Is stress wreaking havoc with the appearance of your skin? It probably is! If you're like most Americans, you find yourself feeling stressed quite often. We tend to stress out about our health or lack of it, our diet, insufficient exercise, our weight or body image, the economy, our job, finances, our relationships, our kids, upsetting news - war, crime, death, global warming, etc. The list could go on and on.
Not only can stress lead to fatigue, tension headaches, and irritability, but prolonged stress can have long-term negative effects on the body and skin. Acute stress of any form will cause a lowering of the immune system's defenses - albiet a temporary one. Chronic stress, on the other hand, whether due to lack of sleep, poor nutrition, tension at work, loss of job, severe illness, daily hassles such as long lines, traffic congestion, road rage, ill-behaved kids, lack of exercise, overwork, emotional challenges, outdoor pollution, heavy metal exposure, indoor chemical pollution, or noise will, over time, significantly lower the immune system's defenses or response mechanisms. This puts us at greater risk for health problems down the road, for sure!
Stress can and does have a significant impact on your skin's health and appearance. A stressed out mind or body can exhibit this "distress" on the skin's surface with a wide range of symptoms. What are these symptoms? Red, itchy, mysterious rashes; myriad inflammatory reactions; roseacea on the face; acne; eczema; psoriasis; a dehydrated complexion; accelerated formation of "liver spots or age spots" on the face, arms, legs, or chest; accelerated aging of the face - sagging jowls and deepening creases; and lackluster tone to the skin.
Stress can either cause your skin to flare up and look red and "angry" or it can have the opposite effect and lead to a sallow, pale, lifeless complexion that makes you look as if you will wither away and die. I'd rather learn to deal with my life's stresses than opt for one of these looks - wouldn't you? Don't let stress zap / sap your energy and good looks!
What is a stressed-out individual to do? Here's my list:
- Slow down - life is not a race to the finish line.
- Breathe from your lower diaphragm - remember life is too short to run around exhausted.
- As the saying goes, "Don't fret the small stuff"!
- Eat right and exercise regularly - treat yourself as the king or queen that you are.
- Be cheerful - it calms those who are stressed-out around you.
- Unwind your mind. Take a moment and focus on something that makes you smile.
- Always remember . . . someone else's situation(s) are worse than yours.
- Handle the heavy and important tasks first - when energy is greatest - and do the minor tasks later in the day.
- Be flexible - a flexible mind and body are healthier in the long run.
- Don't get too stressed when your expectations are not met.
- Take a yoga class once a week - at least.
- Pamper yourself - you're all you've got.
- No one is perfect - not even you - so quit pressuring yourself. Just be your best.
- Remember, you can only change your own behavior - quit trying to change others.
- Laugh, love, and hug more.
- Kiss your kids and your mate everynight before you fall asleep.
- Watch what you say to others and how you say it. Tongues can be sharp and cutting. Master your communication skills.
On the nutrition side of things . . . I will recommend that you add goodly amounts of a quality barley grass powder to your daily diet, plus chlorella and blue-green algae tablets or powder, omega-3 oils from raw, fermented cod liver, and eat plenty of cold-water, fresh fish. I love what mega-amounts of chlorophyll does for the skin. Chlorophyll is concentrated sun energy and loaded with vitamins A & D and micro-minerals. Quality fish oils help soften and heal the skin. A diet of 50% or more raw foods will do wonders for your energy level and appearance. If you add all of these ingredients to your daily diet, I guarantee that you will see a significant improvement in the texture, tone, and color of your skin. It will "youthify" right before your eyes. Be consistent with a good diet, supplements, daily exercise, and practice low-stress living. No one is immune to the negative effects of stress, but you can fortify yourself so that you can successfully deal with the big blows that life will inevitably toss your way.
NOTE: This article is by Stephanie Tourles, lic. holistic esthetician, herbalist, and certified aromatherapist, and author of, "Organic Body Care Recipes". This information is for educational purposes only. The author does not assume any liability in relation to the information given. Please use your common sense when adding supplements to your diet or altering your lifestyle and seek professional guidance if you have any questions.
Showing posts with label energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label energy. Show all posts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes - Part V
Hello All . . . This is the last blog in the series of "Edible Skin Care Recipes". The following recipe is super yummy and great for your skin, energy, and health. Hope you enjoy it!
SWEET - N - NUTTY SNACK MIX
Convenient and portable. One hundred percent better for you than a candy bar or chips! I often keep a baggie of this mixture or a similar one in my purse so I don't feel tempted to visit the nearest drive-through window when the munchies hit! If you frequently travel via airplane, this makes a terrific snack to carry with you on the plane. Beats airport food any day!
