Hundreds of brands from all over the world have flooded the market with tens of thousands of beauty and skincare products. Some of these products were made with your beauty and health in mind, but many were created just to make a quick buck. And when manufacturers place an emphasis on quantity over quality you know that there’s bound to be some products loaded with cheap and harmful ingredients.

1. Formaldehyde in Hair Straighteners

Despite label claims of being “formaldehyde-free”, many keratin-based hair straighteners, when tested, were found to contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The levels of formaldehyde found were fairly low, and shouldn’t pose a hazard if you’re only straightening your hair a few times a year, but more often than that isn’t a great idea. And stylists, who use the products on their customers regularly, are at risk.

2. Mineral Makeup

Often considered a natural alternative to makeup, mineral-based products often come in the form of powders. The problem results because the particles of minerals such as mica are so small, they float through the air and can be inhaled into the lungs. (Consider this: When construction workers use spackle and other products containing mica, they wear masks to avoid breathing them in.) There hasn’t been any warning issued for mineral makeup yet, but some experts, such as pulmonologists, are warning women that lung damage could result from frequent use.

3. Lead In Lipsticks

tested hundreds of lipsticks following an alert issued by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Two consecutive FDA investigations found lead in 100 percent of the lipsticks tested. And the amounts of lead found aren’t small. The first FDA test revealed lead levels up to 3.06 ppm (parts per million), and the second FDA test — scheduled for publication in the May/June 2012 issue of Cosmetic Science – found lead levels up to 7.19 ppm.

and Cover Girl. And high-end brands like Dior and M.A.C. weren’t exempt either. Five of the ten most contaminated lipsticks were manufactured by L’Oreal USA.Perhaps most disturbing, in some ways, is that even the “natural” brand Burt’s Bees had one lip shimmer that tested in the middle range for lead!

Consider that there is no safe level for lead (in other words there needs to be zero lead in order for a product to be considered safe) and you can see we’ve got a serious problem here. Then consider that the FDA issued a consumer Q&A concluding that the lipsticks posed no danger if used correctly and you can see we’ve got another more serious problem here. In other words, don’t lick your lips, eat anything while wearing lipstick, or kiss anyone!

4. Synthetic fragrances

Just because a product smells good doesn’t mean it is good. Synthetic fragrances are considered to be one of the top allergens in beauty and skincare products. When you take into account the fact that the majority of synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals then this shouldn’t really come as a surprise.

5. Sodium lauryl sulfate 

If a product foams, it’s got this chemical. The list of detrimental health effects associated with sodium lauryl sulfate include skin irritation, eye damage, canker sores, and diarrhea. In the most extreme cases, sodium lauryl sulfate can interact with other chemicals to form carcinogenic nitrosamines

6. Mineral oil 

This low-cost, zero-nutrition oil is used as a filler and to give skincare products a moisturizing effect. Coating your skin with something made with mineral oil, however, will clog your pores and prevent the skin from eliminating toxins. When toxins build up under your skin, you become more prone to acne and other skin conditions.

7. Parabens 

These preservatives keep your skincare products free of mold and bacteria. Though the idea behind parabens is a solid one, they’ve been linked to developmental and reproductive disorders, endocrine system disruption, and even the heightened risk of breast cancer. Be on the look-out for ingredients containing the “-paraben” suffix on the ingredients label, such as isobytlparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben.

8. Retinyl palmitate

This form of vitamin A can be found in sun-protecting and anti-aging products. Though intended to be used under the sun, retinyl palmitate can actually speed up cancerous

tumor growth wn it comes into contact with sunlight.

So before you use any skincare product, check the ingredients label to see if it was made with these chemicals.It's time to ditch the dirt! Leave those chemical laden face products in the past. Embrace what truly natural beauty looks like! Switch up your skincare routine with our carefully curated selection of facial cleansers, soaps, makeup removers, moisturizers and face creams. Made with food grade, cruelty free, organic ingredients that compliment each other in the most beautiful way. Proudly Canadian!

Two of my premium organic ingredients to consider are Brightening Organic Facial System and Inner Glow Toning Spray With Aloe And Tea Tree

Salisha 

We all like coffee, some of us LOVE coffee! But is it really love, or is it an addiction?

Here are some very important reasons why you should consider lowering your caffeine intake.

