Keto Diet Terms Explained
If you’re at all familiar with the world of natural health or weight loss, chances are you’ve come across the words: keto, ketosis, ketone, or ketogenic diet. Though you may have heard these words, or perhaps adopted some of the main principles surrounding them, we think it’s important to know what they mean and to fully understand what this method of eating really entails.
Definitions:
- (Keto)genic diet – a way of eating that tends to promote the metabolic formation of ketone bodies by causing your body to use fat (rather than carbohydrates) as its principal energy source.
- Ketosis – a metabolic state that is characterized by raised levels of ketone bodies in the body tissues.
- Ketone body – any of following three related compounds (acetone, acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid) that are produced during the metabolism of fats.
Things can sometimes get tricky when it comes to the world of “diets”. Often, we’re thrown a million and one suggestions as to what we are supposed to be eating daily, or even hourly. What can help to make it easier, is to really understand what is going on in the body when we consume certain foods.
Using Fats for Fuel vs Using Carbs for Fuel
Fats and carbohydrates are typically thought of as the two main fuel sources for the body. Carbohydrates provide very short term and quick supplies of energy, while fats are a long term, and far slower supply. Carbohydrates are actually the cell’s “preferred” choice of energy… because they are absorbed extremely quickly to produce energy. Fats are used as energy sources only in an absence of carbohydrates.
When we first wake up in the morning, our bodies are “fasting”. This means that we haven’t eaten in 8-12 hours and in this state we have begun to use our fat stores for energy. Thus, our body is burning ketones. When we eat a “breakfast” meal that is full of carbohydrates, our body quickly comes out of this fasting state and uses glucose (sugar that makes up carbs) as a fuel source. This is all fine and well if we are expending energy and burning off what we’ve just consumed. In many cases, however, we’re consuming more energy than we actually need to use immediately, and the glucose is converted to fat and stored in the body.
Keto Diet = A Low Carb, High Fat Diet
Ketogenic diets are very high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. They are designed to put the body into a ketogenic state, or ketosis. The ratios of fats to protein to carbohydrates varies a bit for everyone, but the graph above is based on an average carbohydrate tolerance. Due to the body’s preference to use glucose for fuel, it’s important to keep the carbohydrate intake to a minimum*. This will help your body stay in ketosis and burn fat for fuel.
How do I know my body is in ketosis?
There are a few common methods of testing to see whether your body has entered ketosis.
- Keto sticks – you can purchase sticks to test ketone levels in saliva or urine to see if you’re in a ketogenic state
- Blood ketone test kit
- Most people will notice a stronger smelling urine
- The breath starts to smell a bit
- Generally people will notice some weight loss, especially fat reduction
- Appetite suppression
Cyclic Ketosis
Some people who eat a strict ketogenic diet will stick to this method of eating everyday with no “cheat” days. Others will do a carbohydrate re-feed day once a week. This is sometimes termed as cyclic ketosis. Where you’re forcing the body into ketosis most days, and then leaving a state of ketosis for one day.
A hormone in the body known as leptin is produced by our fat cells to regulate appetite and promote satiety. When we eat too many carbs, our body can become resistant to leptin and we never feel full. Often when people follow a strict low-carb diet for too long their leptin levels fall too low and they feel hungry more often. A carbohydrate re-feed day can reset this balance and ensure that the body stays leptin-sensitive.
Ketogenic diets are not necessarily suitable for every person or every lifestyle. Everyone is completely different.
Check out our our complete selection of Keto-Friendly products here and up-to-date food list for low carbs foods you can find at Health Essentials. If you’re trying to find something yummy to try out, check out these recipes.
Shop Our Keto-Friendly Products
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+ Quick ViewOut of stockGood Good
Maple Flavoured Syrup, 200ml
$11.99New!
+ Quick ViewOut of stockGood Good
Sweet Strawberry Spread, 300ml
$7.99New!
+ Quick ViewOut of stockNolaa Granolaa
Nolaa Granolaa, 130g
$6.29
+ Quick ViewCrazy Mooskies
Crazy Mooskies Spicy Tomato Ketchup, 320g
$7.99
+ Quick ViewCrazy Mooskies
Crazy Mooskies Gourmet Tomato Ketchup, 320g
$7.99
+ Quick ViewPVL Pure Vita Labs
Keto Boom Strawberry Kiwi, 320g
$46.99New!
