Stop Washing Your Face

Having two children means that I did maternity leave twice. For some of you, you may have one coming or have had one or several yourself. I discovered that this was a great time to experiment with home made beauty products. It's a time when you become a hermit and can get through the "transition" of the no-poo method without anyone seeing you haven't washed your hair in two months. Which I just have to add, that no poo is definitely not for me. I tried all kinds of great ideas. And two stuck and I use them still to this day. Today I will focus on one product I officially cannot live with out... ready?

Grapeseed oil.

My youngest is now just one year old. My pregnancy gave me the worst skin I have had in my adult life. As a disclaimer, I do have to admit that even as a teen I was fairly blessed. I never had the major breakouts that some are burdened with. I would get the random honker in the most obvious and annoying places, but I certainly wasn't plagued with acne or black heads.

Though, while pregnant, my combo skin was fairly sever. My T-Zone was oily and I had patches of dry and scaling, flaking skin. I felt like my face was molting. No amount of washing reduced the oiliness and it only made my dryness worse. I tried scrubs, but they irritated my sensitive pregnant skin.

I did loads of research and experimentation. Then I found my cure, and have never gone back. I completely stopped using any kind of soap on my face. None whatsoever. NO SOAP. Soap is chemically designed to break away dirt and oils from the surface of your skin. It does not discriminate between oils that have been placed there from the oils that are naturally produced to keep your skin healthy. When all your environmental and natural oils are washed away your skin will immediately send signals to produce more oil.

So washing your face causes dryness producing flakes and also causes the oiliness from over production then the excess oil combined with dead skin cells create acne. A marvelously awful cycle. Because like most people I washed more, and scrubbed more,  and used scrubs and made scrubs. Creating this perfect place for red, irritated, acne ridden skin.

Okay, so back to the cure. I started to research washing with oil. You can use just about any oil. From coconut, to olive, to my favorite... grape seed. Each is similar in their effect and also different enough to customize to your skin type. Coconut oil, for example could be used for younger skin, olive oil is nice and heavy so use it on drier skin, grape seed is great for anti-aging benefits. So I use it on my thirty something skin.

There is a simple explanation for why oil cleansing instead of washing is perfect for skin. Oil repels water, oil attracts oil. When you rub oil into your skin it pulls dirt and environmental oils from your face. It is also a multi-step process. I massage grape seed oil into my face to remove makeup, step into the shower and leave rinsing it off for last. The combination of steam from the shower and the oil is like using a mini mask every day. It pulls a day of environmental exposure and makeup and face touching excess oil from my face, while it penetrates deep for a great hydrating and cleansing effect. A good rinse cannot take it all off (because oil and water repel) so when I towel dry after a nice thin layer is left behind as a nightly moisturizer. In the morning, and even before going to bed, I am not oily at all. Just nice hydrated skin is left behind.

I have not washed my face in almost two years! I have the best skin I have ever had in my whole life. I do not break out, I do not have black heads, I do not have dry flakes, I do not need to use scrubs. And as an extra bonus, the fine lines that were coming in have vanished.

So you may experiment with different types of oils, but I am going to go into why you should use grape seed oil in particular.

The not so medical answers: It is very light, borders on watery. It doesn't feel thick and does not heavily coat the skin. It absorbs very quickly, from night time shower to bed there is no oiliness. It is multi usable. Throw out your face wash, cleanser, astringent, masks, scrubs, your make up remover. This is an all in one product. If you really must scrub.. add a little sugar to it and scrub away.

Now my fave, the science behind it:

Grape seed oil contains 69% Linoleic acid. That is much more than most other oils. Linoleic oil is an omega 6 fatty oil.  Linoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, and moisture retentive. Linoleic acid fights free radicals. Lack of it can cause... drum roll... scaly skin. It contains a variety of other oils, beta-carotene and vitamin E.

An amazing combination of nutrients it will prevent acne, balance skin, restore collagen, reduce wrinkles, and even reduce scarring.

