Making My Own Soap - How To Choose My Base?

A couple weeks ago I got an email from "Herb Companion" about handmade soaps.  I have such a hard time finding natural soaps that I like the texture and the scent, that I have decided that this weekend I will be trying to create my first batch of soap!

So, the first thing I need to do is figure out what a beginner like me will need to know.  I find that there are hot processes and cold processes.  In addition, there are glycerin bases, goats milk bases, lye bases, clear bases, and cloudy bases... ok... too much to process for a beginner I believe.  We are just going to start with a simple basic recipe.  But I do want to know what the differences are between all of these things so I know the path I want to take in improving my soap making abilities.

As a reminder - antibacterial soap is NOT a good thing.  We are beginning to see super bugs / viruses / bacteria due to the excessive use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers.  The best thing to keep away germs is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water. 

Neem Base - Neem is a natural antibacterial.  It is a resin from the bark of an evergreen tree native to Asia.  It is used primarily as a pest control, and a natural medicine to help heal skin problems, malaria, jaundice, bronchitis, diabetes, arthritis, intestinal parasites, among others. 


Aloe Vera Base - Aloe Vera is a well known desert plant that aids in the healing of burns, scratches, and the like.  Those suffering from skin rashes, and other topical challenges should consider using an aloe vera base in their soaps.  Honestly, we all should have a bar sitting around.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-44711/aloe-vera-melt-and/detail

Cocoa Butter Base - Cocoa butter is a wonderful moisturizer.  If you have chronically dry skin (you may want to figure out why and correct your diet) this is a great choice for a base.  In addition, cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) can suppress the immuno globulin (IgE).  In simple terms it means that cocoa butter naturally fights psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin ailments.  Also remember that many of these bases have their own scent - when adding other essential oils to your base, you will want to find complimentary smells.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-35841/cocoa-butter-melt-and/detail

Coconut Milk Base - Coconut Milk is high in antioxidants and is a wonderful moisturizer.  It is a natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral substance.  It is also rich in Vitamin E.  There are many good reasons to choose coconut milk as your base.  Coconut milk also has a calming effect on your skin - reducing rashes and other skin ailments.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-54987/coconut-milk-melt-and/detail

Glycerin Base - This is the most popular base available.  In a later post (once I get going on my soap making adventure) I will provide the directions on how to make your bases, but I have heard that making clear base is extremely difficult, so we will leave that until another time.  Glycerin or glycol is a colorless or yellow sugar alcohol.  It is used for a whole host of things other than soap.  Glycerin's benefits on skin include moisturizing, healing (used on skin graft patients), makes skin more supple, aids in the life process of cells, reduces swelling and bruising, and protects skin against irritants.

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-35730/glycerin-melt-and/detail

Goat Milk Base - Goats milk has been used for centuries in the Mediterranean as a natural cleanser.  It is touted as being one of the best moisturizers and contains vitamins A and the B complex.  With the alpha-hydroxy acids in goats milk, you get rejuvenating properties for your skin while softening it.  Goats milk feeds the skin calcium, and allows the skin to find its natural PH levels.  This is my first choice for my first try at soap!

Find base: http://www.georgiabodyandbath.com/servlet/the-35732/goat-milk-melt-and/detail

Well... I have figured out my base... now tomorrow we will discuss scents... Blessings... E

Strong Hair & Nails

Strong hair and nails is a byproduct of a good diet.  So let's take a look at some symptoms and potential causes, along with what foods will help strengthen both.  We aren't going to talk about the most common issues like excessive coloring, but rather the medical and natural cures.

Let's start with standard practices for hair and nails.  Most stylists will recommend that you wash your hair with shampoo no more than three times a week.  Washing your hair more than that strips it of its natural oils that help protect the shaft.  Use as few "products" on your hair as possible and naturally let your hair dry as often as you can.  When it comes to nail care, you should be pushing back your cuticles weekly, and keeping your nails smooth and free from tears so that you do not get ingrown nails and hang nails.  Do not cut your nails to short nor let them grow too long. 

Brittle Hair - Hair that breaks easily can be for a variety of reasons - Deficiency in Biotin, Selenium, Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Iodine, Manganese, Omegas, and Iron.  Medical issues - Hypothyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Anorexia Nervosa, Trichorrhexis Nodosa.

