Start Living Naturally

Once wrongly accused of increasing cholesterol levels, coconut oil now is used to help in a variety of medical    conditions and disorders.  Studies had shows that the coconut oil has superb anti-microbial and anti-viral properties . Coconut oil also kills the bacteria that causes sore throats, dental cavities, pneumonia, candida infection. 

It   increases metabolism which is a great news for someone who wants to loose weight. The saturated fat content in coconut oil is actually quite unique as it helps prevent heart disease, stroke and hardening of the arteries. Apart from coconut oil the only other source of lauric acid in such high doses is mother’s milk- the richest food sources of medium chain fatty acids available.

The reason that the coconut oil received such a bad publicity before is that all the researches previously had been conducted many decades ago using hydrogenated oil that had been processed and altered from it’s original form.    In truth the modern research shows that the medium chain fatty acids help to increase metabolism and more easily digested that other vegetable oils.

Virgin coconut oil is different to regular coconut oil due to the way it had been processed. Most coconut oils are produced from copra; the smoked meat of the coconut.  The copra is pressed and because the coconut is very smokey, chemicals are used to bleach and clean the oil.  The term of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil means that that type of form of coconut oil processing is the most natural form and not artificial filtering is used.  The Oil remains in its most natural form and retains a rich smell and sweet taste of coconut .

So how much oil should a person consume per day?

Around 3 to 4 tablespoons a day.  It provides enough lauric acid to build the immune system.  I actually mix it with flaxseed oil ( 1 tablespoon) for extra benefit. The only way to make sure that you use a high quality Virgin Coconut Oil is to use certified organic products that are certified by the third party such as USDA or ACO .

USES FOR COCONUT OIL

• Hair care:  as a hair mask, messaging to the scalp ensures hair are in excellent condition.
• Skin care:  use as a mask once or twice a week, could be mixed with avocado , peach or honey for extra benefits.  Skin will appear very soft, moisturised and supple.
• Healing balm:  apply to  bruises and sore muscles for a more rapid healing.

• Edible oil: excellent food supplement known to help with obesity, digestion system.

I

To your health

I came across this beautiful article written by Sue Oliver  in SelfGrowth.com and had a permission to share it with all of you here.   Enjoy

“I  love the fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling, written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1844. Here’s the Cliff Notes version. One spring day, a baby swan is born into a duck family and it’s immediately apparent that he just doesn’t belong: His egg is much larger than the others and after he’s born, he’s physically bigger, more gray, and gangly than his siblings. His family members and the rest of his community shun and criticize this ugly duckling, so he leaves home in shame. He then travels around the countryside looking for a home among a variety of other animals and humans, although they all shun and drive him away.

Finally, in the Fall, the ugly duckling arrives at a small pond, where he sees several swan flying across the sky and honking as they depart. He feels a stirring inside himself as he watches these elegant creatures fly away, unaware that he himself is a swan. So the ugly duckling remains in the pond throughout the winter, bearing the freezing ice and snow. When Spring arrives the following year, the migrating swans return to the pond, and the ugly duckling, upon noticing them, bows his head in shame. Suddenly, he sees his own reflection in the water and finally realizes that he is a swan!

There are many interpretations of this story. To me, it is a calling for each of us to step into our “swanhood,” no matter how often we feel separate, different, ugly, and alone. You probably have had many ugly duckling incidents where you heard different versions of “You don’t belong!” from various characters in your life (e.g., a partner, family member, childhood crush, teacher). If you’re like me, you made those events mean something very negative about yourself (e.g., “I’m a big loser.”) Perhaps you survived, as I did, by stuffing those ugly duckling stories into an overflowing recycling bin, where they played over and over again. The situations and characters in my life may have differed, but my starring role never changed. Hmmm.

Take a moment to ask yourself this question:

Where in your life’s journey have you felt rejected, criticized, shunned or alone?

Now ask yourself: What’s the real deal – the T.R.U.T.H.??

Instead of rejecting, resisting, or recycling your ugly duckling stories, there is tremendous power in bringing them to the surface and then releasing them. Why? Because they are fairy tales. Here’s the truth of who you are: You were born whole, complete, and perfect; nothing missing, nothing lacking, and nothing wrong. You are a divine spark that is here to shine brightly and unleash your unique gifts, talents, and creativity in the world as your beautiful swan song. Since you are a child of the most High, you’ve inherited the queendom and kingdom already, so there’s no waiting line. There is absolutely nothing you need to be or do to receive your inheritance. It is grace, and it is your divine nature. Your purpose and passions came fully funded, orchestrated, and supported by the universe, as you entered this world. Just as the acorn knows how to be an oak tree, and just as the baby swan has everything it needs to become a swan while in the shell, so too you are fully equipped to experience and express the magnificent you.

Breathe. Isn’t that awesome?

Now, You might be wondering, why, if you came into this world with everything that you need and more, you still feel like an ugly duckling who’s not living the life you love?

