Making My Own Soap - Importance of Scents?

The next step of my soap making journey revolves around choosing the proper fragrance.  Smells do many things - bring back cherished memories from childhood - help aid in pain relief - energize us - relax us - I think you get my point ... so it is important that you consider what you want your soap to do for you.  This is the great thing about soaps - you can use one for morning showers to get you energized for the day - and a different one when you need a stress relief / a relaxing moment away from the craziness of the day. 
Always try to find organic supplies for soap making.  Remember that your skin is the largest organ you have and is the entry point for everything.  Be very careful what you choose to include in your soap.

For me, I have some favorite scents that I will be using in my first trial run of soap making... but for you, let's give you some more ideas for what scents will offer you...my post from a couple days ago will give you some more good information on other scents...

Rosemary - Rosemary is a very ancient herb of the evergreen family.  In ancient times it was known as sacred.  There are many medicinal benefits of rosemary.  It is known to activate the brain and clear away cobwebs.  It helps with headaches, migraines, pain, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion.  It is also effective for bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma.  It also encourages hair growth and helps fight any skin maladies. 

Benefits: http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/rosemary.htm

Sage - Sage boosts short term memory, balances hormones - reducing hot flashes, decreasing excessive menstruation, and lactation.  In a recent study, sage was found to protect your genetic DNA from damage. Sage also has a relaxing affect.  There is a difference between Clary Sage, and Sage.  Clary sage has been used for centuries medicinally for labor.  Many women say that they do not need additional pain killers with the addition of Clary Sage.  It can be put under the pillow or directly into the skin.  Caution though is needed when using it directly on the skin as it is very strong.

Benefits: http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail52.php

Basil - Basil has many of the same benefits as Rosemary.  Do not use during pregnancy.

Benefits: http://www.livestrong.com/article/198886-basil-in-aromatherapy/

Orange - Sweet orange helps calm and relax one.  It is a sedative, and is also know for its ability to lower high blood pressure.  It can aid in bronchitis, asthma, muscle cramps, anxiety attacks, congestion, and insomnia. 

Benefits: http://www.essential-oil-recipes.com/orange.html

Lemongrass - Ivory soap has a lemongrass base.  It is an astringent, antiperspirant, and an antiseptic.  Caution - it is quite strong - a little goes a long way and can be an irritant to skin.  It has been used for respiratory infections.  Lemongrass is great for slightly oily skin and is a great boost for mental well being.

Benefits: http://aromatherapy.savvy-cafe.com/the-benefits-of-lemongrass-essential-oil-properties-2007-10-01/

Jasmine - There are many nuances to jasmine that I love.  My favorite is a night blooming jasmine... just thinking of the smell relaxes me.  Jasmine is well known for its relaxing capabilities as well as it's ability to take the edge off migraines.  It also is known to relieve muscle cramps, depression, and anxiety.  It has been used to relieve impotency and frigidity in both men and women. 

Benefits: http://www.essential-oil-recipes.com/jasmine.html

Rose - Rose water has many benefits - not only the scent but the oil itself.  It is an anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, astringent among others.  It also helps lower fevers, reduces scarring, purifies the blood, aids in regulating menses.  The list goes on and on. 

Benefits: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-rose-essential-oil.html

Vanilla - Vanilla is a comforting aroma for both men and women.  It is one of the scents that will aid you in falling and staying asleep faster / longer.  It is an antidepressant - with tranquilizing and sedating properties.  It is known to be an aphrodisiac for men. 

Benefits: http://theresaann.hubpages.com/hub/the-benefits-of-using-vanilla-essential-oil-in-aromatherapy

Of course, I could have missed many, many of your favorites, as I know I haven't touched on a couple of mine... start paying attention to how scents affect you and make a list of the ones you may want to incorporate into your own soaps one day!  Blessings... E

What is in a scent?

Did you know that smells can increase your libido?  How about increase your memory?  Or help you lose weight?  Our sense of smell is one of the best memory triggers we have... have you ever walked past a restaurant and remember a favorite event from childhood?  Or walked passed someone, and remembered a loved one long gone? 

