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How To Tuesday: Five Ways to Get Better Sleep WITHOUT Powerful Medications

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary One comment

#HowToTuesday- Five Ways to Get Better Sleep from Beeyoutiful.com

Sleep has long been accepted as one of the most important steps toward supporting health. The first thing I usually do when I feel like I might be coming down with something is to take a long Epsom Salt bath and then sleep as much as I can (or as much as a mother of five can!).

Lately I’ve felt that the majority of my slight colds or feeling “off” is due more to lack of sleep than anything else.

Studies have shown that lack of sleep or disrupted circadian rhythms can impact the amount of fatty acid in the liver, which then impact health. Symptoms of high fatty acid can be headaches, allergy or sinus problems, sluggishness and fatigue, weight gain, nausea, food allergies, depression, and anxiety.

I am a classic example of the effects of shift work; working overnight changed my body, and then I had children which further messed up my sleep schedule. I’ve had to work to retrain my body to cooperate with a circadian rhythm that wants to be asleep at night.

I have noticed the benefits of sleep on my own health: fewer colds, the ability to lose weight and keep it off, more energy and less depression. It’s amazing how simply encouraging healthy sleep patterns can help your overall health.

Here are a few tools I’ve utilized to rebuild optimal sleep patterns and get my body (and health!) back on track.

1. Epsom Salt baths. At least twice a week, I take a long evening soak in a warm salty bath. I add a tablespoon or two of carrier oil (such as Jojoba) to the salt, and then drip in either Lavender, Cedarwood, Catnip, Chamomile, Bergamot, or Marjoram and mix it all up before adding the salt blend to my bath.

2. Magnesium. I’ll either supplement orally or use Magnesium Oil externally before bed to help calm and relax.

3. Catch-a-Dream Herbal Tea. Mmm… there are few more delicious ways for me to drift to sleep than after sipping a nice honey-sweetened cup of herbal tea.

4. Dreamland Awaits Essential Oil Blend. Apply this ready-to-use rollerball to your feet, spine, back of the neck and shoulders to help support restful sleep. The oils are specifically chosen to work together well to help encourage you to both fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Diffuse your Favorite Sleep-Encouraging Oils. Lavender, Cedarwood, Catnip, Chamomile, Bergamot, or Marjoram are all known to promote relaxation and support sleep. Diffusing these in the evening can help the body find calm and wind down in time to get started on your eight hours.

Who do you know who could benefit from a better night’s sleep? Share this information with them!

What are your favorite ways to get a good night’s sleep, naturally? We’d love to know your tips, so please share your ideas in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

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How-To Tuesday: Ten Tips to Improve Bone and Muscle Health

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

Without healthy bones and muscles, the body literally cannot function and move as it should. Keep your body strong with these ten strategies for supporting healthy bones and muscles!

1) Eat your greens! Green foods like broccoli, spinach, kale, and mustard greens are great sources of Calcium.

2) Get your healthy fats. Unrefined fats from grass-fed animals, fish, and some plants (nuts, coconut, olive and avocado) contain natural forms and ratios of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K. These vitamins, along with the Omega fatty acids supplied by these fats, are crucial for bone health and development, as well as preventing osteoporosis. (They’re also awesome for heart health!)

3) Weight bearing exercises. Lifting heavy things increases the strength of your muscles and can help to maintain balanced body weight.

4) Try dry brushing. Using dry brushing during your regular daily routine can help to encourage optimal circulation and muscle tone. It also helps to encourage the elimination of toxins in the body.

5) Drink adequate water for your body. Proper hydration helps to support good joint and muscle health by eliminating toxins that can lead to inflammation in the bones and muscles.

6) Drink some tea! Horsetail and Nettles are amazing for strong bones and good muscle health. Both are abundant in bone and muscle-supporting minerals such as silicon, magnesium, calcium and selenium. Add in your favorite fresh fruit, use as a base for a smoothie, or add some rosehips or hibiscus to mix up the flavor.

