Turmeric Powder

You may or may not have heard of the spice turmeric. Its usually found in Indian food and curry. What you may not know is the healing wonders of this spice as well as its usage in beauty products for centuries. This simple spice that can be found in any health food store and most grocery stores may become your new best friend.

Turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here is a list of 20 reasons you should use turmeric taken from Eat This blog.

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

I can vouch for its amazing acne benefits. I am listing a recipe below of my favorite face mask. I use it 3 times a week.

2tsp brown rice flour, 1tsp turmeric powder and a few drops of honey and milk until a paste is formed. Apply and let dry for 10-15 minutes. Great for acne prone skin, substitute oats for rice flour for anti aging.

A day living the RAW diet

I have gotten so many questions about my raw diet. Mostly I get asked "Do you eat?", "Are you hungry" and "How do you attend social gatherings". Well in today's post I am going to answer these and a more.
Do you eat? and Are you hungry?
I eat all day long! I eat anything and everything I want raw. A day of my diet looks something like this.
Breakfast- Green smoothie (kale, broccoli, bee pollen, garlic clove, apples, lemon and celery)

Early morning snack- Raw Chocolate and Raspberries

Late morning- A nut based snack

Lunch- Shiitake mushrooms sauteed in coconut oil with a whole minced garlic clove, raw peppers and squash cut to resemble pasta sprinkled with turmeric powder.

Afternoon snack- Herbal Tea and berries with honey and sunflower seeds drizzled over them

Dinner- I usually have a cooked sweet potato, salad with mushrooms and maybe a sushi roll.
Late night snack- Green juice again but this time with beet.

If you notice some of the items in my diet are cooked. To be considered raw you must consume at least 75% raw foods.

How do you attend social gatherings?
Growing up in a strong southern family this one can be tricky and very offensive. As far as family and small gatherings go I was always taught it's polite to bring a dish so why not bring an amazing raw one? Yes, you may be the only one digging in but at least you are guaranteed one item. Also there are usually salads and cooked veggies. No one has to have an empty plate.

When going out to dinner with friends I always recommend sushi or somewhere I know I can get a good salad. Its best to eat before as well so you aren't starving and tempted with the table bread;). Yes its a different lifestyle and yes you will have some people confused and opposed to the idea but you will feel so amazing that it becomes easy to live this way.

Why?
Well after felling bogged down and somewhat depressed for years I felt I had tried just about everything else. I really feel my issue was a sugar addiction, regardless my body and mind were crying out for help. If you know me personally you know just how obsessed I am with natural and homeopathic remedies. While my son is in school I mostly study. I read any and all books and articles on health I can get my hands on and I practice it everyday and try my best to relay the information with my friends and family. It truly is something I am passionate about.

So back to raw... I had been living a very healthy life for the past 7 years. I ate what I thought to be healthy but I still didn't feel as well as I would have liked. I had read many rave reviews and books on the raw diet but I just wasn't convinced it was for me. I did however start substituting my lunch with a packed green smoothie everyday and eventually I looked forward to it every single day. Realizing how badly my body craved vegetables I started substituting other meals as well and gradually I became raw.

So there you have it. A few questions answered. Please feel free to email me if you are interested. I would be more than happy to share recipes and support groups. My email is naturalbeautyguru@yahoo.com

RAW dessert recipe

Bliss Balls

1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup almonds
1/3 cup honey, agave nectar or dates (I used honey)
Raw unsweetened coconut flakes
pinch of nutmeg and/or cinnamon
pinch of sea salt

In a blendtec or vitamix (I think a food processor will work) blend sunflowers and almonds until they are the consistency of flour then mix in the rest of the ingredients. Roll into balls and then roll the balls in coconut flakes and place them in the freezer until you are ready to eat.

These are super easy to make and you can keep them in the freezer for a sweet craving.

I DARE you!