Question: “I’m not experiencing the life of my dreams? Why not?”

Answer: You’re buying into the myths that your ego and the world tell you are the truth. You know, those stories of how you’re not being, doing, or having enough; the myth that you are not worthy of living the life that you love. (More details on these myths in the next blog installment).

This week, I invite you to take on three ugly duckling antidotes, in order to remember the gorgeous swan that you are!

Ugly Duckling Antidotes

1) Write down three qualities or values that are really important to you; not what you do, or what you have, or what you look like. Instead, list the aspects of who you are in the world.

2) Complete this affirmation with those three aspects, and post it in a visible spot throughout your week: Who I Really Am Is _______________, __________________, and __________________.

3) Ask three trusted friends to tell you what they love most about you. Take a deep breath. Allow their feedback to sink in. Then ask yourself: What is possible for me, if what they say is true?

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller ”

Organic products are being promoted more and more these days after they have been proven to be fighters against disease and exposure to free radicals. Why choose certified organic products for home use is the question you may ask yourself. There are many reasons and getting them from a certified grower is the key to ensuring you are getting true organic. Choosing organic add years to your likelihood of living well. Eating true to the farm will make you feel better because you are not ingesting harsh chemicals and processed foods that are more difficult for your body to digest.

In the home products you use you are exposing yourself to chemicals not regulated. It may cost a little more to use organic solutions in your home. This is simply because they cost more to make. Synthetic chemicals come in big vats and are mass produced therefore the margin for product consumption will cost less. Organic will cost more to make as they use natural consumable products. But they will also ensure that you are healthier than exposing yourself to the chemicals. So in the long run you can save money by not have expensive hospital bills or other medical treatments to treat conditions associated with bodily disorder. Using the products that are organic will not bog down your system. They also will not leave chemical residue around your house like other synthetic cleaners that are on the market. They naturally kill germs just as effectively as synthetic brands do. This is a plus when you have people with allergies in the household.

Chemicals can also prove to be a deterrent to some disorders. Attention Deficit Disorder, for example, has a tendency to be affected by stimulants that chemicals contain. This has been proven in several studies.

By using certified organic products you are not exposing an ADD or ADHD child to irritants that will trigger behavioral problems. The more you can do to keep a chemical free zone in your household will help these types of disorders. It also helps those with conditions such as asthma as well. Producers of organic products also are concerned about the soil that they use. Instead of raping the soil for all it is worth they nurture it using plant rotation. This is better for the soil and keeps the nutrients in the foods and products that you use. You are ensured that the most minerals are in the enriched foods that are purchased by certified growers. When you shop there are labels that indicate they are from a certified grower. You will see the label and know that you are buying from a grower that has been approved. You will be ensured that you are eating as close to grain in the food you buy. You will also be using natural products on your body and in your home when you go organic.

Check out basic Toxic Ingredient List

“Death begins in the colon”

Ilya Mechnikov – Nobel Laureate

Health and nutrition is a quickly expanding market right now. Perhaps this is because people are becoming more aware of the obesity epidemic and want to protect themselves and their families. No matter what the reason is, people everywhere are talking about getting healthier. One major aspect of this involves digestive health, and a particular market in this category involves probiotics. Nutritionists, doctors, and dieticians will all tell you that a strong digestive system is the first key to a healthy body, because it is through the function of these organs that you obtain the nutrients you need to be healthy. Accordingly, there are new developments in probiotic superfood products consistently appearing on the market.

Everyday human bodies are exposed to numerous pollutants:  lead, mercury, drugs, vaccines and a lot of other dangerous substances.  As the toxin level rises in our bodies the immune system become compromised and begin to fail.  In order to protect ourselves we need to ensure our optimum health.

Medical researches world-wide have medical evidence that : “Up to 90% of all known human illness and disease can be traced back to an unhealthy colon!”

The secret to good health in in the friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract…..

The friendly bacteria can aid the digestive process by helping to break down foods.  Live active bacteria need to be consumed on a regular basis.  The lifespan of these bacterias only 3 to 10 days and only the active forms have the ability to tolerate the acidity of the stomach and the alkalinity of the intestine to produce health benefits.

Bacteria live and work in colonies.  There is some confusion in the marketplace in relation to how many million units in different types of probiotic products in the market.  The colonies of bacteria can’t be separated  as they stop function properly.   The bacteria must be in their natural state and alive so it can multiply and maintain a healthy intestinal flora.

To make sure that the bacteria are in a natural state the product should be certified organic.

Introducing   IN -LIVEN  -  Certified Organic Probiotic Superfood

In-Liven has been certified by the ACO Australian Certified Organic, Australia’s largest certifying body.

The Lactobacilli bacteria used in In-Liven are the result of 20 years research. Its unique lactobacilli bacteria have been subjected to a large number of stressors including heat, cold, chlorine, salt, alcohol and many preservatives found in food, resulting in a “Super Family” of very strong Lactobacilli unlike any others found in the world today.  It is also important to note that all the bacteria in our formula are   sourced from fruits, vegetables or grains.

