It's no secret that most commercial skin care and beauty products are full of unpronounceable chemicals. In just a matter of seconds after application, those chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time they can contribute to hormonal problems and other health issues. I've made it my goal to eliminate as many of them as possible from my skin care regimen. Here are some of the things I use instead.

Baking Soda. I use this for so many things! I keep a small cup of b/s in my shower and use it to wash my hair about twice a week. It has a mild exfoliating effect, so sometimes I use a tiny amount to wash my face. (I have slightly oily skin. Those with dry skin should probably not use b/s on their skin.) Occasionally I use baking soda for brushing my teeth, but it has a strong flavor. (There are plenty of good recipes online for homemade toothpaste, which are better tasting, but I don't always take the time to make toothpaste.) I also use baking soda to make my own deodorant.

Apple Cider Vinegar. This is also kept in my shower, diluted in a plastic squirt bottle. ACV is an excellent hair conditioner, to use after rinsing out all the baking soda. Sometimes I put it on a cotton ball and swipe it over my face to refresh my skin after washing. It's good for skin and nail fungus, and taking it internally is good for the complexion.

Hydrogen Peroxide. This is the alternative for commercial toothpaste that I use most often. I have some in a small spray bottle, so I can spray it onto my toothbrush and directly onto my teeth, then brush. It whitens the teeth over time. (In fact, most if not all of those expensive tooth whitening systems are made with hydrogen peroxide.)

Banana Peels. Yes, banana peels. They are full of nutrients that are good for the skin! I cut a large piece off the peel and rub the inside all over my face until the chalky-looking white stuff is gone. I leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water. It makes a nice mask that firms up the skin, and I've noticed that it clears up blemishes quickly. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and not over-dry.

Essential Oils and Healthy Carrier Oils. I'm learning how to use essential oils for health care, but beyond that they make some really nice custom fragrances! I use Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame, or Olive Oil for carrier oils (because that's what I have), and add drops of different e/o's until I have a scent I like. Sometimes I use this to moisturize dry spots like my hands and elbows, but it's too, well - oily - for use all over. Thus the next beauty secret...

Healthy Moisturizers. First of all, I reduce the need for lotion by avoiding the overuse of soap in the shower. (I've found that using just warm water and a bath pouf gets me very clean without drying out my skin. I only use soap where it's necessary.) But I do need lotion sometimes, facial moisturizer every day. The stuff I buy is as basic as possible. Right now I'm using a nice lotion I bought in the States, called "Everyday Shea". For my face, I have a homemade moisturizer from Generation Cedar. Occasionally I might use a commercial lotion I was given, but it's not the norm for me.

So there are my own healthy beauty secrets. What about yours?

In my continued efforts to replace commercial health and beauty products laden with harmful chemicals with healthy alternatives, I was thrilled when my friend Kelly gave me her recipe for homemade deodorant! Most of my life I had used a commercial deodorant until some years ago I learned how the aluminum in it can accumulate in my body and possibly put cancer and other health issues into my future!

Okay, the recipe. I did not have all of the ingredients listed in the original, but I altered it a bit and came up with this:

Ingredients:
2 or 3 Tbsp coconut oil
3 or 4 drops GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)*
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup talcum powder** (I use baby powder, because I like the scent.)
a few drops essential oil like lavender (Optional. I omit this since I use baby powder.)

Soften the coconut oil in a small saucepan, and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix very well with a spatula, then scrape it out into a small container. I put mine into a 4" x 4" square plastic container, and once it hardens, I cut it into four squares for easy application. The soft mixture can also be put into an empty commercial deodorant container, which sounds like a really good idea! (Haven't tried it myself, yet.) Allow to harden at room-temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the climate where you live. Now it's ready to use!

I was really surprised how effective this deodorant is. I was relieved, too, because my deodorant crystal was not working as well for me as it used to. (Probably due to hormone changes.) If you try it out, let me know how it works for you!

~.~ Good health to you and yours! ~.~

* Original recipe calls for Tea Tree Oil, which I do not have, but intend to try out some day!

** The original recipe called for corn starch instead of the talcum powder I use, but I'm trying to get away from using (modified) corn starch, too.

Well, the "Swine Flu" vaccine is out, but the reports on its safety are wishy-washy at best. To me, most vaccines involve more risks than I am willing to take, for myself and much less for my children. Have you considered all the possible side effects of this new H1N1 vaccine? It is something to think about before you allow it to be injected into your body.

There are other means to protect yourself from not only H1N1, but also from any strain of flu this season. Here are some ways that you can take charge of your own health, reduce your risk of flu infection, and minimize the gravity and length of illness should you contract the flu virus in spite of your best efforts.

