Healthy Holiday Punch

My favourite holiday drink. A fresh holiday juice punch recipe... I make it every year and it is a big hit.

• 6C fresh (fresh is important) squeezed orange juice
• 2C fresh (again fresh) pineapple juice
• 1C Coconut Water
• 3C (fresh am I being clear lol? fresh fresh) squeezed pomegranate juice (use a metal press)
• 1C frozen cranberries
• 2C Ginger water (slice a large knot of fresh ginger and pour 2 cups boiling water over - let cool in fridge for about and hour or longer)
• 3C club soda (or not fine w/o)

Serve in a large punch bowl use frozen cranberries as ice cubes (and because they look pretty). Good and good for you chock full on enzymes to help you digest holiday treats better.

Raw Vegan Holiday Recipes - Chocolate Bark

• 1 1/2 C of Coconut Oil
• 1/4C Maple Syrup (to taste)
• 2t of vanilla extract
• 1C Cocoa Powder   
• 1/2 Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (soaked)
• 1/4 Shredded Coconut
• 1/2C Chopped dried Cherries, Cranberries and or Raisins
• 4T chopped cacao nibs
• 2T Orange Zest

Heat Coconut oil just a bit until melted (will melt at body temp) stir in rest and pour (press) on to wax paper lined baking sheet set in freezer until solid and cut into bars

Raw Christmas Cake Energy Balls

Energy balls are easy to make and make a great finger food for the holidays. 


Christmas Cake Energy Balls

• 1C pitted dates (soaked)
• 1/2C dried Apricots (soaked)
• 1/2 dried cranberries (raisins or cherries)

Blend until sticky in a food processor

Stir in (or pulse in using food processor)...

• 1 C shredded coconut
• 1t orange zest
• 1C Walnuts and chopped (soaked)
• 1C Almonds Soaked and chopped (soaked)
• 1T fresh shredded Ginger
• 1T Cinnamon
• 1T Vanilla
• 1/4t Clove
• 1/4C Chopped Dried Cherries

Using a teaspoon portion and roll into balls. Place on wax paper and stick in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Keep refrigerated. 

Rawish Vegan ~ Peppermint Patties

One of my favourite candy recipes...


Rawish Peppermint Patties

• 1/2C coconut oil
• 4Tbs Maple Syrup
• 2tbs Tahini paste (or 2tbs almond meal or coconut shreds)
• 1tsp organic peppermint oil
• 1cup dark organic chocolate chips melted over low heat

Mix coconut oil, tahini paste, maple syrup and peppermint oil in mid sized bowl. Using hand scoop out small portion of the peppermint paste and roll quickly lightly (coconut oil melts at body temp) into a ball. Place on wax paper and put in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. Dip balls into warm (not hot chocolate) and return to freezer.

Locavore - Movie Trailer

Locavore Local Diet healthy Planet (Movie Trailer) from Jay Canode on Vimeo.

Sweet Pecan Vegan/Raw Cookies

A repost of one of my favourite cookies recipes. Great for the holiday season...

Sweet Pecan Cookies

Silly me forgetting that I have to dehydrate my next few cookies before I can take photos sooo another repost of a favourite for day 3 - I promise next cookies will be new recipes!


Crumbly Sweet Pecan Cookies - delicious with cold almond milk!

• 2C Pecans
• 1/2C Pitted Dates
• 3T Maple Syrup
• 1t vanilla
• 1/2t cinnamon
• 15-20 Pecan halves for garnish

Soak Pecans in water for a few hours (2 should be enough). Drain and rinse. Soak dates in water for 15-20minutes until soft - drain. In a food processor chop pecans until finely ground. Add dates, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon - blend until smooth. If not sticky enough add a little of the date soak water.

Use a tablespoon to scoop out mixture roll into ball using your hands. Place balls on non-stick dehydrator sheets press out balls with the palm of your hand to 1/4 inch thickness. Dehydrate at 115 to taste (around 20 hours if you like them quite dry). Flip cookies to dry the underside and return to dehydrator for 2-5 hours. These store really well in baggies in the freezer or refridgerator.

Holiday Essential Oils

I'm posting a nice essential oil blend for the holidays. Place a few drops in a diffuser to get people in the spirit.

Ingredients:

• 5 drops Fir Needle Oil
• 5 drops Spruce Oil
• 5 drops Cedarwood Oil
• 5 drops Juniper Oil (optional)

Directions: Mix neet and keep in a dark glass bottle or place in a carrier oil such as grapeseed (1/4 cup) warm oils in a diffuser.

Why you shouldn't wear Musk synthetic or otherwise...

Most of us know that originally Musk was collected from killing and extracting oils from the scent glands of a special kind of deer (now endangered)... BUT did you know that artificial Musk is just as unkind to the planet (not to mention unhealthy for humans because of it's chemical charactaristics?).... 


A few facts you may not have been aware of
Synthetic musks, are widely used in perfumes, deodorants, and detergents -- these musks have been linked to cancer. They can bioaccumulate, or store themselves in the body, and have been found in breast milk, which means that nursing infants ingest them. Research indicates that these musks don't biodegrade; they've been found polluting watersheds and the plants and animals that live there. Another worrisome class of chemicals, phthalates, are often used in fragrance because they allow the smell to last longer. They have been linked to changes in the reproductive and endocrine systems as well as in the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

The FDA has banned only a handful of ingredients in personal-care products -- none of them related to scent. The fragrance industry essentially regulates itself, deciding which chemicals it considers hazardous. Some manufacturers have voluntarily stopped using phthalates (which are the main component in synthetic musk), but many others continue to use them; in 2002 the EWG tested 72 personal-care products and found phthalates in 75 percent. Certain companies have dropped some synthetic musks, but still widely use others. 

http://www.wholeliving.com/133573/replacing-your-artificial-fragrances


AND ALSO ( taken from a paper produced by the WWF on synthetic Musk)


"Synthetic musk fragrances are very widespread in the home. They are used as low cost fragrances in soaps, perfumes, air fresheners, detergents, fabric softeners and other household cleaning products. Many of these products are ultimately disposed of to the sewers. As such, a large proportion will end up at sewage works and pass from there to rivers and ultimately the seas. 