This dried fruit and nut trail mix contains the essential fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates your body craves just before that midafternoon slump kicks in and all the nutrients your skin demands to stay in tip-top shape.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
1/2 cup dried, unsulfured, pitted cherries (cut in half if large)
1/2 cup large, unsulfured raisins
1/2 cup raw Brazil nuts
1/4 cup lightly salted sunflower seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup lightly salted pumpkin seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup dried, unsulfured, chopped, apricots
Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg powder (optional)
To Make: Place all ingredients into a plastic freezer bag or food storage container and shake well. Keep tightly sealed in the refrigerator unless consumed within 2 weeks as raw nuts become rancid quicker than roasted ones.
To Use: Consume a handful or so whenever the snacking mood strikes. Try to remember portion control here as nuts and seeds contain a lot of oil and if you are trying to lose weight, these calories can add up quickly. One serving is generally a 1/4 cup or so.
Yield: Approximately 3 1/4 cups of snack mix.
To Toast or Not To Toast
Toasting nuts, seeds, and coconut does enhance the flavor of cookies and this snack mix, but also diminishes their nutritional content. If you decide to toast, here's how:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ingredients in an ungreased baking pan - in a single layer - and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the contents of the pan begin to turn slightly golden brown. Your kitchen should smell quite yummy!
NOTE: This recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of me, the author, and are for your enjoyment and educational purposes only. I disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.
SWEET - N - NUTTY SNACK MIX
Convenient and portable. One hundred percent better for you than a candy bar or chips! I often keep a baggie of this mixture or a similar one in my purse so I don't feel tempted to visit the nearest drive-through window when the munchies hit! If you frequently travel via airplane, this makes a terrific snack to carry with you on the plane. Beats airport food any day!
This dried fruit and nut trail mix contains the essential fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates your body craves just before that midafternoon slump kicks in and all the nutrients your skin demands to stay in tip-top shape.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
1/2 cup dried, unsulfured, pitted cherries (cut in half if large)
1/2 cup large, unsulfured raisins
1/2 cup raw Brazil nuts
1/4 cup lightly salted sunflower seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup lightly salted pumpkin seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup dried, unsulfured, chopped, apricots
Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg powder (optional)
To Make: Place all ingredients into a plastic freezer bag or food storage container and shake well. Keep tightly sealed in the refrigerator unless consumed within 2 weeks as raw nuts become rancid quicker than roasted ones.
To Use: Consume a handful or so whenever the snacking mood strikes. Try to remember portion control here as nuts and seeds contain a lot of oil and if you are trying to lose weight, these calories can add up quickly. One serving is generally a 1/4 cup or so.
Yield: Approximately 3 1/4 cups of snack mix.
To Toast or Not To Toast
Toasting nuts, seeds, and coconut does enhance the flavor of cookies and this snack mix, but also diminishes their nutritional content. If you decide to toast, here's how:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ingredients in an ungreased baking pan - in a single layer - and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the contents of the pan begin to turn slightly golden brown. Your kitchen should smell quite yummy!
NOTE: This recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of me, the author, and are for your enjoyment and educational purposes only. I disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes - Part IV
Hello everyone! Sorry I've been away so long! It's gardening season in coastal Maine and I've been busy planting my veggies in my smaller 25' x 55' organic garden and enjoying watching my husband create/construct a new, crescent-shaped, terraced, - much larger - garden outlined with native boulders. We live along the Penobscot River as it opens to the Atlantic and our property slopes down towards the water. The view from the new garden is spectacular. In this new garden, I plan on planting "things that vine & need space" such as winter squashes, pumpkins, black raspberries, blackberries, high-bush blueberries, strawberries, and corn. It's so exciting!
Today, I'll give you another recipe for "skin-beautifying food". These no-bake, semi-raw cookies are super yummy! Hope you give them a try.
APRICOT CHEWS
Each day, eat something that, if planted, would grow - such as the seeds in these no-bake cookies (if left untoasted). Apricots and raisins add iron, necessary for the hemoglobin that transports oxygen to cells, giving you a healthy glow. Lecithin granules, available in most health food stores, sharpen the mind and improve memory. Rosemary adds a peppy finish.
