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Considerations….

20 Jun

I’ve been thinking….

I’m a bit bored of Dia’s! (Don’t shoot me just yet!!!). When i first started formulating i really enjoyed it. It was theraputic, but now…. not so much. It’s rather stressful testing formula after formula for products for different curl types, trying out different essential oil combinations and consistently not liking what is being produced. Don’t get me wrong, i’m happy with the products i’ve created so far but i’m altogether a bit bored!

I’m considering rebranding to something a bit more fun and not so serious as Dia’s – All Natural. I want to experiment with different ingredients and explore fragrances. I also want my products to be cheaper in general then what they are now to make them easier for my customers to purchase and re-purchase (we are in a recession after all). I will still include all the great natural ingredients that you all have come to expect of Dia’s such as Aloe, Shea Butter, all the lovely oils etc. But stripped down and reformulated to include only the ingredients that will do a fantastic job without costing the earth!

I’ll be taking across some (not all) of my Dia’s range, tinkering around with some of the formulations to improve on them if i can, as well as bringing out some new stuff like a rich pomade (will be a great alternative to petroleum based ones), a moisturising deep conditioner, a protein/moisture balancing deep conditioner and a protein-rich reconstructor. I think i will also focus on one type of product in the range. No more a million and one different hair oils, different hair butters, etc. to try and suit every hair type under the sun. One is good! Possibly two if requested. We’ll see.

Just thinking out loud. Watch this space…

 
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Posted by on June 20, 2012 in Hair Care

 

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Get Your Hair Out!

24 May

The sun is shining!!! After such a wet spring, it’s nice to finally see some good weather. I thought i’d do a quick post on making the most of late spring, as for most of us, our hair has been hibernating all winter and throughout the dismal spring rains. It’s finally time to let your hair out and now is a good time do it.

I’ve had a few questions from ladies concerned with caring for their ‘free’ hair because they are either just coming out of transitioning or have been natural for some time but have kept their hair in braids/weaves for a while and need to re-connect with their hair.

My Advice

Get Your Basic Regime In Order

Think about how you’re going to care for your hair. It’s going to be a daily affair from now on so it’s best you know how to work with it. Think of the basics. How often you’ll wash, condition, deep condition and use protein treatments. How often will you moisturise and seal your ends? And what products will you use? As the weather warms up the heavier products can be traded in for lighter ones as you may find you will moisturise and seal more often and you don’t want lots of greasy build-up unless you’ll be washing your hair more often too. Once you’ve decided on your regime it’s important to stick with it! You can adapt it as you begin to learn your hair’s characteristics, what it likes and doesn’t but overall be consistent with your hair care. It’s the biggest key to successfully maintaining healthy hair.

If you’re not sure where to start, i’d recommend you take a look at my Hairducation page. I’ve grouped together posts i’ve written about caring for natural hair. Start with the ‘Getting To Know Your Hair’ series and then read your way through the ‘Caring For Natural Hair’ posts. I also recommend reading the articles i’ve written on the Dia’s Website such as ‘Building A Regime’. It should help to give you an idea of how you could put your own regime together.

Prepare

Don’t just go head first into your hair. Prepare first. We’ve already looked at finding a basic regime. Think of what you’ll need to make handling your hair easier. Think of the styling tools such as combs, hair bands, pins and clips you’ll need to style your hair. Research your products and buy them in advance, ready for when you are.

Find A Style

I know there are those who are anxious about ‘freeing’ their hair because they fear they may not find a style that will suit them. My advice is find just one simple style that you like and that you can easily do yourself and stick with it for a while. It can be as simple as a bun. Just because your hair is out of braids doesn’t mean it has be in a grand afro (it’s fine if that’s what you want, lol). The goal here is to get comfortable with styling your hair daily and trying to be overly complex with your styles can lead to frustration if they don’t turn out well. Take it one step at a time. What you’ll find is most naturals (and all ladies really, including myself) have a go to style that’s simple and that works. And all they do is create variations of the same style. That’s what you need to find. After you find that style and have gotten comfortable with handling and styling your hair on a daily basis you will find yourself becoming more confident and adventurous with the styles you create. Remember, protective styles that tuck away the ends of your hair are best if you are trying to grow/retain length.

Accessorise

I love the way a hair flower can turn a boring bun into an exotic and sophisticated style. Accessories such as bands, bows, flowers and clips work wanders in transforming simple styles into something with more ‘wow’. Believe me, you can do the same style every day and just switch up the accessories. You’ll be surprised as to how different they make the style look. They can also be a point of inspiration. If you find a piece you like, it can spark a spot of creativity as you think of a way of incorporating that accessory into a hair style.

BE YOURSELF!

Most of all i’ll say, be yourself. It’s ok if you’re not the kind to fuss over your hair. It’s ok if you prefer simple styles over elaborate ones. It’s ok if you do. Don’t feel pressure to look a certain way. Your hair is just an extension of yourself and you should feel comfortable with who you are. Just do you!

I hope these tips help. Talk soon!

 
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Posted by on May 24, 2012 in Hair Care, Hair Care Basics

 

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TKC: Skin Issues: Cleansing the Body Part 2: Juicing

12 Mar

Juicing is the process of extracting juice from plant tissues such as fruit or vegetables. Juicing eliminates the hard to digest fibre, nutrients are obtainable to the body in a great deal of larger quantities than if the piece of fruit or vegetable was eaten whole. For instance, since a lot of the nutrients are in the fibre, when you eat a raw carrot, you are only able to absorb about 3% of the beta-carotene.

