Home Remedies Naturally

by Christy Ruffner

From birth control to artificial hearts, America is internationally known for making medical breakthroughs.  But revolutionary medical techniques are not a magic bullet.  As conventional medicine becomes more complicated and costly, a quieter health movement is on the move.  A growing number of people are turning to a more natural way.  Simple, traditional, and decidedly lower-tech methods of preventing illness.

==========

More and more Americans are visiting alternative health practitioners and exploring unconventional healing techniques such as meditation, massage, vitamin therapy and herbal remedies.

There has been a major shift in the way people see and respond to their health issues.  They are realizing that conventional medicine is sometimes dangerous, not always effective, and always expensive.

As America has grown into the modern world,  Westerners have come to regard the mind and body as separate entities.  As modern medicine becomes more expensive and decidedly more dangerous, with more and more drugs being removed from the market that were once considered safe, a holistic approach to health is becoming more and more accepted.  A holistic approach means recognizing that the spirit and mind have a powerful, direct effect on how the body stays healthy.

While natural remedies are seen as a wave of the future, they are actually much older than any of our modern medicine.  Experts estimate that herbal therapies have been around for 5,000 years.  And homeopathy, which is considered one of the newest techniques, is more than 200 years old.

It wasn't until the early twentieth century that the idea developed that good health was found in modern medicine.  Because of the discovery of penicillin and similar wonder drugs it was assumed that scientists would continue to discover similar drugs to wipe out other twentieth century diseases. 

It wasn't long before the realization was made that technology creates as many problems as it solves.  A prime example being the wide spread use of antibiotics.  This has given rise to the development of super strains of bacteria that are highly resistant to most drugs being used conventionally.

Naturopaths find success in using therapies that build up the bodies natural immune system, which is the body's natural defense against infection and disease.

The willingness to consider alternative therapies is beginning to spread to the health insurance industry as well as a few large carriers start to experiment with covering alternative treatments.

The recent turn-around from modern medicine to natural remedies starts in peoples wallets.  The cost of health care is out of reach for many and they have had to take control of their own destinies as far as their health is concerned.

At the same time there are newly discovered diseases that Western medicine has no cure for.

Many people are simply attracted to the alternative practitioner's emphasis on treat the whole person - body, mind and spirit.

So ask yourself this, 'How can I take care of myself?'

Natural Ingredient Profile

Organic Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli oil is a plant oil similar in scent to bergamot produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree. 

The blossoms are gathered, usually by hand, in late April to early May. The oil is produced by water distillation, as the blossom is too fragile to endure steam distillation.

Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the name of Neroli has been used to describe this essence. Neroli has a refreshing and distinctive, spicy aroma with sweet and flowery notes. It is one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery. It is a non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, non-photo-toxic substance. More than 12% of all modern quality perfumes use Neroli as their principal ingredient.

Neroli has been used throughout the ages in many cultures as deodorant.  It was also used as an anti-depressant which is good for the mind and as an antiseptic which was used for minor inflammations and was also used to kill germs.

As an essential oil, Neroli is used in aromatherapy and massage, and is considered to have a soothing effect on the nervous system.  Traditionally, neroli oil was used not only to relieve tension and anxiety, but also in increase circulation.

Organic Neroli Essential Oil is used in the following Miessence skin products:

Soothing Moisturiser A soothing moisturiser with organic herb and flower extracts, nut and seed oils and butters, and plant phospholipids that restore and repair the appearance of sensitive, damaged skin while demonstrating significant and lasting effects on skin hydration and smoothness. Contains two soothing chamomiles (German and Roman), and protective calendula, carrot, and organic horsechestnut.   Soothing Skin Conditioner A gentle infusion with organic st john's wort and horsechestnut and essential oils like carrot and chamomile that are known to help calm and soothe skin chapped by the elements. Helps skin feel soothed and softened.   Ambrosia Essence Certified organic Ambrosia Essence is an extremely potent combination of eight highly effective herbal and flower extracts to soothe, tone and renew the skin.     After Shave Balm A hydrating balm to sooth, tone and refresh the skin. Calms razor-burned skin with organic chamomile and marshmallow and soothing organic aloe vera. Refines and refreshes with organic witch hazel and st john's wort.