Grape seed oil can be used not only on your face, but also can be used in hair, to shave, to massage into skin anywhere on the body. I've even poured it straight into my bath.

Mostly I use it straight out of the bottle, all by itself. But it is also a great carrier oil, due to its lightness and near lack of fragrance. When I do mix it with another oil it is with rose oil. (another blog awaits rose oil) Rose oil is great for pairing with any natural beauty product, due to the fact that it amplifies the effect of what it is paired with.

I hope that this has been insightful. I encourage to take a leap, throw out your chemical ridden products, go to the grocery store and grab a big bottle of grape seed oil. Trust me... you will thank me for saving your face.

Stop That Sore Throat

So I created the cure for the common cold (find it here) that doesn't mean you won't suffer to some degree. My family was hit twice in four months with RSV. Kids from daycare were all hit and stayed home, One coworker after the other, as well. Everyone kept saying "Wow, what a tough cold!" Little did they know, that's no cold. RSV is no joke. In addition to all the cold symptoms, there is a pretty heavy degree of muscle weakness and exhaustion. My littlest was put on a nebulizer for wheezing. As a mom, going to that level for an illness is a little scary. My little guys unfortunately cannot gargle, so I bought a whole cabinet of cold remedy stuff. A few really worked well especially Zarbee's Child Natural Cough Syrup and Little Remedies Little Noses Decongestant Nose Drops. These were just life savers. 

For us adults, this method is amazing. I was at my cold's peak, my remedy curbed a lot of the symptoms that could have been worse, but I started to get a sore throat. I have the best gargle in the world, I whipped it up, gargled away. Woke up the next day, like it never happened. I continued once a day and whenever I felt it coming on. Take that RSV!

Four ingredients you will need: water, hydrogen peroxide, oil of Oregano, and sea salt. That's it. And in minimal amounts. I put about 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a glass jar, about 4 drops of oil of oregano (yes, only 4 drops, trust me) and enough salt to make it salty, no more than a tablespoon is needed. Top off with filtered water and keep it in a dark place.

I, of course, have provided a little research for your reading pleasure. Every ingredient has its purpose. And it seriously works.

Hydrogen Peroxide

 A study published in Nature found that hydrogen peroxide plays a role in the immune system. Scientists found that hydrogen peroxide presence inside cells increased after tissues are damaged..  which is thought to act as a signal to white blood cells to converge on the site and initiate the healing process. ~Wikipedia,

Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano contains a compound called carvacrol, which has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from the immune system. Studies have shown that oil of oregano is effective at killing bacteria, and could also help the immune system take action against viruses, fungi and parasites.~Dr. OZ

Sea Salt

Sea salt helps to neutralize acids by restoring the pH balance in the throat region, thus alleviating the pain and burning sensation in the throat. The salt will also dissolve excess mucus and increase blood flow to the throat in order to speed up the healing process. Gargling with sea salt and warm water can help relieve the pain of coughs and the symptoms of dryness in the throat due to the common cold. It can help to relieve and eliminate that dry, itchy or scratchy feeling one might have. One reason for this is that salt absorbs moisture and causes osmosis; for example, if a person puts salt on a tomato or a cucumber more liquid will come out of it. Likewise, in a person’s mouth, salt absorbs by drawing moisture and harmful bacteria from swollen tissues; thus providing relief. Moreover, an environment composed of salt will block harmful bacteria from growing in the first place.~Living Food 101

March: Clean Eating

So once again, it is 4 am and I am blogging away. This is become quite a trend. Seems anytime my little ones wake up in the middle of the night I cannot get back to sleep. So I started blogging, makes pretty good use of my time, I think.  My french press is my best friend at this hour. It is the fastest and quietest way to my hazelnut coffee. So off we go with the next blog post.

It is March and I am a few days behind on guiding you through a progression to a clean diet. I promise to make a full graph of every month in the near future. For now, here is the next step. It is time to think outside the box. This is a giant step towards better eating habits. For this whole month, start cutting back on anything that comes in a box.

