Natural Hair Rinses

 

My Hair Before

Did you know that you can use plants from your garden to enhance your hair's potential and treat disorders? I had zero idea myself until I got back into herbal gardening.  I started over a year ago and I am now making products for myself and my clients to use. This article is about infusions for hair rinses. 

Rose Water Hair Rinse: Loaded with vitamin A, B3, C & E. It helps nourish the scalp, stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Rose water can tame down frizz and add shine and luster to your hair. It works well for any hair type, but the best for oily hair because of its gentle astringent properties. Rose has inflammatory properties that may help skin conditions like dandruff, psoriasis and eczema. It can be applied in the scalp as a form of shampoo, conditioner or an after-shampoo rinse/mist. Rose water is safe and can be used every day. 

Rosemary Hair Rinse: Great for boosting hair growth and aiding with preventing hair loss. Decreases inflammation in the hair scalp by acting like an antioxidant by helping to improve circulation in the hair follicles. It also helps darken grey hair. Prevents frizziness, boosts volume and enhances shine. It also naturally darkens grey hair andk is often used as a natural hair dye.

Lemongrass Hair Rinse: is high in vitamin A & C. It helps the keep your hair shinny and glossy without having oily hair or scalp. It has antimicrobial & inflammation properties helps treat dandruff and other scalp conditions. Lemongrass is rich in iron and aids treating hair loss, aneama and other iron deficiencies. 

Marigold Hair Rinse: Prevents dandruff. The cleansing and antibacterial properties. Moisturizes and adds shine to the hair. 

Sage Hair Rinse: Helps prevent hair loss by the regeneration of hair follicles. Sage also can darken greys and restore natural hair color. It helps prevent dandruff. 

My Hair After

Check out my video on Tiktok!

Natural Lemongrass Hair Rinse

Homemade Natural Soaps

 Over the years of living a healthy lifestyle, growing a herbal garden, and learning about the holistic powers of herbs I have dabbled over the years with learning how to make my own beauty products beyond tinctures and infusions. For over a decade, I have experimented with making my own body soaps from scratch and re-batches. I have come to master my technique in cold process soap making that I feel comfortable to start selling my products from my garden. Here is a list of soaps I currently have made with the list of ingredients.

Honey Bee Pollen Oat Milk Bar

Honey Bee Pollen Oat Milk Bar

• Ingredients: Shea butter soap base, honey, oat milk, bee pollen, oatmeal, musk oil, almond extract, peppermint oil, violet flowers, Indian musk
• Shea Butter: Moisturizer & soothing
• Honey: An emollient
• Oatmeal: Gentle exfoliant
• Oat Milk: Antioxidant
• Bee pollen: Potent antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, and facilitates the process to burn healing.
• Almond Extract: Reduces puffiness under eyes, improves skin tone & complexion, moisturizes dry skin, improves acne, helps reduces sun damage and scars.
• Peppermint oil: Aids in digestion & respiration, cooling, head clearing, refreshing & warming.
• Violet flowers: Anti-inflammatory, soothes and cools. Treats eczema
• Indian Musk: Elevates the mood, influences libido, promotes euphoria

Moon Olive Oil Bar

Moon Olive Oil Bar

• Ingredients: Olive oil soap base, lemon grass infusion, eucalyptus leaves, sandalwood oil, camphor oil, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil
• Olive Oil: One of the best and most accessible moisturizers. Best uses are for cooking and soap
• Lemongrass: Cooling, fortifying, refreshing & toning
• Eucalyptus leaves & oil: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, decongestant, cleansing, cooling, head clearing, invigorating, refreshing & uplifting
• Sandalwood oil: Aids in digestion, builds confidence, calming, grounding, healing to skin, relaxing sedating softening & warming.
• Camphor oil: Anti-inflammatory
• Lemon oil: Aids in circulation, antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, diuretic, colling, motivating, refreshing, stimulating & uplifting

Rose Petal Shea Butter Bar

Rose Petal Shea Butter Bar

• Ingredients: Shea butter soap base, rose infusion, rose petals, rose oil, red food coloring
• Rose: Aids in digestion, enhances sensuality, builds confidence, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, balancing, relaxing and soothing.
• Shea Butter: Moisturizer & soothing

Rose Coconut Oil Bar

Rose Coconut Oil Bar

• Ingredients: Coconut soap base, rose infusion, rose oil,
• Coconut Oil: Good for moisturizing. Adds quick later and cleansing to soap. Best uses are for balms candles, cooking, creams, lotions and soap
• Rose: Aids in digestion, enhances sensuality, builds confidence, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, balancing, relaxing and soothing.