Toxicity

As for many synthetic chemicals in everyday use, there is a very serious lack of toxicity data on synthetic musks. However, we do know that synthetic musk fragrances are persistent and that they bioaccumulate.

Human Exposure 

Humans are most at risk from synthetic musk fragrances not only through their exposure from contaminated food species lower down the foodchain (shellfish, fish etc), but also through direct absorption through the skin from the many household sources of musk fragrances. Synthetic musk fragrances have been found in human body fat, with nitro-musks found more in women than men. Polycyclic musks are also present in human fats. Some synthetic musks get passed to breast-feeding babies in breast milk

As a result of these type of levels being found in human beings, the European Scientific Committee on Cosmetics has concluded that human exposure to musk xylene and musk ketone should be reduced. 

Since 1998 WWF has become concerned about the weakness of proposed action to reduce and eliminate discharges, emissions and losses of the OSPAR Chemicals for Priority Action. 

This includes the reduction and elimination of synthetic musk fragrances, which have the ability to disrupt endocrine systems and are present in human fatty tissue, human breast milk, wildlife and the wider aquatic environment.  WWF believes that the use of musk xylene, musk ketone and the polycyclic musks (AHTN and HHCB) should be banned as soon as possible. Voluntary reduction measures should be agreed in advance of such a ban to reduce as quickly as possible the environmental exposure of both humans and wildlife to this class of hazardous substances. "

The Truth About Perfume

The Truth About Perfume

Berry Blue Toes Gets a Shout Out...

A local family is doing The Energy Diet Challenge which is being sponsored by Canadian Geographic. I came up with a meal plan for them to try this thanksgiving... to see how it went visit and give them your vote!


http://energydiet.canadiangeographic.ca/home/update/a-stove-less-thanksgiving

Mineral Make Up - The Greener Choice

For years I've been concerned about what I'm putting in my body and on my body with one exception my makeup. I try to make sure I'm buying cosmetics that are not tested on animals but, I have to admit when it comes to my lipsticks/foundation/shadows et all that stuff - aside from the no testing or containing animal products rule I use what works best and let the chemicals slide - until recently. In the past few months I've become hooked on mineral makeup. Aside from being all natural (read the labels not all the mineral makeups in stores are pure - try to find brands carried by health food stores rather than ones produced by large cosmetics companies). If you are good with colour and want to try your hand at making your own cosmetics it is surprisingly easy and inexpensive.There are several resources online to get you started... If you want to buy good mineral makeups that are ready to use again several sources on line.

Why you might like it…
It's an especially good choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin since it usually contains fewer additives. Mineral makeup is also waterproof and photo-stable (meaning it won’t degrade because of sun exposure), offers a smooth finish, absorbs excess oil, and is economical because a little goes a long way. Another benefit: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties and can have a calming and soothing effect on skin, especially in mild to moderate cases of acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. 

…and why you might not
Mineral makeup isn’t designed to conceal skin conditions or issues such as vitiligo, dark pigmentation, bruising or birthmarks. If you tend towards naturally dry skin - use a cream or oil base before applying foundation powders and blushers. Minerals tend to absorb excess oils which can leave your skin looking flaky or dry if applied alone. In the Yukon because of our long dry winters this can be especially problematic. Remember to drink lots of fluids and hydrate your skin with good quality oils, lotions and creams. Good makeup looks best on a great canvas!

Bad Blogger...

I'm in the middle of Holiday season crazy. Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. My natural body care products have taken off - which is great but, not leaving me a lot of time for blogging at the moment. I'm also in the process of writing a raw foods no cookbook which I hope to have completed in the new year. ALSO coming soon --- I'm launching a line of all natural mineral based makeups which I'll talk about here as well.... More on juicing, food and good for you holiday goodies coming soon... Check last year for my 12 Days of RAW cookies posts!

Natural from Toe to Head - No Poo Shampoo

Making homemade shampoo isn't a difficult as you might think. I've included an easy recipe. You can play around with different oils, butters and essential oils until you find a blend that works for you.


Homemade No Poo
3 oz liquid castile soap
1/2tsp Shea Butter (or Coconut)
1/2tsp Avocado or Olive Oil
2T of Glycerine (you can find this at most drug stores - helps to thicken your no poo)
1/4 Cup Cold Chamomile Tea
Essential Oil if you would like it scented
Heat All until Butter is melted stir well add essential oils store in bottle.
Will keep up to a month in the fridge. Shake before each use.

ps this is not the recipe I use to make the No Poo I sell online and locally. It will not lather as well.

Full Moon In Aries - Harvest Moon, Blood Moon

This year the full moon in October falls under the fire sign of Aries. This full moon is full of energy. Make demands, be brave but, beware hot tempers are also to be expected this week. Think things through before stating your case. Think about things you may have been hanging on to since last spring - this is a time to begin letting go of anything that is holding you back. If you don't start letting go and looking towards the future you will find this week may feel a bit like a pressure cooker. It is advised Not to start any new project within the 24 hours of the full moon, but rather use that day for mundane tasks, while enjoying an acute sense of meditation.  Full Moons are times for reflection.

Bad Blogger - I've been busy

 I've been busy tweaking some of my favourite natural body care recipes, having them tested by friends and coworkers and getting ready to hit the fall craft shows ... A photo of some of the products we will be selling. So far feedback has been great. I'll be starting an etsy store soon and will post a link. Having so much fun :)

Natural from Toe to Head - Tired Eye Fixes

Causes of Puffy Eyes
Common causes of Puffy eyes can include fluid retention, stress, allergies, and hormone changes. Eyes swell after crying for instance because crying causes extra blood to flow around the eye sockets which = swelling. Tiredness is another regular cause for puffy eyes. This can happen because there is too much sodium in a diet causing water retention.