Ingredients:
12 dried, unsulfured apricots, chopped
1/2 cup raisins or currants
1 cup apple juice, natural or fresh squeezed
1 sprig or rosemary, minced or 1/2 teaspoon dried
3 tablespoons almonds, coarsely ground or slivered, raw or lightly toasted
3 tablespoons low-fat granola cereal
3 tablespoons lecithin granules
3 tablespoons raw or toasted wheatgerm
2 tablespoons bran cereal
1 tablespoon dry milk powder or soy milk powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, raw or toasted
2 tablespoons sunflower seed kernels, raw or lightly toasted
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, raw or lightly toasted
Raw or lightly toasted walnut halves for garnish
To Make:
1. In a small saucepan, pour apple juice over apricots and raisins. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Drain.
2. In a food processor, puree the fruit and rosemary.
3. In a separate bowl, blend puree with almonds, granola, lecithin, wheatgerm, bran, milk powder, coconut, sunflower kernels, and sesame seeds.
4. Place mixture on waxed or parchment paper or aluminum foil. Using sides of paper, form mixture into a 10-12" log. Wrap and refrigerate for an hour or longer until firm. Slice log into 12 pieces. Press a walnut into the center of each slice.
To Use: Wrap individually with plastic food wrap and refrigerate to keep firm. Enjoy!
Yield: 1 dozen, approximately 80 calories each
NOTE & Disclaimer: The above information has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. It is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on part of the author. Ms. Tourles disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please see a nutritionist or health professional should you have any medical questions or feel free to research this topic further on your own.
Today, I'll give you another recipe for "skin-beautifying food". These no-bake, semi-raw cookies are super yummy! Hope you give them a try.
APRICOT CHEWS
Each day, eat something that, if planted, would grow - such as the seeds in these no-bake cookies (if left untoasted). Apricots and raisins add iron, necessary for the hemoglobin that transports oxygen to cells, giving you a healthy glow. Lecithin granules, available in most health food stores, sharpen the mind and improve memory. Rosemary adds a peppy finish.
Ingredients:
12 dried, unsulfured apricots, chopped
1/2 cup raisins or currants
1 cup apple juice, natural or fresh squeezed
1 sprig or rosemary, minced or 1/2 teaspoon dried
3 tablespoons almonds, coarsely ground or slivered, raw or lightly toasted
3 tablespoons low-fat granola cereal
3 tablespoons lecithin granules
3 tablespoons raw or toasted wheatgerm
2 tablespoons bran cereal
1 tablespoon dry milk powder or soy milk powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, raw or toasted
2 tablespoons sunflower seed kernels, raw or lightly toasted
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, raw or lightly toasted
Raw or lightly toasted walnut halves for garnish
To Make:
1. In a small saucepan, pour apple juice over apricots and raisins. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Drain.
2. In a food processor, puree the fruit and rosemary.
3. In a separate bowl, blend puree with almonds, granola, lecithin, wheatgerm, bran, milk powder, coconut, sunflower kernels, and sesame seeds.
4. Place mixture on waxed or parchment paper or aluminum foil. Using sides of paper, form mixture into a 10-12" log. Wrap and refrigerate for an hour or longer until firm. Slice log into 12 pieces. Press a walnut into the center of each slice.
To Use: Wrap individually with plastic food wrap and refrigerate to keep firm. Enjoy!
Yield: 1 dozen, approximately 80 calories each
NOTE & Disclaimer: The above information has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. It is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on part of the author. Ms. Tourles disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please see a nutritionist or health professional should you have any medical questions or feel free to research this topic further on your own.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part III
These next two recipes, Honey Pecan Cookies & Apricot Chews (which I will give to you in Part IV), were graciously donated by Bill & Sylvia Varney, owners of the Fredericksburg Herb Farm in Fredericksburg, TX. This herb farm and restaurant is simply beautiful - an oasis under the hot Texas sun.
The Varneys say, "For healthy hair and skin, what goes in the body comes before what goes on it. The skin, like every other part of the body, receives its nourishment from the bloodstream. Overload your body with caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, refined sugar, saturated fat, emotional stress, and guess what? Poor color, circles under the eyes, blemished skin, and a never-ending bad hair day. Take a nibble, boost your body and your spirits with a cookie.
"Surprised? ask the Varneys, "Our cookie recipes are different! They are dense in nutrients, without the abundance of fat and refined sweeteners found in ordinary cookies. They're rich in B and E vitamins to nourish your nerves and put a spark in your eyes; rich in calcium to strengthen your bones; rich in iron for your blood; rich in fiber to clean out your insides; and rich in potassium for your heart, too. Best of all, you'll find that in the pursuit of health, vigor, and beauty, your taste buds never had it so good!"