 

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JUICERS

Oxygen is a major component of health.  The heart pumps oxygen rich blood throughout the body and we rely on the oxygen rich blood to function as we do.  Some of the most toxic poisons in the body can only be “burnt up” and neutralised through oxidation. This is the job of oxygen-rich red blood cells that circulate from the lungs and into the deeper organs and glands of the body.

Oxygen displaces deadly free radicals, neutralizes environmental toxins, and destroys anaerobic (depleted of oxygen) bacteria, parasites, microbes and viruses. Oxygen greatly enhances the body’s absorption of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, and other important nutrients. Oxygen enhances brain-power and memory. Oxygen can beneficially affect your learning ability. The ability to think, feel and act is all, dependent on oxygen. It also calms the mind and stabilizes the nervous system. Oxygen heightens concentration and alertness.

This makes choosing the right juicer very important.  Masticating Juicers such as the Norwalk Juicer, Champion, Omega Vert and the GreenStar Juicers; chop or press the vegetables and separate the juice keeping as much of the oxygen and nutrients in tact.

 

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Most inexpensive juicers are centrifugal juicers that spin the juice out, destroying the oxygen molecules.  It may not make much difference to some, but it would make the world of difference to a cancer patient or someone serious about preventing illness and maintaining optimum health.

MIXING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

It is important NOT to mix fruit and vegetable juices. The principle behind food combining is that different food classes require different enzymes, different rates of digestion, and different digestive pH levels for proper digestion. If the foods of the different food classes are combined incorrectly, the specific requirements for their proper digestion tend to cancel each other.

 

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When you learn about food combining, you will realise that certain foods work well together and other foods do not. Vegetables require different enzymes for digestion than fruits. When you combine the two, you create bad digestion. Since the whole purpose of juicing is to improve your nutritional intake, mixing fruits and vegetables together is not a good idea because you sabotage your digestion which in turn hampers your ability to absorb the nutrition.

 

FRUIT JUICES

Fruit juices tend to be very sweet and delicious but should not be taken too regularly as they can upset blood sugar levels.  Fruit juices also detoxify faster than vegetables and can cause cleansing reactions such skin break-outs, diarrhoea, or headaches.

CARROTS         image

I always recommend clients start with Carrot Juice…

Carrot is rich in alkaline elements which purify and revitalise the blood. They nourish the entire system and help in the maintenance of acid-alkaline balance in the body.  It helps to purify and feed nutrients to your cells and many people who are sick with cancer and other terminal illnesses juice a good amount for its potent healing properties.

Carrot juice contains a good strong amount of vitamin A, C, calcium among other necessary vitamins. Specifically they are rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, C, small amounts of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin and E. They have calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur, small amounts of copper, iron and zinc.

Good for healthy skin, eyes and for good bone density. It helps to purify and feed nutrients to your cells.

 

SPINACH      image

Spinach juice is very healthful, but you only need a few ounces a week and need no more than about ¼ of your juice consisting of green juice.

Spinach is a natural laxative and although a it is nutritious it also rich in oxalic acid. Oxalic acid requires exercise for it to be metabolised. If you get too much oxalic acid, then your body will begin to actually loose nutrients.

It should be avoided for those with kidney stones, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated. Read my notes on oxalic acid for more information.

You should also avoid combining spinach with other vegetables that are high in calcium, such as broccoli. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound. You should also avoid eating calcium rich food immediately after eating or juicing spinach or any food high in oxalic acid. This includes foods like tofu.

 

BEETROOT      image  

Beetroot is probably one of the most powerful vegetables available. Beetroot is known for causing both stools and urine to turn red and if this happens, don’t be surprised.

Never drink beetroot juice by itself. It should be mixed with other vegetables  Pure beetroot juice (from the bulb or greens) can temporarily paralyse your vocal chords, make you break out in hives, increase your heart rate, cause chills or a fever.

Best consumed in small amounts. one to two ounces of beetroot juice (approximately ½ a small beetroot or ¼ a large beetroot.)

Both the roots and greens are powerful cleansers of the body. Beetroot is said to really cleanse the blood and kidneys and this is why it is suggested you use beets moderately.

Beetroot is high in oxalic acid and therefore should be avoided by those who suffer from or are at risk for kidney stones, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated. See notes from Spinach regarding Oxalic acid.

Since beetroot is high in oxalic acid, you should also avoid combining with other vegetables that are high in calcium, such as broccoli. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound. You should also avoid eating calcium rich food immediately after eating or juicing beets or any food high in oxalic acid. This includes foods like tofu.

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables out there, including sprouts that are so good for you and plenty of recipes for you to try out.  Have a go and let me know how you get on.

 

STORAGE

Drink your juice right away, or store it very carefully. Vegetable juice is HIGHLY perishable so it’s best to drink all of your juice immediately. However, if you’re careful, you can store it for up to 24 hours with only moderate nutritional decline. If you do have to make them in advance, add a squeeze of lemon juice to help prevent oxidation. Store in a flask in the fridge.

 
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Posted by on March 12, 2012 in Natural Skin Care

 

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How To Find What Techniques REALLY Work For Your Hair

21 Feb

I’ve been asked in the past how i personally know what techniques work for my hair and which ones don’t and how they can figure out what makes their hair happy. My answer is and always will be EXPERIMENT! Experiment, experiment, experiment! Simple isn’t it?

Let me ask you this. If you’ve always done things one way, how can you be sure that way is the best way unless you have a comparison, something else to compare it to?

How do i know that my hair responds better to weekly rather than fortnightly washes? How do i know that detangling tools work better for me than solely finger detangling? How do i know my hair responds well to regular moisturising and sealing? Because i experiment. I’m always trying new/different methods with my hair. I’ll give you a few examples of some of my experiments.