Precautions...

• Report eye redness that doesn’t go away, itching or burning eyes, visual disturbances, and unusual drainage or discharge from the eyes to your health care professional.
• Do not introduce any drops or foreign substances into your eyes without professional supervision.
• Avoid putting concentrated substances such as essential oils around your eyes. These can cause burning, stinging, redness and watering.

Puffy Eyes Treatments and Home Remedies
Before endorsing any new fresh methods for treating your eye puffiness get a second opinion from your doctor. If we are looking to treat puffy eyes that you are "sure" are not caused by other eye conditions, then you can consider trying the options below to rid eye puffiness. The treatments given are successfully treating patients and their eye issues, however what may work for one person may not for the other.

• Bathe the eyes with cold water
• Drink plenty of water to flush out your system
• Limit your intake of sodium
• Place cool cucumber slices over the eyes or cold wet teabags
• Keep two tablespoons in the fridge. Place the spoons under tired eyes to help reduce puffiness.
• Tried and true - two sliced of cucumber straight out of the fridge will revive tired eyes. Place the slices on eyelids and rest for 5 minutes or more.
• Warm Black Tea Bags on eye work because of the tannins in the tea (black tea)
• When cleaning the face tap around the eyes lightly to help dissipate excess fluids 
• Use a soothing eye cream with aloe and Vitamin E
• Avoid staying up late of a night
• A variation on the traditional cucumber remedy, with twice the results. ½ cucumber 1 green tea bag: Brew green tea, steep, chill. Slice cucumber and add to green tea. Refrigerate until cool. Place soaked cucumber slices over eyes for 10 minutes.

Cucumber Eye Gel

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. aloe vera gel

1 tsp. fresh cucumber juice

¼ tsp. cornstarch

1 Tbs. witch hazel

Directions:

Mix together aloe, cucumber and cornstarch. Heat until just boiling, about 1 minute in microwave. Remove from heat source and stir in witch hazel. Stir well and allow the mixture to cool completely. You should have a clear, jelly-like cream. Spoon into a small clean jar. To use: Dab a small amount under your eyes and be careful not to rub or pull the delicate skin under your eyes.  Keep in cool place. Makes 1 oz. courtesy  of

Natural from Toe to Head - Home Remedies for Blackheads

A few home remedies to remove blackheads...

• Wash your face and rinse with warm water. Steam your face or use a hot wash cloth to open your pores. Take uncoated crunched up asprin and mix with enough fresh lemon juice to make a thick paste. Scrub affected area gently for up to a minute let paste set for 5. Rinse with cool water.
• Slices of Cooked Potato. I know I know but, but some people swear by this... simply boil a potato cut it into a couple of thin slices and place over the nose cover it with a cotton bandage of some sort (like an old tshirt ripped into strips) and affix it with medical tape leave over night and in the am the blackheads should be on the potato...
• Dried Basil Leaves: Place two to three teaspoons of dried basil leaves in one cup of boiling water. Allow the herb to steep for 10 to 20 minutes. When the mixture has cooled, apply to blackheads using a cotton ball let sit for about 5 minutes then rinse.
• Steam skin then apply a paste made with a little baking soda and water - leave on skin for about one minute then rinse (use 2 or 3 times a week)
• Coconut Milk or Soy and Unflavoured gelatin (agar flakes are a vegan opion) heat for 2 minutes over medium heat until gel is dissolved spread on nose wait until cool and pull off like you would a pour strip.

Natural from Toe to Head... Cures for Chapped Lips

A few tips for soft lips...
Resist licking your lips it will dry them out. 
Become addicted to lip balm

Drink plenty of water and take a good vitamin B complex.
Eat food that is rich in Vitamin B (like bell peppers, spinach, green peas, yams, broccoli, asparagus and turnip greens)
At the end of the day if your lips are still dry try an exfoliating treatment

Natural Lip Exfoliation
For smooth lips try making a paste of one of the following and gently scrub your lips with it before bed - follow with lip balm.

• Honey and Brown Sugar
• Honey and Baking Soda
• Fine Sea Salt & Grape Seed Oil
• Fresh Pineapple because it contains an enzyme call Bromelain will help gently break down the bonds holding dead cells onto healthy skin. Enzymes also strengthen healthy skin

Super Soft Lip Balm Recipe
2T of Shea Butter (Mango Butter, Cocoa Butter or Coconut Oil)
1t Beeswax
1 T of Virgin Olive Oil
1 Vitamin E Caplet (squished)
2 Drops of Carrot Oil
2 Drop of Peppermint Oil
Melt the butter and oils together over low heat in a stainless steel pot until warm add beeswax and heat until melted let cool a bit and stir in essential oils (if you have a stick blender use this in short bursts to mix the oils/wax/essential oils together). Pour into tubes or small pots and let cool


 

Natural from Toe To Head - Face & Neck Yoga

 A few exercises for the face and neck based called face yoga. I'm not sure if these work or not but, they can't hurt and they might help right? I'm going to give them a try for a few months. I'll repost if I find they are working... Facial Yoga

Natural from Toe to Head - Real Perfume Essential Oil Recipes

I have chemical allergies. Many fake "fragrances" set me off - coughing jags, headaches and the like. Not so fun. A couple of years ago I visited a Perfumery in Cairo. I was a little worried I'd have to turn around and leave if they were using anything at all that wasn't real. It turned out all the fragrances offered were naturally sourced using essential oils. Rows and rows of beautiful glass bottles filled with floral and spice essential oils and not a one caused a headache or coughing spell. Some Perfumers use synthesized chemicals and chemicals extracted from essential oils because they are often cheaper than using pure essential oils - you will find these in most cheaper commercially available perfumes, bodysprays and creams. Mixing up your own signature scent with essential oils is easy. Using essential oils for aromatherapy can also be a lot of fun. Below I've posted a few essential oil recipes I enjoy. 

