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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.
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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:
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:
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Balancing, Rejuvenating, Purifying & Soothing
Moisturizer
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Firming Eye and Neck Serum
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Intensive Body Cream
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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
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Purifying Mask
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Purifying Blemish Gel
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Purifying Moisturiser
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Desert Flower
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Lemon Myrtle
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Clarifying Hair Rinse
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Shine Conditioner
-
B5 Hair Repair
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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.
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CHRISTY
RUFFNER
Hi.
My name is Christy Ruffner, and this is my web site.