The In-Liven formula has been pre-digested by the lactobacilli bacteria, so all the protein has already been broken down, and all the ingredients are certified organic, eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals.

In-Liven is a Super Food containing 18 Amino Acids, including the 8 essentials, significant enzymes, and a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.
The formula contains the complete Lactobacillus Family: – acidophilus, delbruekii, caseii, bulgaricus, causasicus, fermenti, plantarum, brevis,heleveticus, lactis, bifidus, leichmanni and sporogenes.

It also includes organic Spirulina, one of the single richest and most complete sources of total organic nutrition in the world. Organic Alfalfa Grass, a complete protein with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, F, K and rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. Organic Barley Grass that has an incredible concentration of minerals, vitamins, trace elements, protein and live enzymes and organic Wheat Grass which is extremely high in chlorophyll and has a molecular structure very similar to the haemoglobin of human blood. Chlorophyll is the blood of the plant and is extremely rich in nutrients.

Other organic ingredients include: Rolled Oats, Brown Rice, Wheat Grain, Pearl Barley, Linseed, Kidney Beans, Mung Beans, Adzuki Beans, Red Lentils, Chick Peas, Beetroot, Sweet Potato, String Beans, Zucchini, Cabbage, Silverbeet, Spinach, Chinese Cabbage, Asparagus, Broccoli, Malt Liquid and Molasses as well as Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Saccharomyces Boulardii.

Common warning signs of a bacterial imbalance

• Allergies and food sensitivities
• Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving
• Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
• Frequent constipation or diarrhoea
• Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders
• Sleeping poorly, night sweats
• Painful joint inflammation, stiffness
• Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems
• Frequent colds, flu or infections
• Chronic yeast problems
• Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus
• Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms

Things that kill bacteria in the body
Antibiotics
Birth control pills
Steroidal & hormonal drugs
Fluoride
Chlorine
Coffee/Tea
Carbonated drinks
Synthetic vitamins
Radiation
Stress
Preservatives
Additives
Pesticides
Fertilisers

Research has shown that Lactobacilli bacteria:
• Reduce cholesterol in the blood.
• Increase nutrient assimilation, including calcium.
• Reduce high blood pressure.
• Assist in the elimination of ailments such as colon irritation,
constipation, diarrhoea and acne.
• Retard yeast infections.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Manufacture and assimilate B complex vitamins (which include
niacin, biotin, folic acid, riboflavin and B12).
• Help digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
• Produce natural anti-bacterial agents (antibiotics).
• Produce cancer or tumour suppressing compounds.
• Control the pH or acidity-alkaline levels in the intestines.
• Reduce unhealthy bacteria in the intestinal tract.
• Detoxify poisonous materials in the diet.
• Detoxify hazardous chemicals added to foods, such as nitrates

To ensure that the bacteria are in a natural organic state and have not been tampered with or altered in any way it should be certified organic. In-Liven has been certified organic by the ACO (Australian Certified Organic), Australia’s largest certifying body.

To get more information or to try this incredible product click on the image above.  To get to testimonial page click here.

You will find In-Liven testimonials in a middle and toward the end of the page.

Why do we need antioxidants and why are they so powerful

What are antioxidants and free radicals?

Berry Radicals containts 10 one of the world most potent antioxidants superfoods

• RAW Cacao (harvested ethically and sustainably in Ecuador,believed to be the richest source of magnesium of any common food)
• Coffe Berry (exceptionally rich in antioxidants because it grows in high altitude, low-latitude regions where the sun’s rays are strongest)
• Acaj Berry( contains the potent antioxidant, anthocyanins, at 10-30 times the concentration found in red wine)
• Goji Berry( The ‘red diamond’ of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years)
• Blueberry
• Raspberry
• Strawberry
• Pomegranate
• Olive
• Dunaliella Salina(marine microalgae, the richest known source of dietary carotenoids including extremely high
  quantities of beta and alpha carotene)

If you have discovered some other certified organic antioxidant please share the information with me, I would love to hear from you

     Since being diagnosed with hereditary high  cholesterol my search naturally turned into herbal remedies. The first  plant on my list was hawthorn due to it’s being traditionally used  in treating heart conditions and respiratory illnesses.  This is one of not many plants that has no side effects being reported. The plant itself is very attractive with dark red berries and oval leaves with triangular lobes.  The berries were used to treat various heart problems such as chest pain, hardening of the arteries, palpitations,high blood pressure.