Hair Loss - As above there are many potential reasons for hair loss.  Stress is one of the major contributors to the problem.  During an excessively stressful period in your life (divorce, death in family, major illness, surgery, loss of job, failed relationship) you may experience hair loss for up to 6 - 9 months AFTER you have recovered from the situation.  Heredity is also a major contributor.  Medicines can cause hair loss, including - blood thinners, gout medicine, high blood pressure medicine, birth control pills, antidepressants, and heart medication. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.hairlosshelp.com/hair_loss_research/hairloss_causes.cfm
More recommended reading: http://www.medicinenet.com/hair_loss/article.htm

Dry Hair - The issues with dry hair are the same as for brittle hair.  The most common issue is over washing, over drying, over "product" usage, over heating.  Give your hair a break!

Dandruff - There are a whole host of potential issues related to dandruff.  Some are potentially serious and should be taken care of as soon as possible.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dandruff/DS00456/DSECTION=causes
Recommended reading: http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip1003.htm
More recommended reading: http://www.fitsugar.com/8-Foods-Strengthen-Your-Hair-2851545

Your nails can tell a LOT about your health.  You are not allowed to wear nail polish when you are going to be put under for surgery because it is the fastest way to see if you are getting enough oxygen - your nails tell a lot more about you than you think... read the recommended reading section below...

Brittle Nails - Brittle nails and brittle hair have the same possible vitamin difficencies.  Menopause also tends to make nails brittle as you are losing some of your hormones.  Also, subjecting your nails over and over to water or harsh chemicals does have consequences.  Use rubber gloves!

RECOMMENDED READING: http://www.essortment.com/fingernails-nutrition-48320.html
More recommended reading: http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/vitamins/vitamin-deficiency/nails.html

Ridges on Nails - iron deficiency, poor absorption of nutrients.

White marks in Nails - zinc deficiency

How to reduce hair loss?  Eat enough protein - this does NOT mean meat.  It means a proper variety of natural protein - fish, nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables, meat.  Drink sufficient amounts of water - water removes toxins from the body that can affect any part of your body.  Brush your hair / massage your scalp daily - your hair follicles need stimulation to produce and spread the natural oils.  I remember my grandmother telling me 100 strokes a night... I guess there was a good reason!  Avocado, avocado, avocado!  The natural oils in avocados are fabulous for both hair and nails.  I recommend one a day. 

Foods to build strong hair and nails - The omegas are necessary for both healthy hair and nails - salmon, tuna, nuts all are high in omegas.  Vitamin C, E, B complex, A - make sure you are eating a very well rounded diet - full of color.  Protein is necessary for strong hair and nails as they consist primarily of excess protein.  Legumes - they have several benefits to your hair and nails beyond protein they also have iron, zinc and biotin. 

Recommended reading: http://www.ehow.com/how_2563_improve-hair-nails.html

Blessings.. E

A Healthy Immune System

Your immune system is a very delicately balanced, fine-tuned process.  If you do not have a strong immune system, you are more likely to be someone that will be prone to chronic disease.  Whether that means things like chronic flu, colds and bronchitis or more serious ailments like cancer depends on how weak and compromised your immune system is.  If you are chronically ill, you need to take a step back and determine what is causing the weakness in your immune system and correct it.

There are foods and lifestyles that boost your immune system and those that break down your immune system.  Let's look at the negatives first.

Alcohol - anything in excess is bad for the body.  A cup of wine every now and then is good for the body since it has many good enzymes in it.  However, the high carbs and high sugars (in certain alcohols) are damaging to the body.  They overload the liver and make it difficult for the white blood cells to kill germs in the body.
Sugar - we just had a discussion about good sugars and bad sugars.  White refined sugar taxes the body in general.  8T or the equivalent of 2 sodas suppress the immune system and cause the liver to go into over drive.  In addition, it reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job by as much as 40%.  Do you want 40% of the germs in your body to thrive? 
Food Allergens - most of us don't realize that we have food allergies until they slap us in the face.  If you have issues with indigestion, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea - you have a food allergy.  Food allergies or sensitivities cause problems with your immune system because your white blood cells begin destroying good things.  Your body is thrown into chaos and begins destroying itself.
Fat - again we are back to excess.  Eating excessive amounts of fried foods, fatty foods, and the wrong type of fats reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job.  Again, reducing their ability to destroy germs.
Prescription Drugs - again... excess.  If you are chronically ill, you probably have filled your body with antibiotics that actually weaken your natural immune system.  An example - when you get stung by a bee or mosquito, your body immediately sends histamine to the site.  It doesn't send histamine to your entire body - JUST to the part of your body that was stung.  When you take a drug for an illness, it doesn't just go to fight the germs in the part of your body that is ill - it spreads throughout your body and not only kills germs, but kills the white blood cells that are naturally fighting the illness as well.

So, basically our "standard bad foods" are the ones you need to reduce or remove from your diet.  Now, onto the good foods and healthy lifestyles.

