, 2010
Rosemary officinalis is native to the Mediterranean regions which would limit our growing season here in the Northeast, unless we invited this wonderful plant into our homes for the winter. Rosemary is famous for its many uses in the kitchen, but also has gained great recognition in the skin care industry as well. These are the two biggest reasons we wanted to have this herb easily available to us all year round. We can cut fresh rosemary in the middle of February for spicing up a delicious meal, and also have available for making new batches of soap, such as our shampoo bar, in which one of the ingredients is rosemary, for it stimulates circulation and increases the blood supply to the skin, which is why it is commonly found in shampoos.
Rosemary is one among many herbs such as basil, oregano, sage, lavender and many others that do well in containers placed in windows, that receive plenty of sun; typically a window that receives southern exposure. Be sure to have your plant in a container that has drainage, and minimally in a 4-6 inch pot using potting soil, rather that soil from your garden. Potting soil will have fertilizer and all the nutrients the plant should need to get through the winter. If however your plant looks pale you should fertilize with a diluted house plant fertilizer once every two weeks. Also make sure not to over water, letting the plant dry out between watering.
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Epsom salts are so effective in offering healing properties to the body due to one key component and that is Magnesium, which regulates the activity of more than 325 enzymes. Magnesium is an electrolyte that aids to proper muscle and nerve functions, aids calcium cells, and can help lower blood pressure decreasing the risk of heart disease and strokes. Magnesium is also noted to lower the risk of diabetes by increasing the effectiveness of insulin, and is famous for reducing inflammation and relieving aches and pains.
There are several ways we can obtain magnesium, but the most effective way to receive the desired amount our body needs, is to soak in an Epsom Salt bath. Not only do you receive the wonderful mineral magnesium, but Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates. Sulfates help detoxify the body by flushing out toxins. Sulfates also improve the absorption of nutrients, can prevent headaches, and helps form brain tissue, mucin proteins and joint proteins. Sulfates are very difficult to absorb from food, but are easily absorbed through the skin, which is another great reason to bathe in bath salts that contain Epsom Salt in them.
It is recommend to use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard size tub, and to double the amount for larger tubs. I know that most of us live very busy lives, and hardly ever have the time to soak in the tub; however if you can find the time to bathe in warm water with Epsom Salt for minimally 12 minutes, your body and overall well being will greatly benefit.
Eczema is a skin condition that is most common with newborns, but adults suffer from it as well. It is still uncertain what causes this inflammation of the skin that leaves the skin in a rash like state, causing severe itching. Its appearance is mainly a redness color, with outbreaks of lesions that can become encrusted and scaly.
If you or your child suffer from eczema, and have been prescribed a medicated cream to relieve the symptoms but are just not comfortable about applying steroid creams and synthetic chemicals on your child, and or yourself, see if your doctor would recommend trying a natural treatment such as Tea Tree oil.
We have had several customers comment that by just using a goat’s milk lotion with Tee Tree oil had relieved them from eczema symptoms. The amount of Tee Tree oil in these lotions is very small; however you should still consult your doctor for treating eczema with Tee Tree oil, for it is known to have some side effects. Some may be allergic to the cineole in the oil, and it has been recommended not to use Tee Tree oil while breast feeding or if you are pregnant. Just because something is natural does not mean that it is free from all side effects. We are all unique and our bodies react differently, which it is why it is always wise to consult with your physician before trying any new method of treatment.
I have often heard the phrase many times in my life, “there is a wrong way to do a right thing”. I am reminded of this saying when I think about sun exposure to the skin. Today the sun has been demonized as the biggest contributor to skin cancer, and commercials have us all in panic not to leave the house until we have slopped on layers of sun block.
I am just not comfortable with this. I have often wondered what is in most sun blocks, and what else could it be doing to my body other than preventing a sun burn, which not always works. Much of this curiosity hit me after I had realized how permeable our skin is. I do understand that too much sun is not good, we do not want the skin to become burned, and if you are planning to be in the sun for long periods of time, it is very wise to use sun protection, but this slop on layers on sun block nonsense every time you leave the house concerns me. The sun is the absolute best way our bodies receive the amount of vitamin D it needs to maintain optimal health. Sun block does more than supposedly prevent sun burn; it also prevents your skin from producing the very important vitamin D, which to me seems like a waste of sun exposure.
There are many great natural skin care products available that contribute many health benefits for the skin and body; however the cheapest and most natural skin care treatment one can receive is from the sun. The right amount of sun exposure is very critical for not just healthier skin, but a healthier immune system as well.
This is an area that just in the past few years many scientists have been exploring more and more rapidly and are amazed how vitamin D affects the body. Some experts suggest that over 50% of children and adults are deficient in vitamin D, which if one is deficient in vitamin D their immune system will not do its job properly.