So here I am almost a month into my new way of life. My skin has never looked better I have never felt so amazing but this hasnt come without a little work, dedication and total change of mindset. I made the decision to go RAW and I was determined to stick it out. I have read about the raw diet for sometime but it was a gradual process for me to make the decision to go for it. I had been living a healthy lifestyle by all accounts. I ate well, worked out, practiced yoga and meditation but still something in me seemed off. I felt slightly depressed, anxious and bogged down.

My first week in went fairly easily. My sweet husband purchased a Blendtec blender (which I highly recommend, SO easy to clean!) for an early birthday present so I got to work. The first few days went by with ease but then I started feeling it! My lymph nodes all started to swell, my face broke out terribly, I felt sick and depressed to such a degree I thought for sure something was terribly wrong. I shook from cravings and I was very hard to be around (thanks family and friends for sticking it out with me lol). I joined a support group and learned what I was going through was normal. My body was going through the most intense detox to date. This lasted almost 2 weeks and then one morning I woke up and looked in the mirror and my face had healed. I started to feel more in control of my emotions than I ever had before and slowly my lymph nodes went down (some are still slightly swollen).

I became terribly aware of the fact the way I/we looked at food as a society and even a healthier one at that was horribly wrong. As children we were rewarded with cake and cookies which became a staple for holidays and celebrations. We were told to clean our plate which most of the time consisted of microwaved take out and taught through generations to eat not for health but for pleasure which correct me if I am wrong is considered gluttony. Should my generation dare to change the downward spiral that is "healthy eating"? Should we choose to look at ingredients instead of calories? Or choose a body that is healthy for us vs a body dehydrated and depleted just to change our appearance to please society? All questions I asked myself and would like you to ask. I DARE you to at the least look at the ingredients in what you're eating vs the calories. You will see and question why there are 28 ingredients in a simple cracker.. most of which you can not pronounce. I also DARE you to look up those ingredients and see just how they benefit your body. A raw diet might not be for you but just try to substitute a sweet craving with fruit or raw honey and a salty craving with veggies and hummus. I feel like our diet has as much to do with our skin as what we put on it. On that note along with my skincare reviews I will be posting raw recipes.

Genesis 1:29 And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."

The Dirty 30

Many of you fellow natural skincare gurus are probably already aware of the dirty thirty but if you are new at this or maybe let this information slip through the cracks I thought I would share.

"We share our planet with well over 75,000 different chemicals and at least 5,000 of these identified as harmful chemicals are used in the cosmetic industry alone. Why is this so important? Our skin absorbs up to 60% of what it comes in contact with, allowing harmful chemicals to more freely move past the outside layer of the skin. These chemicals can then circulate throughout our bodies damaging our skin and putting us at risk for developing serious health concerns. The dirty 30 list is just the tip of the iceberg; these are the most toxic of the chemicals presently being used in the skin care and cosmetic industry." As quoted from MyChelle skin care articles.

Below is the list of the dirty thirty:
Acetone
Artificial colors
Benzalkonium chloride
Bensene
Benzoyl peroxide
Coal tar
DEA/ TEA and MEA
Ethylenediamine
EDTA
Formaldehyde
Fragrance
Isopropyl alcohol
Lanolin
Mineral Oil
MEA
Nitrosamines
Octyl dimethyl PABA
Parabens
Petrolatum (Patroleum Jelly)
PPD
Phthalates
Polyethylene glycol
Propylene glycol
Quaternium 15
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium cyanide
Stearalkonium chloride
Talc/ talcum powder
Triclosan
Ureas

Most of these ingredients can be found in just about every main stream product. They are used as cheaper preservatives which sadly enough are even used in some of the most expensive products. I recommend doing your research. I went through a number of so called "natural" products and the majority had a number of these ingredients. Your best bet is to go with a trusted company known for keeping the dirty 30 away from your skin. I personally love MyChelle Dermaceuticals! They are a smaller company grown out of Boulder Colorado. You can find their products at whole body along with many other skin care lines designed to maintain your health as well as the appearance of your skin.

