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
23 September 2010
Energize yourself with Laughter!
A wonderfully fun meditation/breathing technique. I recommend employing this technique throughout the day whenever you're feeling bogged down.
Inhale sharply through your nose and exhale through your mouth in staccato (short + repeated) bursts of breath. As you exhale, stretch your lips horizontally drawing the corners of your mouth up and back. At the same time, keep your eyes semi-closed, your body very relaxed, and your head hanging loosely backwards. Repeat this breathing pattern while vocalizing, "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha" until you experience a few chuckles.
Warning: Performing this technique on the Muni may get you some weird looks/new friends!
This technique was taken from "Make Health Happen: Training yourself to create wellness" Peper, Gibney, Holt
It's a lovely sunny day in San Francisco!
Enjoy!
-Sarah Valentine
22 September 2010
Allergy Relief
This is cheating, but check out this great post from:
Lo's List
Great information for allergy sufferers;
SUFFER NO MORE!
Special Feature » Top Ten Tips for Allergy Relief!
If you’ve ever been an allergy sufferer or lived with one or witnessed one trying to walk from one side of a park to the other you probably know that the whole thing is just a miserable cross to bear. Although I don’t seem to be allergic to a damned thing, my little sidekick of ten years, Goobie the Cat, was pretty much deathly allergic to it all. Dealing with his terminal asthma was a daily battle of vacuuming, humidifying, checking pollen levels, and coaxing herbal supplements down Goob’s throat. I began keeping a calendar of The Goob’s daily asthma attacks, trying to find the pattern (or at least get a better idea of what was working and what wasn’t). Pair the Goobie-Cal with endless questions for our wonderful vet, Sara at Vinegar Hill, and the result was that all of us here at 16 Judge Street became asthma & allergy fighting experts.
Sadly, we couldn’t stave off the inevitable forever, and although The Goob battled his end-stage asthma for much longer than YZ & I expected, we lost our dear cat last weekend. But, he would be truly miffed if we didn’t share the wealth of allergy-fighting tricks we’ve learned from him throughout the years… Now, we’ve obviously modified the list from cat-centric to human-centric products, so PLEASE: don’t feed your cat honey, or any of the edibles in the list below. Consult your vet for the cat-friendly equivalent of those allergy fighters!!!
Dyson’s DC25 Animal Vacuum
The first step towards fighting allergens is keeping your home and office as sparkly clean & dust-free as possible. Investing in a quality vacuum cleaner will save you time and money in the long run and, certainly in my case, makes the whole tri-weekly vacuuming routine almost fun (!?!). Our pick (by leaps and bounds) is Dyson’s DC25 Animal Vacuum: not only is it the Goliath of any housekeeping lineup, the vac’s not half bad to look at either (it’s gray, purple, and red for Pete’s sake!). Aside from the obligatory lifetime HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, here are some of our favorite Dyson Animal features:
- Mini turbine head attachment: This little add-on absolutely obliterates kitty hair and dust on upholstery – something often overlooked in the daily cleaning grind.
- Dyson’s Ball™ technology: Although we found it a bit odd at first, the easy swivel of the base makes corners and crannies much less of an obstacle.
- Quick-draw Telescope Reach™ wand: Sure, some of you have houses with multiple floors and staircases that connect them… For this, the Dyson extendable wand contraption would be perfect. For the rest of us living in cramped NYC apartments, the wand is a stellar way to get to those high-up spots like bookshelves, doorway frames, and the like. We dig it – our bookshelves are grateful.
Bee Raw Honey
Next step (and loads more fun than vacuuming) is getting your paws on some local honey. In the same way that those nasty immunization shots work by giving you a minute dose of the real thing, local honey is a great way to build your tolerance against pollen native to your area. The trick is starting with small amounts (try 1 tbsp a day at first) and slowly building up your tolerance. You need to find non-pasteurized honey, which should be easy to get at your local green market or from a local beekeeper. There are also a few websites — Local Harvest is a great one — that help you hunt down honey (and gobs of other organics) produced in your area. If you happen to live in one of the states that Bee Raw’s selection is produced in (New York, Maine, Washington, Wisconsin, Florida, California, North Carolina, and Colorado) then we suggest trying their line of honey as it is sublime, smooth, and comes in adorably designed jars!
