Natural Health & Beauty

Natural Household Cleaners

2010-06-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some recipes for making your own non-toxic household cleaners. It is so easy and cost effective, you will wonder why you didn't start doing this sooner! Your home will become free of toxic chemicals and become a healthier environment.

Here is a list of natural supplies to keep on hand. These products are used for cleaning a variety of things in the home:

SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Essential oils
clean spray bottles
glass jars

All purpose disinfectant cleaner
Mix a few drops of dish soap, 2 cups of water, and 15 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil.
You can spray this on all surfaces, like cutting boards, counters, toilets, walls (except it will streak glass). This stuff disinfects but is very safe.

Window Cleaner
Mix equal parts 90% alcohol and filtered water in spray bottle. To use, simply spray glass and wipe with a paper towel or a lint free cloth.

*This is great for the windows, mirrors, eyeglasses, and computer screens (spray the cloth not the screen). Use it to polish stainless steel in the kitchen!

**You can also make window cleaner with vinegar instead of alcohol.

1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

Fabric Freshener Recipe
Add one part liquid laundry fabric softener and two parts tap water to an eight to ten ounce spray bottle and shake. That's it!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1/4 c. white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
baking soda

Combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake up. Spray along the inside rim of the toilet. Leave on for about 15 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda around the rim and scrub with a toilet brush.

Furniture Polish
1/2 t. olive oil
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice

Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

Oven Cleaner
A squirt or two of liquid detergent
1 cup or more of baking soda

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture sit overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash away the remaining residue from the oven.

Creamy Soft Scrubber
Pour half a cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and does not leave grit.

Homemade Toothpaste
3 T. baking soda
2 T. coconut oil
5-10 drops of essential oil (5 sweet orange oil and 2 drops Wintergreen)

Mix well and store in container.

**Other websites with non-toxic cleaning tips:
www.eartheasy.com
http://homemadecleaners.net

Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

2010-04-17T11:08:00.001-07:00

Have you ever paid $15 at a salon for a deep conditioning hair treatment?

A coconut oil hair treatment
is a less expensive and natural alternative to pamper your hair

Coconut oil has been used in India and other parts of
Asia as a natural hair treatment for many years

Instructions:

Buy a good quality coconut oil from a health food store. Use a virgin coconut oil that is made from fresh coconut meat rather than a refined coconut oil that has been stripped off its beneficial nutrients.
Brush hair thoroughly and comb out all the tangles.
Scoop out some coconut oil into a cup. Put the cup in a pot with warm water to melt the oil gently.
Add essential oils to enhance the coconut oil treatment.
Pour some of the warm oil into hands and message scalp for a few minutes. Coat hair thoroughly with the rest of the coconut oil in the cup.
Put on a shower cap, or just use some saran wrap to cover hair. Leave the hair treatment on overnight for very dry hair. For oily or normal hair, leave the treatment on for two hours.
Wash out hair with a gentle shampoo. Hair may have to shampooed out twice to get all the oil out. Skip using a post shampoo conditioner.

Quinoa The Super Grain

2010-04-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Quinoa is one of my favorite grains
I love the light, fluffy, slightly crunchy texture!

Here are some of the great health benefits of Quinoa...

Quinoa is full of phytonutrients, antioxidants, AND can even help balance your blood sugar.

delicious and easy to digest
an excellent replacement for grains that are difficult to digest or feed candida
contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles
a wonderful source of magnesium, manganese, copper and fiber.
easily digested for optimal absorption of nutrients.
gluten-free!

Quinoa is close to one of the most complete foods in nature because it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

So what are you waiting for?
Eat up!

Sprouts

2010-03-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

This week I started growing sprouts.

Sprouts contain vital nutrients for our bodies. I have been researching all of the benefits that come from eating this super food.

Here are just a few reasons to try sprouts:

Easy and economical way to grow and eat fresh foods
Can be grown indoors from your own home year round
Slows the aging process
High energy content
One of the most nutritionally complete foods
Sprouts are LIVING food
Fresh & organic

Super Healthy Fudge Bites

2010-02-22T18:40:00.001-08:00

This recipe is fast, easy, & delicious!
It uses only healthy fats and natural ingredients.
This recipes is suitable for a raw foods, vegan, sugar-free, or gluten-free diet. Enjoy!