7) Keep your supplements handy. Minerals, Omegas, and Fat Soluble Vitamins are must-haves for healthy bones. If you are not getting adequate amounts through your diet, be sure to keep some supplements available to fill in the gaps.

8) Consume Bone Broth and Gelatin. These are two easy and delicious ways to support your bones and muscles through nutrition. Packed with minerals and collagen, Bone Broth and Gelatin, especially used in conjunction with each other, can pack a powerful punch in the war on deteriorating bones and weak muscles.

9) Keep moving! Even when it is hard and challenging, don’t stop and don’t give up. Even if it is just range of motion movements or taking a slow stroll, keep moving and get in some physical activity every day.

10) Take care. Don’t forget your handy aids to support your Bone and Muscle health when you have pushed yourself a little too far. Tension Tamer, Glucosamine/MSM, Bromelain, Ow!-Ease, Hyland’s Arnica, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Basil, Spearmint, Pine and Cypress Essential Oils can all help when you’re feeling creaky.

How-To Tuesday: Using Catnip For More Than Just Entertaining Your Cat

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

#HowToTuesday- Catnip #EssentialOil from Beeyoutiful.com (1)

Catnip is forever infamous as a treat that rushes our feline friends into a euphoric state of bliss. But, did you know that Catnip is invaluable as an essential oil for the humans in your life too?

Nepetalactone, the active ingredient responsible for the kitty frenzy, is also what makes Catnip exceptional at defending humans from the flying outdoor pests that are waiting to turn us all into an all-you-can-bite buffet. Studies show that a dilution of just 1% Catnip Essential Oil can deter those vile creatures.

Catnip has many more great uses that go far beyond deterring mosquitos!

1) Helps calm and soothe. Catnip’s sedative nature encourages rest and peace. It is a great option to combine with other calming oils to help decrease restlessness and combat insomnia.

2) Soothes the tummy. Catnip can be very soothing to the tummy, particularly when experiencing flatulence. Combine 5 drops of Catnip Essential Oil with 1 teaspoon of Jojoba Oil and rub on the stomach and back. Catnip can also be partnered with essential oils such as Marjoram, Lavender, Spearmint, and Peppermint to bring additional support.

3) Regulate cycles. Does Aunt Flo have a hard time keeping appointments on schedule? Is her visit especially unpleasant? Catnip has been studied to show a positive impact on hormonal health, encouraging regular cycles and balance.

4) Encourages healthy skin. Astringent properties make Catnip a terrific choice in skin care. It helps to tone and tighten skin, as well as decrease the likelihood of infection. Using a concentration of 5 drops to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, Catnip Essential Oil can be applied to the skin or wound. (Please test for sensitivity before applying to large areas of skin.)

5) Say goodbye to dandruff. Adding a drop of Catnip Essential Oil to a daily shampoo has been shown to help decrease and even eliminate dandruff. Lather and rinse as normal.

6) Quiet the head. Catnip can be used either by itself or with other oils to help soothe a throbbing noggin. Combining with Peppermint, Marjoram, Ginger, or Lemon may help provide additional synergistic relief.

7) Expel excess water. Massaging the body with a mixture of one teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil and 5 drops Catnip Essential Oil can help encourage elimination of excess water that is being retained.

8) Quit the cramps. Catnip’s sedative effects help to decrease spasmodic events in the body by helping to relax and soothe tensed area. Diffusing Catnip intermittently during a coughing spell could help decrease the spasms during the cough.

9) Spark the brain. Catnip is an incredible support for the brain, helping function to remain optimal, especially in conditions like ADHD, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

10) Pest control! Use Catnip Essential Oil in bug sprays or on cotton balls on window sills or at doorways to help deter insects from entering your home. Over the years we’ve noticed that mosquitos have seemed to increase in severity and number, and wanting to avoid toxic chemical deterrents, we began using natural bug spray options. Unfortunately, some of these didn’t help as well as we would have liked! But we discovered that adding Catnip in just 1% concentrations to our homemade recipes has worked over and beyond our expectations. (Don’t want to make your own? Our own very effective Bee Outside proudly includes Catnip!)