                            There was a four year study in Germany commissioned by the Ministry of Health and clinical trials were conducted that showed hawthorn increases heart working capacity, lowered blood pressure and increased endurance while exercising. Hawthorn berry is very high in vitamin C which helps to strengthen tiny capillaries in the brain and lots of herbalist have long used the herb to treat age related memory problems. Hawthorn is very effective in lowering blood cholesterol level.  The liver regulates cholesterol level in blood.  In studies conducted it has been proven that Hawthorn can increase the rate in at which the liver converts LDL ( low density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol into HDL( high density lipoprotein ) or good cholesterol. Since it is a fat removing agent as well, Hawthorn is fantastic to use in conjunction with weight  control programs.

                                Hawthorn also has antioxidant properties to help scavenge the free radicals caused by excess diatary fats, cigarette smoke, alcohol, pollutants and stress. The benefits of using Hawthorn is mainly achieved after long term use, it usually takes one to two months before any results may be noticeable.  In my opinion, if I try anything new, I will use it at least for 3 months to see if it makes any difference and try not to introduce any other herbs or supplements in my diet at the same time to really see the difference.

                Even if Hawthorn is considered to be a safe herb, heart decease is a very serious condition.  Do not self treat heart conditions without your doctor supervision especially if taking any other heart related medicine.   Because Hawthorn can  alter blood pressure  it is essential to consult the doctor if you are on blood pressure medication.

History and Folklore

           The plant had been used in healing since the Middle Ages and has been considered a sacred and protecting.  It is also known by the name of May Tree and the flowers were used for Mayday decorations.  It was said to give psychic protection , to lift the spirits and banish melancholy if worn or carried .  Women who washed their faces in the dew of the Hawthorn blossoms believed to become beautiful, when men who washed their hands in it would become skilled craftsmen.  

  Extract from " The Hawthorn Tree – Queen Of The May" by Glennie Kindred

" If you wish to learn from the wisdom of the Hawthorn, choose an old tree of great maturity and take time to sit with the tree, opening yourself to its wisdom. The many traditions associated with the Hawthorn, especially around spring and early summer, suggest that its energy is strongest at this time. The Hawthorn’s connection to our heart energy has transcended many different aspects of our growth, both within our relationships with ourselves and each other, and in relation to our spiritual connection to the divine within and without. I believe that the Hawthorn is very much involved in humankind’s evolution into the Aquarian age of a more open-hearted and humanitarian attitude to life, love and spirituality. I sense a willingness within the Hawthorn’s energy to help us and be part of this transformation."            

In the ancient history honey was very well known and cherished for it’s healing properties  but as as the  time went that knowledge was partially lost.  Honey is easily absorbed by the body and is the best form of carbohydrate.  What else is known that honey increases the medicinal effect of natural remedies that are good for respiratory organs.  You can use it yourself: simply use the amount of remedy( for example echinacea)  you need and add a teaspoon of honey and a bit of warm water.  Sipping the honey water together with the remedy will enhance its  effect. Honey is a fantastic energy source and it does not cause hypoglycemia.  Make sure that the honey you buy is raw and it had not been processed or heated in any way.   Raw honey contains minerals, vitamins and amino acids.    The darker the honey the more antioxidant it contains.  Due to the high level of antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties honey can improve your digestive system and can help you to fight decease. Honey antiseptic properties can help to treat cuts, wounds and burns.  It is also beneficial for various infections such as yeast infection or athlete foot.  It will help to keep the wounds clean as it inhibits grows of bad bacteria and promote healing. It is believed that honey can lower cholesterol level.  This is the remedy that I religiously use every morning to fight my elevating cholesterol : a tablespoon of raw honey, half a lemon juice in a glass of warm water.  Drink it first thing each morning before breakfast. Each night before I go to bed I will substitute lemon juice with a table spoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of room temperature water.  This recipe is probably very well known by many of people.  What does it actually do?  An average person diet becomes too acidic and our bodies are prone to a decease.  If it is alkaline, it can fight the ailments more easily.  Leafy green vegetables, for example, are alkaline forming foods.  Interesting fact is that lemon is very accidic in nature but after digestion becomes alkaline.  The alkaline property of apple cider vinegar with the addition of honey can correct the alkaline level and help prevent and fight infection.  I have started drinking those two drinks about a year ago and believe it contributed to my weight loss.

Manuka Honey

You have probably  heard of Manuka honey as it is well known for it’s unique antibacterial properties and was labelled as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF.  The special testing procedure was established to accurately grade the potency of Manuka honey. The name UMF is followed by a number that indicates the strength of its UMF antibacterial property. The number following UMF corresponds to the percentage of Phenol in water that the honey’s antibacterial levels are equal to. For example, UMF 3 is equal to a 3% solution of Phenol and water.  In general   Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher is appropriate for medical use. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the antibacterial activity.  The highest rating is UMF 20+.

Did you hear about the Honey and Cinnamon combination?

Two tablespoons of honey and 3 teaspoons of Cinnamon powder in tea water was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours.

Longevity

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, if taken regularly, helps to conquer old age issues.  It also helps to keep the skin fresh and free of blemishes.  Take 4 spoons of honey and one spoon of cinnamon, 3 cups of water and boil it.  Drink 1/4 of a cup, three to four times daily.

