tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74454170242156606622024-02-18T22:18:52.460-08:00Organic Skin and Body Care Tips by Stephanie TourlesOfficial Blog of Author Stephanie TourlesStephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-37350975788048723742019-10-04T13:41:00.000-07:002019-10-04T13:41:06.423-07:00Vitamin C: Your Skin's Fountain of Youth<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Howdy Everyone! In case you didn't know, I'm now a resident of Marble Falls, TX - having relocated from my beloved state of Maine many months ago to be closer to my aging parents who live in San Antonio. I probably don't need to tell you, but the weather down here is vastly different from coastal Maine - with it's comfortably cool, moist summer's and frigid, damp winter's. Texas is HOT and DRY, with humidity levels that range from semi-sticky to desert-like. My skin has been in shock since I arrived . . . not knowing how to react. I find that I'm having to apply oil and body lotion way more often now - to prevent dehydration, plus wipe the profusion of sweat from my brow when I'm outdoors. Sunglasses and natural sunscreen are must-haves and I've had to tweak my skin care routine - integrating nourishing, youthifying, hydrating masks MUCH MORE frequently, lest my skin become parched and age prematurely - no thanks! (NOTE - I've included a wonderful Vitamin C-rich herbal mask at the end of this blog💚)</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a holistic esthetician, I'm all about looking younger than your biological age and achieving that goal in a natural manner. As many of you may know, it's quite popular these days for an increasing number of folks, who are concerned about their aging appearance, to seek out a "Medi-Spa" or "Cosmetic Dermatologist" that specializes in "instant youth services" and offers a plethora of options such as injections of Botox and various wrinkle fillers (consisting of toxins and synthetic ingredients), irritating microdermabrasion treatments, and a variety of synthetic acid peels - these last two treatments can harm the vital, protective microbiome layer of your skin, plus increase the likelihood of UV damage. Be aware that all of these only <i>temporarily</i> deliver the appearance of younger looking skin and require ongoing maintenance treatments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a skin care purist or "green esthetician" (as I'm sometimes called) - shunning most artificial chemicals and skin care gadgets and machines - I say NAY to all of this. If you are a naturalist like myself and really want to care for the health of your skin . . . adopt my mantra and DO NO HARM! Nourish your skin topically, and body internally, for renewed radiance instead of numbing, filling, sanding, and peeling your complexion in the hopes of everlasting beauty . . . it won't work, my friends. And, you could end up damaging it over the long haul. No one wants that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, on the topic of naturally youthifying your skin's appearance, I want to discuss Vitamin C and your skin. Let's explore the benefits and sources of this truly amazing vitamin and what it can do for your appearance and health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is Vitamin C and its role in your body? The official name for Vitamin C is <i>ascorbic acid.</i> It acts as a powerful antioxidant . . . strengthening the body's natural defenses (boosts the immune system) and helps prevent the negative effects of that dreaded word . . . inflammation. Vitamin C is vital for the development and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the skin's regeneration process; is needed to produce collagen that supports skin firmness; strengthens capillaries; protects against UV ray damage thus minimizing wrinkling, hyperpigmentation (those dreaded age spots), and dryness; helps repair connective tissue, improves the condition of heart and blood vessels; improves dental health; increases the absorption of iron; aids in the maintenance of cartilage; reduces the potential for sun damage to the skin; and restores overall radiance/glow. Vitamin C also helps speed wound healing and reduces inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just what are antioxidants, you ask? They are substances that reduce or prevent damage to our cells by neutralizing the production of highly reactive molecules called <i>free radicals</i>. In simple terms, think of an antioxidant as a substance that prevents oxidation, or prevents "rusting" or premature aging of body tissues. As an example . . . when you squeeze Vitamin C-rich lemon juice onto an apple slice to keep it fresh and white . . . the juice acts as a powerful antioxidant, preventing the browning of the apple via exposure to oxygen. Antioxidants prevent premature deterioration of the tissues within and without our body. We get a variety of antixoidants from our food and from quality supplements, such as Vitamin C, A, and E, which can be ingested or mixed with other natural ingredients and applied topically, too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wMNGHSZ0ei77Ju555bNnGs-xrSEMwXtfhPAfyOPto9i9vAY6mfXL7nsXW9QqRLk0VQJDDfJltMl9yG9nVtPcDINiSRSkeBXAXPAWI13_8zg4CIwCLAXpFg9k1elnQBrrdl9EwdygKZ5n/s1600/20190926_120330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wMNGHSZ0ei77Ju555bNnGs-xrSEMwXtfhPAfyOPto9i9vAY6mfXL7nsXW9QqRLk0VQJDDfJltMl9yG9nVtPcDINiSRSkeBXAXPAWI13_8zg4CIwCLAXpFg9k1elnQBrrdl9EwdygKZ5n/s320/20190926_120330.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite brand of liposomal Vitamin C. It's in gel form. I use it topically as well as orally.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How much Vitamin C should you consume daily? The current RDA (recommended dietary/daily allowance) is 60 mg for non-smoking men and women. Truthfully, that's barely above the amount required to prevent disease. Scurvy anyone? For improved health and beautifying effects, aim higher please. But know this . . . high amounts of this water-soluble vitamin can irritate the digestive tract, actually leading to less absorption, especially if you are taking Vitamin C supplements. If you are ingesting Vitamin C solely from food sources, you probably don't have to worry about consuming too much, unless you are eating handfuls of ripe, red rose hips, goji berries, camu camu berries, or acerola cherries, but most folks don't do that. If you're taking Vitamin C supplements and consuming over 500-1,000 mg per day (especially if you have a sensitive digetive system), then you are probably not absorbing all you are ingesting and may be getting loose stools, to boot. Generally, I consume 500 mg of Vitamin C or less in my supplements, unless I'm taking a liposomal Vitamin C, then I consume 1,000 mg daily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Liposome explained</u>: A minute spherical sac of phospholipid molecules enclosing a water droplet, especially as formed artifically to carry drugs or other substances into the tissues. Phosopholipids are a class of lipids (fats) that are a major component of all cell membranes. A liposomal Vitamin C supplement is well absorbed and tolerated by your body. My preferred type of Vitamin C supplement. Note - I have TONS of sun damaged skin, resulting from my youth spent sunbathing in the hot GA and TX sun. Liposomal Vitamin C serves me well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO__hmgt5Y3_Moc55vX7PEbpK0Ljdr1X25VxapdfJ2ZA-YVF9vTM2hMSV8tIhwCvF6Kcb3NHmC5cU3m8bgYbgyW2gLuMS89MDx-AxCIsmNAQjv-NbUUG7erZqSazxHiYBXngfV7m1_cb3t/s1600/Rosehips-replacement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="595" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO__hmgt5Y3_Moc55vX7PEbpK0Ljdr1X25VxapdfJ2ZA-YVF9vTM2hMSV8tIhwCvF6Kcb3NHmC5cU3m8bgYbgyW2gLuMS89MDx-AxCIsmNAQjv-NbUUG7erZqSazxHiYBXngfV7m1_cb3t/s320/Rosehips-replacement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo of small, ripe rose hips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not consuming enough of this essential vitamin can have negative effects on health and skin vitality. A diet rich in Vitamin C is essential to your good health and disease prevention. Please eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and if you're under a great deal of stress or fighting illness or disease, add a good quality supplement that agrees with your body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fruit Sources High In Vitamin C:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Rose hips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Goji Berries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Camu camu berries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Citrus</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Raspberries/Blueberries/Huckleberries/Strawberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Guava/Mango</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Black currants</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Kiwi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Papaya/Pineapple</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Cherries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Hawthorn berries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Peaches/Nectarines</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Vegetable/Herb Sources High in Vitamin C:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- </i>Amla (an Ayurvedic herb)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Coriander/Parsley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Peppers of all kinds (hot & mild)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Kale/Spinach/Chard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Mustard/Turnip Greens</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Broccoli</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Onions/Scallions/Leeks/Chives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Thyme/ Oregano</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've followed my writings (books, articles, social media posts) over the last 20 years, you know that I like to play with natural ingredients, experimenting with an eventually formulating really effective DIY skin care products. About 4 months ago, I was attempting to make a facial mask that would infuse my skin with the benefits of Vitamin C, without irritating it like so many other commercial Vitamin C-rich products can do. Well, as luck would have it, a nurse friend of mine introduced me to LivOn Labs Lipo-Spheric (brand) Vitamin C gel. Comes in tiny packets. She takes it daily when she feels like she's coming down with a cold - swears by the stuff! Being the holistic esthetician and herbalist that I am, I combined it with hawthorn berry powder and aloe vera juice. The result? A super hydrating gel mask that makes your skin feel and look wonderful. Please try the recipe below. You skin will thank you! (P.S. LivOn Labs Lypo-Spheric (brand) Vitamin C is available in better pharmacies and online. It's on the expensive side, but as a topical, it's sooo gentle, yet yields potent skin beautifying results that can't be denied).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">RECIPE: Vitamin C Blast Facial Mask</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall is the perfect time to revive and restore skin after exposure to summer's damaging heat and sun! Applied 2x per week, this blend tones, tightens, clarifies (slowly fades age spots), improves radiance, hydrates, and gently exfoliates. Skin is left velvety soft. Hawthorn berry powder is loaded with natural Vitamin C. LivOn Labs Lypo-Spheric (brand) Vitamin C looks and feels like a gooey, thick gel and is actually a water-soluble Vitamin C wrapped in liposomes - which literally saturates cells with antioxidants sans irritation. It's truly a unique product! And, tried 'n true, skin-loving aloe vera gel (or juice) cools, soothes, hydrates, and reduces redness/irritation. This mask is a fabulous trio of skin beautifiers. Used consistently . . . it could be your skin's Fountain of Youth! Sounds good to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ingredients</i>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 packet LivOnLabs Lypo-Spheric (brand) Vitamin C</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 teaspoon organic hawthorn berry powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 teaspoon organic aloe vera gel or juice (juice is easier to blend)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 tiny bowl (such as a custard cup)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 small mask application brush (optional - fingers can be used instead)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Directions & Application</i>: In your tiny bowl, stir all ingredients thoroughly so that no lumps remain. Pull hair up and off face. Brush or spread onto clean, dry skin in a nice even layer. Allow to remain on skin for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Follow with an application of a light moisturizer or facial oil, if desired.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yield</i>: 1 mask</span><br />
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NOTE: Common sense precaution - if you decide to make and apply this mask and happen to suffer from skin irritation, please rinse it off immediately using cool water. Pat skin dry, then apply something soothing such as cool, plain black tea, cool aloe vera juice, plain calendula lotion/cream, or natural diaper rash cream with zinc oxide.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more DIY beautifying, natural masks, please check out my latest book, <i>Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty </i>(Storey Publishing, c2018). Available wherever quality books are sold - in stores and online. For more information about me and my books, please visit my website <a href="http://www.stephanietourles.com/" target="_blank">http://www.stephanietourles.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DISCLAIMER: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles, Lic. Esthetician, Certified Foot & Hand Reflexologist, Herbalist, Certified Aromatherapist, and Author. The information is made without guarantee on the part of the author. Ms. Tourles disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. </span><br />