 

Natural Ingredient Profile

Shea Butter Fruit

Shea Butter is a product from a tree, Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa, syn. Butyrospermum parkii, B. paradoxa) that grows in the western region of Africa. This tree takes about 31 years to mature. The shea fruit, called a nut, contains a seed inside much like an avocado, which produces the “shea tree butter.” Shea butter has become an important ingredient in the global billion-dollar cosmetics industry, and for a very good reason. It has been used in Africa for centuries to moisturize and protect the skin from sun, wind, heat, and salt water. Studies have suggested Shea Butter helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, making it a desirable and valuable addition to all types of products for the skin.

Shea Butter Fruit is used in the following Miessence skin products:

• Balancing, Rejuvenating, Purifying & Soothing Moisturizer
   

• Firming Eye and Neck Serum
   

• Intensive Body Cream
   

• Porcelain, Vanilla, Honey & Almond Foundation
   

• Fair, Medium, Tan & Dark Concealer
   

• Jaffa Lip Balm
   

• Mascara
   

Natural Ingredient Profile

Olive Leaf

Not only is the olive tree one of the world's most ancient plants, it is also very resistant to attack by disease, protected by substances contained in many parts of the plant, mostly the leaves.  The Ancients have considered it immortal.

Olive leaf extract exhibits strong anti-oxidative action on the skin cells of human volunteers.  It eliminates the formation of free-radicals which have been known to cause alterations to DNA leading to cellular damage.  This extract protects the skin from the damage caused by UV rays, which is the main cause of skin aging and wrinkles.

Further studies show olive leaf extract increases skin hydration and elasticity leading to younger looking and feeling skin.

Olive Leaf Extract is used in the following Miessence products:

• Balancing Moisturiser
• Rejuvenating Moisturiser
• Purifying Moisturiser
• Soothing Moisturiser
• Firming Eye & Neck Serum

Read more on Shea Butter Fruit

Why Mineral Make up is a Healthy Alternative

While the food we eat is usually considered to be pretty safe; there are standards used to keep harmful chemicals from making it onto our plates.  Even so the organic food movement is growing.  There are no similar standard for body care products. It has been proven that shampoos, soaps, lotions, and make ups all contain chemicals that can harm your skin or even cause cancer.  In the very least many of the chemicals used in body care products prove disastrous to sensitive skin.  It may be that you have an allergy to traditional make-ups and don’t even know it. What you think is acne may actually be a reaction to the make-up or other products you put on your skin. Mineral make-up are hypo allergenic so they won’t contribute to your breakouts and other skin conditions.  

Mineral make-ups look great, feel light on your skin, last forever, and can be used on all skin types. Natural make-ups have been used in other cultures for centuries.


In addition to the fact that mineral make-ups don’t harm your skin, the natural ingredients actually nourish your skin making it more healthy and radiant. They allow your skin to breathe without zapping out all their moisture, and they even protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. Imagine, your skin looking and feeling better because you’re wearing make-up.
 

Currently, there are little to no restrictions as to what can go into “natural makeup”. Many times the company will put a few natural ingredients in along with a slew of harmful chemicals and claim the product is natural. You can verify a product is natural by looking for guaranteed seals, like from the USDA. Just be sure you know what the seal your trusting means (what do they check, what percent must be natural, etc). You can also simply read through the ingredients list. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient name, don’t buy the product.

The Miessence Cosmetics line is 75 - 88% organic, leaving your skin glowing, radiant and healthy.

Natural Ingredient Profile

Burdock Root

Chile, China, India, Canada and Russia have all used burdock root against skin cancer.  It has been praised in the fight against acne and eczema.  On top of this burdock is said to promote the growth of new hair.

Burdock is used in the Miessence skin care line as a cleansing extract and is excellent for use on oily skin.  It is apparently able to help regulate oil production.  It is also very effective on refining and clearing the skin with its antibacterial and antifungal properties.  Traditionally, Burdock has been used in the treatment of mild acne conditions.  This is why it is included in the Miessence Purifying range of skin care.

The dried root and root extracts are the therapeutic segments of burdock.

