Looks Natural...
Strange, but Natural!
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| Herbert Gehr, beauty treatment | 1930 |
Not so Natural...
Ask yourself, what am I slathering on my face every day?!
Check out this cute and informative website to assist with your beauty needs:
06 December 2010
04 November 2010
Not For The Roof...
Shingles and Chicken Pox are the result of similar viruses. Shingles, in particular, is a sign that the Nervous System is exhausted. While topical medications and herbs are important, what's happening internally can be just as crucial.
Why?
Shingles is more common in adults. Children do get the virus, but it will be much more mild. Usually the disease is a sign that something else has weakened the immune system. Extreme pain can often accompany the sores, blisters or rash that occurs as well as after they have healed.
Helpful Herbs for Shingles
Strenghtening the Immune System:
Garlic
Ginger
Lemon
Echinacea
St. John's Wart
Lemon balm
Astragalus
Other Herbal Remedies:
Capsaicin Ointments
Arsenicum album
Horsetail Juice
Cayenne Pepper
Goldenrod and Rosehip Tea
Alternative Treatments:
Spinal manipulation
Reiki
Meditation
Acupuncture
Remedies:
1. A strong mint tea with lemon balm and licorice as well as any of the following fresh or dried herbs. Drink up to 3 times a day or apply directly to the rash.
Hyssop
Oregano
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sage
Spearmint
Thyme
2. Eat 1-2 cloves of Garlic and/or 1-2 slices of fresh Ginger a day.
3. Take 2 Echinacea tablets or capsules OR make a St. John's Wort Tea and drink up to 1 cup a day.
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Italian Poppies, Ken Foto 2008 |
Be Well! Share with Friends! Believe!
Love,
Sarah Valentine
Keep in mind, that I am not a Doctor, and if you do think you have shingles: SEE A DOCTOR. Herbal remedies and holistic medicine can be a wonderful form of Self-Help, and can be used in conjunction with Western Medicine. Always do your own research and do not hesitate to see a professional.
Sources:
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1728
The Encyclopedia of Medical Plants, Andrew Chevalier
http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/shingles/shingles_herbs.htm
03 November 2010
more like flowers, less like poison
We don't remember when perfume used to be made from real natural oils. That happened a long time ago, before MONEY&PROFIT became more important than WELL BEING&SAFETY. Welcome to the 21st Century, baby.
Fret not, however, because if you long for fresh, sexy, pretty, bold or musky scents it's possible... the natural way! A lot of people find they are sensitive to the chemical compounds in chemical-based perfumes, and they have been proven to have long-term health risks. These two factors makes me think...
Natural Fragrances, Perfumes & Cologne!
Generally you need three ingredients in order to do this THE EASY WAY. It's ready instantly or in about 1 week to let the aromas blend. You can find and test the essential oils at your local health food store to find the ones that you love.
1. Grain Alcohol (for staying power) OR Jojoba Oil (Depending on what texture you like)
2. Natural Essential Oil(s)
3. Jar, Vial or small glass container with a top. (Blue or Amber glass is often recommended to increase the lasting power of the oils, but not necessary)
Below is a chart of commonly available oils based on their common classification, from AromaWeb:
Top Notes | ||||
Middle Notes | ||||
Base Notes | ||||
Recipes
Self belief
- 2 drops Ginger
- 3 drops Myrtle
- 4 drops Rosemary
- 3 drops Verbena
Wedding nerves
- 4 drops Jasmine
- 2 drops Lemon
- 1 drops Patchoulli
Bliss
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 1 drops Jasmine
- 1 drops Rose
- 2 drops Sandalwood
Warmth
- 2 drops Black Pepper
- 3 drops Patchouli
- 4 drops Rosewood
- 3 drops Ylang Ylang
Tranquility
- 4 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Clary Sage
- 1 drop Grapefruit
- 2 drops Mandarin
Chill out
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- 2 drops Patchouli
- 1 drop Rose
- 3 drops Vetivert
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
Sleep tight
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 3 drops Chamomile
- 2 drops Marjoram
- 4 drops Lavender
Another method is with DRY ingredients. It takes a little longer, but you the results can often be paired perfectly for your preferences and are gorgeous to look at. Also, dry ingredients can be A LOT cheaper than the natural essential oils.
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| "Tribute" Sarah Valentine&Eduardo Valadez 2010 |
02 November 2010
Maxin' Relaxin' Shooting Some B-Ball....
Tonight, with November elections over and finals ahead I want to share some relaxation techniques with you. Life is crazy sometimes, but there is every reason in the world to enjoy it! These techniques and exercises are easy to do, and don't take more than 30 minutes MAX. The difference in your mental clarity for the day, and as you practice more, can be phenomenal. Basically, you get what you put into it!
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Nature and The City: View from Coit Tower Sarah Valentine, 2010 |
I found some great scripts on-line. Use your phone, computer or Ipod to record yourself reading the scripts. I found that hearing my own voice giving me positive emotional feedback and using self-affirming language was really helpful. I recommend printing out a script of your choice then recording it. Practicing alone was helpful for me, but if a partner, friend or family member is interested, that social support can be wonderful and very motivating. Don't be afraid to change words, images or stretches to fit your individual needs. It might hurt, emotionally or physically as you explore, so be aware of your body and see a doctor if you experience physical pain.