Washing

I’ve gone two weeks without washing my hair on more than one occasion and i can feel the difference. After the first week, it seems that moisturising and sealing doesn’t work as well. My hair begins to feel really dry and straw like, as though the moisture isn’t getting through even though i’m moisturising daily. So i know that weekly washing keeps product build-up to a minimum so i get maximum penetration from my moisturising and sealing routine. My scalp becomes itchy if it’s not washed weekly too. I also find that my hair needs the weekly conditioning to maintain it’s optimum softness and manageability.

Detangling

I’ve also tried finger detangling exclusively for 3 weeks. I keep reading how finger detangling is ‘the best way’ to detangle your hair and so i thought i’d give it a try. I don’t use combs or tools to style my hair during the week and only fully detangle on wash days with conditioner and the Tangle Teezer. For those three weeks i washed my hair weekly and used no other detangling tools apart from my fingers. To detangle i sprayed my dry hair with my Detangling Spray (coming soon) and gently separated my strands before stepping in the shower to wash it, and again detangling with conditioner during washing. I thought i was doing a great job until the third week where i started to get tiny two and three strand tangles. It seems i was doing a good job removing the larger tangles but not so much the smaller ones. What i found was that i had loads of these two and three strand tangles and so was forced to bring out my detangling tools, but oh the work i had to do. It took me AGES to remove all those tiny tangles! I definitely did more damage than good with exclusive finger detangling. I personally know that detangling tools work better for me and are in better keeping with my overall lifestyle than exclusive finger detangling. I don’t have 3-4 hours to sit and pull apart every strand of hair. I have three kids!

Shampooing over Co-washing

This knowledge came about by accident. Since i’ve begun to formulate my own range, i’ve had to use my own hair to test out each product before passing them onto my panel of testers. That’s probably why i haven’t written so much about my routine in a while. It’s a bit all over the place as i test out new things. When i was developing my shampoo, i was forced to shampoo my hair weekly to test out different formulas. So for a few months i was shampooing every week, which i thought i would never do as i hate the way regular shampoos make my hair feel. I usually alternate between shampooing and co-washing. Once i was happy with my shampoo i went back to co-washing for a while only to find my scalp is no longer satisfied with it. My hair loves co-washing (can you say soft?) but my scalp does not. It does not cleanse my scalp as well as shampooing does. This also teaches me about products. Products DO make a difference. As i said, I’ve always hated the way shampoo makes my hair feel so i tend to steer clear of them. But my Aloe & Honey Conditioning Shampoo works so well for me and leaves my hair clean but soft and not stripped, that i’m pleased to shampoo my hair weekly. It’s no problem now. i co-wash only when i’m pressed for time, after intense workouts or if i need to add extra moisture mid-week in the summer months.

My Advice To You

Experiment to see what your hair likes. Try washing it weekly for one month and then fortnightly the next month and note the way your hair feels. In summer try warm water rinses/co-washes mid-week for one month and see if the extra moisture brings your hair to life or if it’s moisture overload. Try co-washing for one month and then shampooing and conditioning the next. How does your hair feel? Try moisturising and sealing daily for 2 weeks and then moisturising twice weekly (for example) for another 2 and see how your hair responds. You’re looking for happy hair (what does that actually mean?). Hair that feels soft and smooth. You’re looking for processes that bring out the best in your hair, that makes your hair easier to maintain, that minimises damage and split ends and that maintains a healthy scalp. Gradually you’ll begin to learn the processes and techniques that work best for you and your hair!

Until next time!

 
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Posted by on February 21, 2012 in Hair Care, Hair Care Basics

 

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TKC: Natural Skin Care Part 1: Skin Issues & Cleansing the Body

30 Jan
TKC: Natural Skin Care Part 1: Skin Issues & Cleansing the Body

Skin issues are commonly dealt with as just that – skin issues; and whilst the creams and ointments applied do appear help the symptoms experienced, we never really get to grips with the underlying cause.  As long as we don’t actually look like we’re experiencing skin issues, we’re ok.  Or are we?

We can suffer our whole lives with our skin issues and never really find out the true cause.  What we don’t always think of, or care about, is that the true cause may be a lot deeper than we first thought.

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One Cause?

All ailments and illnesses are caused by what we put in our bodies, minds and on our skin.  This has to be true as our bodies can only react to what they are exposed to.  So we naturally conclude that we should ensure that what we expose ourselves to, eat and drink as well as the creams and ointments that we use should affect us in the most positive way.

This leads me to my first and best rule for Skin Care:  If you can’t consume it, DO NOT put it on your skin.

The wrong cream, ointment and make-up can cause allergic reactions and irritate pre-existing conditions.  These products are absorbed by the body and is alerted to if the body does not agree with the product and thus an allergic reaction occurs.

My second rule for Skin Care: Eat and Drink Consciously

The diet section below, highlights how foods affect our blood and therefore our skin.

The third rule: Positive, Healthy and Edifying Environments are Best.

Other factors that affect our bodies are: environment, household and lifestyle.

Other things that pollute the blood include negative thoughts, stress and worry, and other negative emotion.  Stress can easily cause skin issues, hair loss and ailments.  The best thing to do for this is to remove the stressor or remove yourself from the stressful environment.  To cleanse your mind and environment from the very problem.  I turn to God as He can bear all my burdens.  When I cast my cares on Him, my stress no longer has the power it seemed to have at the beginning.  Cleanse and remove all things from your household that are not affecting you in positive way.  Make positive changes to your lifestyle – go for walks and get some fresh air when you feel you are most down, do not seclude yourself.  Vitamin D is most beneficial for a good healthy attitude.  Allow your skin to breathe and blood to circulate.  Find someone that you can trust and talk about it.  Holding your problems in can be very bad for your health.

