Prevent Wrinkles... Radical!

One of the main causes of aging skin and deterioration is the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed, these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction in the cell membrane which can cause cells to function poorly or die. To prevent free radical damage, the body has a natural defense system of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules which can effectively interact with free radicals to terminate their chain reaction before damage occurs. However, as we age our skin loses its ability to produce those antioxidants and unfortunately, there is no way of escaping free radicals. Free radicals are in the air we breath, the foods we eat... they are even in sunlight and pollution- basically, they are everywhere. If we don't get enough antioxidant protection, free radical damage wreaks havoc- causing collagen to break down, DNA in our cells to mutate, impairing the skins ability to heal and so on.

So how do you effectively fight free radicals as you age?

Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one way to ward them off. Another is to apply antioxidants directly on the skin, where they can quickly absorb to repair and strengthen skin cells.


Here is a list of powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals, repair cell damage and slow the aging process:

Acai Berry 
Native to South America and considered to be a potent "super fruit"; these little blue berries are loaded with powerful antioxidants. Cold pressing acai berries extracts the oil, which is added to many skin care products to give them anti-aging properties 


Alpha-Lipoic Acid 
Commonly called a "universal antioxidant" because its both water and fat-soluble, which makes it penetrate skin-membranes to protect from free radicals, and help keep the body and skin strong. Alpha-Lipolic acid is found in many skin care products and helps diminish fine lines and give skin a healthy, radiant glow


Caffeine 
Studies have shown that caffeine can be safely applied to the skin to help fight free radicals and repair cell damage


Vitamin C 
As you age your body slows down its production of collagen and elastin, which keeps skin healthy and strong. Evidence suggests the antioxidants found in vitamin c helps stimulate the production of collagen while minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and scars


CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) 
Your body naturally produces CoQ-10 to neutralize free radicals in cells; however, as you age the levels of CoQ-10 go down, thus making skin cells more susceptible to free radical damage. CoQ-10 can be taken in pill form or applied to skin with products containing it


Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs) 
This group of natural-based acids are commonly found in skin care products and is known for its ability to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion


Meadowsweet  
Contains a high amount of salicylic acid which helps treat acne and problematic skin. It penetrates pores quickly and reduces blackheads/whiteheads without irritating skin. The natural salicylic acid found in meadowsweet also helps exfoliate skin and reduce the signs of aging


Green Tea 
Like antioxidants, the polyphenols found in green tea fight free radicals. Drinking green tea, or using skin care products that contain it can help reduce and prevent damage caused by free radicals and slow the signs of aging


Information on antioxidants and free radical damage comes from a number of scientific journals including: Free Radical Research, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Oxidative Stress and Aging, Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine, Photochemicals and Photobiological Sciences

Healthy Who? Healthy You

As a small business owner, environmental activist and my most important role, a mother, I have always been proud of my ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail in my fast paced and insanely busy life. What I failed to realize was that, although I felt like I was able to do it all, I was actually surviving on adrenal overload (more on this topic later). I kept telling myself that as soon as I finished the task I was engaged in I would finally take a break and relax... but that time NEVER came. As soon as I would complete one task, another was already waiting to take its place. Because of this I was ALWAYS too busy to relax and enjoy my life. I decided that in order to continue to care for my family, my clients and my business, I had to take a step back and stop the madness. As hard as I thought it would be to budget my time (and money) for bodywork and self-care, I found a way. I thought of it as a vital and necessary way to invest in my health, and if I wanted to continue the things I loved to do, I needed to slow down and enjoy my life (present time).

Our society encourages us to move faster and do more (at whatever cost), telling us to fill our 24 hour day with as much productivity as we can possibly pump out. We are expected to skip meals and function on little sleep. We our constantly struggling to reach our material goals while forgetting about our SELF. Our energies become thin as our collective expectations grow thicker. We live in a culture in which the media encourages us to look as young, healthy and vibrant as long as possible, yet research has proven that upwards of 90 percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster internally and externally than modern day, high stress. Can you say "contradiction?"

So my advice to all my friends and family is to slow down. Budget time for yourself, because calming the stress response, in our faced paced world is the key to longevity and a very healthy, happy, stress free life. 