Vitamin D has just recently been connected with fighting immune system disorders such as Crohn’s disease by helping the body produce over 200 antimicrobial peptides that fight off such infections. Vitamin D also helps prevent and treat many cancers such as lymphoma, lung, prostate, colon and skin cancer. Scientist and Doctors are beginning to discover more and more benefits of vitamin D, and are encouraging more so today than ever before for, not just those who are deficient, but everyone to get vitamin D levels checked between 3-4 times a year.
If you live in an area where you simply cannot receive the right amount of vitamin D from the sun and are deficient you can take vitamin D supplements, but want to be careful you are receiving the right amount. Unlike receiving vitamin D naturally from the sun the body self regulates the amount it needs through the skin, your body does not do this when taking vitamin D orally. Too much vitamin D can be harmful and this is why it is important to have your blood tested. The optimal level of vitamin D should be between 55-65 ng/ml. There are two different test available, 1, 25 (OH) D, and 25(OH) D. The 25 (OH) D which is also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D is most recommended by doctors as the better marker for vitamin D status.
Most important things to consider when wanting to obtain vitamin D naturally from the sun, is common sense, “don’t overdo it”! For the first few times being exposed to the sun limit yourself to about fifteen minutes before protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. You want to gradually build a tolerance. Before you know it, by midsummer you can spend nearly an entire day outside without getting sunburn, and of course if you are going to be exposed to extreme sun conditions for great lengths of time like on a boat, than yes, protect your skin, whether it be wearing sunglasses, a hat and clothes, or using a natural sun screen, that is free from harmful chemicals.
Why Goat’s Milk Soap Leaves The Skin Silky & Smooth
Monday, February 22, 2010
posted by Rob 11:06 AM
Many have commented on how soft and smooth their skin feels after bathing with goat milk soaps, and there are some really good reasons why this is true. Aside from the many benefits goat milk has for the skin, the biggest moisturizing attribute is that the natural glycerin is still in the soap. This by-product which naturally occurs during the soap making process promotes moisturizing properties. Glycerin is the most expensive ingredient in a bar of soap, which is why it is taken out of commercial soaps and sold to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies to make expensive moisturizers.
You do not have to take my word for it, find out for yourself, by experimenting. I encourage you to wash regularly for about a month with a natural soap bar such as goat milk soap, that has no synthetic ingredients like fragrance oils, and has all of its natural glycerin, and tell me if you have noticed any difference.
A couple of days ago I had mentioned about the antioxidant properties of goat’s milk soap, having vitamins A and E and how such antioxidants fight off free radicals. I continued to mention the best food sources of antioxidants and the availability of such antioxidants in dietary supplements such as Krill oil. Krill oil is not only a great source of antioxidants, but omega-3 fatty acids as well, which the two of these properties are extremely important incorporating into our daily diets for a healthier well being.
The best source of omega-3 has been known to come from fish, particularly salmon, which in a perfect world would be true. We should be able to receive all the proper nutrients were suppose to be getting from all our foods; however due to many man made interferences much of our food has either been altered or contaminated. This is why nutritional supplements have become so necessary in our diets. I use to think it was foolish to spend money on vitamins and dietary supplements if you eat healthy. Even if you do maintain a healthy diet, you still may be lacking many of the nutrients that you should be receiving. Much of this depends on how the food is cooked and where it came from. One example would be the recent discovery of nutrients being robbed from foods that are cooked in microwaves.
It has been advised by the FDA and the EPA now that we limit the amount of fish we eat due to high levels of mercury, and other industrial pollutants such as PCBs, heavy metals and so forth. This has led many to fish oil, and other sources of omega-3 such as flax seed to receive the amounts of Omega-3 that most of us are so deficient in. Fish oil is a great source of Omega-3, and though I have read that Flax seed is a great natural source of Omega-3, I have also read that there could be direct relations to prostate cancer, so I would like to research that a bit more before I can base an opinion; however I have just discovered New and Improved Krill Oil from Dr. Mercola, and would like to share what I believe to be an amazing discovery.
What Are Krill?
Krill are tiny shrimp like creatures that cover the oceans floor deep in the Antarctic waters. There is absolutely no need to worry about over harvesting krill, for it is said that krill make up the largest biomass on earth along with plankton, making them a very renewable resource. Krill oil is known to support a healthy heart, blood sugar health, healthy joints, brain and nervous system development, cholesterol, blood lipid health, healthy skin, healthy liver and much more.
I encourage all my friends, family, clients, and readers to check out New and Improved Krill oil and find out for yourselves, by reading the articles and watching the video of Dr. Mercola explaining all the amazing health benefits in greater detail. I am sure once you have done research and have started adding krill oil to your diet you too will want to shout it from the roof tops and letting all that you come in contact with of this wonderful and very much needed supplement.
It is that time of the year here in the Northeast when many gardeners are itching to get their hands in some dirt. Most of us by now have probably viewed through several seed catalogs, and have all sorts of gardening ideas and projects running though our minds, just waiting patiently for winter to be over, and spring to arrive.
