Pure Chai – Organic Essential Oil Blend – Natural Perfume Recipe

25 Mar

Who said you could not use natural products and still smell divine?!

organic essential oil blendThis is my favorite winter and evening out natural perfume. Cinnamon and clove are warming, invigorating and known to improve lymph circulation.  These herbs also have aphrodisiac properties. Cardamom has significant role in mood elevation. Clove possess a very potent pain relief and lovely spicy scent. This organic essential oil blend is also a very good remedy for stomach pain or cramps due to digestion. I hope you enjoy my creation!

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of organic safflower oil or any other light scented carrier oil of your choice

12 drops of organic Cinnamon essential oil

20 drops of organic sweet orange essential oil

12 drops of organic Clove stem essential oil

5 drops of organic Cardamon essential oil

Directions:

Blend essential oils and carrier oil together in a glass roll on. Wait 24 h before use if possible. Apply to your pulse points.

Word of wisdom: Sweet orange essential oil is phototoxic, do not apply on skin before sun exposure.

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The Natural Konjac Sponge

3 Mar

I don’t often write about commercial things to buy but I wanted to share this with you because this is my new addiction…

Konjac spongeThe konjac sponge is made of 100% natural konjac fiber. Konjac is a plant that grows native in the IndoChina Peninsula and contains approximately 40% Glucomannan, a highly purified vegetable fiber. Japanese have used it as a beauty treatment for over a century. Make sure the konjac sponge you buy contains no additives or preservatives. This sponge is hard when dried and soft when wet, it will gently exfoliate your face without disrupting your natural sebum balance.

I have been using it for 3 weeks now once a day and I noticed that my face is clearer and has less black heads and dilated pores.

The important thing is to rinse it well and hang it dry after every use; that will help with the longevity of the sponge which should last up to 3 months.

I don’t use anything else to wash my face but the konjac sponge and water…works very well! You should remove wake up with floral water before using the sponge.

You can buy the Konjac sponge online; I bought mine at a local natural store in Vancouver called Saje. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Organic Chocolate & Orange Massage bar

25 Feb

You are going to love this easy to make organic and all natural  massage bar! It can also be used as a body moisturizer. Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E which help soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. It makes a great gift!

organic natural massage bar recipe Ingredients:

1 tablespoon organic refined* Shea butter

1 tablespoon of organic cocoa butter

1 tablespoon of organic Apricot kernel oil (or your favorite carrier oil)

1 tablespoon of Natural beeswax

20 drops tangerine or sweet orange essential oil

*You can use raw Shea butter which contains more vitamins and minerals than the refined Shea butter but I am not a big fan of the nutty smell. Organic Refined Shea butter is my personal favorite. I recommend avoiding any other lower grade than refined (below Grade B) as it will affect the level of vitamin content and is extracted by solvent such as hexane.

Directions:

Melt butter, oil and beeswax in a double boiler on low heat. Once melted add the essential oils and pour right away in your favorite soap mold. Put in the freezer for 2 hours. Unmold and it’s ready to use!

Word of wisdom: Like any citrus essential oil, tangerine and sweet orange can be phototoxic, avoid using before going under the sun!

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Natural Hair Wash or Soap Less Shampoo- No Poo!

11 Feb

That’s it…I finally have gone NO POO! Here is one of the recipe I use below:

Natural Hair wash or Soap less Shampo

Soapwort is a plant and has an ancient reputation for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. It does give a little lather but don’t expect big bubble like a commercial shampoo. In this recipe I add a little bit of Xantham gum to thicken and for easier use. It is obtained from corn sugar and it is one of the most common thickening or stabilizing agents used in foods, cosmetics and medicines. You can find it at your health food store.

Natural hair wash with soapwort and hibiscus flower

Natural Hair Wash with Soapwort and Hibiscus Flower

2 tablespoons of dried Soapwort Root

1 tablespoon of dried sage for dark hair or of chamomile flower for blond hair and hibiscus for red hair ( I have used hibiscus for this recipe; it gives a nice pink color to the shampoo). Lavender and rosemary are good for all type of hair.