We can then determine that manifestations on the skin and in the body are signs that there is something that needs to be addressed internally.  Always.  The signs and symptoms tell us that that our bodies are vulnerable, lacking or sensitive and therefore, not as strong or as resistant as we could be.

(Note that not all contributing factors, whether in, around, or on the body produce the same effect at the same level.  Different people are prone to different types of reactions and symptoms at different rates.  Many people experience what they feel are not important aliments and symptoms on a day-today basis and have learned to just live with them as if they are a semi-normal part of every-day life.  These symptoms are just as important and also need just as much care and attention.)

What can I do?

The first thing you have to do is a must.  You would not try to clean yourself in a dirty bath and you would not wash your dishes in a dirty sink.  You would clean and disinfect the bath or sink to make sure that the soap, disinfectant, bleach or other cleaning material is as effective need be. The same applies to the body.

To allow treatments and remedies to be effective, you would start with a fresh, cleansed environment.  An optimum starting point is the best point, otherwise the results, as with washing up, will not be optimum.

Skin manifestations are a result of toxins in the body and body either has too much to be able to deal with it at one time or the body’s coping mechanisms are not functioning as they should due to overload, overwork or fatigue.

Where do I start?

These are areas to look at when cleansing internally:

1.  The Liver

The liver has more than 500 functions, but some main functions are:

  • processing digested food from the intestine
  • controlling levels of fats, amino acids and glucose in the blood
  • combating infections in the body
  • clearing the blood of particles and infections including bacteria
  • neutralising and destroying drugs and toxins
  • manufacturing bile
  • storing iron, vitamins and other essential chemicals
  • breaking down food and turning it into energy
  • manufacturing, breaking down and regulating numerous hormones including sex hormones
  • making enzymes and proteins which are responsible for most chemical reactions in the body, for example those involved in blood clotting and repair of damaged tissues.

Skin manifestations can arise from not being able to destroy toxins, clear the blood of bacteria and combat infections in the body among others.

Skin rashes, Itchy skin (pruritus) Dark circles under the eyes, Red, swollen itchy eyes (allergic eyes,) Acne Rosacea (red pimples around the nose, cheeks and chin,) Brownish spots and blemishes on the skin (liver spots,) Red palms and soles which may also be itchy and inflamed. Flushed facial appearance or excessive facial blood vessels (capillaries/ veins).

For a flushing program, click here or go the www.theoriginalplan.org for more information.  The website is run by my brother, Curtis who will help you with all you need to know.

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2.  The Kidneys

The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines. Every day, a person’s kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about approx. 2 litres of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder.  The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination.

The kidneys remove wastes and water from the blood to form urine. Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder.

Wastes in the blood come from the normal breakdown of active tissues, such as muscles, and from food. The body uses food for energy and self-repairs. After the body has taken what it needs from food, wastes are sent to the blood. If the kidneys did not remove them, these wastes would build up in the blood and damage the body.

In addition to removing wastes, the kidneys release three important hormones:

  • erythropoietin, or EPO, which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells
  • renin, which regulates blood pressure
  • calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, which helps maintain calcium for bones and for normal chemical balance in the body

When the body cannot rid itself of the waste and reaches a certain level, the body will let you know, skin manifestations can occur in forms such as itchy skin, darkened, dry and flaking skin.

There are quite a few ways and herbs to help with cleansing the kidneys, but the best thing to do is to flush the kidneys first.  This is in case you have built up kidney stones.  Kidney stones occur when there is a build-up of calcium.  Acidity dissolves the calcium and so you would start by drinking the juice of 25 lemons (undiluted) once a week, for one month.  There are those who upgrade to drinking the lemon twice a week, but to do this, you must be sure that you are ready to handle the strength of the lemon.

Tonics can be made with parsely, uva ursi, horseradish, mustard seeds and cranberry juice (not necessarily together!)

please click here to contact me or Curtis at info@theoriginalplan.org

3. The Bowels

The bowel is considered to be a part of the digestive or gastrointestinal system. It s designed to help the body absorb nutrients and fluids from the foods we eat and drink.  After taking out everything the body needs, the bowel then expels the leftover waste.  The beginning of the bowel is the small intestine, sometimes referred to as the small bowel. This is where the useful nutrients are absorbed from what you eat.  The small bowel delivers the waste to the colon, or large bowel. As the stool moves through the colon, the fluids are removed and absorbed into the body. The small bowel is more than 20 feet long and the
large bowel is 5-6 feet long.

When excess waste products are not eliminated from your body regularly, they flood toxins into your body. The toxins have no where to go, so they build up in your system. Since your skin is also responsible for elimination, it will try to assist your body by trying to eliminate the accumulating toxins. You can break out with spots and have unexplained skin rashes when you don’t have regular bowel movements.

Having regular bowel movements is your first line of defence against dangerous toxins. If you are constipated or not having regular movements, your skin will look naturally unhealthy. No rosy cheeks for you!

When waste putrefies in the colon, it releases toxins that can reabsorb into your bloodstream and cause damage to other parts of your body. Auto-intoxication affects your liver – and so the circle begins.

Cleansing the bowels flushes out impacted faecal matter, toxins, bad bacteria and parasites.  Manifestations on the chest, lower back, rashes, itching, skin conditions and ACNE among others.

For information on how to cleanse the bowels, click here or go to www.theoriginalplan.org  and look up the ‘7 day cleanse.’

4.  The Blood

So we have established that waste and toxin build-up is released into the bloodstream causing toxic and ‘dirty blood.’  This is the simplest to explain in that all organs require blood cells to function and therefore, hampered blood cells equals hampered function. 

