What Do You Know About Sea Buckthorn?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SEA BUCKTHORN?

What do you know about sea buckthorn and the skin care benefits it offers? I didn’t know anything about sea buckthorn until I started doing some research into natural skin care products. In fact, I don’t think I had even heard of it until about a year ago. I am amazed at all the wonderful, natural ingredients that are available in so many natural skin care products. In Monday's article you will find a few interesting facts about sea buckthorn and sea buckthorn oil. You will also learn about some of the skin care products that contain this ingredient, what benefits the offer, where to find them, how to use them. I hope you will find this article interesting and informative. Please feel free to send your questions and comments. Let’s learn together. See you on Monday.

Happy Mother's Day!

Check out the Mother's Day link.

The 10 A's of ManukA Honey

Manuka honey is a relatively new product that is receiving a straight-A report card. In fact manuka honey is so great is has 10 A’s:

1-anti-bacterial
2-anti-microbial
3-anti-viral
4-anti-oxidant
5-anti-septic
6-anti-inflammatory
7-anti-fungal
8-anti-wrinkle
9-anti-itch
10-anti-biotic

Want to know more?

Manuka honey is produced from the flower of the manuka bush which grows in New Zealand and parts of Australia. Scientific studies have shown that it is extremely effective in treating a variety of health conditions because it has a variety of powerful properties. It is effective in destroying bacteria, virus, fungus and other microbes.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Life is so busy. No matter what your situation in life, you are probably very busy. Probably too busy. This is just a little reminder to each one of us to slow down, recognize our blessings, experience gratitude, and talk to each other. It all starts with the thoughts we think. Before you dismiss this article and begin to make a mental list of the reasons you can't slow down, at least not right now; just take a moment to think. Think about how you could take a couple minutes for yourself right now. Stop what you're doing. Stretch. Smile. Breathe. Then make a little plan. Plan to go for a walk, a leisurely walk where you notice things and appreciate what you notice. Plan to give yourself a pedicure. Plan to take a relaxing bath while looking at a favorite magazine. Plan to sing out loud or dance when no one is looking, or even when they are. Plan to pamper yourself. Then with all that planning, decide on one of your ideas and implement it. Don't worry. Life will wait for you. In fact, life doesn't mind waiting at all. It's just there wanting you to slow done and notice it a little more.

The Right Fuel - Water

There is another very important factor to consider when planning healthy meals and snacks. And that is water. Water is the very best drink you can put into your body. I dare say that very few of us drink all the water we should. Water is so vital to every function of our bodies. Water aids in digestion and elimination. Water flushes out toxins. Water nourishes cartilage and lubricates our joints. Water hydrates our internal organs as well as our skin. Most of us are very fortunate that water is plentiful and economical for us. So let's take advantage of that. Let's drink more water. Why don't you go get a tall glass of cool water right now?

Sometimes when we feel hungry, it's just because our bodies want us to drink more water. Listen to your body. Eat good proteins, fresh produce, more fiber, and drink lots more water. You and your body will be glad you did. You'll feel younger and healthier and happier. Isn't that worth it?

Find out more about being healthier by using natural skin care products. Go to
www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com

The Right Fuel for a Healthy Body

When we feel nervous or irritable or stressed, we crave (you guessed it) sugar. We want a cookie or a chocolate bar or dish of ice cream with sprinkles. And when you want cookies or candy or ice cream, not much else will do. We’re apt to give in and have that treat we’re craving. But we might also take a little time now to think about next time. Perhaps we can stave off that craving if we eat the right foods before we get in that anxious mood.

So often when we think about losing weight or just about getting healthier, we put too much emphasis on what NOT to eat. Don’t eat fats. Don’t eat sweets. Don’t eat this. Don’t eat that. Let’s think more about what we should eat. Let’s make sure we have several servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Let’s make sure some of those servings are of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. Put more protein in your diet. Consider more fish, chicken, turkey, lean beef. Prepare your meals with less fat. Get into the habit of trying different seasonings to spice up your dishes. Use less salt.

