MARSHMALLOW ROOT..FOR THE INSIDES

• Diuretic: Aids the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus.
• Respiratory Infections: Excellent herbal remedy when used as a tea to aid in eliminating respiratory infections, such as: bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, tonsillitis, dry cough and emphysema. You can also use a Marshmallow tea mixture to reduce hoarseness of the throat and other throat infections.Marshmallow root contains mucilate, a substance that becomes slippery when wet. This trait gives the marshmallow plant the ability to treat irritation in the mouth, throat and stomach. Prep: Boil 25 Grams of Marshmallow root to 1 liter of water steep for 15-20 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups daily, can mix with orange flower water or orange juice and honey for flavor.
• Stomach Issues: Used to cure Acid Reflux, Peptic Ulcer and Gastritis, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Marshmallow root has been used for centuries in aiding in curing Urinary Tract Infections, Kidney Problems and Kidney Stones.
• Weight Loss: Because marshmallow root swells when mixed with fluids, ingesting it as a diet supplement causes the stomach to feel fuller.
• Teething: A marshmallow root can be peeled and given to infants to chew on. This reduces the pain and irritation associated with teething.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT..FOR THE SKIN

• Marshmallow Root can be made into a poultice and used to treat skin infections such as; eczema, psoriasis and pinkeye. Because marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory activity on the human tissue it has been proven helpful in treating cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. Prep: Mix enough Marshmallow Root powder to warm water to make a thick paste and apply to skin as needed.
• I personally used Marshmallow Root as a poultice combined with activated charcoal and lavender essential oil to make a healing treatment for my husband's skin when he was stung by 11 bees while doing the lawn. The complete poultice consisted of: Marshmallow Root, Charcoal, Few drops of Echinacea Extract and Lavender Essential Oil. I combined to make a thick paste and added to the infected areas.This prevented any swelling or itching that normally occurs when suffering a bee sting.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT..FOR THE HAIR

• As a natural emollient (moisturizer), it works wonders when used as a deep treatment or deep conditioning Ayurvedic mask for hair and scalp. This yummy goodness can be found in all of our water based products such as our: Natty Deep Conditioner, Natty Creme, and Natty Moist 
• Marshmallow is a medicated, conditioning, mucilaginous herb that
  provides an abundance of ’slip’ which helps to nourish and detangle naturally curly hair.

If you love to mix, here are some awesome DIY mixes that you can make for yourself using Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow Root Herbal Spritz: 1/3 Aloe Vera Gel/Juice, 2 TBSP Hibiscus Petal Powder, 2 TBSP Marshmallow Root Powder, 1 1/4 Cups Distilled (Filtered) Water.Prep: Bring distilled water to a boil, then let cool slightly. Add Hibiscus Petal Powder and Marshmallow root to water, and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain mixture through cheesecloth, and add Aloe Vera Gel to liquid. Pour mixture in a spray bottle, and store in refrigerator for up to one week, use as often as needed. Marshmallow Root has a strong smell, so I like to add lavender or lemongrass to help with the smell.

Marshmallow Root Deep Conditioning Treatment: 1/4 cup Natty Moist Conditioner (or any natural conditioner you favor), 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 2 TBSP Hibiscus Petal Powder, 2 TBSP Brahmi Powder, 2 TBSP Bhringraj and 1 TBSP Marshmallow Root Powder. Prep: In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together and use immediately. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about 45minutes-hour.

Marshmallow Root Clarifying Treatment: 1/2 Cup Bentonite Clay Powder, 2 TBSP Marshmallow Root Powder, 1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Gel/Juice, 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar. Prep: Mix ingredients into a cake batter consistency and apply to damp hair. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and do not allow to dry. Rinse with lukewarm to cool water.

where to purchase: www.mountainroseherbs.com www.fromnaturewithlove.com

photo courtesy of my husband

Greetings, beautiful people!

Ok, so if you're like me, you've got a good looking hubby, boyfriend or significant other who sports facial hair..hey, beards are the new '6-pack'..lol. No, but seriously, beards are just one luxury that many men love to sport and if it weren't for the world of 'corporate', many men would proudly,gruffly or roughly sport their natural face protection. However, though many men love to sport their O'Naturale wispy goodness, they may run into obstacles of dry itchy skin underneath...hence the beauty and benefit of beard oil.

SO...WHAT EXACTLY IS BEARD OIL?

Beard oil is a combination of natural vegetable, fruit, nut or plant based (carrier) oils and essential oils. Some blends use herbal infused oils and/or extracts to enhance the benefits. These combinations of oils, herbal infusions and extracts are used to cleanse, heal, soothe and keep the skin underneath all that wispy goodness properly hydrated.

WHEN DO YOU USE BEARD OIL?

Beard oil is the last step in a man's grooming process. It is applied after pre oil treatments, cleansing, shaving and the use of after shave. It can be applied daily and as often as needed. Depending on the blend, beard oils can also be used as a pre-shave treatment in conjunction with a steamed or heated towel to soften hairs minimizing pesky razor bumps after shaving,again, it truly depends on the oils used, especially the essential oils used. Oh, and they smell amazing. Packed with essential oils, blended to give an invigorating, therapeutic wonderful earthy smell that can last all day. 