3 cup of filtered water

1 tablespoon of liquid honey

Optional: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

½  teaspoon or more of xantham gum*

10 drops of lavender essential oil

20 drops of tea tree essential oil

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions:

Boil the dried soapwort root and chosen herbs and simmer for 20 minutes. Cover the pot to avoid losing too much water. Let infuse and cool for 5 minutes and strain. Add the honey and the apple cider vinegar. Mix well.

Add the xantham gum, and start whipping with an electric mixer, after a few minutes, the liquid will turn into a thick gel. If it is still too liquid after 5 minutes, add a little more xantham gum.

Once cool, add the essential oils. Use tea tree if you have a itchy scalp or dandruff. Pour it in a glass bottle and keep in a fridge for a maximum conservation. This can keep about 10 days.

*If you are allergic to corn do not use xantham gum.

Word of wisdom: Soapwort can irritates eyes.

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Thai Coconut Foot scrub

1 Feb

Shredded coconut and coarse sea salt will help exfoliate and are natural antiseptics. Coconut milk is hydrating and well who does not love the smell?! Keeping your feet hydrated and clean is an important part of health and energy balance. Take the time to take care of your feet, they will thank you for it!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of shredded organic coconut
3 tablespoons of coarse sea salt*
1 tablespoon of organic avocado oil (or your favorite carrier oil)
2tablespoons of organic coconut milk
20 drops of lemongrass essential oil

*If you have cuts or eczema, use brown sugar instead of the salt. Sea salt can sting if you have sensitive skin.

Directions:

Mix the shredded coconut, sea salt, avocado oil together until it forms a thick paste; add the coconut milk slowly to have the right paste like. Add the essential oil.

Soak your feet in warm (not hot) lemongrass herbal tea water for 10 minutes then scrub your feet with the coconut paste for 5 minutes.

Rinse well and moisturize with shea butter. Give yourself a foot massage or better ask your partner!

Do this every two days or at least once a week and you will have smooth baby feet!

Natural Dead Sea Mud Face Mask

6 Dec

Mud from the Dead Sea comes from Jordan and has a high salt and mineral content. It helps remove toxins and impurities from the skin and has a tightening effect. It is recommended if you have acne and blackheads. You can also use the dead sea mud by itself but I like to mix it with Kaolin clay. It is well known that there  are several beneficial elements to Dead Sea mud as it contains: magnesium – healing properties and soothing; bromide – has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system; iodine – important for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland ; sulfur – a natural disinfectant and a great remedy for acne; and potassium A – moisturizing.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of 100% natural dead sea mud from Jordan

1 teaspoon of natural 100% kaolin clay

1 teaspoon of your favorite organic  hydrosol (chamomile for sensitive skin, rose for all type of skin,  lemongrass for oily skin, witch hazel or tea tree for acne prone skin) or aloe vera

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together until it forms a tick paste. Apply to your face and neck for 10 minutes avoiding eyes and lips. Rinse off with water. Clean your face with your favorite hydrosol and a cotton pad to remove any leftover of the mask. Apply your moisturizer. Do this once a week and not more to avoid drying your skin. If you have sensitive skin, always do a test 24h before as you could have some allergic reaction.

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Ultra Moisturizing Organic Lip Balm Recipe – Bye Bye Chapped lips!

22 Nov

If you have dry lips and dead skins you may want to scrub first. Its simple, just use some brown sugar, honey and olive oil (1 teaspoon each) and gently massage your lips for a few minutes. Rinse well. Then apply your lip balm, it will be much more effective.

This recipe below contains castor oil that will make your lips shinny!  The honey helps healing, Shea and mango butter which are great emollients will make your lips smooth like silk.  Tucuma butter is from Brazil. It is high in vitamin A and rich in lauric, myristic and oleic acids.  I really like this lip balm as it has long moisturizing properties. Its great for chapped lips!