To make your own aromatherapy perfume you will need to start with a base. 

Alcohol (vodka is the classic choice) or a carrier oil Jojoba is often used because it has a longer shelf life - almond or apricot kernel oil also work well and are way cheaper than jojoba. Or you can use a mix of the two. As a rule of thumb always blend your essential oils to start before adding them to your carrier. This way if you hate the blend you haven't wasted your carriers

* If you are pregnant there are some essential oils that you should stay away from. You can find a good list of these here

Guidelines

Essential oils can be categorized into groups based on aroma. Below is an example taken from Aromaweb which is packed with useful information on scent.

• Floral  (i.e. Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine)
• Woodsy (i.e. Pine, Cedar, Sandalwood)
• Earthy  (i.e. Oakmoss, Vetiver, Patchouli)
• Herbaceous (i.e. Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil)
• Minty  (i.e. Peppermint, Spearmint)
• Medicinal/Camphorous  (i.e. Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Tea Tree)
• Spicy  (i.e. Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon)
• Oriental   (i.e. Ginger, Patchouli)
• Citrus  (i.e. Orange, Lemon, Lime) 

As a general guideline oils in the same category usually blend well together. Some categories blend better together than others

• Florals And Woodsy
• Woodsy as a bottom note usually blend with all categories
• Spicy and Oriental
• Floral and Oriental 
• Floral and Citrus
• Citrus and Oriental
• Minty with Herbaceous
• Minty with Earthy
• Earthy with Herbaceous
• Minty with Medicinal

Carrier Oil Ratios: Around 15-20 drops of perfume blend per 1T
Alcohol Based Ratio: 60 drops of perfume blend per 4 1/4t of Vodka

Calm Me Down Blend

• 6 drops Lavender
• 8 drops Jasmine
  
• 2 drops Sandalwood
• 1T of of Jojoba or Vodka

Rise and Shine Blend

• 6 drops Peppermint
• 9 drops Fennel
• 2 drops Angelica
• 1T of Jojoba or Vodka

More things I love - Documentary The Power of Myth

So good...

Natural from Toe to Head - Dry Cracked Elbow Cure

 
Today's post is a simple surefire dry elbow cure. All you need is some salt and a lemon. Cut the lemon in half sprinkle it with salt and rest your elbows in the lemon halves for about 5 minutes. Rinse the lemon/salt off your skin and moisturize with a good heavy cream (not anything containing mineral oil or petroleum jelly as it won't absorb into your dry skin easily). Rosehip Body Butter or Coconut Oil will work well as an after treatment cream. Do this treatment 3 or more times a week for smooth soft elbows.

Full Moon in Pisces - Harvest Moon

Most often, the September full moon is called the Harvest Moon or the Corn Moon. Emotional depth is highlighted with this full moon. Many will find themselves reflecting on how they truly feel about themselves and how their relationships with others make them feel. We are reminded of the fluidity of time and how our emotional states can and do change. Letting go of anger or resentments towards others is easier during this time if we can observe our emotional states as something to learn from instead of simply "being in it" and reacting without knowing exactly where the emotion you are experience is coming from. This is a period of reflection and healing. Creativity is highlighted now - drawing, painting, writing music... anything that inspires you to express your emotional state will be good for you. 

Natural from Toe to Head - Flabby Arm Fix

Natural from Toe to Head - Fade Age & Sun Spots

  If you are old enough to be concerned about age and sun spots I've found a few natural recipes to help fade them. Age spots (sun spots, liver spots, lentigines) usually appear in people over the age of 40 and are generally harmless. Age spots can be caused by sun damage (years of sun worship). More seriously they can  can be caused by impaired liver function or dietary and nutritional deficiencies. As we get older and our metabolism changes we need to take better care that our livers are not over loaded with toxins. If your liver is struggling it can result in spots on the skin. "Oxidation within the body and a lack of antioxidants in your diet can also play an important role in the development of age spots." In addition to the topical recipes below to help fade the spots appearance I'm also putting a love your liver juice blend that will help your body to "push" your liver and get rid of excess toxins.


Apple Cider Vinegar: mixed with onion juice and applied directly to the skin is said to help remove age spots.

• Blend a whole medium sized chopped onion with a little water until pulpy in a blender
• Mix 1 to 1 with Apple Cider Vinegar (the good kind like Braggs)
• Dab on to age spots and let sit for at least a half hour. 
• Repeat daily for at least 6 weeks

Lemon Juice: Use the juice from a fresh squeezed lemon applied with a cotton ball nightly on your age spots. Over time the acids in the lemon juice will help to lighten them. Some people say mixing lemon juice and turmeic powder works really well too.

Castor Oil: Has been used by women for years to help remove age spots. Dab it on and leave over night as part of your routine (if the spots are on your hands invest in some cotton gloves to keep your sheets free of stains).


Internally:

• Apple Cider Vinegar is good for your liver take 1T full every morning to help keep your liver happy and healthy.
• Take a selenium supplement daily
• Take Vitamin E, 500 units per day
• Ginseng, Dandelion Root, Licorice, Gotu Kola and Sarsaparilla are also beneficial to the liver.

Love Your Liver Veggie Juice

• 1 carrot
• 1/2 small beet
• 1 stick celery
• 1 cucumber
• 1/4 Small Cabbage

Beets are especially great for pushing your liver to release toxins (no more than 1/2 beet per day).  Cabbage also contains compounds that help the liver function properly and are said to be great for fighting stomach ulcers. Celery and carrots are powerful intestinal cleansers and contribute to the detoxification process.
Drink in the mornings for breakfast to keep your liver and kidneys healthy.

Natural from Toe to Head - Hand Masks

A good way to keep your hands, nails and cuticles happy is to indulge ever few weeks by pampering your hands with a hand mask. You will need two largish zip lock baggies to do this and something to secure them around your wrists.