All skin disorders (or so-called disease(s)) are blood disorders. Whetever the particular adverse skin challenge may be, whether it’s genital herpes (HSV2), shingles (herpes zoster), eczema, psoriasis, Raynaud’s disease, scleroderma, ringworm, dermatitis, rosacea, acne, skin blemish, whiteheads, blackheads, urticaria, lichen nitidus, chicken pox, measles, mumps, boils, hives, scabies infection, impetigo, lice infection, genital warts, tinea, keratosis pilaris, Kaposi sarcoma, vitiligo, or echtima just to name a few, the underlying physical problem lies with the blood – toxic blood.

DIET

Without a doubt the diet must change.  Unfortunately, most people cannot make the connection between food and diseases or what they eat and why they are sick. This would have to account for the biggest block in the healing and prevention of disease. What you eat, bad or good, is going to affect the blood and thus affect the skin. Again, the skin is a manifestation of the condition of the blood. You can’t heal the skin without addressing the blood!

Acidic blood is going to create adverse skin conditions; therefore you must become a conscious eater and watch what you eat.

Meat products, eggs, dairy products, refined grains and refined starches all help to make toxic and polluted acidic blood. Therefore, to heal from any adverse skin condition, there must be a dietary change. One should abstain from consuming all acid-forming and inducing foods and beverages and consume mostly live/living organic raw vegan foods (fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts).

WATER

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The best drinking water for healing all adverse skin conditions is ALKALINE WATER.  Alkaline water causes the tissues to get rid off toxins when consumed. The more water you drink on a daily basis, the more you will flush out old toxins as well as bust up hardened and stubborn mucus.

You should drink half your body weight in water. Whatever your weight is, cut it or divide it in half and change the pounds to ounces and drink that number in water daily. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, half of 150lbs is 75lbs. Now remove the lbs and replace the lbs with oz; so 75lbs becomes 75oz. Therefore, you should be drinking 75oz of water per day or 2.13 litres.

If alkaline water is not available or cannot be found in your supermarket or health food store, simply opt for distilled water (for cleansing purposes). However, spring water may also be drunk if it is your choice or alkaline and/or distilled water is not available.

JUICING

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Juicing is major in cleansing and purifying the blood. Vegetable juice nourishes, builds, strengthens, cleanses and purifies the blood and lymph fluid.

The best vegetable juices are those that are GREEN and RED in colour. Anything green will greatly cleanse the blood and anything red will greatly cleanse the blood.

Green veg includes: spinach, parsley, kale, spring greens, basil, cucumber, celery, and artichoke to name a few; but you can juice whatever your favourite green veg may be. The same applies for fruits.

Red veggies include: beetroot, red pepper, and radishes. Again, you can juice whatever your favourite veg may be.

Red-coloured fruits are great for blood cleansing: strawberries, cherries, lycii berries, goji berries, and tomatoes to name a few.

Wheat grass and barley grass are excellent blood purifiers and builders and can be drunk daily. Two to four ounces daily of these grass juices are ideal. You can even add them to your vegetable juice cocktail.

Look out for more information on juicing in my next blog.

HERBS

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Herbs that are good and effective for cleansing and purifying the blood include: Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Echinacea Root, Goldenseal Root, Oregon Grape, Cleavers, Nettle, Pau D’ Arco, Celedine, Sarsaparilla, Yellow Dock Root, Manjistha, Cat’s Claw, Barberry, Devil’s Claw, Chickweed, Sassafras, Chaparral, Amla Fruit, Strawberry Leaf, and Cerasee to name a few.

For more information on how to use these herbs, please click here to contact me or Curtis at info@theoriginalplan.org

Hope you enjoyed this one.  Email me if you have any questions…

Sources: http://dherbs.com/articles/skin-disorder-252.html#ixzz1ksQ2k7Yf

Information provided here is for educational purposes only.  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please do not attempt any of these cleanses as they may be harmful to you and your baby. Please consult your doctor before undertaking any of the methods or programs detailed here or from www.theoriginalplan.org

Coming up:  Juicing, Balancing the body, Regimes and tools,  Recipes, Make up and Manual Microdermabrasion

 
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Posted by on January 30, 2012 in Health, Kelly

 

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Herbs For The Scalp–Dandruff

03 Jan

Here i’ve compiled a list of herbs that directly affect the scalp. Herbs are a great natural way of maintaining the health of the scalp and can help with certain scalp conditions. I’ve grouped them into different categories for easier referencing. If you haven’t already checked out the previous post ‘Herbs For The Hair’ find it HERE.

Dandruff

Dandruff – A common scalp condition that causes white flakes to appear in the scalp and hair. The white flakes are dead scalp skin. Dandruff is often the result of seborrhoea, an inflammation (dermatitis) of the scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Contains pectin, carbolic acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethyl acetates and the perfect balance of 19 minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine and silicon as well as acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes and amino acids.

Good for – Regulating the water content in the cells and body, helps with regulating blood pressure, assists in preventing circulatory problems, helps with diminishing premature calcification of the arteries and assists in blood circulation. Also balances skin and scalps pH, helps treat dandruff and itchy scalp conditions, fights hair loss, fungal infections of the skin, soothes sunburn and insect bites and can help eliminate head lice.

Aloe Vera – Aloe barbadensis

Contains Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Enzymes, Hormones (Auxins & Gibberellins), Lignin, Minerals, Salicylic Acid, Saponins, Sterols, Sugars and Vitamins.

Its properties are – Analgesic, cleansing, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral, immune modulating, anti-oxidant and cell proliferant.