Natural Emulsifier – 30 %

3 teaspoons Beeswax

Oil phase – 70 %

1 teaspoon organic castor oil

1.5 teaspoon of organic tucuma (or kokrum) butter (or replace by shea butter)

1 teaspoon of organic refined coconut oil (or not refined to have the coconut scent)

1 teaspoons of refined raw organic Shea butter

1 teaspoon of refined organic Mango butter

1 teaspoon of organic hemp oil

0.5 teaspoon of organic liquid honey

Essential oils (optional):

Essential Oils of 1 big drop Benzoin,

10 drops organic essential of Fennel

5 drops organic essential of Patchouli

5 drops organic essential of Lavender

Makes: 8 lip balm tubes

Directions:

Melt beeswax, oils, and honey in a double boiler of low heat. Once melted take it off the heat and mix well until the honey is blended.

Add essential oils and pour the mixture into lip balm container right away before it start to solidify.

If it has already starting to harden, don’t panic! Put it back into the double boiler for a few seconds until it melts again and poor the rest in the lip balm tubes. Wait a few hours so that the lip balm harden. Voila!

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Natural Homemade MouthWash Recipe

29 Oct

A commercial mouthwash may contain several dangerous chemicals such as benzoic acid, methylparaben, Poloxamer etc…Some brands may have as much as 27% alcohol…Alcohol should be avoided as it destroys the balance of good bacteria in your mouth, can discolor and stain your teeth, lead to dry mouth symptom. When the moisture decreases it can increase the risk of tooth decay, cause gum problems, contribute to bad breath…

You can easily make a safe natural homemade mouthwash but don’t skip brushing and flossing!

Natural Homemade MouthWash Recipe

1/2 cup of 100% pure organic aloe vera juice

10 drops of Organic Myrrh tincture

10 drops of Organic sweet fennel essential oil

5 drops of Organic tee tree essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together. Shake well before use. Use 1 tablespoon of the mixture in a glass and add one tablespoon of warm water to the glass just before use.

Swirl for 30 seconds,do not swallow and rinse well. Do not use for children.

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French Organic Lip Balm

8 Oct

Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. This is the perfect lip balm to protect your lips from the sudden change of temperature…with a French Flair!

 Natural Emulsifier – 30%

3 teaspoons of Natural beeswax pellets

Oil phase – 70 %

2 teaspoons of organic refined shea butter

2 teaspoons of organic apricot Kernel oil or sweet almond oil

1 teaspoon of organic Coconut oil

2 teaspoons of organic Castor oil

Essential oils:

10 drops of Natural Vanilla extract

10 drops of Organic Lavender essential oil

Directions:

Melt beeswax & oils in a double boiler of low heat. Once melted take it off the heat and add the essential oils – Mix well. Pour it into lip balm containers before it starts to harden.

If it has already starting to harden, simply put it back in the double boiler for a few seconds until it melts again. Voila!

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Organic Light Face Moisturizer

17 Jul

For oily skin but also suitable to all type of skin in the summer. Kukui nut oil is definitely one of my favorite oil; I often use it pure and undiluted in the morning on my face; it does not leave a greasy film and absorbs very quickly. For hundreds of years, Hawaiians have used kukui nut oil for its moisturizing and healing properties. Lavender; geranium and grapefruit essential oil are known to balance the skin and are perfect for oily skin…needless to say the scent is heavenly!

Water Phase: 2.5 teaspoon total – (25%)

2.5 teaspoons of organic rose flower water (you can substitute withlemongrass or Lavender hydrosols)

Oil phase:7 teaspoon total– (70%)

7 teaspoons of organic kukui nut oil

  Natural Emulsifier: (5 %)

0.5 teaspoon of natural beeswax pellets unbleached

EO:

10 drops of organic Lavender essential oil

10 drops of organic Geranium essential oil

2 drops of organic grapefruit essential oil

Natural preservative (optional)

1 drop of organic grapeseed extract

 Directions:

Combine the oils & beeswax in your double boiler on low heat.

At the same time, add the rose water in another double boiler on low heat so that it gets to the same temperatures as the oils.

