ecoPharmacist

The amazing healing benefits of aloe vera juice

Nature is so wise. Aloe vera juice is said to have these natural benefits:

• Support healthy digestion
• Support a healthy immune system
• Reduce harmful toxins
• Increase absorption of nutrients
• Enhance antioxidant support
• Balance stomach acidity naturally
• Soothe occasional muscle and joint discomfort

Oregano

Yesterday I touched on a few herbs and spices that have health benefits, and I realized that I forgot my favorite! This little Mediterranean beauty is the first medicinal herb I ever used! Introducing my friend oregano!  I can remember a time in life where things were rough and I had gotten sick and just couldn’t get to the doctor. Looking for a home remedy became my first priority. After much research I found that this little beauty could help me battle the ill feelings.

The use and love of oregano goes back to the Greek and Roman days. It is thought to be the symbol of happiness, thus many brides and grooms would be crowned with a laurel of Oregano. As well, it has has been revered for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.  It has been used to treat food borne pathogens, MRSA, cold and flu, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, and as a topical insect repellant. There are many more uses as well. For easy use make sure you search for that little bottle labeled ‘oil of oregano’ if you want the potent form. Most health food stores carry it. However cooking with it, or eating it fresh in dishes will give great benefits as well. The oil form is obviously just more concentrated. Oregano contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, and potassium. It has many positive attributes, don’t you think?

Take advantage of those attributes, because oregano can be enjoyed in many dishes. The most common use we think of is slow cooked into a magnificent pasta sauce. To add a refreshing pop, sprinkle fresh oregano on your next slice of pizza. Its as good or better on top than it is blended into a pizza sauce. Fresh forms can also be sprinkled on garlic bread, in salads and onto omelets for a flavor twist. I unfortunately do not have fresh growing at home right now, however, I still make the most of the dried on hand. The tomato sauce I canned over the summer. now in my pantry, gets a little help transforming into an amazing pasta sauce, with the help of my oregano (and some other spicy friends). Any way you try it, its delicious in my book! With all of these great health benefits, well, just consider those as bonus points! Enjoy getting to know this wonderful herb!

Spice Up Your Life

Looking for a way to spice up your life? Well let’s get it on, in the kitchen. Yes I said the kitchen…this is where the spices are stored. Here is a quick look at the health benefits of a few of my favorite spices. Just a few reasons to eat at home, eat fresh and healthy. Food as medicine. But remember to always consult your physician before using these spice remedies.

Cinnamon

Popular in Chinese medicine for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It will help fight a bad stomach bug, candida yeast infections. Some researchers claim that cinnamon is effective in improving memory and cognitive development. Sprinkle cinnamon in your oatmeal, in your coffee, on sweet potatoes fries, squash…really anything that sounds good!

Turmeric

For me the most common benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient is curcumin, which can have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal  and antioxidant properties as well. Use turmeric on cauliflower, in salad dressings, rice, and curry dishes.  Another favorite way to consume it is through a glass of tea with honey and lemon. You can find many recipes online.

Cayenne Pepper

An ingredient in cayenne called Capsicum is responsible for its health benefits. Capsicum has been shown to increase circulation and contribute to weight loss.  You can use cayenne to flavor beans, chili, tacos, and really anything you want to spice up with some heat.

Parsley

This beautiful green herb has had its claim to health fame since the early days of the Romans. Parsley’s health benefits include anti-oxidant nutrients, high folic acid content, and Vitamin C. These benefits can help fight against arthritis, keep the heart healthy, and fights against bad breathe. Parsley can be used in marinades, added to soups and sauces, meats, fish…the list can go on!

Thyme

The oil of this plant has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Recent studies suggest it is effective in killing MRSA bacteria strains. My most common use for thyme is in marinades, soups and in roasted beef, chicken or turkey.

Of course these are only a few of the many herbs and spices that provide health benefits. Add some spice to your life and some real health benefits!

Winter Clean Soap Collection

Treat yourself, or someone you love and adore, from head to toe with Beautycounter’s new soaps. This Winter Clean Soap Collection will make a great gift fork anyone. Beautycounter’s gently cleansing Body Bar features our classic Citrus Mimosa scent, while our Charcoal Cleansing Bar for the face detoxifies and absorbs impurities in your skin without drying it out, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion.

Beautycounter’s Winter Clean Soap Collection Includes:

Citrus Mimosa Body Bar 5 oz/ 141 g

Sodium Rapeseedate, Sodium Cocoate, Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Sodium Citrate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mimosa Tenuiflora (Mimosa) Bark Extract, Ricinodendron Rautanenii (Mongongo) Oil*, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil.