The recommended amount of caffeine is usually 400 milligrams per day for healthy adults. Caffeine overdose may occur if you ingest more than this amount. Adolescents should limit themselves to no more than 100 mg of caffeine per day. Pregnantwomen should limit their daily intake to 200 mg of caffeine, since the effects of caffeine on the baby are not fully known.

However, what constitutes a safe amount of caffeine differs for everyone based on age, weight, and overall health. The average half-life of caffeine in the blood ranges from 1.5 to 9.5 hours. This means it can take anywhere from 1.5 to 9.5 hours for the level of caffeine in your blood to drop to half of its original amount. This wide range in average half-life makes it difficult to know the exact amount of caffeine that can lead to overdose

Stomach problems may occur every now and then and they will eventually pass. But what happens when a virus enters your digestive system and causes a host of uncomfortable symptoms that last for several days? What you’re currently experiencing is what is commonly called a stomach flu, or gastroenteritis.

What Is a Stomach Virus?

A stomach virus (or stomach flu) is a condition that causes the stomach and intestines to become inflamed, resulting in a variety of uncomfortable, digestive-related symptoms. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are many types of viruses that can cause this condition, chiefly:

These viruses are commonly acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water. In some cases, infected utensils, towels or other items can spread the disease.

Telltale Symptoms of a Stomach Virus

When a virus begins to affect your digestive system, you may develop various symptoms, such as:

Depending on the type of virus that enters your stomach, the symptoms may manifest  in one to three days with varying intensities, ranging from mild to severe. If you experience these symptoms right away, visit a doctor first for a proper diagnosis. You may confuse your condition with other diseases, such as bacterial diarrhea caused by salmonella or E. coli, which will require a different treatment.

The Best Foods to Eat While Managing a Stomach Virus

While a stomach virus may take away your appetite, you will still need to eat and drink healthy food to help lower the chances of worsening symptoms. But don’t just consume any food you can get your hands on. You will need to follow a strict procedure to help manage your condition:

Bananas are generally recommended during a bout of stomach flu because the fiber can help increase the bulk in stool, but apples are also a viable alternative. As your health begins to improve, other healthy foods that you can slowly ease yourself into other foods such as eggs, fresh fruits (in moderation) and vegetables.

If your stomach can tolerate it, drinking tea with ginger may help with your symptoms. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help ease nausea, vomiting and pain in your stomach. To make the tea:

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Virus

While certain foods can help you replenish your health while you recover, there are foods you should be avoiding as well. In particular, you should stay away from processed foods and drinks, including fruit juices, as well as fried foods. These can irritate your digestive system further. The table below expounds more on which foods and beverages you avoid

How to Get Rid of a Stomach Virus: Manage Your Symptoms Properly

As with other viral infections, there is no definite and immediate cure for the stomach flu. Instead, your body will have to fight off the disease slowly. The appropriate course of action is to manage your symptoms by making sure you eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids, which will help lower your risk of developing complications, such as dehydration. Remember to get lots of rest and high-quality sleep, too, as this will help your body fight off the virus.

Prevent the Stomach Flu From Happening in the First Place

Stomach flu is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in America. If not treated right away, it may even be fatal. Since there is no cure for this condition, prevention is more appropriate to help lower the risk of spreading disease among family members. Here are some effective tips that you should regularly follow:

Here’s How Coffee Beans Benefits Your Health

The beneficial compound that’s commonly associated with coffee beans is caffeine, which is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. However, coffee beans also contain other beneficial compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, diterpenes and melanoidins, to name a few.

The amount of beneficial compounds in a cup of coffee may vary according to the coffee bean variety, roasting degree and brewing method. Together, they contribute to the following health benefits:

Other Uses of Coffee Beans

In addition to brewing coffee beans, you can also use these humble seeds for many other purposes, such as:

• Exfoliating your skin: Mix a spoonful of used coffee ground with a small amount of olive oil and/or other essential oils to make an organic and inexpensive exfoliant.

• Freshening up the air: Place bowls of coffee grounds around your house, such as in your kitchen, to help deodorize unpleasant smells.

You can also use ground coffee beans to help get rid of fleas from your pets, repel insects, repair scratches on dark wood furniture, and clean hard-to-remove stains from pots, pans and kitchen tools.