Catnip Essential Oil offers all this and astonishingly, it’s still considered kid friendly! NOTE: Catnip is not considered appropriate for pregnant women, and nursing moms should check with a Certified Aromatherapist or their own healthcare practitioner to ensure it is appropriate for their situation.

Can you add to our list of ways to benefit from Catnip Essential Oil? We’d love to know how it’s in use in your home!

Eager for more recipes and tips on Essential Oil usage? Our email series 101 Uses for Essential Oils is packed with information you can put to use right away! And don’t miss our list of 6 Crucial Things You Need to Know BEFORE Using Essential Oils.

How-To Tuesday: 9 Ways to Rely on Peppermint Leaf

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

One of the first things we’ll do once we finally purchase our homestead is put in a large herbal garden with loads of both culinary and medicinal herbs for me to have at my fingertips. I have a few potted herbs now that can be moved easily, but it isn’t the same.
Thankfully I have my collection of dried herbs available to use. They are so handy and convenient, and I keep all my mason jars lined up and ready to put into action at a moment’s notice.
Peppermint Leaf is one of my favorite herbs to use in so many different applications throughout life and home. The scent is typically loved by all ages, and the herb is calming and soothing to the body.

Here are nine ways that I love to use Peppermint.

1. Add a little cooling tea to your shampoo regimen. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried Peppermint, Horsetail, and Nettle Leaf to 8 ounces freshly boiled water and let steep for 1 hour. Use to rinse hair to stimulate scalp and encourage hair growth. You can use this recipe to make a bigger batch, if needed; simply store the extra in the refrigerator and use up within three days.
2. Add dried Peppermint Leaf to sugar scrubs to add texture and a delightful aroma.
3. A cup of peppermint tea can help to soothe an upset stomach or a feeling of having overeaten.
4. Make a peppermint-infused oil to gently massage the stomach and back and relieve an icky stomach from the outside in.

Peppermint Leaf Infused Oil

Fresh or Dried Peppermint Leaf
Your choice of oil (we suggest Olive Oil or Coconut Oil if you plan on using it in any edible recipes)

Add peppermint leaf to a jar and cover with oil. Shake well and leave in a window. Shake every 12 hours. In the summer, you can strain after 2 days of steeping, but in the cold days of winter you might need to allow to sit for a full month to get a potent infusion. Strain and store infused oil in a glass jar for up to 3 months.

5. Put dried Peppermint Leaf in small fabric bags, tie with a ribbon, and place the sachets in drawers, closets and cabinets to discourage bugs and pests. You can also sprinkle the leaves straight into your cabinets and on window sills.
6. Try some Nighttime Peace Tea the next time you have trouble settling into bed. Use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried Peppermint, Catnip, and Chamomile. Steep in 8 ounces of freshly boiled water. Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste.

7. Using a base of unscented lotion, add ten drops of Peppermint Leaf Tincture and mix thoroughly. Then massage on sore muscles and joints. This makes a wonderfully cooling and soothing massage cream!
8. Make your own Peppermint Leaf Extract to use in cooking or as a tincture.

Peppermint Leaf Extract
Peppermint Leaf, fresh or dried
Vodka, unflavored and preferably non-GMO

Add peppermint leaf to a mason jar and fill the jar to cover the herbs with vodka. Use a ratio of 1:4 if using dried herbs, so 1/4 cup dried peppermint to 1 cup of vodka; for fresh herbs, use 1:2, so 1/2 cup fresh peppermint to 1 cup vodka.

If using fresh peppermint, strain after one month; with dried peppermint, allow to steep for four months. This extract can be used to flavor coffee and teas or in baking, or take a few drops to help relieve digestive complaints.