How much honey to take?

Today’s science says that even honey is quite sweet, it doesn’t  harm people with diabetes.  Honey can be used without any side effects for many of ailments.  As a I have a very sweet tooth and started watch out what I eat, every time I want to satisfy my cravings, I take a teaspoon of honey alone or with yogurt and nuts.  I believe that 5 spoons a day won’t harm anybody, but my advise is not based on any medical evidence of scientific data and it will depend on how much sugar you will consume during the day, what type of life style you have, sedentary or physically active.  Therefore, the daily amount of honey will vary from one person to another.  

Looking after you skin

  Honey is an essential product to use if you want to look after your skin in a natural way.  There are so many recipes with honey, but I will list just some that I regularly use myself and it won’t take long preparing. Yolk and honey mask mix 2 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of honey and add the same amount of glycerin.  Apply generous amount to the face and neck, wait 20 minites and remove with a face towel dipped in warm water.  Once or twice a week. Antibacterial 1 table spoon of aloe juice and 1 teaspoon of manuka honey, apply to the face and neck for 20 minutes. A bit sticky to remove  but well worth it.

Honey scrub

Half a teaspoon of  sea salt, half a spoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and corn flour(optional).  Gently massage into your skin for 2 minites and rinse with warm water. If you skin is sensitive use outmeal instead of salt and add a small amount of milk into the mixture.  Apply to the wet face for one minute and rinse with warm water.   This unique recipe was given to me by one of my friend’s mum and she swears by it.

Cucumber and honey compress

3 tablespoons of honey, half a teaspoon of lemon juice, chilled cucumber.  Mix honey and lemon together, apply to the face and neck,  then cover your face with cucumber slices( you will have to lie down )  and relax for 15- 20 minutes.  You skin will be refreshed and radiant.  Want to impress your friends?  Use this mask before going out.   Storing honey is very easy.  No refrigeration necessary as long as you keep it away from direct sunlight and keep in an air-tight container. I buy  raw honey in a glass container and just replace the lid with the plastic one  after opening.   Thank you, BEES , for creating such a natural wonder.   Happy Honeying

To understand how to protect and nourish our skin we need to know the basic structure of the skin. The skin has a very complex structure and is a largest organ in our body. A simplified structure of the skin can be described as below: 1 the outer layer of the skin- the epidermis, It is made up of a layer of cells which protect the body’s inner cells from germs and harmful substances, a barrier to preserve moisture, vitamins, minerals and proteins. The second main function of epidermis is cell renewal. 2 the dermis – soft cushion of connective tissue that lies directly below the epidermis and determines the way our skin looks. The upper layer of the dermis consists of collagen fibres and the lower level is thicker and is made of collagen fibres that are arranged parallel to the surface of the skin. 3 subcutaneous layer – provides insulation and protective padding for the body, regulates the temperature of the skin itself and the body. The size of this layer varies from person to person and throughout the body. Life of the skin cell starts at the lower layer of the skin and migrates upward until it reaches the epidermis, where the cell undergoes a series of changes, dies and sheds. The 6 primary functions are: 1 Protection- defence mechanism against harsh environment 2 Sensation –your nerve ending identify heat, cold, pain, touch, pressure 3 Excretion- waste products and toxins are eliminated via sweat glands 4 Secretion-sebum will keep the skin soft, smooth and lubricated 5 Heat regulation- body temperature regulates through sebaceous glands 6 Absorption- medicines, skin care products, essential oils And through the absorption our bodies are exposes to various types of chemicals. The ability of our skin to absorb different types of substances is widely used in medicine. Our skin can absorb up to 60% of whatever you apply topically to the skin. Unfortunately, along with vitamins, water and minerals, it absorbs carcinogenic ingredients which are very harmful to the body and potentially can cause cancer. What actually happens when a toxin enters the body? It ends up in a bloodstream and lymph ducts in epidermis and dermis layer of the skin. As the chemicals absorb, they travel through the blood stream with the lymph across the body, get filtered by the liver and the toxins are eliminated but unfortunately, not all. The get stored in the body and accumulate throughout time. Most skin care products on the market contain hundreds and hundreds of synthetic ingredients whose safety never been properly tested. And that is something very scary indeed. I have used different types of cosmetic products in the last 10 years that promised wrinkle reduction, hydration, de-sagging and many more benefits. Little did I know how many chemicals I voluntary put on my skin without knowing the harmful aftermath. Think about your morning bathroom routine. You take a shower with a soap or shower gel, you shampoo and condition your hair, you wash your face with a foaming cleanser, apply moisturiser, maybe a sunscreen, use a makeup, spray yourself with antiperspirant deodorant. After all that routine think about how many chemicals you have been exposed to even without leaving the house yet. Then you go on with your day, inhale car emission, smoke, dust, you will eat food that contains artificial preservatives and probably finish your day with another shower with a chemical cocktail. And go to sleep thinking that everything is all right. That was me couple of years ago.