Once the oils are melted, take it off the heat and start whipping with an electric or manual mixer; add the rose water drop by drop while mixing.  Continue mixing until you reach the creamy consistency desired. Add the essential oils and mix well.

A little goes a long way so don’t use too much!

Word of wisdom: do not increase the dosage of grape seed essential oil as it is phototoxic. It is advised not to use if you are going under the sun.

Yied: about 2OZ. Use within two months.

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Natural Mosquito Repellent

10 Jul

I used this easy recipe in Indonesia and was very pleased with the results as it kept the mosquitoes at bay! Try it for yourself.

1/4 cup of Organic Lemongrass flower water or you can substitute with a light carrier oil like organic sunflower oil.

40 drops organic citronella essential oil

40 drops organic lemon eucalyptus essential oil

Blend all the ingredients together in a dark colored glass spray bottle.  Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive areas such as the face. You’ll need to re-apply the natural product after about two hours or after swimming or exercise.

 

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The Truth about Purell

3 Jul

The Truth about Purell 

It may be a habit for you to grab the bottle of purell at work or at home or whenever soap and water is not available right away but… do you actually know what is Purell made of and what are the ingredients?

I have made the research for you…

FRAGRANCE: concern for Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity

TOCOPHERYL ACETATE: concern for Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Ecotoxicology, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: Concern for Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: Concern for Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Use restrictions

Did you also know that it contains 62% of alcohol?!

You can make your own natural and organic hand sanitizer whenever soap and water are not readily available.

Organic and natural hand antiseptic recipe

1/4 cup of organic aloe vera gel

1 /4 cup of organic witch hazel extract

15 drops of organic tea tree essential oil  (tea tree eo is well known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties)

15 drops of organic lavender essential oil (lavender is antiseptic and well it smells sooo good!)

Word of wisdom: For children under 5 years old, use only 5 drops instead of 15 in 1/2 a cup and consult your aromatherapist for more details on dilution depending on the age of your baby or child.

Mix everything in a small glass bottle with a drop by drop.

Keep in your bag for those moments where soap and water are not nearby!

Keep in mind that antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soap may even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the product’s antimicrobial agents — making it harder to kill these germs in the future. (use natural castille soap – no need for the antibacterial soap with Triciclan – see my previous post here about why antibacterial soap are dangerous for your health.)

More interesting post about purell and hand sanitizers:

http://marloelaine.com/hand-sanitizers-the-hidden-dangers

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/forums/114-July-28-2-9-What-Should-I-Do-/topics/3313-DANGERS-OF-HAND-SANITIZERS-TO-KIDS

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/blogs/paging.dr.gupta/2007/06/hand-sanitizer-on-rocks-please.html

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Cocoa Whipped Body Butter

21 Jun

Cocoa Butter is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin and also provides the skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of aging. This recipe contains no beeswax. It is a rich body butter perfect for dry skin and for preventing stretch marks.

Oil Phase – 10 tablespoons –91%

4 tablespoons organic raw cocoa butter

6 tablespoons organic Camellia seed oil or safflower oil

 Water Phase – 1 tablespoon – 9 %

1 tablespoon of organic pure aloe vera juice

¼ teaspoon of raw natural silk protein powder (Optional)

Essential oil (optional): 10 drops of organic sweet orange essential oil (photosensitive – do not apply before going under the sun!)

Directions:

Add the cocoa butter and camellia seed oil to your double boiler on low heat until they are melted.

Once melted, take it off the heat, add the tablespoon of aloe vera and the silk protein (optional)  and start whipping with an electric mixer for two minutes.

Put the bowl into the freezer for 13 minutes. (You may need to adjust the time in the freezer depending on how cold your freezer is. If the butter is too hard to be mixed, just leave it a few minutes at room temperature.)

Take the bowl out the freezer and start whipping with the electric mixer, you will see that it turns white and fluffy right away, continue whipping for 5 minutes. Add the essential oils and whip again for 1 or 2 minutes. Poor in a glass jar.