9. I am in love with using a Peppermint Poultice as minty warm relief for congestion and headaches! Place several teaspoons of peppermint leaf in a bowl. Add enough freshly boiled water to thoroughly dampen the herbs. Mix well with either a pestle or a fork until incorporated. Place the moist herbs on a clean, dry cotton cloth and fold into a small packet. When cooled enough to apply to the skin, place on the chest for congestion or on forehead or back of the neck for a headache.

How do you use Peppermint Leaf? Let us know in the comments below!

How-To Tuesday: Using Bergamot Essential Oil

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

Bergamot is well known for its pairing with Black Tea, producing the much-loved flavor of Earl Grey. But did you know that Bergamot Essential Oil has some amazing benefits that go much further than just tea? Join us for How-To Tuesday and learn some of our favorite uses for this citrus oil.

Refreshing Facial Mask

2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
3 tsp French Green Clay powder
Distilled Water to desired consistency

Using a non-reactive, non-plastic bowl, mix Bergamot, clay powder, and water together thoroughly. Once water has been thoroughly absorbed (a few lumps are okay; green clay is notoriously clumpy), apply to face. Let dry for 20 minutes, then wash and rinse. Optional: Add 1 drop of Spearmint Essential Oil for an even more refreshing tingle!

Jazz Up My Day Diffuser Blend

Add one drop each of Bergamot, Cassia, and Clove essential oils to your diffuser’s reservoir, then fill up the rest of the way with Eucalyptus.

Bergamot it Up! Cleaning Spray

10 drops Thyme Essential Oil
10 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tsp Liquid Castile Soap

Mix in a spray bottle and add water. Shake well before use. Spritz on surfaces, then scrub and clean all those dirty corners!

Sunshine Day Massage Oil Blend

1 drop Bergamot Essential Oil
1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
1 drop Geranium Essential Oil
2 Tbs Jojoba or Sweet Almond Oil

Put all essential oils in a glass bowl or container and then add carrier oil. Use as a refreshing and cheerful massage oil. Store in a dark colored glass bottle. Refrigeration will extend shelf life. Bottle can be gently warmed after refrigeration by sitting in warm water for a few minutes before using in a massage.

What’s your favorite use for this fragrant essential oil? Tell us in the comments or on Facebook how you use Bergamot!

Eager for more recipes and tips on Essential Oil usage? Our email series 101 Uses for Essential Oils is packed with information you can put to use right away!

How-To Tuesday: 8 Simple Ways to Put Black Pepper Essential Oil to Work For You

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary 2 comments

1) Black Pepper Essential Oil is kid-friendly and great to use in oil blends! When using topically, always dilute this oil with a ratio of 4 drops of Black Pepper to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil.

2) Add a drop each of Frankincense and Black Pepper to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil and massage in joints for support during sore or painful times.

3) Diffuse Black Pepper and Lemon Essential Oils to increase focus and attention.

4) Add 4 drops of Black Pepper to 1 teaspoon of Jojoba Oil and gently massage the abdomen and spine during digestive complaints.

5) For a quick immune booster, add 1 drop Black Pepper, 1 drop Tangerine, and 1 drop Frankincense to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to the chest and bottom of the feet.

6) Dilute 4 drops of Black Pepper in 1 teaspoon of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage the bottom of the feet to provide a warming affect.

7) After a hard workout or an injury, 4 drops of Black Pepper in a teaspoon of carrier oil makes a great massage oil. Apply to the area and then add warm, moist heat.

8) When you are feeling a bit under the weather, take a warming and soothing bath.

1 cup Bath Salts or Epsom Salts

1 teaspoon of Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil

1 drop Black Pepper Essential Oil

1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil

1 drop Thyme Essential Oil

1 drop Lemon Essential Oil

Add ingredients to a glass bowl in order listed. Mix thoroughly to disperse oils throughout salt. Run a tub of hot water and add salt mixture, agitating well to dissolve.

Eager for more recipes and tips on Essential Oil usage? Our email series 101 Uses for Essential Oils is packed with information you can put to use right away!