So what is the solution?

We all want to look younger, we have our favourite skin care products, we are attached to a particular smell that we like and don’t want to change anything in our lives. Is the solution not to use anything on our skin? No, of course not. Become the ingredient detective. Unfortunately even the visit to the local health shop may be proven fruitless. There are many personal care products that claim to be 100% natural and beneficial to your skin but actually contain harmful ingredients. Beauty Industry is one of the worlds largest and most profitable. Think about what would happen if everyone will start asking questions such as what goes into their favourite beauty product and start educating themselves. How good the beauty industry is performing depends on how much public knows about the risks associated with many of the beauty products.

5 lessons in how to become a smart beauty expert.

1 When choosing the products the ingredient list should be your number one reference. I am using Chemical Ingredient Glossary that helps me identify what ingredients are harmful. Only use skin care with organic ingredients. 2 Make sure you understand what you are paying for. If you are buying the product from the cosmetic counter 60% goes to the manufacturer and 40% goes to the retailer, advertisement, shop assistant, packaging. Think about how much is actually spent on research and development of the product. I will cover this topic more in a different article but this is just an overview. 3 Don’t listen to advertising, make up your own mind. Advertising is very powerful instrument. I have become the victim of the advertising so many times. You can hear all those praises about a particular product and soon you think you can’t leave without it and it will dramatically change your life. Cosmetic product that feature a model who is 18 years old with perfect skin and no wrinkles at all proclaims to get rid of the issues the model never had in her entire life. We look at that picture and open our wallets to buy that dream that never becomes a reality. Now you get my point 4 Develop a routine. Consistency is the key. Don’t skip the day in your beauty regime and you will be rewarded. Start with an organic cleanser and progress to a moisturiser. As you become more knowledgeable and informed you will be able to personalise a beauty routine for your skin needs only. Regular use of organic skin care will make a real difference. 5 Use only organic skin care. How do you know if the skin care is organic and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients? The answer is quite simply “Certified Organics’ by the third independent party. There are many independent certifying bodies, but they are not equal. The major bodies that you can trust are USDA organic (United States Department of Agriculture) and ACO (Australian Certified Organic). Those are the logos

And the last thing… Enjoy the experience, enjoy the power that knowledge gives you. Once I found the truth about skin care industry I still wanted to finish my old cosmetic products that I still had in my bathroom, but after using certified organic skin care and body products for a month I could never go back to my old products. Now my bathroom is full of ‘green’ certified organic products that me and my family use on a daily basis.

To your health and beauty

Staying fit it’s not just about hitting the treadmill or going to the gym.  Incorporating Yoga practice in your regime is a fabulous way of staying flexible and healthy in a different way.  I used to go to Pilate’s classes 5 years ago and  thought that yoga and Pilate’s are very similar practices.  Now as I started to attend yoga classes I realised how wrong I was.  Yoga not only helps us to realign our bodies, helps us to relax, be stronger , more flexible, but it also teaches us to cherish every moment we live and find inner balance, focus and awareness with a positive mindset.

Yoga works perfectly for all levels of fitness, ages and backgrounds.  I believe even the basic yoga for beginners( that is where I am at at the moment) has a profound effect on the human body.  Yoga can eliminate energy blockages in the joints and outer parts of the physical body, can release any tension held in your body as well.

It is really important to lengthen your spine after a long walk or working out at the gym.  I used to go to physiotherapist due to my back pain who used to say that weight lifting exercises I was doing at that time, shortened and contracted my muscles around the spine.  The beauty of yoga practice that it’s lengthens the spine muscles and maintains a strong core which is crucial in protecting the back body.

There are so many different types of yoga but the most popular for the beginners will be Hatha Yoga.  It is a very gentle practice where you move slowly and smoothly through dozens of poses.  I f you are over 40  and never tried yoga before this is probably the best class to start.  Also private classes( if you can afford one) will be the best solution as it is tailored to the individual body shape, fitness level, experiences and any injuries someone might have.

Iyengar yoga us very similar to Hatha but focuses more on body alignment and balance, holding poses longer and uses props such as straps and blocks.   It is also very good for a beginner.

My goal will be to progress slowly to Bikram Yoga that is practiced in a room around 35 degrees Celcum.  The point is that sweating will cleance the body and relax the muscles.  With this type of yoga one has to be aware of their own health problems, such as blood pressure or any heart issues.  Talk to your doctor before trying it.

Ashtanga is very powerful, very intense style of yoga.  It is very physically demanding and probably will suit somebody who is already quite fit and enjoy exercising .

The whole point of yoga practice is to find inner joy and happiness, it is a wonderful journey and it is important to be happy with the class you are attending and if you feel it is not for you, just try another one.