Coway’s AP-1008CH Air Purifier
If you live in a bustling metropolis then chances are a whole litany of pollutants are sneaking through your windows and doors throughout the day. Enter the air purifier. Something I once considered an unnecessary luxury that only ConEd could love, a good, quiet air purifier is a must for both allergy sufferers and their cohabitants. Coway’s AP-1008CH is a super slick choice for you uncompromising design geeks out there: with a simple, flat body and little light loop at the top that changes hues according air pollutant levels. Say au revoir to that black goo up your nose…
PlusMinusZero Humidifier
Many asthmatics and allergy sufferers find great relief from higher humidity levels around the house (40 – 60%). YZ & I have a prehistoric central heating system in our apartment complex that makes the air so unbearably dry that we would wake up each morning with sore, scratchy throats. When Sara, Goobie’s vet, suggested trying a humidifier to help with Cat Cat’s allergies, we really had no idea what a positive effect balanced humidity levels would have on our sleep (and mornings which we’re already not so good at). Goobie loved it too: we saw his attacks reduce immediately after using the humidifier and I would often come into his room to find him snoozing right where the mist was being directed. But again, the conundrum: who wants to put another clunky, off-white appliance in the middle of a room?! Well, if you’ve got a nice wad of cash in your pocket, here’s the solution: PlusMinusZero’s humidifier is beyond lust-worthy. With almost a dozen hues to choose from, ±0’s donut-shaped humidifier sits so elegantly on the floor, you might even forget it serves a function!
Ultra Fresh Hypoallergenic Pillow 4-Pack
Another great trick (with extra benefits) is investing in hypoallergenic bedding. Whether it’s asthma you’re fighting, or, worse: mites, bedbugs, or other household pests, having bedding that keep pollutants and creepy crawlers from finding their way to the inner fluff of it all will help you rest easy. Get started with hypoallergenic pillows like the ones above from Ultra Fresh. They’re super soft and don’t get lumpy over time like traditional down-filled cushions do. If you’re convinced, go the extra step with a hypoallergenic duvet and a hypoallergenic mattress cover.
Chamomile Tea
There are a handful of tisanes (herbal teas) that help ease the symptoms of allergy sufferers. Just pair your local honey with a few cups of chamomile, thyme, or eucalyptus tea each day to help relieve runny noses, sneezing, etc. You can use dried or fresh herbs, just throw a tablespoon of dry or some sprigs of fresh!
Domaine D’Uby Colombard
Wine for allergy relief!? Yes, indeed. A certain flavonol (and natural anti-inflammatory) called quercetin is found in several foodstuffs including green, black and rooibos tea, apples, onions, apricots, cranberries, and grapes, just to name a few (there’s a nice list of quercetin foods here). The more the grapes are exposed to sunlight, the higher the levels of quercetin making wine a great source of the super-supplement. This lovely white wine from Domaine D’Uby is a great, budget way to enjoy the warming weather and stunt your allergy & asthma annoyances. If you live in the ‘Burg, head over to DOC Wine Shop for a bottle (just $10!) or get it on several online wine sites. Chin chin!
Smith’s Menthol and Eucalyptus Balm
For quick, on-the-go relief, just rub a smidge of Smith’s Menthol and Eucalyptus Balm from Rosebud Perfume Company under your snout and say achoo adieu to allergy- and cold-induced redness and skin irritation. Not only is this compact little balm cheap ($8 from Amazon) and perfectly purse-sized, the tin, designed by G.F. Smith’s niece, Linda, is to die for!