Super Healthy Fudge Bites

1 cup Almond butter
1/2 cup Cacao Powder (or cocoa)
1/2 cup Agave nectar
1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 dash of Cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure Vanilla

Combine all ingredients except for walnuts. Mix well. Add chopped walnuts.
Refrigerate for one hour, cut into squares. **You may use a silicone mold for the heart shape.

Cinnamon Oranges

2010-02-04T19:33:00.001-08:00

What better way can you get vitamin C than through oranges?
I love this time of year in Arizona
because of the fresh oranges
I can eat naval oranges all season

My good friend has orange trees in her backyard. One night she dropped by a bag of freshly picked oranges AND some freshly made cinnamon oranges
This tastes so wonderful!!!!
I love to eat them for breakfast or as a dessert.
I simply cannot get enough!

here is how you make cinnamon oranges...
drizzle honey or agave nectar over orange slices
then sprinkle with cinnamon
(just cinnamon, not cinnamon-sugar)

Enjoy!

Bad Hair Days

2010-01-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Baby-Fine
To give your baby-fine hair more body, reverse the natural order: condition first, and then shampoo.

Oily Roots
Mix equal amounts of water and alcohol-free toner in a spray bottle, shake it to blend, and spritz on your roots. Then blow-dry.

Oily Hair
Mix a tiny drop of tea tree oil into a palmful of your usual shampoo, then wash.

Greasy Roots
Massage a half-teaspoon of baby powder or corn starch into your roots, turn your head upside down, and fluff at the roots.

Smelly Hair
To get rid of gross smells that have attached themselves to your hair (like stinky food or smoke), wipe a fabric softener sheet through your hair. It will absorb the odor.
This also works for static in your hair.

Rough Hair
Massage your hair with olive oil, wrap it in Saran Wrap or cover it with a shower cap, give it a quick blast with the blow-dryer to seal moisture into the hair cuticle, leave it on for about 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair.

Treatment for Enlarged Pores

2010-01-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Apply plain, chilled yogurt to your face for ten minutes, then rinse with cool water.
It feels really refreshing, absorbs excess oil and bacteria, and helps make your pores look smaller.

Reduce Shine

2010-01-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

Perk up your face with a spritz of rose water, then lightly blot with a tissue. It will soak up the excess oil, refresh your skin, and help you feel refreshed.

Soft lips

2010-01-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

For soft lips try a sugar scrub!

Apply a dab of honey mixed with a bit of sugar onto dry lips.
Massage your index finger back and forth across your lips.
Wipe off and follow with a moisturizing lip balm.

Sweet Almond Oil

2010-01-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

Sweet Almond Oil is one of natures great beauty products. It is a great moisturizer for dry skin, because it absorbs so neatly. It can be used as a makeup remover, cuticle oil, or bath oil. Almond oil makes dry hair supple and adds shine.

The best part about Almond Oil is you can purchase this in a big bottle from the health food store. This will cut down on expensive beauty products.

Exfoliating Foot Soak

2010-01-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

Foot Soak

Heat 1 cup of milk in a microwave, and pour it into your soaking tub along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The lactic acid helps slough off your dead skin, while oil provides soothing aromatherapy.
Add a few drops of oil to your favorite shower gel or hand soap, and add it to your soaking tub.
To create a luxurious, spalike atmosphere, float some flower petals, fresh herbs, or thin orange slices in your soaking bath. They may not do much therapeutically, but they look beautiful!

Basic Sugar Body Scrub

2010-01-02T19:28:00.001-08:00

This sweet treat sloughs off dead skin without being too abrasive.

Combine 2 parts granulated sugar to one part oil. Mix together until you have a thick paste.
Scrub your hands and feet with it, and rinse thoroughly. Store any excess in an airtight jar labeled with the date. It will keep for up to a week.

Sugar- Almond oil- Vanilla make a pleasant scented scrub

Soft, touchable hands

2010-01-02T19:17:00.001-08:00

Here are some simple steps to have soft, touchable hands:

Before bedtime, use a facial scrub to exfoliate your hands, and rinse it off. Apply eye cream or antiaging serum to your cuticles and push them back gently, using your fingertips. Clean off excess oil or serum from your skin using a soft towel or tissue. Slather your hands with night cream or eye cream.