+ Quick ViewPVL Pure Vita Labs
Keto Boom Citrus Sunrise, 320g
$46.99New!
+ Quick ViewFarm Girl
Farm Girl, Nut Based Cereal, Ketocrunch, Salted Caramel, 300g
$14.99$13.49New!Sale!
*Note: When counting or tracking carbohydrates, be sure that you subtract the fibre from the total, as it will not effect your state of ketosis.
Vintage Traditions
Unveiled: The Secret of Tallow Balm for Skin Care and Its Benefits
Until recently, the modern world was oblivious to what our ancestors knew to be the absolute best substance for skin care. But, in 2009, Andrew Gardner, founder and owner of Vintage Tradition, made the astounding discovery himself during a tour of a farm in Tequila, Mexico. Tequila is, of course, where the famous liquor is produced from the blue agave plant. Even though the workers in this desert where the plants are cultivated did not use gloves, their hands were soft and not dry or calloused. He was informed that they had always used a balm which was a mixture of beef tallow and gel from the blue agave plant.
Armed with this information, Andrew created a formula that he could use and share with others. Made from a simple recipe for traditional nourishing and healing skin care, he made his Tallow Balm. This is available for others on his Vintage Tradition website. Before that time, there were virtually no skin care products available that were made with animal fats. Andrew also wrote a definitive research article on skin care. This appeared in the Winter 2012 issue of Wise Traditions, the journal of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Now the cat was out of the bag. The taboo on the use of animal products in skin care began to be lifted. And now tallow for skin care has become accepted due to his work.
Tallow Balm is the ONLY THING you need for your skin.
Did that sound like an exaggeration? It’s not! Without getting into all the science covered in Andrew’s article, let’s just say that tallow is extremely similar to our own natural skin oil or “sebum” which lubricates and waterproofs our skin. In fact, “sebum”, a term coined around 1700, means “tallow” in Latin! Sounds like our ancestors knew more we thought!
Traditional wisdom held that this whole-food substance was supremely nourishing to the skin. We who believe in natural health know that we must give the body what it needs to maintain and heal itself, since only the body itself can do that job. Tallow is that perfect food and nourishment for the skin. It can be applied directly to the skin to give amazing results of skin health and healing. This explains why Andrew branded his Tallow Balm as “The Whole Food of Skin Care”.
Let the results speak for themselves!
The proof of the skin care is in the applying, and the testimonials from Tallow Balm users are simply amazing. Let’s look at just a few of them from people who used it for their faces.
Face
“I love this cream! My 60+ sensitive skin has been through a lot but it is now well nourished, leaving me amazed and happy that it is never too late for one’s face to respond to what is really good and pure. NEVER BEFORE in my life did I EVER receive compliments about my complexion but I do now!
IMAGINE, AT MY AGE! I am so thrilled I discovered it! It is perfect for my skin. I apply it once a day in the morning. I could not believe the compliments I began getting when I started using it — praising my complexion even as I wore no make-up and USING NOTHING ELSE DAILY BUT THIS — praise from strangers and other women. What freedom and joy to use this INSTEAD of make-up. I go out with confidence knowing this balm is all I need to put my best face forward and age gracefully. I turned to it because I have always had very sensitive skin that reacted to anything.
FINALLY I found the simple wholesome product I have always wanted — with no suspicious and strange-sounding ingredients that have a string of chemicals on the label you can’t even pronounce or have allergens like soy.”
Lips
“I’d had a split lip for about a year and a half. I tried everything to heal it—from regular old chapstick to natural oils and shea butter—but nothing worked. I used Tallow Balm for two weeks, my lip healed, and it’s been healed ever since.”
Moisturizer
“It exceeded my expectations! It is wonderful and soothing, absorbs quickly so you aren’t left feeling greasy, and my skin loves it. I never knew my skin could feel this soft and hydrated. It’s even making my breakouts vanish, and I was afraid they would look worse or even multiply from using the balm, but they do not. I am even using the balm all over my two-year-old, and she loves it too!”
See more moisturizer testimonials.