HOW DO YOU USE BEARD OIL?

To use beard oil

STEP 1: If using after shaving, apply After Shave to cleanse and tone skin

STEP 2: Apply a dime to nickel sized amount of oil to hands and distribute to fingers 

STEP 3: Massage into skin underneath beard to lock in moisture. 

STEP 4: Really focus on the aroma of the essential oils used. Their therapeutic benefits truly open up the senses and chakras, so be sure to apply to side burns and temples.

STEP 5: Smooth hair with a beard comb, fingers or small brush and enjoy the shine! Oh and, your special lady will enjoy it too!

SO, WHAT'S IN THE BEARD OIL OF THE BOHEMIAN COLLECTION?

• Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: A natural antimicrobial and excellent oil for conditioning the skin and hair. Because shaving can cause some little nicks, coconut oil is wonderful for speeding up wound healing and provides an excellent shine for hair. 

• Hempseed Oil (unrefined): Excellent oil for treating dry cracked skin. Since it's packed with loads of fatty acids good for the skin, hempseed oil aids in preventing skin disorders such as; psoriasis, eczema, acne and dry skin.

• Avocado Oil: High in protein and fats, particularly Omega 3 fat, avocado oil proves to be an excellent oil for skin. It is also a wonderful oil for softening the skin and reducing the appearance of age spots, due to the high amount of sterolin. Like Hempseed oil, avocado oil is also excellent for soothing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 

• Rosemary CO2 Extract: High quality antioxidant that quickly improves the skin. Super critical form of Rosemary helpful for acne, eczema and other skin issues.

• Ashwagandha Extract: Known as an aphrodisiac an herb heavily used in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha contains high levels of antioxidants, which help fight signs of wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and blemishes. Due to it's anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial and moisturizing properties, Ashwagandha helps with issues of skin redness, acne, and helping to prevent rough, dry skin.

• Vitamin E Oil (non GMO): Wonderful oil for treatment of scar healing, minimizing brown (age)spots and for preventing wrinkles.

• Proprietary Blend of High Quality Organic Essential Oils including Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Eucalyptus to name a few

***Our Beard Oil will be available in February 2015 as part of our Bohemian Collection. Be sure to stay tuned and sign up for our email list for any and all updates

Greetings, everyone..As we are in the exciting stages of releasing our Bohemian Collection, I am thrilled about sharing so much information regarding tooth powder and it's therapeutic, healing and simply amazing properties. It's true, I haven't used toothpaste for some time now and I honestly cannot see myself going back to it. Of course, there are many natural paste brands on the market,but I could never find that satisfaction of squeaky clean that I have found with using tooth powder. And, though natural, there are still a few brands who include ingredients such as: flouride, Sodium Laurel Sulfate (also known as: sodium dodecyl sulfate, lauryl sodium sulfate, sodium n-dodecyl sulfate, laurel sulphate sodium salt), Sorbitol, Artificial Coloring and flavoring and Titanium Dioxide, to name a few..none of which I want in my mouth nor my family's. And, if you have been following my former blog, All Things O'Natural, you may remember a post that I wrote almost 3 years ago regarding toothpaste and the importance of being mindful of what we include in our oral health regimen. 

The use of Tooth Powders have shown to be credited with several dental health and healing benefits. A study by 'Prevention Magazine' (Sept 2007) performed on 128 test persons over a sixth month period found that by the use of tooth powder or 'dry brushing', bacterial plaque buildup on their teeth dropped by a whopping 67%. They also showed a 50% drop in bleeding gums. 

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A TOOTH POWDER?

Once reigned as the tooth cleanser du jour,  tooth powders is a remineralizing cleanser that contains 3 key ingredients: a mild abrasive, a detergent, and a sweetener or flavoring agent. It's usually applied with a dampened brush, using only a pinch to cleanse teeth and gums.

ARE TOOTH POWDERS A NEW THING?

Absolutely not! Before we were slathering our brushes with the latest greatest pasty cleanser, tooth powders were used by Ancient Egyptians as well as those in Ancient Greece and Rome. The Egyptians used a combination of ox hooves' ashes and burnt eggshells mixed with pumice. The Greeks and Romans preferred a bit of a sparkle and opted for a glitter powder made of a combination of oyster shells and crushed bones. The Romans furthered theirs adding a bit of charcoal and bark, hoping to aid in prevention of bad breath. And the Chinese added ginseng, herbs and salt to help improve the cleansing and taste.

SO..WHAT'S THE HARM WITH INGREDIENTS LISTED IN REGULAR PASTES?

Let's have a look at some of the ingredients, shall we..