Benefits of Yoga

• Increased Flexibility
• Clarity of mind
• Increased strength
• Back pain relief
• A sense of peace and calmness
• Improved sleep

Studies show that people who practice yoga have:

• Reduced anxiety
• more resistant to stress
• have lower blood pressure
• more efficient heart function
• better respiratory function
• improved physical fitness

Some of the things to keep in mind while conduction yoga exercise:

• know your body limits, don’t push too hard , yoga is a life time practice,  there is no hurry, avoid hurting yourself.
• trust your inner judgement how far you can go in the beginning
• consult you doctor before starting yoga practice especially if you have previous injuries or certain medical conditions.

The other important point is try to remember that your body movements and breathing must be coordinated.

Here are some yoga poses that I have learned in class

Neck exercises(great help for someone who works in an office like me,can ease tension and increase flexibility)

1. keeping your head erect,bend your head forward, chin on a chest, back to the original pose,
2. bend to the right, back to the original position
3. bend to the left, back to the original position
4. bend backwards, back to the original position
5. repeat 3 times

Shoulder lifts( helps to relieve tension and stiffness in shoulders and necks)

1. Raise your right shoulder, drop it down
2. Raise your left shoulder, drop it down
3. Raise both shoulders, drop them down
4. repeat 3 times

Seated Forward Bend ( stretches the back, neck, hamstrings and calves)

1. Sit down with your legs stretched in front of you with the toes pointed upwards.  Stretch your lower back and lift your arms , lengthen your back.
2. slowly bend forward, make sure that your legs do not bend or move.
3. move your hands to your lower legs, ankles of feet, whatever is comfortable, continue stretching, count to 3
4. slowly raise your upper body into a sitting position , relax

Double Leg Raise(strengthens the abdominal and lower back muscles)

1. Lie flat on a floor
2. As you inhale , raise both legs( or one at a time), your knees should be straight.
3. Exhale and lower your legs. repeat 5 times, make sure that your lower back remains flat on the floor at all times to avoid injury.

PS  I am totally a beginner, but I enjoy the experience and can feel that I am getting better every week.

Yoga quotes

Anyone who practices can obtain success in yoga but not one who is lazy.  Constant practice alone is the secret of success. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika)

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady.  But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika)

If If somebody told me four years ago that I would be researching medicinal properties of Aloe Vera I would be laughing.  I was completely ignorant and unaware of medicinal properties of herbs and plants and believed in traditional medicine.  I dismissed the claims from other people that some remedies help them and contributed their “cure” to a placebo effect.

Only when Igot really sick myself  and  was not getting any help from doctors I began the search by reading everything possible on alternative medicine and came across to one of the ‘wonders of the world’ – Aloe Vera plant.  I will try to share here some of the information I have discovered.

Aloe Vera had been used by mankind for several thousands years and over the centuries there had been many references to Aloe Vera in many cultures:  Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, as well as Indian and Chinese.  Whilst discovering all the fantastic properties of the plant and also experimenting with some Aloe Products I had some really good results.

Aloe Vera can be drunk as a nutritional product of applied topically to the skin.  It works best when used fresh, but if you cut one leaf from the plant it will oxidise rapidly.  It will only grow in warm environment and will need plenty of sunshine.  Ideally you will be growing your own plant but,for some of us, it is necessary to buy a preserved product.  I think the product should remain as near to the natural plant as possible to achieve the correct balance of ingredients and be interfered with as little as possible, therefore I do not like  products that have either been heated, filtered, concentrated or powdered.   There are so many varieties of the plant, but the most potent one is Aloe Barbadensis.

Internal Use

The inner gel of the Aloe Vera Plant can be helpful for people with stomach and digestive tracts issues .  Aloe Vera juice gel taking internally soothes the lining of the stomach and intestines,  helps the body digest and absorb proteins, helps maintain friendly intestinal bacteria, supports the immune system.

Aloe Vera has an abundance of polysaccharides.  The human body manufacture these during our first decade of life, after which we become reliant on them from outside nutritional sources.  Aloe Vera’s power, however,does not come exclusively from polysaccharides.  It contains mixture of growth factors, amino acids, saponins, vitamins(A, C, E and B 12) , minerals and enzymes.

External Use

Aloe Vera plant has unbelievable healing properties if used externally.   Aloe Vera creates a total barrier over a wound that protects the area from oxygen.  Aloe Vera helps to improve the penetration and delivery of moisture and nutrients through the many layers of the skin down to the dermis.  Consider using Aloe Vera for acne scars, pure aloe vera gel from inside the stem can be used directly on the skin.   Aloe Vera helps to stimulate the manufacture of collagen, rebalance skin PH and dissolve away dry, dead surface skin cells .  That’s why it is very widely used in skin care products.  Aloe Vera is cooling, astringent, moisturising and nutritive to the tissues to which it is applied, making it an excellent supplemental skincare choice.