Check back soon to learn more about one of the most important ingredients to a healthy diet. Until then, Happy Eating!

Six Steps to a Healthier You - The Right Fuel, Part 1

Along with adequate sleep, regular exercise, plenty of fresh air and sunshine comes Step Number Four: Eating Right. Now I don't mean eating right ALL the time, or never having another chocolate chip cookie, or going to the movies without buttered popcorn. I just mean being more aware, and making better choices most of the time.

There is lots of great information on healthy eating. As we learn more about the right foods to eat we are more apt to make better food choices. When we aren't eating adequate amounts of lean protein, fiber-rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables the endorphin level in our body is lowered. Low endorphin levels, among other things, cause us to crave fat. Rather than giving in and eating french fries or potato chips or chocolate bars, we can make a better choice when we are aware of the reasons for our cravings. If you have a craving for fats or sweets, you need more protein. A doughnut and a cup of hot chocolate might be what you're taste buds are telling you to have for breakfast. But before you know it you're wanting another doughnut and then another and another. Try fiber and protein instead. A bowl of oatmeal with bananas. Eggs and toast. Cottage cheese with unsweetened yogurt and fresh fruit. I'm sure you can come up with more great breakfast ideas. Start your day off right by giving your body high grade fuel.

Fresh Air and Sunshine, Part 3

In order to get enough fresh air and sunshine, I don’t necessarily recommend going back to “the good ol’ days,” not entirely. But we can take a lesson from those who went before. Unless you already have a cow, you’re probably not going to buy another one, and most of us are probably not going to start plowing the fields any time soon. So what can we do? How can we get more fresh air, more natural sunlight, more benefits from the outdoors?
You decide. And here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Plant and tend a garden.
Go for a walk.
Take your dog for a walk.
Take your neighbor’s dog for a walk.
Open the windows in your home.
Sleep with the window open to let in some fresh air.
Exercise outdoors whenever you can.
Walk to work.
Go for an outdoor walk on your lunch break
I’m sure you can think of many more ideas. The point here is to make a conscious effort to increase the time you spend in the outdoors, in the natural, healthy fresh air. Start a new, good habit. Think back on this past week. How much time did you spend outside? Did you get enough fresh air? Did you feel the sunshine on your skin? If not, start now to do better and be healthier. Set a goal to spend at least ten minutes outside every day. Then we’ll be ready to talk about the next healthy article on the importance of relaxation. As always I wish you health, harmony, and happiness.
See Terry's website at www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com

Six Steps to a Healthier You - Fresh Air and Sunshine, Part B

Getting back to basics is a good idea in so many areas of our lives. Years ago our grandparents and their parents worked hard in the sunshine every day the weather permitted. And I’m sure there weren’t too many days that kept them inside. After all, the cows had to be fed and milked, and the other animals care for, no matter the weather. Grandpa and Grandma got lots of fresh air and sunshine. I dare say that they didn’t have too much time to get depressed or be stressed out about the evening news or worry about what their neighbors were wearing or driving or where they were vacationing.
It is important that we realize how much better off we’d be if we got more fresh air and sunshine. Scientific studies have been done that show that natural sunlight improves our immune system. People who live in areas where there is a considerably amount of sunshine each day are less prone to depressions and nervous disorders. Scientists have also shown that the effect of natural sunshine directly on our skin helps the body produce Vitamin D. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, fresh air, sunshine, physical exercise during the day might be just the answer.

Six Steps to a Healthier You - Fresh Air and Sunshine, Part 1

Natural skin care products are good for you. But they are not enough. It seems like these days there are more and more opportunities to stay OUT of the fresh air and sunshine. We go from our heated or air-conditioned homes directly into our heated or air-conditioned garages to get into our heated or air-conditioned cars to drive to our indoor parking garage that leads to a heated or air-conditioned elevator that takes us to our heated or air-conditioned work place. When we do take time to work out and get some exercise, we often go to the gym or the spa or some other indoor facility. When we look for entertainment, we go to indoor events. Even rodeos are often inside.