Vitamins C, B, & E all help strengthen your immune system.  They each have a separate function but together they build strong cell walls, increase the reproduction of white blood cells, and enhance their germ fighting capabilities. 
Cartenoids are found in orange fruits and vegetables as well as some green vegetables including spinach and kale.  They are very important in the germ fighting capabilities of your white blood cells.  They also promote cell communication necessary for fighting proper germs.
Bioflavenoids protect the cell structure from environmental toxins, hence increasing the strength of the cellular wall. 
Garlic enhances the multiplicity of germ fighting cells and increases the efficiency of the same cells.
Selenium boosts cancer fighting capabilities of the body.
Omegas - The Omegas are the essential oils necessary for your body to function properly.  They enhance the white blood cells capability to destroy germs.

As for the lifestyle, you need to remain active.  Even when you are not feeling well, it is vital for you to get at least 30 minutes of sunshine and at least 30 minutes of activity daily.  Both of these build up your tolerance and a stronger physical body promotes a stronger immune system.

Here's to a healthier stronger you!  Blessings... E

Healing after Surgery

There are many challenges to surgery.  It is best that one strengthen their immune system prior to surgery so that they are able to heal faster after.  Drink LOTS of water.  Your body will be inundated with poisons during surgery - anesthesia is one of the harshest chemicals you can give your body and it takes a while to get it fully out of your system.  Your body is weakened during surgery and needs to rebuild its strength.  Certain foods will help and others will hurt your recovery.

Colloidal Silver and Honey are your natural antibiotics.  Begin a colloidal silver regiment one week prior to surgery and continue for ten days after surgery.  Honey should also be started a week prior to surgery and continued for thirty days after surgery. 

Garlic / Green and White Tea are your high antioxidants.  White tea has higher amounts of the antioxidants you want than Green.  3 - 4 cups of either tea daily is recommended.  As for the garlic - if you are not one to like the taste of garlic in your food, take garlic capsules (follow box instructions). 

Water..water..water...water... got it yet?  Remember that both ingestion of enough water daily and using it to soothe your body while bathing is essential.

Vitamins A, B, C, K - These vitamins help with immune system and cellular regrowth - make sure you are getting plenty in your foods - and if you are weak in diet for these specific vitamins ensure that you are getting them through supplements... yes, I am recommending supplements if you can't get them through foods as these are critical to rebuilding and strengthening your body after surgery.

Recommended reading: http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/Holistic-healing-for-surgery.aspx
Recommended reading: http://www.wellsphere.com/complementary-alternative-medicine-article/surgery-recovery-best-ways-to-promote-natural-healing-and-a-speedier-recovery/400054

Blessings... E

Minerals / Vitamins

Depending on your diet you will more than likely need more vitamins / minerals.  We have all heard of yin and yang.  This is the delicate balance that exists in every facet of our existence.  Our health also maintains a yin / yang balance  Eating only fruits and vegetables tips the balance heavily in the yin direction.  Eating only animal protein tips the balance heavily in the yang direction.  Both are unhealthy. 

Here is a general overview from one extreme to the other from Michael Tierra's book "the way of herbs":
Extreme Yin
  - watery fruits (orange), small fruits (hawthorn, juniper, lycii)
  - small fruits (cherry, blueberries), flowers (chamomile, honeysuckle, elder)
  - leaves (spinach, comfrey, alfalfa, skullcap)
  - roots (carrot, parsnip, turnip)
Balanced between Yin & Yang
   - seeds (rice, sunflower, oats), neutral roots / bark (echinachea, slippery elm, sassafras)
   - dairy (cheese), bitter roots / bark (rhubarb, genatian, cinnamon)
   - fish (tuna, salmon), long roots (dandelion, burdock, ginseng)
   - poultry (chicken, turkey)
Extreme Yang
   - red meat (beef, pork, venison), processed roots (rehmannia, red ginseng)

How do we get from here to the discussion of minerals and vitamins?  If we are eating a properly balanced diet rich in a full spectrum of colors and textures, you should have no need for supplements.  However, we not always have the ability to obtain enough of the proper nutrients in our foods.  If you eat a primarily Yang diet (meat & potatoes) you are more likely to have a deficiency in vitamins.  If you eat a primarily Yin diet (fruits & vegetables) you are more prone to mineral deficiencies. 

Below is a SHORT list of important Vitamins and Minerals - please remember that ALL vitamins and minerals are important... if you feel you are lacking in any you should strive to change your diet to better accommodate your body's need than to take supplements.... if you can help it.

