With how many chemicals, toxins and harmful additives are added to our food, I began to wonder how many could be found in other things that touch my body… In my clothes, my body care products… My medicines. And so, after much studying and hundreds of hours spent researching and practicing herbal medicine, I’ve finally come to a place in my life where I’ve weeded out most of the chemicals that ever touch my body.
I’ve gotten used to using up what I had and then never going back again. I don’t use fluoride toothpaste, I don’t eat high fructose corn syrup, and I refuse to eat foods with artificial colorings, like red 40 or yellow 5. The list goes on and on, but the simple truth is that what food companies, pharmaceutical companies and what other corporations have gotten away with is nothing but an atrocity. Cheapening the production of products with chemicals and processed artificial ingredients and calling it food should be punishable by law. Unfortunately, it is up to us to do our own research, because the everyday consumer seems to shop blind. But for me, I don’t have that much trust in my fellow humanity. Sad, but I’m just being honest.
Prior to progressing in my understanding of herbal medicine, I began crafting my own body soap, beard oils, face balms, and acne treatments. Once you gain a basic understanding, you can hit the ground running. Medicinals require more time, as every herb that you infuse has a range of benefits, and sometimes side effects or interactions, so it’s important to do an obscene amount of research before trying to treat medical-related problems. But when you’re simply creating skin care products, like soaps and moisturizers, then you’re likely avoiding the herbal infusions and are working strictly with waxes, butters and oils.
To keep a recipe natural, you have to think in terms of consistency. For example, if you want a balm or salve that can withstand summer temperatures, yet melt in your hand, you have to be quite precise with your measurements of wax, because wax is the main element that adds thickness to natural body care products, and is what helps sets up topical salves and balms. Butters are added to moisturize and to add a smooth, butter feel to the mixture.
Prior to progressing in my understanding of herbal medicine, I began crafting my own body soap, beard oils, face balms, and acne treatments. Once you gain a basic understanding, you can hit the ground running. Medicinals require more time, as every herb that you infuse has a range of benefits, and sometimes side effects or interactions, so it’s important to do an obscene amount of research before trying to treat medical-related problems. But when you’re simply creating skin care products, like soaps and moisturizers, then you’re likely avoiding the herbal infusions and are working strictly with waxes, butters and oils.
To keep a recipe natural, you have to think in terms of consistency. For example, if you want a balm or salve that can withstand summer temperatures, yet melt in your hand, you have to be quite precise with your measurements of wax, because wax is the main element that adds thickness to natural body care products, and is what helps sets up topical salves and balms. Butters are added to moisturize and to add a smooth, butter feel to the mixture.
| I recently reached out to Shea Terra Organics, because they’re one of the coolest companies online offering high quality natural oils, waxes, and more. They were kind enough to send a bottle of their 100% Pure & Natural Moroccan Argan Oil, their 100% Natural Egyptian Black Castor Oil, as well as a rare Himba Myrrh Essential Oil from Namibia. After working with each of their oils, I was blown away by the quality of the carrier oils and the absolute divine aroma of the Myrrh essential oil. Argan oil is particularly famous around the world for its superior moisturizing capabilities, which make it ideal for skin and hair, but the benefits of Argan reach much farther. Argan oil is also known for its beneficial properties for use as a skin toner, exfoliant, acne and stretch mark remedy, as well as its soothing capabilities for razor bumps and burns. Argan is also effective as a leave in conditioner, due to how light the oil is and how well it penetrates the hair. Black Castor is a lesser known, but equally as beneficial oil, as it is effective as an arthritis remedy and can be used for treating skin conditions, especially acne. I love using Black Castor in my homemade Hair Tonic, because it stimulates growth, improves blood circulation to the scalp, and it has an overall thickening and strengthening effect when applied as a weekly hair treatment. The unique Himba Myrrh essential oil is a very rare oil that grows from a tree local to Namibia. It has a piney, lemony aroma and is especially grounding when employed in aromatherapy. As part of a conservation project, this essential oil is produced by Himba women. The essential oil of Myrrh comes from a resin that the tree produces, which is known to be a potent antioxidant with powerful health benefits. Myrrh is antibacterial and antifungal, and anti-parasitic, and is brilliant when used topically, and when used in aromatherapy, it can provide relaxation. Overall, I was very happy with the quality of the oils and especially the special Himba Myrrh essential oil. It’s has such a beautiful, intoxicating aroma that it was difficult to put the bottle down the first time I opened it. But from there, I eased a bit on the obsessive sniffing, and incorporated all three of these oils into a few of my herbal recipes and found that they were all elevated in quality thanks to Shea Terra Organics. To say thank you for reading, I recently created a Hair Tonic recipe that can be effective for use in repairing damaged hair, blocked or dying hair follicles, and improving the overall strength, quality and shine of the hair. Use this oil treatment every other day until you’re happy with the results, then I would suggest cutting back to a weekly regimen. Herbal Hair Tonic Recipe: In a double boiler, infuse the herbs in oil. Extract the medicinal properties on medium heat for 1.5-2 hours. Let cool, then strain with cheesecloth. Pour essential oil drops into glass jar with tight fitting lid, then pour in infused oil mixture. Shake well before each use.
(Photo by orientalizing via Flickr) |    *This article is for entertainment use, and should not replace the diagnoses of any disease or the subscribing of any medication. Always consult with your doctor or a medical professional for any and all health-related advice |
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