• FLUORIDE: a highly toxic chemical, which rather than helping teeth, seems to actually damage teeth by making them too hard and thus brittle. Fluoride, in its chemical form, as used in water fluoridation, has been implicated as a carcinogen and can actually 'ruin teeth'. In 1993, the Environmentals Studies and Toxicology Board of the National Research Council reported that fluoridation of drinking water supplies may result in dental fluorosis in about 10% of the population. 

• TRICLOSAN: An antibacterial agent and preservative, shown to be a endocrine disruptor, a skin irritant, and can cause allergic reaction in some cases.

• SORBITOL: a liquid that keeps toothpaste from drying out, has laxative effects that can cause diarrhea if too much is swallowed.

• SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE: a foaming agent and detergent that can be dangerous due to during the manufacturing process SLS is contaminated with dioxane, a carcinogenic by product. Yea, suds are cool, but not at the expense of my family or my own health.

BUT..AREN'T TOOTH POWDERS ABRASIVE?

Ingredients used in tooth powders pale in comparison to ingredients used in commercial brand toothpastes. Even with baking soda being one of the key ingredients, it is largely lower in abrasiveness than many of the ingredients found in many pastes. Check out the abrasive chart below to shed some light on the abrasiveness of ingredients. And notice the RDA value of 'baking soda'.

Abrasiveness Index of Common Toothpastes

Natty Naturals Herbal Tooth Powder

To end, there are a plethora of amazing tooth powder combinations. The ingredients listed in our Herbal Tooth Powder are ones that I felt best for me and my family's oral health. So, here's a list of our yummy ingredients and their 'rawsome' benefits. 

• Kosher Baking Soda (aluminum free) : a mild abrasive and pH stabilizing tooth polish that aids in removing stains and freshening breath.

• White Kaolin Clay: a gentle clay, rich in minerals, which support tooth remineralization. It's one of the mildest clays used to draw toxins from the mouth, helps to whiten teeth.

• Xylitol (Non GMO): a natural sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables. Because it is non fermentable and does not feed acid forming oral bacteria, it helps prevent tooth decay and is perfect for adding sweetness to natural products. Regular use of xylitol causes cavity forming bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) to starve and die off, decreasing the levels of acidic by products formed when bacteria ferment sugars.

• Anise: Due to it's natural antiseptic properties, it's licorice like flavor helps to freshen breath, making it a wonderful addition to our tooth powder.

• Echinacea: Excellent at fighting off tooth infections. 

• Licorice Root: aids in effectively eliminating bacteria responsible for cavities, gum disease and oral infections.

• Clove: Contains antibacterial properties as well as aids in soothing painful toothe aches and sore gums. Combined with cinnamon, clove has been known to aid in healing teeth sensitivity.

• Stevia Leaf: A natural sweetener that is a natural anti bacterial and anti fungal that aids in prevention of tooth decay and bleeding gums.

• Dead Sea Salt: The wonderful natural minerals found in sea salt aid in strengthening gums, protecting against tarter buildup and preventing bad breath. High in iodine, dead sea salt has antibacterial and helps to neutralize the acids in the mouth. Salt enhances saliva production and saliva creates an antibacterial barrier that protects enamel.

• Essential Oils of: Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Myrrh, Anise and Eucalyptus combined contribute to the anti bacterial properties, healing bad breath and the awesomely stimulating flavor.

And...Kids love it too!!

THE DEMOCRACY OF HYPOCRISY..

When we think about hypocrisy, our first thoughts are usually in thought of someone else's mishaps. We, many times, fail to look at self and our own hypocritical thoughts, words and actions. We, many times, fail to realize how we teach our children acts of hypocrisy by the things we say or do in their presence, yet become upset if they, in turn, do the same thing...We, many times, fail to look at self because we don't want to think of ourselves as hypocrites, liars or any of the sort. We have accepted a society where views of lying has become acceptable..ok..not so bad,,something we must do to prove a point..to deceive..etc.

Children are taught how to deceive, manipulate and lie at very young ages, and many times, we fail to stop and think how our actions as their parents or guardians have promoted this.
Example: 'Ok, we're gonna say you're 4, even though you're 6, so you can get in free'...yet become irate when a child of ours is caught, well ya know..lying.You see, the beautiful innocence of children is that they are born bearing truth..speaking truth and are 'taught' to do otherwise through example and action.

Example: 'Man, that guy/girl gets on my nerves..I can't stand that person' Then the person of despise walks up and kids see parent/parents say this, 'Hey, So and So, it's great to see you. We should have lunch sometime and catch up..or come by the house!' ...at that moment, a child has been taught the wonderful virtue of deception and hypocrisy. These things have made my husband and I extremely mindful of what we say and how we act or react while our children are around. We have a disagreement, we 'resolve' it amicably. We understand that they will see a disagreement,but it's how we handle, resolve and make peace that shows them how to have conflict and resolve conflict.

Many times, we can become easily offended by feelings of being judged, yet we forget how easily we judge the words or actions of others,even if only watching TV (ie..reality shows)..The democracy of hypocrisy. We are appalled when someone is rude to us, yet we justify when we are rude to others. We are appalled when others are less tolerant to us, yet we exude impatience and lack of tolerance to whom we deem 'deserves' it...in our minds..The democracy of hypocrisy.