Yield: about 8 oz (replace by teaspoons if you want to have 4 oz)

Use within 2 months.

The Truth about DOVE

4 Jun

Are you ready to hear the truth about DOVE?

Ingredients of Cream Oil Shea butter body lotion

  • PEG 100 Stearate : Restriction concerns: Violation of industry recommendations – Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions – Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin -

Cancer concern: One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses – RTECS®- Archives of Environmental Health 1963

Suspected to be an environmental toxin – Environment Canada Domestic Substance List

  • Triethanolamine: Human immune and respiratory toxicant – strong evidence – Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics

Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful – Environment Canada Domestic Substance List

Cancer concern: One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results – RTECS®- Biologicheskii Zhurnal Armenii 1986

Endocrine disruption: One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses – RTECS®- National Technical Information Service 0455
  • METHYLPARABEN: Methylparaben is in the paraben family of preservatives used by the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.
  • PROPYLPARABEN: Propylparaben is in the paraben family of preservatives used by the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors. Cancer: One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results, RTECS®- Mutation Research 2008.*
  • About CYCLOPENTASILOXANE: Cyclopentasiloxane (cyclomethicone) is a silicon-based cyclic compound; may be associated with environmental toxicity. Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife. One or more animal studies show endocrine disruption at moderate doses. One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses…
  • PHENOXYETHANOL; Classified as irritant; Classified as toxic or harmful…
  • About FRAGRANCE: The word fragrance or parfum on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system…

So you wonder why they use those harmful chemicals?

There are several reasons:

  • The shelve life of the product would be reduced to only a few months instead of years.
  • They would lose a lot of money with unsold products in all their retails stores if they had to restock every few months.
  • Using natural and organic quality product is expensive  so they only use very little of it to reduce the cost of the product and to have a better margin.
  • Chemicals are VERY cheap which allows them to have a bigger margin and make more profit; in the end its ALL about Money over health…
  • Some of the chemicals  used produce lots of foam and consumers have been brainwashed thinking that whatever foam cleans.
  • These chemicals have been used since the creation of said products, 1938, and have been “grandfathered” into use by the FDA, with no new laws introduced since then…

Conclusion:  read labels, inform yourself, be a smart consumer and start making your own beauty products at home!

Remember that your skin is the largest organ in the body; what you put on your skin  is absorbed directly into your bloodstream.

Find Homemade and Organic Beauty recipes here:

http://organic-beauty-recipes.com/

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Organic Body Cream Kit GIVEAWAY!

28 May

ENTER NOW and you could WIN an ORGANIC BODY CREAM KIT!

Now you have no more excuses to start making your own homemade body cream right in your kitchen…

Mountain Rose Herbs is generously offering an amazing Organic Body Cream Kit to one lucky person!

HOW TO ENTER:

All you need to do is subscribe to my blog before the 15th of July 2011  (look on the right side bar next to this post) and enter your email address!

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: If you add a comment at the bottom of this post about which Mountain Rose Herbs products you would like to try; you will have two chances to win instead of one!

ORGANIC BODY CREAM KIT

  • Beeswax Pastilles  (1lb)
  • Organic Rose Hydrosol (4 oz)
  • Organic Safflower oil  (16 oz)
  • Organic Cocoa Butter (4 oz)
  • Organic Lavender EO  (½ oz)

I will also provide a unique recipe to the winner!

 

 

About Mountain Rose Herbs…

I must say I LOVE this company, all of their products are certified organic, ethically wild harvested, or cultivated organically without certification. They’re crazy passionate about organics  and it definitely shows in the quality of the products they offer!

Terms and Conditions:

Entrant must be 18 years old and resident of the United States only (mailing address in the united states). Random draw will be on the 15th of July 2011 and prize will be shipped from Mountain Rose Herbs in Oregon. Entrant must submit his email address and subscribe to the blog  http://organic-beauty-recipes.com. An additional entry is to add a comment on the blog post about which Mountain Rose Herbs product they would like to try. This additional entry gives two chances to win instead of one. Prize is as described on the post. No Purchase Necessary. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash and Mountain Rose Herbs reserves the right to substitute the products in the giveaway.