Good for speedy wound healing, soothing irritated skin and scalp conditions including dandruff, healing burns, rashes, insect bites, sores, viral and fungal infections and can help reduce psoriasis, rosacea, warts, eczema and wrinkles.

Bay Leaf – Laurus nobilis

Contains about 0.8 – 3% essential oils, mucilage, tannins and resins.

It’s properties are – Antibacterial, Analgesic, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aperitif, Astringent, Diuretic, Insecticide, Stimulant and Tonic.

A good scalp tonic, stimulating growth and easing dandruff.

Birch Bark/Leaves – Betula pendula/alba

Contains about 3% tannic acid, saponins, bitters, glycosides and flavonoids, including hyperoside, quercitrin, myricetin galactoside, kaempferol, myricetin and quercetin glycosides in the leaves. About 15% betulin and betulenic acid, salicylate and methyl salicylate, empyreumatic oil, also known as Birch Tar which contains a high concentration of methyl salicylates as well as creosol and guailacol as well as terpenoilds and triterpenes including betulin, betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene and ursolic acid. Essential oils, bitters, resins and betuls camphor also exist in the bark.

Its properties are – diuretic, detoxifying, cicatrizing, anti-rheumatic, astringent, antiulcer, choleretic, slightly hypertensive, anti-fever in the leaves. The bark is diuretic, digestive and anti-fever.

Good for treating affections of the skin and scalp such as dermatitis, eczemas, dandruff, and furunculous (A skin condition characterized by the development of recurring boils).

Burdock Root

Contains calcium, potassium, iron, amino acids, polyphenols, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oil, polyacetylenes, resin, mucilage, inulin, alkaloids and essential oil.

It’s properties are – Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-scorbutic, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Anti-allergy.

Good for eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin/scalp conditions as well as scalp conditions such as dandruff, and hair loss.

Cloves – Eugenia caryaphyllata

Contains volatile oil; eugenol (up to 85%), acetyl eugenol, methyl salicylate, pinene, vanillin, gums and tannins, rich in minerals and vitamins.

Its properties are – Mild topical anaesthetic, disinfectant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, germicidal, antiviral, analgesic, warming and stimulating.

Good for mild pain relief (topical), infections, fungal infections, dandruff, provides a cooling sensation and relieves scalp irritation. The benefits of clove are just too numerous to state here!

Comfrey - Symphytum spp

Contains tannins, rosmarinic acid, allantoin, steroidal saponins, mucilage, inulin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Gum, Carotene, Glycosides, Sugars, Beta-sitosterol, Triterpenoids, Vitamin B-12, Protein and Zinc.

Its properties are – Anodyne, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Haemostatic, Refrigerant and Vulnerary.

Good for rough, damaged skin, treating inflammation, stimulating wound healing, eczema and psoriasis. The high content of the phytochemical Allantoin which promotes skin cell regeneration, stimulates the growth of new cells and helps sensitive skin to become more resilient, counteracting dryness and cracking.

Fenugreek – Trigonella foenum-graecum

Contains mucillage, proteins and amino acids, flavonoids, saponins and steroidal saponins, coumarin, lipids, vitamins, minerals, galactomannan fibre and alkaloids, such as trigonelline.

Its properties are galactogogue (increases mothers milk), digestive aid, tonic, anti-anaemic, cardio tonic, depurative, febrifugal, expectorant, a neuromuscular stimulant, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-spasmodic and an emmenagogue. Fenugreek is seen as one of the most important remedies for dandruff. Also good for soothing irritation, reducing inflammation and treating skin infections.

Ginger – Zingiber officinale

Contains about 477 chemical constituents including ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, capsaicin, beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, curcumin, lecithin, limonene, selenium and tryptophan, essential oils including ginerol (5-10%)minerals and vitamins.

Its properties are – Anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-viral, carminative, circulation-stimulating, detoxifying, diaphoretic, digestive, lymph-cleansing, mild laxative, perspiration-inducing and warming.

Good for Arthritis, fevers, headaches, and toothaches, lowers blood cholesterol and blood-pressure and aids in preventing internal blood clots. Coughs or bronchitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, improves the complexion, eases tendonitis, improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation and is stimulating. There is some evidence to suggest that it helps to combat skin, ovarian, colon and breast cancer. Great dandruff remedy.

Horsetail

Contains 5-7% silicic acid, nicotine, palustrine, palustridine, phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, malic acid, vitamin C, volatile oil, potassium salts as well as silica, sulfur, amino acids (valine, paraginic acid, lucine, serine & citruline), cysteine, flavone, glycosides and saponine.

Its properties are – antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent,  effects

Good for helping prevent baldness, seborrhea and dandruff, irritated skin conditions, pimples and eczema

Lavender – Lavendula angustifolia

Contains over 100 constituents, including linalool, perillyl alcohol, linalyl acetate, camphor, limonene, tannins, triterpenes, coumarins, cineole, and flavonoids.

Its properties are – Analgesic, Anticonvulsive, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Decongestant, Deodorant, Detoxicant, Diuretic, Fungicide, Restorative and Sedative.

Good for soothing irritated skin and scalp conditions, eliminating dandruff, reducing hair loss and inflammation

Neem – Azadirachta indica

Contains diterpenoids and triterpenoids, gedunin and its derivatives, vilasinin type of compounds and C- secomeliacins such as nimbin, salanin and azadirachtin ), proteins (amino acids), carbohydrates (polysaccharides), sulphurous compounds, polyphenolics such as flavonoids and their glycosides, dihydrochalcone, coumarin and tannins, aliphatic compounds.