^*organic

Every ingredient we use represents our commitment to a higher standard of safety in skincare and cosmetics. Learn about our Ingredient Selection Process here.

Charcoal Cleansing Bar, 3 oz/ 85 g

Sodium Rapeseedate, Sodium Cocoate, Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Charcoal Powder, Sodium Citrate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract.

^*organic

Visit www.beautycounter.com/kassiewestmoreland to get you Winter Clean Soap Collection today! While there, check out all of our other luxurious body collections and gift ideas! They are perfect for all occasions.

Holiday Hand Collection

This luxurious Holiday Hand Cream Collection and many more wonderful gift sets and gift ideas are available at www.beautycounter.com/kassiewestmoreland. And don’t forget that now through November 23, 2015, purchase one Color Shade Eye Duo and get a second one for $15 (a $30 value).^*

No Time Like The Present

It’s the thought that counts, but nailing that perfect gift can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean it has to hurt. This year, give them what they really want with Beautycounter’s ultimate edit of holiday gifts suited to everyone on your list. From luxe indulgences for multitasking mom, to grooming essentials for a dapper dude, Beautycounter’s curated guide has it all! There is no time like the present to get everyone that perfect gift!

FOR THE MULTITASKING MOM:

Beautycounter believes children deserve to be protected, which is why we’ve taken special care to create a bath collection that is gentle, effective, and kid-friendly without any hidden ingredients. Kidscounter Bath Collection includes our berry-scented Squeaky Clean Body Wash, along with our Nice Do Shampoo and Not a Knot Conditioner, both with an orange-vanilla swirl scent kids will love.

A lightweight moisturizing cream to revive dry hands. Shea butter and vitamin E, combined with organic sunflower oil, aloe, chamomile and calendula, hydrate and soften skin. Dries quickly with no stickiness, leaving a subtle, refreshing citrus scent.

With its cheeky message and sturdy construction, this canvas pouch is both playful and practical. Use it as a makeup bag, travel case, or casual clutch—there’s plenty of room for all your essentials.

FOR THE WELL GROOMED GUY:

Keep your hair and skin looking healthy and beautiful with these four must-have products. Use our Clean Everyday Shampoo to gently remove buildup, followed by our Rinse Everyday Conditioner to soften and smooth strands. For your skin, use our Wash Everyday Body Wash to cleanse without over-drying, followed by our lightweight yet moisturizing Hydrate Everyday Body Lotion. All products are lightly scented with refreshing notes of citrus that enliven the senses any time of the day.

This gentle yet super-effective exfoliating cleanser sweeps away impurities to uncover fresh, radiant skin. Non-abrasive jojoba beads help slough off dry skin, while organic coconut oil and aloe soothe and hydrate.

This gentle, non-lathering formula contains coconut oil and shea butter to soothe and condition skin while you shave.

Find all of these great gift ideas and more at www.beautycounter.com/kassiewestmoreland.

Butter And Sugar Scrub

Ho! Ho! Ho! and away we go with another amazing gift set from Beautycounter! Make the holidays even sweeter with Beautycounter Enrich Body Butter and Lustro Sugar Scrub—the best pairing for soft, smooth skin. While Beautycounter’s brown-sugar scrub gently buffs away dull skin, the rich body butter absorbs easily without feeling greasy. Add this luxurious butter and sugar scrub to your gift list today!

Buter & Sugar Scrub Gift Set Includes:
Citrus Mimosa Body Butter
Lustro Sugar Scrub

Find all the perfect holiday gift sets at: www.beautycounter.com/kassiewestmoreland

Juicing Wheatgrass

Growing and juicing wheatgrass isn’t as hard as some may think. A recent endeavor into the sprouting world has proven this to me. It started with wheatgrass seeds, trays, organic soil, water and some patience. The result, my own, homegrown wheatgrass to juice as I want, share or sell if anyone is interested!  I have been earning more and more about using food as medicine. Sprouted grains, and seeds fall into the “Super Food” category. So naturally drinking an ounce or two of wheatgrass juice daily, will give your body a super food boost. It is thought to have the equivalent nutrients as 5 pounds of vegetables. Here are a few more reasons why juicing wheatgrass is so beneficial to your health:

1. Wheatgrass is high in living chlorophyll. Liquid chlorophyll can increase the quality and quantity of your red blood cells because the compound has a chemical composition very similar to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a molecule found in your red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

2. Chlorophyll has antibacterial properties and can be used inside the body and on the outside.

3. Wheatgrass is high in protein, contains 17 amino acids and virtually every vitamin and mineral known. This composition makes it great to use for its healing properties.