How-To Tuesday: How To Zap the Ugh Out of Bugs (Three Tricks!)

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

Spring and Summer would be absolutely amazing… if not for the bugs. The stings and bites, the buzzing and dive bombing can all combine to make leaving the house a miserable experience.

We want you to enjoy the great outdoors, and here are three tricks to pull it off!

Use a natural bug spray to deter the bugs.

Not only are biting insects annoying, but they can also carry dangerous diseases that are easily transferred to humans through their bites. Not only does deterring the little critters make for a more pleasant outdoor experience, but it also helps decrease the likelihood of exposure to the diseases they carry.

Bug Repellent Spray

Makes 8 ounces

scant ½ cup distilled or boiled water

scant ½ cup natural Witch Hazel

Essential Oils (We suggest a combination of Cedarwood, Bergamot, Lemongrass, Citronella, and Lemon)

Fill an 8oz spray bottle half full with the water, then add witch hazel almost to the top. Add a total of 40-50 drops of the essential oils, adding more or less to reach your desired strength. Shake well and spray to keep all those nasty little biting suckers at bay!

NOTE: When using any recipe containing essential oils, always skin test a small area to check for possible skin irritation. Omit Cedarwood if using this blend while pregnant or nursing. The Bug Repellent Spray should NOT be used on children under 2 years old.

Soothe the Stings.

My kids are extremely scared of bees and wasps. They can appreciate the important job that bees do, but they wish they were far away.

Wasps, though… oh they just hate them! We’ve found two great ways to soothe the stings, and they’ve helped take some of the fear away as well.

Pick a few fresh plantain leaves (in our yard they grow rampant!) and crush well or chew them up a bit to release some of the soothing properties. Then you can put the plantain leaves directly over the sting. This should soothe it very quickly. If you do not have fresh plantain, you can use dried plantain; soak in freshly boiled water for 5 minutes. Strain and when the wet herb is cool enough to touch, use it as a poultice.

Activated Charcoal poultices can be used to help as well. Mix the powdered charcoal with a little water to form a paste. Apply directly to the sting for relief of both the swelling and pain.

We have also developed an easy way to have charcoal paste always ready in case of an emergency. Mix activated charcoal and water into a thick paste. Then, shape it into little one inch round balls and wrap in saran wrap. Keep them stored in the freezer.

You can even add Bentonite clay to the charcoal and it will soothe the pain even faster. The frozen rounds will keep forever (as long as your freezer lasts). Then, when ever an ‘incident’ happens, just unwrap one, hold it on the sting and watch it work! CAUTION: Charcoal does stain pretty badly, so avoid getting it on clothing or furniture.

Take the itch out of bites.

Make a poultice out of green tea, or simply use a damped teabag to apply to the bites.

Mix a small amount of honey (1 teaspoon) with Bentonite Clay to form a paste. This is sticky but can be applied to the bites for soothing relief.

Rub a slice of cucumber or the inside of a banana peel on the bites.

Spray Laveshmint Hydrating Toner on the itchy areas; the Aloe, Lavender and Peppermint are soothing to the bites.

Mix some Witch Hazel with two drops of Lemon Essential Oil and use a cotton ball to dab on each bite or sting.

Herbal Bug Bite Compress

1 tablespoon Chamomile

1 Tablespoon Peppermint

1 Tablespoon Calendula

1 Tablespoon Catnip

Mix dried herbs together and then steep in 8 oz of freshly boiled water. Use the mixture to dampen a cotton cloth, then drape on the bites to provide relief. Mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Bug Bite Relief Oil Blend

1 drop Basil Essential Oil

1 drop Lavender Essential Oil

1 drop Lemon Essential Oil

1 drop Chamomile Essential Oil

1 drop Spearmint Essential Oil

Add all five drops into 3 ounces of a carrier oil. Apply a drop of the blended oil to the bites or stings.

NOTE: Omit Basil if using this blend while pregnant or nursing. Bug Bite Relief Oil should not be used with children under 2 years old.

