Tag Archives: skin

Meet Beeyoutiful’s New Soap Maker!

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We’re introducing several new soaps handcrafted for us by Lisa Dzimianski. Here’s the story of how she learned her skill.

20141117-lmd-03290In 1999 our family bought registered dairy goats in order to have our own milk source. The goats we fell in love with were an all-white breed of dairy goat called Saanens. They  just happened to be registered animals, so that fall (since we had learned how to show goats in 4-H) we decided to take our animals to the dairy goat show at a nearby fair.

At the end of the day, we came home with First Place ribbons in every showmanship class we had entered, and a Reserve Grand Champion ribbon in the conformation classes. With our success that day, the goat-showing bug bit. Over the next several years, we traveled all over the Southeast, showing our dairy goats at different fairs.  We also competed a couple of times at the national level in both youth events and goat conformation classes.

goats (1)When I was about sixteen, I wanted to find a way to make a little extra money doing something besides babysitting. That fall at a fair in Florida, I saw some of our friends who made and sold goat milk soap, and realized that was one way I could use the resources we had (goat milk) to make some income. I began studying the ins and outs of soap making (thanks to my sister, who had already purchased books on the subject and then decided not to pursue it), but it took me a couple of years before I actually got up the courage to try making soap. I also hesitated because I had to dish out money for the starting ingredients and equipment, plus find the ingredients I needed!

Finally, in 2008, I made my first batch of soap. It was different than the soap we were used to using (and my family made jokes about it being really slippery), but it was really moisturizing. That summer I made a few more batches for our family and got a little more comfortable with the process. The next year I began expanding my line up, perfecting my recipes, named my business, and learned more efficient methods of making soap. I also sold my first bars of soap that year.

goats

Saanen goats grazing at Pony Trail Farm

The following year I began selling soap at a small local farmers market, and in 2012 I began selling goat milk soap at the Athens Farmers Market, the biggest market in our area. Since that time I have seen business growth and have found loyal customers who always come back to my products. I am grateful for the new opportunity this year to begin working with Steph (whom I’ve known nearly my whole life), Steve, and the rest of the Beeyoutiful team by producing goat milk soap for them.

One of my favorite things about soap making is the ability to control what goes into the soap (which eventually goes into the skin). I enjoy researching the benefits of different ingredients and how they affect the skin. I keep you, the consumer, in mind as I make my soaps; my goal is that you will find them to be products that meet your skin care needs!

See all of our bar soaps, including Lisa’s Summer Days and Clearly Gentle, here. 

Troubleshooting Problem Skin: Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside

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Beauty itself may only be skin deep, but the problems that reveal themselves on the surface often are not. They come from hidden places in the gut and become painful and impossible to ignore on our skin, yet most conventional treatments offer little hope, with words like “idiopathic” (of unknown cause), “lifelong and chronic,” and “no cure.”

If you’ve ever sought treatment for skin problems, you’ve likely been offered a steroid cream or ointment to help with discomfort but were given little actual help in curing the fundamental problem.

Don’t you wish sometimes you could discipline your skin or give it a bad performance review, and have it shape up, regain elasticity and be blemish free? Me too!

When I was younger, I was told my skin problems were just normal acne and that it would all clear up as I got older. I took comfort in that, because nothing the doctor gave me or that I found at the pharmacy ever seemed to do anything except make my skin crusty. Then instead of just having blemished skin, I had crusty, peeling, blemished skin. Ugh.

Well, I’m almost 40, and it is the rare day that I don’t have several spots on my face, some of them significant enough that high school tormentors would have termed them “headlights” or “third eye”. As motivated as I was to find something to help my own skin, that was nothing compared to when our sweet Elliot was born and struggled with skin and stomach issues from the very beginning.

My little baby eventually developed extreme eczema, to the point that his feet would crack and bleed when he walked. At times, he screamed for hours on end because of the discomfort. A doctor “assured” us this was “hopefully” just a childhood problem he would grow out of, but left open the dismal prospect that it could be a lifelong condition.

As instructed, we smothered the affected areas with an assortment of creams, all of which included petroleum or steroids, and none of which did a bit of good. Our child’s pain broke our hearts. For almost a year, my husband and I took turns sleeping on an air mattress by Elliot’s bed so we could press on his breakouts to help relieve the pain and “itchies” when he woke up in the night.

I became relentless in researching to find what we could do to get him lasting relief and healing.Troubleshooting Problem Skin- Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside with Beeyoutiful.com

Gutting It Out

Studies show that many skin disorders are related primarily to the gut, based in food allergies or intolerances and/or poor digestion and bowel health. This is especially true for those whose bodies have significant yeast overgrowth. Common trigger foods for skin disruptions include corn, soy, dairy, and gluten.

When we discovered the skin-gut connection, we began to explore healing through adjustments in Elliot’s diet, removing trigger foods and augmenting his diet with gut-healing helpers like Tummy Tuneup and Digestive Enzymes at each meal. (I wish we’d had the chewable versions back then!)

Elliot took daily servings of coconut oil, and once he could swallow the necessary softgels, we gave him Yeast Assassin Lite as a gentle yeast cleanse. Finally, we started him on cod liver oil every day. At that point, not only did his symptoms disappear, but his skin became softer and less prone to itching.

Support the Liver

The liver is one of the primary organs in the body responsible for detoxification. The liver filters and removes cholesterol, fats, hormones, drugs, caffeine, alcohol, and other toxins from the body. Due to poor diet, sickness, and stress, sometimes the liver needs healing and restoration.