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Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-62536803179951936502018-10-31T08:02:00.003-07:002018-10-31T08:02:25.731-07:00The High Price of Vanity: How Natural Is Your Natural Skin Care Routine?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall Blessings Everyone! Ever wonder what the synthetic chemicals in your skin and body care products (whether there are just a handful or many) can potentially do to your skin and well-being? Your epidermis (skin) can absorb up to 60% of what you apply to it so it behooves you to KNOW your ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's blog is one that I just wrote for my publisher, Storey Publishing, and I wanted to share it with you. Read up, learn, and enjoy! Thank you🙌</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the link: <a href="https://www.storey.com/article/how-natural-skin-care-routine/" target="_blank">https://www.storey.com/article/how-natural-skin-care-routine/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-84770305569000346602018-10-05T14:32:00.000-07:002018-10-05T14:32:15.661-07:00Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall Blessings Everyone! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT . . . My latest book, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty</span></b> is now available at bookstores everywhere! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes indeed . . . this is my 14th authored book (I published 2 books in 2018 - the other being, "Stephanie Tourles's Essential Oils: A Beginner's Guide). If you're into "pure green/clean/chemical-free" skin, hand, and foot care, then this was written for you! Endorsed by An G. Hinds, CEO/President of the prestigious Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics in Woburn, MA, and Hannah Kincaid, Wellness Editor of Mother Earth Living and Mother Earth News magazines. It includes 78 of my all-time favorite recipes, many updated and made even better, that nourish, protect, and pamper your outer layer from head to toe. Written for all ages and types of skin😊</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's full-color, hard cover with a spiral binding, has easy-to-follow instructions for even the beginner kitchen cosmetologist. I'm quite proud of this book. Pick up a copy, won't you. Your skin will be glad you did! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back cover:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMoexXppWUcXJB3JBgqhKhi3lsMVW1Jo5W4cxStKk5snqcSXtIUR4J6CMG-_H-_vEHNCcArwXo0OpjA2k8G9irofd3UjNL-KFg_VRrXREz0SfRYtdzXmhyphenhyphenGHfE2VTyDxrFNH5-QeMFjHX/s1600/PureSkinCareBackCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMoexXppWUcXJB3JBgqhKhi3lsMVW1Jo5W4cxStKk5snqcSXtIUR4J6CMG-_H-_vEHNCcArwXo0OpjA2k8G9irofd3UjNL-KFg_VRrXREz0SfRYtdzXmhyphenhyphenGHfE2VTyDxrFNH5-QeMFjHX/s320/PureSkinCareBackCover.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-70956853877706623542018-10-05T14:01:00.000-07:002018-10-05T14:01:25.579-07:00Waste Not: Essential Oils & Sustainability<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi Everyone . . . Do you LOVE ESSENTIAL OILS? But wonder about the sustainability of an industry that requires SO MUCH plant material from which to produce these precious oils? If so, then read my latest blog - written for my publisher, Storey Publishing - it's quite educational! Thanks & enjoy😊</span><div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> <a href="https://www.storey.com/article/essential-oils-sustainability/" target="_blank">https://www.storey.com/article/essential-oils-sustainability/</a></span></div>
Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-60230915908260607772018-08-22T07:19:00.002-07:002018-08-22T07:19:19.529-07:00Common Sun Sense - Protect Your Skin Naturally<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone . . . I just wrote this blog for my publisher, Storey Publishing, so I'm posting it here. It's all about how to naturally care for and preserve the health, beauty, and youthfulness of your skin, while intelligently enjoying exposure to the sun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog promotes another new book of mine called, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty</span></b> - yes, I wrote 2 books in 2018 (the other being, Stephanie Tourles's Essential Oils: A Beginner's Guide). It doesn't officially release until late September, but is available for pre-order from quality online book retailers such as Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, and Amazon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpB36tFwMCt4rw1MmhgHtNqL8Ez5VoauzguphlTlndgfBpFCY30TMyuyfIR8e32OMzjKzeK2tADRIg-B9mk503EksKyNFMh3OZetaQxmZtiY70SM3JU32GotXU02PrbiuToaAnWCZdv4_/s1600/626050.PureSkinCare.Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpB36tFwMCt4rw1MmhgHtNqL8Ez5VoauzguphlTlndgfBpFCY30TMyuyfIR8e32OMzjKzeK2tADRIg-B9mk503EksKyNFMh3OZetaQxmZtiY70SM3JU32GotXU02PrbiuToaAnWCZdv4_/s320/626050.PureSkinCare.Cover.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pure Skin Care was endorsed on the back cover by An G. Hinds, CEO/President of the prestigious "Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics" in Massachusetts. That's where I graduated way back in 1987! The book includes recipes of my most beloved skin care, hand care, and foot care recipes - all updated and improved. I'm sure you'll love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the blog - read up and learn! And . . . thank you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.storey.com/article/sun-sense-protecting-skins-health-beauty/">https://www.storey.com/<wbr></wbr>article/sun-sense-protecting-<wbr></wbr>skins-health-beauty/</a><br />
<br />Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-49587915134560686362018-07-25T12:15:00.000-07:002018-07-25T12:15:36.934-07:00The 5 Most Popular Essential Oils & Why You Need Them<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Summer Everyone! Today's blog was recently written for my publisher, Storey Publishing, and I wanted to share it with you. If you are new to essential oils or simply want to learn more about utilizing them in formulations for safe, effective, natural home healthcare, then this blog is for you and so is my latest book . . . <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Stephanie Tourles's Essential Oils: A Beginner's Guide.</b></span> It's available in bookstores on August 7, 2018 and from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">www.amazon.com</a> now. It highlights 25 essential oils that I consider the most versatile - 11 that are "must-have's" and 14 "nice-to-have's". Pick up a copy, won't you? It's a most beautiful, full-color book!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ilVEUGDV8jKyJdLlJdHaCZ4lRexEsX_BiDJC3roG74WbnfmAUtSkxYYz-jRTe4tzfSRWdzYiR0iUh7dk4KTK8mYC_MAVgOuG5bQaGgNRdo5sehAF6H3WZYM9sJR8bHMN2Z3ofhqtafvL/s1600/622874.STEssentialOils.Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1243" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ilVEUGDV8jKyJdLlJdHaCZ4lRexEsX_BiDJC3roG74WbnfmAUtSkxYYz-jRTe4tzfSRWdzYiR0iUh7dk4KTK8mYC_MAVgOuG5bQaGgNRdo5sehAF6H3WZYM9sJR8bHMN2Z3ofhqtafvL/s320/622874.STEssentialOils.Cover.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Click here for the blog: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.storey.com/article/five-most-popular-essential-oils/&source=gmail&ust=1532630458119000&usg=AFQjCNHjxhSWLby5FrsB_j4TLNpKJ4dMhA" href="https://www.storey.com/article/five-most-popular-essential-oils/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.storey.com/<wbr></wbr>article/five-most-popular-<wbr></wbr>essential-oils/</a>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-31209310683367372512018-06-20T15:29:00.001-07:002018-06-20T15:29:19.365-07:00Herbal Flea Repellent: Aromatic Pet-Bedding Sachets<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello Everyone! Got cats and/or dogs? Got fleas? (Sure you do - it's summer!) Don't want to use chemicals on your pets or in your home? I don't blame you. Today, Bandit (my #1 feline buddy pictured below) and I are going to talk about making and using herbal pet bedding sachets that can help keep fleas out of your pet's sleeping areas. Aromatic herbal sachets are just one of many chemical-free items that should be in your arsenal in the battle against an invasion of fleas/ticks . . . in addition to natural flea/tick powders, herbal shampoos, carpet powders, etc.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYyGPYmlNaw-URen4BVQyacuuUNN24lETAFPh0AOiXvqhwAM4y04oeM1D2wAGjKgnDOV6X7kjzkmqXDp4ZBdB6M_Qf1WnptdRqDB5TZUr6Q0Dr_gDTX5j4bAMTkriY5inatMuYsaiLU1z/s1600/20170408_153631_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYyGPYmlNaw-URen4BVQyacuuUNN24lETAFPh0AOiXvqhwAM4y04oeM1D2wAGjKgnDOV6X7kjzkmqXDp4ZBdB6M_Qf1WnptdRqDB5TZUr6Q0Dr_gDTX5j4bAMTkriY5inatMuYsaiLU1z/s320/20170408_153631_001.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Bandit talking) . . . "Hi there humans, my name is Bandit, and this morning I was sleeping peacefully on my favorite fluffy towel when mom decided to put a fresh-made herbal flea-repellent sachet in my bed, and, of course, made me pose for her photo (see me below - still snoozing)! But, I didn't mind. My bed smells mildly of sage, rosemary, thyme, and catnip (my favorite) and there's nary a flea in sight - yay for me! You see that book resting on my side? My smart, herbalist mom wrote that! It's her best-selling book, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects</span></b>" (Storey Publishing, c2016). In it she's got loads of herbal recipes to keep mosquitoes & ticks off her fellow humans and irritating fleas & ticks off us cats (and dogs) - safely and effectively. It's an educational read and a bargain at only $10.95!" </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVCxpYszItMri95nuwZS_Tm-wy9CjBxl2VKiB-hqxolNg8JxXRWWYYWXV82RT6YqOEkC1dkp7CZncj1953-XCBJGXRvdJU031PvYbY5d8VVIrMk2hp4-qZWm3F8jFnkyInfBozp1R_CDr/s1600/20180620_100911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVCxpYszItMri95nuwZS_Tm-wy9CjBxl2VKiB-hqxolNg8JxXRWWYYWXV82RT6YqOEkC1dkp7CZncj1953-XCBJGXRvdJU031PvYbY5d8VVIrMk2hp4-qZWm3F8jFnkyInfBozp1R_CDr/s400/20180620_100911.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay . . . Bandit's said her piece, now back to me talking . . . </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Herbal Pet-Bedding Sachets</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether your furry friend sleeps in a blanket-filled crate or box; in a carpet-covered cat condo; or on a fleece-covered beanbag or soft pillow, tucking small bags or sachets of herbal blends in and around bedding materials is an effective way to safely deter irritating pests (fleas/mites/ticks) while keeping your pet and its sleeping area smelling fresh. Pets often have several sleeping or napping areas, so place 2 or more sachets in every location.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOTE:</span></u></i><span style="color: #38761d;"> Immediately after making the sachets, the essential oil fragrance (if you opt to add it) will be at its most potent, but it will mellow dramatically within 24 hours as it is absorbed by the herbs, so don't worry about overwhelming your adult dog with a lingering aroma. Dogs under 1 year old, under 20 pounds, and cats, in particular, are quite sensitive to both the pungency and naturally occurring chemicals in essential oils, so when making sachets for young or small dogs and ALL cats, OMIT the essential oils altogether. Just make the sachets using pure dried herbs. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><u>General Instructions for recipe below</u>: </i>To make the sachets, you'll need 6, 4" x 6" drawstring muslin bags or large "seal and brew" tea bags, a large bowl, and a mixing spoon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Combine the herbs in the bowl, then add the essential oil (for adult dogs only - over 20 lbs), and stir again. Spoon approximately 1 cup of the mix into each bag. Label and date the bags using a permanent market. Store leftover mixture at room temperature in an airtight container away from heat and light, and use within 1 year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">To use the sachets, place two or more bags in your pet's bedding area (the larger the pet, the more bags). Squeeze the bags every couple of days or so to release more scent. Recharge bags by adding one drop of essential oil once per week, if desired. Replace the herbs every 2 months or so, or make new bags (they do get soiled over time).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is one of my favorite pet-bedding recipes, "Catnip Fair". You can find it on page 133 of my book. Bandit likes this recipe, too😻</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Catnip Fair</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Ingredients</i>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 2 cups dried catnip leaves & flowers (or just leaves)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 2 cups dried sage leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1 cup dried rosemary leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1 cup dried thyme leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 15 drops rosemary essential oil (OMIT for cats, dogs under 1 year old and all dogs under 20 lbs)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Bonus Use</i>: This blend can also be used to repel pests in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, clothing drawers, armoires, and closets. Feel free to double the essential oil amount so that the sachets have extra potency!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My two favorite companies from which to purchase organic dried herbs are: Mountain Rose Herbs <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank">www.mountainroseherbs.com</a> and Jean's Greens </span><a href="http://www.jeansgreens.com/" target="_blank">www.jeansgreens.com</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both excellent companies with a rapid turnover of stock!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VkGmGAwbBLU6AaM34qExmpyfoPbOiP8SDv5UKt4YZIGzXcfPtNZm-AgpLfYMXEPn2NKFf4Qenc4kAuPFOIr894ZzEx3ZJyx-wDmrUdSCg9niADKlRMaH-cBnPeK0Cmgmy-1Or6ob0KuZ/s1600/20180619_154636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VkGmGAwbBLU6AaM34qExmpyfoPbOiP8SDv5UKt4YZIGzXcfPtNZm-AgpLfYMXEPn2NKFf4Qenc4kAuPFOIr894ZzEx3ZJyx-wDmrUdSCg9niADKlRMaH-cBnPeK0Cmgmy-1Or6ob0KuZ/s400/20180619_154636.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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NOTE: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and all information and recipe were excerpted and adapted from her book, "Naturally Bug-Free" (Storey Publishing, 2016). The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. Ms. Tourles disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-73417693411384614432018-05-18T14:59:00.001-07:002018-05-18T14:59:26.530-07:00Essential Tick-Repellent Clothing Drops<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey Everyone! It's finally spring . . . even here in Maine! And what accompanies the welcomed longer days and warmer temps? Bugs! Not just annoying mosquitoes and black flies (the Maine "state bird"), but also nasty, disease-carrying ticks. What to do? How do you enjoy the great outdoors while being protected and comfortable? Well, if you're like me (with both delicate skin and a sensitive nose, plus concern for the environment), you'll want to avoid using chemical-laden, "DEET-based" insect repellents whenever possible. Why? Let me share some of the history and facts about DEET . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Developed in the 1940s by the U.S. Army for protection of military personnel in insect-infested areas and registered in the U.S. for use by the general public in the mid-1950s, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is one of the most widely used ingredients in store-bought, conventional bug sprays for personal use. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a mild odor and is designed to repel, rather than kill, insects, including mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas, ticks, and other small insects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DEET is used by an estimated one-third of the U.S. population each year. Its use has increased dramatically since the 1970s as an aid to protect against Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses, as well as West Nile and Zika viruses. Although it clearly works as intended, it is not safe - even the EPA, as well as the product package label, says that you should wash it off your skin when you return indoors, avoid breathing it in, and not spray it directly on your face. A known eye irritant, it can cause rashes, soreness, or blistering (which is what it does to my skin - within 10 minutes of application).