Do you know a friend who would benefit from these recipes? What are your strategies to ward off bugs this summer? Share your ideas on Facebook or in the comments below!

How-To Tuesday: How to Make Herbal Teas, Infusions, and Decoctions

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Toni 2 comments

#HowToTuesday- How to Make Herbal Teas, Infusions, & Decoctions from Beeyoutiful.com

The easiest and most time-honored way to use herbs is as a beverage. We usually call this liquid an herbal tea.

What we drink and refer to as tea is usually actually a weak infusion. Herbal infusions are made by covering the leafy or floral portions of the plant with freshly boiled water, using a cup of water to 1-2 teaspoons of herb. The mixture is allowed to steep for 3-5 minutes before straining out the herbs and using the liquid.

A stronger preparation, called a decoction, is made by simmering larger amounts of the herb in water over low heat for 15 minutes or more. Decoctions are usually made from the dense, woody parts of the plant. Using 2 teaspoons of herb (or more) per cup of water and simmering it until the liquid reduces by half allows the active constituents of the herb to concentrate into a more potent form than a lightly-steeped infusion.

Hot infusions made from richly-scented herbs should be covered while steeping to keep the volatile oils from dissipating into the steam. (Simply cover the pot or kettle while steeping, or if making only one serving, place a small saucer over the teacup.) Decoctions are generally used for medicinal remedies such as compresses, enemas, or concentrated herbal syrups.

Infusions and decoctions should always be made with the freshest, purest water available. They’re best when fresh, but can be refrigerated and used within a maximum of 3 days.

Both infusions and decoctions can be made using a single herb or a combination. Some blends are formulated to take advantage of the synergistic support of the selected herbs, or to allow a sweeter herb to disguise the strong flavor of a nourishing but less pleasant-tasting herb.

Beeyoutiful Herbal Tea Blends

After weeks of behind the scenes mixing, blending, researching, tweaking, tasting, and even more mixing, our Beeyoutiful product development team is finally ready to proudly introduce a line of custom formulated herbal teas!

These are the teas we reach for with our families, no matter what is going on in our lives. These delicious blends have been formulated to provide nutrition to support your body through its changing needs, and we went out of our way to make some easy button options for you.

Keep your eyes open in the coming weeks for even more blends that will be added!

Bee Ready Mama – When you are growing a new life, your own body needs access to a much larger amount of nutrients, the building blocks of life. Eating a well-balanced diet full of traditional foods as described in the Weston A. Price Guidelines helps ensure that the maximum amount of needed nutrition is available to the mother’s body to create the new life within.

Adding a tea such as Bee Ready Mama can aid in achieving the optimal nutrient level. This specific blend was formulated to support with nutrients that both nourish the body and help to support the reproductive system.

With the deliciousness of tart rosehips dancing on your tastebuds along with a subtle hint of lemon, all the herbs mingle to create a nourishing and refreshing tea that is as pleasant to drink as it is beneficial. Since every woman and every pregnancy is unique, be sure to have your pregnancy care provider review the ingredients to be sure they are appropriate for you.

Catch-A-Dream – On those long nights when sleep has not found us, we turn to a warm mug of Catch-A-Dream Tea. It’s formulated with a special blend of five herbs to support and nourish our bodies while encouraging deep and restful sleep. Effective and gentle enough for our littlest ones (2 and up!), Catch-A-Dream’s soothing mint aroma will help lull you to sleep.

Herbal Immuni-Tea – When the sniffles sneak up or your system is run down, it is time to pour yourself a glass of Herbal Immuni-Tea. With herbs carefully selected to support the body when exposed to or fighting off viruses, Herbal Immuni-Tea is a delicious tea that is sure to please your pickiest sipper.

And while it’s not for sipping, Beeyoutiful’s Madre Mender Postpartum Sitz Bath is a great way to support the healing process for uncomfortable, swollen, or damaged tissue after giving birth. With a healing and vibrant mixture of herbs, Madre Mender provides a soothing and beautiful bath mixture. Each herb was hand selected not just for its healing properties, but to bring some of the most beautiful parts of nature to your bath.