We are inundated with smells every day without paying attention to how those smells affect us.  Let's take a look at several... and let's see if you can add to the list I start.

1. Peppermint.  The smell of peppermint has been known to soothe a sour stomach, relieve the pain of a migraine, invigorate your workout, and help relax one for restful slumber.

2. Cinnamon. Has long been known to be an aphrodisiac.... light some cinnamon candles on a night you want some romance!!

3. Favorite scents.  Having some of your favorite odors around will help you stay away from the refrigerator... as long as they are not foody smells!!  :) 

4. Rosemary.  Long known to increase your mental acutity.  Rosemary not only helps you study better, but will help you the night before a big test to sharpen your memory.

5. Green Apple.  This like your favorite scents, will reduce your food cravings. 

6. Orange.  The citrisy smell of the orange is known to relax and destress.

7. Lavender.  Lavender has been known for centuries to relieve stress, pain, help relax, and aid in deep slumber.  Be careful though, many people - and especially babies - are sensitive to lavender.  If you try sleeping with lavender in your pillow - or add the essential oil to your rinse cycle for your bedding and develop a rash - you might want to try something else.

8. Baby powder.  Has been known to increase sexual urges in women.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to heal many ailments.  Grab a book from the library or go online and do some research as to how you can use scents to help you get to your center.

Additional reading: http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/91_folder/91_articles/91_scents.html
More reading: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1887
More reading: http://ezinearticles.com/?Delight-the-Senses---Breathe-Scents-to-Heal-Body,-Mind-and-Soul&id=3579330

I hope you find a way to smell yourself healthier!!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Dark Chocolate

Good Morning!!  I hope you have had a wonderful start to your day!  :)  Most everyone I know (but not all) LOVE chocolate.  It is a girl's best friend after a breakup (endorphins producing byproduct in chocolate is a mental stimulant), and her worst enemy if she has acne.  What other things should one know about dark chocolate?

What is the difference between bitter / dark / milk chocolate / white chocolate?  The darker the chocolate the more antioxidants (boost heart health, cellular health, skin health, and immune system health) and the less sugar / milk.  Milk Chocolate is what most Americans are accustomed to, but in Asia and Europe darker chocolate is the standard.  As I have moved towards a more vegetarian / less processed diet, I find that what I thought was bitter (dark chocolate) is quite sweet to me now.  White chocolate while made from cocoa butter does not contain the darker colored solids that house all the antioxidants - so don't think that you are getting all the benefits of "chocolate" if you are eating WHITE chocolate.  On the flip side - white chocolate has only trace amounts of caffeine. 

We talk a lot about eating lots of foods with Antioxidants without really digging into the WHY of it... so just to ensure we are all on the same page... Antioxidants destroy free radicals, purge our body of toxins, and boost cellular health and overall immune health.  So, in the simplest of terms, eating foods high in Antioxidants reduces your chances for getting cancer, heart disease, and any other potentially deadly disease.  Dark fruits and dark green vegetables are the best sources for Antioxidants.  There are a wide range of different Antioxidants in foods and so getting a good mix of colors is vital.

Dark chocolate has a high amount of the Antioxidant substances called Polyphenols which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.  It is rich in minerals - copper and magnesium.  With two types of flavonoids, dark chocolate is an immune booster.  A strong immune system means that your body will naturally fight illness.  Dark chocolate also helps lower cholesterol levels.  It also has lots of seratonin which will also fight depression.  And finally, dark chocolate helps fight diabetes. 

So, I am here to tell you that eating DARK chocolate is VERY good for your health!! 

Recommended Reading: http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/
More recommended reading: http://www.dark-chocolate-antioxidant.com/

There are some wonderful new (at least to me) chocoates out there that are organic and in many different flavors... one of my favorite is with cayenne and cinnamon.... mmm... you get heat and spice together.  Check out these great bars...