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mosquito repellent containing 25% DEET - such as "Deep Woods OFF" - cannot be applied on or near plastic, leather, synthetic fabrics, watch crystals, or painted or varnished surfaces, including automobiles. Why? It breaks them down and/or etches their surface! If this chemical, which in addition to being toxic to insects is also toxic to birds and aquatic life, can damage plastic, leather, and glass, then what is it doing to you? Keep this in mind . . . your skin is your largest organ and it can absorb up to 60% of what you put on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So . . . if you want to avoid DEET AND enjoy the outdoors, while keeping bugs at bay, then you need to find a chemical-free repellent. Guess what? I wrote an entire book loaded with recipes that are easy to make, kind to your skin and nose, and completely non-toxic when used as directed. It's called "<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects</span></b>" (Storey Publishing, c2016). It's only $10.95 folks - a bargain for a wealth of information! Available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">www.amazon.com</a> and <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank">www.mountainroseherbs.com</a> and other retailers of quality books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I'm going to share with you one of my favorite recipes for repelling ticks - which are out in FORCE this spring in Maine!! This powerful recipe is to be applied to clothing, <b>not </b>your skin. Even though it is natural and of plant origin, and consists primarily of lavender essential oil (one of the most gentle and safe essential oils) it is too strong for topical application. If you've never tried your hand at making natural repellents, please give this simple recipe a whirl. You've got nothing to lose - except annoying bugs - and everything to gain!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Essential Tick-Repellent Clothing Drops</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This formulation combines 100% undiluted essential oils for a potent aroma that most humans find appealing, but ticks and flying insects absolutely abhor. When applied by the drop - to clothing, shoes, or accessories only - not your skin - it creates an aromatic aura that repels these nasty pests for hours.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>CAUTION: This is an aromatherapeutically concentrated formula, so use only by the drop as directed. Do not use with children under 3 years of age except on the lower portion of their pants.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 2 drops EACH of the following essential oils: geranium, catnip, and peppermint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 scant tablespoon lavender essential oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1/2-ounce dark glass bottle with screw cap</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- glass dropper with rubber top to dispense blend</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>To Make:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Add the geranium, catnip, peppermint, and lavender essential oils to the storage container. Screw the cap (not dropper top) on the bottle and shake vigorously to blend. Allow the oil to synergize (or chemically combine for maximum effectiveness) for 1 hour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 2 years. DO NOT store the bottle with a dropper top, as the strong vapors will degrade the rubber tip. Store ONLY with a screw cap. Dispense with a dropper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Application:</u> Shake well before using. Apply a few drops to your hat, bandanna or neck scarf, lower leg and hem of pants, hem of untucked shirt, cuffs or ends of shirt sleeves, inside shirt collar, and on socks. Reapply up to 3 times per day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: The recipe in this blog was excerpted from the book, "Naturally Bug-Free", by Stephanie Tourles. The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.</span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-730315299867262272018-04-16T14:58:00.001-07:002018-04-16T14:58:13.378-07:00Herbal Aspirin Salve - Nature's Pain Reliever<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone . . . although the calendar says mid-April, here in northern, coastal Maine, Mother Nature gave us sleet and a wee bit of snow today! Not very spring-like! And, let me tell you, with all this damp cold, the small amount of arthritis that I have in my fingers and toes is acting up and my phalanges (digits) are complaining. What to do? Well, today I'm going to give you a remedial herbal recipe that will ease arthritic flare-ups, as well as comfort gout, backache, and general muscular achiness anywhere in the body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went through my blogging files, and apparently I posted this recipe back in 2013, but I think it bears repeating - along with educational herb photos for easy identification should you find them in the wild or on someone's herb farm. It's easy to make and smells pleasingly herbaceous and slightly sweet. If you own a copy of my book, <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Hands-On Healing Remedies: 150 Recipes for Herbal Balms, Salves, Oils, Liniments & Other Topical Therapies</b> (Storey Publishing, c2012), </span>then you'll find the recipe on pages 180-181. I hope you give it a try . . . it can deliver much relief from your physical aches and pains - anytime of year😉</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>HERBAL ASPIRIN SALVE - Nature's Pain Reliever</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>When you combine meadowsweet flowers, known as "herbal aspirin," with the flowers of arnica, the "aches and pains herb," - in olive oil - the result is a rather powerful infused oil that boasts astringent, antirheumatic, analgesic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. When massaged into a joint exhibiting gout or arthritis symptoms; general muscular aches and strains/backache; carpal tunnel; tendonitis; bursitis; new bruises; or muscular tension headache, Herbal Aspirin Salve - or as I like to call it "comfort in a jar" - will temporarily relieve the pain, inflammation, redness, and stiffness. I find it to be pure "salve-ation" for my sore hands and wrists after a couple of hours spent hoeing weeds in the garden or working a full day with foot reflexology clients - it's a God-send!!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u>Contraindications:</u> Please do not apply to open wounds. This formula contains a low percentage of salicylic acid - derived from the meadowsweet flowers - which acts as a natural analgesic. DO NOT USE if you are allergic to aspirin.</i></span><br />
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Meadowsweet flowers (<i>Filipendula ulmaria</i>)</div>
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Arnica flowers (<i>Arnica montana)</i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 cup dried or 2 cups freshly wilted (for 48 hours) meadowsweet flowers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 cup dried or 2 cups freshly wilted (for 48 hours) arnica flowers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 3 cups extra-virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 2 - 1,000 IU vitamin E oil capsules or 10, 200 IU capsules</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 3-4 tablespoons beeswax (use the greater amount for a firmer salve)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">Equipment Needed: </i>2-quart saucepan or double boiler, stirring utensil, candy or yogurt thermometer, strainer, fine filter (muslin or paper coffee filter), funnel, glass or plastic storage container (for the infused oil), glass or plastic jars or tins (for the salve)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">Prep Time: </i>4 hours to infuse the oil, plus 20 minutes to make the salve and 30 minutes for it to thicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">Yield: </i>Approximately 2 1/2 cups of infused oil and 1 1/4 cups of salve</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">Storage: </i>Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">Application: </i>Up to 3 times per day - massage into affected areas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #990000;">Preparing The Herbal Infused Oil: </b>If you're using freshly wilted meadowsweet or arnica flowers, strip the flowers from their stems along with any small bits of attached leaves prior to adding to the pan. It's okay to add 10% chopped leaves to the flowers, if you wish. Discard the stems. Combine the meadowsweet and arnica flowers with the olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan or double boiler, and stir thoroughly to blend. The mixture should look like a thick floral soup. Bring the mixture to just shy of a simmer, between 125 F and 135 F. Do not let the oil actually simmer - it will degrade the quality of your infused oil. <i>Do not</i> put the lid on the pot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allow the herbs to macerate or soak in the oil over the low heat for 4 hours. Check the temperature every 30 minutes or so with a thermometer and adjust the heat accordingly. If you're using a double boiler, add more water to the bottom pot as necessary, so it doesn't dry out. Stir the infusing mixture at least every 30 minutes or so, as the herb bits tend to settle to the bottom. ALWAYS use a kitchen timer - it will keep you from forgetting what you are doing and overheating your mixture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 4 hours, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. While the oil is still warm, carefully strain it through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin cloth or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then restrain again if necessary to remove all debris. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much of the precious oil as possible. Discard the marc (or spent herbs).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the vitamin E oil and stir to blend. The resulting infused oil blend will be golden-green in color, or darker - if you used a super dark green olive oil. Pour the finished oil into a storage container, then cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #990000;">Preparing The Salve: </b>Combine 1 cup of the infused oil with the beeswax in a small saucepan or double boiler, and warm over low heat until the beeswax is just melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes, stirring a few times to blend. Pour into plastic or glass jars or tins, cap, label, and set aside for 30 minutes to thicken.</span></div>
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<b>NOTE: </b>This recipe was written by Stephanie Tourles and excerpted and adapted from her book, Hands-On Healing Remedies, Storey Publishing, c2012. The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.</div>
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<br />Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-4405120317699122822018-03-18T15:35:00.001-07:002018-03-18T15:35:07.874-07:00Beauty & The Body Brush: The Health Benefits of Dry Brushing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Spring (Almost) Everyone! Sure doesn't feel like spring here in northern, coastal Maine . . . brrr! The ground is white, thickly covered with crusty snow, and the wind is brisk! I'm thinking spring, though! I don't know about you, but by the time the end of winter rolls around, the skin on my legs, arms, and back is displaying signs of dryness - feels tight and itchy at times, too. All that dehydrating, warm, indoor heated air and exposure to the outdoor cold, arid environment is enough to suck the life out of my skin, especially if I've neglected to give it proper care throughout the cold season.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I want to talk to you about how to get the skin on your body in tip-top shape by adopting a traditional body-brushing technique. And, if you perform this routine several times per week, I can almost guarantee that you'll never suffer from dry skin again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a licensed holistic esthetician, one of my favorite health-promoting rituals, which I encourage my clients to follow at least three times per week, and one that I enjoy nearly <i>every morning</i>, just prior to showering, is <i>body brushing </i>or <i>skin brushing</i> (sometimes also referred to as <i>dry brushing</i> because it's performed on dry skin).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the course of an average day, your skin eliminates more than a pound of waste, including perspiration. In fact, about one third of all the body's impurities are excreted this way. If your skin is not carrying out normal elimination due to basic neglect of hygiene; illness; dry skin buildup; medication side effects; repeated application of mineral oil-based, pore-clogging body lotions or waterproof chemical-based sunscreens; or nutritional deficiencies; then your kidneys, large intestine, liver, and lungs may be operating on a sub-par level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dry brushing - a health-enhancing, age-old tradition undergoing a renaissance in today's wellness spas - takes only about five minutes before showering or bathing. It works by stimulating the sebaceous glands, thereby encouraging natural lubrication of your skin; removing the top layer of dead cells, leading to significant exfoliation and skin that's polished and silky; improving circulation and increasing blood flow to the surface of the body; and activating the entire lymphatic system, thereby aiding in natural detoxification.