Organic toothpaste; milk and antioxidants

More from my discussion with ONEgroup, about certified organic products.

Lucie: Clients have asked which ingredients prevent dental caries, in Miessence toothpaste and mouthwash. Dentists say fluoride is the key ingredient.

ONEgroup: Our toothpastes mainly consist of sodium bicarbonate, which has been used as a dentifrice for hundreds of years, and a known tooth brightener with a very low abrasive action. In solution it will kill micro-organisms associated with dental infections. It will also kill other disease-related bacteria. And it will help neutralise and detoxify the bacterial acids and toxins that form in plaques (bacterial biofilms).

Sea salt is also an excellent cleaning agent. It increases saliva, which helps dilute and wash away harmful bacteria. It is an effective antiseptic, which makes it perfect for our mouthwash.

Lucie: Can people use milk and hot water for the Berry Radical Antioxidant, and drink it as a tea? I’ve read that milk stops the absorption of antioxidants. Is the answer to use coconut milk, reis milk or soya milk?

ONEgroup: Hot water is OK. It’s oxygen exposure that is the enemy of antioxidants. A study of milk and antioxidant polyphenols in tea showed that the milk blocked the absorption of the antioxidants in the tea. We are erring on the side of caution until I can have it confirmed further.

See organic products

See related blog ‘The rules for certified organics’

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘   or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

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Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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When are products truly organic?

Here’s a Q and A between me and ONEgroup, who produce Miessence, a certified organic product range.

Lucie: When products labelled ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ have no chemicals or preservatives listed, are they truly organic products?’

ONEgroup: The only real signs of truly organic products are the certification logos. This proves that the products have passed the strict organic standards and comply completely to these guidelines.

Lucie: Is there a law that every product label must show all the ingredients?

ONEgroup: Yes, there are some guidelines about listing ingredients. To comply with the European Union Cosmetic Product Regulations, we are now required to list the components found in essential oils.

We only purchase from suppliers that have authentic organic certification. This is a requirement of processing certified organic products.  If there’s no organic certificate, it ain’t certified!

Lucie: Why are so many companies that make organic products not certified?

ONEgroup: You’d have to ask the company, but the most likely reason is that they don’t actually comply with the standards!

See organic products

See related blog ‘The rules for certified organics’

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘   or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Long-term effects of toxins

It seems that usually the amount of harmful chemicals and toxins in products and foods is very limited, so people don’t feel they can be affected immediately. But it’s hard to know the long-term effects of choosing a non-organic lifestyle.

The amount of toxins and chemicals added is not large enough to do immediate harm, but it is the accumulative effect that you need to consider. On average, people use nine personal-care products every single day. This adds up when you are exposed from babyhood. Add to this the increased number of pesticides used to produce our foods, the introduction of GMO foods, environmental and air pollution, and our bodies are soon in toxic overload.

Choosing an organic lifestyle means you buy into a philosophy that will contribute to better health, is kinder to the environment, safeguards the welfare of animals and enhances the working conditions of the people who make their living in agriculture.

See ‘Organic products’

See related blog ‘Deodorants and breast cancer’ or watch the video

See more ‘About organics’

See more ‘Toxins and chemicals’

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Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Organic soap

Jena came to me this morning as we were at the supermarket. She was looking for organic hand soap, but all the soaps have sodium laureth sulfate and mineral oil, which she is not allowed to use. Jena has cancer and said the doctors told her she can’t use any personal/ beauty products with chemicals or toxins. When I asked why, she said it was because they may interfere with chemotherapy.

She got Miessence certified organic hand soap (chemical and toxin free) and went happily to her painting course .

What is your opinion about it? I researched those two ingredients, and they don’t look friendly.

‘Sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with toxic impurities many of which are link to cancer.’

‘Mineral oil (look under ‘health’) may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal.

More toxic ingredients info

See organic ingredients

Look for these ingredients in soap:  Extra virgin coconut, lemon myrtle essential oil, rose oil, guar gum, olive oil.

Watch the video ‘Organic soap’

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

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Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Good food for normal/combination skin

If you have this type of skin, you’re lucky. Why? Because you don’t need to worry so much about what you put on it.  But you should still nourish it – here are some yummy foods.

• Organic rosehip seed oil. Bright orange, unrefined rosehip seed oil is used to reduce scarring and facial lines, soften scars and retard premature aging. It is high in vitamin F (essential fatty acids).
• Jojoba oil is a yellow liquid wax pressed from the bean of the desert jojoba plant. It contains a waxy substance, similar to skin sebum, which gives a silky smooth feel. Jojoba has excellent moisturising and protective effects; it penetrates deeply. It is useful for acne, eczema, inflamed skin and psoriasis, and seems to have some possible benefits in preventing hair loss.
• Calendula is antiseptic and anti-fungal and contains hormone and Vitamin A precursors to help soothe, heal, and restore skin
• Chamomile extract has counter-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is excellent for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
• Olive leaf extract is a unique anti-oxidant. It protects your skin from free-radical damage. It also reduces skin damage caused by pollution and UV radiation, therefore protecting the skin from photo aging. And it improves skin hydration and elasticity.
• Lavender. The pure essential oil from the freshly cut tops of lavender flowers is useful for all skin since it regulates sebum production. It fosters the regeneration of new skin cells and soothes inflamed skin.
• Marshmallow leaf has been used since ancient times as an anti-inflammatory to soothe and heal the skin. Its other name, althea, comes from a Greek word meaning healing. It is said to control oily skin and soothe allergic skin reactions.
• Pink clay is softening, refining, and toning. Pink clay is intended as a maintenance program for the face.
• Organic orange peel oil. The pure essential oil expressed from the peel of ripe oranges is astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, toning and cleansing. Orange oil can cause increased skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light if left on the skin.