Our kids go to schools where the windows are closed and the lightening is artificial. We cover the windows in our homes with drapes and curtains and blinds. We usually keep the windows closed. We don’t venture outside as often as we should. We stay inside and read or watch TV or talk on the phone or surf the net. Sometimes when we go camping, we even stay in self-contained RV’s, often with the windows closed. We cook inside and eat inside, even at the campground. Somehow we seem to have gotten afraid of fresh air and sunshine. If we get cold, we might catch cold. We think we’d better stay inside just in case.

Six Steps to a Healthier You - Exercise, Part 2

SIX STEPS TO A HEALTHIER YOU – EXERCISE, PART 2

Have you been exercising a little more this past week? Did you add a few more steps to your regular routine? Are you reading this and feeling a little guilty? Or do you feel good about the progress you’ve made?

Whatever your answers are to these questions, give yourself credit for reading this article and taking a step to increase or begin your exercise program. I believe that exercising is like any other good thing we should be doing. If we’ve already established the habit and are continuing, great. If we’ve established the habit in the past but have let that good habit lapse, great; because now is the exciting time to make a change, to make an improvement. If you’ve never developed an exercise program, great. Now is the time to start something new, something new and fun and fulfilling. Wherever you are, it’s just right. Let’s start there.

Now, we all know (or should know) about the value of exercise, and we all know (or can find out) about what exercises we should be doing. There are so many great online sites that give good exercise information. Here are a couple:

http://www.wishingroom.com/exercise.htm

http://www.secretsofthehealthy.com/exercisetips/


But before we can begin, even before we “check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program,” we must do something else. Even before we make the choice about what we’re going to do, when we’re going to do it; we need to decide that we’re going to do something. We’re going to make a change. We’re going to stick with it. We’re going to be true to ourselves.

Decide to make a change. Decide to make an improvement. Decide to take action. Decide to do it for you. And that brings us to the real topic of this article. It’s not “exercising” per se. We’re going to talk about wanting to exercise, and even more importantly, exercising whether you want to or not. I hope that doesn’t discourage you. I realize that the thing that will keep you exercising is the “enjoyment” of it. I also realize that exercising isn’t always fun. But with the right mind-set, there can be something about it that keeps you going. One of the things I have always said is, “I don’t always like to exercise, but I really like to have done it.” Isn’t that true? We feel better after exercising. We feel better because exercising releases endorphins into our blood stream, and endorphins decrease stress and pain, and therefore help us feel happier. We all like that. What a great reason to exercise.

And, although we know that exercising makes us happier, we still don’t always exercise. Why? I don’t know. At least I don’t know what the answer might be for you. But I do know one thing: You have to decide. And then you have to be true enough to yourself that you follow through with your decision. Easy to say; not always easy to do. I know how to lose weight: eat less, exercise more. Now I know there are other contributing factors, like what you eat and what kinds of exercises you do. But I do know how to do it. You do, too. And if we have any questions, the internet is filled with answers. You’re probably already one step ahead of me, and know what’s coming. Knowledge is only the beginning. Action is the next, absolutely essential step. What do you have to do to take action? What kind of mood do you have to be in? What helps you feel confident and hopeful that you’ll be successful? What gives you that little push to keep going no matter what? Those are all very important questions to consider. And I’m going to let you do just that, consider your answers to those questions. Then, after you’ve done that I want to give you one little suggestion, piece of advice, first step to consider. Here is it: Just do it! Make a commitment to yourself, and just do it. Don’t try to figure out why you don’t want to do it. Don’t wait until you feel a little better. Don’t make any excuse at all. Just do it. Decide what your exercise program is going to be. Decide on a program that is just for you, exercise alone, or with your spouse or kids of neighbor, or join a gym or exercise group. Get out your old exercise videos, or buy some new ones. Do whatever you want, but do something. And keep doing it.

