Vingegar: Just Another Reason to Love Apples!

To This...

From This...

         
How many different types of vinegar can you name?  Apple cider, balsamic, distilled, but did you also know that there is beer, cane, coconut, date, Asian black, fruit vinegars, vinegar made from job's tears, kombucha, malt, palm, raisin, rice, sherry and wine?

Historically vinegar has been used as a folk remedy for beauty (and many other things) for ages.  Vinegar for uses other than cooking, became popular in American in the early  1950's  when it was promoted by the best-selling book "Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health", by D.C. Jarvis.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar has the natural ability to make both hair and skin look it's best!  Vinegar diluted to a 1:2 ratio, vinegar:water (or 1:4 ratio if you have sensitive skin) helps dissolve excessive fatty deposits and oils on the surface of the skin and hair.  It has a tonifying property (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)  that promotes blood circulation into the small capillaries that matrix through the skin. Vinegar also helps balance the pH of your skin and hair, reduces dry patches and dandruff, strips residue build up of "product" and hard water (which dull the hairs natural shine).  Because vinegar stimulates hair follicles it also helps with hair strength and length. Rinsing with vinegar closes the cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft.  This lends to a smoother surface, one that will reflect light easier, be easier to manage, less tangle, and lending an over all healthy look (and feel) to your lustrous tresses. Vinegar is rich in Alpha Hydroxy acids, this is the substance in  vinegar that makes it work it's magic!

Unfiltered and Organic

As always my recommendation is to use organic base ingredients.  In this case I would also recommend unfiltered vinegar.  Though there are a large variety of vinegars available on the market, I would recommend which ever is easiest for you to make or use. It will look something like this if it is an unfiltered variety. And apple cider vinegar is probably the most common used for skin and beauty regimes. A raw unfiltered vinegar is going to have all of it's vitamins and minerals intact, making it the best possible product for use.

If you are concerned about the smell of vinegar remember to rinse out fully and then when done with your shower add a couple of drops of essential oil (lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, rose are a few great choices). You will notice that the smell dissipates greatly once your hair is dry.

*Important: always test your skin and hairs compatibility with a lower ratio dose first.  And regardless of the dilution vinegar stings when it gets in your eyes.  Shut them tight before pouring on this awesome all natural elixir and rinse, rinse, rinse, before opening them again.

Feed Back? Comment?  Photo's? We would love to hear what you have to say about your own personal experience with vinegars for beauty.

Hemp Seed Oil: Fad or For Real?

Information brought to you by: Recherch'e Organics

Hemp, Seeds, & Oil

I have been asked often what is all the hype about hemp seed oil? Is it merely fad or is there truly something behind this taboo substance? I would like to explore this oil in depth and allow you, the reader, to make up your mind if in fact there is something beneficial about this oil.
  

Can You Get High From Using Hemp Seed Oil? 

 In a day and age when Marijuana is all over the news, every state in the USA is trying to figure out their own methods to the "war on drugs, and every third person is proclaiming the "health benefits of this almighty plant", it is difficult to discern what is true and what is merely hype.  So lets first start with this question.  Can you in fact get high from using hemp seed oil? The answer is NO and here is why.  Plants that are being grown for oil production (mainly Canadian seeds are here in the USA) have a very low resin content to begin with.   The resin or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana)  is not found with in the seed it self.  Instead it is contained in the flowering bud and to a lesser degree the leaf of the plant. Once the seeds are harvested, they are then washed and cleaned of any potential resin (industry average says up to 99.99%) that could have encountered the outer husk of the seed.  The seed is then sterilized (so it will not be a viable plant producing seed any longer) and then pressed into the finalized product... the oil.  

So What is in Hemp Seed Oil (if not THC)?

With that question behind us, lets take a further look as to what is in hemp seed oil.  Hemp seed oil is in fact a nutrient dense and highly usable oil.  It can be used in skin and beauty care as we will be looking further into.  It can also be used as a food grade oil (though not recommended for cooking  even low heat exposure). This oil contains antioxidants, protein, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, as well as many valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, sulfur, zinc and phosphorus.  It is considered a complete protein and contains all 20 amino acids, including the 9 amino acids that are essential aminos (meaning our body does not produce them).  It also has a horde of vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and vitamin E.  With each oil, with each natural ingredient, there is always one thing that stands out above all else.  The ONE, possibly single most important or interesting fact about hemp seed oil is the fact that it has a very high percentage of Essential Fatty Acids (or EFA's)  and not only is the percentage high, it is also in perfect balance between omega 6 and omega 3 at a ratio of 3:1.  This is the perfect balance for our human bodies. 