Eczema
“A few years ago I developed eczema on most of my body so severe I had to go on oral and topical steroids for six months. Desperate to get off those dangerous drugs I tried aloe, coconut oil, olive oil, manuka honey, raw honey, magnesium oil and the list goes on but nothing worked. Within a few hours of applying this tallow balm the itching and pain began to subside. Within a week or two I had weaned myself completely off the steroids and the eczema cleared in a couple of months.”
“To say I am stunned is an understatement. My family has tried everything you can possibly think of to help my two and a half year old daughter’s eczema. If it is out there, we have tried it. The recovery of her skin in less than two days is nothing short of a miracle! If only I had taken pictures of it two days ago, everyone would be shocked! At that time, it looked horrible. She had scratched her spots throughout her sleep, so much so that it was too sensitive for clothes to lay against her skin. Words can’t describe how you feel as a parent when your child is in pain and nothing you do seems to help. Our sweet girl would cry because she was in so much pain. It was heart-breaking.
But with just a few random applications of your balm over a couple days, our daughter’s skin is so much better! Not one spot is bleeding! My whole family is shocked!”
Rashes
“Due to an undiagnosed skin issue, my face will often break out in boils, then a severe rash that dries to the point of cracking and bleeding. It is horrible! Dermatologists and doctors have given me steroid creams and lotions to no avail. I’ve tried applying coconut oil, olive oil, yogurt, raw cow’s milk—every idea I could find on the internet to relieve the burning and heal the dryness and cracking that results. Even water would cause my face to yield these burning red patches. My sister found Vintage Tradition and I immediately ordered Pretty Girly Tallow Balm based on the reviews. I just ordered my second jar as it is the ONLY thing that has ever helped and is continuing to heal my condition. It is wonderful and immediately gives me relief and calms the inflammation. I am so thankful to have found this product!”
“My natural conditioner recently changed its formula without notice, and I developed a massive allergic reaction with a rash and itching all over my face and neck. The only thing that stopped the itching and soothed the inflammation was the Tallow Balm I had on hand.”
Dry Skin
“I don’t use the term ‘life-changing’ loosely, but I’d like to pull out the trump card here and say that Tallow Balm literally changed my life (or at least my skin). Last winter, I had a terrible case of dry, chapped skin. Thanks to the dry, cold weather, it started getting so bad that my shoulders and upper arms were completely covered in patches of dry skin. No matter what form of over-the-counter lotion I bought, it just would not disappear. But then I found Tallow Balm. Within 5 days of applying it, the patches of dry skin were gone. GONE. Not reduced, not better. Gone.”
Wellness Essential Oil Rollers
All of our Wellness Essential Oil blends from our girl @sunstonearoma have gem rollers on top 💎. So now you can glide her hand crafted combinations on with a dose of crystal energy. We recommend that when it’s empty, pop the gem bead out and keep it.
This one is Calm with chamomile, rose and lavender with a rose quartz roller. It is great to wind down the evening or to keep it in your purse for anytime you need a deep breathe.
NEW Icebreaker Spring 2018
New Icebreaker Spring 2018 Has Arrived!!
Time to say goodbye to the old, and hellloooo to the new Icebreaker Spring 2018… and might we say the AMAZING. We seriously cannot get enough of all of the new Icebreaker pieces we have this season. More of the same premium quality that we all know and love, but with new styles like we have never seen from them before!
Just in case you’ve never heard of merino wool here are just a few reasons why we love it:
- This natural fibre is extremely soft unlike more traditional wool clothing.
- Naturally antibacterial and odour resistant!
- Totally anti-wrinkle – perfect for packing on trips or in gym bags
- It absorbs up to 40% of its own weight in water (or sweat)
- It stays warm when its wet!!!
- Its naturally thermoregulating, so you’ll be warm when its cold, and the same pieces will keep you cool in the heat!!! #magic
- It dries EXTREMELY fast – perfect for our wet west coast climate in spring time!
If you’ve heard of merino, but never Icebreaker Merino.. here’s a few areas where it stands apart:
- Icebreaker works directly with small farms in New Zealand to source the best quality merino from the most ethically treated sheep and sustainable farming possible!!
- No sheep are harmed in the processing of the wool! They actually really love it… Merino don’t naturally shed their wool so its quite a relief once a year to get it sheered!