People, especially women, are judged and called out of their names if we view they have just, 'way too many' sex partners..you know the word..begins with an H..Yet, let's be honest, any of us who have had relations outside of a covenant,well ya know. Whether 1 or 1000, if it's outside of a covenant...The democracy of hypocrisy.

'Shoot it to me straight, now'...we say we love truth and honesty, yet many times, families are broken apart, friendships lost, co workers at odds due to honest, truth conversations. Truth in families can rip a hole in the core larger than the an asteroid crashing to earth. Truth brings up pain. Truth busts open the misconception that we've been telling self, that we're ok. Truth makes you open wounds and begin the process of healing infection (remember my post on healing?) Yet, many do not want to face that battle of operation of exposing the wound to cleanse out the infection.
The democracy of hypocrisy.

The very problem with race and race relations is that we deceive self into thinking we are not prejudice (prejudging others based on things we've heard, read, experienced,felt, etc). We seduce our minds into thinking, 'I'm not like that', yet fail to step outside of a comfort zone to 'empathize' with others from other cultures..Or get to know a person based on the most basic 'animalistic' surface thing, skin complexion. Unfortunately, this demon visits us of all hues, all cultures, all ethnicities. We 'assume' we know what we truly don't know and will not know because our hypocritical mind or judgement from others won't allow it, failing to see that you may just have a ton in common with someone you never thought you may have something in common with. Or, you may just learn a lot about the brokenness from a group of people that you wouldn't have known otherwise. The democracy of hypocrisy.

Truth, honesty, loyalty, integrity, compassion have been replaced with hypocritical acts of deceit, manipulation, lack of integrity, acceptance in telling ourselves, 'that's just the way it is' but shouting 'amen' on Saturday or Sunday when the Word has told us a different truth.

No, we who walk this earth, may never reach a level of perfection...but each day we wake AND we breath, we have another day to strive to correct stinking thinking...deceitful actions...resolve issues...speak truth 'out of love'...heal wounds...forgive someone..exude compassion...get to know someone outside of our comfort zone..move forward. Each day we wake, we have the power to debunk 'THE DEMOCRACY OF HYPOCRISY'. One thought, by one person speaking to SELF first...

Ahh, the beauty of steaming!

One of the pleasures that are offered at luxury spas worldwide..but, hey, who says you have to wait until your next spa day to enjoy the benefits of steaming. 

On a relaxing weekend, this is one of the luxuries I absolutely LOVE to do. I blend together an amazing combo of botanicals and a dash of organic essential oils to enjoy. I also love to put some sample steam tins together for friends who appreciate the beauty of steaming. 

BENEFITS

1. Besides being amazingly relaxing, facial steams are beneficial for mental health, relieving stress, especially when using certain botanical flowers and herbs that focus on mental clarity, such as fresh rosemary and lavender.

2. It's a wonderful step in a facial regimen for great skin health. Using botanical herbs such as Neem, Stinging Nettle and Calendula, Cornflower, Marshmallow Root, Helichrysum to name a few, are absolutely amazing for deep down pore purification, hydrating the cells and maintaining healthy skin. 

3. The warm humidity from the steam helps to increase blood circulation as well as increases perspiration, which helps rid the body of toxins. 

4. Clearing up the skin...The steam from the facial steam helps to soften blackhead and white head plugs so they gently and easily release from follicle openings. The buildup of sebum inside of the follicle can then flow naturally.

5. Gives skin a fresher and younger appearance.

HOW I ENJOY MY HERBAL  STEAM?

1. On a freshly cleansed face and after an exfoliation such as a facial scrub (if this is part of your regimen), add a couple of tablespoons of your botanical herb blend into a heat safe container..I used a stainless steel bowl 

2. Cover herbs with boiled water and allow to cool for only a few minutes (to prevent any type of steam burn). Then place a towel over your head to create a steam tent.  

3. Breathe deeply, relax and enjoy the steam for  5-15 minutes. I usually take this time to release, relax and unwind. This is also the perfect time that I love to focus on gratitude and allow thoughts of pure positivity to enter my mind. Once the steam is over, strain the remaining herbal blend and add the liquid tea to your bath for even more health benefits. 

EXTRAS...

You can also add a few scoops of your herbal steam to your tub or add to a tea bag for an amazingly beneficial herbal and botanical bath.  When we bathe, our pores dilate..this is super helpful with infusing our bodies with beneficial minerals, vitamins and nutrients that may be depleted from our foods. Herbal baths are also great for lady parts as many of the herbs used are beneficial for a healthy vaginal pH.