I used (love) and recommend these 100% organic treatments:

Cleanser

Skin Conditioner

Moisturizer

Pink Clay Mask

Watch the video ‘Good food for normal/ combination skin’

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Good food for sensitive skin

Oh, our precious sensitive skin. We really have to take care of it, using soothing and calming food. If not, it will pay you back with redness, itchiness, irritation. Here’s some food for happy skin.

• Organic bergamot. Pure essential oil of bergamot is expressed from the peel of the citrus fruit. It is refreshing, uplifting and can be relaxing. It also has antiseptic properties.
• Chamomile extract has counter-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is excellent for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
• Red clay is an oily, mildly absorbent clay, and is used for sensitive skin or spider veins. Red clay has a high iron oxide content which enhances the skins appearance and condition.
• Organic St Johns Wort flowering herb is soothing, anti-inflammatory and is used for sensitive skin. It is also used as a skin tightener.
• The pure essential oil from the freshly cut tops of lavender flowers is useful for all skin, since it regulates sebum production. It fosters the regeneration of new skin cells, and soothes inflamed skin.
• Horsechestnut seed is an excellent treatment for blotchy and sensitive skin. It helps to strengthen capillaries and is anti-inflammatory.
• The pure essential oil from Roman chamomile flowers is antiseptic, astringent and has healing properties for dermatitis, eczema, acne and rashes. It is especially effective in treating sensitive, dry and inflamed skin.
• Calendula is antiseptic and anti-fungal and contains hormone and Vitamin A precursors to help soothe, heal, and restore skin
• Carrot seed has regenerating and toning effects, which is excellent for mature and congested skin, spider veins and eczema.

I recommend these 100% organic treatments:

Cleanser

Skin Conditioner

Moisturizer

Red Clay Mask

Watch the  video ‘Good food for sensitive skin’

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Good food for dry skin

What would happen if you treated dry skin with ingredients for oily skin? Imagine eating food that disagreed with you. You end up with more problems. So the answer is to give your skin the right food.   

• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) has been used for centuries in skin care. Its strength lies in its ability to revitalize tissue. It is excellent for the skin.
• Hops. Hops are the female flowers of the hop plant. They are antiseptic, soothing, toning and astringent. They may also be effective against cysts.
• Chamomile extract has counter-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is excellent for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
• Gotu Kola herb is one of the reported elixirs of life, as is ginseng. Gotu Kola is said to be useful for stressed skin, and to heal wounds, dermatitis, inflammations. It is a valued skin tonic.
• Horsetail herb is recommended by the herbalist Kneipp to heal tumours and cancer. It is an effective remedy for psoriasis, dandruff, eczema and similar skin conditions. It has also been praised for its ability to reduce swelling of the eyelids and heal wounds.
• Unrefined avocado oil, which is dark green, contains vitamins A, B1, B2, Pantothenic acid and E as well as lecithin. It is excellent for dry and wrinkled skin and has outstanding regenerative properties and restructuring powers to keep skin soft and moisturized. It protects skin from drying and makes it more elastic. Avocado oil is one of the few vegetable oils not derived from seeds; it is pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the avocado pit.
• Rosehip seed oil. Bright orange, unrefined rosehip seed oil is used to reduce scarring and facial lines, soften scars and retard premature aging. It is high in vitamin F (essential fatty acids).
• Stinging nettle leaf is said to increase micro-circulation of the skin. It stimulates metabolism and is used in the treatment of dark circles around the eyes.
• Roman chamomile. The pure essential oil from Roman chamomile flowers is antiseptic and astringent, and has healing properties for dermatitis, eczema, acne and rashes. It is especially effective in treating sensitive, dry and inflamed skin.
• Rose. Essential rose oil (also referred to as rose otto) is recognised worldwide as the ultimate rose oil. Approximately 4000 kilograms of petals are required to produce 1 kilogram of pure rose oil. The oil fights many bacteria and viruses, and promotes the healing of wounds and reduces inflammation. It is a natural cleanser for acne, an aid in menstrual complaints, calms the nerves and relieves strained and puffy eyes.
• Natural white clay, organic horsetail and nettle to help renew the skin’s surface, promoting a smooth, clear texture.