RECIPE: Honey Pecan Cookies
Full of vitality-boosting minerals and vitamins B and E, that help keep you calm, cool, collected, and beautiful, these lemon verbena-scented cookies perk up those afternoon slumps. Nibble one and resist empty-calorie temptations.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons bran
2 tablespoons organic powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
1 organic egg
1 4" sprig lemon verbena, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons minced fresh lemon balm leaves, or 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup organic fresh buttermilk or reconstitute from a dried buttermilk mix
1/2 cup pecans, raw or toasted (your choice) and finely chopped
Raw or toasted (your choice), chopped pecans for garnish
To Make:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit
2. Stir together all dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. In food processor, beat the butter and honey together, then add egg, lemon verbena, lemon juice, and buttermilk and process until smooth and creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix briefly until incorporated. Pulse in chopped pecans.
4. Drop batter by heaping spoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Garnish with pecans. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check cookies frequently, they do burn easily. Remove to wire rack to cool.
To Eat:
Enjoy one for a sweet breakfast or anytime for a quick, energizing, skin-healthy snack.
Yield: Approximately 1 dozen large cookies, 200 calories each
NOTE: The above has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.
The Varneys say, "For healthy hair and skin, what goes in the body comes before what goes on it. The skin, like every other part of the body, receives its nourishment from the bloodstream. Overload your body with caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, refined sugar, saturated fat, emotional stress, and guess what? Poor color, circles under the eyes, blemished skin, and a never-ending bad hair day. Take a nibble, boost your body and your spirits with a cookie.
"Surprised? ask the Varneys, "Our cookie recipes are different! They are dense in nutrients, without the abundance of fat and refined sweeteners found in ordinary cookies. They're rich in B and E vitamins to nourish your nerves and put a spark in your eyes; rich in calcium to strengthen your bones; rich in iron for your blood; rich in fiber to clean out your insides; and rich in potassium for your heart, too. Best of all, you'll find that in the pursuit of health, vigor, and beauty, your taste buds never had it so good!"
RECIPE: Honey Pecan Cookies
Full of vitality-boosting minerals and vitamins B and E, that help keep you calm, cool, collected, and beautiful, these lemon verbena-scented cookies perk up those afternoon slumps. Nibble one and resist empty-calorie temptations.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons bran
2 tablespoons organic powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
1 organic egg
1 4" sprig lemon verbena, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons minced fresh lemon balm leaves, or 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup organic fresh buttermilk or reconstitute from a dried buttermilk mix
1/2 cup pecans, raw or toasted (your choice) and finely chopped
Raw or toasted (your choice), chopped pecans for garnish
To Make:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit
2. Stir together all dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. In food processor, beat the butter and honey together, then add egg, lemon verbena, lemon juice, and buttermilk and process until smooth and creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix briefly until incorporated. Pulse in chopped pecans.
4. Drop batter by heaping spoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Garnish with pecans. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check cookies frequently, they do burn easily. Remove to wire rack to cool.
To Eat:
Enjoy one for a sweet breakfast or anytime for a quick, energizing, skin-healthy snack.
Yield: Approximately 1 dozen large cookies, 200 calories each
NOTE: The above has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part 2
This is another of my skin-beautifying formulas that I consume on a regular basis. I refer to the following recipe as my "anti-stress breakfast boost" formula. It's loaded with complexion-enhancing, stress-reducing B vitamins, plus vitamin E, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It is also chock-full of healthy, skin-softening fats.
I love the taste, but if you're not crazy about brewer's yeast, the flavor will take a bit of getting used to.
SKIN SO SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana or 1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups raw cow or goat milk, or fortified soy or almond milk
1 tablespoon brewer's yeast
2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
2 teaspoons raw sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon raw sesame seeds
10 raw almonds
1/4 cup raw oat flakes or cooked oatmeal
2 teaspoons raw honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-3 ice cubes (optional - makes a nice thick, frosty drink)
To Make: Combine all ingredients in blender and whiz on high until smooth for about 30-60 seconds total.
To Use: I usually consume the entire batch throughout the morning hours, taking sips between my work projects. Alternatively, pour half of the recipe into a mug, cover, and refrigerate the rest until later in the day.
Yield: Makes approximately two, 1 1/2 cup servings or 1 large meal.