This is a great way to get started with meditation. It focuses on the tensing and relaxing of muscles to increase self-awareness. This practice is often associated with yoga, and is an awesome way to get back in touch with your body or increase your energy.
I recommend trying Part I for a week, then moving on to incorporate both Part I and Part II. Visualization is only effective if it MEANS something to YOU. It is most beneficial to choose visualization images that are powerful, so it's a great idea to think of a problem/issue you have and try to focus on that. See it from a new perspective, and you may gain new insight. Be patient in your search and let your mind/body tell you what it needs.
All of these are easily incorporated into your daily life. after all, it's the "little things," the small daily hassles that kill you not the major life changes. You'll find after a couple weeks of practicing these it is easy to commit them to memory. Use them OFTEN, and you'll notice an increase in calmness. Find the best fit for you.
After you experience some of these scripts, you might be inspired to WRITE YOUR OWN... give it a try!
"Man is nothing else but what he makes himself.... You are free, therefore choose- that is to say invent"
- Jean-Paul Sartre
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| California Poppy and the K-Line Sarah Valentine, 2010 |
Happy healing and good luck,
Sarah Valentine
07 October 2010
Halloweenie
Hello All!
With Halloween right around the corner, It's easy to avoid some of the toxic chemicals they use in production. The Environmental Working Group is one of my favorite sources for new/credible information. Check out their Healthy Halloween Tips!
While I'm at it, One of the most useful online database's is Skin Deep. You can enter whatever cosmetic or home product you're using and check out it's chemical compounds. Products are also rated from 1-10 in toxicity. Definitely worth taking a look because what's in that foundation anyways?
Be Well!
Sarah Valentine
28 September 2010
Breath In/Breath Out (Not that Simple)
I've been really fascinated with the power of our breath recently. Practicing various mediation, relaxation and regenerative techniques have brought a new found awareness to my breath.
The Big Deal: Thoracic vs. Diaphragmatic
Thoracic breathing are shallow CHEST breaths (remember the thorax in an ant?). This kind of breathing can lead to not enough oxygen, tension in shoulders and neck and anxiety. Turns out your chronically chilly hands and feet might not be due to "bad circulation," but rather to incorrect breathing. Oops!
Diaphragmatic breathing are deep, slow breaths that mostly center in the abdomen. That's why singing is all about the diaphragm, how else are you supposed to belt out those high notes and not pass out? Training yourself to breath this way can be difficult, and requires an awareness of your body. Complete inhalation and exhalation is crucial, and most importantly, during the inhale don't tighten your abs, but rather let that BUDDAH BELLY hang out with pride! Let it fill up with air, then smooothly exhale through your nose or mouth. Now that's a breath!
Get in touch with your natural Ebb & Flow!
Want to Know More? Check out these!
Web: http://www.pe2000.com/breathe_diaphragm.htm
Print: Make Health Happen: Training Yourself to Create Wellness (2nd Edition)
Love,
Sarah Valentine
24 September 2010
New Favorite: Coconut Oil
I have been an admitted Cocoa Butter junkie for ages, until I discovered it's similar cousin:
Coconut Oil!
Cocoa Butter has that delicious chocolate-y smell, but I didn't want the additives (mineral oil), and I was too lazy to melt it and mix with an emulsifier. Don't get me wrong though, I still love the buttah!
My new love, however, is the perfect consistency and the most delectable, tropical Coconut-y smell too. We don't have the tropical temperatures in San Francisco, but that doesn't mean we can't have the vibe!
Here are some great natural ways to enhance your life/beauty routine with Coconut Oil:
Hair Mask
On wet locks, clean or dirty, massage in Coconut Oil. Cover with a shower cap and kick it. It's that easy. You can let is sit for a few hours, or leave it in all night and rinse, shampoo and style as usual in the morning. Leaves hair super duper silky and moisturized.
Body Care
Mix Coconut Oil with a couple drops of your favorite essential oil and massage into skin as a lotion. My favorite mix is: Coconut Oil, Tangerine and Honeysuckle. It's delightful. Can be done before you go out to add a sexy glow to your skin (give it a little time before putting your clothes on though, as it can be heavy), or before bed. You'll wake up with the softest skin ever.
Bruises
Delicately massage a little Coconut Oil on a bruise twice a day and it should quicken healing by 'repairing damaged tissues'.
Problem Skin
Coconut Oil rocks for psoriasis, dermatitis and skin infections. Before reaching for the hydro-cortisone, try applying Coconut Oil before bed on the affected areas. Work clay into your at-home facial schedule. After a glycolic peel or manual exfoliation, rinse then apply Coconut Oil. Helps heal acne skin lesions or scars. If you have oily skin, use only once a week. Dry skin, use as much as you like!
For more info check out these helpful websites:
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/
http://www.coconutoil.com/
Enjoy your new softer self, but as always if you have any health issues, don't just take my word for it, see a doctor (holistic or otherwise)!
<3 Sarah Valentine
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