Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits | SaltWorks What is Epsom salt? Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household and gardening-related uses. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits (*1). Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt? The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Eases stress and relaxes the body Relieves constipation
All Natural Lip Balm The week leading up to the new year wasn't exactly how I had pictured it. It was the last week of the boys winter break. I had envisioned walks around downtown looking at the lights, taking down the Christmas tree together, continuing our holiday baking marathon and maybe even a little post Christmas mall browsing. Thankfully, I had made a big batch of lip balm the week before Christmas to give as little handmade gifts to my girlfriends. This recipe is super simple. The recipe came from this blog last year and I tweaked it a bit and she grabbed it from this book where she had tweaked it a bit. Sweet Orange Lip Balm 8 Tablespoons Coconut Oil 3 Tablespoons Beeswax 1.5 Tablespoons Raw Honey 30 drops Sweet Orange essential oil (if you want color) 1/2 stick of natural lipstick (I like Jane Iredale and Josie Moran) Place oil, beeswax and honey in a double boiler (or heatproof bowl resting on top of a small saucepan of simmering water). Place the pan or bowl in a larger bowl full of cold water.
21 Tips to Keep Your Shit Together When You're Depressed. A while ago, I penned a fairly angry response to something circulating on the internet – the 21 Habits of Happy People. It pissed me off beyond belief, that there was an inference that if you weren’t Happy, you simply weren’t doing the right things. I’ve had depression for as long as I can remember. It’s manifested in different ways. I did therapy. So, this Cult of Happy article just set me off. It’s bad enough without people ramming Happy Tips at you through facebook. A friend of mine suggested that I write something from my point of view because, surprisingly, I manage to give an outwards impression of having my shit together. So, here it is. My 21 Tips on Keeping Your Shit Together During Depression 1) Know that you’re not alone. 2) Understand that the Happy People are usually acting out of some genuine (albeit misguided) concern for you, that it’s coming from a good place, even if the advice feels like you’re being blamed for your disease. 3) Enlist the help of a professional.
GALLERY: Outsmart Your Eating Instincts The road to diet hell is paved with good intentions. Even if you’re committed to eating healthily, our minds are tricky little buggers that often derail our plans, without us even realizing it. The result is that people, in general, eat way more food than they think they do. Here are nine stealth-y tricks to take control of your mind-of-its-own appetite. QUIZ: Is Your Eating Influenced? Eat dinner on dessert plates. Are your eyes bigger than your stomach? RESEARCH: We Can't Stop Eating Drink from thin glasses. If a short, wide glass looks smaller than a tall, thin glass, don’t be fooled. MORE: The Dirty Truth About Water Eat at the dining room table. Prone to eating straight out of the container while standing at the kitchen counter? QUIZ: Measure Your Daily Diet Drink a glass of water before eating. Think you’re hungry? MORE: How Much Water Do You Really Need? Nix “family style” serving platters. MORE: When Everyone Around Is Overweight... Snack on pistachios. MORE: Snacking: Good or Bad? Read More
About Castor oil and its Uses | Jamaican Black Castor Oil What is in castor oil Castor Oil is natural oil extracted from the Castor Bean. Castor oil has an unusual chemical component which makes it healing oil for many different ailments. It contains vitamin E, Ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid which are the omega fatty acids that are very beneficial to the body. It has minerals, proteins, antibacterial, fungicidal, germicidal, insecticidal, and antiviral properties. In addition to the healing benefits, castor oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Ricinoleic acid has been shown to be effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. How to use Jamaican castor oil (in general) Using Jamaican black castor oil is not as hard as it seems at first, but usage depends on what your problem is and what you want to use it for. How to Use Castor Oil for Ailments (Excerpt) (From Dr. For several conditions, the oil can simply be rubbed into the skin. Common causes of hair loss include: 1.
30 Challenges for 30 Days Did you know that it takes 30 days to form a new habit? The first few days are similar as to how you would imagine the birth of a new river. Full of enthusiasm it gushes forth, only to be met by strong obstacles. The path is not clear yet, and your surroundings don’t agree. So, take a moment to reflect on the question ‘Who do I want to be in 5 years?’ Check out this short TED talk first to get inspired: Now pick one or more challenges and stick with them! However, be cautioned, picking too many challenges at the same time can easily result in a failure of all of them. #1 Write a I-Like-This-About-You note/text/email each day for someone (Easy) This is the perfect way to let someone else know you care. #2 Talk to one stranger each day (Hard) This is a great one to cure approaching anxiety. #3 Take one picture each day (Hard) This one gets harder nearing the end of the challenge because at one point you will run out of the easy shots. #5 Take a 30 minute walk each day (Easy) We recommend:
Double Stuffed Oreo Cake Yesterday I had a desperate phone call from my very good friend, B. It was her boyfriend's birthday & she'd promised him a "cake he'd never forget". "Great!" I said. "What are you making?" The Double Stuffed Oreo cake was born. Put 25(ish) cookies into the bag... ... and beat the hell out of them, until you're left with something like this: Taste just a little bit, y'know... just to check they're not poisoned or anything. Stir in your Oreos. Pop it in the fridge until your cakes are ready. Place them on a wire rack to cool. completely cool, all the way through, you can get started. Now, turn this upside down onto your serving dish. See? Don't be afraid of it, use your fingers & get it all the way to the edge. Carefully place your second cake on top, upside down Look at that smart looking cake! Ok I lied, it wasn't that complicated was it? And there you have it, your very own 'Man Vs Food' style Double Stuffed Oreo Cake! (Click on the photo for instructions
The best detox foods to look great Having a diet rich in detox foods will naturally help your health. But some of those foods are especially good to make you look great. Eating more of the detos foods below will not only improve your look but also support your body to detox naturally and flush out environmental toxins as well as metabolic waste. Losing weight Artichoke: One of the best detox foods for your liver, artichokes are also low in calories and contains compounds that can help lower your cholesterol levels. Lemon: Adding some lemon juice and zest to your drinking water will supply your body with over 30 detox compounds. Pink grapefruit: Grapefruit is so potent at natural detoxification that it often removes some drugs and medicines too quickly for them to act. Other detox foods that can help losing weight: pineapple, celery and chili peppers. Radiant skin Watermelon: Packed with detox nutrients and water, watermelon is also very rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that boost your skin resistance to sun damage.