From whole seed, to ground seed to oil

What Does This Mean For Our Skin? 

Now understanding that hemp seed oil is full of nutrients, how does this oil benefit our skin and hair? 

The protein found with in this oil repairs damaged skin on the cellular level.  It is able to strengthen the cell walls while it is hydrating and helping the epidermal layers of skin maintain its moisture content. This oil is great for skin suffering from inflammatory conditions, such as acne, roseacia, eczema, psoriasis.  It has strong anti-inflammatory agents such as; GLA gamma-linolenic acid to aid in reducing the skins inflammatory response. This natural moisturizer contains vitamin D (as above mentioned).  Vitamin D helps achieve soft, smooth and well hydrated skin.  It has been used abundantly to help prevent premature aging and does this by helping maintain the moisture balance with in the skin cells.  In 2005 a study conducted in Finland by J. Callaway and was published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.  J. Callaway's findings were the "symptoms of skin dryness and itching significantly improved in dermatitis sufferers after suing to hemp seed oil for a period of 20 weeks."

Hemp Seed Oil for Beautiful Skin and Hair

DIY

1 Tbs of Hemp Seed oil massaged into the the scalp 1 time per week and followed with regular shampoo and conditioning will strengthen the hair follicles, help repair damaged hair, and leave a beautiful and lustrous shine.

Savvy to Seaweed...

 Seaweed is another of our worlds age old beauty secrets.  A food source, a medicine chest, and an  advocate for beauty and vitality anchored into another world, not inhabited but often visited by humans.  Pelagic seaweed (meaning living at sea, growing independently of land) has been used by coastal villagers for food, medicine and beauty since the dawn of time.

Seaweed Harvest

Seaweed Harvest

Seaweed Harvest

Seaweed has been harvested by hand and sun dried world over for century upon century. Harvest methods have included leaving a couple of inches of plant attached to its parent rock or surface, which in turn allows faster regrowth. Only today, with increased demand on sea vegetation do we begin to see unsustainable practices with seaweed harvesting occur. Prior to the last 50 years, seaweed was harvested on a much smaller scale.  Allowing the forests below the waves time to regenerate and propagate.  Today there are companies touting 100,000 tons of commercially harvested sea vegetation annually.  Poverty stricken coastal towns have offered jobs (even here in the USA) mechanically harvesting 6 tons of seaweed per day at a pay rate of $25.00/ton.  There are companies that vacuum harvest certain seaweeds such as Irish Moss, with serious threats to both the ecosystem as well as huge numbers of by-catch of other fauna.

Seaweed Farm in China

 Thankfully though, there are sustainable seaweed farms happening around the globe.  People have found different ways to create surfaces that seaweed attaches to easily and harvest and re-harvest as one would take lettuce leaves  from a home garden.  Taking some fronds as they reach maturity and leaving the rest to continue growth.

 There are hundreds and hundreds of varieties of seaweed world over.  It is found in every ocean across the globe.  These plants draw an incredible amount of minerals, micro and macro nutrients from the water that surrounds them.  Some seaweed have a mineral content of up to 36% of total dry weight!  They have Vitamins A, B's (1, 2, 3, 6, and 12) , C, E, D, K and Folic Acid.  Over 60 trace minerals such as flourine, calcium and magnesium are found hidden within their leafy fronds. B vitamins are known for protecting the skins surface and helping reduce inflammation.  Flourine, calcium and magnesium restore radiance to the skins complexion. It is full of lipids, proteins, which are easily absorbed to moisturize and nourish the skin.  This helps to maintain firmness and deep seeded hydration of the dermal layers. There are many amino acids and enzymes present in seaweed that are potent anti oxidants, fighting off free radicals and working to promote tissue regeneration and elasticity.  Algae's and Seaweeds are a superfood for the skin. Ultimately skin is made healthier by simply using this ingredient.

Brown Algae

BROWN ALGAE:

Brown Algae has a chemical component called Citrinol that has been found effective in fighting against gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria associated with acne and acne inflammation.  It helps boost collagen production (which works hand in hand with elastin) one of the major components in keeping skin firm, youthful looking and wrinkle free.

Green Algae

GREEN ALGAE:
Green Algaes work wonders with dry, irritated and edematous skin due to over exposure to the elements.  It has detoxifying and antiseptic properties and is found in numerous skin benefiting personal care items. It's anti-inflammatory properties make it a wonderful ingredient for sensitive skin, and this group of algeas in particular have great natural propensities to reducing redness and excessive irritation.