Its not just what goes into our bodies which effects our health its also what goes onto it.

Deodorant Review, a new business and the dangers of Fragrance

Okay so as I have said in the past my favorite deodorant is from Coastal Classic Creation. Well I ran out this past week and unfortunately their site was down so I decided to use the Crystal Deodorant Stick from whole body.. well let me just say this product does NOT work. I have however figured out how to make my own deodorant a lot like my favorite brand and I will be selling it for half the price. I will have product packaging soon and from there I will start taking orders. I will also be selling organic all natural lip balm and my own lotion all of which contain simple ingredients that are all edible. Please let me know if your are interested in ordering. The deodorant will be $4 and the prices of the balm and lotions havent been determined yet.

I would also like to share with you the dangers of one of the most used and most loved ingredients... FRAGRANCE.

**What are Fragrances Made Of?

About 95 percent of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic, petroleum-based compounds. For people with allergies or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), these chemicals can lead to allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy watery eyes, wheezing and headaches.

Other health conditions that can be exacerbated by fragrances, according to Tracie DeFreilas Saab, M.S., author of a comprehensive discussion, "Individuals with Fragrance Sensitivity," include asthma, environmental illness (EI) and migraines.

But that doesn't mean the rest of us aren't affected. An investigation into fragrances, perfumes and colognes by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found several areas of concern:

• 16 percent of the products they reviewed contained ingredients that may cause cancer

• 5 percent may contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other health problems

• 18 percent contained penetration enhancers that increase exposures to carcinogens and other ingredients of concern

• 98 percent of products contained ingredients not assessed for safety in cosmetics or with insufficient data

• 76 percent contained ingredients that are allergens

• 13 percent of products posed other potential health concerns

Fragrances in the Workplace

The office is an example of closed quarters that you have no choice but to spend significant amounts of time in. Increasing numbers of employees are voicing their dissatisfaction with other employees' irritating fragrances, and employers are facing the difficult decision of whether to implement a fragrance-free office.

Says DeFreilas Saab, employees with fragrance sensitivities may have the following symptoms:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

• Hoarse voice or loss of voice

• Difficulty concentrating

• Tingling of the lips and skin

• Muscle and joint pain

However, enforcing a truly fragrance-free work environment is a difficult task because so many products -- from fabric softeners and dryer sheets to soaps to shampoos -- contain them. Those who have tried say a voluntary fragrance-free program works better than a mandatory one.

The Maine Department of Labor, for instance, recently adopted a voluntary fragrance-free policy for employees and visitors. "We want to educate our workforce and clients about the real effect chemicals and fragrances can have on individuals with sensitivities. Many people are unaware that the scents they use can actually make another person ill," they said.

Ingredients of Concern

According to the EWG, the following ingredients are the most harmful ones to watch out for:

Butylated Hydroxytoluene: Cancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Propylene Glycol: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Methylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Tetrasodium EDTA: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Propylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate: Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Diazolidinyl Urea: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Tocopheryl Acetate: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Octyl Methoxycinnamate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Octyl Salicylate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns

Polyquaternium-10: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Ceteareth-12: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Ceteareth-20: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Triethanolamine: Cancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns

Benzophenone-3: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Lactic Acid: Safety Violations, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Benzyl Alcohol: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Ethylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns

What to do if Fragrances Bother You

If you notice that you feel ill when exposed to fragrances, you're probably better off seeking out fragrance-free varieties of all your personal care items, or at least choosing products that don't contain synthetic fragrance. Check out our safe skin care page for a variety of skin care items that don't contain synthetic fragrances or additives.

Also, let your family members, coworkers and other people you see on a daily basis (and who wear fragrance that makes you feel ill) know that the chemicals in their perfume/cologne, etc. have this effect on you. Most people will understand and refrain from using the product around you -- but be prepared to stand your ground if someone insists that they must wear their favorite fragrance.

Recommended Reading

Warning: Certain Smells May Make You a Dangerous Driver (Really!)