Aloe Vera can be combined with other ingredients to make a face mask.  For example, I have started to use Aloe Vera gel with honey, one teaspoon of each, apply all over the face and wash off after 15 minutes.   Skin lightening face mask is very effective-one part of   aloe vera gel and one part of lemon or lime juice, remove after 15 minutes.

I will be using that mask for the next 3 months twice a week to try to remove some dark marks on the skin( I will let you know of any results).

You can even use pure aloe vera gel before going to sleep and washing it off in the morning, your skin will feel tight at first, but then, if you continue doing this you will notice the general improvement of the skin texture and reduction of the acne scars.

Have you every wondered why Aloe Vera is added to many moisturisers?  It is because the gel has super penetrative power , it is recorded that aloe vera gel penetrates the human skin 4 times faster than water.  It is also found in deodorants because of it’s ability to neutralise odour causing bacteria.

Gum Disease

I have been diagnosed with heredetary gum desease and had to face the fact that I could loose all my teeth due to this condition.  Using aloe vera gel as a daily supplement and swishing the liquid around in my mouth a few times before the swallow helped with infections and inflamation of the gums.

Where to buy Aloe Vera plan?

You can buy the plant from your local Garden Centre , you cut the bottom leaves first too access the gel or use it as a cosmetic product.  That’s what I started to do.  So far I have 3 plants, they are still yet to grow and tomorrow ( 12/09/2010) I am bying a full grown plant from the market.  When the plant will go larger,there will be offshoots that will appear at the base of the plant.  When they reach the substantial size, you can gently separate them from the original plant and  replant them.  My plants are not at that stage yet, but I will try to make some photos once the replanting will be possible.

If you cut the whole leaf and haven’t used it whole at one time it is possible to refrigerate the unused portion for several days, just use food wrap on the cut.

If you have other uses for Aloe Vera plant please share .

I have absolutely no doubt that raw juicing can dramatically improve your life.  The juices from fruits and vegetables have very powerful healing properties that can help people with all sorts of problems.   I was just trying to find a juicer in a market today that could  actually produce juice from wheat grass and leafy greens  as well as vegetables and fruits.   A trip to the shops proved to be useless.  The type of juicer I wanted was just not there.  They had very basic centrifugal machines. The juicer that you should look for are hydraulic press juicers.  First it pressed the fruits and vegetables into a paste and then pressed further to extract the juice.  That function allows the maximum amount of juice to be extracted from the machine. Absolutely everyone should have a juicer in their home.  It is one of the best investments you will ever make for your health. There are so many combinations of juices you can have .but, perhaps, you would like to know which juice diet will agree with you.  The idea is to start experimenting slowly and combine different fruits and vegetable one by one to find the right combination.  I hope the following information will help you to decide.

Carrot  Juice

The Oils in carrots have an effect on the mucous membranes and stimulate the blood circulation in the stomach and intestinal tissues,  very good for constipation and diarrhea, very refreshing and soothing, fantastic when mixed with green apple.  The rich content of carotene in carrots improves the eyesight and stimulates the production of rhodopsin(visual purple), the lack of which causes night-blindness.

Beetroot Juice

One of my favorite juice contains betaine, which stimulates the function of the liver cells and also helps with iron deficiency.  I probably would never drink this juice alone, but mix it with carrots, celery and apples. Celery Juice very beneficial for arthritis , very alkaline and as it regulates the water balance in the body  it is very helpful for elderly. Cabbage Juiceis used videly in the treatment of gastric ulcers,fantastic when used in conjunction with potato juice.

Which juices are compatible?

You may assume that you can combine fruit and vegetable juices, for example orange with carrot juice.   Generally speaking, you should combine one juice with another of the same kind, so, for instance, you can combine beetroot with potato and carrot , but take orange separately.    Apple will go very good with celery , but not citrus juice. Some easy recepies

• Refreshing -  2 carrots, 1 stick of celery, 1 apple , a bit of ginger root
• Beetroot favorite-  2 beets, 2 apples, 1 celery, parsley
• Spirulina blood enhancer-   1 apple, 2 celery sticks, 1 beet, 1 teaspoon spirulina( heaps of iron in this one)
• Tomato juice-  2 or 3 tomatoes depending on size, 1 celery, 1 cucumber, cayenne pepper, red bell pepper, basil leaves
• Don’t forget the simplest juices   orange of pineapple – easiest and yummiest raw recipes

Juicing provides amazing health benefits and saves time as it just takes few minutes.  Juice  is absorbed within 20 minutes and you don’t have to waste your energy to absorb and digest food.  Now I can’t imagine why I didn’t replace my juicer much sooner since my old one broke one year ago.  I had made the purchase today( which is 4th of August,2010) , will keep you posted on my progress. Below is the banner for the company that I used to buy a juicer.  I have bought Alkaway juicer,will keep you posted on my progress.

To your health

19/09/2010  update on juicing      Just did the blood test, always was anaemic , since August started juicing everyday, once or twice a day.  Iron went from 8 to 21.  Whoa,can’t believe took me so long to decide.