Essential Oils: The Power of Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy teaches us that essential oils have therapeutic properties.  Essential oils are extracted from plants.  Depending on the oil, different parts of the plant are used.   Essential oils are most commonly inhaled or applied topically to the skin diluted in a carrier or base oil.  When inhaled, they enter the circulatory system via the lungs and the limbic system via the nose.  Due to their molecular weight (essential oils are very volatile and evaporate easily), they can penetrate the skin and enter the circulatory system.  Essential oils are very powerful and if not used properly, can have a toxic effect.  Each essential oil has certain properties that can be used for a variety of conditions.  For example, the essential oil of peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat various skin conditions including acne.  Most essential oils require dilution in carrier or base oil before applying to the skin.  The most commonly used carrier oil is sweet almond oil, a light oil that is used for its nourishing properties; it is ideal for dehydrated, chapped skin.  Apricot kernel oil is also very light and is easily absorbed into the skin.  It is excellent for treating inflammation, mature, dry, and sensitive skins.  More than one essential oil can be blended with a carrier oil.  This blending of essential oils is both a science and an art, a science because knowledge of the chemical composition is required before combining oils and an art because the effect of the blend must not only be therapeutic but pleasant.   Aromatherapy is not for the unitiated or the untrained.  To locate a qualified aromatherapist, check out the following website: www.aromatherapycouncil.org

Right Living with Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning “the science of life.”  It is also referred to as “the mother of all healing,” “knowledge of life,” or “right living.”  It is an ancient art of healing that has been practiced in India for thousands of years.  It includes yoga philosophy and is considered a holistic approach to healing as it integrates the body, mind and consciousness.  Unlike our Western approach to medicine,  Ayurveda teaches us that what is needed to heal our body, mind, and spirit is around us all the time.  It is just a matter of tuning in and paying attention.  According to Ayurveda, disease is caused by an imbalance in the energy of an individual’s body or in the three Doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.  The word “Dosha” is like the prefix “dys,” meaning fault, mistake, error.  Many things happen to disturb an individual’s energy balance.  Some examples include:  emotions; diet; weather; work and relationships.  In Ayurveda, the aim is always balance as this is the natural order and is necessary to maintain good health while imbalance is associated with disorder and the development of disease.  Today, we can see the influence of Ayurveda in the West as more and more individuals are looking for alternative approaches to our system of allopathic medicine.  More spas and skin care centers are offering Ayurveda and some are dedicated entirely to Ayurveda.  When seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner, your goal is an individualized treatment that contributes to your physical and emotional balance.  Remember, your well-being keeps you looking and feeling good on the inside and out. 

Hey, My Sweat Doesn't Smell: Eliminate Body Odor Naturally.

Sweating is an important part of optimal health.  We sweat to regulate our body temperature (to cool down) and also to eliminate toxins.  What causes body odor?  Some believe bacteria that feed on the oil in our sweat glands cause body odor.  To others, this is nonsense.  They believe that the odor is actually produced by the body’s release of harmful toxins.  Further, deodorant and antiperspirant inhibit the body’s ability to sweat, and thus can contribute to our toxin load.  In most cases, you can prevent body odor by changing your diet.  Red meat, processed foods (i.e. white flower; hydrogenated oils; sugar) and caffeine all contribute to body odor.  Caffeine stimulates the apocrine glands, the glands responsible for producing oily smelly sweat.  Moving toward a diet that consists primarily of whole grains, leafy green vegetables, fresh herbs and fruits, soy products, raw nuts and seeds can eliminate body odor.  Dark leafy green vegetables in particular are high in chlorophyll, a natural body deodorizer.  Vegetables like spinach, kale, swiss chard, and mustard greens are all good choices.  Drinking lots of water is important as water can eliminate waste products and toxins from the body.  Drink water with a squeeze of fresh lemon and you have created one of nature’s best purifiers and deodorizers.  Regularly exfoliating your skin with a dry soft natural bristle brush or a dry wash cloth reduces dead skin cells as well as toxins resting on the skin’s surface.  Exfoliate your entire body and brush toward the heart.  Repeat the mantra, “Diet and Lifestyle,” and incorporate a few simple changes and you will soon have a new mantra.  It will be:  “Hey, my sweat doesn’t smell.”

Parabens in Cosmetics: The Real Deal.