We cannot wait to hear your response to these new teas! As you are learning how to use herbs in your own home, this is a great way to incorporate them into your daily routine. These herbal teas are a great value, too; just one pound of loose herbal tea makes approximately 200 servings, making it one of the most affordable ways to incorporate the benefits of herbs into your health-building strategy.

For even more about using herbal infusions and decoctions, we suggest Herbal Antibiotics and The ABC Herbal.

How-To Tuesday: 3 Benefits of Exfoliation (And 4 Ways To Do It)

Posted on May 5, 2015 by beeyoutifulguestposter Leave a comment

Exfoliation.

Five syllables and tricky spelling. What does it mean?

Exfoliation is simply the removal of the oldest skin cells from the skin’s outermost surface. But what’s the point?

THREE BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATION

Younger-Looking Skin: Practicing exfoliation up to two or three times a week rids your surface skin of the dead, dull skin cells that keep it from looking vibrant, healthy, and young.

Clearer Complexion: Removing the old, dead cells opens up the pores in your skin, helping to prevent breakouts caused from blocked pores.

Supports the Healing Process: Ridding your skin of the old skin cells by exfoliating also encourages and makes way for the growth of new skin cells. This can help your skin to heal faster, and, in some cases, even reduce some fine lines and wrinkles! It can also lessen the effects of dark spots caused by too much sun.

Younger, clearer, stronger skin… tell me where I can sign up for this miracle!

FOUR WAYS TO EXFOLIATE

Turns out there’s nothing miraculous about exfoliation. It’s simply a matter of scrubbing the skin with a gritty substance, then following it with soothing hydration (often in the form of a nourishing oil).

Making your own scrubs can be one of the simplest ways to exfoliate. Plus, homemade skin scrubs are so much less expensive than store-bought, and you control the ingredients. This ensures that unwanted toxins are neither absorbed into your body through the skin nor washed down the drain into the local water supply.

Keep in mind that exfoliating techniques and recipes differ for various parts of the body. Skin on the face is more delicate than it is on the heels of your feet! When trying anything new on your body, start gently and test out an area of skin to make sure there is no irritation that follows.

Use a container with a tight lid to store the scrubs. Think about repurposing a glass jar or cosmetic container, or choose something pretty to keep on your bathroom counter.

Here are three simple recipes for body scrubs, and one that’s appropriate for use on delicate facial skin.

Coconut Coffee Body Scrub

What better way to repurpose used coffee grounds than by turning them into a fragrant spa treatment? Especially if you’re using organic coffee beans, it’s really nice to make those expensive grounds do double-duty.

This scrub smells amazing, but beware that it can be a little messy. Get in the shower, moisten your skin a little, and then scrub away.

½ cup ground coffee
½ cup raw sugar
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp coconut oil (melted, if necessary)

Mix together dry ingredients, then add oils and stir until combined. Use immediately. If using dry (unbrewed) coffee grounds, this recipe can be multiplied for bigger batches and stored in a tightly-capped container.

Sweet Peppermint Body Scrub

Almost everyone loves the invigorating scent of peppermint! The aroma clears the sinuses and gives the skin a refreshing tingle when used in this easy scrub. Be careful not to use this scrub on your face as Peppermint can sting the eyes.

¼ cup almond or coconut oil (melted, if necessary)
3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
2 cups raw sugar

Mix together the oils, then pour over sugar and stir until evenly moistened. Add a bit more oil, a teaspoon at a time, if mixture seems too dry. Store in tightly-capped container.

Vanilla Almond Body Scrub

You will smell positively edible after using this delightful exfoliant. The combination of Vanilla and Almond combo makes me feel cleaner just because I smell so darn good!

2½ cups raw sugar
¾ cup granulated (white) sugar
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
¼ cup Almond Oil

Thoroughly mix together all ingredients. Store in tightly-capped container.

