You've heard of Shea butter, but what about shea nut oil? Shea nut oil isn't as well known as Shea butter, but it has just as many great benefits and uses in all-natural body care. What is Shea Nut Oil? Like Shea butter, Shea Nut Oil is also extracted from the nut of the shea tree (Karite tree). While the oil is thicker than other oils it’s not as thick as the butter. The shea nut oil is a by-product of the cold pressed butter. It retains fatty acids while the butter retains more of the fat. It remains liquid up...
The sharp medicinal scent of tea tree essential oil is hard to mistake. It's one of the best essential oils to keep on hand for all-natural cleaning, skincare, and home remedies. It's also one of the least expensive essential oils, so it's a good idea to learn to the various ways to use it so you can make the most of it and maximize your savings. What is Tea Tree Essential Oil? You may be wondering, what exactly is tea tree essential oil? How is it made and what part of the plant is used? Tea tree essential oil is steam distilled. It...
Many of us see the importance of using a filter for the water we drink, but there's good reason to consider a filter for the water we bathe in too. Why Use A Shower Filter? One of the worst offenders in our water is chlorine. When we shower and bathe in it, the chlorine comes into contact with our skin, soaking into our bodies and eventually ending up in the bloodstream. Chlorine in the body may disrupt the delicate balance of our microbiome and has been linked to cancer and other diseases. It is believed that we actually absorb more chlorine through bathing than by drinking....
Flowering tea is a unique experience. The visual beauty is just as important as the tea itself. If you are a fellow tea lover, you likely enjoy the ritual of making and drinking tea as much as the taste. If you love ritual, then you'll love flowering tea! Flowering tea is also called Blooming tea, Blossoming tea, and tea blooms. Made by artisans in China, Flowering tea is created with tea leaves and edible flowers. These teas are fragrant as well as visually appealing. How is Flowering Tea Made? Tea leaves are wrapped around flowers such as Jasmine, Rose, Lily, Chrysanthemum, or Marigolds. They are then...
Have you been told to avoid salt? I'm definitely not on that train! Salt is good. You just need the right kind. Table salt is on my foods to avoid list because it is so highly refined. During the refining process, many of the trace elements are eliminated, and iodine and an anticaking agent and added. Much of the benefits of this natural resource are lost. BUT… Real, high-quality salt is another story. It's much less refined and is more flavorful. The trace elements (minerals) are also left intact, which means these types of salt are adding to your healthy diet, not detracting from it. ...
Have you ever heard of soap made with kombucha? I hadn't! I mean, I love my Kombucha, but never thought about making soap with it! When I had the opportunity to choose a product from Kombucha Kamp to try, I couldn't miss the chance to check out the Kombucha Bar soap they carry. You probably don't know this about me, but all-natural handmade soaps are one of my “splurges”. I love to buy them as little treats for myself and my family. The prettier they are the better. And they have to smell good, but not have a fake scent. My...
Arnica salve is the perfect herbal solution for bruises and muscle aches. Becuase of arnica's strong anti-inflammatory properties, it's suitable for easing the pain of strains and sprains and is also thought to aid in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis. Arnica should only be used externally. So, only use on bumps and bruises that are not open wounds. You've probably seen arnica gel or cream at the pharmacy or health food store. These arnica-based gels and creams are becoming somewhat mainstream (not as much as they should be) because they actually work! However, they can be on the pricier side. Especially if...
Every now and then I come across a company that absolutely thrills me. Not just because of the great products they create, but also their mission and goals. Aunt Fannie's is one such company. Why would I get so excited about a company that makes cleaning products? Well, let me tell you. First of all, I am always excited to find non-toxic cleaning alternatives. Why? Because they are safer and healthier for us and the environment. Natural cleaning products mean I can let my kids help me clean and not worry about what they are using. Less work for mom...
Sometimes you're trucking along feeling great, happy with the healing your body has accomplished over the past few years… then something changes. You wake up feeling a little off. Life stressors start to take hold. Your body begins to rebel. But in fact, you know it's not truly rebelling, your body is trying to tell you something. If nothing else, over the years of dealing with a chronic health issue, I've learned that my body is not always working against me (as I once thought) but rather alerting me to changes that need to be made. It's warning me to...