- The farms that Icebreaker works with are committed to providing a stress-free environment for the sheep.. the quality of the sheep’s life = the quality of the wool 🙂
- The wool that is produced from Icebreaker Merino Sheep specifically is softer than most other commercially available merino
- Icebreaker core spins a number of their clothes to ensure durability
- Their socks are all guaranteed for LIFE!!!
Sneak Peak of What’s New This Season:
WOMEN’S COOL-LITE AFFIX ANORAK
- Perfect for all weather conditions!! Brave the west coast wind and rain and look stylish while you’re doin’ it!
- With patented cool-lite technology, you’ll be kept cool while being protected from the elements.
- 100% merino wherever it touches your body, for added comfort, breathability, sweat wicking and warmth!
WOMEN’S COOL-LITE YANNI TANK DRESS
- Who couldn’t use a little black dress addition to their wardrobe?!
- This amazingly comfortable and form fitting dress can be dressed up or dressed down in all occasions!
- With cool-lite technology you’ll be kept cool in the heat which is a huge bonus when wearing black in the sun!!
MEN’S ESCAPE HOODED PULLOVER
- We really can’t get enough of this one!
- Comfort meets style with this loose fitting and extremely stylish hoodie for men
- With a large hood and a side zip to help you easily get in and out… this is the perfect cool-weather outer layer
MEN’S MERINOLOFT ELLIPSE LONG SLEEVE HALF ZIP HOOD
- With MerinoLOFT™ technology panel and hood for added warmth and protection from the elements
- Entirely merino wherever it touches your skin!!
- This stylish and extremely functional half zip is perfect for the spring, and can definitely be worn anytime of year on the west coast
For more information on why we love Icebreaker merino wool, check out this page.
Healthy Hair Care Essentials
Healthy Hair Care Essentials
Ask anyone… Having healthy hair is extremely important. It’s not always easy to come by, however, especially in the day and age we live in. Good news is, there are some extremely vital things you can do to ensure that your hair stays healthy, no matter what length or type of hair you have!
Avoid Chemicals – Go Natural:
Did you know that the average woman is exposed to over 100 chemicals everyday before she even leaves her home?! Many of the hair care products available on the market today, contain harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens & polyethylene glycol. These chemicals can cause extreme disruption to the endocrine system, irritate the skin, and are known to have cancer causing properties. These chemicals can also damage and fry your hair. It is a great idea for so many reasons, to avoid them.
The good news is, that there are plenty of clean & chemical-free shampoo and conditioner options available! A few fantastic brands that we love are Phillip Adams, Sukin, Curelle & the Victoria made, Sunstone Aromatherapy.
Brush your Hair Regularly:
Brushing the hair and scalp is beneficial for stimulating blood flow in the scalp, avoiding severe matting of the hair, and getting rid of dead hair and skin! Not all brushes are created equal however, and some may be too harsh or irritating to the scalp, and rip through the hair. It is important to look for a brush that does not “scrape” at the skin on your head, and doesn’t simply rip its way through tangles.
Some of our newest products, and perhaps the best hair brush options available, are Olivia Garden’s Eco-Friendly Bamboo Brushes. Made of extremely renewable bamboo, these extremely durable and literally “healthy” hair-brushes are great for your hair AND the environment. What makes them so great?
Balance Your Hormones:
Our endocrine system works hard to balance itself everyday. This important system is responsible for the regulation of a large portion of our bodily functions, including hair growth. The many different hormones (chemical messengers) that act within the system are affected by various aspects of our everyday lifestyle. Nutrition, stress, exercise, sleep, physical health, and emotional well-being are all factors that can directly effect the endocrine system. Finding balance within this system can be tricky for some, and it can be beneficial to seek professional help from a Naturopath, especially if you’re experiencing mass hair loss.
There are some key foods and lifestyle techniques that can help to keep the body on track. Here are some of the major ones that you can do NOW virtually cost & risk free!
- Ensure adequate dietary needs are met (more details coming up in next section).
- Get your body moving daily.
- Reduce stress…. easier said than done, we know. Check out this post to learn more about how you can do so in your life.
- Ensure proper sleep – most people require 7-9h of sleep per night! Are you getting this much?