* Think "rabbit food". Try to incorporate more raw veggies and fruits into your diet. They are packed with immunity-boosting goodies, and will also help cleanse your body of impurities that build up in your colon and make you sick. Have you ever seen a rabbit catch the flu? I thought not. ;o)

* Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are any foods that come pre-packaged and are far removed from their natural state. Frozen dinners and snacks, even "healthy" choices, contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, and others ingredients that compromise your health and immune system.

* Take your vitamins. A good quality daily multivitamin, and maybe some additional C, will help to fill in the gaps in your diet and boost your immune system.

* Eat fresh garlic. Garlic is one of my favorite remedies for flu, colds, and other infections. It is a powerful natural probiotic, shown to be effective even against viruses. You can cut up a clove into little slivers and take them like pills, but of course a spoonful of honey can make a chopped clove of garlic go down a lot easier.

* Get some exercise. Research indicates a link between regular, moderate exercise and a strong immune system. Try taking a thirty-minute walk each day, or some other exercise that will be easy for you to stick to.

* Get enough rest. Ever hear the phrase "sick and tired"?Wear out your body, wear out your immunity. A tired body simply cannot defend itself against diseases. For me, seven or eight hours of sleep at night leaves me rested, but it might be different for you. Go to bed at a reasonable hour so that you get the rest that you need.

* Wash your hands. This one is pretty obvious, but it is SO important. We make it a habit to wash our hands before eating, after doing anything outside, as soon as we get home from church, grocery store, anywhere. We also try to teach the children not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth with their hands.

I hope these tips are helpful to you, and that you and your family will enjoy a safe, healthy Autumn and Winter! Oh, and don't forget to pray. :o)

It has been a while since I updated about my shampoo-free experiment. Three months have passed since I stopped using shampoo, and some of you might have wondered how it's going. (If you are new to the blog, you can read my previous posts about it HERE, or click the words "shampoo-free" in the label cloud on the right.)

I'm still washing with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar every five, sometimes six, days. I really like how it treats my hair, and feel good about what I'm putting on my skin. (Not sure what the big deal is about the chemicals you put on your skin? Read this article!)

So, here is how I rate being shampoo-free:

**How my hair feels; manageability: A+
(My hair is soft and shiny, and easily managed. Granted, I put my hair up every day, but I'm talking about when it is loose at home.)

**Greasiness/"ick" factor between washings: A
(This has improved over time. I went through a stage when my hair got oilier than I cared for, but it has balanced out now.)

**General hair health: A+
(My hair has never been healthier. Very few split ends, no dandruff, less hair loss after washings. Perhaps it will even get thicker over time.)

**Time spent caring for hair: B
(It does take longer to wash with baking soda instead of shampoo. But then again, since I don't do it daily, I'm probably saving time in the long run.)

**Cost: A+
(I haven't even calculated the difference in cost. Baking soda and vinegar cost pennies per use, plus I no longer have to use leave-in conditioners, detanglers, or split-end menders. I know, I'm such a cheapskate! ;o)

When my hubby saw that my hair did not rot and fall out, he decided to try it for himself. He has been shampoo-free for a couple weeks now, and just rinses his hair out every day. He reports that his hair is much easier to brush into place, which surprised us both because it can be rather unruly!

As for me, folks, I no longer consider this an experiment. I am officially shampoo-free! I know you were wanting to know that. ;o)

We use vinegar for many purposes, not the least of which is for cooking and making dressings. Raw apple cider vinegar renders many health benefits, and I would not be without it if I could help it! When we came back from our furlough in 2007, I brought with me a big jug of Bragg's Vinegar, which I think might be the best on the market.


...But as you can see, my jug is just about empty. I searched for a source of raw apple cider vinegar in the markets here, but all I could find was pineapple vinegar. I'm partial to the flavor of apple cider vinegar, so my only option seemed to be to learn to make it myself!


What forms vinegar from apple cider (or any other juice) is called the "mother". It is a living mass of good bacteria (and other critters), and while it is not a pretty sight, it is necessary. I asked around, and found a woman who makes vinegar, and she was willing to give me a piece of her mother (my piece pictured above).

Hers is massive. She keeps it in a big bucket and feeds it once a week with panela (a raw form of sugar) and water. As I said, I want vinegar made of apple cider, but I thought a mother is a mother... It should work with my juice, right?


So I brought it home and rinsed it out. I made fresh apple juice with my wonderful juicer and settled that little mother down into my juice, covering it loosely with a cloth. That was a little over a week ago. This is what I have now:


It has a clear, leathery film on top, which is a new mother forming. I have no idea how much time it needs to convert from juice to wine to vinegar. Anybody have an idea?

Anyway, it seems to be working, and I'm so excited!