Lavendar Night Coconut Oil Bar

Lavendar Night Coconut Oil Bar

•    Ingredients: Coconut oil soap base, lavender infusion, lavender oil, blue food coloring
• Lavender: Aids in respiration & digestion, antiseptic, antibacterial, decongestant, muscle relaxant, calming, head clearing, refreshing, relaxing, stimulating, soothing & warming.
• Coconut Oil: Good for moisturizing. Adds quick later and cleansing to soap. Best uses are for balms candles, cooking, creams, lotions and soap

Natural Insect Repellant

The best thing about growing herbs and spices in your garden are the awesome household things you can make besides cooking with them. I am trying out this natural insect repellant that I made from lavender, lemongrass, chrysthanseum, geranium, cedarwood and citronella. 

I have used it on my plants in my garden and camping out on the beach. So far, this natural concoction has worked really well without the chemicals, or the nauseating smell most incest repellants sprays have.

Nowadays, we must be careful with what we put in and on our bodies. Many of these companies that claim to be organic and natural are often busted for greenwashing. Lots of organic small businesses that have been bought out by corporations are having their organic products altered to have more chemicals that are cheaper to produce. In the end, corporations really don't care what they are putting in our food, creams, sprays and deodorants. These chemicals can lead to cancer, skin disorders and other health issues and we must look after ourselves. Mother Earth has provided all the things we need to make chemical free beauty and other body products. If you would like to purchase a bottle of natural and organically made insect repellant ($8) from me, send me a message! 

Treat Your Conditions Naturally with Tinctures!

 

Tinctures are highly concentrated liquid extract of herbs. It can be applied externally or taken internally. Many types of herbs can help naturally heal the conditions and treat illness you have. Tinctures are made out of vodka, rum, gin or glycerin. They can also last from 2 - 5 years before they need to be replaced. When taken orally dosage would be 5 - 15 drops for children & 10 - 25 drops for adults. *Make sure to check for side effects with medications and other foods before taking any tinctures.

For Sale!!!

Rosemary Tincture ($20): Now $15 Good to take internally to prevent colds or to fight infections. It is also great for cuts and scrapes because of its antibiotic properties. Improves memory. It is an antioxidant and promotes hair growth. Prevents dandruff. 

Rosemary in my Garden

Lemongrass Tincture ($21): Now $16 Taken internally for gastrointestinal issues, bloating, constipation etc. High blood pressure. vomiting, cough and achy joints. Fever, common cold, and exhaustion. Diuretic. Externally used for natural insect repellant. Lemongrass as hair rinse detangles and creates a beautiful shine for curly hair.

St. John's Wort Tincture ($20): Now $15 Kills bacteria as well as pain. Mild Depression, anxiety and menopause symptoms. Mood booster.

Valerian Tincture ($21): Now $16 Sedative. Great to clean sores, poison ivy rash and other skin ailments. Wonderful for certain tension and sinus headaches. Take orally for sore muscles, when suffering from a back injury or need extra help to sleep.

I currently make and sale homemade tinctures out of vodka. If you would like a natural way to treat certain conditions message me right away. I can make custom orders, but they take a couple weeks to cure. 

Immune Boosting, Inflammation Reducing and Vitamin C Rich Tonic Recipe

 

Hibiscus, Ginger & Echinacea Tonic

1/2 gal of distilled or spring water

1/2 cup of dried hibiscus

1/4 cup of fresh ginger root

1/8 cup of dried echinacea flower

Directions: Make an infusion and boil the herbs for 10 - 15 minutes on medium high. Strain the herbs and store in the fridge. Drink whenever you feel you need a boost for the day! 