FACIAL STEAMING BY SKIN CONDITION

NORMAL : Every other week to once a week for 10 minutes

OILY : Two times per week at 5-10 minutes at a time

ACNE PRONE : Two times per week at 5 minutes at a time

DRY : Every other week for 10 minutes at a time

SENSITIVE : Once per month at 5 minutes at a time

Natural is more than just allowing appreciation for our hair to grow as it was intended..it's about getting back to the basics of understanding what we put, not only on our hair, but in our bodies and on our skin. Understanding that many of the chemicals, synthetically produced, can be major culprits of stress, anger, and other emotional damages that affect us daily. With life having so much going on, it's imperative to find that beautiful balance of taking, if only, a few moments to relax and release. Nature is a beautiful basic. Ingredients nor food should be so complicated. Let's get back to the basics of nature. The basics of understanding that essential oils not only have therapeutic benefits, but smell amazing, which in turn enhances our mood.  

Be sure to check out all the goodness of our HERBAL STEAMS 

Having a mother and niece who suffered with Seborrhic Dermatitis, it was especially important to seek natural methods that would help. After my mother and niece began using our Natty products, she has not had any flare ups..Well, this came about about 3 years ago when I cleared out her bathroom linen closet of all products that contained questionable ingredients. I recently spoke with her to check on how her and my niece's scalp were doing and she said it's been so long since they've had any issues that she doesn't believe the condition exist any longer. Just what do they use? Well, I'll include their regimen at the end of the read. As always, each person may vary and I hope this can help even a tad bit for those who do struggle with the condition. 

So, what exactly is DERMATITIS?

Dermatitis is a basic term for any type of inflammation of the skin. The cause is not fully understood and there are so many forums that post information that may or may not be accurate. Some of the known causes of internal dandruff can be: poor diet, allergies, dairy products, hormone imbalance and/or stress to name a few. External dandruff can be caused by harsh ingredients such as synthetic colorants, product buildup, poor hygiene, weather changes and dry environmental conditions, similar to eczema. There are a few types of Dandruff.

Types of DANDRUFF..

• Dry Scalp: Itchy white round flakes on a dry scalp environment

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Usually an oily scalp that have large white to yellowish colored flakes and can create sores and bleed.

• Fungal Dandruff: Oily yellowish and white flakes with crusting and redness (similar in appearance to seborrheic dermatitis)

• Psoriasis: Dry, silver colored scaly flakes

DERMATITIS VS. ECZEMA

The distinction between the use of dermatitis and eczema to describe skin disorders can be confusing. Many people use the term 'eczema' to refer specifically to Atopic Dermatitis.  Eczema is the inflammation of the skin that accompanies dermatitis produces scaling, flaking, thickening, weeping, crusting, color changes and often itching.

So..What Causes DERMATITIS??

• Allergies/Irritants: Many cases of Dermatitis are simply the result of allergies (Allergic or Contact Dermatitis).

                1. perfumes
                2. cosmetics
                3. rubber
                4. medicated creams/ointments
                5. latex
                6. poison ivy
                7. metals or metal alloys such as gold, silver and nickel in jewelry and zippers
                8. sunlight (many people with dermatitis are sensitive to sunlight)

• Atopic Dermatitis: (eczema or infantile eczema, found in children)

This type of Dermatitis is a condition known to affect allergy prone individuals. It typically appears on the face, in the bends of elbows and behind the knees and is very itchy. If other family members have histories of hay fever, asthma, or atopic dermatitis, it is more likely that a child will be diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.

                Triggers of this may be:
                  1. cold or hot weather
                  2. dry atmosphere
                  3. allergen exposures
                  4. stress
                  5. Infections, such as colds

• Nummular Dermatitis:

 This type of Dermatitis is coin shaped. It is a chronic condition in which round, scaling lesions appear on the limbs (arms, legs, etc) or scalp, face and chest (seborrhea).
                 Triggers of this may be:
                   1. Allergy to nickel (often associated with dry skin)
                   2. Intestinal and immune disorders (dermatitis herpetiformis). Very itchy form of dermatitis.
                   3. Dairy and/or Gluten products

• Seborrhea: Characterized by scaly patches of skin that result from a disorder of the sebaceous (oil producing) glands. Most often occurs on the scalp, face and chest, but can appear on other parts of the body. It may or may not be itchy. Usually yellowish and/or greasy or dry and flaky. This form is most common is infancy (cradle cap) and middle age. The exact cause is not known, but may be linked to nutritional deficiencies (especially a lack of biotin and Vitamin A) or the effects of a yeast organism which normally lives in the hair follicles. Heredity and climate can also play a role. Adult Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with stress and anxiety. Other factors: infrequent shampooing or cleansing, oily skin, obesity, Parkinson's Disease and psoriasis.