Deep condition your hands with a 'masque' treatment:
Slather your hands and forearms with moisturizing cream, and snugly wrap them in plastic wrap. Leave the wrapping on for at least 10 minutes. Remove and discard the plastic wrap.

This will make your hands stay soft and youthful!

Pacifica

2009-12-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged for a while due to lack of inspiration. I found this line of natural fragrances and was immediately inspired to blog! I first discovered PACIFICA products at Sephora. The scents are beautiful and so fresh! The best part is that these scents are made from 100% VEGAN ingredients and natural essential oils.

Tuscan Blood Orange

Bali Lime Papaya

Chamomile Tea Facial Toner

2009-11-15T15:33:00.001-08:00

The best natural facial toner is Chamomile Tea. It cleans the skin thoroughly and helps combat acne. Chamomile Tea helps to reduce inflammation so your skin actually looks brighter.

Chamomile Tea Facial Toner
Use 2 bags of chamomile tea per quart of distilled water

1. Heat water in a saucepan until boiling.
2. Add chamomile tea bags
3. Cover pan, allow to steep for 2-4 minutes.
4. Allow tea to cool, then pour into a glass jar
5. Refrigerate and apply with cotton balls for beautiful skin

Vitamin D3

2009-11-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

Vitamin D is known as the Sunshine Vitamin. I first understood the importance of this critical nutrient when my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

With cold and flu season in full force-- Vitamin D3 is an excellent way to help your body boost its fighting power.

Vitamin D3 influences immune system responses & cell defenses. There are clear associations between vitamin D deficiencies and cancers, autoimmune diseases & infections.

According to Dr. Weil, most people need about 1,000 IUs of Vitamin D3 daily- especially during dark winter months.

Home Remedies

2009-11-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

What do these household items have in common? They can all be used for various home remedies...

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-- even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Cover blemishes with a dab of
honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the
skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus
by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves
your toenails looking healthy again.

Splinters- pour a drop of Elmer's Glue all over the
splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter
sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure- cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief... It's not for breakfast any more! Mix
2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the
microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands
for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Pumpkin Beauty Treatments

2009-10-28T22:59:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants that can help your skin achieve a healthy glow throughout the season! Pumpkin can be used for a variety of indulgent treatments at the spa or even at home. Pumpkin can be used in facial treatments, moisturizers, scrubs, and even body wraps.

Here are a few recipes for home beauty treatments using pumpkin. These treatments are completely natural and smell delicious!

Pumpkin & Papaya Facial Mask

2/3 c. fresh papaya, mashed
15 oz. can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 egg, beaten

Cut papaya in half and scoop out the seeds and mash well. Beat the egg until it is frothy. Add egg to papaya. Add pumpkin and whip. (This can be done by hand, in a blender, or in a food processor.) Gently apply mask to face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.

Pumpkin Pie Scrub

1/2 c. cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon

Combine ingredients in a plastic bowl. Apply to the body and scrub gently using circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Pumpkin Body Butter

1/2 c. pumpkin puree (cooked)
1/2 c. solids from a can of coconut milk (coconut creme at the top of the can)
1/2 t. cinnamon

Mix ingredients. Apply to skin massaging gently. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Pumpkin Facial Mask

2 t. cooked or canned pumpkin
1/2 t. honey
1/4 T. milk (or whipping cream if your skin is very dry)

Combine ingredients and apply to face. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Pumpkin

2009-10-28T22:31:00.001-07:00

Pumpkins are not just for making pumpkin pies and other seasonal recipes. Pumpkin has many great health benefits! Pumpkin is very high in antioxidants such as; carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This aids in neutralizing free radical damage to the skin. Pumpkins also have a lot of common nutrients such as iron, zinc, and fiber. This fall season you can enjoy eating pumpkin by know you are doing something good for yourself.