Walnuts & Other Omega-3’s
Omega 3’s, full of essential fatty acids, have also proven to be effective as an anti-inflammatory. More great news, foods rich in Omega 3’s are scrumptious: caviar, salmon, basil, and yes, walnuts (for a full list check here). Like the Smith family balm, this remedy is nice and portable: just tuck a small ziplock of walnuts in your bag for an afternoon allergy assault/snack. Cheap and natural, walnuts totally win over those man-made allergy drugs that just leave you exhausted and unfocused.
Innocent Probiotic Yogurt Shakes
Last but not least, another delicious device for the allergy doldrums: yogurt. This, and other cultured dairy (kefir, for example) provide your body with probiotics – a living organism full of good bacterias which fight the antibody that causes allergy symptoms. Make sure to choose a yogurt that does indeed contain probiotics, as not all yogurts do. They would be listed in the ingredients as one of the following: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Phew, that’s a Latin bonanza! Some of our favorites are the tried and true Fage Greek yogurt or UK brand Innocent’s line of tasty probiotic yogurt shakes, adorably called Thickies!
Thanks Lo. Enjoy!
21 September 2010
15 September 2010
31 August 2010
Herb Spotlight: Eucalyptus
The Herb Spotlight Series is to bring note to some of the most popular, useful and accessible herbs. For the purpose of this blog, I'll be using the Medical Definition of Herb: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities, instead of the Scientific Definition.
Using plants in natural remedies and cosmetics are traditional practices that our modern synthetic chemical-dependent society has distanced itself from. Believe Botanica wants to integrate those holistic ideas and herbal remedies into a modern lifestyle.
_________________________________________________________________
This evening I present...
Eucalyptus
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Family: N.O. Myrtaceae
Walking through the Eucalyptus Grove on the San Francisco State University Campus today, I could not help but appreciate the slightly mentholated and very particular fragrance of the eucalyptus. The sheer size of the trees rival the California Sequoias. Natural oils are derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus, and have medicinal, industrial (mining for ores), and aromatic uses. In California, we see a lot of Eucalyptus trees because they are somewhat drought-resistant, however Eucalyptus trees have been introduced around the world with positive results.
Medicinal Uses
Stimulant // Antiseptic // Aromatic
The Essential Oil of Ecualyptus should be in every Holistic First-Aid Kit. This Volatile Oil (basically, a distilled oil) is one of the finest natural antiseptics. Helpful in healing and cleaning cuts, scrapes, burns and other wounds, Eucalyptus can be used for both children and adults.
For asthmatics, anyone with respiratory problems or just the sniffles you can boil the leaves OR about 5 drops of the Organic Essential Oil per 3 cups of water with the top on and when the mixture is at a rolling boil, place your head OVER and inhale the vapors. For an added benefit put a towel over your head and the pot to make a Ghetto-Sauna for your lungs. This technique can also be used for the steam portion of an At-Home Facial (more on that later).
Essential Eucalyptus oil is also one of the few oils that can be applied neat (aka undiluted) to the skin. Rub a small amount on the wrists, neck, ankles or any other exposed areas as a natural Insect Repellent. Rub some on the chest for bronchial issues or a cold (like VapORub only without the nonrenewable and possibly hazardous Petrolatum additive).
Restorative Sore-Muscle Soak
1 Cup Epsom or Mineral Salts2 Tablespoons Organic Almond, Grapeseed or Apricot Kernel Oil4 Drops Essential Eucalyptus Oil2 Drops Peppermint Oil4 Drops Lavender Oil2 Drops Rosemary Oil
Mix salt and oils in a non-metal bowl and then add to a full hot bath. Be sure to let the salts dissolve and then enjoy. Take deep breaths and let the aromatherapy relax your sore muscles, mind and spirit! Can also be used in a large bowl, just as a foot soak.
Contraindications (aka Don't Do It If....)
Liver or Kidney Issues
Pregnancy
Should not be taken too often
Local Eucalyptus Groves
SFSU
UC Berkeley
Glen Park Canyon
Golden Gate Park's Eucalyptus trees feed the koalas at the SF Zoo!
Mt. Sutro is an Eucalyptus Forest
Stanford University
"The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease."
Stanford University
"The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease."
-Voltaire
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