• Also, a very important factor that I've witnessed is the placing of oils on the scalp and leaving them on the scalp. Now, oils are great, especially natural oils that nourish the scalp, however, due to the fact that our scalp produces its own natural sebum can pose a problem when we add additional oil to the scalp. It's like telling the scalp, 'no need to produce oil, I'll just add my own oil'..which in turn can create a malfunction aiding in the prevention of sebum production and clogging of the pores on the scalp. When the scalp does not perform properly, this can lead to issues such as Dry Scalp, Itchy Scalp, Dermatitis and other fungal infections. Oil Treatments can be one way to apply oils to the scalp..BUT, they are shampooed out after about 20-30 minutes or so. The oils have enough time to nourish, yet not clog the pores. It's specifically a treatment. Whenever I have spoken with people who have suffered scalp issues, they would mention that they apply and leave oils on the scalp often. If possible, try to keep the scalp as clear and clean as possible. Another factor to consider is when rinsing using tap water, we must remember, unless we have a filter, tap water contains loads of bacteria, fungi and other contaminants including mineral deposit, that can wreak havoc on the scalp. The use of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's is a great brand) in the form of a rinse or a mist, is helpful due to the vinegars astringent properties and the low acidity helps remove mineral deposit from the scalp as well as serve as a form of protection against bacteria, fungi and other contaminants. 

Herbs That Have Been Known To Help DERMATITIS..

• Blackthorn, blueberry leaf, hawthorne berry and rue (contains flavanoids that are excellent for reducing inflammation.

• Chamomile (can be taken internally or used to soothe the skin. Reduces inflammation)

• Dandelion, Yellow Dock Root, Chaparral can be combined and made into a poultice or paste

• Dandelion, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Pau d' Arco and Red Clover can be combined to make a tea (don't take Goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time..do not use during pregnancy)

• Goldenseal Root Powder and Vitamin E and add a little honey until it is the consistency of a loose paste. Apply to affected area to relieve itching and promote healing.

• Gotu Kola

• Grapeseed Extract

• Oregon Grape Root (detoxifies the body and reduces inflammation)

• Wild Pansy (excellent for psoriasis, acne, eczema and cradle cap in infants)

• Colloidal Silver is a natural antibiotic that has been known to fight seborrhea

• Neem (excellent for psoriasis, eczema, cradle cap and dermatitis)

• Tea Tree oil

• Rosemary CO2 Extract

• Cypress Essential OIl

• Evening Primrose Oil

 What to eat..What to avoid eating..What to Use for DERMATITIS.. If possible, try to avoid as much as possible

• Avoid eggs, peanuts, soy foods, wheat and dairy products

• Avoid sugar, strawberries, chocolate, white flour, fats, fried foods and processed foods

• Try a gluten free diet for 6 weeks, then add back into diet one at a time and see if the condition changes..(Gluten free foods will specifically say 'Gluten Free')

• Try not to eat foods containing raw eggs (which contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed) Biotin is needed for skin and scalp disorders.

• Keep your house humidified and keep skin hydrated

• For seborrhic dermatitis: Make a strong concentrated tea of Rosemary, Comfrey, Neem, Tea Tree Oil (add this once tea is made), Dried Nettles and Witch Hazel, and apply it to the scalp after shampooing  with a fragrance free cleanser. Leave it on the scalp for 10 or 15 minutes. Rinse

• Massage Tea Tree Oil mixed with a carrier oil (Jojoba, Argan, Grapeseed, etc) after contact with water or irritants

• Keep the colon clean. Use fiber supplements such as flaxseed, psyllium husk or Aerobic Bulk Cleanse

• Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin B6 have been known to help.

• Emu Oil 

• Try to change to hair products without chemicals: Ayurvedic shampoo bars are excellent, or all natural cleansers

• Try to avoid over the counter ointments, this can cause an overload on the skin

• Also, due to the increase of hormones pumped into various meats, try to look for hormone free organic free range meats

• Follow a fasting program once per month ( I love the Master Cleansewww.themastercleanse.com )

• Ingredient knowledge should be your new best friend. Look for products with as many organic natural ingredients that aid in minimizing dermatitis. Steer clear of products, even ones that label themselves as 'natural' that scent using synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances usually contains over hundreds of unknown chemicals that can be damaging and cause scalp flare ups. Fragrance free or products scented using essential oils and/or hydrosols are great, though they may be a tad bit more pricey.

MY MOTHER AND NIECE'S REGIMEN FOR HEALTHY SCALP

• PRE CLEANSE: Massage in ACV HAIR + SCALP RINSE and allow to sit on the scalp for 20-30 minutes. Rinse.

• HAIR + SCALP TREATMENT: Apply to damp scalp and hair and work through to the ends of scalp. Enjoy for 30 minutes.

• CLEANSE: Dudu Osum Shampoo (contains Black Soap, Neem and Tea Tree- all excellent for dermatitis)

• DEEP CONDITION: Nourishing Deep Conditioner

• ACV HAIR + SCALP RINSE: Spray onto scalp and hair and leave in

• LEAVE IN MOISTURIZER: Moisturizing Leave In Condition

• SEAL: Hair + Body Butter

My Beautiful Mom and Niece ( I can't believe she's 17!!)

Whew, I know that was a lot, but again, it is a serious subject and it's better to equip yourselves with as much knowledge as possible.