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Precious anti-wrinkle oil recipe

24 Apr

Precious anti-wrinkle oil recipe

Kukui Nut Oil is a fabulous moisturizer, and quickly penetrates the skin leaving a silky-smooth non-greasy feeling. It contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin. Rosehip oil contains retinol, Vitamin A, vitamin C, essential fatty acids, omega-6, omega-3 and is the perfect anti-aging oil. The essential oil blend is recommended for mature skin and will reduce wrinkles as well as scars.

Oil phase: 10 teaspoon total– (100%)

6 teaspoons organic or wild craft kukui oil

2 teaspoons organic rosehip oil

2 teaspoons organic evening primrose oil

Essential oils

10 drops organic frankincense essential oil

4 drops organic carrots essential oil

10 drops organic lavender essential oil

10 drops organic rose essential oil

10 drops Vitamin e

Directions:

Combine carrier oils and essential oils in a 50 ml (about 2 OZ) dark colored glass bottle. Shake well before use and apply daily in the evening for at least a month to see results.

Yield about 1.50 OZ

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

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Exotic and Nourishing Hair mask

9 Apr

Perfect for dry hair. Avocados contain more than 25 essential nutrients and vitamins, such as Vitamin E and B-vitamins. Coconut milk contains proteins and will give strength to your hair. Bananas create manageability, shine and control dandruff. The vinegar will give your hair shine.

Avocado air maskIngredients

1 ripped organic avocado

2 tablespoon of organic coconut milk

½ a ripped organic banana

1 tablespoon of organic Liquid Honey

1 teaspoon of Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

10 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil (optional and for exotic scent!)

Directions:

Blend all the ingredients together and apply all over your wet hair for at least 20 minutes to an hour. Rinse with warm water and shampoo with a mild and natural shampoo. Use at least once a week for improved results!

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

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Did you know that antibacterial soaps are dangerous for your health?

19 Mar

Triclosan (or triclocarban) is an antimicrobial agent that’s been found in more than 75 percent of liquid hand soaps in the U.S and Canada, as well as in cutting boards, garden hoses, fabrics and plastics.

It’s in all these consumer products, yet:

•    It disrupts hormones and may affect fetal growth and development;
•    It’s been found in our bodies and in breast milk;
•    Mounting evidence links it to the rise of “superbugs” – antibiotic-resistant bacteria;
•    It doesn’t break down easily in the environment, so it builds up in lakes, rivers and other water sources, where it’s toxic to aquatic life; and
•    Studies show that triclosan is NO more effective at preventing illness or removing germs than soap and water – even the FDA found no evidence that antibacterial washes containing triclosan were superior.

What can you do? You can sign this petition here with the Campaign for safe cosmetics, it takes less than one minute!

You can learn how to make your own liquid hand soap!

Here is an easy recipe:

HOMEMADE VANILLA AND PEPPERMINT LIQUID HAND SOAP

Ingredients

1 cup of liquid organic castille soap unscented

1/4 cup aloe vera

20 drops of vanilla essential oil

20 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions

Mix all the ingredient together in a pomp bottle , that’s it easy and ready to use!

Tips for Avoiding Triclosan

♦ Look on cosmetics ingredient labels – particularly the active ingredients – for “triclosan” or “triclocarban.”  If you see them, don’t buy the product.

♦ Find triclosan-free products using the Skin Deep Database Advanced Search.

♦ Alcohol-based antibacterial sprays and gels are generally safer than triclosan-containing products, but many of those products contain other ingredients, like “fragrance,” that are concerning. Look for sanitizers that use organic alcohol or a blend of antimicrobial essential oils, and that list all ingredients (including those in any “fragrance”) on the label.

♦ Contact companies to let them know that you’re concerned about triclosan, and that you won’t be using their products until they remove triclosan and other harmful chemicals. (Companies’ hotline numbers can be found online or on product containers).