Miessence products with Burdock Root as an ingredient:

• Purifying Cleanser
   

• Purifying Mask
   

• Purifying Blemish Gel
   

• Purifying Moisturiser
   

• Desert Flower
   

• Lemon Myrtle
   

• Clarifying Hair Rinse
   

• Shine Conditioner
   

• B5 Hair Repair
   

• Shape Styling Gel
   

Natural Home Beauty Remedies in a Flash

On a budget?  Can't always afford to buy everything you would like to pamper yourself?  Would you be surprised to learn that spending a small fortune on beauty products is quite unnecessary? All of the ingredients you’ll ever need are in your kitchen or pantry cabinet.

Here are three ways in which you can use natural home beauty remedies in a flash.

Olive Oil: You cook and bake with it; but did you know you can use it in a variety of other ways? Because olive oil is chemical free, it can be used on your skin; as a bath oil, moisturizer, massager, and conditioner. For example: You can apply a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to your skin before bedtime to reduce wrinkles and, at the same time, moisturize your skin. To strengthen your nails, soak them in warm extra virgin olive oil for five minutes. Massage your sore muscles with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and rosemary. Apply olive oil to dry hair as an overall conditioner. It will leave your hair smooth and shiny.

Oatmeal: Wouldn’t you love a facial? Get out the box of oatmeal from your cabinet and begin. This oatmeal facial will not only exfoliate, but moisturize your skin as well. Here are the steps: Take out a package of instant oatmeal; add a half a cup of water; two tablespoons yogurt; two tablespoons of honey and one egg white. Mix the water and oatmeal, then add the additional ingredients. Apply a thin layer to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until you feel tightness; then rinse your face with warm water.

Dry Skin Brushing: Here is a technique that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Before taking a shower in the morning, use a brush or sponge and begin the dry skin brushing process to exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve your blood circulation. Here’s how to do it: While standing the shower with the water off, start at your feet and begin brushing in small circles toward the upper part of your body. Then work your way down the back of your body to complete the process. Do not scrub hard, but apply even and light pressure. After you have completed this procedure, take a shower.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enhance your beauty. All of the natural remedies are at home and within your grasp.

Natural Ingredient Profile

Jobjoba oil

Jojoba oil, (pronounced ho-ho-ba) comes form the seeds of a shrub that grows in the harsh desert areas of southern California and Mexico. Spanish missionaries observed the Indians cooking with the oil, massaging their hair and bodies with it and feeding their livestock the seeds. Jojoba oil is extremely rich in unsaponifiables. (Substance that cannot be decomposed into an acid, alcohol or salt or converted into soap by an alkali.) Research shows that unsaponifiables applied to the skin soften various forms of scleroderma (sclero - hardening or thickening, derma - skin.) Most oils have 2-3%. Jojoba has 50% unsaponifiables! Jojoba oil, which is technically a liquid wax, is exquisitely smooth, spreads evenly onto the skin, and leaves a velvety, non-greasy feeling. It is very similar in composition to the skin's sebum. It lubricates, softens and provides an acid mantle for the skin as well as leaving a coating that protects from microbial attack. It also serves as an humectant, meaning it attracts and holds in moisture from the air. Jojoba oil is used in abundance in all of the Moisturisers (Balancing, Rejuvenating, Soothing, Purifying), Rejuvenessence Facial Serum, all of the Foundations, and all of the Lip Crèmes and Shimmer Crèmes found in the Miessence skin care, cosmetic, and personal care line.

Evening Primrose Oil for Healthier Skin

What is the first thing people see when they look at you? Is it your hair, your face, your eyes? Well, it’s probably your skin. While we may not realize it, the skin is the most important part of your body when it comes to looking young and healthy. If our skin looks old, tired, or if we have skin problems, it can seriously affect the way we look and feel. A great way to get healthy, young looking skin is to use Evening Primrose oil, or EPO. It can clear up problems and have you looking beautiful in no time.

Before I tell you what it does, I should probably tell you what it is. Evening primrose is an edible plant that grows naturally in North America and has been used by Native Americans for centuries. While they used various parts of the plant, EPO is made from the seeds. It can help improve skin and has also been suggested to help with a variety of other ailments from PMS to breast cancer.

So what’s so special about EPO? Well it is one of the best sources of GLA, an essential fatty acid. GLA is used to maintain normal cell structure. It is also used to produce a hormone that has many uses in the body, including reducing inflammation and helping with digestion.

While there hasn’t been extensive research done on EPO, there has been some scientific evidence to show its effect on skin. It can improve your skin’s health by improving problem skin and allowing your young fresh skin to shine through. Here are some of the benefits of EPO.