When the liver is taxed with high levels of hormones such as androgens or estrogens, too much alcohol or caffeine, or inflammatory byproducts from food, the overload can result in skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

The good news is that you can improve the health of your liver! By helping the liver detoxify and heal, you can simultaneously detoxify the entire body and clear problem skin from the inside out.

Foods that can help increase liver function include beets, artichokes, garlic and onion, and all dark leafy green vegetables including kale, swiss chard, and spinach.  Specific herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion can also help support liver detoxification.

Silymarin is a unique flavonoid compound isolated from milk thistle; studies in the U.S. and abroad indicate that it can provide strong liver support in cases of liver compromise due to cirrhosis, hepatic diseases, and fatty buildup commonly associated with gall bladder and liver stones.

Beeyoutiful’s Silymarin Liver Support is a concentrated blend of herbs, including milk thistle and dandelion, specifically designed to offer powerful liver healing, cleansing, and rebuilding properties. Use it to support your liver and help heal your skin from the inside out at the same time!

Meanwhile, Back on the Surface

While the foods and supplements worked on Elliot’s insides, we’ll be forever grateful for the daily regimen of lotions, astringents, and essential oils that relieved his eczema from the outside! (I’ve also seen benefits in friends suffering with rosacea, psoriasis, and acne.)

Using natural treatments like these increased my peace of mind, knowing they didn’t add a toxic burden to Elliot’s already overtaxed system. When people lather up with chemically-based potions, they often pump toxins—such as fragrances, dyes, petroleum, and parabens—into an already stressed body.

Here are some all natural tools that can be helpful to calm, soothe, and encourage healing for even the most difficult of skin problems.

Troubleshooting Problem Skin- Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside with Beeyoutiful.com (7)Blemish Bee Gone Astringents

All of Beeyoutiful’s astringents are handmade with organic or wild-crafted herbs, specifically formulated to address acne and other facial problems. They also work well on bug bites and flareups of eczema. We offer three formulas corresponding to specific skin types: normal, dry, or oily.

All three varieties of Blemish Bee Gone have a base of plantain, calendula, comfrey, rosemary, sage, thyme, and horsetail in alcohol and witch hazel, combined in varying proportions as appropriate to skin type. These herbs help moisturize while they promote healing of damaged skin, cell renewal, and tightening of pores. The herbs also ease itching associated with eczema and bug bites. We suggest applying in both morning and evening, but you can use them as needed for discomfort.

Troubleshooting Problem Skin- Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside with Beeyoutiful.com (6)Laveshmint Daily Moisturizing Lotion

This lovely, light facial moisturizer has such a wonderful cooling and soothing sensation that it is my go-to daily lotion. It can be especially helpful for itchy, scaly skin associated with eczema and psoriasis, and also helps calm the flushing and breakouts in skin ailments like rosacea.

Aloe and coconut oil are the primary moisturizers in Laveshmint Lotion. Both offer healing properties ranging from antimicrobial effects to thoroughly nourishing the skin as it softens and hydrates.

In addition, the Lavender and Peppermint essential oils are tremendous for the skin! Peppermint’s cool, tingly, refreshing aroma enlivens the skin and stimulates blood flow while it soothes aggravated areas. Lavender does double duty by decreasing skin irritation, and its healing properties help restore the supple skin that should have been there to begin with.

Troubleshooting Problem Skin- Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside with Beeyoutiful.com (5)Miracle Skin Salve

When a simple moisturizer isn’t enough, we reach for the miracle in a jar: Miracle Skin Salve. Like Laveshmint Lotion, it contains Coconut oil and Lavender, and adds other natural healing ingredients such as plantain, comfrey, propolis, and Rosemary Essential Oil.

Plantain has long been used as a natural and easy-to-find treatment for cuts, abrasions, and stings. It works well to heal and promote blood supply in affected areas. Comfrey has anti-inflammatory properties, and it supports the healing of cuts and abrasions. Propolis is well-known for helping skin problems ranging from acne to eczema to psoriasis.

Finally, Rosemary Essential Oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties which can be especially helpful with rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, making Miracle Skin Salve live up to its name.

Troubleshooting Problem Skin- Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside with Beeyoutiful.com (4)Bamboo Charcoal Unscented Soap and Charcoal Masks

I discovered with Elliot that it is immensely cool to a young boy to smear himself with black soap, but he had no clue that I did not choose the soap for its fun in the tub! It actually helps bind and cleanse the impurities expelled from the skin.

This can be especially helpful for those with blemishes and acne, because it serves to draw out toxins the skin is eliminating while reducing redness and swelling.

In addition to the Charcoal Soap, a charcoal mask can be used weekly to diminish acne and blackheads. Here’s a simple tutorial video that shows you exactly how to use it.

Charcoal Mask Recipe

Mix well, then apply to face (avoid eyes!). Allow to dry as long as desired, and then rinse with water. Wash with your favorite natural soap or cleanser (we like the Milk & Honey Facial Bar).

Use the herbal astringent of your choice and follow up with Laveshmint Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Dab problem areas with a small amount of Miracle Skin Salve to complete your routine.

Troubleshooting Problem Skin- Nourish Inside and Soothe Outside with Beeyoutiful.com (3)Like we learned with Elliot, the ultimate solution for skin disorders is to treat the internal causes. Reducing and soothing the external manifestations is important, too, as it can prevent complications such as infections from broken or irritated areas.

The goal in our family remains complete, deep healing, and attacking the inner problems from inside and out is the best way to bring back skin-deep beauty and gut-deep health.