I have been growing all of our herbs that we use in our goats milk soap from seed, such as Lavender, Rosemary, Calendula, Mint, and so forth, and have purchased seeds from several different seed companies, which there are some really good companies out there that offer great quality seeds, and one of them is the Botanical Interest seed company. I do not limit my seed purchase to just the herbs that we use in our soaps, but grow all our vegetables from seed as well from Botanical Interest.
When I had started growing from seed I had no prior experience and really had no idea what I was doing, or what to expect. I was turned on to Botanical Interest at first, because they were very informative, I was so new to growing from seed I needed lots of information. There seed packets themselves are loaded with valuable information on the outside and inside of the packet as well, that guide you with every bit of information you need to know to successfully sow that seed. They actually have an artist paint pictures of the plants rather that use photos on the seed packets, which to me expressed their attention to detail, and love and passion they have in what they do, and that is provide only the best quality seeds, and to inspire and educate others to create beautiful gardens.
Botanical Interest offers over 500 seed varieties that are untreated, using no GMOs and have signed the Safe Seed Pledge. They offer a large selection of certified organic verities and have a guaranteed germination rate. You can also sign up for their free newsletter and visit there Blog and constantly learn new tips of the trade and get engaged in the gardening conversation.
I am very pleased to have found Botanical Interest and have had much success with their seeds, and I am confident you will too. Check out their site and click on the about us page and you can take a virtual tour of their factory and learn even more of this great company.
Goat Milk Soaps Have Natural Antioxidant Properties
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
posted by Rob 1:00 AM
Antioxidants are nutrients found in certain foods that help fight off free radicals which are harmful molecules believed to contribute to many health conditions. They are metabolic byproducts that cause damage to both cells and tissues throughout the body. Without getting into a complete Physiology/Chemistry 101 lesson, it is my understanding that free radicals are simply, a molecule or atom with unpaired electrons making them unstable, attacking the nearest molecule available to steal its electron. When that molecule has had one of its electrons taken it has now become a free radical, which this eventually leads to a chain reaction leading to the disruption of living cells.
Most common sources of antioxidants come from food sources such as fruits vegetables, and plants. Vitamins A and E are both high in antioxidants, as well as flavonoids, which are commonly found in plants, vegetables, fruits, algae, tea, red wine and can also be found in dietary supplements such as Krill oil. These are all great sources of antioxidants but did you know that goat milk has antioxidant properties as well? Goat milk has both vitamins A and E, which help destroy free radicals generated in the skin by the pollutants that synthetic chemicals allow to pass through. Vitamin A is best known for healthy eyesight, and keeping the skin healthy and vitamin E by itself is said to be a very effective antioxidant, and when combined with vitamin C is known to be extremely effective in destroying free radicals. This is one of the many great health advantages goats milk has to offer and why choosing skin care products such as goat milk soaps is a wise, and healthy decision.
Protect Your Skin From Bacteria, With Goat’s Milk.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
posted by Rob 11:36 AM
Our skin has a protective layer of acidic oils that act as a barrier and filter, protecting the inside of the body from the external environment. This layer is called the acid mantle. The skins PH is between 4 to 5.5, making it acidic. It is this acid layer that protects the skin from bacteria, killing the bacteria so that it cannot damage the skin. Most commercial soaps are a strong alkaline that strip the acid mantle from the skin, making it easy for bacteria to attack. Goats milk however has a PH that is very similar to that of the skins natural PH making goat’s milk soaps a very popular soap that neutralize the effects of bacteria that cause skin infections. The very best way you can maintain your acid mantle is to use skin care products such as goat milk soap that are PH balanced.
As you may have noticed by now if following this blog regularly, we are very passionate about natural skin care products and healthier alternatives for a healthier lifestyle. Not only are we passionate about healthier products, but extremely passionate about sharing the truth, and to pass on the knowledge, research and experience we have obtained to as many as possible.
If you are a first time visitor here, you will notice that a lot of research goes into putting together the quality content that is posted on this site on a daily basis. Our goal is to share and to inform of the subtle dangers that are hidden in many of the products our households use and consume on a daily basis, such as what we use to wash our bodies, clean our homes, and feed our families with. It is not only our desire to share what we have learned, but to provide you with dependable resources as well. There is a lot of information available on the web today, many of it is agenda driven, and unfortunately at times misleading information. Where we get our information is just as important as to choosing to live a healthier lifestyle using safer products. This is why I, along with millions of others have signed up for Dr. Mercola’s health newsletter. We feel that it is very important that as we find reputable resources such as Dr. Mercola, to share these valuable resources to as many as we possibly can.
Dr. Mercola’s newsletter has become the worlds most trusted, and largest growing newsletters available. Mercola.com has just recently made the top ten blogs to follow for health consciousness. With over three decades of medical experience Dr. Mercola has dedicated his life to informing the world of alternative health solutions. When you sign up for this FREE newsletter you will be up to date on current health topics typically before they hit main stream media, and equipped with and abundance of nutritional information, that will ultimately help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.