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another benefit that I've noticed is improved tone in the "jiggle-prone" parts of my body: upper arms and inner thighs. In addition, my complexion is rosier, body lotions and oils penetrate more easily; and - a bonus I didn't expect - it doesn't take me 30 minutes to wake up in the morning, like it used to! For me, dry brushing is equivalent to a shot of espresso. Not bad for a five-minute beauty treatment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though you can indulge yourself at a high-end spa and sign up for their luxurious dry brushing treatment, the benefits will be short-lived. Why? Because ideally you need to perform this treatment daily, or at least three times per week - the benefits are cumulative. You'll simply feel better and your skin will function better the more frequently you dry brush at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have my best-selling book, <b style="color: #990000;">Organic Body Care Recipes </b>(Storey Publishing 2007), the procedure will be outlined on pages 36-38, and you can also find it in my soon-to-be-published book, <b style="color: #cc0000;">Pure Skin </b>(Storey Publishing, September 2018) - available for pre-order now through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">www.amazon.com</a>. But, for those of you who don't own a copy of "Organic Body Care Recipes", I will detail the procedure for you below. Here's a photo of what a good body brush looks like, and you should be able to find one at a bath and body shop, better health food store, or whole food grocer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dry Brushing 101</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will take your skin a while to get used to being brushed. Here's how to do it: Using a medium-soft, natural-fiber brush the size of your palm, preferably with an 8" to 10" handle, simply brush your entire body - don't skip any areas except your face, crotch (and breasts, if you're a woman) - for five minutes or so, depending on body size. Do not brush hard - you'll have to start very gently at first (even more so if you have very sensitive skin) and work your way up to more vigorous brushing. <i>Never scrub</i>, however, your skin is NOT the tub! Always remember to brush toward your heart as much as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin by brushing your hands, including the "webs" or area between the fingers, then work upward to your arms, underarms, neck, chest, and upper back. Next move on to each leg, beginning with the feet and working upward toward the groin (but not actually brushing your delicate private areas), buttocks, lower back, and sides. End at your stomach, using a spiral motion radiating from your right to your left to brush this area. That's it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll feel wonderfully invigorated when you're finished, and your skin will glow. If you're just beginning, your skin may be a bit red immediately afterward, but as it adjusts and becomes more acclimated to the treatment, only a pinkish tinge (depending on your pigmentation) will remain for about five minutes until circulation calms. If your skin remains red or pink for a longer period, or feels irritated, then either the brush bristles are too firm or you're brushing way too hard. <i>Note: Avoid dry brushing altogether if your skin is sunburned, windburned, rashy, or otherwise irritated.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a final step, jump in the tub or shower and bathe as usual. All of the dead skin you just loosened will be rinsed away. Afterward, be sure to pat - not rub - your skin until it's almost dry, and then apply your favorite body oil or moisturizer - it will sink right in because there's no layer of dead, dry skin to block it's beneficial nourishment! It's a good idea to wash your body brush with mild soap and water every week or so to keep it free of odor and skin debris. I hope you'll try dry brushing, it'll make you feel oh-so-good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information about me, my books, events, podcasts, and to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and sign up for my monthly blog, please visit my website <a href="http://www.stephanietourles.com/" target="_blank">www.stephanietourles.com</a></span></div>
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Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-12668153355233042062018-01-17T10:56:00.002-08:002018-01-17T10:56:30.533-08:00"One Smart Smoothie" - The Ultimate Health Booster<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings Health Seekers! Did you put "get healthier" on your list of New Year's Resolutions? I did, and most folks do, even those that tend to eat right and exercise regularly. You can never be TOO healthy, plus, we all backslide at times - we're only human, right?</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In today's blog, I'm going to share with you one of my favorite smoothie recipes called, "One Smart Smoothie". I call it a "longevity elixir" because it is packed with long-life promoting nutrients. You can find it on page 148 of my best-selling book, "<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Raw Energy In A Glass: 126 Nutrition-Packed Smoothies, Green Drinks, and Other Satisfying Raw Beverages to Boost Your Well-Being</span></b>" (c2014, Storey Publishing). It's thick, fruity, filling, super energizing - the perfect way to start your day off on a healthy and delicious note. Be forewarned that it contains spirulina, which can have a bit of a fishy taste to the uninitiated, but when camouflaged with sweet, fresh orange juice and blueberries, its flavor is barely noticeable (or you can reduce the amount if it bothers you). I hope you enjoy this smoothie as much as I do. With regular consumption, you're sure to see radiant, glowing, and strong hair, skin, and nails, within a month or so, plus your vision and arthritic joints will greatly benefit from the high concentrations of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and carotenoids contained within this blend. Here's to your health and beauty! Drink up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the photo below, this smoothie is the dark purple one on the far left . . . </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4XH4tzi5B-Z5bBUBygVlB9UMIeldnmxb_aoVK6j4Bl06Zycbby9CGVasjQure9Lmk9cLnBxZdWUfKK9-H8syrqS6jQTj-i3FJIv6f8ZNOK-tFYwm52ftjEeSYUQ1r6ZvuDJuOPHqgQvc/s1600/145-cFZaslow-LongevityElixirs_RawEnergyinaGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4XH4tzi5B-Z5bBUBygVlB9UMIeldnmxb_aoVK6j4Bl06Zycbby9CGVasjQure9Lmk9cLnBxZdWUfKK9-H8syrqS6jQTj-i3FJIv6f8ZNOK-tFYwm52ftjEeSYUQ1r6ZvuDJuOPHqgQvc/s400/145-cFZaslow-LongevityElixirs_RawEnergyinaGlass.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>One Smart Smoothie</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Its hue is a deep purple and it's bursting with tangy blueberry and orange flavors that mask the strong taste of spirulina. Every ingredient in this smoothie is geared toward stimulating circulation and blood flow throughout the body and keeping arterial walls flexible, which promotes lifelong cardiovascular health, clear vision, and clarity of thought, plus vitality and stamina. NOTE: To avoid temporarily staining your teeth and tongue a dark bluish-purple, brush your teeth immediately after consuming.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Juice of 3 oranges, tangerines, or tangelos</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil, unfiltered preferred</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 2 teaspoons spirulina or wild blue-green algae powder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 2 teaspoons eleuthero root powder (try <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/">www.mountainroseherbs.com</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Pinch of sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Directions: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Put the orange juice, blueberries, flaxseed oil, spirulina, eleuthero, cayenne, and salt in a blender and puree until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the juice of another orange or some water if you find it too thick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Pour into glasses or insulated mugs. Be sure to "chew" each tart-sweet and fiber-rich sip, mixing well with your saliva so that it digests with ease, or savor slowly by eating with a spoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #4c1130;">Yield: </b>2 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #4c1130;">A Good Source Of: </b>blood-building iron and chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins B and C, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, trace minerals, protein, omega-3 and gamma-linolenic (GLA) fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, natural sugars, and fiber</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Note: The information in this blog is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Recipe used with permission from the book, "Raw Energy In A Glass" by Stephanie Tourles (c2014, Storey Publishing).</span></div>
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Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-44147390045853170052017-12-11T11:31:00.001-08:002017-12-11T11:31:45.949-08:00Delicious Raw Holiday Energy "Shot Blast"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Happy</b></span> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Holidays</span></b> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Everyone</span></b>! Last weekend, here in northern coastal Maine, we received our first snowfall of the season - a beauteous white blanket 7 inches thick. Truly sets the tone for Christmas, for sure. But, the shoveling of my walkways and decks reminded me that my cardio training has not been up to par and that my energy stores need to be stoked. So, on that note, today's blog will be about how to infuse your body with a quick burst of energy - healthfully. And, during this busy Holiday Season, who couldn't use a bit more energy? Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my bestselling book, <span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;"><i>Raw Energy In A Glass: 126 Nutrition-Packed Smoothies, Green Drinks, and Other Satisfying Raw Beverages to Boost Your Well-Being </i>(Storey Publishing, c2014)</span>, I wrote a chapter called, "Raw Shots: A Quick Blast of Energy". What the heck is a raw shot, you ask? These are small, uncomplicated, quick-to-make, energy elixirs, usually a half-cup of liquid or less per serving, that deliver a rapid shot of power! In addition to being the perfect afternoon pick-me-up for both adults and children, many of these little "energy rush" drinks are wonderful to serve at parties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They can be made in large batches a few hours ahead of time and stored in decorative liquor or wine bottles in the refrigerator - chilled and ready to excite the palates of your arriving guests. Attach a custom, colorful label to the bottle describing your "healthy home brew." It's fun to watch the reaction on people's faces when they taste your wares!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The darker purple beverages in the photo below (the ones with the dark flecks) represent today's recipe: <b style="color: purple;"><i>Deep Purple Vibrations Shot</i>. </b>Please give it a try - it's most delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSE3hCuXzasBfvr8dPqXWQClgqURFTWE85j9ox1s-YU1bgnUcCa1H_Am1a7ORiBg89x7fqPR0XVXAhZgZV0J9HG0hp1srN5_-0FzfbyT3oa8bKLly6QpnZykhjtVwVIvw1OXxTF7nTuyo/s1600/224_cFZaslow-RawShots_RawenergyinaGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSE3hCuXzasBfvr8dPqXWQClgqURFTWE85j9ox1s-YU1bgnUcCa1H_Am1a7ORiBg89x7fqPR0XVXAhZgZV0J9HG0hp1srN5_-0FzfbyT3oa8bKLly6QpnZykhjtVwVIvw1OXxTF7nTuyo/s400/224_cFZaslow-RawShots_RawenergyinaGlass.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A feel-good, look-good drink if there ever was one! Simply made using only dark purple, antioxidant-rich grapes blended with tart lime juice, it will quench your thirst, lift your energy, and, with abundant natural sugars, satisfy a raging sweet tooth. Most kids love this drink, especially if you give it a goofy name, like Purple Monster Juice. Beats a box of pasteurized juice any day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Highly alkaline and energetically cooling, grapes will help the body eliminate excess heat and acid. Enjoyed on a regular basis, the anti-inflammatory action will help soothe achy joints, too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><u>Ingredients</u>:</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1 cup dark purple, seedless grapes</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Pinch of sea salt (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><u>Directions:</u></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Place the grapes, lime juice, and salt, if desired, in a blender and blend on high until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Serve immediately, complete with all of the fiber, as I do, or strain through a mesh strainer to yield a more clarified beverage. Mix with a splash of carbonated water to make a natural, yummy sparkling soda!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Yield:</u> 2 servings</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">A Good Source Of:</u> antioxidants galore, plus vitamin C, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, natural sugars, and fiber (if you don't strain it out)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Note: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and the recipe adapted from her book, Raw Energy In A Glass (Storey Publishing, c2014). The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this recipe/information. It is for educational purposes only.</span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-22517312625839697692017-11-05T13:15:00.002-08:002017-11-05T13:15:27.010-08:00Gentle Chamomile Body Oil - Sensitive Skin Salvation<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone - Sorry for my "blogging absence", I didn't realize that it had been 6 weeks since my last post. I've been in the throes (and still am) of doing the last rounds of editing of the manuscripts and photography for 3 new books. Two that will be published in 2018 and 1 in 2019. I do so love writing, but the required editing processes can be daunting, plus I've never had to edit 3 manuscripts at one time. Live and learn! When all is said and done, the books will be awesome, though. Well worth the effort!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Regarding blogging, I've been wanting to share with you one of my favorite body oil recipes made with the ever-so-gentle chamomile flower. The original recipe is actually called, <i>Chamomile Baby Massage Oil, </i>and can be found on pg. 106 of my <i>Hands-On Healing Remdies</i> book (Storey Publishing, c2012). For today's blog, I've changed the name of the recipe (because it's really more than just a baby oil) and added Roman chamomile essential oil to the ingredient list to enhance the skin-healing properties of the flower-infused oil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The photographs were taken in July of 2017 and the resulting infused oil was made using fresh flowers from my Maine garden (that I had allowed to wilt and slightly dry for 3 days prior to making the recipe), but you can always use dried flowers purchased from an organic herb supplier such as <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank">www.mountainroseherbs.com</a> or <a href="http://www.jeansgreens.com/" target="_blank">www.jeansgreens.com</a> - 2 of my favorite companies. The sensitive, dry skin of my face and body love this oil. Sinks right in with nary a greasy residue. I also frequently use it on my clients when performing facial acupressure and massage. I've never had anyone have a reaction to it - no matter what their skin type. Please try your hand at making a batch - your skin will thank you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxihATLXLkso-soLljfhyphenhyphenKnZcJD2LUdiRaS6xiyRvFy2_lVhSahQpoUVpDIhjLBiOqGFZKRWrahFkxH4zkoXR5i4NY-OXXoEreeL4W9Gh3hSxBTQ61GQPtTS5G5vxS-kI3DefujCepKTmh/s1600/20170721_083135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxihATLXLkso-soLljfhyphenhyphenKnZcJD2LUdiRaS6xiyRvFy2_lVhSahQpoUVpDIhjLBiOqGFZKRWrahFkxH4zkoXR5i4NY-OXXoEreeL4W9Gh3hSxBTQ61GQPtTS5G5vxS-kI3DefujCepKTmh/s400/20170721_083135.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><i><u>Gentle Chamomile Body Oil - Sensitive Skin Salvation</u></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>No matter what your age, if your skin is tender, fragile, or super-sensitive, it requires ultra-mild care to keep it soft, supple, conditioned, nourished, and healthy as an effective barrier to the outside world. The simple luxury of almond oil infused with chamomile flowers, with their anti-inflammatory and vulnerary (skin tissue healing) properties and apple-like relaxing aroma, is all that's needed to care for your delicate skin. It's also perfect for the new, young skin of an infant or the papery, thin skin of an elder.