Happy Healthy Faces

Between managing our diets and using many of the tools I’ve shared here, these days Elliott and I both are experiencing relief from our skin troubles. It fills my heart with joy to see his soft healthy skin, and for him to experience sleeping through the night without waking up in itching misery.

Do you struggle with a skin problem? Let us know if you could use some moral support as you work to discover how to encourage health and healing for your skin, from the inside out and the outside in. We’ve been there too, and we’re happy to walk alongside you on your journey. Email customercare@beeyoutiful.com or call 877-623-3968. 

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Ode To Aide – Summer 2009 Catalog

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By Nancy Websternancy_small

Being prepared isn’t just for Boy Scouts. It’s also essential for a good mom. But sometimes, real life throws a few curves that make staying prepared seem impossible. More than once I’ve held a crying child in one arm while digging frantically with the other through a messy cabinet of old lotions and potions for something appropriate to treat an owie. And finding the right treatment has only become more challenging as our family’s approach to diet and health care has gotten more and more alternative. There are very few “traditional” items I want in our medicine cabinet anymore.

Usually when I write an article like this one, I share a variety of (hopefully helpful) ideas, some of which take advantage of a select product or two in Beeyoutiful’s line-up. This time, though, I must tell you there’s only one way I’ve found to adequately address the two-pronged problem of preparation for emergency treatment and having healthy, natural options for first aid. And that one way is Beeyoutiful’s new, all-natural First Aid Kit. I’ve got to brag on it.

The Fantastic Four

Beeyoutiful’s kit contains a quadruple hit of heroic helpers: Tea Tree Oil, Miracle Salve, Ow-Ease, and Bee’s Aid. These products are safe to use except for infants and people with allergies to bee products. Even pregnant and nursing mothers should have no problems but double-check with your personal health care provider to be sure it’s all right for you. Each of the great ingredients deserves an overview of its specific benefits.TeaTreeEOil

(1) Tea Tree Oil. This all-purpose essential oil can replace most of your medicines-and most of your household cleaning supplies. Beeyoutiful’s is 100% pure, pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil. It provides generous amounts of terpinen, the active ingredient responsible for the oil’s astounding anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal abilities not usually found in lesser brands.

Use tea tree oil instead of first aid spray and anti-bacterial ointments for cuts, scrapes, infections, irritated hair follicles, blisters, boils, and even acne. It’s safe for use on broken skin and can be applied without diluting. A drop or two is all it takes. You can also combine tea tree oil with Vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel to soothe minor burns and sunburn. And regular application will dissolve both plantar and seed warts safely. (Please don’t use toxic, over-the-counter wart removal medications!)

Skin conditions like eczema, seborrhea, and psoriasis are soothed when tea tree oil is mixed with aloe gel or added to a warm, sea salt bath. Minimize infection, reduce scarring, and speed healing from chicken pox and shingles by adding tea tree oil and a cup of dry oatmeal to a warm bath.

Tea tree oil massaged into the scalp relieves both dry and oily hair problems, plus dandruff. You’ll have no more worries about toxic head lice potions since tea tree oil eradicates lice, too!

Skip the expensive vaginal yeast infection medicine you usually don’t realize you need until late at night. Just soak a tampon in olive oil or another safe lubricant, add a few drops of tea tree oil, and insert. Repeat for a few days. Sitz baths tinged with tea tree oil can also relieve the related itching and pain. Other fungal infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus respond to regular tea tree oil application as well.

Because tea tree oil acts as an expectorant and is beneficial to the respiratory tract, use it instead of cough syrups and cold medicines. Mix with olive oil and spread on your patient’s chest and throat. Make a steam inhalation treatment by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of boiling water, or diffuse the oil in a vaporizer or aroma lamp to open ailing air passages and disinfect the sickroom. Soothe an earache and clear up the infection by mixing a drop of TTO with a bit of warm olive oil. Insert this mixture into the ear and plug with a bit of cotton. Add a hot water bottle or heating pad and relief will be quick.

Cold sores, mouth ulcers, and toothaches can all be helped by regular application of tea tree oil. Just don’t swallow the saliva right after application. Disinfect your toothbrush every week with a drop or two, then rinse well. If your family keeps passing around strep throat or a cold, this is very important!

Nature lovers love tea tree oil because it makes a great flea, tick, and mosquito repellant and will disinfect and reduce swelling if you’re bitten or stung. Mixed with baking soda, it makes an inexpensive home remedy for poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac itching.

Replace your toxic household cleaners with a spray bottle of 12 oz. warm water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of borax, plus a few drops of tea tree oil for a safe, refreshing disinfectant cleaner. Add a drop to your dishwasher’s soap dispenser and to your garbage disposal to freshen them up. Add to your laundry to disinfect while you clean.

Miracle2ozLarge(2) Miracle Salve. A powerful blend of nature’s best-coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, bee propolis, organic plantain leaf, organic comfrey root, organic calendula flowers, and essential oils of lavender and rosemary-moisturize and soothe while providing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory aid to skin irritations and injuries. This summer-leaf-colored cream is as healthy as it looks. Spread a dab of Miracle Salve on:

Cuts and abrasions

Stubborn splinters

Insect bites and stings•

Inflamed and swollen injuries or bruises

Painful or itchy hemorrhoids

Diaper rash and tender bottoms•

Dry, chapped skin•

Minor burns•

Yeast-related rashes like eczema and psoriasis•

Cold sores•

Post-staph infection and skin surgery sites (to reduce scarring, • apply daily for 2-3 months)OwEaseinsideview

(3) Ow-Ease. When a bump, bruise, sprain or other “owie” happens, reach for Ow-Ease. A smooth, creamy blend of beeswax and olive and coconut oils is the mellow base for a dream team of herbs and essential oils known for their anti-inflammatory, restorative abilities. The star of this team is wild-crafted arnica, famous for erasing bruises and swelling with record-breaking speed. From a little bump to a sprained ankle to a broken bone, amazing arnica will get to work immediately, stimulating and increasing the action of white blood cells whose job is to digest congested blood. Arnica also reabsorbs trapped fluids from bruised tissues, helping to quickly take down the swelling and pain.