Citrus Honey Facial Scrub

This scrub is mild and gentle for the more delicate skin on your face. It does double duty, functioning as both an exfoliating scrub and a hydrating mask.

It can be used up to twice a week, but be careful to not overdo it. Make sure to cleanse your skin before applying this scrub.

2 Tbsp raw sugar (blend in a coffee grinder to make crystals smaller and less abrasive)
2 Tbsp raw honey
Juice of half a lemon

Mix all ingredients and apply as a mask to your face and neck, avoiding eye and mouth area (lemon juice can sting!). Let it remain on the skin for about 10-15 minutes, then gently massage into your skin with wet fingers. Rinse thoroughly and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

What’s your favorite way to keep your skin soft? Do you have an effective scrub recipe? Add it to the conversation in the comments!

How-To Tuesday: 8 Ways To Soothe a Cranky Ear

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Beeyoutiful Mary Leave a comment

There is nothing worse than a cranky ear that won’t let you rest… except maybe your little one’s tired, cranky ears. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to watch what they eat, remove food items that seem to trigger ear problems, and make sure they don’t get water in their ears while swimming, it seems that occasionally our little ones still end up bothered by a painful ear.

Here are a few things that have worked in our family to help soothe cranky ears and let us all get some rest!

Important note: If you even suspect the eardrum might be ruptured, do not put anything into the ear and contact your care provider immediately.

1. Slice off the top of an onion and, using the stem and outer skin as a handle, hold the onion up to the offending ear. Typically within a few minutes the discomfort disappears.

2. Good digestion can often help you avoid cranky ears. Our littles take a digestive enzyme and probiotics daily.

3. Eliminate common trigger foods such as wheat, dairy, soy, and sugar from the diet.

4. Try steam inhalation with dried or fresh herbs (remember the nasal passages and ears are connected!). In a large heatproof bowl, place 1 oz of each or some of the following herbs: Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Elder Flowers, and/or Spearmint. Pour very hot or boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 1-2 minutes. As it steams, drape a towel over your shoulders and head, leaning over the bowl to trap the steam and direct it more easily as you breathe. (Be very careful to avoid steam burns!)

5. Sip on some tea made from equal parts Lemon Balm and Mullein. It is yummy and soothing! Add some honey for extra comfort.

6. Use a clean sock filled with uncooked rice and then warmed in the microwave to apply gentle heat to the ear (keep the heat mild; overheated rice packs can irritate and even burn the skin). One of our Beeyoutiful teammates also recently tried this using Coarse Rock Salt instead of rice; the salt seemed to work faster and hold a gentle heat longer, and the added minerals may also be beneficial.

7. Use Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils, diluted with Sweet Almond Oil to gently massage around the ear and neck.

Ear and Neck Massage Oil

Mix together in small bottle. Massage around ear and neck. For external use only; Do Not Put This Blend Inside the Ear!

8. For soothing of a very cranky ear, try using Garlic Oil or Mullein Oil.

Garlic Oil

4 cloves garlic
1/8 cup Olive Oil

Simmer at lowest possible heat for several hours. (Do not let it burn!) Strain and store infused oil in a dark glass bottle. Use 2 drops per ear, as needed. Store for no more than one month. This recipe can also be used on the bottom of the feet, spine, and neck to help boost immunity.

Mullein Oil

2 oz Dried or Fresh Mullein
2 cloves Garlic
2 oz Olive Oil or other carrier oil

Mix all ingredients in a glass jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally. To speed up the process for immediate use, you can cook over the lowest heat possible on the stove for 30 mins to 6 hours.) Strain and store infused oil in a dark glass container. Use 2 drops per ear, as needed. Store for no more than 1 month.

Important note worth repeating: If you even suspect the eardrum might be ruptured, do not put anything into the ear and contact your care provider immediately. Massages outside of the ear and on the lymph nodes around the ear and down the neck may continue to be helpful, but never drop anything into an ear that has a ruptured eardrum!