Beauty Pick: Nature's Gate 40th Year

As I was searching my bathroom for products, I figured I would write about the Shampoo and Conditioner that I have used on a daily basis. I use a tea tree shampoo and conditioner, which is very soothing for an irritated scalp. As you are washing your hair you can feel the herbs tingling your scalp. It feels like finger tips gently massaging your scalp. The smell is mild and calming. It lathers very well and cleans thoroughly. 

Nature's Gate was founded 40 years ago in Venice Beach, CA. The founders are Leo and Vladimir. They hand collected rainwater and blended natural herbs and created the very first Rainwater Shampoo. They gave it away to their friends and started to sell the shampoo in their herb shop. Nature's Gate offers a wide range of products that use all-natural herbs and pH-balanced formulas.
I purchased my shampoo and condition at Whole Foods for around $12.00 each per 32 oz bottle. You can find it on sale or with coupons. There are many different products on the Natures-Gate website for purchase. On the website all the ingredients are listed next to each product. 

If your interested, Natures Gate is having a sweepstakes right now to giveaway $40 worth of hair and skin care products; to celebrate their 40th anniversary. All you have to do is go to the Nature's Gate Facebook page and like them. Then scroll down and fill out the sweepstakes form.

Beauty Pick: A Natural Nail Polish

No-Miss is my favorite nail polish and the only brand that I use right now. It is long lasting with a wide variety of colors.  No-Miss produces non-chemical and non-cancerous products without harming the environment.

No- Miss is for those who have/ are changing their lifestyles and are improving not only the inside of their body by eating healthy foods. They are also focused on the products they are using on the outside that are equally effective. More people are becoming more health conscious and are realizing using harmful chemical products are hurting US as well as the environment. 

No-Miss can be purchased at Whole Foods or on the No-Miss website. The cost is $7.95 per bottle. I have not yet tried the other No-Miss products. Until then happy painting!  

Beauty Pick: Great For In The Sun Fun!

Image found at usa weleda.com

Skin Food is my latest find for skin care. I stumbled across this when I was looking for a skin cream with Zinc in it. Losing concentration by the sale signs, my focus went immediately to the Skin Food. There is no better time to try a product then on sale. It is great for rough and dry skin. It is very hydrating. It has: Vitamin E, Organic Sun Flower Seed Oil, Organic Pansy, Rosemary and Organic Calendula. I have used Skin Food for prevention and for recovery of my skin. I have put this on before a high noon hike and didn't burn. After a day playing in the sun, with hot sun burned skin, I tried saving my skin by applying Skin Food. It worked! I tanned nicely with no peeling and no pain.

Skin Food can be found at Health Food Stores and online. There is also a store locator on the Welda website. The price range varies $ 10.00 - $18.50. I got my Skin Food at Whole Foods I found it for cheap, but at the time it was on sale. It is so worth it because it can replace your: moisturizer, sun screen and lotion. It is a multi- purpose product. It has surpassed other natural remedies that I have used. The other remedies work, but nothing has had as quick results as Skin Food.

I used this on my face and it was very gentle with no redness or irritation. It is very well absorbed in the skin, I have slept with Skin Food on my face and no greasy or stained pillow as a result. My husband has also used the product and it is Husband approved! This will be my Summer go to because it is going to be a hot one!

Beauty Pick: The Loofah Comes From A Fruit

Loofahs can come in natural and synthetic forms. A Loofah is a natural sponge that originated in Asia. The natural Loofah that we use today, is made from a ripe dried fruit.  Back in the old days the Loofah was only found in peasant homes and was called the “poor mans kitchen and bath sponge. 

The Loofah helps with exfoliating the skin and by removing dead skin cells. When washing, apply a little pressure while doing circular motions, to promote better circulation. It is important to moisturize after exfoliating to insure soft skin. After each use, make sure that all the soap is rinsed from the Loofah. Place it in an area where it can fully dry, to prevent from mold and/or bacteria growth. To clean your Loofah, soak it in water with a couple of tablespoons of vinegar. It is suggested to replace your Loofah monthly.       