Hibiscus: 

• Protects with antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anthocyanin
• Fights inflammation
• Lowers blood pressure & cholesterol
• Promotes weight loss
• Fights bacteria
• Supports liver health

Ginger:

• May provide relief from motion sickness and alleviate nausea from morning sickness or chemotherapy
• Helps manage blood pressure and support heart health
• Helps manage weight and blood sugar levels
• Can relieve pain and inflammation
• May have cancer-fighting properties

Echinacea:  

• Contains antioxidants flavonoids, cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid which help to bolster the immune system. 
• Encourages production of white blood cells. 
• Contain compounds called alkamides which can further promote antioxidants actively lowering blood sugar levels, reducing anxiety and treating certain skin conditions. 
• It may also be used to treat pain, inflammation, and migraines 
  

Sources:

• Clevlandclinic.org
• Healthline
• Happy Earth Tea Company

 

Winter Vegetables: Cabbage

Image Credits: www.driftlessorganics.com

Benefits of Cabbage

• Cabbage is an abundant source of vitamin C. You might be surprised to know that it is actually richer in vitamin C than oranges
• Vitamin C, one of the best antioxidants, reduces free radicals in your body that causes premature aging. It also assists in repairing the wear and tear of the body through the course of life. As a result, cabbage is very helpful in boosting the immune system, defending against cold and cough, depression, treating ulcers, and certain cancers. It speeds up the healing process for wounds and damaged tissues, regulates the proper functioning of the nervous system, and reduce the effects and presence of Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative neural diseases.
• It helps prevent scurvy. This is a disease commonly characterized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners, weakened immune system, frequent infections and cold, premature aging, and depression.
• A lack of roughage (fibrous indigestible material) in food can result in constipation, stomach ulcers, headaches, gastrointestinal cancers, indigestion, and a subsequent loss of appetite. Lack of fiber can even extend to skin diseases, eczema, premature aging, and many of mild to serious conditions.
• Cabbage is very rich in fiber, this helps the body retain water and it maintains the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels. It is a good remedy for constipation and other problems related to digestion.
• Cabbage is rich in sulfur and it is a very useful nutrient to fight infections. A deficiency of sulfur can result in microbial infections and greatly reduces rate in healing of wounds
• This vegetable also has a number of anti-cancer compounds, like lupeol, sinigrin, and sulforaphane. These compounds are known to stimulate enzyme activity and inhibit the growth of tumors that lead to cancer.
• Cabbage is known to accumulate a build-up of cadmium-binding complexes in its leaves and one of the main components of that is glutamine. Glutamine is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, which can reduce the effects of allergies, many types of inflammation, irritation, joint pain, fever, and various skin disorders.
• It is also a rich source of beta-carotene, which is know for the ability to prevent macular degeneration, promote good eye health and delay cataract formation. Beta-carotene has also been linked to reduce chances of prostate cancer.
• Cabbage is a great vegetable for those who want to lose weight to include in their diet. It is packed with many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, it is a healthy dietary option for people to eat and is quite filling since it has high levels of fiber. It is also low in calories, with only 33 calories in a cup of cooked cabbage.
• With he presence of vitamin K and anthocyanins, eating cabbage can give a strong boost to mental function and concentration. Vitamin K is essential for the production of sphingolipids, the myelin sheath around nerves. This wrapping is what protects nerves from damage and decay. Therefore, consuming veggies high in vitamin K can improve your defense against neural degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
• Red cabbage has even more types of anthocyanins than green cabbage.
• Cabbage is great source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These three essential minerals are integral in the protection of bones from degradation and the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and general bone weakening.
• Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it opens up the blood vessels and eases the flow of blood. Great addition to people who have high blood pressure. It helps relieve the constriction of the blood vessels.
• Free radicals can cause of wrinkles, discoloration, spots, and many skin other conditions. The antioxidants you get from eating cabbage can turn-around the aging process leaving you feeling and looking healthy and young.
• Lactic acid is released when bacteria ferments the sugars in cabbage during the preparation of sauerkraut. It has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and aches. Cabbage can help general pain relief and muscle soreness, depending on how it is prepared.
• Eating cabbage purifies the blood and removes toxins. Primarily free radicals and uric acid which are the main causes of arthritis, eczema, gout, rheumatism, renal calculi, and skin diseases. This detoxifying effect is due to the high content of vitamin C and sulfur in cabbage.
• Being rich in iodine, cabbage helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, along with keeping the glands of the endocrine system in proper condition. It is good for the brain and is useful in the treatment of neural disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The other nutrients in this vegetable, such as vitamin E, keep the skin, eyes, and hair healthy. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium are very useful for a wide range of health benefits. Cabbage can also be used for the treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, and peptic and duodenal ulcers.