The Toxic Chemicals Most Linked to Depression

**This information was taken from sixwise.com

Please know the difference between fragrance and essential oils. Essential oils are plant based and do not contain synthetic chemicals. Essential oils have been used for centuries for natural healing and effect different parts of the brain to trigger different feelings.

New Sunless Tanning Review and LashFood

Jane Iredale Tantasia was included in this seasons Test Tube and after trying several sunless tanners and reading about the ingredients on the cosmetic database I have been very hesitant to try new brands but after doing some research on this product I decided to go for it. Its a very subtle color change and just adds a sun kissed look. You can apply daily to reach your desired color or just use once every few days for a glow. It has a wonderful natural smell that fades and doesn't leave the usual sunless tanning smell. There is only one color but it works for all skin types. At around $30 this product is natural and leaves you with a nice glow instead of an orange tan.

I have also been using a great new product called LashFood. As a former Lattise user I really didn't think a natural substitute would have the same effect but I have to say it actually works. Similar to Lattise it takes about 15 weeks to see a change but unlike Lattise one bottle will last months using twice a day instead of once. It doesn't have any hormone type ingredients and it's all natural plant based. At around $95 it is about $40 cheaper than Lattise and works almost as well.

The Hip Zipper and The Green Wagon

I want to take the time to blog about a couple of spots I have recently been hitting up in East Nashville.

The Hip Zipper- This is an adorable little boutique you can find vintage clothing, shoes and accessories from your favorite decade. What better way to go green that to stock your wardrobe with wonderful well made clothes that have lasted decades. I just recently purchased a beautiful red velvet dress from the 50's and the quality is remarkable. I also purchased a faux fur petty coat. Their prices are great, you may have to dig a little to find something that fits your taste but its well worth it. They also carry vintage specialty dresses by the register if you are looking for a beautiful dress for an evening out.

The Green Wagon- This is right down the street from the Hip Zipper. Its a tiny little shop that hosts a range of local and organic products. They also have a great refill station where you can bring old bottles and refill them with new organic skin care and body products as well as cleaning products. They carry a selection of non toxic cleaners and true mineral makeup. I love their children' s section where you can find clothing pieced together using vintage materials and non toxic art supplies. Also at the register they have delicious homemade gluten free baked goods. I highly recommend the brownies;)

Homemade Skincare

I am posting a few do it yourself lotions and potions. They are simple and can save you $ in the long run.

Eye Cream:

Ingredients:

• 3 T cocoa butter
• 3 T witch hazel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• Contents of one vitamin E capsule

Preparation:

Melt cocoa butter in double boiler until soft. Meanwhile put other ingredients in a small container to be used for storing. Add softened cocoa butter, stir well. Let cool, cover, and store in a cool, dry place. To use, apply a small amount in morning and evening, rubbing into skin in circular motions.

Face Mask for all skin types:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (skip the flavored stuff)
• A few drops of honey

Preparation:

Add the yogurt to the oatmeal in a small bowl and mix together.

Warm a few drop of honey. To do this, warm a spoon under hot water for a minute, then add a few drops of honey to the spoon.

Stir the honey into the yogurt and oatmeal mixture.

Apply the mask to the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with several splashes of warm water. Follow with a warm washcloth.

Mask for Acne Prone Skin:

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)
• 1 tbsp honey
• An orange or a lemon

Preparation:

Mix the banana and honey together.
Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon.
Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth


* Please note these are recipes I found from various sources and not my own recipe.

Local Spa Review

I have tried out just about every spa in town and while each has their own specialties I would like to share some of my favorites.

For a facial: The Woodhouse Spa in Franklin has an amazing atmosphere and while its a little more than some of the other spas in town you actually feel like your in a real spa as apposed to a store in a strip mall. From the minute you arrive you are pampered with some of the finest tea, a warm neck wrap and a comfy robe. You will always receive the same service no matter how small the treatment as opposed to some of the others that treat you coldly if only receiving a pedicure. They have organic and natural products and you will not leave disappointed.