Before you ever start, write a little note to yourself, or add an entry to your journal. “Today I’m starting a new exercise program.” Then write down your plans, depending on your age, physical condition, etc:

-walk a mile three times a week
-jog three miles every day
-take the stairs instead of the elevator
-lift weights at the gym, 2 hours
-lift weights at home, 2 minutes

You’ll know what to write down. Make it doable, easy enough that you keep on. But make it difficult enough that you stretch yourself and make improvements. Now that you’ve decided on what you’re going to do. . . . that’s right: Do it! Be true to yourself. Keep your word. Follow your plan. You deserve it.

Next week we’re going to talk about the importance of getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine. As you might expect, getting plenty of fresh air will also include more ways to get plenty of exercise, and some ways of not getting exercise, but still getting the benefits. Exercise is so important. Fresh air is so important. Sunshine is so important. You are so important. See you next week. And don’t forget your new motto: Just do it! Until next time I wish you harmony, health, and happiness.

Terry Christensen is an expert on natural care products and a natural care life style. She has written several articles on the great health benefits of getting back to basics and caring for ourselves and our families in the best, most natural way. See her website at www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com.

Six Steps to a Healthier You - Exercise

Last week we talked about the first step to a healthier you: restful sleep. This week we’re going to talk about the second step: exercise.

Ah, exercise. Some of us do it; most of us don’t. At least not as much as we should. Think of the people you know, your family, neighbors, co-workers. Would you say that most people, yourself included, don’t get enough exercise? I would say that is true in my case. When I talk to others about exercise, I ask two questions:

Do you get enough exercise?

Why?

The answer to the first question is usually “no.” The answer to the second questions varies:

-not enough time
-no one to watch the kids
-too tired
-gym membership too expensive
-no one to exercise with
-just can’t seem to get going

I believe one of the important considerations isn’t listed above. And that is, we don’t exercise because we think the little exercising we might do won’t be enough, so we don’t do anything at all. Does that sound familiar to you? Today I want to talk to you about the “little” exercising that we might be doing, or might easily start doing, that makes a bigger difference than we realize. We’re going to discuss how we can do just a little more. We’re not going to get too much out of our comfort zone. If you’re already an avid exerciser, this article probably isn’t for you. But if your exercising needs a little sprucing up from the beginning stages, read on.

Let’s begin with walking. We all walk. You need to have a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. But other than that, there’s no expense. You don’t need fancy equipment and you don’t need a gym membership. You don’t even need an exercise video. However, if the weather is inclement, and you want to try something different than your treadmill; a walking video can be a fun change.

Walking is easy. You just put one foot in front of the other. Think of the times you are already walking. These might include walking to the mailbox, walking from your car to the shopping mall, walking in the shopping mall, walking up and down the stairs, walking around your house, walking around your office or building at work. You can probably come up with more. Now think of all the ways you can add a few steps to each of those. If your mailbox is at the end of your sidewalk or driveway, walk a few steps past the mailbox, maybe even to the end of the block. I know you’ve heard this before. But it’s a great idea to park your car a little farther from the store than you usually do. When you go to the mall, walk from one end to the other before you begin your shopping.

One of the walking opportunities that I don’t take full advantage of is stairs. At home when I have something that I need to take upstairs, I place it at the bottom of the stairs. Then when there are several things to take upstairs, I make the trip. Think how many steps I could add to my walking every day if I made the trek upstairs every time I wanted to take something up there. How about you? Could that add some steps for you, too?

Speaking of adding steps, another great idea is wearing a pedometer. There’s something about keeping track that can really make a difference. If your goal is to walk a certain number of steps each day, you’re sure to add a few more steps before you go to bed if you’re keeping track. It’s an inexpensive tool that can make a big difference for you.

I know some of the businesses in the small town I live in have health incentives at work. What a great idea. During their lunch break I always see several employees walking around town. The businesses also have contests to see who can walk the most steps in a certain amount of time, or who comes closest to reaching their weight-loss goal by a certain date. If your business doesn’t do these things, suggest they do. Start your own lunch-break walking club.