Sore muscles from a New Year’s resolution exercise, joint pain from a weekend of tossing the football too many times, and other sports injuries will all be relieved by quick and regular application of Ow-Ease-convenient to apply thanks to its stick applicator. Just remember not to use Ow-Ease on broken skin because it’s not safe for internal use.

BeesAidWebPro(4) Bee’s Aid. This brand new addition to the Beeyoutiful product line is a multi-use spray which heals and provides pain relief at the same time. Once while waiting to see a dentist for a broken tooth, I used it liberally to soothe pain and prevent infection on the surrounding gums. A proprietary blend of raw honey, propolis, purple loosestrife, and Usnea in pure grain alcohol and water, Bee’s Aid has what it takes to fight infection.

Propolis is the glue bees make to hold together their hives. It’s well known for its germicidal properties. Purple loosestrife, regarded by many as a noxious weed which can overtake wetlands, is highly prized by herbalists for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and used especially on ulcers, sores, wounds, and gum issues. Usnea is a lichen you’ve probably seen growing on dead tree branches. This common plant is an immune system tonic, considered more effective than Echinacea against strep and staph infections, especially in the respiratory tract.

The combined power of Bee’s Aid ingredients can greatly alleviate and help heal sore throats, inflamed gums, and mouth sores. A tiny bit applied by your fingertip or a cotton swab will bring help to tight spots in your mouth or to little ones’ mouths suffering from teething.* Or spray Bee’s Aid on cuts, wounds, insect bites, and acne.

I’m grateful Beeyoutiful has prepared me to be prepared. Its effective paramedic team makes me feel good and healthy about how I manage ouches, itches, stings, bruises, and whatever owies come our way. Keep a Beeyoutiful First Aid Kit on hand yourself, and you’ll be ready with first aid that-dare I say it?-is even better than what the (traditional) doctor ordered.

*Important: Bee’s Aid is safe for all ages-except for babies under twelve months old and for those with known allergy to bee products.

Wonderful Water- Spring 2008 Catalog

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by Stephanie J. Tallent

Steph J

“How much water are you drinking each day?” asked my health care professional. You see, I am expecting our second child and have placed myself in the hands of a dear lady for my own health as well as that of my unborn baby. With test results in her hand showing that I was not drinking enough water I had to fess up. “Probably not enough,” I replied sheepishly. Looking me square in the eyes she said, “I want you to drink at least three quarts a day. Get three, one quart jars and fill them up each morning. Then make sure you drink them each day.” Although she said it very nicely, I knew it was more of a prescription than a request.

While I know water is important, she had me wondering why it is so necessary that she would practically order me to drink sufficiently each day. So I did some research, and here is what I found.

 

Hydro-Significance

Did you know that nearly three-quarters of your body is made up of water? It infuses every cell and tissue. Each day our body can use 64 ounces of water just for basic body functions such as regulating temperature, aiding in digestion, keeping skin hydrated, and giving us energy. Water is the foundation of our blood. It helps maintain strong muscles, lubricates joints, hydrates organs, flushes toxins, and much more. Without water, your body simply cannot function.

Water is the most common and important compound on earth and is made of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen-hence the familiar chemical formula H2O. Studies confirm numerous health benefits of water. Because our bodies are made up of so much water and because it is responsible for almost all the vital processes that occur, it is important to replace, replenish and rehydrate each day.

As we grow older it becomes more important to pay attention to water intake. Mature adults retain less cellular water. A major contributor to this loss of water is the lack of sensitivity to the body’s cues for thirst. For instance, we often misinterpret the feeling of hunger. Sometimes we think we are hungry when our bodies are actually crying out for water. Try this to see if you confuse your signals: next time you crave a snack, take a drink of water and see if you remain hungry. Your body may be needing water, not food, especially if it is not meal time yet. Because fruit is largely made up of water, it is often a perfect choice for a snack if you still think you are hungry.

Studies have shown that most of us require 6 to 10 glasses of water a day for proper hydration. The more you drink, the more you help your body cleanse itself of toxins absorbed from the environment. Since some of these toxins can show up in skin, drinking more water may rejuvenate your skin and help ward off some types of facial acne. Is your hair dull and lacking the luster it used to have? Drinking enough water each day may help bring that shine back to your hair.

Because of the rapid cell growth and reproduction that takes place when moms are expecting, water intake needs to increase for the demands of the growing baby. In fact, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj in his book You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty, believes that morning sickness is a thirst signal for both the mom and the unborn baby. Increased water intake is also needed during lactation as we provide both water and food for our babies.

 

No Substitutions, Please

What if you’re “just not a water drinker?” Can other fluids take its place? In a word, no. Other fluids cannot replace the results we can get from water. Juice contains water, but your body will get more nutrients from eating the actual fruits. Milk provides needed calcium and Vitamin D but is still not a replacement for water. In fact, drinking too much milk can have a constipating effect-the opposite of what water helps your digestive tract to do.

What about coffee, tea, and sodas? Though they have a water base, they are actually diuretics and will dehydrate you. For every 6 ounces of caffeinated or alcoholic drink a person consumes it requires an additional 10 to 12 ounces of water to re-hydrate.