Today is the fifth day since I used shampoo, and I was going to wait longer before I posted about my experiment again. But today for the first time I used baking soda to massage my scalp, and I am so amazed at how good it felt when I rinsed it!

I followed these directions: In a small cup mix 1 Tbsp. baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. In another cup, put 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar. Wet hair, then massage baking soda paste onto scalp, starting at the crown, then working to the back and sides, using small circular motions with your fingertips. (This is the same way I used to shampoo.) Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Then pour the vinegar onto the ends (not the scalp) and allow it to stay for a minute or two, then rinse again.

That's it. My hair felt so nice and soft, and it doesn't even smell like vinegar. Usually after I shampoo, I have to apply some sort of conditioner or detangler, and I also lose a good amount of hair each time I wash. But today, I did not need a detangler, and lost half the amount of hair I usually collect in my comb.

I am pretty impressed! I plan to wash this way about every five days, or maybe eventually every seven days. I'll post again about it in a week or so.

(Don't worry, it has nothing to do with constipation.)

I keep seeing news bits about people who are giving up shampoo and turning to alternative hair-care methods. Have you heard of this yet? I can hear your reactions, "Ewwwwww! No shampoo? Gross!" And that was my first reaction, too!

There are several reasons for doing it. Some cite health reasons, some are looking for "greener" ways of living or ways to be more frugal, and others simply have sensitive skin and want to try going without the shampoos that irritate their scalps.

In light of the recent news of carcinogens (!!) detected in children's shampoo products, and the fact that most commercial shampoos do contain toxic ingredients that should not come in contact with our skin, I'm inclined to give it a try. After all, my grandma didn't wash her hair every day, and her hair looks great in all the pictures! Maybe the women of her day were on to something...

One article I read showed photos of a woman before and after her no 'poo experiment. Before, her hair was straight and lifeless. After, she had discovered that her hair has a nice, natural wave, and it has more body. She said it was much healthier, and she didn't have to fuss over her hair so much after she stopped using shampoo.

Anyway, here is one article that I found very helpful. And if you're interested, you can do a search online of "No 'Poo", and you will find plenty to read about it.

I'm going to give it a try for a few weeks, or until I can't stand it anymore, ha ha. The last time I washed my hair with shampoo was Sunday morning, March 15th. I will let you know how things go!

Perhaps my family isn't the only one that suffers cold symptoms from time to time, so I thought I'd share some of the remedies I use to help my loved ones get well.

Garlic is, in my book, God's miracle herb. It has some wonderful anti-microbial and healing properties, and it is available just about anywhere in the world. Nothing is better for any kind of sinus issues, but the trouble is making it palatable! I have come across some creative ways to get garlic into their bodies. One way is to make Garlic Lemonade:

Bring a quart of water to a boil. Meanwhile, coarsely chop three cloves of fresh garlic. Once the water boils, remove from heat and add the garlic. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain into a quart jar and add the juice of a lemon. Sweeten with honey, and serve warm.

If you reheat, do it slowly on the stove (not microwave), and do not allow it to boil.

Another way to use garlic is to chop it finely, mix it with Vicks Vaporub, and spread this onto the soles of the patient's feet. Cover with clean cotton socks. You will be amazed how this helps! While you are at it, spread some Vicks on their chest, too, to help relieve congestion.

Garlic can also be consumed raw, chopped finely and mixed with a spoonful of jam to be swallowed quickly (not chewed!).

***

Some of the locals make a tea from herbs that are available here in Guatemala.


Left to right, dried mango leaves, bouganvilia flowers, and fig leaf.

Boiled and sweetened with honey, these make a pleasant-tasting tea, and it does seem to help break up phlegm. Those of you in other countries can ask around - there is bound to be somebody knowledgeable (perhaps in the market?) who can tell you what available herbs will help with upper-respiratory symptoms. If you're brave, try them out, but just be careful to follow instructions for their preparation and use.

***

It is very important to give them plenty of water and fresh juices. The diet should be simple (preferably all-fruit), but if they do not have an appetite, do not press them to eat.

If they feel up to some movement, such as walking outdoors (weather permitting) or calm play, the fresh air and light exercise is good to help break up phlegm and lift their spirits.

***

Vitamins A, C and E work well together to help the body heal. Just remember ACE.

***

Be sure there is moisture in the air where the patient sleeps. This time of year we have the heater going, and it can really dry out the air. I like to set a pan of water close by, or give them a warm bath at night, then leave the water in the tub overnight, since the bathroom is right by the bedroom. If you have a humidifier, even better!