I’ve given you just a few suggestions about walking. I’m sure you can think of many more ways to get more exercise by walking more. You’ll notice a difference in the way you feel. Walking is an excellent aerobic exercise. It increases the oxygen flow to all of your body. Walking also makes you feel better because you’ve set a small goal, well within your reach, and achieved it. Give yourself credit for your increased walking. Give yourself credit for every good thing you do. Think of all the things you're really great at. It’s much easier to do a little better in one area if you feel you’re already doing great in another area. Keep at it. Make it fun. Increase a little at a time. Get healthier.

We’ll talk more about exercise next week. Until then I wish you harmony, health, and happiness.

Terry Christensen is an expert in the area of natural health care, natural skin care products, and other natural products. Being healthy should not just be a goal; it should be our way of life. Step by step we can improve ourselves, attain greater health, and joy fuller lives, and share with others. Learn more at http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com

Six Steps to a Healthier You-Restful Sleep

Whether you want healthy, beautiful skin, healthy hair, healthy and strong muscles, or a healthy and lean body; the answer seems to be the same:

-plenty of restful sleep
-plenty of exercise
-plenty of fresh air and sunshine
-plenty of healthy, wholesome foods
-plenty of relaxation
-plenty of joyful living

I want to talk to you about the first healthy requirement: Restful Sleep. It’s important to ask yourself if you are getting enough sleep, and if you are getting it at the right time. You may be getting eight hours of sleep a night. But if you are beginning those eight hours after you have stayed too late and exhausted yourself, they still won’t bring you the necessary, restful sleep you need to be at your peak. If you stay up to the point of exhaustion; then when you finally do get to sleep, the first few hours of sleep will be when you body is unwinding and not really ready for deep sleep. We don’t often think of this, but our body requires a “warm-up” before sleep just as it requires a warm-up before exercising. Additionally, the brain rejuvenates only during sleep.
As much as possible, get into the habit of getting enough good, restful sleep by establishing a regular routine of retiring at the same time in the evening, and awakening at the same time every morning. Studies have shown that sleeping just a few hours less every night for a week can have dramatic effects on the body. For more helpful information see the article at http://www.worldimage.com/blog/archives/000034_importance_of_sleep.html.

Most people think getting adequate sleep is a good thing, but most don’t realize how important it is. Sleep is not a luxury, it is a necessity. We cannot function properly without adequate sleep. We might be healthy in every other way, exercising and eating wisely, etc. But if we’re tired all the time, those other things are less effective, less beneficial. Lack of sleep can effect how we think, how we perform, how and how quickly we react. Sufficient sleep will help you improve your memory, and decrease depression symptoms. Another excellent article can be found at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/starslp/parents/whysleep.htm.

As you can see, sleep is important to every aspect of our health. For healthier skin, hair, muscles, body, and attitude; go to bed early tonight. You’ll be glad you did.

Check back next week for information on the importance of exercise. I wish you harmony, health, and happiness.


Terry Christensen is an expert in the area of natural health care, natural skin care products, and other natural products. Being healthy should not just be a goal; it should be our way of life. Step by step we can improve ourselves, attain greater health, and joy fuller lives, and share with others. Learn more at http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/

Natural Products for the Entire Family

If you want to know more about natural skin care products as well as bath and body products, and herb-infused oils, check out www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com. Included are natural homemade soap made with pure shea butter, and coconut, olive, and palm oils; and scented with healthful herbs. This is the place to find skin care information, natural moisturizers, lotions, cleansers, baby care products, acne care, soothing oils, and natural hair care. Also find information and product for cellulite, psoriasis, acne, and eczema treatments using ingredients such as sea buckthorn, lavender oil, St. john’s wort, virgin coconut oil, comfrey, orange oil, neem oil, lemon grass, and more.

More About Herbs and Infusions

Herbs are wonderful and helpful in so many situations. A little lavender in a fussy baby's bathwater can calm and relax both mom and baby. The part of our brain that detects smells is located very near the part that deals with our emotions. Certain smells and therefore certain herbs do not simply give us a certain sensation. They actually trigger a part of our brain that causes certain responses. Thus lavender relaxes, eucalyptus stimulates and cleanses, and lime gives a refreshing uplift. Herbs are a natural way to take care of ourselves. Salves or balms, as well as infusions, are safe and natural.