4. Liquid chlorophyll neutralizes toxins within the body, cleansing the liver and has also been said to remove drug deposits from the body.

5. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen, which the body needs and benefits highly from. The brain and blood are very happy in a highly oxygenation environment.

6. The wheatgrass seed contains a starch that is converted from a stored energy into  a quick energy source that is especially good for athletes.  In juice form it is digested quickly and uses very little of the body’s energy to extract the nutrients.

There of course are many, many more benefits to wheatgrass juice, but I just wanted to touch on a few that are really beneficial and in the end can leave you feeling energized, renewed, and hopefully stronger in mind and body.

So what are you waiting for? Ready to grow your own wheatgrass? It really is easy and inexpensive. The most expensive part of the investment is getting a good quality wheatgrass juicer. But if your overall health improves, reduces visits to the doctor, the initial investment is well worth it!

The quality of the wheatgrass you grow or purchase is important. As I have said, it is cheaper to grow your own, but thats not for everyone. Either way, pay attention to the quality.

Harvest time is crucial too, and that is typically around one week after you germinate the seeds at what is called the “jointing stage.”  Some stores that sell wheat grass will harvest it once and then let it grow again for a second harvest. The wheatgrass loses nearly all its health benefits after the first cut. You can regrow it again for your pets, however, the benefits have drastically reduced.  Some also sell frozen wheat grass but this is far less effective than freshly harvested wheat grass.

The taste of wheatgrass juice is not for everyone, but I think you get used to it. Especially when you start feeling the health benefits from it. Next time you are out and about, look for a juice bar, try a shot of wheatgrass either on its own, or in a drink. If you are feeling adventurous, or already enjoy juicing wheatgrass, try growing it for yourself. Below are a couple favorites you can try out, and let me know how it ‘grows’!
 
 

 

Sweet Cherries or Tart Cherries

Cherries, sweet cherries or tart cherries, are the smallest member of the stone fruit family. This family includes apricots, peaches, plums, and nectarines. Both sweet and tart cherries have long been used for medicinal remedies like gout, inflammation, pain, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, muscle recovery and diabetes.

Sweet and tart cherries contain a naturally occurring plant compound called phenolics that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The most effective form of cherry phenolic is called anthocyanins. So the darker the cherry, the more of this compound you will find. Tart cherries like the Montmorency and Balaton, both contain high levels of melatonin , which aid in a good nights sleep.

According to Traverse Bay Farms, the comparison of tart cherries versus the sweet black cherry can be summarized as follows.

Amount of anthocyanins in tart vs black (sweet) cherries:

Tart:
Approximately 310 milligrams in 100 grams of fruit.

Black:
Approximately 100 to 150 milligrams per 100 grams.

Here is side-side comparison of 8 ounces of the juice of each of the varieties:

Another big consideration is how they taste. Tart cherry juice is, well, tart. Black cherry juice has a higher amount of natural sugar, carbs, and most people will find it to be more palatable. To make tart cherry juice easier to drink, it can be diluted in water, or mixed with tea or soda. You could even mix it into your favorite smoothie recipe!

Any way you eat them, or drink them, cherries, both sweet and tart have health benefits. Research on those benefits continue to grow, and in the mean time, enjoy some summer cherries!

Green Smoothie Benefits

Green Smoothie Benefits to rev up your week and once again keep the good luck and green theme going for the week! There are many more benefits of a green smoothie, however I grabbed a handful of the ones I see as my main motivators to drink the delicious green goodness.

1. Aids with weight loss

2. Anti-aging

3. Energy booster

4. Rehydration

5. Relieves contipation

6. Curbs sugar cravings

7. Makes skin radiant

8. Stabilizes blood sugars

9. Nourishes healthy hair and nail growth

10. Anti-oxidants reduce the risks of diseases

11. Anti-inflammatory

12.  Boosts the immune system

To help keep you on track, or get you started, on a healthy life style, try this delicious green smoothie.  Clean, green and full of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and folate, this smoothie is high in electrolytes and cleanses the skin, kidneys and liver! The apples contain pectin, which is a great form of fiber that may reduce cholesterol levels too. ENJOY!

2 apples

3 celery sticks

1/2 cucumber

Juice of one lemon

Small handful parsley

1 C coconut water

1/4 C mint leaves

handful of kale or spinach

Wash all produce well. Chop ingredients and blend in a high powered blender until smooth. Serve and Enjoy!!