Its properties are – Anti-inflammatory; Anti-arthritic; Antipyretic; Hypoglycaemic; Anti-gastric ulcer; Spermicidal; Antifungal; Antibacterial; Diuretic; Antimalarial; Anti-tumour; Immunomodulatory.

Good for treating skin and scalp infections, fungal infections such as ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, dry and itchy skin conditions and acne.

Rosemary – Rosemarinus officianlis

Contains 0.5% to 2.5% of volatile oils, Flavonoids,Terpenoids, Phenols including caffeic, chlorogenic, labiatic, neochlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids and high amounts of salicylates.

Its properties are – analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiviral, aphrodisiac, disinfectant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, tonic and stimulating.

Good for increasing blood circulation to the scalp, treating dandruff and other irritated skin and scalp conditions as well as helping to prevent hair loss.

Sage – Salvia officianalis

Contains Bitter principles, Flavonoids, Tannins, Silica, Antibiotic polyacetylenes, Inulin, Hydroxycoumarins and Volatile oils.

Its properties are – Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiperspirant/Deodorants, Aromatic, Astringent, Depurative, Emmenagogue and Nervine

Good for treating skin and scalp infections including fungal infections, helps heal dermatitis, herpes, psoriasis as well as excessive perspiration amongst other things.

Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia

The main constituent in tea tree’s essential oil and present in concentrations of 30% or more is terpinen-4-ol, with more than 100 other constituents identified. Other constituents include terpinene, terpinolene, pinene, cymene, and limonene.

Its properties are – antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, bactericide, cicatrisant, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific.

Good for treating skin and scalp infections including bacterial, fungal and viral, helps clear abscesses, acne, burns, herpes, oily skin, athlete’s foot, cold sores, blemishes, diaper rash, warts, sunburn and infected wounds, while fighting dandruff on the scalp.

White Willow Bark – Salix babylonica

Contains apigenin, beta-carotene, catechin, lignin, rutin, salicin, salicylic acid, tannin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin C amongst other things.

Its properties are – bitter, astringent, cooling, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, pain relieving, anti-pyretic, exfoliating

Good for mild pain relief for headaches, joints and muscular pain, reducing fevers from bacterial and viral infections and other feverish illnesses, cleansing the scalp and skin, as a rinse for treating dandruff and for treating corns and growths. Also good as a mouthwash for sore gums, a compress and poultice for burns, insect bites and wounds and a foot soak for sweaty feet.

How To Use

Dandruff treatments should be used at least several times a week for maximum effect.

Herbal Scalp Rinse

You can use one or a combination of herbs for your rinse, e.g Sage, Birch, Comfrey, Burdock Root, White Willow Bark and/or Horsetail.

Make an infusion (just like making tea). Combine the herbs and use 1-2 teaspoons of the herb mix per cup (250ml) of distilled (or at least filtered) water. Pour freshly boiled water over the herbs, cover and allow to infuse until the water becomes cool. Strain through muslin or cheesecloth. Pour over your hair and scalp as a final rinse after shampooing/cleansing, massaging it into your scalp. Do not rinse out.

Tougher, more fibrous herbs such as the stalks, roots and bark will need to made into a tea by making a decoction. Use about 30-60 grams of herb (single or a combination) to 750ml distilled water. Use a non metallic pot with a tight lid. Add herbs and water to pot and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for between 15 and 40 minutes depending on how tough the herbs are. Do not uncover. Allow to cool before straining. Proceed to use as a final rinse.

Herbal Pastes

Fenugreek should be made into a paste by soaking two tablespoons of the seeds overnight. In the morning drain the seeds and grind them into a paste as smooth as possible. Apply the paste all over the scalp, cover and leave for 30 minutes.  Proceed to wash hair. It’s recommended to use this treatment at least twice a week for the first two weeks and then once a week for another two weeks. You could also use the water that you soak the seeds in as an after-shower hair tonic (final rinse or daily scalp spritz).

Neem powder can be made into a paste by mixing a few tablespoons of the powder with water or oil until a thick paste consistency is formed. Apply the paste all over the scalp, cover and leave for about 30 minutes. Proceed to wash hair.

Herbal Oil Treatments

Using the essential oils of the herbs mentioned above. Select one or a mix of essential oils such as Sage, Clove, Rosemary, Ginger and Tea Tree.

Choose a carrier oil. Coconut oil is good for scalp treatments, Jojoba oil is great too. Neem oil can be used in small amounts with your carrier oil. Measure out your carrier oil into a bottle. Add your essential oil(s) to the carrier oil. Close the bottle and shake well. Add no more than 20 drops of essential oils for every 60mls carrier oil used. Use closer to the maximum recommendation for a pre-wash treatment and about half or so for a leave-on oil treatment.

You can also infuse your carrier oil with the dried herbs to create your own Herb Infused Oils.

There are two ways of making infused oils. One is fairly fast and the other is a slow process. The usual ratio is 1:2, 1 part herb to 2 parts oil. 50g herbs to 100g/ml oil for example. You can make it stronger if you like by doing 1:1 equal amounts of herb to oil. Just make sure the oil is enough to cover the herbs.

Warm Method – Put your herbs and oil into a heat proof dish and put in a warm oven for 3-4 hours until the oil has changed in colour. Allow to cool, strain through muslin or cheesecloth into jars and label.

Cold Method – Put your herbs into a sterile jar. Pour the oil over the herbs and cover. Label and date the jar. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 4-6 weeks (give it the occasional shake) or until the oil has changed colour. Strain into another jar through muslin or cheesecloth.

You can make double or triple strength infused oils by straining the oil and adding more herbs and repeating the process.

Use your herbal oils at least 3 times a week for maximum effect.