Dry Hand Rescue Mask

• 6T Flax Oil
• 3 Drops of Carrot Essential Oil
• 2T Olive Oil
• 2 Drops of Orange Oil

Wash your hands well (use a little cornmeal with your soap so they get a good scrub)... Mix all ingredients in one baggy - zip it up and let it float in hot water for about 1 minute to warm the oils. When your oil is warm remove the baggy and put one hand inside - squish baggy around until your hand is well coated with oil - remove your hand and put into the second baggy. Secure the baggy at your wrist repeat with the other hand (this can be a wee bit tricky but it is doable... Wrap your hands in a towel to keep the oil warm longer if you wish. Let your hands soak in the oil for half an hour or longer (great to do if you are watching a movie or a little tv).

Age Spot Hand Mask

• Juice of Half a Lemon
• 6T of Flax Oil
• 2T of Coconut Oil
• 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil

Apply as above. The acids in the lemon juice will help lighten ages spots on your hands. It will remove stains from nails. If your guy works with his hands (or you do) and you can talk him in to this - it is also great for removing oil stains and softening calluses.

Natural from Toe to Head - some great tips!

 Some great natural beauty tips from Sandy Gold of www.happiface.com

Natural from Toe to Head - Nail and Cuticle Conditioning Oil

Riding this out...

Do you have a theme song - something that repeats in your head that just sort of sums up things/where you are at? This is the song that keeps playing in my head lately (Imaginary Cities from Winnipeg - thanks to MJ for sending me the song).

Natural from Toe to Head - Detox Bath Recipe

Water has been a valuable therapeutic aid for centuries. The main function of  detox baths are to help your body to eliminate toxins and excess fat.
Baking soda and Epsom salts are used in fairly high quantities (1 cup of each for every 60lbs of body weight) in some detox bath recipes in order to help stimulate the lymphatic system. Epsom salt is said to be a natural anti-inflammatory and is a good source of magnesium (which can be absorbed through the skin). The high saline concentration in Espom Salts make the water denser than the body’s interstitial fluids, so in theory osmotic pressure will pull toxin-laden fluids out of the body.
Hydrogen peroxide: (half a 16oz bottle) along with epsom salts - never combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in the same bath recipe (you'll end up with a foamy mess.
Apple Cider Vinegar: (about 1 cup per bath) - it is believed that ACV will help restore the PH balance of your body if you are overly acidic - it is also great (just like sea salt or epsom salts) for muscle aches. Make your bath hot enough to make you sweat perspiration helps the body to rid itself of toxins.
Juniper: Is said to reduce cellulite. Juniper essential oil is a good diuretic, and is good for muscle aches and pains, it is also thought to help balance the PH in your system. Don't use juniper oil if you are pregnant or have sensitive skin.
Ginger:Will help your body to sweat. Throw a few fresh slices into your bath water - smells great and you will be surprised at how well it works. Ginger is great in a bath if you have a cold or fever (or check out my old posting on Mustard Baths - which work really well if you are feeling run down)

Basic Detox Bath

• 3 Cups of Epsom Salts
• 2 Cups of Baking Soda
• 1/4 Cup of Sea Salt
• 6 Drops of Juniper Essential Oil (or several slices of fresh ginger)

Mix Epsom Salts, Baking Soda and Sea Salt in a large jar - give it a good shake add essential oil if you are using it. If you are using fresh ginger add it when you are drawing your bath. 

Natural from Toe to Head - Natural Razor Rash Remedies

 

If you've used an older razor, have sensitive skin or haven't cleaned your razor properly before using it - you've probably experienced razor rash or bumps.  Razor bumps are most often caused by a freshly shaven hair that has been cut at an angle, which makes it more sharp. The hair curls back against the skin, penetrating the skin and causing the body react by treating it like an infection causing painful swelling and the tell-tale red bumps. Below are a few natural cures to sooth your skin

Aloe: A leaf cut open and the goo applied straight to the rash works wonders
Asprin Tablets: Crush 2 or 3 tablets in to a little water just enough to make a paste. Rub paste on the effected area
Tea Tree Oil: Mixed with water in a spritzer bottle -- spray on your skin a few minutes after shaving
Deodorant: (see my posting from last week on how to make it) keep a separate stick for your bikini area apply it right after shaving.
Rubbing Alcohol: For your razor not on your face! Rinsing your razor before and after use with a little rubbing alcohol will help keep it clean.

Natural from Toe to Head - Shaving Oil

Using a shaving oil is a good idea if you have sensitive or dry skin. Shaving oil can be used solo or under rubbed on before you apply your shaving soap (to give it some more slip and will keep your razor from skipping or nicking).

Shaving Oil

• 1/4C Glycerin
• 1/2C Almond Oil
• 2C Olive Oil
• 2 Vitamin E capsules squished
• 5-10 Drops of your favourite essential oil

A few drops rubbed on to the area to be shaved will do the job (you don't need to use too much - remember your shaving soap will be going on over top of it)

Natural from Toe to Head - Natural Shaving Soap

Shaving Soap is much more decadent than using foam in a can. A note on the brush - you can buy ones with synthetic bristles not all are made from animal hair. The difference between making regular soap and shaving soap is the addition of clay - which will make your soap more creamy.

Shaving Soap 
(this will make a lot of soap so have several clay bowls/tins or whatever you want your soap to be in ready)

• 1.5C of Olive Oil
• 1.5C of Coconut Oil
• 5T of Castor Oil
• 10T of Lye
• 1C of water
• 2.5T of Clay (Bentonite, Kaolin, Rhassoul or Fuller's Earth)
• Between 20-30 Drops of Essential Oil

Now for the tricky part.

Make your Lye solution.
Be very careful when handling this it can burn your skin - remember what happened in Fight Club! So wear heavy rubber safety gloves and goggles (yep I said goggles).