   

Beauty Pick: Aloe Vera for Beauty

Image found at Buzzle.com

I've decided to write on Aloe Vera because someone close to me told me they were allergic to Vitamin E (last weeks health pick).  This person shared that they used Aloe Vera for healing of a scar and this is what got me more interested. Testimonies I have gotten from people, Vitamin E works better on healing without leaving a scar than Aloe Vera does; but it is a great alternative. For this week I found Aloe Vera has so many awesome ways to heal. I had to do a Aloe Vera post for Beauty and for Health.

Aloe Vera originated in Africa and in the West Indies. It has benefited man for over 4,000 years. It is known for its natural healing and regenerative properties. In the United States it is grown commercially in California, Florida, Texas and certain green houses in Oklahoma. Aloe Vera has had different names over the years: Greek Scientist called it “ The Universal Panacea.” Egyptians called it “ The Plant of Immortality.” The American Indians called it “ The Wand of Heaven.” Now it is also called “ The Sun Plant ” or “ Lily of the Desert” or “The Medicine Plant.”

Aloe Vera is a good as a toe nail fungus remedy. The regular use of Aloe Vera helps grow healthy shiny nails. Soaking or rubbing the feet with Aloe Vera can help reduce growth of fungi. In a few months time it will help your over all immune system.

For the skin Aloe Vera speeds up the healing process. Aloe Vera is good for scrapes, burns, sun burns and bruised skin as well. It also works well as a long lasting sun screen.

Aloe Vera is good for moisturizing the face. It helps pimples disappear overnight. It also helps with rashes and/or skin with discoloration.

For a hygiene issue that everyone has at some point or another is bad breath. Some have used the actual Aloe gel fresh from the plant. It is rubbed on the gums and the teeth. It also helps with canker sores and boils in the mouth. Another pesky problem for many is dandruff. Some have applied the gel directly to their scalp and over time they have seen the dandruff disappear completely.

If your hair is thinning or missing Aloe Vera will bring it back. It takes about up to a month to see results. It has been reported that the new hair growth will be black in color.

Extra Picky Tip ~ *Aloe Vera should be the Barbadensis Miller Species for maximum benefit *

As always consult with your Medical/Health Adviser before trying or using any herbal remedy. This is for informational purposes only, not to treat or cure any diseases.

Beauty Pick: No More Scars With Vitamin E Oil

Image found at mylot.com

My Husband and I have had good experiences with Vitamin E oil. When he was younger he had a hot water radiator accident. When the cap was removed all the gushing hot water came rushing out and shot up and burned him on his shoulder. He used Vitamin E oil on the burn and you could never tell that he was ever burned there.

My experience with Vitamin E oil has been great. This previous summer I burned my hand really bad when I was cooking. I was nervous to cook for a couple of weeks after it happened. My first response was cold water and sleeping with my hand in a bucket of ice. The area that got burned turned black. I put Vitamin E oil on the burn day and nite. I wrapped the burn in an ace bandage. I do not have any marks on my hand from the burn and I am very thankful for the Vitamin E.

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922. It received its name in 1924 and the scientific name is tocopherol. Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient that acts like an antioxidant in the human body. Synthetic versions have been found to be ½ effective, that was found in research.

If you have a problem with cold sores Vitamin E is good for preventing them. I can't speak from experience with this because I don't get cold sores but there have been studies done and people have reported relief by using Vitamin E oil. It can also be used as a lip balm to keep your lips smooth and crust free. Vitamin E oil can also be used on your face if you don't have overly oily skin. It helps with small lines and crows feet.

Vitamin E oil can be used for sunburns. Many sunscreens have Vitamin E as an ingredient. I can testify to this after a few days of desert fun. I was so red and my skin was on fire. I was Vitamin Eeeeed up and very shiny. It really did help soothe the pain of the burn and I could walk without the owie, owie, owie. It can also provide protection from more sun exposure or prevent from getting a sun burn all together. The Vitamin E is absorbed by the epidermis layer of the skin and heals the damage by the Ultra Violet Radiation.