Ginger Juice Pre-wash Treatment

Juice enough fresh ginger root to get 1 tablespoon of juice. Mix ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of Sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to the scalp directly and leave on until dry or fully absorbed into the scalp. Shampoo out. Depending on your needs you may need to double or even triple this recipe.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dandruff Rinse

Mix 2 parts ACV to 1 part warm water. Pour mixture over your hair & scalp after washing. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse. You can also leave this mixture on but it will smell a bit until it dries completely. For serious cases a stronger rinse can be used by mixing 1 part ACV to 1 part water. You can also add in a few drops of essential oils such as those mentioned above or create an infusion as suggested above and use the infusion in place of the water for a stronger dandruff treatment.

Aloe Vera Gel/Juice

Apply the gel/juice to the scalp and cover with a plastic cap as a pre-shampoo treatment about 1/2 to 1 hour before washing or even overnight. The juice can also be used as a daily leave-on scalp spritz.

Join me next time where i’ll be listing herbs for itchy/irritated scalp conditions.

 
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Posted by on January 3, 2012 in Dandruff, Herbs For The Scalp

 

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New Aloe & Honey Conditioning Shampoo–Out Now!

02 Jan

CSH 1

My new Aloe & Honey Conditioning Shampoo is available to purchase now. This sulphate- free shampoo lathers into a dense, rich foam in both hard and soft water but will not strip your hair or leave it feeling crunchy. As the name suggests, this shampoo conditions whilst it cleans to leave your hair feeling soft, smooth and moisturised.

Believe me when i say you only need a TINY bit of this shampoo. Literally one pump per section. You’ll be surprised as to how much this lathers and how well it cleanses. You’ll be even more surprised as to how your hair feels once you rinse it off!

Free from - SLS and other sulphates, Added Salt, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Silicones, Artificial Fragrances & Parabens

Click HERE to find out more!

Look out for my new Crambe Moisturising Conditioner which will be available soon.

I absolutely love this shampoo. If any of you have read my earlier posts on this blog you will know that i have a love-hate relationship with shampoo. I’ve never been a 100% satisfied with the results i get from shampooing. My hair gets clean, yes, but the way my hair usually feels afterwards isn’t great. So i normally employ other methods to help minimise the drying effects of the shampoo such as the ‘conditioner over shampoo’ method or Oil Rinsing after shampooing to help re-soften my strands. BUT….. With this shampoo i don’t have a need for those methods. My hair feels so soft and not at all yucky, crunchy or squeaky. I barely co-wash now, only when i’m pressed for time.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients

Deionised water – Purified Water

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – Contains purified fatty acids derived from natural coconut oil. Completely bio-degradable and mild to skin and eyes. Excellent foaming properties in hard and soft water. Provides gentle cleansing and imparts a soft after-feel to skin and hair.

Aloe Vera Juice – Contains amino acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins and many other nutrients. The enzymes help activate fresh growth and stimulates the growth of existing hair by stabilizing the follicular cycle. Helps to restore the hair and scalps pH balance.  Is a cellular regenerator with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, helps to treat and heal red, itchy and unhealthy scalps. Also smoothes the hairs cuticles and imparts shine to the hair.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Produced from Coconut Oil. Often used in combination with other Detergents to make them milder, and also produces a good foam. Especially recommended for Dry Hair Shampoos. Cocamidopropyl Betaine has been shown to be effective at removing heavy build-up including silicones.

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate – Derived from coconut oil. An extremely mild, high-foaming surfactant. Will not strip skin or hair of natural oils, imparts a soft, conditioned after-feel to skin and hair.

Glycerine – A humectant extracted from coconut. Moisturises by drawing water from the air (or in product) into the skin and hair. Provides a smooth, silky feeling and adds gloss. Boosts foaming in shampoos. Great for dry hair.

Coco-Glucoside (and) Glyceryl Oleate – 100% plant-derived (Coco Glucoside from Coconut and the fatty acid Glyceryl Oleate from Sunflower Oil) and is gentle enough for use in baby care products. A mild, water-soluble emollient and lipid layer enhancer which replenishes the skins’ moisture barrier function. It helps the hair retain its natural oils and moisture and assists with detangling.

Honeyquat – Naturally derived quaternized conditioning agent made from honey, exhibiting excellent moisture binding capabilities. Due to its low molecular weight, can easily penetrate the hair shaft to provide moisture to dry, dull hair. Also helps restore shine and lustre. Helps reduce static build-up and improves wet combing.

Olive Oil PEG-10 Esters – Water Soluble Olive Oil. Adds emollience to water based products and helps solubilise essential oils.

Panthenol – Pro-vitamin B5. Penetrates deep into the skin and hair shaft and has excellent water-binding abilities. It creates a protective film aiding moisture retention. Helps strengthen the hair by imparting an elastic film inside and out, which also helps thicken the hair and leaves it feeling soft, silky and easy to handle.

MicroKill – Broad spectrum Parabens-free and Formaldehyde-free preservation system. Active against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, yeasts and moulds.

Hydrolysed Wheat Protein – Provides excellent film forming properties and can absorb up to twice its weight of water. Its ideal for retaining water levels and moisturising the skin and hair. Helps strengthen the skin and hair and repairs damage. Porosity of the hair is reduced leaving it feeling smoother and softer and improves shine and lustre.

Essential Oils – Provides a natural fragrance whilst imparting all the beneficial properties the herb naturally contains.

Guar Conditioning Gum – Derived from guar gum. Softens and conditions whilst forming a protective barrier to help control flyaway and frizzy hair.

Citric Acid – pH adjuster to bring product pH ranges down to a suitable acidic level for optimal hair & skincare health.

 
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Posted by on January 2, 2012 in Dia's - All Natural

 

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