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>If you grow only one herb in your garden, you must grow a patch of German chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita; M. chamomilla). In addition to using them to make bath, facial, and massage oils, you can brew them for tea, make sleep pillows, and use the infused oil for sleep and dream balms.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 2 cups dried or 3 cups freshly wilted (fresh picked & dried for 3 days prior to use)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 3-4 cups almond oil (enough to completely cover flowers and fill the jar) - May substitute jojoba oil or sunflower oil if allergic to almond</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 20 drops Roman chamomile essential oil </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- 2,000 IU vitamin E oil</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Equipment: </b>Widemouthed 1-quart canning jar, stirring utensil, plastic wrap, strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic storage containers</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Prep Time: </b>1 month</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Yield:</b> Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 cups (depending on whether you used fresh or dried flowers)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Storage: </b>Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Directions:</b> Place the chamomile flowers in a 1-quart canning jar. Drizzle the almond oil over the plant matter until the oil comes to within 1 inch of the top of the jar. The dried herb may pack in the bottom and the wilted herb matter will settle with the weight of the oil, so don't worry if it looks as though you don't have enough plant matter in the jar. Gently stir to remove air bubbles and make sure that all the plant matter is submerged.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Place a piece of plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar (to prevent the metal lid from coming into contact with the herbs) and tightly screw on the lid. Shake the jar several times to blend the herbs and oil thoroughly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny location such as a south-facing windowsill or outdoors during the warmer seasons. Shake the jar every day for 30 seconds or so.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">After 1 month, carefully strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then strain again if necessary to remove all herb debris. Squeeze the flowers to extract as much of the precious oil as possible. Discard the marc (spent herbs). Add the vitamin E oil and Roman chamomile essential oil and stir to blend. The resulting chamomile oil will be golden in color.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Pour the finished oil into storage container(s), then cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Application Instructions: </b> After a warm bath or shower, pat your skin almost dry. Apply a small amount of infused oil onto your slightly moist skin, massaging it in with gentle, circular motions until it is completely absorbed. This oil can easily be massaged into dry skin anytime you desire - it sinks in so nicely. Allow oil to soak into skin for at least 5 minutes before dressing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Note:</u> This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and recipe adapted from her book, "Hands-On Healing Remedies" (Storey Publishing, c2012). The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles and are for educational purposes only.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-16464361060075559112017-09-18T08:44:00.002-07:002017-09-18T08:44:47.871-07:00Tropical Immunity Boost: Day-Glow Antioxidant Fusion<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone! Early fall is in the air here in northern, coastal Maine as evidenced by the smattering of red maple leaves scattered about the woodlands, along with cooler evening temps. With the change of seasons from summer to fall (and often changing family schedules and heightened stress) many of us can succumb to the cold and flu germs that seem to be lurking about this time of year - just waiting to latch on and make us feel downright crappy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By late August, I typically begin to boost my immune system for the upcoming long Maine winter by consuming foods chock-full of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, plus minerals such as potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, calcium, etc., and plenty of live enzymes from raw foods. A healthy body builds a robust defensive shield against nasty bacterial and viral invaders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite tropical smoothies that contains many of the nutrients I mentioned above. It can easily be made in any good quality blender. The recipe comes from page 158 of my book, "<b><span style="color: purple;">Raw Energy In A Glass: 126 Nutrition-Packed Smoothies, Green Drinks, and Other Satisfying Raw Beverages to Boost Your Well-Being</span></b>"<b style="color: #cc0000;"> </b>(Storey Publishing c2014). It's the tall orange beverage in the photo below. The drink in the smaller, adjacent glass is my recipe for "Aloe & Pineapple Digestive Health Elixir", that can be found on page 161 of the same book - it's perfect for boosting digestive health. If you like tropical fruits such as ripe papayas, pineapples, and mangoes, then you'll be whipping up this drink again and again! Kids absolutely love the flavor! Give it a try, won't you? I guarantee that your taste buds will be left smiling!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Day-Glow Antioxidant Fusion</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Like sunshine on a cloudy day, this glorious golden-orange, tropical smoothie is a supreme source of youthifying enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Great as a refreshing morning beverage or afternoon pick-me-up. It boosts your immune system, helps keep colds and flu at bay, and helps combat visible signs of aging.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u>Ingredients</u>:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Fresh, raw juice of 3 oranges, tangerines, or tangelos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 medium papaya, seeded, flesh scooped out</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 cup fresh super-ripe pineapple, cut into small pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 cup fresh or frozen mango, pitted, cut into chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla flavoring (optional, but adds a nice, rich flavor)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Directions</u>:</i> Put the orange juice, papaya, pineapple, mango, and vanilla in a blender and puree until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serve in glasses or insulated mugs. This tropical smoothie is rich in natural sugars and fiber, so drink very slowly and "chew" each sip so that it digests with ease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Yield</u>:</i> 1 large or 2 small servings</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><u>A good source of</u>: </i>antioxidants, papain and bromelain enzymes, vitamins C and K, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, natural sugars, and fiber</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and the recipe was excerpted - with permission - from her book, "Raw Energy In A Glass" (Storey Publishing, c2014). The information presented is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.</span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-82989783704428653092017-08-21T10:46:00.001-07:002017-08-21T10:46:18.067-07:00Calendula-Infused Body Oil: How To Make It<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello Everyone! I'm so excited about today's blog . . . I had a bountiful crop of gorgeous vibrant orange and yellow calendula flowers this summer and made a stunning medicinal oil from my harvest. This blog has several beautiful pictures of my flowers, the oil solar-infusing in my jar, and a recipe detailing how to make it (which comes from page 162 of my <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Hands-On Healing Remedies Book</b> </span>(Storey Publishing, 2012), which is available from online book-sellers and most bookstores nationwide. I've altered the recipe below just slightly - so it's a little different from the one in my book - but either work well. If you have a garden, I encourage you to dedicate some space to this glorious multi-purpose healing herb. You'll be well rewarded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little about Calendula (<i>Calendula officinalis</i>) . . . these flowers are known for their calming, anti-inflammatory, mildly antiseptic, and vulnerary (tissue healing) properties. Slightly astringent with a neutral-to-cooling energy, the infused oil can be used in facial oils, body oil blends, medicinal oil blends, salves, and balms for all types of skin - including infants and elderly, where gentle effectiveness is of utmost importance. Calendula-infused oil is especially beneficial for environmentally damaged, inflamed, abraded, cracked, chapped, or infected skin. The resinous, sticky, white sap from the calendula stem has been used for centuries as a wart remover, and the fresh flower juice (which can be extracted using a mortar and pestle) is one of my favorite remedies to help heal minor skin infections, hives, bites and stings, and skin abrasions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are photos of the flowers infusing in extra-virgin olive oil and the finished, strained out oil . . . </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU569DKLtK1i05AS8PASXYATuUkJotfyozvHrSlnHrlzzVWL2s9UKhcBXwtn_pLlV8rDpUjEP8HO4rWj34MiFktyOMhhvii9UamxdBKbPvmo85XC3VppE0zY_5o-dHD1HUTkyN-RXyf8W/s1600/20170725_182206_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU569DKLtK1i05AS8PASXYATuUkJotfyozvHrSlnHrlzzVWL2s9UKhcBXwtn_pLlV8rDpUjEP8HO4rWj34MiFktyOMhhvii9UamxdBKbPvmo85XC3VppE0zY_5o-dHD1HUTkyN-RXyf8W/s320/20170725_182206_001.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKlj7jIPgg1cUn2rBKuZKR9Ay3KW_dI_6TyiiZVv8mI7RSQveDOn9WglEzjFDi71zrdFUTm7XHJwrvpAHauA365qgcbRUP3B_2alvYXjVLgynMQx321L5I_8XxHG9RqkM3qeYjMAktVyM/s1600/20170731_082915_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKlj7jIPgg1cUn2rBKuZKR9Ay3KW_dI_6TyiiZVv8mI7RSQveDOn9WglEzjFDi71zrdFUTm7XHJwrvpAHauA365qgcbRUP3B_2alvYXjVLgynMQx321L5I_8XxHG9RqkM3qeYjMAktVyM/s320/20170731_082915_001.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, for the recipe . . . </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Simple Calendula-Infused Body Oil</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The sunny calendula flower is strikingly beautiful and intensely colorful, and it contains simple, potent, yet gentle medicine. Calendula-infused oil is mildly antiseptic, fights inflammation, stimulates skin cell regeneration, and conditions skin by helping to restore elasticity and suppleness.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The oil can be used alone or may be added to body oils, blends, salves, and balms intended to aid in the healing of all manner of skin irritations, psoriasis, eczema, stretch marks, burns, scars, cuts and scrapes, bug bites and stings, infections, dry skin, and diaper rash. I highly recommend that you keep a jar of this "miracle oil" in your medicine cabinet.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>NOTE:</b> </span><span style="color: #660000;">I always make this infused oil in the summer or early fall, when I can pick the flowers fresh from my garden, but if fresh blossoms are unavailable, dried ones will do nicely, too. I prefer to use the solar infusion method, but also occasionally make it on the stove top in a saucepan on very low heat, in a double boiler, or in a crock pot on very low heat. Important: Fresh calendula flowers are very thick and sticky and need to be wilted or semi-dried for at least 72 hours prior to making this recipe so that a good portion of their moisture evaporates before introducing them into the oil.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 3 cups dried or 4 cups freshly wilted calendula flowers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 3-4 cups almond, jojoba, or extra-virgin olive oil (enough to cover flowers)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 3,000 IU vitamin E oil (Tip - using 3, 1,000 IU capsules is most convenient)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Equipment:</u> 1-quart canning jar; stirring utensil, strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic storage containers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Prep Time:</u> 1 month</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Yield:</u> Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 cups (depending on whether you used fresh or dried flowers)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Storage:</u> Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Directions:</u> If you're using freshly wilted calendula flowers, cut or tear the flowers into smaller pieces to expose more surface area to the oil. You <span style="color: blue;"><i>must</i> </span>first allow them to "wilt" or "semi-dry" for 72 hours before making this recipe . . . don't forget this step or a cloudy, slimy, watery-residue will form in the bottom of your jar - which is NOT good - and quickly promotes mold and bacterial growth. Just lay the flowers on a strip of paper towels in a dry area or in the back of your warm car. They'll soon start shriveling and wilting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> After wilting (or if you're using dried blossoms), place the flowers in a widemouthed 1-quart canning jar. Drizzle your chosen oil (I tend to use extra-virgin olive or jojoba oil) over the plant matter until the oil comes to within 1 inch of the top of the jar. The flowers will settle with the weight of the oil, so don't worry if it looks as though you don't have enough plant matter in the jar. Gently stir to remove air bubbles and make sure that all the plant matter is submerged.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place a piece of plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar (to prevent the metal lid from coming into contact with the flowers) and tightly screw on the lid. Place the jar in a warm, sunny location such as a south-facing windowsill or set it out on your sunny deck, and allow the flowers to infuse for 1 month. Shake the jar every day for 30 seconds or so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After 1 month, carefully strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin cloth or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then strain again if necessary to remove all herb debris. Squeeze the flowers gently to extract as much of the precious oil as possible. Discard the marc - or spent herb. Add the vitamin E oil and stir to blend. The resulting calendula oil can vary in color from deep, vibrant yellow to yellow-orange to bright orange. Pour the finished oil into storage containers, then cap, label, and store in a cool, dark cabinet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Application Instructions:</u> After a warm bath or shower, pat your skin almost dry and apply an even light layer of the infused oil to your entire body, massaging in gentle, circular motions until it is completely absorbed. Let the oil soak in for 5 to 10 minutes before getting dressed. If your skin remains oily, then you've used too much - use less next time. You can also massage this oil into dry skin anytime you desire - it sinks in so nicely. It's fabulous when used as your daily facial oil, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NOTE: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and recipe excerpted (and altered a wee bit) from her book, <i>Hands-On Healing Recipes </i>(Storey Publishing, 2012). The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.