Iodine - we have discussed in depth iodine deficiency.  This is one mineral that can be very difficult to obtain naturally.  Tuna, Salmon, Iodized Salt, and root vegetables that have been grown in iodine rich soils are all good sources of iodine.  Iodine works primarily with your metabolism and thyroid, which is the reason that many people are misdiagnosed with Hypothyroidism instead of iodine deficiency. 

Recommended reading: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-iodine.html

Calcium - we all know about calcium and its benefits to bones, but there are more health benefits of calcium in our diet - heart health, proper weight management, fights cancer, and helps maintain a healthy alkaline level (cancer can't live in an alkaline environment).  Foods rich in calcium include salmon, tuna, spinach, broccoli, oranges, almonds, soybeans, and peas.  It is important to note that for proper absorption the proper compliment of magnesium must be taken, if it isn't taken naturally.

Recommended reading: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_1_32/ai_81391090/

Zinc - Zinc's best known benefit is that it strengthens the immune system (healing, rebuilding cells, and skin), it also aids in the absorption of minerals and vitamins, also aids in healthy vision,  helps balance blood sugar, aids in proper weight management, and is anti-inflammatory.  Foods rich in zinc are oysters, wheat germ, veal liver, sesame flour / tahini, beef, pumpkin / squash / watermelon seeds, chocolate, lamb, and peanuts.

Recommended reading: http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/zinc.html

Recommended reading - Mineral Chart: http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/minerals-nutrition-chart.html

Vitamin B Complex - The entire group of B vitamins is very necessary for good mental health, strong immune system, healthy skin and muscles, promotes cell growth, and a wide variety of other benefits, much too long of a list to provide here.  Foods rich in vitamin B include liver, beef, turkey, brazil nuts, tuna, oats, avocados, legumes, and bananas.

Recommended reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_vitamins

Vitamin C - we all know that vitamin C helps fight colds and boosts our immune system, it also helps promote healthy skin and collagen, helps lower cholesterol, helps fight Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and it helps keep us young! All of your fruits are a good source of vitamin C the best however, are

broccoli, bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, mustard and turnip greens, brussels sprouts, papaya, chard, cabbage, spinach, kiwifruit, snow peas, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit, limes, tomatoes, zucchini, raspberries, asparagus, celery, pineapples, lettuce, watermelon, fennel, peppermint and parsley.

Recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109

Recommended reading - Vitamin Chart: http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/vitamins-nutrition-chart.html

Dragging a Weight...

Most of us get tired and run down on occasion, but are you one of the millions of people that have chronic fatigue?  Even first thing in the morning are you exhausted?  Do you feel like you are dragging around a 20 pound weight?  What causes it?

There are several possibilities - let's hit the obvious that I am not touching - not getting enough sleep, drinking two pots of coffee every day, drinking sodas and caffeinated drinks right before bed.  Those are the "DUH" reasons.  Dehydration, Hypothyroidism, Anxiety, Anemia, Adrenal Fatigue, Nutritional Deficiencies, Stress, Pharmaceutical Drugs, and several diseases all can cause chronic fatigue. 

You need to figure out what your issue is, and resolve it - otherwise, the problem will continue to manifest - possibly in more damaging ways.  Your body sends out warnings when things aren't right - when you need to FIX something (Mental, Diet, Exercise) and when you ignore the small warning signs, all that happens is that larger more pressing ones occur. 

In the meantime.... here are some suggestions for the warning sign of fatigue:
1. Get enough sleep - most people need about 8 hours of sleep every night.  If you have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep try 30 minutes of light exercise, yoga, or Pilate's.  Turn down your lights 2 hours or more before you want to go to bed.  Turn down music/tv volume same amount of time before bed.  Drink something warm 30 minutes before bed - stay away from sugary and/or caffeinated drinks. 
2. Light exercise / yoga / Pilate's first thing in the morning.  Wake 20 minutes before usual and spend the time to meditate and exercise your body before getting started.
3. Shower in the morning.  add some scented soap or bath salts that invigorate your senses.  Scent is a great way to wake up your mind as well.
4. Turn on all the lights in the room you begin your day in.  Light wakes the senses and mind.
5. Take your daily herbs and supplements.  Emergen-C is a great supplement that I take all winter long - it has both Vitamin C and Vitamin B in it and can be taken up to 4 packets a day... I recommend as a preventative only one a day - first thing in the morning.  Vitamin B is a mental booster and will help charge you up.
6. Ginkgo Biloba is a mental booster.  Will help give more of a positive outlook on the day. 
7. Goji is the "happy" fruit.  I don't like the flavor of the juice straight - but mixed with cherry (my favorite) it isn't bad.  you only need about 1/2 a cup to feel the effects.
8. Turn on some lively, bouncy music in the morning - make sure it is something with a positive beat and a positive message.

Wake up your senses...