Are other health benefits obtained from drinking water? In days past, our parents and grandparents recognized the importance of water, and today, we hear the message from nutritionists and health experts. They confirm that the health benefits of water are numerous. Yet our most common health problem is dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when the body starts drawing water from its own tissues, cells, and skin to replenish itself. Although a very serious condition, it can be avoided simply by drinking the proper amount of water. Since water aids in flushing toxins from our bodies, it is helpful for proper functioning of our kidneys and liver, whose job is to capture and cleanse our bodies of those toxins.

Water has also been shown to possibly reduce heartburn. Heartburn signals a water shortage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The use of antacids or other medications does not correct the dehydration so the body continues to suffer from a lack of water. Over time, these corrective medications will cause other problems that could have been avoided by drinking a glass of water.

Water can help reduce the pain of arthritis and lower back pain which are also possible signs of a water deficiency. Lack of water in the spine, spinal column, and discs is very painful. The discs are water cushions that support the weight of the body. Intake of water and small amounts of salt have been shown to help reduce some of the pain of arthritis and lower back problems.

Colitis can signal water shortage as well. It is associated with constipation and dehydration as the body squeezes every last drop of water from the excrement. This extraction in turn causes pain as the body tries to eliminate non-lubricated feces. This can potentially lead to diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, polyps, and other more serious gastrointestinal problems.

 

How Much, How Fast?

But can you drink too much water? Surprisingly, it is indeed possible, though rare. The condition is called Water Intoxication and is caused by drinking too much too fast. The recommended daily water intake is 8 to 12, 8 ounce glasses spaced throughout the day. When you drink too much water-a gallon or more in an hour- Water Intoxication can set in. The debilitating results range from swelling of blood vessels to brain swelling and kidney overload.

Water Intoxication occurs when too much water enters the body’s cells. The tissues swell with excess fluid. As the over abundance of water accumulates the normal saline serum in your body is diluted. Your body tries to compensate for this by sending in more of the saline solution to help balance the excess water. While your body does its best to compensate for the excess water, sometimes it cannot. For already saturated cells, too much water can be like drowning.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication include irregular heartbeat, fluid in the lungs, and fluttering eyelids. The swelling of cells can put pressure on the brain and nerves which can cause seizures, coma and even death. A complete recuperation can occur if water is restricted and additional salt and electrolytes are administered.

But the problem lies not in how much you drink, so much as in how fast you drink it. Your kidneys can process 15 liters (roughly 4 gallons) of water a day, so you are unlikely to experience Water Intoxication as long as you drink over a period of time. Most adults need about three quarts a day. You might need to drink more in warm weather to compensate for perspiration or if you have been exercising or are on certain medications. In my case, though-and likely some of you other busy moms-we suffer from not drinking enough water rather than intoxication.

 

Quality, Not Just Quantity

The quality of water also matters. If you live in the city, your water has been cleaned and infused with many different things which may include chlorine and fluoride. If you live in the country, you may have well water that should be tested on a regular basis for impurities such as sulfur. No matter where you live, it is a good idea to invest in some form of water purification system to insure that you and your family have the purest water possible. Incidentally, my last checkup showed that my water intake had properly increased! How about you? Do you drink enough? Make sure you get plenty of wonderful water during your day!

 

(If you would like to further explore the wonders of water, you might want to read for yourself some of the sources I used for this article: Your Body’s Many Cries for Water and You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.; Also Dr. Ben Kim and Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., for articles on Water Intoxication.)

A Small Miracle- Summer 2007 Catalog

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by Maranatha Owens

Miracle2ozLarge

I have a good friend who has five kids, the youngest of which is still a baby. One day I left a small sample of Miracle Salve balanced precariously on her doorknob since nobody answered when I knocked. (It didn’t have it’s name at that time and was simply known as propolis salve.) I had pretty much forgotten all about it until I ran into her two months later. “It’s a miracle!” she exclaimed. “Uhhh…. What’s a miracle?” I was clueless until she told me the story. It went something like this:

One summer day she had her baby in the backpack and was walking in her backyard. Her twelve-year-old son who was a few steps in front of her pulled back the metal clothesline to duck under it, not thinking that mama and baby were behind him. He let go of the line which immediately flew back and struck the six-month-old across the cheek. It lacerated the skin which instantly grew inflamed and bright red, swelling before their eyes. There was a thick welt in the shape of the clothesline and bruises were forming rapidly. Mama didn’t know what to do and was in quite a panic (so was the screaming baby). She then thought of the little salve container that I had left without much explanation as to its usage. She packed the green goo generously on the little one’s cheek not thinking it could possibly help this horrible sight. But as she watched the wound over the next day, the healing power of the salve became more evident. The bruising disappeared. The inflammation subsided. The clothesline mark was still there, but faint. Healing was well underway-with no sign of infection. She related to me her awe that the bruising seemed to just disappear. It was a small miracle.

Another friend of mine who has two older sons is one of my very best product testers. She is the one person I can trust to try my products on every imaginable ailment-even problems that I wouldn’t have suggested using the product for. Even so, she discovers new practical uses for various herbal concoctions all the time. She says that Miracle Salve works great on chigger bites, mosquito bites, kitchen burns, rashes (although not those that are a side-effect of prescription drugs) and certain face blemishes, but not acne.