* Reduces inflammation. Most of us have had the problem of red puffy skin at one point or another. EPO can help ease swelling, making your skin look younger and healthier.
* Relieves skin allergies. Being an allergy sufferer myself, I tell you there’s nothing like having to hide my legs and neck because of rashes or hives. EPO can help get rid of these symptoms and have you back into the outfits you love.
* Relieves Eczema. Those who are afflicted with eczema know that skin can not only look bad, but feel bad too. EPO may ease eczema symptoms, sparing you some of the pain and embarrassment.
* Increases blood flow to the skin. Even if you don’t have skin problems, you can still be benefited by taking EPO. It can increase blood flow to your skin, leaving it healthy and nourished.
* Reduces bruising. While EPO is generally taken orally, it can also be applied directly to the skin to decrease the appearance of bruises.

Remember, as with any medication or supplement, you should talk to your doctor before taking EPO. Once you’ve gotten the okay, you can take this oil regularly for healthy, beautiful skin.
 

Natural Ingredient Profile

Yucca Juice

The Yucca plant is native only to the south-western deserts of North America. Traditionally Native American Indians used it for washing, shampooing, and for a myriad of different medicinal applications. (Have you EVER seen an American Indian with bad hair?!!)

The natural saponins in the juice are responsible for its superior surfactant quality and eliminate the need for harsh chemical detergents and foamers in shampoos. Better still, it is actually healthy for the hair, skin and scalp.

Biochemical research has shown that natural saponins, like those found in Yucca, repair the damage to cell membranes of the skin and scalp that result in a loss of nutrients. Cell membranes are damaged by temperature fluctuations, pH changes, strong soaps, detergents, and high concentration of acidic or alkaline substances. These are the things you expose your hair and scalp to on a regular basis if you wash, blow-dry, style, colour or perm your hair.

As well as repairing the damage done by day-to-day treatment of our hair, Yucca is a potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It's amazing stuff!

Tips for Natural Skin Care

There are thousands of products and treatments available to help improve the quality of your skin, but only a small percentage of these are natural. Most beauty products contain harsh, damaging chemicals. Treatments, like chemical peels and botox, are definitely not an option if you're trying to go natural. On top of it all, we really have no idea what most of these treatments and chemicals will do to our skin 20 years down the road. If you want to have great looking skin without dangerous chemicals or procedures, there is a way.

Here are some great tips to keep your skin looking fabulous the natural way:

* Drink more water. All cells need water to function properly. If your skin cells aren’t properly hydrated, waste products build up in your cells and keep them from working right and looking their best. Also, if you don’t drink enough water, your cells will retain as much as they can and you’ll end up looking puffy and bloated.
* Change your diet. You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat” a lot. If you think about it, this old saying is 100 percent true. Your body is made up of what you put into it. If you want it to work properly and look its best, you need to feed yourself the nutrients it needs and avoid foods that may damage it. For beautiful skin, you should try to get more fiber and “good fats” in your diet and avoid foods with a lot of sugar.
* Improve your circulation. To function properly, our cells need to get plenty of oxygen. If you spend your days sitting at a desk or remaining mostly immobile, your circulation probably isn’t as good as it could be. Increase your circulation by getting more exercise, stretching, or getting regular massages (they don’t need to be professional). You can also use a brush to exfoliate your skin which improves circulation while removing old, dead cells. Not only will this give your skin a better overall look, it can also reduce the appearance of unsightly cellulite.
* Avoid the sun. A little sun is good for you. It provides vitamin D and can help give you a sunny disposition, but too much sun can do terrible damage. Try to use hats, clothes, or sun block to protect yourself from damaging UV rays.
* Use certified natural skin products. Traditional beauty products contain all sorts of unnatural chemicals. Most are there as preservatives, or to give the product a certain scent, color or texture. These chemicals not only have no value to your skin, some may cause cancer and other dangerous problems. That’s why it’s beneficial to use natural products if you want to look your best and stay healthy. Just be sure to check labels, many products will claim they’re natural or organic and only contain one natural or organic ingredient. Be wary of ingredients you can’t pronounce and look for certification seals to be sure you’re getting what you pay for. Not only will these help normal skin, they’re also less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

With a little time, patience, and work, you can have fabulous looking skin in no time.