Green & Black's organic chocolate: http://www.greenandblacks.com/
Dagoba organic chocolate: http://www.dagobachocolate.com/products.asp
Vivani organic chocolate: http://www.vivani.de/P_Product_range_USA.html
Endangered Species organic chocolate: http://chocolatebar.com/categories.php?category=Chocolate-Bars-%26-Treats/3oz.-All%252dNatural-Bars
Chuao chocolate: http://store.nexternal.com/chuao/chocolate-bars-c5.aspx

Enjoy!!  Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Pumpkin Seeds

Good Morning!!  Most every seed that is edible is really a "super food." All the nutrition needed to transform that seed into a plant, tree, or bush is contained in that tiny package.  Which means there are high concentrations of your most vital nutrients.  However, many people pour on the salt when it comes to seeds - sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, hemp seed, quinoa, and chia seeds are the most common - this reduces the amount of seeds that can be consumed at one time and dramatically raises your salt intake.  Try adding some cayenne, or some other herbs to gain some additional flavor instead of the salt.

Pumpkin seeds have a high fat content resulting in high caloric count - however they also have MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acid) that reduce your LDL count - a good thing.  In addition, all seeds are high in fiber which aids in digestion and digestive / intestinal health.  Your roughage / fiber based foods expand in the digestive tract and absorb a good amount of your toxins on their way out, they also grab much of the food that has not found its way out of your digestive tract... all very good things. 

If you are one that has a hard time going to sleep - we have discussed some things you must be doing to ensure your body begins to prepare for sleep (lower lights, turn down music / TV volume, snuggle up in a blanket, drink hot tea) in addition eating foods that have tryptophan in them will also help quiet the mind.  Tryptophan also is a natural depression fighter.  Pumpkin seeds are a good source of tryptophan.  They are also a good source of B complex, vitamin A, vitamin E, and a whole host of minerals - iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

As a disease fighter - ovarian, prostate cancers, and kidney disease are all diseases that are fought with pumpkin seeds.  They help dissolve gall stones and lower cholesterol levels.  They are beneficial for healthy hair, skin, and nails.  Pumpkin seeds are an anti-inflammatory. 

Recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82
Recipes: http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Holidays-and-Events/Halloween/Pumpkin-Seeds/Top.aspx

Blessings... E

One a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

No, I am not talking about an apple... there is a much better fruit that you should eat first thing in the morning before you eat anything else.... This is another one from my grandmother... Thanks Grams!

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose.  Combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, imp rove your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises , thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine,"eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Blessings - E

Got a case of "The Blues?"

One of the reasons I got so involved in Natural Medicine was my youngest daughter. After her father died, we all went into a state of depression - she didn't bounce back like her sister did. When I found I couldn't reach her I took her to a psychologist who promptly said she needed drugs.... yes, on the first visit... and yes, within the first ten minutes. I had done my research and knew the statistics. "The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children wand adolescent with depression and other psychiatric disorders..." http://www.medicinenet.com/teen_depression/page2.htm so why would I make this choice for my daughter?

I refused and the doctor was very adamant that my daughter would not get better without these drugs and that the side effects I was talking about were "rare." I told her to give me three weeks. If she didn't see an improvement between my efforts and hers in that time, I would give her way a shot. She agreed. I spent the next several days researching. I found several places where a change of diet, exercise, and addition of specific herbs helped. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsatod/a/depression1.htm PLEASE NOTE - not all of these are a good solution for teens. You MUST read up on every one to determine the best solution for your family.

I took away all processed foods (frozen dinners / fast food / canned meals / packaged meals), all refined white sugar and white flour, and replaced with as many fresh fruits and vegetables of varying colors as I could. I already cooked meals from scratch, so she was used to that already. No sodas, no sweets, and no junk food. We started her on a multi-vitamin for teens (I am not usually an advocate of multi-vitamins), omega 3-6-9 capsule, and 60mg of ginkgo daily. And then some type of sustained exercise (even if it was just walking) for 30 minutes daily.

Understand that this change took several trials and errors - but once we had it set, there was a noticeable difference right away. Within three days you could tell she was on the right track - and if she missed days, it only took three for me to know it. The psychologist was AMAZED. She couldn't believe the difference and asked what we were doing.

Please remember, that this is what worked best for my daughter. Every person is different. Our experiments took about three weeks to perfect for her. This isn't a short term fix. I am happy to report that my daughter is now 21 and a happy vibrant girl. She still takes her omegas and ginkgo every day and is very careful with her diet.