For dry skin, Vitamin E prevents water loss from the skin and helps with retaining natural moisture. You can re- invent your dry skin and make it look healthy and well moisturized. Vitamin E helps with the production of two important protein components collagen and elastin. Improving the skins elasticity. While this process is taking place the Vitamin E is softening the skin as well. This reduces the visibility of age spots and troubling lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is a main ingredient in many anti-aging creams and lotions on the market. It can also be used on different type of scars (including pimple scars). It will do this by lightning up the scar or mark left behind by the injured area and/or pimples. The scar will continue to fade over time. Vitamin E speeds up the process of regeneration of skin cells and are replaced with new ones. This helps get rid of the scar tissue.

There is relief for itchy stretch marks from Vitamin E oil. You can also prevent stretch marks and if you already have them just apply the Vitamin E oil to get rid of them. It helps the targeted area grow new skin cells and helps restore natural elastic properties. Vitamin E oil can help skin conditions such as: Psoriasis and Eczema. The antioxidants in Vitamin E bring down the inflammation in the skin.

As always consult your Medical/Health Adviser before trying or using any herbal remedy. This is for informational purposes only, not to treat or cure any diseases.

Beauty Pick: A Natural Quick Do It Yourself Micro Dermabrasion At Home

Image found at salon.com

What you will need:
Clean Hands
1 Tbsp of Baking Soda 
Warm Compress  

Steps:
1. Place a warm wash cloth on your face for 3 minutes
2. Remove and Wet your face with warm water
3. Dip your fingers into the Baking Soda
4. Rub Baking Soda on face in circular motions 
5. Leave on for about 10 minutes and then wash off              
    
Results: The Baking Soda will: soften skin, kill germs, while removing dead skin and removing oil.  

Beauty Pick: Castor Oil Helps Your Hair, Skin & Nails

video created by Back Two Natural

Castor Oil became my best friend when I had an experience that all Women hope to never experience.  Yes, the pain of a terrible hair cut. There it is when you look in the mirror. You are continuously reminded every time when you try to style your hair. My hair cut was pretty bad. The style was suppose to be a long feathered hairstyle that came out as a  short and one side was longer then the other mess. It was so bad that I had to curl the ends of my hair on one side super tight so it would match the other side to look even. That is when I decided to put Castor Oil to the test and it helped grow my hair back out and even thicker than before.  I have been hesitating, but I am ready to get my hair cut and styled again, but I am startled of getting another Edwards scissor hands back in my hair.

Castor Oil comes from the Castor plant that is grown in a sub-tropical and/or tropical environment. The best kind of Castor Oil is the cold pressed and hexane free; that comes from the pressing of the seeds with no heat. Castor Oil is a non-toxic and is quickly biodegradable. Its evil counter part petroleum can pose health hazards and takes forever for the biodegradable process.

For the skin, Castor Oil has Ricinoleic Acid in it that helps reduce Viruses and Bacteria, which makes this great for Acne. It has been said that Castor Oil works better then anti-aging creams. The Castor Oil is more deeply absorbed in the skin then other plant oils. This gives the skin a fresh youthful glow. The Castor Oil boost the bodies lymphocytes (type of white blood cell) repairing the cells and healing the skin tissue.  If you have a problem with dark marks on your skin due to pimples and or other skin abrasions, use Castor Oil over a couple of months time for the skin to return to its natural skin tone. Castor Oil is thick and sticky in texture, allowing you to use small dabs to get full coverage over the intended area. It really does last for along time, I have had my bottle for a little over six months and that is with daily use of my Husband and I.

Remember that Castor Oil does promote hair growth.  If you have hair troubled places on your face, try to avoid those areas and apply sparingly around those trouble spots. The Castor Oil only promotes hair growth where it has once grown before. It will not grow in the Vellus hair areas (the invisible hair or for some the peach fuzz on the face). If you have had laser hair removal and you don't want the hair to grow back, do not put the Castor Oil on the areas that have had the hair removed. Don't forget about your eye lashes, this will help them grow too.  You don't have to go through the pain of getting fake eye lashes and using that chemical glue. Most of the products on the market that promote eye lash growth, has Castor Oil in it. Be careful to not get the Castor Oil in your eyes, it can be painful. 