For more information on healing balms and herb-infused oils go to www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com.

How to Make an Infusion

Here's an excerpt from a great article I read about infusions:

"The first step in preparing most herbal skin preparations is making an infused oil. This carrier oil is imbued with the properties of the herb or herbal blend you are working with. You can choose from a variety of methods to infuse oils depending on your preferences. If you wish to use fresh herbs you will have a few extra steps.
The oil you begin with is called a fixed oil. Generally I prefer to use olive oil as my fixed oil for most of my preparations. Olive oil has its own special health-giving properties and comes from a tree that has been prized and honored for centuries. If you choose to use olive oil, make sure you use one labeled “extra virgin” to assure the highest quality. A label that indicates “cold pressed” is a bonus. For cosmetic purposes some people find olive oil a bit heavy, and it does have an aroma of its own. You might also consider using lighter oils such as apricot, almond or grapeseed oil, or a combination of oils."

Adapted with permission from Earth Mother Herbal (Fair Winds, 2002) by Shatoiya de la Tour.

What Is This All About?

I've just been reading some articles on "looking younger." I had to quit; it was making me nauseous. I don't want to hear about how a 65 year old woman is still so sexy that a 45-year-old male made a pass at her at work. I don't want to hear about how unfashionable it is to wear "mom jeans." (What the heck are mom jeans? And what SHOULD moms be wearing?) I don't want to hear about how out-of-style my purse is, or how no one with any fashion sense at all would be caught dead in a velour jogging suit. What is this all really about? Does it really matter what we wear? What happened to just being clean and tasteful and modest? I feel better when I wash my face and comb my hair and wear a clean, comfortable blouse. I'd like to lose some weight. But I don't expect to ever look like one of those skinny, air-brushed gals we see on the magazine covers or on TV. What's wrong with being real? What's wrong with taking care of ourselves and feeling pretty because we like who we are? Are we spending the most time and energy on the things that are most important in our lives, like family and friends and service? Or are we all wrapped up in me, me, me? What is the price we're paying to look younger and be hipper and impress others?

Help For Dry Skin

Here are some good tips from www.swansonvitamins.com on how to take care of dry skin, especially during the winter months. There are simple and easy to do. Like almost anything else in life, little things can make a big difference. Humidifer, moisturizer, a shorter shower, more drinking water – we can all do these things and take better care of ourselves.

"With the recent extreme temperatures throughout the U.S. this winter, many are feeling the effects of dry skin. According to The National Center for Health Statistics, 9 million Americans have complained about dry skin. During the winter months, dry skin is exacerbated by low humidity and traveling from the warmth of a house to the freezing chill of the air outside. Thankfully, Swanson Vitamins has 6 tips to help with the nuisance of dry skin.
Things to do on the outside: * Place a humidifier next to your bed at night with the door closed. This will help keep moisture in and create the humidity needed.
* When taking a shower or bath, limit your time to 10 minutes and use luke-warm water. Water that is too hot can dehydrate the skin. Pat your skin dry, do not rub, and apply a moisturizer to damp skin. Nature’s Gate Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion contains oatmeal, a wonderful skin-soothing ingredient.
* Taking a sole bath using Dr. Barbara Hendel’s Himalayan Crystal salt not only rejuvenates you from the inside, it also causes salt to be stored in the top layer of the skin so that it stays moist and supple.
* Mix your lotion with coconut oil. Yes, it is an ingredient listed in many recipes found at Swanson Vitamins, but it can also be used topically to support skin health. Coconut oil is quickly absorbed into the top layers of the skin to provide incredibly soft skin.
Supplement from the inside out:
* Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is not only a good tip for a weight-loss plan, it’s also a good tip when wanting to hydrate your skin. Water can plump up skin cells to create a softer, smoother skin texture.
* Increase EFA’s in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help replace moisture in dry hair and skin. Swanson Vitamins has MultiOmega with Fish Oil which combines flax, borage and fish oils that not only supports skin health, but supports cardiovascular and joint health as well."

For more information on natural care products that are good for you and good for your skin, go to www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com