- Avoid chemicals – as stated above, the chemicals in many products on the market today can seriously disrupt our hormonal system. It’s best to go natural when choosing shampoos and hair care products!
- Avoid “the pill” or “Hormonal IUD’s” as your method of Birth Control… This one can be tough and it’s best to speak to a health care professional about alternative options!
Ensure Adequate Nutrient Intake:
Our hair cells are produced INSIDE our body. Our hair is structurally made up of collagen, keratin and elastin. To have healthy hair, you must have the ability to produce these three key proteins. The ability to naturally do so decreases over time, and is greatly affected by the nourishment our body is receiving.
Eating a healthy diet rich in collagen protein, healthy fats and generally high levels of vitamins & minerals can help keep your body’s hair cell production strong. Here are some foods rich in the different nutrients and minerals necessary for healthy hair!
- Be sure to add healthy fats into your diet – such as avocado, coconut, and butter!
- Ensuring an adequate intake of healthy Omega-3 Fats
- Take in collagen!! Bone broth (recipe below) is a fantastic and DELICIOUS source of collagen.
- Enjoy foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E & K, B-Vitamins, Vitamin C and minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc!
Supplement your Body
Another option is to take a supplement that promotes the production of the 3 key proteins! One of the very best at doing so is BioSil. This unique supplement stimulates your own body’s ability to produce healthy hair, skin, joints & nails.
BioSil Hair Skin Nails contains a clinically proven formula that is specifically formulated to restore your body’s 3 key beauty proteins (collagen, keratin & elastin) to healthy, youthful levels!
Icebreaker Fall/Winter 2016 End of Line Sale
Icebreaker Merino Wool Fall Winer Line 2016 – ON SALE NOW!
Why Icebreaker? – The Company
Icebreaker Merino Wool is made from only THE BEST Merino wool sourced from New Zealand. The company works directly with the farms to assure the highest quality of life for the sheep, the most sustainable farming practices for the land, and of course, the production of the most premium wool possible.
Why Icebreaker? – The Garments
Merino wool is naturally thermoregulating, making it a miracle fibre that keeps you warm in the cold winter months, and cool in the heat of summer! Merino is also naturally antibacterial, odour resistant and extremely hypoallergenic. To be honest, we’ve yet to think of a scenario where Icebreaker Merino wouldn’t be the ideal fabric choice!
Why Icebreaker? – Why not?!
It’s a better time than ever to come in and check out our Icebreaker Merino Selection!
Right now, you can save up to 40% off of our Icebreaker 2016 Line, as we clear out the fall/winter styles to make room for the spring/summer 2017 line! There is still plenty of time to get some use out of the winter styles here on the wet West Coast! So come down and try some on today. Hurry, cause the offer is only valid while supplies last!
Essential Oils Uses & Benefits
Fill your Home with the Scents you LOVE.. and Benefit!
The many uses & benefits of essential oils.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural oils typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrances of the plant or other sources from which they are extracted.
History of Essential Oils.
Essential oils have been dated back to 2500-3000 B.C! They have been used all over the world for literally THOUSANDS of years!! These plant-derived oils have long provided us with many benefits including sensory enhancement (aromatic scents) – thus beauty care, as well as a lot of medicinal benefits. Throughout history they have been used both internally and externally, although it is not advised to use essential oils internally unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Essential oils are used today in many different natural wellness fields! The main one by which most people associate essential oil use is Aromatherapy. It is also used in Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine and even in Conventional Medicine in certain parts of the world!
How are they used?
Essential oils can have many positive effects on the mind & body. They can help us relax when we’re feeling stressed or anxious; they can energize us when we’re feeling sleepy or down; they can help ease headaches, and nausea; they can boost a wintery mood; and they can simply make the room and our bodies smell nice!
On our Bodies – Natural Beauty Care Products
Many essential Oils have an extremely pleasant aromatic scent making them fantastic for use as a natural perfume or fragrance. Many natural skin care products use essential oils for a fresh, floral, energizing, or calming effect.
In our Homes – Diffused into the Air
Diffusing essential oils into the air can help to disinfect the air, add a pleasant smell into a room, and can enhance a calm or energized state. There are a few ways that essential oils can be diffused into the air.