If you have had an accident where you have lost your hair for example from a (burn or a perm accident), you can apply the Castor Oil and over time the Castor Oil will induce hair growth to the hair follicles.  There are many reasons for hair loss, it may be from hormone imbalances to nutrient deficiency. At all ages our body goes through different changes and as a result we often see it in our brush and in our drain. Castor Oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties. Putting Castor Oil on the scalp protects from infections that cause hair loss. It also has Omega-9 fatty acids that nourish the hair and prevents the scalp from drying. Your hair will have more of a shine and a softness to the touch.

Have you Over tweezed your eyebrows or over shaved them? It can leave your eyebrows bare. I think most of us Women do it somewhere in our teens and we thought there is no hope, but there is. Just put some Castor Oil over the brow and over time you will gradually see the eyebrows filling in to where they naturally grew.    

If those cute shoes are taking a toll on your feet and adding a little extra corn or callus to your feet, Castor Oil and a old pair of socks, will be the best pair you have ever met. By putting the socks on at bedtime with Castor Oil will soften the skin and soothe the aching pain and soreness.  Other painful skin conditions that are treatable are Eczema and Psoriasis. For the nails just apply Castor Oil with a Q-tip to your cuticles to prevent your nails from cracking by softening the cuticles.  When added to the entire nail it moisturizes the nail keeping it strong and healthy.

Castor Oil is used in: Creams, Deodorants, Hair Oils, Lip Glosses, Lip Sticks, Lubricants, Mascaras, Perfumes, Soaps, Shampoos and Sunscreens.

As always consult you medical/health adviser before trying or using any herbal remedy.  This is for informational purposes only, not to treat or cure any diseases.

*EXTRA PICKY TIP ~ Castor Oil helps prevent stretch marks by applying it to worrisome areas*   

Beauty Pick: What is Witch Hazel Good For?

Image from theshaveshed.com

The time is here where your face is dry and itchy and Witch Hazel is here to help. Witch Hazel (Hamamdis Virginana) is a shrub that is found in North America that has been used by the Native Americans for many years. Witch Hazel has been taught to me by the older women in my family to be used as a facial cleanser. If you have had a long night with the baby, studying, or just doing to much; a Witch Hazel compress to the rescue. Soak a clean wash rag in cold water with Witch Hazel for ten minutes and your eyes should return to bag- less puffy -less eyes. It helps with eliminating acne, controls blemishes and is a toner as well. It keeps your face moisturized and prevents skin dryness. Most of the beauty creams on the market have Witch Hazel as an ingredient, but it is often listed under another scientific name.

The healing properties are amazing with Witch Hazel with healing bruises and wounds faster. It also helps with achy muscles. If it is put on an insect bite it will reduce inflammation as well as itching. It can soothe razor burn; it can be applied before or after shaving. If you nick yourself while shaving the Witch Hazel will clean the cut and protect against infection.

Using Witch Hazel after a sun burn will speed up the healing time with preventing the scaling skin from peeling and flaking. If you continue to have dry patches on your skin just apply the Witch Hazel right after showering, the moisture soak right into your skin.

You can stumble across Witch Hazel at almost anywhere. Your local pharmacy stores, most grocery stores and if you still come up short in your area, you can buy online.

*Extra Picky Tip – Witch Hazel is good for a diaper rash, just apply with a cotton ball. *

As always check with your medical/health advisor before trying or using any herbal remedy. This is for informational purposes only, not to treat or cure any diseases.

Tested uses of Witch Hazel ~ Acne, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anxiety, athlete's foot, bruising, burns, cancer prevention, circulatory disorders, colds, colitis, dandruff, dermatitis, diaper rash, diarrhea, eczema, edema, eye disorders, fevers, headache, heavy menstrual bleeding, hemorrhage, herpes simplex virus, high blood sugar/glucose intolerance, itching, pain, gum disease, poison ivy, psoriasis, skin rash, tuberculosis, vaginal dryness, venereal disease, vomiting and wrinkle prevention.