</span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-50200792701723377062017-07-23T11:36:00.004-07:002017-07-24T07:38:50.922-07:00Bye, Bye, Buzzy Mosquito Repellent Spray<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summer Blessings Everyone! Today, I want to share with you an oh-so-fragrant and effective recipe for an easy-to-make, essential-oil-based, mosquito repellent spray. It works best for when bugs are only mildly-to-moderately hungry. The formula comes from page 84 of my book, <i style="color: #990000;">Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects </i>(Storey Publishing, c2016). If you haven't already purchased this handy little book, it's only $10.95 (available online and in bookstores nationwide) and chock-full of recipes for natural mosquito/tick repellents for humans, flea/tick repellents for your dogs and cats, and natural insecticides for your home. Nary a chemical in sight . . . safe for you, your pets, and your home - but the bugs will go running!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Essential oils . . . where do I get mine? I'm often asked this question. I've worked with several brands of essential oils in my long natural skin care/reflexology/book-writing career, but I've been primarily using DoTERRA oils for the last year as I've discovered that they are of excellent quality and responsibly/ethically sourced, and there's just something about their energy that I'm attracted to. I was out of rosemary essential oil when I took the recipe supply photo below - which I can't believe, as it is one of my favorite remedial oils - so I used another brand (thus the bottle with the white cap in the photo). If you'd like to read about the DoTERRA company and their oils, just visit my website and cruise around <a href="http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles" target="_blank">http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not a "newbie" to essential oils, quite the contrary. I'm a professional aromatherapist (and an experienced herbalist) with thousands of hours of training and research and would love to have you on my DoTERRA team. I've written scads of books with recipes that incorporate essential oils and taught many-a-class about the healing benefits these oils can offer. I can educate you about the products in ways that many folks - with much less scholarly and hands-on experience - cannot. Please email me if you have a question. My address is on my DoTERRA website. So - there's my business plug . . . on to the recipe . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Bye, Bye, Buzzy Spray</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Contraindication: Do not use on children under 2 years of age.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>If you love the uplifting, stimulating scents of rosemary, lemon, and peppermint, then you'll adore this mentally energizing formula that happens to repel annoying bugs. It doubles as a wonderfully effective, antiseptic kitchen and bathroom cleaner, leaving a lingering fragrance that will help deter all manner of pesky insects, especially in dark cabinets where they like to reside.</i></span><span style="color: #741b47;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">40 drops rosemary essential oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">30 drops lemon essential oil (may substitute 'lemongrass' if you wish)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10 drops peppermint essential oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional, but adds slight moisturizing effect to skin)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap, peppermint or eucalyptus scented</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup witch hazel (available at drug/health food stores or www.mountainroseherbs.com)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8-ounce PET plastic or glass spritzer bottle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="color: #741b47; font-style: italic;">Directions:</u> Add the rosemary, lemon (or lemongrass), and peppermint essential oils directly to your bottle, then add the glycerin, liquid soap, and witch hazel. Screw the top on the bottle and shake vigorously to blend. Allow the spray to synergize (so the ingredients can chemically blend) for 1 hour prior to use. Do not forget to add a label, preferably covered with waterproof postage tape, the date made, and the words "external use only".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I often will divide this recipe into 4, 2-oz. bottles and stash one in my purse, car, backpack, and bathroom - so there's always one handy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><u style="font-style: italic;">Application:</u> </span>Shake the bottle prior to each use. Apply liberally to skin as needed - you may need to reapply every 20 to 30 minutes. May be sprayed on clothing. <i>Remember - DO NOT use on children under 2 years of age.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NOTE: The recipe in this blog has been adapted from the book, <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Naturally Bug-Free</i></b></span> (Storey Publishing, c 2016), by Stephanie Tourles. The information in Stephanie's blog is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.</span></div>
Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-35974381668412935962017-06-21T08:05:00.003-07:002017-06-21T08:05:31.552-07:00Herbal Foot Refresher & De-Stressor<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone! It's the official first day of summer as I write this - my favorite season! For me, the body part that needs the most tender loving care this time of year is my feet. Can you relate? I'm on them a heck of a lot . . . between gardening, mowing the lawn, walking for exercise, hiking up local trails, and going barefoot . . . they get their share of abuse. I guess my biggest complaint is that my feet just plain ache by the end of the day. I'm sure you have days when you've been on yours all day and just want to prop them up and "take a load off" cuz' your "dogs are barking"! Am I right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, today's blog and recipe is just the ticket . . . it's about how to refresh and rejuvenate your tired, aching feet and put a bit of spring back in your step . . . leaving you footloose and fancy-free! The recipe comes from page 94 of one of my earlier authored books, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>"Natural Foot Care: Herbal Treatments, Massage, And Exercises For Healthy Feet"</i></span></b> (Storey Publishing), published way back in 1998. It's an oldie but a goodie! Everyone has feet and they always need attention - so the content of this book is still quite relevant - for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a professional foot reflexologist, I see many clients, that for a variety of reasons, have chronically achy feet, and for remedial care, I always suggest purchasing several pair of shoes with a wide toe box, so toes can freely wiggle (shoes that are too small make feet hurt), and that they try the combined foot soak and exercise treatment that follows. Those two suggestions alone go a long way towards making your entire body feel better! Please "treat your feet" on a regular basis . . . comfortable feet make a comfortable you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Foot Refresher & De-Stressor</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>This combined exercise and herbal foot soak or "foot tea" is designed to relax tired, aching feet, relieve toe cramps, and strengthen weak foot muscles that support the plantar fascia that runs the length of the bottom of your foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. This treatment is also good if you suffer from hammertoes and pain in the ball of your foot. Deodorizes and freshens smelly feet, too! Feels fabulous when done at the end of a long day.</i></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What You Need:</span></span></u><br />
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-<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Plastic foot tub or decent size dish pan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 40-60 medium-size marbles - the more the better</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Large towel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 4 tablespoons dried peppermint, yarrow, or sage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 2 tablespoons dried wintergreen (or substitute more peppermint, if unavailable)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (If you don't have any loose herbs handy, no worries, simply use a few peppermint or chamomile tea bags that you might have in your cabinet) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 piece of cheesecloth </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 5 to 10 drops lavender, peppermint, rosemary, or eucalyptus essential oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1/2 cup sea salt, baking soda, or Epsom salts </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #990000;">Directions:</span></u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicykfuslB-no4MfG61InFph-WHfuO5ihBQlv2lQ8ra-q6uCvHQgSyg31tBwSxy02_9ACXz4b4kZmLctMZjyMxnMQDw8BwAgSybbDFSQGD6KgA2d6pHrP1wVvNA4tapVvaj3VrkWRNL-ZCZ/s1600/94_feetbath_NaturalFootcare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicykfuslB-no4MfG61InFph-WHfuO5ihBQlv2lQ8ra-q6uCvHQgSyg31tBwSxy02_9ACXz4b4kZmLctMZjyMxnMQDw8BwAgSybbDFSQGD6KgA2d6pHrP1wVvNA4tapVvaj3VrkWRNL-ZCZ/s320/94_feetbath_NaturalFootcare.jpg" width="315" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Place the foot tub with the marbles in it in front of a comfortable chair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Boil enough water to fill the foot tub to above ankle height - about 1.5 - 2 gallons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Remove pan from heat and add the dried herbs of choice loosely tied in cheesecloth. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Remove the herbs. (You can add the spent herbs to your compost pile.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Fill the foot tub with the hot tea, and add the essential oil, and the sea salt, baking soda, or Epsom salts. Swish the ingredients around to dissolve the salt/soda and blend in essential oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #990000;">To Use:</span></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">1. Place your feet in the tub and roll them around on the marbles.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">2. Pick up and release marbles with your toes, grasping marbles tightly, squeezing your toes, then releasing. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">3. Dry feet roughly with towel.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">4. Slather with a thick moisturizer and put on socks.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">5. Now . . . don't you have "Happy Feet"?? </span> </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and content adapted from her book, Natural Foot Care (Storey Publishing, c1998). The material is provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician. </span><br />
Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-31079473712822995902017-06-01T10:29:00.003-07:002017-06-01T10:29:36.896-07:00Olive Essentials Facial Oil No. 1 - REFORMULATED<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Healthy Hello To All My Readers! The sun is finally shining in Maine today - yahoo! Hopefully we'll break out of of the cool, damp weather vortex that we've been stuck in for two months! It's wearing on my emotions, to say the least!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's blog is a short one, but an important one. As many of you know (and for those of you that don't), I'm a licensed esthetician (skin care specialist) in MA, ME, and GA, and I formulate a couple of exquisite, velvety-textured, organic facial oils for Healthy Harvest <a href="http://www.healthyharvests.com/" target="_blank">www.healthyharvests.com</a> (yes, there is an "s" at the end of "harvests") - an importer of the finest raw, unrefined, enzyme-rich, low acid, high-polyphenol count (read, high in anti-oxidants) Tuscan olive oil. The facial oils are called "Olive Essentials Facial Oil No. 1 and No. 2, and I dearly love both of these formulations - they were designed as "food for the skin" and have Tuscan olive oil as their base, plus various superior-quality, organic and wildcrafted essential oils. No synthetic fragrances, colors, or man-made ingredients whatsoever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since customer care and attention is of extreme importance to Karl Burgart (the owner of Healthy Harvest) and myself, we began to notice over the last several months, that our customers were requesting a facial oil that had more of a lovely lavender essence - lavender ranking near the top of the list of favored essential oils! Well, you asked and we delivered . . . announcing the NEWLY REFORMULATED Facial Oil No. 1. To be honest, I love the original formulation of Facial Oil No. 1 - it was not formulated for its aroma, but for the youthifying and nourishing effects it bestowed upon all skin types, including normal-to-oily, combination, mature, environmentally damaged, inflamed, and chapped. Yes, it can balance nearly ALL skin types and no, it will not leave your skin oily - penetrates quite readily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original formulation had a very, very subtle scent, being a combination of organic French Highland lavender, wild-grown rose geranium, wildcrafted myrrh, and organic palmarosa essential oils, but now I've gently altered the recipe, basing my blending on the French aromatherapy model, and the organic lavender essential oil really shines, especially when it's applied to warm skin. I feel it now does an even better job at nourishing and rejuvenating your skin. Lavender essential oil is considered gentle and safe, a "medicine chest" in a bottle, and has over 165 documented uses for skin and health care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my promise . . . there's nothing on the market anywhere . . . anywhere . . . like our facial oils! They are totally unique, and that's the truth. No one in the United States imports the Tuscan olive oil that we use as the base (which comes from a 200 yr. old organic farm in Italy) and uses it in a facial oil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've already purchased and fallen in love with our original Facial Oil No. 1, then I encourage you to try the new version. You'll fall in love all over again and your skin will say, "Ahhhh . . . I feel soooo good," and blossom with improved radiance and health! I use Facial Oil No. 1 at night after cleansing and Facial Oil No. 2 in the morning (it contains wildcrafted frankincense CO2, organic French Highland lavender, and Australian Sandalwood essential oils) and also smells heavenly, but heavier, and more robust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFioMIPv_YfPjGYTWPg9lAIIcfdkQhN20LqbcayyS8OXp15-5TToFW2W83Ec-0eV6KTWtYQ6woHRpD0A4SLOVkUb2wZZZOf5P7DXpEdO5AQvnp5AAUI-tsebTy7oUhSD8Z8L4cGZ-LMbd/s1600/20170529_131407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFioMIPv_YfPjGYTWPg9lAIIcfdkQhN20LqbcayyS8OXp15-5TToFW2W83Ec-0eV6KTWtYQ6woHRpD0A4SLOVkUb2wZZZOf5P7DXpEdO5AQvnp5AAUI-tsebTy7oUhSD8Z8L4cGZ-LMbd/s320/20170529_131407.jpg" width="180" /> </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To order a bottle, go to <a href="http://www.healthyharvests.com/" target="_blank">www.healthyharvests.