Therapeutic massage and bodywork can be a powerful ally in your health care regime and has been proven to have profound effects on your total body and mind. For more information on the many benefits of massage and bodywork or to schedule an appointment, please visit http://www.theorganicalbotanical.com 

Home Energy Audit

Conserving energy is just about the most important ecological step we can take. Whether or not conserving energy is your thing, it does make sense to consider making a few simple changes that will not only make your home more energy efficient, but save you some serious cash as well.


So what can you do? I highly recommend doing a home energy audit. (I know some of you are probably thinking, what in the world is a home energy audit?) Well, it is a tedious task that takes about an hour of your time and requires you to walk through your home with a checklist in hand. I know this sounds daunting but sacrificing that hour could actually help you save up to $900 a year! With the economy the way it is, it is safe to say that we could all use some extra cash... (not to mention, it will help lighten the load on Mother Nature)


Use the following checklist to walk through your home:

Air Leaks

• Electrical Outlets: Are they well sealed?
• Switch plates: Have they been insulated?
• Window frames: Do they rattle? Can you see light coming through the cracks? Weather-stripped?
• Baseboards: Are there gaps between the walls and the baseboards?
• Attic hatches: Are they well sealed?
• Window-or wall-mounted air conditioners: Are they well sealed?
• Pipes, wires, electrical outlets: Are there any holes, gaps, or crumbling plaster around them?
• Foundation seals: Is there a gap where the baseboard meets the floor?
• All exterior corners of your home: Do you see any cracks?
• Roof, where chimney meets siding: Are there any cracks or holes?                                                                                                 

General Energy Use Check

• Furnace filters: Do they look dirty?
• Heating and cooling vents: Are they dusty or dirty? Have you shut off the ones in the rooms you don't use often?
• Coils behind the fridge: Are they clean and is fridge door sealed? Is fridge temperature set at 37 degrees F and the freezer at 3 degrees F?
• Do you have low-flow aerators in all your faucets and showers?
• Are you using power strips that you switch off when not using?
• Have you checked how many watts your major appliances use?
• Have you replaced all your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs?

The Organicure

A few of my friends recently asked me what exactly an organic pedicure was and what the benefits are compared to a traditional one. I figured my explanation would make a great blog post. 

I wanted to offer a chemical free, non-toxic alternative to traditional pedicures; mainly because I was personally afraid of contracting an infection from an unsanitary pedicure throne or would be exposed to chemical filled products and nail polishes. So the first thing I did was invest in a few stainless steel soaking bowls (instead of the traditional jet tub) in order to easily and effectively disinfect them after each service. 

The Organicure (an organic pedicure) treatment at Organical Botanical is the ultimate in feet repair. Our pedicure belongs to a line of herbal skin care products that are handcrafted (by yours truly), holistically inspired and free from sulfates, palm oil, synthetic chemicals, dyes or fillers. The pedicure treatment combines the medicinal effects of aromatherapy and the healing effects of Reflexology to help bring the entire body and mind back into balance.

The treatment starts off with feet soaking in a soothing milk and honey or Dead Sea salt bath blended with hand selected herbs and essential oils. The science behind steaming/soaking feet is the herbs and other healing ingredients seep into the pores of skin and influence overall health and repair on a deeper level. 


While feet soak, you can recline back and relax or sip on a cup of herbal tea, as your foot scrub is blended, then used to exfoliate and remove all dead skin. Next we trim and treat nails/cuticles and have you choose your non-toxic polish. Lastly, a foot massage and Reflexology treatment are provided to help flush out toxins and bring the entire body and mind into a healing process.


Service Time: 50 minutes 

Price: $45.00  (Only $35.00 during summer) 

Visit www.theorganicalbotanical.com to find out more information or reserve your appointment

Herbal Medicine Cabinet

Harness the potent powers of nature and customize your own personal herbal medicine cabinet that will help you heal naturally, without the use of harsh chemicals or over priced pharmaceuticals. Listed below are the most beneficial ingredients I recommend and use on a daily basis:




Aloe Vera
This Plant has been used for thousands of years to treat burns and irritated skin. It can be used both internally and externally. Used externally, it alleviates pain and swelling from sunburn, poison ivy and insect bites. It also helps repair damaged skin cells and prevents scarring. Internally, it acts as a tonic for energy and well-being by cleansing and assisting in the assimilation of foods.


Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral, and has 101 uses in your herbal medicine cabinet. Nail fungus, Athlete's foot, poison ivy, cold sores, warts, and insect bites can all be alleviated with tea tree oil. Add just one drop to any liquid soap to make it anti-bacterial. Dilute 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tbsp of vegetable oil for safe use.