From my own experience with my four children, I can say that I’ve observed it to work great on scrapes, bruises, burns, sliver sites (sometimes they get little embedded slivers which they don’t want removed with a needle), dry wind-chapped skin and lips, diaper rash, and mosquito bites. My two-month-old had a horrible face rash that I think might have been yeast related, which seemed like it would never go away. Yeast can’t thrive without moisture, so I experimented by lightly coating her face with Miracle Salve. Now I can’t prove that she had a yeast infection, but after applying the salve for two days, the rash went away and did not return. It is my theory that the oil and beeswax formed a vapor barrier which starved the “yeasties”, while the propolis inhibited infection from spreading. The comfrey and plantain nourished the skin and sped healing–as they are both famous for doing.

Miracle Salve is excellent for hemorrhoids because of plantain’s cooling action. It has also been observed to reduce scarring after extreme staph. infection (applied daily for approx. 2 months) and after skin cancer surgery (applied daily for 3 months).

The beauty of this product is that you will probably find new uses for this salve that I’ve never even thought of. Does Miracle Salve really work miracles? You’ll have to see for yourself.

 

A note of caution: Although I have never heard of any adverse reactions to this product, it is always wise to test any product on a small patch of skin before going hog wild. This will let you know if you have any sort of allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.

 

So how does Miracle Salve work?

There is so much to know about the incredible ingredients in its formulation, but a brief explanation will have to suffice. Read more about any of these ingredients at the library or online-the sheer volume of beneficial properties is staggering.

 

Extra virgin olive oil: If you’ve done your research on olive oils, you know that unless it says “extra virgin” it has been chemically extracted. Light, dark green, the word “pure,” these all mean nothing-only the words “extra virgin.”

Coconut oil: Is known for its skin-softening qualities. Coconut oil strengthens connective tissue, reduces free radical production, and contains high levels of special fatty acids that boost the immune system.

Beeswax: Our beeswax is bright yellow, sweet smelling, and collected by local beekeepers. It is the natural alternative to all petroleum-based waxes which have numerous toxic elements known to be harmful to humans.

Certified organically grown comfrey root: This herb has a long, rich history and is also known as “bone-knit,” as it well should be. Comfrey speeds healing to skin abrasions as well as bruises, bone breaks and fractures. The leaves can be used to make poultices. My knee was once hit by a heavy weight. It turned every shade of green, yellow, purple and blue you could imagine. I pounded fresh comfrey leaves until they were damp and packed them around my knee, securing them with an elastic bandage. Within a day, the knee hardly hurt and had no bruising…a truly amazing herb.

Certified organically grown plantain leaf: Plantain spells relief. My four children will agree. All but the newborn can identify it wherever we go, and they have many times served their brother or sister who was stung by a bee or wasp by running to the nearest plantain plant, ripping a leaf off, chewing it up, and smacking it onto the sting. It usually only takes a minute to feel the relief that plantain brings. Plantain is an astringent and works by drawing out infection, venom, or sting from burns. It also works wonders on diaper rash. You can even apply the masticated leaves directly to baby’s bottom for relief you will be sure to notice!

Calendula: Gentle, healing and emollient, calendula is wonderful for rashes, skin inflammation, and dry, sensitive skin.

Propolis: Also known as bee glue, propolis has strong antibiotic, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It promotes wound healing, fights bacteria, and is useful on various skin infections.

Lavender essential oil: Lavender is known as the Swiss Army knife of the herbs. Few match its abilities. It is an antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic, and calmative. It is very useful in treating minor burns.

Rosemary essential oil: We have included rosemary in this formula because of its power as a natural preservative and for its pain relieving qualities.

 

Beeyoutiful Products Mentioned in This Article

Miracle Skin Salve

Goat Milk Soap, Great for your Skin- Winter 2006-2007 Catalog

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By Arielle Hebert

 

Some years ago, a friend gave me a bar of her own goat milk soap. Prior to using this soap, I often battled extremely dry, cracked hands. After faithfully using my friend’s goat milk soap, I was amazed at its effectiveness. My hands no longer dried out and cracked! My skin became soft and moist. I was so impressed that I even began using the soap as a wash on one of my does (mama goat) who has a super sensitive udder, and she appreciated it as much as I!

So, I experimented with making my own goat milk soap, using milk from my herd of dairy goats. Over the years, my knowledge and understanding of soap making grew and my soap formula improved. My family and I found it to be so much better than commercial soap. I began my own cottage industry to share this great treasure with others.FacialBarLarge1_1

 

So, What makes it so Great?

Goat milk is rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing. It contains over fifty nutrients including the vitamins A, B1, B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, niacin, zinc, and calcium, as well as some minerals, amino acids, citric acid, unsaturated fatty acid, proteins, various enzymes and many other nutrients. These are all part of what makes goat milk soap so special. Vitamin A slows the effects of aging and prevents brown spots. Zinc contributes to the re-construction of collagen fibers, resulting in firmer, smoother skin. Zinc also encourages moisture retention and assists in maintaining your skin’s elasticity. Calcium tones and smoothes the skin. Since goat milk is naturally homogenized (the milk and cream do not separate), the natural fat provides the skin with a rich, moisturizing effect. The oils in goat milk are easily absorbed by the skin, resulting in a healthy balance of oils for dry or oily skin.

Goat milk also contains alpha-hydroxy acids. These acids, which occur naturally in the milk, are known to plump the skin and smooth fine lines. Alpha-hydroxy acids also exfoliate by breaking down the glue holding those dead skins cells together. Additionally, these acids neutralize free radicals, slowing the aging process and refreshing the skin. Caprylic acid is a fatty acid contained in goat milk that reduces alkalinity, giving goat milk soap a pH level very close to that of the skin. This prevents the soap from stripping away the natural oils of the skin. The natural oils of the skin form a protective barrier that keep microbials out.