Red Algae

RED ALGAE: 
 Red Algae is the best of all the algae types for drawing out impurities and toxins as well as  regulating oil levels of your skin.   When applied topically, Red Algae draws out toxins and helps the skin absorb some of its many nutrients.





SEAWEED: restores moisture levels, revitalizes and firms skin, nourishes, oxygenates and detoxifies skin, balances oil levels, cell generating, purifying, improves skin texture and tone, makes hair shiny, cleanses, soothes, slows skin aging, restores micro and macro nutrients to the skin.

 DIY SEAWEED BATH: 

Get dried seaweed in bulk from your store; Kelp and Dulse are both great options but any kind of seaweed will work.  10 lbs of wet seaweed dries out to 1 lb of dried seaweed.  Online sources may be another great place to purchase bulk seaweed from.  Twenty dollars will give you 5-6 baths worth of plant material.

add 3-4 oz of seaweed mixture (or single type) to a muslin bag, cheese cloth or some other enclosed bag that will allow the nutrients to seep out and into your bath water.  (3-4 oz is approx 2.5 lbs of wet seaweed). Keeping it enclosed will make clean up after bath time much simpler.

Allow your self 20+ minutes to soak in this nutrient rich water.  For something a little extra add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the water, sit back and relax.

This and more from the head soap maker at RECHERCHE ORGANICS.  Master Herbalist, Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Soap Maker extrodinaire...

http:///www.rechercheorganics.com

The Aloe Appeal~

Aloe barbadensis miller

 Aloe vera, a spiky, green, succulent plant that many people have at least some familiarity with.  It is in homes and planter pots through out the world.  Found in outside gardens in warm climates and growing wild from Africa to India, Hawaii to Mexico.   This plant originated in Africa but has naturalized to many places through out the world. Its name derives from the Arabic word "Alloeh" meaning "shining bitter substance", and "vera" in Latin means "true".  It has been deemed a plant of great substance throughout the world for centuries uncounted.  Greek scientists regarded the Aloe plant as a universal panacea.  The Egyptians called Aloe "the plant of immortality".  Today, much as in the past, Aloe is known for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties.

Manual Methods of Extraction

An Aloe "Plant"

 As with many things, in the past Aloe was harvested and extracted solely by manual means. Today, out side of very small operations, it is commercially prepared by mechanical methods.
Traditionally, workers harvested only the mature leaves near the base of the plant.  The tip and bottom of each leaf were cut off and the rest of the leaf was placed on end in a container so that the aloe latex, a bitter sap like substance, could drain out.  Then the outer portion of the plant was skinned off revealing the clear gel inside.  This gel was scraped out, crushed and pulverised by hand, filtered and put into the storage containers.  Today, there are two different main methods of extraction.  Whole leaf preparation begins with harvesting and washing the entire leaf, which is then crushed, ground, or pressed (depending on machines).  Then this mixture is "cleaned" through numerous filtering cycles, filtering with solvents to remove the aloe latex is done at this time.  Then the Aloe is pasteurized and homogenized to create a stable blend.  The second way mimics more traditional methods only instead of done by the human hand they have machines doing the work.  This method also uses pasteurization to stabilize the aloe gel and juice.
 

An Aloe Farm in Texas USA

Aloe Vera contains around 75 potentially active constituents including; vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.
 Vitamins: Vitamin A (beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (both anti-oxidants which reduce free radicals), Vitamin B12,  Folic Acid and Choline.
Minerals: Calcium, Copper, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.
Enzymes: There are 8 in all, some help to reduce inflammation and others aid in processing sugars and
 fats.
Anthraquinones: There are 12 total with a range of "jobs. These are traditionally known for their  laxative effects, however some  anthroquinones have more specialized jobs such as; working analgesics (pain relief), antiseptic, and antivirals.
Fatty Acids: aloe has 4 plant steroids; all of which have anti-inflammatory effects and some also are known for their antiseptic and analgesic properties as well.
Hormones: the hormones found here participate in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory responses.
Other: 20 of the 22 required amino acids (meaning our bodies make too little of and we need to support with food intake, and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids (meaning our bodies need the amino acid to survive but rely solely upon external sources of) are found in this plant.  Saponins; soap like substance found within the gel have cleansing and antiseptic qualities.

Aloe Juice and Gel

    With regular use, both Aloe Vera juice and gel will help improve skin elasticity which in turn minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It also helps to even out the color of your facial skin. It lightens dark spots and helps to slough off old dermal layers, while improving circulation (of new blood, oxygen and micro nutrients) to your newly forming skin cells.  The result, beautiful and vibrant skin. 

