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)

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!).

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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.

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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.

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

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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!

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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)