Goat milk soap cleanses while leaving that protective barrier intact, and soothes the surface tension of the skin, allowing it to be moisturized and absorb the healthy nutrients. Th e other fatty acids present in goat milk are also natural antimicrobials and anti-fungals. My soaps also contain: Olive oil, which moisturizes and forms a protective film on the skin without inhibiting the skin’s normal, necessary functions, and is a good cleanser. Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant, and a natural preservative. Coconut oil is a moisturizer, but it also makes the soap hard (unlike many other handmade soaps), but with a generous lather, and it resists rancidity. Palm oil is a gentle cleanser. Lastly, there is lye. Lye is a cleanser with a long, long history. In the proper amounts it provides great cleansing but is still gentle. It is great for getting rid of chiggers and is said to soothe bug bites.

Why is Handmade Soap Superior to Commercially Manufactured Soap?

Natural glycerin is produced during the process of soap making. This glycerin is highly valued for its moisturizing properties and its ability to help your skin retain moisture. Commercial soap producers remove the glycerin from their soap in order to use it in more expensive products, like moisturizers. Of course you need a moisturizer after using most commercial soaps. My hand-made soap is completely natural, right down to the essential oils with which it is scented. Essential oils are powerful aromatic substances extracted from flowers and herbs that contribute their own beneficial properties to each bar of soap, delivering more health and vitality to your skin! Commercial soap often contains chemical additives and synthetic ingredients including synthetic fragrances and dyes which can be irritating and drying to skin.

My handmade goat milk soap (Rehoboth Farm Goat Milk Soap) is produced in small batches in which the quality of the soap and the ingredients can be closely monitored. The same care and caution is not likely to be exercised when soap is mass produced. The skin-nutritious oils in my soaps are each carefully selected and combined based on how they compliment the properties of the goat milk and achieve a rich, moisturizing, hard bar of soap, with great lather. When goat milk is combined with a carefully selected blend of oils in a handmade soap, the result is a mild, skin-nutritious, luxurious bar that thoroughly cleanses, refreshes, smoothes, and moisturizes and is so gentle it can be used on infants. Doesn’t it make sense to treat your skin well by using goat milk soap?

Beeyoutiful Products mentioned in this article:

Winter Breeze Natural Vapor Rub- Winter 07-08 Catalog

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By Maranatha Owens

I can remember many times as a little girl being laid up in bed feeling horrible.  You know the routine-aching body, stuffed-up nose, so congested I could barely breathe, let alone sleep.  Then, in would come my mama with soothing words, a hot water bottle, and the relief that only Mentholatum® or Vicks® Vaporub® could bring.  She would slather it on my chest, throat, back, and under my nose and then tie an old paisley handkerchief loosely around my neck to hold in the warm sensation and vapors.  My body relaxed, and my nose cleared just enough to drift off to sleep.

As I aged, I continued to use Vicks®  when I was in need, but the more I learned about the awful side-effects of petroleum on the body, the worse I felt about continuing to use it and a multitude of other “body products” and topical medications.  Most cosmetics, like Vicks® , are either petroleum-based or contain some petroleum by-product.

 

So, what’s so bad about petroleum, anyhow?

For starters, petroleum-based cosmetics and skin care products have been found to contain the cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane.  Products ranging from body lotion to lip balms, hair-relaxers, baby soap, and Vicks® contain this and a multitude of other cancer-causing impurities.winterbreezeweb

So instead of continuing to slather myself and my family with petroleum-based vapor rubs, I decided to create an all natural alternative that I could feel good about using.  Every ingredient is simple, safe, and effective.  Instead of using petroleum as a base, Winter Breeze vapor rub uses beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil. This all natural base will soothe, nourish and heal your skin. Eucalyptus, menthol, tea tree, camphor, and wintergreen essential oils work synergistically to help clear the head and sinuses, thereby relieving congestion, headaches, and pain around the eyes and face.  They also have amazing antiseptic properties that help prevent infection from occurring.  In addition, tea tree and eucalyptus contain immuno-stimulant properties to boost the body’s natural defenses.

With all this, who needs the toxic chemicals found in Vicks®?  Winter Breeze has all of the good stuff and none of the bad.  Use it liberally, and do remember to use an old paisley handkerchief or other soft, dry cloth to hold in the vapors.  Winter Breeze can be rubbed on the soles of feet and is safe enough to use a small amount on babies.  It also makes a great rub for mild aches.

I hope none of us need it this winter, but when the inevitable cold comes, it’s nice to know that there is a safe, effective alternative to reach for.

Beeyoutiful Products Mentioned in This Article:

The Oil Crisis and Your – Summer 2008 Catalog

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By Summer Moeller

With the prices of gas continuing to rise, oil is a frequent topic in the news. It turns out it’s also a part of most Americans’ beauty routine.

 

What? You don’t think it’s part of yours?

A 42-gallon barrel of oil makes about 19.4 gallons of gas; the rest is used to manufacture over 6,000 household products. You probably wouldn’t be surprised to know it’s used to produce paint, ammonia, antifreeze, linoleum, trash bags, bicycle tires, etc. But you might be surprised to know it’s also used for food preservatives, deodorant, cosmetics, aspirin, dentures, toiletries, and food packaging. (See more products made at http://www.ranken-energy.com/Products%20from%20Petroleum.htm .)

I don’t like the thought of using products on my face and skin that also have ingredients in them that are used in rubber cement and fishing boots. It seems like a no-brainer to look for all-natural products, but this is, in fact, a subject of great debate.