• You will need container to mix a plastic jug works well or a mason jar (be careful though this is going to get super hot don't put it in something that will break)
• Add your 10T of Lye to the 1C of water the recipe calls for sloooooowly and stir being very very careful not to splash - wear your gloves and goggles! (ALWAYS ad lye to water and not the other way around - you will have a bubbling mess if you try it this way) - set this aside someplace very safe --- far away from children or anyone who may not no what you are up to - consider labeling it if you think it will be sitting unused for a little while.

Mix your Oils
Put the oils one by one into whatever you are using to mix them up

Heat It Up

• Pour your oils into a your soap making pot (a cheat used one from a garage sale or the salvation army will do)
• Heat over medium heat until your coconut oil has melted
• Now add your clay and keep mixing
•  Using a thermometer if you have one heat your oils until they reach about 100 degrees (warm to the touch but not hot)
• Turn off your stove
• SLOWLY SLOWLY add the lye water use a long handled metal spoon to gently stir (or use a stick blender not turned on yet)... oils will go cloudy at this point
• When you are done adding the lye start turning on the stick blender in short bursts (3-5 seconds) then stir then burst with the blender stick - you will see your soap starting to come together at this point. Keep blending until everything is mixed together.
• When it is completely blended but not thickening yet add slowly add your essential oils. 
• Pour your soap into tins, clay dishes or whatever you want to use as your shaving soap holders.
• Let cool and voila - shaving soap

* If this is all to much try melting shaved soap bars (something pure like ivory) and add your clay and oils and let reharden in your cup(s)

Natural from Toe to Head - Sugaring

Sugaring isn't new women in countries like Egypt and India have been doing this to remove unwanted hair for generations. I'm blonde with fine hair. I find sugaring doesn't work well for me but, I have friends with darker hair on their legs who swear by it. Below is a good recipe if you'd like to give it a try...


Leg Sugar

• 1 cup sugar (brown or cane)
• Half a lemon for the juice
• 1/2 cup honey (if you are vegan and don't believe in using honey double up on the sugar)
• A little bit of Molasses (only if you have it and just a teaspoon of it - it will work without but, the molasses helps give it some thickness)
• Cornstarch to pre dust your legs with
• Something flat to spread it on with like a butter knife or a popsicle stick
• Cotton fabric torn into strips (something thin like cloth diapers or an old tea towel)

* First off make sure you have at least a half inch to one inch of hair growth on your legs -- if your hair is too short this won't work. 
Mix lemon, sugar, and honey in a heavy saucepan heat until the mix bubbles and is thick looking. If you make candy use your thermometer - heat until 250F (hardball candy stage). Heat on LOW heat so you don't burn yourself and/or make a mess. Don't the mix until it has cooled down a lot but is still warm. Pour your mix into a jar (make sure it heat safe as you will be reheating your mix in the future using a microwave or in a pan of water). Have your 1" fabric strips ripped and ready.
Make sure your legs or where ever you wish to place it is clean and dry. Then dust area with cornstarch so you are working with a nice dry surface. Spread a thin layer of the warm (not hot!) sugar mix on to your leg. Cover with a strip of fabric, and rub the strip the opposite way of hair growth, a few times.
Grab the fabric end and pull it off quickly like you are pulling off a bandaid. Yes this will hurt a bit - of course it will you are ripping hair out of your body! Reheat the mix if it gets too hard to spread using a shallow pan of simmering water float your jar in it until it is warm again. Your leftovers will store for months sealed in their jar in a cool dry place.

Natural from Toe to Head - Leg Scrub Recipes

Did you know that before shaving (or waxing) your legs it is a good idea to do a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin?  A variety of items can be used to make exfoliants. The great thing about making your own scrubs is you can pick scents/scrubs from things you already have on hand or to suit your mood. Most of the ingredients used in homemade scrubs are a lot less expensive than store bought options (and best of all no yuck chemicals!)

A few ideas for a scrub bases:

• Coffee: Coffee grounds are a great option to use as a base for a leg scrub - reason - the caffeine in coffee grounds has added benefits.  It is believed that coffee grounds when used as a scrub can help to decrease the formation of cellulite. When applied topically coffee grounds can tighten, and shrink blood vessels which can help in eliminating varicose & spider veins. (a note on this - it makes a mess in the tub- use it in the shower not a bath - and be ready to give your tub a scrub after! Well worth the effort though - I used some last night and my legs feel great)

• Salt: Pink, Kosher, Sea, Table, Epsom take your pick. Salts with a finer grain are nice because they won't have edges like some of the bigger grinds that can scratch your skin. If you are going to use a salt that has a coarse grind - put it through a coffee grinder or in a high speed blender to break it down a bit first. Salts are detoxifying and help your muscles to relax. Dead sea salt (if you can find it) is supposed to help with psoriasis. Don't use a salt scrub if you have any cuts or irritations - what they say about salt in a wound is true.

• Sugar: Brown sugar is gentler than white and has a nice scent (and is probably the most popular type to use). Sugar scrubs don't have the muscle relaxing or detoxifying properties of a salt scrub but, they are much gentler and probably are a better option for people with irritated, dry or sensitive skin.

• Cornmeal: Is useful for exfoliating dry skin (I've been using it for years - I have dry sensitive skin and it is my favourite in facial scrubs). 

• Baking Soda: When made into a thick paste and rubbed on the skin in a circular motion it is a great way to exfoliate

Scrub Recipes 

Coffee Sandalwood Legs a Go-Go Scrub

• 1.5 cup of dry coffee grounds
• 1/2 Cup sea salt
• 1/2 C of Oil (almond/coconut/sesame/olive)
• 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil 
• *smells sooo good and makes your legs silky soft!