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The price per bottle is $39.99 and will last approximately 2-3 months. For $5 off, use the code: BCFM5. Blessings and thanks in advance for your purchase! </span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-13103750681945127752017-05-09T08:29:00.003-07:002017-05-09T08:29:50.956-07:00Mango Silkshake - Raw Energy In A Glass!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spring Greetings Everyone! Seems most of the country has already enjoyed their spring season, or are in the midst of it, or have even slipped on into summer - being quite warm and dry. How envious I am of you all! Here in coastal Maine - we seem to be stuck in a never-ending soggy cycle of rain, drizzle, fog, and unseasonable coolness . . . with ever-so-short bouts of sunshine. Squish, squish, squish . . . as I walk through my water-logged garden soil. My deep-emerald lawn is growing so fast I can hear it! What I would give for a week of 60+ degree steady sunshine . . . please send some so we can all dry out up here . . . that is my prayer request for everyone who reads this blog😊 Many thanks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, since I've been craving warmer weather and summery foods, my recent thoughts have turned to ways in which I might brighten my diet, which would also brighten my heavy, down, mood - and one of my favorite foods is the sunny, cheery, sweet mango. So, after wracking my brain as to what to make, I remembered that I had published a delicious recipe in my best-selling book, <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Raw Energy In A Glass</span></b></i><span style="color: #38761d;"> <span style="color: black;">(Storey Publishing, c2014) . . . called <i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Mango Silkshake </b></span></i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">(the photo is below - the golden-yellow glass in the lower right, next to the Blackberry Bliss shake)</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">. And, this luscious, mood- and immune-boosting shake is what I'm going to share with you today. I hope you get as much pleasure from it as I do! Enjoy!!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDk4XlaRRYSTzAIL7qGoWVXkkb517n8iO_yMdNITZ_IuyLrD7KuOcs2V-d0FvveZajLbHIcLMW_LdHnB8hLfrdyt9uUwLNm9NoFVEBi0UUnn5yaV1b-aws_HiapSVCO-ctevUnSuPdfgi/s1600/211_FZaslow_IceCreamShakes_rawenergyinglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDk4XlaRRYSTzAIL7qGoWVXkkb517n8iO_yMdNITZ_IuyLrD7KuOcs2V-d0FvveZajLbHIcLMW_LdHnB8hLfrdyt9uUwLNm9NoFVEBi0UUnn5yaV1b-aws_HiapSVCO-ctevUnSuPdfgi/s320/211_FZaslow_IceCreamShakes_rawenergyinglass.jpg" width="269" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Mango Silkshake</u></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>Pale orange, sensuous in texture, and fabulously scrumptious! Each silky sip glides over your tongue and makes your taste buds dance with sheer delight. It's quite filling and delivers energizing and beautifying phytonutrients to help satisfy your daily "wellness quota."</i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><u>Ingredients:</u></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;">- 1 1/2 cups almond, walnut, or cashew milk (recipe on pg. 109 of</span><i> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Raw Energy In A Glass</span></b></i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">- 3 cups frozen mango chunks</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">- 1 tablespoon raw, unrefined coconut oil</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">- 1 tablespoon raw honey, coconut syrup, or maple syrup</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla flavoring</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">- Pinch of sea salt (really enhances all of the flavors) </span></span><i><br /></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="color: red;"><u>Directions:</u></span></i><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put the nut milk, mango, coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and salt in a blender and puree until smooth and silky, about 30 seconds. A high-powered blender works best. Next, pour into glasses or insulated mugs. This shake is moderate in natural sugars, but loaded with fiber, so be sure to "chew" each sip, mixing well with your saliva so that it digests with ease, or savor slowly by eating with a spoon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i></i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i></i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="color: red;"></span></i><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<u><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yield:</span></span></i></u><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 servings</span></span></span></span><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /></span></span></u><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u><b>A good source of:</b></u></span></span></i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">antioxidants, vitamins C, B, E, and K, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, other trace minerals, healthy fat, natural sugars, and fiber</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i>Note:</i></u></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Portions of this blog are adapted from Stephanie Tourles' book, "Raw Energy In A Glass" (Storey Publishing c2014). The information shared here is made without guarantee on the part of the author. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. </i></span></span></span></span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-6496526505026941752017-04-03T09:15:00.002-07:002017-04-03T09:15:34.841-07:00Olive Essentials Facial Oils No. 1 & No. 2<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone . . . As some of you know, I formulate exquisite facial oils for Healthy Harvest (an importer of organic olive oils) - using their raw, unrefined, enzyme-rich, silky-smooth Tuscan olive oil. I just wrote a "guest blog" for their company and wanted to share it with you. It discusses why I decided to create facial oils for them, why I fell in love with their Tuscan oil, and the benefits of these facial blends. Everyone should know the "story" behind their skin care . . . at least I think so! Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please see Stephanie's guest blog post live <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://healthyharvests.com/2017/04/why-i-created-healthy-harvest-facial-oils/&source=gmail&ust=1491321855969000&usg=AFQjCNGzrc0rLG3FxYYAUjM_O1wVSAOE1Q" href="https://healthyharvests.com/2017/04/why-i-created-healthy-harvest-facial-oils/" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #0073aa; font-family: -apple-system,system-ui,"segoe ui",roboto,oxygen-sans,ubuntu,cantarell,"helvetica neue",sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">https://healthyharvests.<wbr></wbr>com/2017/04/<span id="m_522849813816322872editable-post-name" style="font-weight: 600;">why-i-created-he…<wbr></wbr>vest-facial-oils</span>/</a> </span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-83181645477672447192017-03-31T11:26:00.004-07:002017-03-31T11:49:47.244-07:00Raw Tahitian Mango Ginger Soup: Summer In A Bowl<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Healthy Greetings Everyone!</span> I don't know about you, but I'm craving a taste of summer - BIG TIME! Here in Maine, Old Man Winter just won't release his tight grip and we're all suffering from cabin fever. Day after day of gray, cold, dreary dankness continues to haunt our supposed Spring. Ugh! Consider yourself fortunate if you live in a warmer, sunnier locale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, as luck would have it, as I was perusing the produce section of my local grocery store yesterday, I discovered a huge pile of super ripe, incredibly fragrant mangoes (that's rare in these parts) AND organic ginger root (both on sale) . . . two of my favorite tropical foods - so fresh and summery! I stocked up. Upon arriving home, I had an "Ahh Ha" moment . . . it suddenly occurred to me that I had a recipe that included these two ingredients and it just happened to be in my best-selling raw food book, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Raw Energy: 124 Raw Food Recipes for Energy Bars, Smoothies, and Other Snacks to Supercharge Your Body </i></span></b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">(Storey Publishing 2009)</span></span>. I've written so many recipe books that I sometimes forget their contents . . . lol! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recipe is called <i>Tahitian Mango Ginger Soup </i>and it's absolutely delish, vibrantly colored, jam-packed with immune-boosting nutrients, and guaranteed to help you shake off winter's funk! If you already have a copy of my book, the recipe can be found in <i>Chapter 10: Chillin' Fresh, Cold Fruit & Vegetable Soups </i>on pg. 222. If you love mangoes and unique raw fruit soups . . . give this recipe a try! It will definitely put "spring in your step" - even if Old Man Winter still wants to linger a bit longer! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photography by Kevin Kennefick, copyright 2009.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuPCNYY0S8ErEjO1nyygHHNFYY4yCvtA5DswSYNnUu8fX4uC8Bcbnu6Pml60637DY8zgnbx815jOECINmqPkf8qn2kCt0MX3-yXcrqcNCVTUdOx_58gdyMatQI232uWbzIP82rJJuiK_z/s1600/TahitianMangoSoup_RawEnergy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuPCNYY0S8ErEjO1nyygHHNFYY4yCvtA5DswSYNnUu8fX4uC8Bcbnu6Pml60637DY8zgnbx815jOECINmqPkf8qn2kCt0MX3-yXcrqcNCVTUdOx_58gdyMatQI232uWbzIP82rJJuiK_z/s320/TahitianMangoSoup_RawEnergy.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<u><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Tahitian Mango Ginger Soup</b></span></span></i></u><br />
<u><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></u>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">This thick, brilliant yellow-orange soup trumpets an exquisite combination of tropical fruit flavors mingled with a delicate hint of warming spices. It's guaranteed to supercharge your vitality and quell your appetite. This soup is also a superior source of digestive enzymes and a fabulous kidney cleanser and mild diuretic, and it helps clear the skin of acne. Whew! Tasty, functional food extraordinaire . . . how awesome!!</span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 3 medium ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted (about 3 cups)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Juice of 1 medium orange, tangerine, or tangelo (about 1/3 cup)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1/4 cup purified water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1 tablespoon raw honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1 teaspoon ginger root, peeled and minced (add more for a zestier flavor - if you wish)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 3 mint sprigs (optional, for garnish) </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><u>Directions:</u></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">1. Put the mango, orange juice, water, lime juice, honey, ginger, curry powder, and salt in a blender. Blend on medium until very smooth and relatively thick, about 30-60 seconds.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black;">2. For the best flavor, chill the soup for at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish each bowl of soup with a mint sprig, if desired. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><u><i>Yield:</i></u></span><span style="color: #783f04;"> <span style="color: black;">3 small servings</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><u><i>A Good Source Of:</i></u></span><span style="color: purple;"> </span> <span style="color: black;">antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, natural sugars, and fiber, and lesser amounts of vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="color: black;">NOTE: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles. Recipe excerpted from her book, <i>Raw Energy: 124 Raw Food Recipes for Energy Bars, Smoothies, and Other Snacks to Supercharge Your Body</i> (Storey Publishing, 2009). The author and Storey Publishing disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. <i> </i></span></span><b> </b></span></span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-17690390589740022752017-02-27T14:51:00.001-08:002017-02-27T14:51:13.090-08:00Creating Herbal Aphrodisiacs - Part 2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aromatic Greetings To Everyone! Hmmmm . . . . why did I say "aromatic greetings"? Well, that's because today I'm going to share with you an amazingly fragrant body mist recipe from my latest book, <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Making Love Potions: 64 All-Natural Recipes for Irresistible Herbal Aphrodisiacs</i></span></b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"> . . . and it's simply going to knock your socks off! It smells sooooo wonderful, is relatively economical (and quick) to create, and makes a fabulous gift for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, bridal showers, or anytime you want to gift someone special with a delectable fragrance. You'll love it so much, that you'll definitely want to create one for yourself, too! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">As a professional aromatherapist and herbalist, I love "all things fragrant" that are plant-derived and chemical-free. The recipe I'm going to share with you is one of the most popular in my book and seems to have unisex appeal - it can be found on page 27. If you don't have a copy of this gorgeously-illustrated book, you'll find it available in most bookstores nationwide as well as through popular book-seller's websites. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCVJChPtml3RhRlgPvO-Cg0yP0T1uvC6Bfzab9J9ElAgUtJGE2jOsj8H8Z3hrXa3zNBmyRIvluIvP9nJSAGVFhGr1x-PdL3MdIIRH5XZHNYkYwpgYAtdHcP4hNgJoD4pigWacUKCSsEAv/s1600/622572_LovePotionsCvrFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCVJChPtml3RhRlgPvO-Cg0yP0T1uvC6Bfzab9J9ElAgUtJGE2jOsj8H8Z3hrXa3zNBmyRIvluIvP9nJSAGVFhGr1x-PdL3MdIIRH5XZHNYkYwpgYAtdHcP4hNgJoD4pigWacUKCSsEAv/s320/622572_LovePotionsCvrFront.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>"I Want to Kiss You All Over" </b></i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Body Mist</span></b></span></u></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Ooh-la-la! This sumptuous body mist may remind you of fresh-baked doughnuts or perhaps gently spicy snickerdoodle cookies, rich with the aromatics of vanilla bean, sweet orange, ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and allspice. Both men and women find these "comfort food fragrances" alluring, so if you want to smell delectable, spritz some on everywhere. This mist doubles as an enticing spray for the boudoir - a few spritzes on your bedding and pillows imparts a deeply intriguing, aphrodisiacal fragrance.