Nail Treatments

2009-10-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

Gelatin Nail Soak

This old-fashioned remedy will help to strengthen and harden brittle or weak fingernails if used regularly. Soak your nails once a week for best results

Makes 5 ounces (enough for one treatment)

1/2 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin

In a saucepan, bring the distilled water to a boil and add the gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat. Place the mixture in a bowl and let cool to room temperature. Immerse your fingertips in the mixture and let soak for 20 minutes. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water and discard the left-over treatment.

*Remove nail polish before using this remedy.

Super Nail Treatment

Your fingernails will soak up this treatment; it is specially designed to strengthen nails and discourage infection.

Makes 1/2 ounce

1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 teaspoon tea tree oil
5 drops lemon oil

In a small bowl, combine all three ingredients and stir until well mixed. Pour the mixture into an empty nail polish bottle, close, and label. Brush nail treatment on your nails twice a week before going to bed.

Minty Mouthwash

2009-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

This alcohol-free mouthwash is a treat to the taste buds and helps fight germs and bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Makes 10 ounces

1 cup distilled water
2 teaspoons liquid glycerin
1 teaspoon witch hazel
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
7 drops peppermint oil
5 drops cinnamon oil

In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and stir in the liquid glycerin, witch hazel, and aloe vera gel. Remove the pan from the heat and add the peppermint and cinnamon oils. Let cool to room temperature and bottle.

Lavender Deodorant Spray

2009-10-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

This spray makes a pleasant-smelling spray that helps combat underarm odor.

Makes 3 ounces

1/4 cup vodka
2 tablespoons witch hazel
10 drops lavender oil
2 drops lemon oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a spray-pump bottle and shake until well mixed. Shake before use.

Refreshing Foot Spray

2009-10-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

This spray soothes tired, achy feet. Tea tree oil and sandalwood in an alcohol base help to combat foot odor. Store in a spray-pump bottle and mist onto feet any time they need a refreshing lift.

Makes 6 ounces

1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup witch hazel
1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil
10 drops sandalwood

Combine all of the ingredients in a spray-pump bottle and shake until well mixed. Shake before use for even oil distribution.

Homemade Colognes & Perfumes

2009-10-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

Making your own colognes & perfumes is simple and easy. By creating your own custom fragrances, you'll save money and enjoy chemical-free blends. These recipes are safe, gentle, & make excellent personalized gifts. Bottle in fancy perfume atomizers and beautiful bottles.

Eau de Citrus
Makes 10 ounces

1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon orange flower water
10 drops lemon oil
2 drops orange oil

Combine vodka, distilled water, and orange flower water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add the lemon oil and orange oil. Stir until well mixed. Let cool to room temperature and bottle.

Perfume Oils
Makes 1/2 ounce

1 tablespoon castor oil
3 drops fragrance oil or essential oil

In a small container, add the drops of perfume oil to the castor oil and stir with a wooden toothpick. Store in small glass vials or miniature perfume bottles.

Victorian Vanilla Perfume
Makes 4 1/2 ounces

1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
20 drops vanilla fragrance oil
3 drops sandalwood oil

Combine all of the ingredients and stir until well blended. Bottle in a perfume atomizer or spray bottle. This is a light, delicious fragrance.

Light Colognes
Makes 4 ounces

1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup distilled water
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
10 drops perfume or essential oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a bottle and shake until well mixed. Store in a spray bottle or perfume atomizer.

Lavender And Tea Tree Oil Foot Powder

2009-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

This recipe makes a powerful foot powder that is effective in handling foot odor and athlete's foot. Sprinkle on the feet daily.

Makes 2 ounces

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon tea tree oil
5 drops lavender oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir until well mixed and no lumps remain. Place the powder on a sheet of waxed paper and let air dry for twenty-four hours. When dry, remix the powder and store in a sealed container.

Essential Oil Pumice Stone

2009-10-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

The pumice stone is one of nature's best scrubbers and is the perfect tool with which to remove rough and callused skin from the feet. Pumice is a soft stone that comes from volcanic lava. You can make your own oil-infused pumice stone that will release skin softening oils while whisking away dry skin.

1 natural pumice stone (available in most health food stores)
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
10 drops vanilla fragrance oil
6 drops cinnamon oil

Place the pumice stone on a plate or in a bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the jojoba, vanilla, and cinnamon oils while stirring. Remove from the heat and stir the oils until well blended. Dip a cotton swab into the oil mixture and dab on the pumice stone. Continue until the stone is saturated and you have no more oil. Let the stone air dry for twenty-four hours before using. Your dried stone will have a fragrant smell and will release essential oils when used.