So most of your pantry and fridge is going to start looking pretty healthy at this point. There are exceptions to each month's rules, of course. The idea here is to cut back and eventually cut out additives, preservatives, and overly processed foods. I'll still buy a box of rice, or cereal, or even pasta. But there will be a serious minimum of ingredients.

In future months, sugar and gluten will get cut out as well. For now, we will take a step in the right direction. Do you need a few tips for cutting back or switching gears on your shopping habits? Buy natural peanut butter like Adams Peanut Butter instead of JIF. When looking at canned food, pick ones with low sodium , or fruit packed in it's juice versus syrup. And ultimately, go on your own quest and research the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous. This article by the Center for Science in the Public Interest has a great list of food additives and whether or not they should be consumed.

I am not one to spout off advice without due diligence in research. Nor do I believe and follow a single website for its claims. Research defined is, the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. 

So you may find listening to me on this subject certain contradictions to popular cleaning eating beliefs. That is because... I've done my research.

For example, I am perfectly content having fluoride in my toothpaste. On the other hand, I could do without food dyes and MSG in my food. And believe it or not, hold on now. I am just fine with GMO's. Yep, GMO's I said it. Go ahead and crucify me to the organic Gods. 

In the meantime, I will follow up this blog with a few others going into more detail about additives, preservatives, and what they do to your body. Also, tips on how to make the transition.

Cure the Common Cold

We have all done the research. We have all heard of different and unusual cure for the common cold; eat more garlic, chicken broth, Vick's Vapor Rub on the feet. I appreciate a good blog that uncovers all the secrets to my health, but truthfully, none of us are doctors and sometimes the cure is a little out there. The only way to really know if any of these cures work is just to give a good go and see what happens.

I've learned the consequence to my health when it comes to having a toddler and a baby. I have never been so sick in one year, in my entire life. A simple head cold, followed by my first sinus infection, followed by RSV, followed by a kidney infection. In less than four months I had been on antibiotics three times. It was no surprise when another cold started to creep up on me. I had no immune fighters left to fend it off. I had used up all my sick days, seriously could not afford to be sent home again, and all the starter symptoms were there. Headache, tickle in the throat, a little nose run. My toddler, Maximus, was mostly likely the carrier this time around. He had been battling it for a couple weeks.

I put a humidifier in his room, gave him Children's Tylenol. I swear toddlers are just used to it. He goes about his business, wiping boogers on his sleeve, like its just an everyday thing. I, on the other hand, decided it was time to do some serious research.

Most concoctions will say a pinch of cinnamon, or a teaspoon of chili powder, a little of this or that in your tea. Nope, nope, nope, not me. I don't time for a little pinch to do the trick. While I knew that the particular ingredient had its merit, I wanted a serious dose of the cure. Now. So I made my own concoction. I took it 3X a day for 2 days, 2X a day for the next 2 days, and that was it. After the first shot, the symptoms actually subsided, returned slightly the next morning, I continued with my dosage, the cold never came. No sick days. Phew!

Not long after, my husband, came down with it. Now, he was full-fledged sick as a dog. He tends to not complain of being sick (lucky me). He has to be pretty miserable to even say anything. Finally, he complains of having this horrible cold. So I pulled out my cure, sliced up some lemons, and pulled out the honey. and warmed up the elixir in a shot glass. After 3X times of taking it that day he was right as rain. Said it was the only thing that felt like it was actually working. He continued for a few more days for extra measure. The elixir cured his cold. Stopped it dead in its tracks.

So here is how I like to take my medicine: suck on the lemon slice, shoot the elixir in a shot glass (warmed for 20 sec) and lick a dollop of honey off your hand. I don't know why I decided to do that way. I suppose it is because I am not a fan of apple cider vinegar at all, and this makes it just so drinkable.

My recipe awaits you below followed by the research to each cold curing ingredients. In addition, to these ingredients, you may also add a little whiskey to make it a night time cold medicine. Hope you feel better!