I recommend these 100% organic treatments:

Cleanser

Skin Conditioner

Moisturizer

White Clay Mask

Rejuvenating Facial Serum (I use/love it it’s the Natural & Organic Awards 2008 Finalist the Best Organic Facial Skincare  Product)

Watch the video ‘Good food for dry skin’

See related blog ‘Treating a wrinkles’ or watch the  video

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Good food for blemishes

Most of us know that feeling when a spot is just below the surface – we just want to get rid of it. No way do we want to nourish blemishes, but you can apply some organic ingredients that will send them away.

• Organic thyme extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the shrub. Thyme is antimicrobial and astringent. Traditionally it has been used as a gargle for sore throats and for soothing coughs.
• Plantain leaf is said to soothe and heal many skin conditions. It is toning, astringent (contracts skin tissues), and reduces oil secretions of the skin.
• Echinacea herb is used internally as a blood purifier. Externally, it helps speed the healing of skin conditions caused by acne, eczema and other problems. Firms and tones the skin. 
• Natural green clay is the most absorbent of the clays and is excellent for acne and oily skin. Green clay cleanses, exfoliates, smoothes and softens the skin.
• Marshmallow leaf has been used since ancient times as an anti-inflammatory to soothe and heal the skin. Its other name, althea, comes from a Greek word meaning healing. It is said to control oily skin and soothe allergic skin reactions.
• Witch hazel leaf extract soothes inflamed skin. It is astringent and anti-inflammatory.
• Organic lavender. The pure essential oil from the freshly cut tops of lavender flowers is useful for all skin since it regulates sebum production. It fosters the regeneration of new skin cells and soothes inflamed skin.
• Lemon myrtle. The pure essential oil of lemon myrtle leaves and twigs is a potent antibacterial and antiseptic. It is excellent for acne conditions and oily skin.
• Tea tree. The pure essential oil from the leaves of the Tea Tree is a potent antiseptic and anti-bacterial and is excellent for the treatment of acne.

I use (love) and recommend these 100% organic treatments:

Purifying Gel

Natural Green Clay Mask

Skin Brightener

Watch the video ‘Good food for blemishes’

See related blog ‘Good food for oily skin’ or watch the video

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Good food for oily skin 

Many of us have fought the battle with oily skin, right? We don’t like the shine and oiliness, or the spots. The good news is that oily skin is not dry – and it will eventually go away. Also, we can treat our spotty faces with certain foods. Believe me, after being attacked by blemishes for two months (I gave up the contraceptive pill), I now have it under control – thanks to the ingredients below!

• The pure essential oil from the peel of ripe lemons is astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic and cleansing. When applied to oily skin it can help reduce sebum production. Lemon oil can cause increased skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light if left on the skin.
• Witch hazel leaf extract soothes inflamed skin. It is astringent and anti-inflammatory
• Burdock root has been used as a remedy against skin cancer in Chile, China, India, Canada and Russia. Herbalists praise it as an excellent remedy for acne and eczema. Burdock is said to restore the smoothness of the skin and promote hair growth.
• Green clay is the most absorbent of the clays and is excellent for acne and oily skin. Green clay cleanses, exfoliates, smoothes and softens the skin.
• Echinacea herb is used internally as a blood purifier. Externally, it helps speed the healing of skin conditions caused by acne, eczema and other problems. Firms and tones the skin. 
• Organic lavender. The pure essential oil from the freshly cut tops of lavender flowers, is useful for all skin since it regulates sebum production. It fosters the regeneration of new skin cells and soothes inflamed skin.
•  Lemon myrtle. The pure essential oil of lemon myrtle leaves and twigs is a potent antibacterial and antiseptic. It is excellent for acne conditions and oily skin.
• Plantain leaf is said to soothe and heal many skin conditions. It is toning, an astringent (contracts skin tissues), and reduces oil secretions of the skin.
• Calendula is antiseptic and anti-fungal, and contains hormone and Vitamin A precursors to help soothe, heal, and restore skin.
• Tea tree. The pure essential oil from the leaves of the tea tree is a potent antiseptic and anti-bacterial, and is excellent for treating acne.

I use, love and recommend these 100% certified organic treatments:

Cleanser

Skin conditioner

Moisturizer

Green clay mask

Watch the video ‘Good food for oily skin’

See related blog ‘Which products shall we use?’ or watch the video

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Tamanu oil Anti- aging help us have great skin

If I discover a good product, I can’t wait to try it.

I was at the market and my friend (a naturopath) was talking about Tamanu oil – how great it was for the skin. He asked me if we have it in our range. I did not know, so I looked at the ingredients and yes! It is.

Of course I’ve now used this amazing essence, and my skin has improved a lot. Tamanu oil is claimed to improve the appearance of wounds, and of healthy skin. It is used widely in the Pacific Islands as a folk medicine.

I am using it mainly after exfoliating & a mask. My skin looks fantastic & other people say they love it too! When I am tired or have had a full day, I give my skin this “food”, to be rejuvenated for the next day.

Watch the video ‘Tamanu oil Anti-aging help us have great skin’

See related article ‘Great skin foods’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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