♦ Learn more about triclosan in cosmetics and in cleaning products to educate yourself and spread the word!

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

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Focus on Aloe Vera

26 Feb

I use aloe vera almost in all my beauty care products as this plant is very versatile.

Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant that grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India and other arid areas. Aloe vera is useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, minor skin infections… aloe vera juice from fresh leaves

The best aloe vera gel you can find is from the fresh leaves but if do not live in a dry climate, you can buy aloe vera gel or  juice at any heath food stores.

Always buy organic aloe vera juice with 100% juice or gel with no preservatives. Unfortunately most manufacturers add conservators and preservatives as aloe spoils easily so be sure to read the labels.  You must keep it refrigerated once the bottle is open.

How to prepare aloe vera gel from fresh leaves:

Choose aloe vera leaves that are large and mature, but still soft and succulent with plenty of moisture and gel inside. Avoid the small leaves. Cut the leave from the base of the plant and let the yellow sap (called aloin) runs out of the leaves for a few minutes on a towel. When the yellow sap is all gone Take a sharp knife and use it to remove the spiky edges from the leaves. The leaves will have spiky edges to protect the plants from animals that also like the sweet gel inside the leaves.

Once the thorns have been removed, use the paring knife to peel one side of the leaf, so that you will have access to the gel. Use a tea spoon to transfer the gel to a sterilized can. Add a few drops of grapefruit extract to help with the conservation. Always keep the fresh aloe Vera gel inside the fridge.

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

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The truth about BODY SHOP

12 Feb

 

Are you ready to hear the truth about BODY SHOP?

“The Body Shop® believes that there is only one way to beautiful — Nature’s Way”

REALLY? let’s see how natural their way is…


Ingredients of their best seller : Vitamin E Moisture Day Cream

PEG 100 Stearate : Restriction concerns: Violation of industry recommendations – Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions – Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin -

Cancer concern: One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses – RTECS®- Archives of Environmental Health 1963

Suspected to be an environmental toxin – Environment Canada Domestic Substance List

Triethanolamine: Human immune and respiratory toxicant – strong evidence – Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics

Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful – Environment Canada Domestic Substance List

Cancer concern: One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results – RTECS®- Biologicheskii Zhurnal Armenii 1986

Endocrine disruption: One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses – RTECS®- National Technical Information Service 0455

Tocopheryl Acetate: Cancer concern – One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results – RTECS®- Cancer Letters (Shannon, Ireland) 1984

Organ system toxicity: One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) – RTECS®- International Journal of Toxicology (Continous: Journal of the American College of Toxicology,Taylor & Francis Health Sciences) V 2002

METHYLPARABEN: Methylparaben is in the paraben family of preservatives used by the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.

PROPYLPARABEN: Propylparaben is in the paraben family of preservatives used by the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors. Cancer: One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results, RTECS®- Mutation Research 2008.*

Ethylparaben: Allergy / Immonotoxicity – Human skin toxicant – strong evidence – Schamberg, 1967;Soni, 2001

Cancer concern – One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results – RTECS®- Eisei Shikenjo Hokoku 1978

Did I mention it was now owned by Loreal who is doing animal testing?!

So you wonder why they use those harmful chemicals?

There are several reasons:

  • The shelve life of the product would be reduced to only a few months instead of years.
  • They would lose a lot of money with unsold products in all their retails stores if they had to restock every few months.
  • Using natural and organic quality product is expensive  so they only use very little of it to reduce the cost of the product and to have a better margin. Chemicals are cheap…
  • Some of the chemicals  used produce lots of foam and consumers have been brainwashed thinking that whatever foam cleans.
  • These chemicals have been used since the creation of said products, 1938, and have been “grandfathered” into use by the FDA, with no new laws introduced since then…

Conclusion:  read labels, inform yourself, be a smart consumer and start making your own beauty products at home!

Remember that your skin is the largest organ in the body; what you put on your skin  is absorbed directly into your bloodstream.

http://organic-beauty-recipes.com/

 

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

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