Citrus Salt Glow

• ½ cup sea salt
• ½ cup sweet almond oil (coconut oil or sesame oil)
• ½ tsp finely grated lemon/lime or grapefruit zest (finely grated ginger is really nice too)

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Smoothing Scrub 

• 1 cup brown sugar
  1/4 cup almond oil (or coconut)
  2 capsules vitamin E
  6 drops vanilla
  2 drops cinnamon essential oil (or just a dash of dry cinnamon)

Cornmeal Lavender Scrub

• 2 Cups Cornmeal
• 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
• 2 Drops of Lavender essential oil

Baking Soda Leg Shine Scrub

• 3 Cups Baking Soda
• 1/4 Olive Oil
• 4 Drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions

Combine ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Before showering, give it a shake or a stir, then apply to legs in a circular scrubbing motion with hand or soft washcloth - wash off in shower or bath then shave (or wax) if you do as per usual and notice how much smoother your legs feel.  My next post will be on natural shaving creams/soaps/waxes.

Natural from Toe to Head - Slim Legs

A good set of exercises to tone up and slim down your legs. Leg Scrub recipes tomorrow :)

Natural from Toe to Head - Toe Nail Care

 
How to cut them:
I've been told by my Esthetician that toe nails are best trimmed straight across with no tapering or rounding on the corners. Cut your toenails by using a clean, sharp toe nail clipper and cut the toenails no shorter than the edge of the toe. Keep in mind, curved toe nail edges can cause in-grown nails - buff out any sharp edges the clipper leaves with a nail file.

Fungus oh no!
Toe nail fungus infection will in many cases change the colour of the nail. Fungus infects both finger and toenails and is common. The toenail can become yellowish or brownish in color, develop streaks and marks and sometimes not smell so great. People who who enjoy swimming pools, gyms, and use shared dressing rooms are more likely to have this problem. Another reason for toenail fungus is bad foot hygiene.

A few things that might help:

• Probiotics (kombucha yum!), Olive Oil which is a natural anti-fungal and Garlic in the foods you eat help your immune system stay strong.
• Tea-tree oil is said to be great at curing toe nail fungus if rubbed into the nails nightly, as is oregano oil, and sage oil which have antiseptic and antibacterial properties in addition to being an anti-fungal. 
• Apple cider vinegar/White Vinegar is an age old cure of toe nail fungus - soak feet in a foot bath with one cup added or rub on your toes directly

In order to avoid toenail fungus it is recommended to always wash and dry your feet properly after working out, swimming or even if your feet have been wet or not. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, socks or shoes with anyone, especially those who have toenail fungus. If you have toenail fungus, keep your nail trimmed short and avoid applying nail polish so that your nails can breathe.

Source: Dailyglow

Nail Polish:

Okay so they aren't chemical free but, sometimes a girl just has to paint her toes blue you know? Here are the best "friendly" polishes I know of - If you have any other brands you use that you use I'd love to hear about them

1. Suncoat Water -based Nail Polish:
   A water based nail polished that won the Canadian Alive Award of Excellence in 2004 and 2005. In Suncoat water-based nail polish, the chemical solvents (toluene and acetates etc) are replaced by water. Most of the colours are vegan - there is a list on their site of which ones are and aren't.
2. Zoya:  Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl, Phthalate (DBP and Camphor free, Vegan. The brainchild of Zoya Reyzis who, as a pregnant aesthetician and salon owner in 1984, realized the need for a healthier and more durable solution. 

*I've put links to these products and other things I've mentioned in my Amazon Store section as well to make them easier to find.

Natural from Toe to Head - Foot Scrubs & Lotion Recipes

One of the best ways to exfoliate feet (my favourite) is to go for a walk barefoot on a beach... If you don't have a beach near by or it is too cold you may want to give one of these a try.

Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5T coconut oil
  
• 2 drops of tea tree
  
• 5 drops peppermint oil
• 1/4C of coarse sea salt

Directions:

Combine ingredients. Store in a small glass  jar. Should be crumbly wet feet before scrubbing.

Tingley Foot Sugar Warming Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/4C Brown Sugar (or try cornmeal for extra scrub)
• /14C Almond or Coconut Oil
• 6 drops Orange Essential Oil
• 1 drop Ginger Essential Oil
• 1 tsp Powdered Cayenne Pepper

Directions:

Mix it all together add cayenne powder last. Warm up the mix before using (if you are in the tub store it in a water tight container and just let it sit in your bathwater for a minute or two to warm it.

Soothing Foot Oil
1/4C Coconut Oil (will melt as you rub it on to your skin)
20 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 Vit E capsules (poke them with a pin squish out the goo and mix it in)

Play with essential oils you can use almost anything you like. Sandalwood is also really nice. I keep mine in the fridge until I use it in a glass jar.

Natural from Toe to Head - Callus and Corn Relief

Before doing anything it might be a good idea to try to figure out out what is causing your calluses and corns. If you have shoes that are rubbing your feet in all the wrong places or just don't fit properly - ditch them - I know it isn't easy but, just think new shoes!

• Trim your toenails if your toe nail is too long it can force the joint of your toe to push up against your shoe and will make the toe form a corn (eww) - so keep those nails trimmed down and smoothed.

• Pumice Stones. If you don't have one of these yet run out and get one. After soaking your foot in warm water for about 20 minutes, use a pumice stone to rub away corns and calluses. Pumice stones are made from lava "froth" that has hardened they have large pores that help with exfoliation of dead skin. Used regularly these little rocks will help keep your feet smooth and callus free.
• Ice it. Hard corns can be very painful. If you have a corn try applying an ice pack to the area. This will help reduce swelling and ease the pain a bit.
• Lemon juice. Mix a paste of 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 5 or 6 crushed aspirin tablets. Apply the paste directly to your callus, and wrap your foot in a plastic bag. Keep your foot under wraps for ten minutes, allowing the acidity to soften your callus. Then give your callus a rub with a pumice stone.
• Castor oil is a super thick oil (available at drugstores). Before going to bed, try dipping a cotton pad or ball in castor oil, applying it over the affected area, and taping it in place using a small piece of adhesive tape or rub your whole foot down with it and put on an old pair of socks. *Castor oil should not be applied over broken skin.
• Soak feet Epsom Salts and warm water for approximately 20 minutes will help to soften the skin and reduce swelling.
• Prepare a paste by grinding three or four liquorice sticks and mixing with half a teaspoon of sesame oil or mustard oil rub into the hardened skin at bedtime – will gradually decrease corn in size.
• Get some turmeric powder and add little drops of water and make a paste. Scrub the corn a little and apply the turmeric paste over the corn. Place some cotton over the paste and bandage it so that the turmeric paste stays over the corn. Do this every night when you sleep for a week and the corn will vanish without a trace or a need for surgery.
  