 Greetings, All,

So, this is a great topic mainly because I have had a plethora of natural lovelies inquire about their hair shedding and the assumption that natural hair does not shed..WRONG..I can attest by personal experience because I shed like a St. Bernard whenever I wash my hair..and that's no lye :-)))

Understanding the difference between hair breakage and shedding is an important part of any healthy hair regimen. Many people use these terms interchangeably to refer to any hair that falls from the head; however, this misinformed language can be a recipe for hair disaster. You must be able to properly differentiate between these two very specific forms of hair "loss" in order to effectively address even the smallest of your hair needs. This post will educate us on the difference between hair shedding and hair breakage, and offer strategies to help you combat both hair problems.

Just What Is Shedding??

• In its truest sense, shed hair is hair that has reached the end of its growing cycle and naturally falls from the scalp along with its tiny, white "root" attached. 

• This is not the actual hair root that is secured deeply within your scalp, but it is the bulb root or base of the hair strand found on the scalp-originating end. 

• It appears white because the hair stops producing melanin (color) at the point in its growth cycle right before it gets ready to fall. 

• If your actual hair root came out along with the hair, you would no longer be able to produce hair from that same place on the scalp ever again! 

• If a hair does not possess this white root bulb, then it is not a naturally shed hair, rather, a broken one. Shed hair tends to be longer in length than broken hairs which are generally short pieces of varying lengths.

• In general, shedding should not be a major concern for you and should be seen as a sign of a healthy, normal, functioning scalp. There is no need to fear shedding unless it is tied to a medical issue. If you notice rapid hair loss from shedding or hair loss accompanied by a host of other problems, please consult a medical professional. Most shedding, however, is simply nature taking its course.

Shedding..Did You Know

• It's important to understand that because shedding is a natural, internal process, it may not respond to topical, external treatments. Some have praised garlic shampoos or "garlic scalp rubs" for reducing shedding, but there has been no clear consensus on the effectiveness of garlic as a remedy for shedding. Shedding is also not easily solved by protein or moisture treatments because it has nothing to do with the hair shaft itself, but is a response to hormonal influences on the hair follicle and is dependent on growth cycles. When a hair completes its life cycle, which generally last s 4-6 years, its final act is the shedding we experience. This cannot be prevented.

• Also, our hair naturally cycles in and out of seasonal shedding phases which may last days or weeks at a time in some individuals. Research suggests that peak shedding rates occur during the fall season. A healthy head of hair may shed as many as 50- 100 hairs per day. So, if you're like me and only detangle once per week or only a couple times per week, you will see more shed hairs on the day you do, in fact, detangle your hair due to the normal accumulation that would have occurred daily. Normal shedding is inevitable and cannot be avoided. It's the ending life cycle of the hair. You should be concerned if your shedding suddenly increases to a rate that was uncommon to you before, or if the shedding seems to be prolonged over the course of several weeks or months.

• Do keep in mind that there are special periods in the human life cycle where shedding is naturally increased. For example, women who are undergoing a bout of postpartum shedding after having a baby may have to deal with increased shedding for several months until their normal hormone levels return. Other conditions which may increase your shedding rate are

• styling methods that place stress on the follicles

• birth control/menstrual cycles/menopause

• pregnancy

• heredity (runs in the family)

• crash dieting/ low protein diets, poor diet

• illnesses with high fever as a prevailing symptom

Please consult with a medical professional to diagnose any prolonged, abnormal shedding or other unusual scalp conditions.

 Sooo..What is Breakage??

• Breakage on the other hand is not natural, and is an indication of an imbalance of important forces within the hair strand. 

• Broken hairs do not fall naturally from the head, but are typically a sign of mishandling or abuse. In the stages before a hair ultimately breaks, the hair first becomes discolored and experiences cuticle loss. Eventually, the fibers begin to split and ultimately there is breakage. 

Breakage..Did You Know??

• So what causes breakage? Hair can be weakened and damaged by anything from rough handing and sun exposure to coloring and straightening chemicals. 

• Breakage is also more common with a hair's age; older hairs, usually the hairs nearest the ends, have the greatest tendency to break due to normal wear and tear. 

• When breakage isn't a response to physical manipulation and abuse, it is most often triggered by the lack of moisture in the hair strand. 

• Other types of breakage may be caused by the over- structuring of the hair strand with protein treatments done in excess. 

• A prompt, and proper response to breakage will help you stop breakage in its tracks. 

Breakage..Ways To Minimize It

• Moisture: Hair needs water to maintain its elasticity, or ability to stretch. Since water is the ultimate moisturizer, water-based products are best for really getting the greatest moisture benefit. Moisturizers are simply products that are water-based and nourish your hair deep within the strand. Products with moisturizing properties tend to be your conditioners and other specific moisturizer sprays or creams. Good moisturizers will not contain cheap, filler ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, propylene glycol or lanolin. If possible, try to avoid products that claim moisturizing benefits and contain these ingredients. There is nothing moisturizing about them! Petrolatum and mineral oil are sealants that seal out the precious moisture our hair needs. 