The traditional method of doing this is heating the oil directly over a flame, or boiling a few drops in water. These are both effective methods, so long as a good portion of your attention can be directed toward the heating oils as to not start an accidental fire.
Nowadays, diffusing essential oils into the air is much more efficient, and far less dangerous. Modern day diffusers have sensors that auto-shut off when the water levels get low, and in most cases don’t use much heat at all to produce steam!
This EcoSpa Deluxe Ultrasonic Diffuser has multiple mist options, an auto-shut off and a light on/off button! It also has a very appealing shape and design, so you can feel great about making it a part of any room! 🙂
Some of our Favourite Essential Oils and their Benefits!
Single Oils:
Lavender
Lavandula
- Promotes relaxation – great for bedrooms & nurseries.
- Can improve mood and reduce stress.
- Antibacterial properties – often used in natural cleaning
formulas for both the body & the home!
Peppermint
Mentha piperita
- Energizing!!
- Can improve digestion.
- Enhances mental alertness.
- Soothes sore muscles.
Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea
- Supports hormonal balance.
- Can reduce menstrual pain.
- Improves ability to cope with stress.
- Can increase libido.
- Natural aphrodisiac.
- Complements male pheromones.
- Can increase energy.
- Extremely grounding.
We hope you were able to pick up a few tips about Essential Oils in this post :). For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Activated Charcoal – Detoxify inside & out!
Activated Charcoal:
for full body detox.. inside & out.What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal, otherwise known as activated carbon, is charcoal that has been treated (generally by heat) to increase its adsorption – or binding affinity to toxins!
How does it work?
Activated charcoal attracts positively charged toxins and molecules, that will bind to its negatively charged exterior. Through the heating process, the charcoal molecules become extremely porous, increasing their surface area and allowing the particles to bind within their pores.
How YOU can detox from the inside out using activated charcoal!
Let’s start with the inside!
Detox from Inside Using Activated Charcoal
Detoxification of any part of our body starts deep within our internal organs. Our organs work hard to keep our bodies functioning optimally & thriving! Often, however, it can be hard for our bodies to contend with a build up of toxins such as chemicals, alcoholic substances or unhealthy foods that our modern world tends to be riddled with. Charcoal can assist the body in ridding of these toxins that can build up and stay over time. Charcoal can be helpful for people dealing with mild food intolerances, a night of indulging on alcohol, or digestive upset such as gas & diarrhea.
It is important to note that since charcoal is so great at bringing toxins with it, it must be of a clean & pure source! It wouldn’t suffice to reach into a barbecue, or a fire-pit and use the charcoal remains. Although they definitely look similar to the activated and safe varieties, they are full of toxins themselves, and could do much more harm than good if ingested. It is best to look for the activated charcoal supplements as they usually come in capsule form to ensure easy administration and avoid contamination.
And of course, you can use this awesome toxin-binder externally too!
Pull Toxins from Your Skin Using Activated Charcoal
When used externally, activated charcoal can literally pull out and remove toxins and chemicals that your skin has absorbed. The strong charge that it holds allows it to be an extremely effective way to remove what we don’t want from the largest organ in our body (our skin)!
Our skin is our first line of defence against everything the outside world throws at us. Using natural ingredient skin care products with no chemicals in them reduces the amount of toxicity that our skin is directly exposed to, but our modern world is full of toxins. That’s why using a charcoal product to get rid of some of the bad we’ve been holding onto (without even knowing) can be extremely beneficial for our overall health!
There are plenty of ways that we can add charcoal into our everyday skin care routine. One of the best is to use a natural soap containing activated charcoal. The soap cleans the skin, while the charcoal pulls all the bad stuff out!
Facial Cleansing Soap – REVIVE by Sunstone
This awesome charcoal soap is made locally, by our favourite aromatherapist, Jennifer, from Sunstone Aromatherapy :)!
Jennifer uses only clean and natural ingredients to create her magical products, so you can rest assured you’ll be detoxifying your face (or body) in the cleanest way possible with this bar of soap!
Body Cleansing Soap – BLACK CREEK SWIRL
Have you ever used a traditional tallow soap? Did you know that tallow soap has been used for centuries? It’s rich in fat soluble vitamins that support healthy skin, and allows bacteria to slip off of the skin easily!