If you are suffering consider investing in a good pair of arch supports and orthotics.  Arch supports and orthotics can help correct a wide range biomechanical foot problems that can be behind some people's corns and calluses. Consult a podiatrist and inquire about using orthotics/arch supports if you are in pain - they can make a world of difference.

Natural from Toe to Head - Dry, Cracked Feet Rescue

Many people have issues with dry, cracked feet - with a little tender tootsie care you can help your feet to heal naturally. Cracked feet (especially around the heels) can be more than a little uncomfortable. If the skin on your feet is itchy, flaky or your heels are so cracked they bleed a few of the things below in addition to dry skin may be causing the problem...

• standing for long periods
• obesity
• wearing cheap shoes
• diabetes, thyroid disorders, skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema)
• Heel spurs
• Excessively sweaty feet
• If you are a runner or avid hiker your feet can dry out in the spots that rub against your shoes
• Age (as you age your skin becomes thicker) 
• Living in a cold climate

 Soothing/Moisturizing Foot Treatment

• Add 1 cup of epsom salts to warm water in your foot basin or foot bucket
• Soak your feet for at least 15 minutes and use a pumice stone to rub away any dry /flaky spots.
• After soaking your feet scrub them with a mixture of 1/2C of warmed honey (or aloe vera gel) and 1/2 cup of cornmeal mixed rub your feet well including between your toes and giving special attention to any dry spots.
• Wash your feet with a good castle soap and warm water and dry them well.
• Pick out some old socks and rub your feet down liberally with warmed olive oil or coconut oil place them into plastic bags (no I'm not kidding) and secure the bags so they are air tight at the top (loose plastic bands work well - make sure they aren't too tight around your legs!).
• Next in your cleaned out foot basin refill with warm water and soak your feet for another 15-20 minutes to allow the oil to be absorbed. 

If you don't have time for all this try putting coconut or olive oil on your feet nightly after cleaning them well and cover your feet in old socks so you don't ruin your sheets. It is a bit of work to heal dry, cracked feet but, well worth the effort.

Natural Foot Care - Stinky Feet Fix

The first post in my natural from toe to head green over is a few tips and a foot soak recipe to keep your feet smelling sweet. Did you know there are more than a quarter of a million sweat glands in your feet? That is more than under your arms or in any other part of your body. In addition to the obvious - wash your feet every day with a good quality soap and warm water and make sure they are dry, dry, dry - I've posted a few more tips and a recipe for a foot bath below.
 
Smelly Feet Fix Foot Bath

• 1/4C of Baking Soda
• Enough warm (to hot) water to fill your foot soak bowl or bucket
• 4 Drop of Tea Tree Oil
• 4 Drop of Sage Oil
• 1/4 of Sea Salt

This recipe works because baking soda, tea tree, and sea salt all have strong antibacterial agents which will help to kill any bacteria causing smells. Sage oil is said to help reduce sweating by up to 50% (also great in deodorants). Tea tree and salt are also good for fighting any possible fungal infections caused by things like athlete's foot.

After you soak your feet take a natural fiber foot brush (or pumice stone) and give them a good brushing to remove any dead skin then rinse your feet with warm water. If the skin or your feet feels really dry after this try rubbing in some aloe vera with a little peppermint, sage or tea tree oil mixed in.


Other people have reported good results from soaking in...

• 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar added to warm water  (also great for killing off fungus) or 
• Soaking their feet in a black tea soak (4 bags per foot soak - steep your tea in boiling water and let it cool down) - the tannins in the tea constrict your pours and are a great astringent.

In addition to the soak make sure you...

• wear good quality shoes
• wear cotton, hemp or wool socks that breathe (try a few different kinds and see what works for you)
• Keep your feet DRY
• Try sprinkling some baking soda and cornstarch on your feet or into your socks/shoes in the am after you shower to help keep them dry.
• Rub your feet with a little sage oil and or tea tree oil to help keep the smelly at bay - especially between your toes and into your toe nails. 
• Throw away old stinky shoes they have likely picked up the bacteria that is making your feet smell - try liberally sprinkling baking soda in the stinky shoe first or lace-up and let it set overnight. Dump out the powder in morning. If they still smell get rid of the shoes they can reinfect your feet even after you've taken steps to de funkafy your feet. 
• Try putting fresh lavender into old socks and tying a knot at the end. Stuff your lavender socks into your shoes every night to help them stay fresh and sweet smelling.
• If you live in a cold climate stick your shoes in a freezer bag and put them outside over night (or in to your deep freeze) - this will kill most bacteria and help kill the smells in your shoes.
• Switch up your shoes, don't wear the same pair for days on end
• Try to buy shoes that breathe,
• Walk around barefoot at home to let your feet air out.

Natural from toe to head - Beauty Routine Greenover

Inspired by how well my homemade deodorant and toothpaste are working I've decided to dedicate the next several postings to a toe to head beauty routine greenover. Everything I post will be either homemade options or the best chemical free/yuck free bought options I've found. I'll go from the ground up my first posting will be on feet...

World Humanitarian Day

The United Nations has declared August 19th World Humanitarian Day. This day dedicated to honoring humanitarian aid workers who help millions of people in need around the world. If you would like to learn more I've included a link...

http://ochaonline.un.org/whd/index.html



If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.  ~Betty Reese