Parabens have been a controversial subject since a 2004 study reported that cancerous breast tissue contained parabens.  What are parabens?  They are synthetic preservatives used commonly in cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and shaving products, deodorants and antiperspirants, foods and drugs.  In 2007, the FDA issued a notice stating that there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about parabens in cosmetics; however, it would continue to evaluate data in this area.  www.fda.gov.  Although further research is required, experts agree that simply knowing that parabens can be absorbed in the skin and retained in breast tissue is a step in the right direction.  Proponents of parabens tout their effectiveness as a preservative that protects against microbial growth.  They state that the paraben levels in cosmetics are minimal and thus, not dangerous.  Parabens are more effective and less expensive than natural preservatives.  Further, they argue that the link between paraben use and breast cancer is tenuous at best.  Opponents of parabens say that despite inconclusive evidence that parabens are dangerous, they would rather be conservative in their approach and avoid them altogether.  They argue that natural preservatives, while more expensive offer a safer alternative.  They are also skeptical of FDA proclamations as the FDA does not regulate cosmetics.  In fact, cosmetic manufacturers may include any ingredient they choose except for a few prohibited ingredients.  Cosmetic ingredients are reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) which is comprised of cosmetic manufacturers; essentially a self-policing organization.  If after reviewing the data, you want to eliminate products containing parabens you should start by reading the product label or checking ingredients online.  Products with the following ingredients should be avoided: methylparaben, proylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben, ethylparaben, and isobutylparaben.  If the ingredient “fragrance” is listed, it could contain parabens.  Cosmetic manufacturers are required to list all ingredients except for fragrance as it is considered a “trade secret."  While parabens remain controversial, it is best to be diligent when choosing skin care and cosmetic products.  For a blog dedicated entirely to a paraben-free world, see:  Paraben Free Princess.

Organic Food Labeling: Cracking the Code.

Unless you have studied the USDA’s website, making sense of organic food labeling can be a challenge.  The label “100% organic” can be included on a package that contains only organically produced ingredients and processing aids.  The label “organic” can be included on a package where 95% of the ingredients are organically produced.  Up to 5% of non-organic ingredients including additives and synthetics on an approved list is permitted.  This list of 38 ingredients has created controversy among consumer groups; a non-organic sausage casing is an ingredient of particular notoriety.  Both packages labeled “100% organic” and “organic” can include the USDA organic seal.  If at least 70% of the ingredients are organic, the label “made with organic ingredients” can be used and the package can list up to three organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel.  The USDA organic seal cannot be included on the packaging, however. While foods labeled “all natural,” “free range,” or “hormone free” may be beneficial, they are not the same as “organic” or “100% organic.”  The word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products.  Specifically, organic food is produced without chemicals, additives, pesticides or genetically engineered substances (with the exception of the approved list.)  For more information on organic food labeling, link to the USDA’s site, www.ams.usda.gov.

The Starting Point for Gorgeous Skin: Your Skin Type.

Before investing in expensive skin care products, it pays to have a professional skin care therapist assess your skin type. This is completed during a comprehensive skin analysis:  examining the skin under a magnifying lamp as well as touching and pinching the skin to determine its texture and elasticity.  Don’t worry eye pads are permitted.  There are five different skin types:  oily, normal, combination, dry and sensitive.  Oily skin produces excess sebum (oil).  Larger pores in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), as well as other areas of the face characterize this skin type.  Breakouts are common.  Many individuals make the mistake of over-cleansing, which can send oily skin into overdrive.  Balancing oily skin requires a water-based hydrator and proper exfoliation.  Normal skin has a good oil-water balance.  The pores may change from small to medium just outside the T-zone and it is usually blemish-free.  Maintenance and prevention are the keys to treating this skin type.  Combination skin can be both oily and dry or oily and normal.  At the T-zone, pore size changes from medium to large.  Combination skin requires balancing; deep cleansing and regular exfoliation keep it clear.  Water-based products work best.  Smaller pores characterize dry skin.  Due to insufficient oil production, dry skin is more susceptible to environmental factors.  It can feel rough or tight.  Oil-based products can help hold in moisture and protect dry skin.  Sensitive skin is characterized by redness and can be fragile or thin.  It is easily irritated by products and by the environment.  Nonirritating, calming products work best for this skin type.  Make sure your beauty dollars produce results:  invest in a comprehensive skin analysis.

Split Pea Soup: A Nutritional Powerhouse.

     

Looking for a food that is chock full of fiber and protein and rich in vitamins and minerals to boot?  Look no further than split pea soup.  While all soups are comfort food, split pea soup is a stick to your ribs soup.  And for those wanting to stretch their food dollar and not spend hours in the kitchen, it is inexpensive and quick.  Unlike most legumes, split peas don’t require much soaking (for most, you must soak overnight or one hour after a quick boil) and there are even no-soak recipes. For those watching their waistlines, a meatless version is low in calories and fat.  A homemade vegetable broth can really enhance the flavor and while this takes about 45 minutes to make, preparing it in advance can expedite your cooking time.  While canned soup broths are convenient, their sodium content is outrageous and they subtract more dollars from your food budget than a homemade broth.  A popular canned broth contains more then 30% of the daily value of sodium in a one-cup serving.  I’m not sure about you, but I can easily eat two cups of soup at a lunchtime meal. With canned broth, I’ve now consumed more than 60% of my sodium limit for the day.  Are you beginning to see the importance of not resorting to canned broths?  If you’ve made soup for a family of six and you are a party of one, do not fret:  split pea soup freezes wonderfully.  Just remember to freeze it right away so that when you defrost it, it will hardly be considered a leftover.  For a great meatless recipe, check out the Kripalu Cookbook, Gourmet Vegetarian Recipes  (kripalu.org). For an easy vegetable broth, try the one in Deborah Madison’s cookbook, Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone (deborahmadison.com).  Split pea soup, it’s “mmm, mmm good”….