**If your stone outlasts its fragrance, reapply oil as needed. For best results, use the stone on damp skin while soaking in the tub. Gently scrub rough spots with the stone

Five-Oil Massage Blend

2009-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

This long-lasting body oil is perfect for massage or after a bath. Five select oils have been chosen for this luxurious blend. Add a few drops of your favorite fragrance oil to make a customized formula.

Makes 5 ounces

1/4 cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons apricot kernel oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 drops fragrance oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended. Bottle and store in a cool place.

Stretch Mark Miracle Oil

2009-10-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

This special blend of oils helps to prevent and reduce the appearance of unsightly stretch marks on the skin. Stretch Mark Miracle Oil is especially recommended for anyone dieting or losing weight, and especially for expectant mothers during and after pregnancy. The oil can also be applied to existing stretch marks to help restore elasticity.

Makes 3 1/2 ounces

1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons cocoa butter
2 teaspoons sweet almond oil

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil, cocoa butter, and almond oil. Stir until the mixture is well blended and clear. Remove from heat. Store in a wide-mouth jar.

Natural Air Fresheners

2009-10-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Store bought air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell. Natural air fresheners are non-toxic and effective.

Here are some natural ways to freshen you home:

Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house
Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home
Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking
Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter
Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal
Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove
Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room

Sugar Body Scrub

2009-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Why spend money on expensive body scrubs when you can make your own?

Here's how!

mix together:

1/2 cup raw sugar
1/4 cup light oil
essential oils

use in the shower as an exfoliating body scrub (use caution as shower will be slippery after use).

Maple Syrup

2009-10-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Maple Syrup is a great substitute for sugar without compromising on taste.

Believe it or not, 100% pure maple syrup is a very healthy food.

It is a 100% natural and organic.

There is no way to alter it.

The darker in color, the more nutrient rich the maple syrup.

Here are some more ways maple syrup can benefit you:

Maple Sugar is three times as sweet as cane sugar, AND it has few calories!
Maple Sugar is 100% pure. No reduction, processing or removal of anything
Maple Syrup contains manganese and zinc, natural antioxidants which are good for your immune system, and helps prevent damage to the heart
Other nutrients found in maple syrup are niacin, biotin, folic acid, potassium, magnesium,
phosphorous, iron, thiamin, copper, and vitamins B2, B5, and B6.
Maple syrup has the same calcium content as whole milk. But whereas whole milk has lots of fat calories, maple syrup has no fat and only two-thirds as many calories as corn syrup.

2009-10-10T18:22:00.001-07:00

happiness does not depend upon
what happens outside of you
but what happens inside of you
it is measured by the
spirit in which
you meet the challenges of life

Avocados

2009-10-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Avocados are a delicious and versatile superfood. It can be spread on a sandwich, diced into a salad, and mashed into guacamole.

Here are some of the powerful health benefits:

One of the most nutrient-dense foods
High in fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium
Full of "healthy fat" or monounsaturated fat
Eating avocados is known to help decrease bad cholesterol
The Aztecs considered the avocado the "fertility fruit"
It has powerful antioxidants
Eating avocados promote glowing, healthy skin

Half a California avocado has a really excellent overall nutrient profile. At 145 calories it contains approximately 2 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 13 grams of fat, most of which (8.5 grams) is monounsaturated fat.

Benefits of Chocolate

2009-10-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Dark chocolate is a decadent, rich treat. Amazingly, eating dark chocolate in moderation is encouraged!

Here are a few of the many health benefits from eating chocolate:

contains antioxidants
protects against free radicals
rich in flavonoids
encourages production of endorphins and serotonin
can create a positive mood and feelings of euphoria

Nutrition never tasted so good!

Epsom Salt

2009-10-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

The use of Epsom Salt has been used for years. With all of the new products on the market sometimes we forget about basic, natural products that can be used for a variety of treatments. Here are just a few:

Ease Stress:
Stress drains the body of magnesium and Epsom Salt is considered to be a natural stress reliever. When dissolved in warm water Magnesium Sulfate is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The salt draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling and relaxes muscles. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom Salt at least three times a week helps to look better, feel better and gain more energy.Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the affects of adrenaline. It lowers blood pressure, creates a relaxed feeling, improves sleep, concentration, and helps muscles and nerves to function properly.