Made locally, in Black Creek, this soap is great for the health of your skin, and has a delicious black liquorice scent :D. With added charcoal for toxin-pulling, and added antibacterial properties, your whole body will feel clean and detoxed. This soap is great for sensitive skin, and can be used on the face – and works great as a creamy shaving bar!
Another great way to use activated charcoal externally is in a skin brush!! Activated charcoal-containing brushes allow you to use whatever soap you’d like, while getting the benefits of activated charcoal toxin removing power! 🙂 The face brush is SO soft (like, unbelievably soft) for use on the sensitive skin on our faces. It leaves your face feeling extremely clean and your skin smooth! The body brush is a great way to get rid of dead skin, and toxins. 🙂 Be sure that you’re using a natural soap, or just warm water, in conjunction with these brushes for maximum toxin detox! 🙂
Brush your Teeth with Charcoal!
That’s right, you can use charcoal to brush your teeth! Charcoal is great at whitening and really great cleansing your mouth and teeth. If you have capsules at home you can open one of them, and usually there is more than enough powder in one capsule to get a great cleanse. Do be careful though, it does stain counters and sinks impermanently. Check out the video below from Katie, “The Wellness Mama”, as she takes you through a step-by-step on how to use activated charcoal to brush your teeth!
Have you used charcoal to detox your body internally or externally? What do you think? 🙂 We’d love to hear from you!!
DIGESTION SERIES: SESSION 3
DIGESTION SERIES: SESSON 3
Your Grandma was a Genius – Benefits of Bone Broth
with Dr. Christian Brix
We have an amazing seminar coming up on October 22nd with Dr. Christian Brix! He’ll be coming to enlighten us on all of the wonderful benefits of bone broth. Bone broth is a fantastically nourishing superfood that has been part of ancestral diets for centuries. Bone broth is rich in a protein called collagen, which makes up a large portion of our own bodies. Come and learn the history of bone broth and the importance of including it in your diet today!
Dr. Christian Brix is a Chiropractic Doctor who works out of Kelowna B.C. He is also the co-founder of a homemade/premade bone broth company called Boned. Christian’s knowledge of both the human body, health & nourishing foods is astounding, and his charismatic personality makes him so engaging to listen to. We cannot wait to be hosting Christian for this wonderful talk! 🙂
For more information on this talk:
Visit our events page at:
https://myhealthessentials.ca/event/grandma-genius-dr-christian-brix/
or our Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/592423240930411/Please RSVP to reserve your spot to hello@myhealthessentials.ca or by phone at 250-590-5524.
Stay tuned for more information on our Digestion Series Talks happening right now!
Say NO to Head Lice
Do you, or your children, fear the monthly school lice checks?
Does your child being sent home for having lice occur often in your nightmares?What if we told you that incorporating tea tree into your child’s hair-care routine, or to your own, could reduce the risk of them contracting the dreaded “head-lice” plague? Well, it’s true!
History of Tea Tree
Tea Tree, otherwise known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is a plant that has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is native to Australia and was first introduced to the “western world” by famous Explorer, Captain Cook. Lieutenant James Cook coined the term “Tea Tree” in the late 1700’s when he observed the natives in rural Australian communities brewing the plant as a tea. The name has since stuck, and the many uses for this amazing plant are a marvel still, today!
Properties of Tea Tree
Tea Tree has natural antifungal, antiviral & antibacterial properties. It has been used for years to clean and sanitize home environments and can be great for disinfecting wounds, or ridding of fungus. In an essential oil extract form, it also has a very potent smell, making it excellent for pest control, i.e. lice prevention and treatment!
Tea Tree as Lice Prevention & Treatment
If you, your child, or anyone else in your home.. including a pet… is misfortuned enough to contract head lice, Tea Tree Essential Oil is a great tool to have on your first line of combat.
You may consider adding some tea tree oil to shampoo, conditioner, or mixing it with a carrier oil for a scalp rub to de-bug an infected head! Tea tree oil can also be used to PREVENT lice from inhabiting a head of hair (or fur), by incorporating it, when you’re lice-free!
Here is a recipe for a natural hair detangler and lice prevention home remedy!
Let us know of any other natural home-remedies that you use to fend off head-lice, we love hearing new suggestions :). We hope that you have a lice-free home this school year!
