It is important to educate yourself on the ingredients that you bring into your home.  Think about the goal you are seeking for each product you choose.  Do you want to moisturize your skin? Are you trying to heal a skin ailment?   If you are purchasing a petroleum, lanolin, or mineral oil based moisturizer or salve, you may have trouble reaching these goals.  Although these ingredients can be helpful in other ways, they create a barrier on your skin which inhibits proper absorption.  If you are purchasing a product that contains calendula because you have read that it is good for the skin, make sure it is made with ingredients that won’t prohibit absorption.  Otherwise, what is the point?  If your skin is unable to absorb that wonderful herb,  then you may not be getting the benefits that you seek.

What should you be looking for on your skin care labels?  Keep your eyes open for ingredients that are easily absorbable by the skin.  Natural butters (shea, cocoa, mango, etc.) and natural oils (jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, etc) have a symbiotic relationship with your body and are easily absorbable through your pores.  These ingredients are also packed with vitamins and minerals which benefit your body greatly.  As always, consult a doctor if you are pregnant or have medical conditions before using a new product.  

Want to know more about the potential dangers of mainstream cosmetic and skin care products?  The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization committed to independent health research in order to inform and educate.  

To see their research, visit:  http://www.ewg.org/search/site/1%2C4-dioxane%20is%20fairly%20widespread%20among%20cosmetic%20products.

~Abby

Lavender For Life

Aaaaaah….Lavender!  It always provides that calm sense of reassurance that everything is alright.  The scent immediately penetrates my mind with the wise words of Bob Marley, “Don’t worry, about a thing.  Because every little thing, is ‘gonna’ be alright!”  Lavender essential oil is usually the gateway for most people into the powerful world of essential oils.  It is gentle yet effective and has one of the most diverse uses for your physical, mental and emotional states.  It is the most versatile natural essential oil that benefits your health and home.

LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR BODY

Studies have shown that lavender has powerful antibacterial, antibiotic and antiseptic properties.  It is great for the skin and can help many ailments.   It may be used to soothe and cleanse cuts and scrapes, and other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and burns.  I use lavender oil on many of my massage clients, since it does not contain much of an allergen effect.  I find that it helps to ease muscle tension and sore muscles.  It also has been effective in soothing mild headaches.  

LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR MIND

In my experience, lavender oil tends to create a general feeling of balance and relaxation.  It calms the mind and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.  I often put a few drops in my toddler’s night time bath to help ease him into a relaxed state of mind which makes bedtime a smoother transition for him.  

LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR EMOTIONS

It has been suggested that Lavender may help with depression, since it improves your mood and may reduce feelings of anxiety.  It can have a very gentle and subtle effect on the nervous system and can facilitate feelings of calmness and balance.  I really enjoy diffusing lavender oil when I am practicing restorative yoga, or taking an epsom salt bath!

Although I have read about the benefits of taking lavender oil internally, I only use it topically, in a diffuser, or diluted in a bath.  When choosing your own essential oils, be sure to choose one that is 100% pure therapeutic grade.  As always, if you are pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician before introducing something new to your body.

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