NOTE: The above recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Books, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this recipe/information. All information dispensed by the author is for educational use only. Consult a knowledgeable, wholistic nutritionist if you have any questions about food/nutrition.
I love the taste, but if you're not crazy about brewer's yeast, the flavor will take a bit of getting used to.
SKIN SO SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana or 1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups raw cow or goat milk, or fortified soy or almond milk
1 tablespoon brewer's yeast
2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
2 teaspoons raw sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon raw sesame seeds
10 raw almonds
1/4 cup raw oat flakes or cooked oatmeal
2 teaspoons raw honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-3 ice cubes (optional - makes a nice thick, frosty drink)
To Make: Combine all ingredients in blender and whiz on high until smooth for about 30-60 seconds total.
To Use: I usually consume the entire batch throughout the morning hours, taking sips between my work projects. Alternatively, pour half of the recipe into a mug, cover, and refrigerate the rest until later in the day.
Yield: Makes approximately two, 1 1/2 cup servings or 1 large meal.
NOTE: The above recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Books, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this recipe/information. All information dispensed by the author is for educational use only. Consult a knowledgeable, wholistic nutritionist if you have any questions about food/nutrition.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part 1
Ever visit a lovely, tranquil farm and see the beautiful vitamin-pill trees growing in the orchard down by the brook? Of course not! We're so busy these days that we've become a nation of pill poppers. We swallow our "once-a-day" in an effort to ensure that we get a nutritious and balanced diet - instead of paying close attention to what we actually eat. We consume so much fast food and junk food that many of us seem to think that a fractionated, synthetically-derived pill will fill the gaps in our diets. Not so!
Sure, laboratory-made vitamin and mineral supplements have their rightful place in certain disease conditions and deficiencies - for short-term usage only - but for general health and well-being and the prevention of disease, consumption of whole, unprocessed foods as Mother Nature presents them is the way to go. Additionally, naturally-derived supplements such as herbal capsules, tinctures, teas, and herbal syrups, plus brewer's yeast, spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, and barley and alfalfa grasses,to name a few, are wonderful, nutrient-dense foods to include in your beautiful-skin regimen.
The recipe that follows and the future edible skin care recipes that I will share with you in the next few weeks, are chock-full of easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. They'll also provide you with a delicious way to boost your energy level as well as your natural immunity.
Recipe: SKIN-SATIONAL HERB TEA
This herb tea, also referred to as a herbal infusion, is a tasty blend that, hot or cold, helps replenish a deficient system and restores lackluster skin, hair, and nails. All herbs in this formula are in dried form. Please purchase organically-grown herbs whenever possible.
2 tablespoons lemon balm leaves
1 tablespoon lavender flowers
1 tablespoon peppermint leaves
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon nettle leaves
1 tablespoon alfalfa leaves
1 tablespoon rose hips
2 teaspoons dandelion leaves
2 teaspoons raspberry leaves
1/2 teaspoon ginger root
To Make: Combine all herbs in a medium-size bowl and stir to blend. Store in a tightly-sealed tin, jar, or plastic tub or bag away from light in a cool, dry location. Best if used within 6 months.
To Use: Bring a cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of dried tea blend. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes or longer. The longer it steeps, the more nutrients will be infused into the water. Strain before drinking. Add honey, cream, or lemon if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
Yield: Approximately 30 cups of tea
Disclaimer: This article was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist if you have any questions regarding herb usage.
Sure, laboratory-made vitamin and mineral supplements have their rightful place in certain disease conditions and deficiencies - for short-term usage only - but for general health and well-being and the prevention of disease, consumption of whole, unprocessed foods as Mother Nature presents them is the way to go. Additionally, naturally-derived supplements such as herbal capsules, tinctures, teas, and herbal syrups, plus brewer's yeast, spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, and barley and alfalfa grasses,to name a few, are wonderful, nutrient-dense foods to include in your beautiful-skin regimen.
The recipe that follows and the future edible skin care recipes that I will share with you in the next few weeks, are chock-full of easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. They'll also provide you with a delicious way to boost your energy level as well as your natural immunity.
Recipe: SKIN-SATIONAL HERB TEA
This herb tea, also referred to as a herbal infusion, is a tasty blend that, hot or cold, helps replenish a deficient system and restores lackluster skin, hair, and nails. All herbs in this formula are in dried form. Please purchase organically-grown herbs whenever possible.