Dry Skin/Exfoliation:
You can also rub Epsom salts all over the body, while wet, then rinse and towel off. Rubbing Epsom salts directly on the body exfoliates skin and leaves it smooth and silky.

You can add scent to them by sprinkling them with essential oil.
Or mix Epsom salts with baby oil and keep by the sink if you wash your hands a lot.

Oily Hair:
The salts do wonders for the hair, absorbing oil from problem hair by adding 8 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a half a cup of shampoo that’s formulated for oily hair. Put a tablespoon of the shampoo mixture on dry hair and work it in and around the scalp area, rinsing it out with cold water.

Add fullness to thin hair:
To add fullness to thin hair, combine equal parts of Epsom salts and hair conditioner. Warm the mixture in a pan then work it into hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Sore muscles/tension:
Bruises, sore or strained muscles and sprained ankles receive relief when soaking in Epsom salts. A full bath should contain 2 cups of Epsom salts for relief of tired feet, back muscles, legs or just as a way to have softer skin. Epsom salts are safe to use but when applying directly to the skin or hair, rinse well.

Constipation:
For occasional constipation or irregularity, adults can mix 2 to 4 teaspoons into water until dissolved and drink. Kids 6 to 12 take half of that. This can be used twice a day by taking the first treatment, waiting 4 hours and taking the second dosage if necessary.

Feet:
Soak aching, tired feet in a pan of water with half a cup of Epsom salts and not only will your feet feel better, but they’ll smell better too. Epsom salts work to neutralize odor and soften skin. Soak feet until they feel better then rinse and dry well.

Enlarged pores/blackheads:
Take half a cup of boiling water. Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine. Apply this mixture to the black heads with a cotton ball three times.

Skin Brushing

2009-10-10T14:28:00.006-07:00

It is well known that the Skin is the LARGEST Organ in the Body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the Body's Detoxification each day, also making it, one of the most Important Elimination Organs! The Skin is also known as the "3rd" Kidneys and the Lungs are known as the "2nd" Kidneys. Toxicity can gather beneath the Skin's Surface from such Common Influences such as improper pH levels in Body Soaps, Skin Creams and Anti-Perspirants, plus Synthetic Fibers worn next to the Skin with ANY of them contributing to a variety of Skin Problems and Conditions.

When you do Skin Brushing, you help your Lymph System to CLEAN itself of the toxins, that collect in the Lymph Glands. You use a Simple Technique to improve the Surface Circulation on the Skin and keep the Pores of the Skin OPEN, encouraging your Body's Discharge of Metabolic Wastes, and resulting in an improved ability to combat bacteria, plus helping your Skin to look and feel healthier and more resilient!

Benefits:

Tightens Skin
Helps Digestion
Removes Cellulite
Stimulates Circulation
Increases Cell Renewal
Cleans Lymphatic System
Removes Dead Skin Layers
Strengthens Immune System

How to do skin brushing:

Buy a natural, NOT synthetic, bristle brush, since it does not scratch the surface of your skin.
Buy a brush with a long handle, so that you're able to get to the areas of your body, that are not easy to reach, when doing your own Skin Brushing.
Skin Brush, before showering or bathing, at least ONCE per day, and TWICE, if possible.
Do NOT wet your skin, since it will NOT have the SAME effect, because this stretches your skin.
Brush each part of your body several times VIGOROUSLY, completely brushing your whole body.
Do LIGHTER strokes over and around your breasts, but do NOT brush the nipples.
Brush the soles of your feet FIRST, because the nerve endings there affect your whole body, next brush your ankles, calves, and thighs, then brush across your stomach and your buttocks and lastly brush your hands to your arms.
ALWAYS skin brush towards the heart.
Do circular counter-clockwise strokes on your abdomen.
Take a WARM bath or shower, which should always be followed by a COOL rinse at the end to invigorate blood circulation and stimulate surface warmth.

**Wash your brush every week with soap and water and allow it to dry.