It’s estimated that the average American woman uses 9 products a day with 126 different chemicals in them. Have you ever tried deciphering the back of your lotion bottle, shampoo or lipstick tube? Would you know what methylparaben is? Do you know the effects it might have on your skin? Or Opium Graveolens? (Celery. Just having fun. :))

 

Cancer in Your Cosmetics?

I was amazed to find out that the FDA does not require cosmetics companies to perform any kind of testing to make sure their products are safe before they market them. They are also allowed to make all kinds of assertions, such as “hypoallergenic,” “good for sensitive skin,” and/or “allergy-tested,” that may have no validity to them. In fact, these products may contain ingredients that are irritating, bad for sensitive skin, and allergenic. It would be like me labeling my children “always behaves” or “lets me sleep in” or “never fights.” It looks good, but unfortunately just isn’t true.

Even the phrases “dermatologist tested” or “fragrance-free” do not necessarily mean anything. It simply could mean that a dermatologist tried out some cosmetics and liked them (or was paid to like them!). And “fragrance-free” products may actually contain fragrances; this label may just mean they have no noticeable fragrance.

Furthermore, some chemicals and ingredients used in cosmetics today in the US are banned in other countries because they are suspected carcinogens (cancer-causing agents)!

Petroleum (petrolatum, petroleum jelly) is one cosmetic ingredient that is causing a lot of heated argument. In the EU, it is banned for use in cosmetics unless it can be proven that it has been adequately refined; otherwise, it is suspected of causing cancer. In the US, there are no such regulations. Baby soaps, lotions, cosmetics, and toiletries often contain petroleum bases.

 

All Chemicals are Not Evil

While reading this article, keep in mind that even though the word “chemical” brings to mind things that are toxic, remember that everything in life is made up of chemicals. For example, water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. Dihydrogen monoxide might seem a little scary sounding, but it’s just a scientific name for water. Similarly, some of the lists of ingredients in cosmetics and toiletries (and food for that matter!) just need a little research to find out their background. (One helpful book is A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients: Complete Information About the Harmful and Desirable Ingredients Found in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals by Ruth Winter, M.S.)

Some manufacturers assert that there is nothing to a worry about; petroleum and other questionable chemicals have been around for decades. Others explain that there are only minute amounts of these chemicals, and that they are so diluted that they are not dangerous.

I, for a change, am skeptical of the popular cosmetic industry and more inclined to believe the claims of organic, natural-based cosmetics companies. Sixty percent of the chemicals we put on our skin are absorbed directly into our bloodstream. (That’s why some medications come in the form of patches.) It makes sense to me to scrutinize what we put on our skin.

 

Becoming the “Sherlock Holmes” of Skin Products

Finding out which companies distribute healthful, skin-friendly cosmetics and toiletries takes homework. Some companies, like Beeyoutiful, are full-disclosure companies-meaning that they will tell you everything that is put into the products they sell. Most companies are not. They will do as little as they can to inform you, and as much as they can to sell their product. High pricing does not necessarily mean it is a better or purer product.

 

vanilladreambodybutter1webI was anxious to try some of the all-natural products that Beeyoutiful sells, but I was dubious about their effectiveness. Vanilla is not my favorite scent, but when I opened up the Vanilla Dream Body Butter, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not a sickly sweet smell. It was a light and relaxing scent.

I was even more pleased at how it made my hands feel. I always wash my hands after putting on typical hand lotion. I hate how my hands feel greasy and slimy. With the Vanilla Dream Body Butter, I could feel the difference that the beeswax makes (vs. the petroleum base). There was no greasy feeling, but my hands felt softer and pampered.

 

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I was also pleased with the Hair Shine Conditioner. My daughter has curly hair, and I sampled it on her. I was surprised that the mixture of natural oils didn’t leave her hair looking oily. (At least her hair looked manageable; now could you please make an all-natural spray that repels dirt and peanut butter?)

 

 

 

My absolute favorite product was the Nature’s Touch Body Bar in Lemongrassnatures touch. I had been using bar soaps lately, but they always left my skin feeling tight and dry. I felt so luxurious using the lemongrass soap, and I loved the scent. It didn’t strip my skin of its natural moisturizers and left it feeling clean but smooth and soft.

After trying these and other products (did I mention that I’m hooked on Miracle Salve as a lip balm?), I was excited to find that buying all-natural products doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or comfort for health. I’m finding that the right products actually cause your God-created natural beauty to shine by promoting health.

 

Making Your Skin Smile

Skin has a natural process of renewing that shouldn’t be inhibited. Every minute, we lose 30-40 thousand skin cells! We also sweat (cleansing our bodies of toxins and helping keep our bodies’ temperatures regulated) through our skin. It is a barrier from pathogens that would harm our body.

Not everyone will benefit from the same products. Some may have allergies that others do not. We all have different types of skin and are different ages and stages in life. In general, natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil tend to lightly moisturize the skin while also allowing it to breathe. Heavy cleansers strip the skin of needed lipids, which keep the skin protected and moisturized.

I like being able to read a package and understand what is in it. I don’t like guessing when it comes to my health or my family’s health. For me, that will mean a lot more research and more time spent in the store scrutinizing labels.

Do your homework! Your skin will thank you for it, and so will your health!

 

Summer Burdett is a happy wife, mommy to two sweet girls, and enjoys dabbling in writing, photography and gardening-when she is not rescuing the girls from various disasters or trying to repair the house afterwards.

Beeyoutiful Products Mentioned in this Article:

–          Vanilla Dream Body Butter

–          Hair Shine Spray-In Conditioner

–          Nature’s Touch Body Bar

–          Miracle Skin Salve