Ginger
This root is a great remedy for upset stomachs due to cold, flu, motion sickness or indigestion. Can be taken in the form of tea, capsules or fresh ginger root.


Lavender Oil
This is the most popular essential oil due to its serious healing properties and amazing, therapeutic scent. Lavender oil helps ease emotional stress, tension, and sore muscles; also helps soothe burns and bug bites.

Arnica
Used for injuries to alleviate bruises, joint inflammation, muscle pain and minor sprains. You can massage arnica oil into unbroken skin every 3-4 hours to reduce pain and swelling, and promote healing.


Calendula
This can be used on all cuts, sores, infected areas and just about anything that stings or hurts. Helps reduce inflammation and irritation of any kind.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Helps relieve itching and inflammation of insect bites and sunburns


Rosemary Oil
Treats headaches. Apply a few drops to the temples and massage while sipping 1/2 glass of water with 1 drop rosemary oil in it


Peppermint Oil

Inhale peppermint oil to ease nausea and motion sickness.


Valerian Root
Helps ease anxiety and insomnia. Dosage needs to be determined by your doctor or health care practitioner.


Witch Hazel
Mild astringent, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties

Eucalyptus Oil
A must have for any kind of chest or sinus congestion. A few drops in a bath or steam bowl will help open up the sinuses and induce easier breathing.


Kaolin Clay
Dries and draws impurities from skin; helps heal insect bites and skin rashes.


Yarrow
Nicknamed "nature's bandage", helps stop both internal and external bleeding. A fresh leaf of yarrow can be crushed and applied to a cut, after wound is cleaned, to help stop bleeding and heal wound. Can also be made into an herbal tea.


Cayenne
A couple of drops under the tongue will help revive someone in shock. Used externally for heavily bleeding lacerations; it will coagulate blood to stanch the flow (even though it stings, it does work)


Milk Thistle
Acts to leach heavy metals and radiation toxicity from thyroid, blood and liver. Dosage should be discussed with your health care practitioner.


Syrup Of Ipecac
This standard remedy promotes vomiting and should only be used only when poisoning occurs.


Honey
A staple ingredient found in most kitchens; this tasty remedy helps ease a sore throat or mild cough. Honey is also great for the skin, its loaded with antioxidants and healing properties that promotes a healthy, youthful complexion.

Who Is Your Farmer?

If you ask most people where their food comes from, the majority would likely reply "from the grocery store." For many of us, the grocery store is the main point of access to food; and unfortunately, little thought is put into its life beyond the grocery store shelves. Most of us don't connect the foods we eat with being grown by a farmer, thus the food system is often taken for granted. 


I believe it is extremely important to form relationships and connections directly with small, diversified, family farms in order to teach our children about where our food comes from and introduce them to the people who actually grow it! There is something seriously special about eating farm fresh fruits, veggies and meats. Not only does it provide great environmental and social benefits, but it is super healthy, flavorful and nutritious. 


Farmers are the original stewards of the environment, soil, water and wildlife; The production and consumption of food is linked in our history to communities and their social cohesion. As family farms disappear each day, It is important (more than ever) for us to rediscover farming, reconnect with the community and continue to support the local food movement as much as we can.

For a list of local farmer's markets near you, please visit www.farmfresh.org

Sleeping Beauty

Did you get a good night's sleep last night? If you are like most people, the answer is probably no. Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice due to the high demands of life. In fact, sleep doesn't get too much attention until we actually miss it.  Instead of thinking of sleep as a luxury or something you can catch up on later, try and think of it as an essential nutrient, just like vitamins or water. Sleep is when our bodies repair, rejuvenate, and renew. When you are sleep deprived, your body struggles to maintain itself mentally and physically. Lack of sleep shows up as dark, puffy eyes, dull, dry hair, low energy, weakened immune system, depression, irregular appetite and lack of sexual interest. Sleep deprivation can also trigger the release of cortisol (your stress hormone). Overproduction of cortisol ages your skin and contributes to signs of fatigue. A solid 8 hours of sleep each night is often referred to as beauty sleep because it is one of the best (and least expensive) beauty secrets of celebrities and models, or anyone who depends on their physical appearance for their livelihood. You can spend thousands of dollars on the latest surgery, or a trendy medical spa treatment, but the truth is, a good dose of sleep is the most effective beauty (and well-being) treatment of all!