Cosmetic Market in Green Hills. I know what your thinking. A facial in the middle of a fairly busy cosmetic store but YES! In the back they have a small room for facials and I have to say that my facial was the best I had ever received. You can choose your facial based on the skin care line that suites you best. They also have organic lines to try as well.

For a Massage: A Moments Peace. The spa I am totally unimpressed by. It always feels cold in the waiting room and they never give you a warm robe or spa shoes, never offer you a beverage or snack but they do have a masseuse that is the best of any place I have ever been. Her name is Toi and she is AMAZING!!! I would go to a dump to have her work on me if I had to. She customizes the massage to meet your specific needs and she uses a combination of deep tissue and Swedish to leave you feeling blissed out. At only $70 for an hour session you cant beat it.

For Botox: I know I know.. I dont get this done anymore but if I ever decided to do it again I would go back to the same place. Belle Meade Dermatology. If you arent into walking around with a frozen face this is the place for you. They are minimalists so they will use the least amount possible to obtain the results you desire and if you arent happy and need more they will be glad to add a little extra.

Overall Spa experience: Athena Health Spa is a spa you can go spend the day. They have a state of the art fitness center, jacuzzi, steam room and lounges. Its women only so its designed specifically for us. I have never had a bad service there nor a completely memorable one but I will say if your looking for a place to unwind for the day this is for you.

My Favorite Products of 2010

I wrote last year of several products and after several months of use I would like to re review a few of my favorites.

First and by far one of my favorites, Egyptian Magic.. and boy is it magic. At only $32 a jar this will cure what ails you skin wise. It has been known to help with dry skin, oily skin, dark spots, freckles and I could go on and on. I wear this twice a day and with oily acne prone skin this jelly like cream does not clog my pores. My freckles had faded and I have porcelain skin thanks to this little miracle cream. You can find it online or at Whole Body. Save your money and instead of buying those $100+ creams promising to do it all... get a product that actually does.


So I'm aware this isn't an actual product but Lemons are amazing for your skin, You can sprinkle sugar on a half for a scrub or just use the juice to kill any bacteria that may be lurking on the skin.

Next is a weekly ritual of mine. Aztec Secret is pure green clay, you just mix with water or apple cider vinegar apply and get ready to feel your face pulsate. This mask only has one ingredient and helps keep your skin clear. Its around $7 a jar.

Enzymatic Therapy DermaKlear Akne Treatment Soap with Sulfur -- 3 oz

This is the only product I use to wash my face with. Its a bar made of zinc and sulfur. Its anywhere from $3 a bar on amazon to $7 a bar at Whole Body. While inexpensive this bar packs a large punch for acne prone skin. Its all natural with no fragrance.

Last but not least the Test Tube Program. This program is by NewBeauty Magazine. Its great! Its $29 quarterly but you receive a couple hundred dollars in product in each tube. You also get the magazine with product descriptions and details. I personally think as a skin care junkie this program saves me countless $$ because you get deluxe size products and you are able to decide what really works for you. I have found my new favorite eye cream thanks to this program. While not all the products are natural and organic most are so that's a major perk.

Change your thinking change your health and apperance.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".. this quote has never meant so much to me. I recently read a book called The Power. In it it spoke of love and gratitude as the most powerful emotions and through them the world can change. Not only the world but each individual in it. How you see your body and your health is a reflection of you actual appearance and health. If you only see your flaws then you have a poor self image and they show to others from your insecurity. If you focus on how bad you feel you only feel worse. I know its a struggle to try to see the positive but through it your world can change along with your own self image. I challenge you this new year to look in the mirror everyday and see your wonderful qualities and ignore the things that bother you. If you're sick try your hardest to look into the areas where you feel your best. I assure you if you can practice this on a daily basis you will be a happier person and in turn will make others around you more attracted to you.

On that note I would like to announce my blog will be making a slight change. Not only will I be focusing on outward appearance but inward including nutrition and spirituality.