Over 500 Species Exist World Wide

Aloe Vera Skin Scrub: 
This scrub helps brighten and even out the color (lightening the dark spots)  on your skin.  It tightens pores, and helps reduce acne.  Massage gently (in a circular motion) for 1-2 minutes depending on skin sensitivity.  Rinse with warm water.  Use weekly.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbs aloe vera (gel or juice)
2 tbs brown sugar
1/2 to 1 tsp lemon juice

* This scrub is best done at night. Lemon juice contains phototoxins that make the skin very susceptible to burning in sunlight. Given the hours of sleep this no longer is a potential problem.

ALOE: YES? NO? Is it part of your skin health regime? Please share how you are familiar with this amazing plant.

FOR BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT LOVE YOUR SKIN PLEASE VISIT: http://www.rechercheorganics.com

Wholly Jojoba

INFORMATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Abundant Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis; Jojoba

Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is a plant native to the South West United States and Northern Mexico. Known by the nicknames of "goat nut", "deer nut", and "coffee bush" this plant has long been used by the Native peoples of this region.  Simmondsia chinensis (Latin name of the jojoba plant) is an evergreen shrub like plant that grows in arid climates with little need for water. 

Close up of Growing Jojoba Seed Pod

This lovely desert jewel was known very little out side of native cultures up until the late 1960's and early 1970's.  For century's the medicinal values and healing properties of this plant had been passed down from generation to generation among the Native Americans of the South West.  There is one reason why jojoba began to appear in the limelight during this time period of our history. Nations began to become "environmentally conscious" and aware of limited natural resources.  Plants and animals alike were being put on the "new"  endangered species lists.  And soon hunting and harvesting of these wild resources was being ground to a halt, thus products derived from these now endangered species also came to a quick standstill. Among the endangered animals listed was the great Sperm Whale.  For centuries this animal was sought after and killed for its precious oil used in the cosmetic industry and elsewhere.  It was found that this plant held the key to, what turned out to be a superior "oil" to the once highly prized spermaceti waxes of the great whale.

Dried Jojoba Seeds

 Jojoba seeds produce a liquid wax, often referred to as an oil, that makes up about 50% of the seeds overall weight.  This wax vs. oil issue is in truth a big deal.  In fact it is what makes jojoba so beneficial for human skin. This liquid wax produced by the jojoba plant has extremely long strait-chain wax esters instead of triglycerides, making jojoba esters more similar to human sebum (the oil that our skin produces) than other traditionally used vegetable oils.

Pure Jojoba Oil

Jojoba offers a wide variety of health and skin benefits.  It is antibacterial and anti-inflamatory by nature making it very effective in the treatment of topical infections of the skin.  Jojoba also reduces the painful swelling and redness that often accompanies skin injury.  As a moisturizer, jojoba works exceedingly well due to the above mentioned nature of it's wax esters, leaving the skin feeling very soft and supple.  Jojoba acts very similarly upon the bodies dermal layers mimicking humans naturally produced sebum.  It has adaptogenic properties that help balance all types of skin.  In the case of too much oil production the application of jojoba actually tells the body that the skin already has it's supply and to stop making more sebum. In the case of too little sebum production the body is spurred into action with the use of jojoba "oil" almost acting as a reminder to the oil glands to produce more. As one can imagine due to it's antibacterial, anti-inflamatory and adaptogenic properties, jojoba is very effective in the treatment of both adult and adolescent acne.  If this isn't already enough, jojoba is also non-allergenic and non-comedogenic (non pour clogging).   As with anything the effectiveness of the product depends on what processes the plant has gone through before going into the products being used.  Always look for expeller pressed oil and labeling that indicates that the oil is not a blend of refined and second pressed oils. The oil that comes from the first press of the seeds is always the pure essential grade that you want!

What products do YOU use that contain jojoba "oil"? Are you satisfied with them, can you tell a difference on your skin? We would love to hear your comments and stories.


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***The information found within these blog posts is brought to you by Recherch’e Organics.  The owner of this small batch bath and body care company is a trained Master Herbalist, Holistic Nutrition Consultant and a Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner.  Many of these wonderful natural ingredients are used with in our product line currently or are being considered for future products of Recherch’e.  For more information or to buy from Recherch’e Organics please visit our website www.rechercheorganics.com and follow us on facebook and through BEAUTIFUL YOU (this blog).

Thank you for reading. 

Truly,

Hillari Ladd