2 tablespoons lemon balm leaves
1 tablespoon lavender flowers
1 tablespoon peppermint leaves
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon nettle leaves
1 tablespoon alfalfa leaves
1 tablespoon rose hips
2 teaspoons dandelion leaves
2 teaspoons raspberry leaves
1/2 teaspoon ginger root
To Make: Combine all herbs in a medium-size bowl and stir to blend. Store in a tightly-sealed tin, jar, or plastic tub or bag away from light in a cool, dry location. Best if used within 6 months.
To Use: Bring a cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of dried tea blend. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes or longer. The longer it steeps, the more nutrients will be infused into the water. Strain before drinking. Add honey, cream, or lemon if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
Yield: Approximately 30 cups of tea
Disclaimer: This article was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist if you have any questions regarding herb usage.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Maximize Your Nutrition, Part II
This is Part 2 to last week's blog regarding "eating for health and beauty".
"Whole-Food Supplements"
Along with a whole-foods diet, nutritional supplements also have their benefits towards your well being. No matter how balanced you think your diet is, virtually everyone has a deficiency or low-intake of one nutrient or another. Supplements help fill in the nutritional gaps so that you look and feel your best - giving you the appearance of youth (or actually prolonging your youth) from the inside out.
While many professionals believe differently, I believe that the most effective supplements are derived from whole, real foods (as opposed to being entirely synthetic). I take my three favorite supplements on a daily basis - a green drink blend, OPC's, and a mix of raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Combined, they contain all of the specific nutrients that help combat aging, nourish skin, hair, and nails, and promote well-being.
This week, I'll discuss my Green Drink Blend and next week I'll conclude this three-part series with a discussion of my other two favorite supplements. Every morning, I toss a handful of frozen raspberries, strawberries, mango chunks, or a frozen banana into the blender, then add a cup or more of freshly-made almond milk, raw skim cow's milk, or unsweetened soy milk, a dollop of raw goat or cow's milk yogurt, and two tablespoons of an organically-produced, green plant powder. The powder I use contains "powerhouse plants" including chlorella, a single-celled green algae; blue-green algae; barley grass; wheat grass; and alfalfa.
When cloosing a green-plant powder blend, make sure the product label states that the ingredients were organically grown and were processed rapidly, immediately after harvesting to preserve the live enzymes and vitamins they contain. The grasses taste the way a freshly mowed lawn smells - sweet and green. The blend is also available in easy-to-swallow capsules.
Green drink blends are ideal for those of you with with digestive difficulties in that the live enzymes aid digestion and enable proper assimilation of vital nutrients. Here's to your health.
(Note: Portions of this article are adapted from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes" by Stephanie Tourles, copyright 2007, Storey Publishing. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information and recommends that the reader use their common sense. This information is for education purposes only.)
"Whole-Food Supplements"
Along with a whole-foods diet, nutritional supplements also have their benefits towards your well being. No matter how balanced you think your diet is, virtually everyone has a deficiency or low-intake of one nutrient or another. Supplements help fill in the nutritional gaps so that you look and feel your best - giving you the appearance of youth (or actually prolonging your youth) from the inside out.
While many professionals believe differently, I believe that the most effective supplements are derived from whole, real foods (as opposed to being entirely synthetic). I take my three favorite supplements on a daily basis - a green drink blend, OPC's, and a mix of raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Combined, they contain all of the specific nutrients that help combat aging, nourish skin, hair, and nails, and promote well-being.
This week, I'll discuss my Green Drink Blend and next week I'll conclude this three-part series with a discussion of my other two favorite supplements. Every morning, I toss a handful of frozen raspberries, strawberries, mango chunks, or a frozen banana into the blender, then add a cup or more of freshly-made almond milk, raw skim cow's milk, or unsweetened soy milk, a dollop of raw goat or cow's milk yogurt, and two tablespoons of an organically-produced, green plant powder. The powder I use contains "powerhouse plants" including chlorella, a single-celled green algae; blue-green algae; barley grass; wheat grass; and alfalfa.
When cloosing a green-plant powder blend, make sure the product label states that the ingredients were organically grown and were processed rapidly, immediately after harvesting to preserve the live enzymes and vitamins they contain. The grasses taste the way a freshly mowed lawn smells - sweet and green. The blend is also available in easy-to-swallow capsules.
Green drink blends are ideal for those of you with with digestive difficulties in that the live enzymes aid digestion and enable proper assimilation of vital nutrients. Here's to your health.
(Note: Portions of this article are adapted from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes" by Stephanie Tourles, copyright 2007, Storey Publishing. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information and recommends that the reader use their common sense. This information is for education purposes only.)
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