Honey

"All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand...Honey helps with coughs, particularly Buckwheat Honey . In a study of 110 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep." -Real Food For Life

 Cinnamon

"Inflammation in the body is incredibly important. It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage. However, inflammation can become a problem when it is chronic (long-term) and directed against the body’s own tissues.

Cinnamon may be useful in this regard, because some studies show that the antioxidants in it have potent anti-inflammatory activity Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection.

Cinnamon Oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella (30, 31). The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath (32, 33, 34).

Bottom Line: Cinnamaldehyde has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce infections and help fight tooth decay and bad breath." -Authority Nutrition

Cayenne

"Anti-Irritant Properties: Cayenne has the ability to ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats, spasmodic and irritating coughs, and diarrhea. 

Anti-Cold and Flu Agent: Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus begins to leave the body, relief from flu symptoms generally follows.

Migraine Headache Prevention: This may be related to the pepper’s ability to stimulate a pain response in a different area of the body, thus reverting the brain’s attention to the new site. Following this initial pain reaction, the nerve fibers have a depleted substance P (the nerve’s pain chemical), and the perception of pain is lessened.

Detox Support:  Cayenne is a known circulatory stimulant. It also increases the pulse of our lymphatic and digestive rhythms. By heating the body, the natural process of detoxification is streamlined. Cayenne also causes us to sweat, another important process of detoxification. Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for total body detox." -Global healing Center

Apple Cider Vinegar

"According to Prevention.com, drinking a tablespoon or two of ACV at the first onset of a cold or the flu—or when someone close to you has it — will help prevent the full on bout of sick.

The main reason this works is that apple cider vinegar, as acidic as it tastes, actually helps to alkalize your body (most of us are more acidic). A body that’s more alkaline may be more effective at fighting off viruses that cause colds and the flu. So adding in a wee bit of the tart, tangy vinegar can help." -Organic Authority

  Lemon Juice :

"Lemons are loaded with Vitamin C , which is known to support the body’s natural defenses. Lemon (and lime) juice is reported to decrease the strength of the cold and flu virus in the body and reduce phlegm." -Doctor Oz

Whiskey :

"Moderate alcohol intake on a regular basis has been linked to improved lung function...Research is still mixed about the effects of alcohol on inflammation and the immune system, but in moderate amounts it is unlikely to cause any negative side effects for immunity. In general, moderate alcohol use is unlikely to negatively impact the frequency or severity of colds." -Healthline 

I'm Caving.. Just today

I'm just not going to make it today. A night up with our 10 month old is putting more water than soda to the test. Been up since 3:30 AM, had 2 thermoses of hazelnut coffee and nap time is knocking. Still have 4 1/2 hours to go. So this lunch break, I'm caving. One cold Diet Pepsi please!

February: Clean Eating Plan

Well, I suppose this is truly when you begin this journey. The first true step towards a better you. This month drink more water. Specifically, your body weight divided in half is the magic number of ounces to shoot for. Without revealing too much here, I for example have a goal of 64 ounces of water a day. bottled water makes it easy the ounces are listed so I can keep track.

In turn, I also will slowly let go of the daily Diet Pepsi I consume. I'll have to find an alternative for my afternoon kick. Red Bull probably isn't the answer. Although I am no so sure lemon water is going to cut it. hmm, I suppose I need to investigate the alternatives.... Pretty good list here on Every Day Health. I think iced tea is a great alternative. At least, until I kick caffeine altogether.

January: Clean Eating Plan

I suppose this is more like "Month 1" since it is already February and you are starting now. I used January as a month of observation. I wanted to really think out my plan, which month I would do what, what would I cut, what would I add, and just how bad is said diet right now.

I observed that I eat way too much fast food, I don't drink enough water, I am hardly exercising (who would, it is Idaho and it is freezing!) and where did all the veg go in my diet? All that must change.. starting in February I am not putting down this cheeseburger.