Lotion Bits - All Natural - Melts in the Palm of your Hands Lotion Bits - kids love them! Keep them in a small jar in the bathroom and after a shower just grab one, put it in the palm of your hands and rub your hands together! The solid shape will "melt" in your hands and you can put it all over! My nieces love it because it's not just lotion, but it's safe and non-toxic and they like to use it on their lips as well! If you only need a little, you can grab a thinner piece - for the whole body grab a big one! Items Needed: Take a small pot and fill it about halfway with water (you may need to empty some of it out). That's it - you're done! *Optional: I also dyed some of mine with beet juice.
The Londoner: Slutty Brownies Now I don’t want to over sell this, so I’m going to be conservative and simply say, that these are… The Best Brownies In The WORLD. I know, big statement. They’re called Slutty Brownies because they’re oh so easy, and more than a little bit filthy. They’re best served warm from the oven, with good quality vanilla ice cream (devastatingly I didn’t have any in the freezer this time, so I guess I’ll just have to make them again). They take about 45mins to make, including baking time. The ultimate comfort food, whipped up within the hour. You will need… 1 Box of cookie mix, 1 Box of brownie mix, 2 Eggs, 2 Packs of Oreos (double stuffed ones are even better if you can find them) Some oil & your favourite ice-cream (optional) Preheat your oven to 350F, 180C, gas mark 4. Line a baking tray with grease proof paper. Squidge (technical term) the cookie dough into a lined baking tray, until it covers the bottom. Cover this layer with your Oreos. Mix up your brownie batter. & pour over your Oreos. Bake for 30mins.
Detox Foods | Detox smoothies Toxins-free for life Looking to increase your energy levels, to lose weight, get clearer skin, prevent premature ageing and to help preventing diseases? Then look no further! Price: $47 Price: $27 Smoothies are a great way to boost your fruits and veggies daily intake. Flat Tummy Rich in digestion supporting ingredients, this smoothie will help prevent bloating and digestive stress that can sabotage your tummy flattening efforts. 3/4 c. papaya 3/4 c. sliced peaches 1/2 pear, sliced 1 tsp fresh ginger 2 mint leaves Water to thin Skin Saver Antioxidants in berries are known to help to fight wrinkles and other skin ageing signs. 3/4 c blueberries 3/4 c pitted cherries 5 strawberries 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted 2 tsp wheat germ (optional) 2 tsp ground flaxseed Water, to thin Peanut Butter Energy Booster This protein-rich and minerals-filled smoothie will give you long-lasting energy. Bone Lover Immune System Booster Natural Skin Tanner Antioxidant Power
Working moms are healthier, happier, study finds By MyHealthNewsDaily Mothers who have jobs are healthier than those who are not employed, at least when their children are very young, a new study finds. Working mothers in the study were less depressed and reported better overall health than moms who stayed at home with their young children, though this benefit of working did not extend into children's school years. There was no difference between the health of mothers who worked part time and those who worked full time, the researchers said. The study is published in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology The results are based on interviews, starting in 1991, with 1,364 mothers from Arkansas, California, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The researchers defined working part time as working one-to-32 hours per week. The mothers also answered questions about conflicts between their work and family lives, and how involved they were in their child's schooling.
Dulce de Leche Vanilla Cake First time I made this cake, it was for my boss’ birthday (say it, i’m the best employee ever!)! But seriously, this cake was amazing!!!! It’s all I want it to be! A moist vanilla cake, with layers of dulce de leche caramel and an amazing buttery icing!WOW!!!!! This cake is amazing, just do it and everyone will love you! Caffeine Content Caffeine is the only drug that is present naturally or added to widely consumed foods (quinine is the other drug used in foods). It is mildly addictive, one possible reason that makers of soft drinks add it to their products. Many coffee drinkers experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, sleepiness, and lethargy, when they stop drinking coffee. More background on caffeine » November 2014. Serving sizes are based on commonly eaten portions, pharmaceutical instructions, or the amount of the leading-selling contaner size. Additional information: Juliano, L.M. & Griffiths, R.R. (2005).