***

Plenty of rest and cuddles also go a long way to help the patient feel better. Encourage quiet activities, such as looking at books, and be sure to give plenty of reassuring hugs and kisses! Enlist the help of all family members to cheer the one who is ill.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..." Proverbs 17:22 :o)

Today's post is a lesson in leavening. If you are ever caught without baking powder, or if you prefer not to use it because of the aluminum content, you can leaven just about any recipe that calls for baking powder using this old-fashioned method. Add baking soda using half the measure of baking powder called for, and add 1 tsp vinegar per cup of liquid called for. For example, my pancake recipe calls for 1 Tbsp baking powder (so I use 1/2 Tbsp soda) plus 2 cups milk (I add 2 tsp vinegar).

My mom taught me this trick, and she remembers my grandmother doing the same thing. It sure is a nice alternative to baking powder, especially since studies are finding that aluminum causes health problems in much smaller quantities than they used to say.

Try it, and let me know how it works for you!

Pineapples are one of my favorite fruits! We can get them fresh and ripe all year 'round; they are shipped here from the coast.

We usually eat it fresh, but we also put it on homemade pizza, or in smoothies. During the colder months here in Guatemala, the locals make a delicious hot punch from pineapple! The "cold season" is a good time to do that, and here is why:

Besides being packed with vitamin C, pineapples also contain bromelain, which is known to relieve coughs and loosen mucus. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help relieve arthritis, gout and other inflammatory ailments. Pretty great!

One of the lesser-known benefits of pineapple is that it helps relieve nausea. Yes, even nausea caused by pregnancy. (Try it, next time you have opportunity ;o) It is also good for preventing motion- and air-sickness.

You can benefit the most from these properties of the pineapple by eating the fresh fruit or drinking fresh juice. (It loses a lot of it nutritional value in the canning process.)

...Just another wonderful fruit God made!

Food on Fridays is hosted over at Ann Kroeker's blog, which I really enjoy reading. Join us each Friday as we discuss something we really like: FOOD. :o)

My long search for a source of raw honey ended this week!



A while back, a girl came to my door, offering honey for sale. I bought some, partly to be friendly with the neighbors, and partly to see if she would help me get to her source so I could have some of the raw stuff.

It turns out that her papa is the beekeeper, and while he usually heats all of the honey (to make it clear and easier to pour), he was happy to save me some raw honey. I bought half a gallon for Q60. (That's about $8. Not bad!)

I told her she could come by about once a month, and she would have a regular customer. She said she would bring us some honeycomb next time, too.

*****

In case you are wondering what is so great about raw honey, here are a few facts:

* Raw honey is an excellent source of energy, and has a milder effect on blood sugar levels than cane sugar.

* Raw honey contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and amino acids. It also contains enzymes which aid digestion.

* It's antimicrobial properties make it great for sore throats and stomach ailments. (Try stirring a tbsp raw honey and a tbsp apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water.) You can even dress wounds with honey, and it will reduce scarring.

* Unlike cane sugar, raw honey is an alkaline food, and contributes to the body's proper acid/alkaline balance. (I posted more about that HERE.)

"Eat thou honey, because it is good..."

Unbearably Torturous Infection. If you are a woman and you've ever suffered a urinary tract infection, you'd agree with me! That's what I've been battling lately. I'm not one to take antibiotics too willingly, so I've done lots of research about treating UTI/bladder infection/cystitis naturally.

You may not need this information right now, but some day you might. Just remember it's here, and you can pull it up again by clicking on the label "health naturally" at the top of the right-hand column.

The first thing I learned is that there is a lot of confusing information out there. I thought I needed to acidify my system to make it uninhabitable to bacteria. The fact is that bacteria like the acidic environment!

The human body has a delicate pH balance that must be maintained in order to stay disease-free. When our pH levels are low, the body is too acidic and prone to infection. One writer put it this way: We are 80% alkaline and 20% acid. Our diet should reflect that.

Here is the list of the best tips I found for treating a UTI without antibiotics:

*Drink a lot of fluids, such as herbal teas and water. Avoid sweetened fruit juices and other sweetened drinks.
*Cranberries and blueberries contain substances that inhibit the binding of bacteria to bladder tissue. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice regularly seems to help lower the risk of UTIs.
*Try to eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities.
*Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
*Eat more high fiber foods, including beans, oats, root vegetables (such as potatoes and yams), and psyllium seed.
*Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and especially sugar (which are acid-producing foods) and eat mostly fruits and veggies (alkaline foods).
*Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
*Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
*Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
*Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
*Drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
*Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

*Grapefruit seed extract, 100 mg capsule or 10 drops in water or juice, three times daily, for antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity.
*A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
*Vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg one to two times daily, as an antioxidant and for immune support.
*Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help in general health. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
*Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health.

I hope you never have to go through a UTI. But if you do, I hope this information will be as helpful to you as it has been for me.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." III John 2