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">I often wear this as my daily perfume and it ALWAYS turns heads! When the essential oils and premium vanilla extract base warm to your body temperature, your skin emanates a most interesting delicious, spicy-sweet aroma! Enjoy!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Ingredients:</span></b></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">- 8 drops sweet orange or wild sweet orange essential oil</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">- 4 drops ginger essential oil</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">- 3 drops cinnamon bark essential oil</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">- 3 drops clove essential oil</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">- 2 drops allspice essential oil</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">- 2 drops cardamom essential oil</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, preferably made from Madagascar Bourbon or Tahitian vanilla beans (I really like the vanilla extracts sold by <i>King Arthur Flour</i> <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/" target="_blank">www.kingarthurflour.com</a> - exquisite! OR, make your own using my <i>DIY: Sumptuous Vanilla Extract </i>recipe on pg 31 of my book.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">- 2 tablespoons water </span></span></span><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;"> </span></b></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">To Make:</span></b></span></span></i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> Combine the sweet orange, ginger, cinnamon, clove, allspice, and cardamom essential oils in a 2-ounce dark glass spritzer bottle. Pour in the vanilla extract and water, screw on the top, and shake vigorously to blend. Label, then set aside for 24 hours to allow the essential oils to synergize and the fragrance to develop. Store at room temperature away from heat and light; use within 1 year.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">To Use:</span></b></span></span></i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"> Shake well, then spritz anywhere on your body, up to several times per day. <i>Common sense precautions:</i> keep out of reach of children and pets; do not spray directly into eyes, nose, or mouth.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Yield: </span></b></span></span></i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Makes about 1/4 cup or 2 ounces</span></span></span><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span> </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">Here are my favorite, tried-and-true, superior-quality, aromatherapeutic essential oil resources:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">1. Simplers Botanicals <a href="http://www.shopsimplers.com/">www.shopsimplers.com</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">2. DoTERRA <a href="http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles">http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles</a> This company has the absolute, most fragrant, freshest, wild sweet orange essential oil I've ever smelled! If you adore the scent of orange peel . . . please try a bottle! I always use it in this recipe. </span></span></span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-76429211729312793442017-02-01T09:26:00.004-08:002017-02-01T09:26:38.882-08:00Creating Herbal Aphrodisiacs - Part 1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello All . . . Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Still need a gift for your sweetie? Or, better yet, a gift that you can <i>share</i> with your lover? Ooooh la la . . . indeed! Well, I've got just the ticket. My latest book, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Making Love Potions: 64 All-Natural Recipes for Irresistible Herbal Aphrodisiacs</i></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"> has many suggestions (ruby-red drinks, tasty nibbles, massage oils, perfumes, aromatic spritzers, linen sprays, edible body butters, and more) for creating a most romantic evening. And, luckily for you, I've just posted two YouTube videos that will demonstrate a couple of easy-to-make recipes to kindle the passion in your relationship. The <i>Vanilla Spice Body Powder</i> recipe is pleasingly warm, silky, and aromatic on the skin - appeals to both men and women, and the <i>Herbal Energy Balls</i> recipe is tasty, sweet-tart, and builds vitality in your core. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtidtNyy0lMl7NZfSrS0tb_wpxWQTcwrDipr71CJiE6I8dVGyqqJL2k4GW3gTTxqyrAuzo5F195ZdqVDeUydyZf_3sVnINfFP5JmGNtiPOxO-NbKLRMvsKSKdezngGFRYkTPLrGQY0wYZe/s1600/622572_LovePotionsCvrFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtidtNyy0lMl7NZfSrS0tb_wpxWQTcwrDipr71CJiE6I8dVGyqqJL2k4GW3gTTxqyrAuzo5F195ZdqVDeUydyZf_3sVnINfFP5JmGNtiPOxO-NbKLRMvsKSKdezngGFRYkTPLrGQY0wYZe/s320/622572_LovePotionsCvrFront.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here are the video links . . . watch, learn, and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Herbal Energy Balls <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrTg50bVLsM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrTg50bVLsM</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Vanilla Spice Body Powder <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkjSCrvLPTM&t=2s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkjSCrvLPTM&t=2s</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-36561921634250988192017-01-10T13:28:00.001-08:002017-01-10T13:28:40.110-08:00Boost Your Immunity With Essential Oils<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year Everyone! I hope that 2017 has started off on a healthy note! And, just to make sure it stays that way, I'm going to share with you one of my favorite recipes that I use to naturally boost my immunity! It's wonderfully aromatic, easy to make, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">softens</span> the skin, and contains some of my most relied upon essential oils. These multi-purpose oils should be in everyone's home medicine chest, for sure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While on the subject of essential oils, if you're looking for an excellent source for pure, therapeutic essential oils that <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">deliver results</span>, try doTERRA. I've purchased essential oils from several reputable companies over the years, and still do, simply because I formulate skin and body care products for the commercial market and must purchase some of my oils in bulk quantities - which doTERRA doesn't <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">offer</span>. But if you are a body worker, like me, or simply want to use essential oils to boost the physical and emotional health of yourself and your family, I highly recommend doTERRA. I use them in my reflexology practice and absolutely LOVE them! Their quality is superb, customer service exceptional, wholesale discounts are available, plus the wonderfully philanthropic company itself has high standards with regard to sourcing and production. Here's my website if you want to look around . . . <a href="http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles">http://mydoterra.com/stephanietourles</a> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkup3EeesYIIItgoK-g-iRN8xUTYkHIL8rcQ-Hnqkw29ljPHQYcNZ1c_qbL1u9iLCkeSwlHfXzd7arQ5mrpVLkc7CDM3QSYTUmI33ZrjAqozD-_KbVgzKNdjTZ8Tg54xUXm4txmaE-SfGJ/s1600/Hands-On+Healing+Remedies+cover+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkup3EeesYIIItgoK-g-iRN8xUTYkHIL8rcQ-Hnqkw29ljPHQYcNZ1c_qbL1u9iLCkeSwlHfXzd7arQ5mrpVLkc7CDM3QSYTUmI33ZrjAqozD-_KbVgzKNdjTZ8Tg54xUXm4txmaE-SfGJ/s1600/Hands-On+Healing+Remedies+cover+2012.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today's recipe comes from page 165 of my best-selling book, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<i>Hands-On Healing Remedies: 150 Recipes for Herbal Balms, Salves, Oils, Liniments &<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Other Topical Therapies</i>."</span> </span></b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Essential Immunity Balm</b></span></u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Safe for children 6 years of age and older and the elderly)</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>With daily application to the feet, hands, and chest, this powerful medicinal will envelop your body with an "aromatherapeutic shield" to help protect you from airborne "nasties" and surface contaminants. The soles of your feet and palms of your hands have an amazing ability to absorb topical remedies due to the plethora of sweat glands contained within their thick skin, so this formula's essential oils will quickly begin to deliver their benefits to your bloodstream. When applied to the chest area and covered with clothing, the fragrant vapors rise to your nose and mouth, fortifying the sinus and respiratory channels against illness</i></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Note: Please use the specific essential oils called for, as they are the most skin-friendly varieties. </span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ingredients:</span></i></span></span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 4 tablespoons <i>refined</i> shea butter (unrefined shea butter will work, but its stronger fragrance <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">greatly subdues</span> the aroma - <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">thoiugh</span> not the properties - of the essential oils)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 5 drops eucalyptus (species <i>radiata</i>) essential oil</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 5 drops spike lavender (<i>Lavandula latifolia</i> or <i>L. spica</i>) or lavender (<i>Lavandula angustifolia</i>) essential oil</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 5 drops tea tree essential oil</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 5 drops thyme (chemotype <i>linalool</i>) essential oil</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 2 drops peppermint essential oil</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- 1 drop clove bud essential oil </span></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Equipment Needed:</span></i></span></span></span></u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: black;">Small saucepan or double boiler, stirring utensil, 2-oz PET plastic or glass jar or tin</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Prep Time:</span></i></span></span></span></u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: black;">15 minutes, plus up to 24 hours to completely thicken</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yield:</span></i></span></span></span></u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"> Approximately 1/4 cup or 2 ounces</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Storage:</span></i></span></span></span></u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"> Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Directions:</span></u></span></i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: black;">Warm the shea butter in a small saucepan (a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tiny 1-<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cup</span></span> size works great) or small double boiler over low heat, until it has just melted. Remove <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from the he<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at. Add the eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, thyme, peppermint, cinnamon, and clove essential oils directly to the storage container, the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n slowly pour in the liquefied shea butter. Gently s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tir the balm to blend, then cap, label, and set aside to thicken. Unlike beeswax, shea butter takes a long time to completely thicken, and this formula may need up to 24 hours<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">depending on the temperature in your kitchen. When it's ready, it will be very thick, semi-hard, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and white (or creamy yellow if you've used unrefined shea butter).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't forget to label your container<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> with <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a listing of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ingredients and<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> expiration date.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i>Application Instructions:</i></u><span style="color: black;"> Massage a small dab into your palms, the soles of your feet, including between the toes, and chest twice per day. Put on socks or hosiery after application to the feet.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE:</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> This blog</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> was written by Stephanie Tourles and portions excerpted from her book, "Hands-On Healing Remedies," (c2012 Storey Publishing). The information is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">purposes</span> only.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"></span> </span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445417024215660662.post-39987596897293028392016-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:002016-12-13T13:21:03.068-08:00Making Herbal Love Potions<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Holidays Everyone! Looking for a book that explores the 'sensual realm' of herbs? Something a little different from the usual herbal remedy books out there? Well, after scads of requests from my readers over the past decade, I finally wrote that book . . . and I wanted to pass along this new, and informative, book review for you to read . . . perhaps you can make some romance-enhancing Holiday (or Valentine's Day) gifts using the 5 delightful, aromatic recipes included in the article - what a bonus!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hot Off The Presses . . . the popular online magazine, <span style="color: blue;"><i>Refinery29</i></span>, just released an awesome review of my latest book, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Making Love Potions: 64 All-Natural Recipes for Irresistible Herbal Aphrodisiacs</span></b>. </i>My beautifully illustrated book makes an excellent gift for BOTH you and your sweetie! Available from bookstores everywhere. Here's the link . . . enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/making-love-potions-book-self-care#slide">http://www.refinery29.com/making-love-potions-book-self-care#slide</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySOhszpU8fRBe1ndTUgaygRvDdySXTixVdHC1HCRP2lmHXirfnZt8dTocqzTp3LjnacWs8Nth16BbQSIRyhXq8MOEEL2qP3bfv5_0xleD-ta9kaPwWbJc1tQ2QBmyTEb2VU-Z4b3mgFaN/s1600/622572_LovePotionsCvrFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySOhszpU8fRBe1ndTUgaygRvDdySXTixVdHC1HCRP2lmHXirfnZt8dTocqzTp3LjnacWs8Nth16BbQSIRyhXq8MOEEL2qP3bfv5_0xleD-ta9kaPwWbJc1tQ2QBmyTEb2VU-Z4b3mgFaN/s320/622572_LovePotionsCvrFront.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Stephanie Tourleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17896247008520961893noreply@blogger.com2