Source: Organicfacts.net

Natural Fatburners

Protein Powder

• Soy Protein: Not usually known as a fat-burner, but does enhance fat loss in female athletes. Soy protein contains peptides that makes your brain keep you resting metabolism rate up. A higher RMR results in more calories burned at a resting rate. 20 g of soy protein is adequate enough to see the benefits in women. Mix half soy protein 10 - 20 g) and half whey (10 - 20 g) on workout days. 

Too much muscle gains that I broke the top on my tumbler!

• Whey Protein: It is noted as the best source of protein out of all other supplemental protein powders. Reduces inflammation (soreness or chronic) and lowers cholesterol levels (blood fats). Whey protein helps you burn fat by suppressing the appetite which leads to a reduction of your caloric intake. It also boots you metabolism and maintains muscle mass while loosing fat. 25 to 30 g is sufficient for women and 35 g to 50 g is sufficient dosage for men. However, this depends on weight and too much is useless. If you are lactose intolerant, then hydrolysate or isolate is a better choice for you. 

 CTD Sports Isolicious is one of my favorite protein powders!

• Casein Protein: Boosts metabolism, muscle growth and provides a high amount of leucine, which initiates muscle protein synthesis. This helps with fat loss because the more muscle you have the more calories you burn at rest. Because of it breaks down at a slow rate it prevents the body from feeding itself or being anti-catabolic. It contains all the amino acids the body needs and is known as a complete protein. 

Green Tea Extract

• Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) a compound that gives it's fat burning qualities. EGCG prevents the breakdown of noreepinephrine, a neurohormone that boosts metabolic rate and fat-butning. Taking green tea extract is more potent than taking it by drinking tea. Take 500 - 1,000 mg of green tea extract standardized for EGCG 3 times daily before meals.Take before workouts to give you energy and fat burning boost during your session.

Image Credits: thourouglyreviewed.com

Caffeine

• The main way it works is by binding on fat cells that blocks the storage of dietary fat in the cells and enhances its release into circulation. Take 100 - 300 mg of caffeine in capsule form, one in the morning and before workouts. This will encourage fat burn, give a boost of energy and intensify workouts. 

Image Credits: dietspotlight.com

CLA

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a fatty acid found naturally in beef and dairy Linoleic acid is the most common Omega-6 fatty acid, found in large amounts in corn, safflower and sunflower oil It can also be found in smaller amounts in various other foods. Benefits includes reducing food intake, increasing fat burning, enhancing the breakdown of fat and reducing the production of it. It has also been shown to improve body composition, with a reduction in body fat and sometimes increases in muscle mass. Healthy doses range from 3.2 to 6.4 grams per day.

Arginine

• Arginine is a nitric oxide (NO) booster that helps your training and recovery times. It is readily converted to NO in the body which may actually lead to fat loss. NO enhances lipolysis, the removal of fat from the fat cells. It also enhances growth hormone (GH) levels. GH is important for muscle growth and recovery, but also stimulates lipolysis. Take 3 - 5 g of arginine 30 - 60 min. preworkout and before bed for the best results

Capsaicin 

• It is the chemical in peppers that make them spicy and raises the levels of norepinephrine in which boost your metabolism and encourages fat loss. It also reduces hunger. Order spicy dishes or adding 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to your meals will boost your body's fat burning qualities. You can also buy capsaicin capsules of 40,000 - 80,000 Scovill thermal units per dose. Make sure to take before meals and not after. Otherwise, you might burp up heat. 

Image Credits: draxe.com

Carnitine 

• L-carnitine is an amino acid (a building block for proteins) that is naturally produced in the body and helps the body produce energy. It is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. L-carnitine helps to transport fat, particularly long-chain fatty acids, into the mitochondria of cells. There is where the fat used as fuel to generate adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. L-carnitine does this cellular work both when you exercise and rest, but research confirms that it is most effective during intense exercise. Without this amino acid, most dietary fats can't get into the mitochondria and be burned for fuel. It is a serious medical condition for people with L-carnitine deficiency. It can lead to muscle weakness, stunted growth, an enlarged liver, and a number of other problems. L-carnitine is considered a "conditionally essential" nutrient which means that your body produces it. However, if it doesn't produce enough, it can serious impact on your health.

Raspberry ketones

• Found in red raspberries and has the similar effects like capsaicin without the spiciness. They boost metabolism in which enhances your body's fat burning qualities. Try out 100 - 200 mg 2 times day before meals. 

Image Credits: supplementpolice.com

Sources: WebMD, Muscle & Fitness for Her, Healthline & Bodybuilding.com