• Seal In The Moisture: Our hair naturally contains moisture, but because our hair is also naturally porous, keeping the moisture inside is a difficult task. Providing additional sources of outside moisture, or external moisture supplementation, is a must for black hair care. Water molecules and moisture from these supplemental moisturizing products easily pass into the hair shaft, but they pass out just as easily. The moisture you apply needs to held in by something. Oil. Natural butters such as shea, mango, cupuacu or avocado butters seem to love my hair best. A light coating of oil or butter after your daily moisturizer will help seal the moisture inside. Oils are made of large molecules. These molecules are too large to absorbed by the hair strand. Applying oils to the hair and scalp will coat them and trap the moisture that is inside on the inside and the moisture that is outside on the outside. The key is to use the oil to "lock in the moisture." If you use oils without a moisturizer or before one, the oil will seal the moisture out of the hair strand and lead to a coated feel and eventual dryness.  

• REMEMBER! Oils DO NOT Moisturize: Perhaps a words like "nourish" would be better than moisturize. Oil alone will not and do not moisturize within the hair shaft, with the exception of a very few oils, such as: coconut and jojoba. An oil (grease) can only coat the outside of the strand, and give it shine- the illusion of moisture. Oil molecules are hydrophobic which means they repel and do not readily mix with water. Remember, if you apply an oil product to your hair before you have added a moisturizing product, you have created a seal on your hair strand that water and moisture cannot penetrate. This is why I always recommend using my Natty Butter on damp hair..or you can use it in conjunction with a water based moisturizer like distilled or filtered water, our Natty Moist leave in conditioner + moisturizer, our Natty ACV Hair + Scalp Mist or your own moisturizer of choice.

• Handle Hair with Care: Be sure to be gentle when brushing combing and even finger detangling the hair. It's best to detangle on hair that is damp, while under the shower or with at least some natural oil applied to the hands, such as coconut, to help loosen tangles. 

Naughty Hair..When Nothing Seems To Work

You handle your hair gently, you've tried the moisture, you've tried the protein . . . but nothing is working! What gives? Well, bottom line, there is no way to prevent absolutely no breakage..but minimizing breakage is the key. So, if you are experiencing excessive amounts of 'breakage', be sure to take a step back and access what you may be doing or not doing that causes it.

Sooo...What To Do??

• Clarify: Time to clarify to remove an over abundance of product..Try the O'Natural clarifyer..the Bentonite Clay Treatment w/ ACV and Aloe Vera Gel or a Black Soap Shampoo such as our Dudu Osum Natural Shampoo. This wonderful natural goody does wonders with removing all things gone buildup in the hair..remember, always follow up with a deep conditioner afterwards, as clarifyers remove natural oils and moisture, so you must replenish.

• Protein: Treat yourself to a protein treatment as well..you can do an all natural protein treatment. Protein can help to strengthen the hair, especially if you have highly porous hair (check out my post on porosity here ). There are many on the market, however, I normally opt for a DIY protein treatment or henna. 

• Deep Condition: with a moisture based conditioner and add honey and extra virgin olive oil for an extra boost of nourishment. A great quality deep conditioner should work its magic within 20-30 minutes. After that time, there is normally no more enhancement or penetration a deep conditioner can do, so leaving it on for longer periods of time is simply for comfort or habit. For me, I simply use our Natty Cupuacu & Rhassoul Deep Conditioner each time I cleanse, which is ever 2-3 weeks. Place a plastic cap over your head, sit under your steamer or  sit under a heat cap for 30 min.

• Whew: At this point, your hair should be cleaned and conditioned and you should be able to determine whether or not your next product step needs to include more moisture or more protein.

Happy Healthy Strong Hair

When I was living the career life of an Interior Designer, I quickly learned the most coveted rooms in a home were the kitchen and bath. I was blessed to design some amazingly large spaces and some quaint spaces. I favored the smaller spaces because it allowed more creativity in terms of how to spice up areas where the budget wouldn't allow complete structural makeovers. I always stress, no matter if you own or rent, make your space your own and call it home. Here, I show how you can spruce up a small bath without changing one thing in the space..perfect if working on a budget. 

One of the best design tricks for small spaces or spaces that are deemed an 'eye sore' is to draw the eye away from what you may feel is the eye sore. This can be done with accessories, paint, artwork, soaps and many other items. Here, with a small vanity, it's great to keep the color scheme monochromatic, with only mild pops of color. The bath is small, so go a bit big with the accessories, it can create the illusion of more space. It also draws the eye away from the 'small-ness' of the space. Glass accessories also help with opening up the space, so play around with some glass accessories. 

For this guest bath, I always love for my guests to feel at home and providing the basics, in style, helps hone that feeling in. Pretty glass jars for holding tea lights; A beautiful glass and silver tray holding delicate items such as; glass vase filled with all natural, beautifully crafted, awesomely scented handmade soaps, cut to the perfect size for bathing and one filled with cotton balls, q-tips or other accessories; decorative towels, candles and the most yummy-est whipped butter on the planet, Natty Butter ..Oh, and you can't forget the pumpkin..hey, it's fall. When adding pretty little things to a space, the last thing your guest, or you, will think about is anything of an eyesore. A homey bath should be clean, neat and smell O'So yummy too.

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