I am a strong believer in buying produce that is seasonal as well as changing my routine with the weather. This ensures that our bodies can gracefully adapt to the change of temperature and climate. Although this seems like an easy feat for some, for others the change of seasons can be taxing on our systems and even emotions. For me personally I have always been very heat sensitive and although I love the summer I find I have the most physical troubles during this time. This is mainly due to my sensitive skin but also the emotions that can come along with the humidity and blistering temperatures. Think angry temper tantrums and heat attacks. The heat can often create imbalances in emotional states for many people. The best way to treat any emotional problems I have found is from a physical standpoint before anything else. If our bodies are balanced our hearts and minds will follow. One of the best natural remedies to cool the body is fresh aloe vera leaves.
Aloe Vera is often seen sold in a liquid form in most health food and grocery stores. Although I have drank aloe juice I find that the fresh aloe gel from the actual leaves is much more effective and doesn't have any of the side effects of a processed product. The aloe plant is referred to as a succulent plant, which means it is a plant that stores its own water in its leaves. Like a cactus, the aloe plant grows in a desert like environment and has been known for centuries to be one of the most medicinal of all the plants.
Aloe is part of the lily family, the same family that the union and garlic also belong too, a family of many healing properties. Aloe Vera is filled with tons of vitamins and minerals as well as 18 different amino acids, 200 active plant compounds, and many active enzymes. This miracle plant also contains a chain of impressive fatty acids that contribute to lowering the fat in our blood. Aloe Vera is known as an 'adaptogen', which means it enables the body to naturally adapt to external changes as well as ward off any illness or viruses. This results in boosting the bodies natural abilities to adapt to stress and fatigue and boost energy. Aloe is probably the best known for its abilities in curing and soothing any kinds of skin ailments. Because aloe is 99% water, it is a prime way to hydrate the skin both topically as well as internally. It cures burns, cuts, rashes, open wounds, and is amazing for soothing sun burn or sun blisters. It also is a great healthy option for psoriasis and any kind of skin rash or hive.
It is an immediate cooling agent and literally pulls heat out of our system. Because most skin problems are due to heat being trapped in the body, aloe is a perfect solution to counteract this imbalance. The skin is not the only organ however that aloe can improve. Aloe vera is also an incredible way to reduce inflammation of the joints and is known to aid in arthritis or any other type of bone ailment. Aloe is also a great tool for weight-loss and improved digestion. It does this by naturally alkalizing the body and acting as a natural detoxifier. Aloe can act as an extreme laxative as well, flushing out waste and cleaning out the colon. Although drinking the aloe juice that is sold in most stores is a great start, the fresh aloe gel that comes from the actual leaf of the aloe plant is the better option. Just having the aloe plant in the house changes the oxygen levels and immediately improves the air we are breathing each day.
When the leaves are split open they are filled with a clear gel that can be added directly to the skin or used in any way you might want. The gel can also be added to smoothies or juices, or even salads. This allows the aloe to not only help the skin but also balance out our digestion and strengthen our immune systems. This plant has been said to be the fountain of youth and is an easy way to strengthen our bodies, beautify our complexions and cool us down. The leaves can also be refrigerated for an even cooler option on the hot days of summer. My sister and I make our own fresh aloe lemonade by juicing fresh lemons and adding the gel of half an aloe leaf along with either stevia or agave nectar. This is a great cooling lemonade that can even be made into a fun summer cocktail! The leaves I usually order online and may seem high but are a great investment for the whole summer. I would highly recommend aloe to anyone who is looking to cool off and improve their overall health.
http://aloeking.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=3&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=36
Hair care is something that is different for all women. One thing that all women have in common however is that our hair can determine our days sometimes. Even the most intelligent woman in the world can feel defeated if she wakes up with a bad hair day. Hair can often represent femininity weather it's long and beautiful or short and sexy. Depending on the length or texture of one's hair the products or tools that are used differ. Most women however, have damaged their hair over the years in some way or another. Most of this damage is not from heating or product buildup but is from daily shampooing and stripping of our natural oils. It is the sulfates used in shampoo that damage the hair and even the scalp stripping it of healthy oils. To give an idea of this, sulfates are used in basic cleaning products that harshly clean our homes or dishes and these are the same ones used on our head.
The advice I have gotten over the years was to not wash my hair more than twice a week.This was always a problem for me personally because I am what you would call a clean freak and showering is a non negotiable part of my day. The thought of going days without washing my hair still makes my skin crawl, I could go a day or so but never longer than that. So the thought of shampooing once a week has definitely never been an option for me even though my hair is long and thick. I have always tried to find the best shampoos and used this as a solution. Unfortunately I realized that most shampoos, even organic ones still damage the hair and make it appear puffy and dry. The homemade options seemed appealing but I was still determined to find a product that I felt cleaned my hair but didn't damage it.
Wen cleansing conditioner is the perfect product and was exactly what I was looking for! Wen Cleansing conditioner is a product designed for the specific concern that me and most women out there have about not shampooing everyday. It is basically a one stop shop for all of your hair needs but is very effective and natural. This product takes the place of your shampoo but still manages to clean the scalp and hair but not strip it of its natural oils. It also acts as a conditioner, detangler and leave in conditioner. It doesn't contain any sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, or any other harsh chemicals. Wen contains Glycerin, for added moisture to the hair, chamomile extract for its soothing and calming properties, Wild Cherry Bark to help condition the hair, Rosemary extract to soothe and cleanse the hair, and finally Panthenol, which is designed to restore resilience and strengthen the hair cuticles.
This product is perfect for broken or brittle hair that has been over processed from coloring heat styling and relaxing. It is clinically proven to reduce frizz by up to 50%, increase hair strength by up to 70% after one use, and give hair 95% less breakage after one use. It is truly the answer to healthy, shiny and manageable hair. It is used just like a shampoo would be, adding a little to the head during your shower. Because it is technically not a shampoo, it does not lather like most harsh shampoos, but not to worry because I promise you your head will feel fresh and clean. This is a revolutionary product that I would recommend to all of the girls I know and one I am recently obsessed with! http://www.sephora.com/fig-cleansing-conditioner-P378313?skuId=1501576