How to Roast Coffee Beans on Your Own

Learning how to roast and grind coffee beans at home is a handy culinary skill, and also gives you better control of the roast level, so you can make a cup of coffee that perfectly suits your taste. Here’s how to roast coffee beans, according to

The Kitchen

1. Place the green coffee beans in a pan and put the pan over medium heat. Stir the beans constantly throughout the entire roasting process to make sure that they’re evenly heated.
2. Wait for the coffee beans to crack and smoke, around five minutes. Continue stirring, and check the beans’ color frequently.
3. Once the beans turn the color that you desire, remove the pan from the heat and pour the beans immediately into a chilled bowl. Stir constantly for three minutes.
4. Rotate the bowl to cool down the beans quickly, then transfer them to a colander and sift out the hulls.

You can grind the coffee beans as soon as they have cooled, but it’s best to wait until the next day before you do so. You can use a grinder, food processor, regular blender or immersion blender for grinding the coffee beans. Simply process the beans using the device of your choice until it reaches the grind consistency that your desire.

You can also grind the seeds manually using a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, hammer, or hand mincer. Be sure to store the roasted and ground coffee beans in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Try Making This Keto-Friendly Recipe Using Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans

If you have a batch of freshly roasted and ground coffee beans in your home, you can use it to brew a delicious cup of coffee or if you want to take it a notch higher, try making this easy, keto-approved coffee recipe

Procedure:

1. Put the butter, coconut oil and brewed coffee in a blender, and then blend for 20 to 30 seconds.
2. Pour in a mug and serve immediately.

Coffee Skincare 

Using coffee grounds on the skin is a growing as one of the best skincare regimen for cellulite! Finally something that truly diminishes the look cellulite. Can you believe its so simple? Just brew ypur coffee and mix several parts coffee grounds with coconut or olive oil and massage into skin 10 minutes besire showering. Wash clean and enjoy! 

Don't want to make your one? You're in luck. Get your Arabica Coffee Scrub Here. 

What to Keep in Mind When Brewing Coffee Beans

Since coffee beans are among the most heavily pesticide-sprayed crops, you should only buy them from trusted organic sources to ensure that they’re free from harmful chemicals. Choose coffee beans that smell and taste fresh, and avoid using chlorine-bleached filters when brewing them at home, as they contain harmful disinfection byproducts that may contaminate your cup of coffee.

Do not add sugar, cream and other sweeteners and flavorings to your drink. Adding these ingredients into your coffee not only negates its potential health benefits, but it may also put you at risk of insulin resistance.

Additionally, be careful not to overindulge in coffee, since consuming 10 or more cups of it in a day may lead to unpleasant side effects. It’s also important to note that coffee is not recommended for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women because of its caffeine content. 

Enjoy your cup of Joe and dont forget the grounds!

Salisha

I don’t wear sunscreen

I’ve actually never needed to wear sunscreen since I was blessed with skin that doesn’t burn as bad as some, however some of us and our babies need some protection for our skin, occasionally. This is where my go too homemade non toxic sun screen comes in!

Why Go Chemical Free?

I read an article over a year ago featuring ways to use up all those 'almost empty' essential oil bottles we all have laying around. I thought now would be a wonderful time to refresh that list by writing about the ones that we actually still use! 

Here are our favorite ways to use up the last few drops of oil in your essential oil bottles.

1. Mattress Refresher

Using this refresher and vacuuming help to reduce dust mites, dead skin cells, and germs.  Plus it is a great deodorizer!

• fill empty (or almost empty) essential oil bottle about 3/4s full with baking soda
• if the bottle had been washed out and is completely empty of essential oil, then add about 4 drops of essential oil.  (if the bottle was empty, but hadn’t been washed out yet and still has the smell of essential oils, then just add about 2 drops of essential oil).  Here are some great antimicrobial/antibacterial/antiviral essential oils to use for cleaning a mattress:  lavender, lemon, orange, tea tree, cinnamon, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lime, peppermint, spearmint, orange, tangerine, and rosemary.  Choose just one or a favorite combination of 2-3 oils.  Here are a few combinations I love using to clean my mattress:
  • tea tree, lavender, and lemon (very fresh and clean smelling)
  • eucalyptus and spearmint (very relaxing, and relieves stress)
  • tangerine, lime, and spearmint (smells like a citrus mojito)
• shake to mix
• put cap back on
• let it let sit overnight so the baking soda can absorb the essential oil

 To Use:

• remove pillows, sheets, and blankets from bed
• pour baking soda/EO mix into a shaker or into a small strainer (if you have a king-sized bed, I would use at least two 15ml bottles of the baking soda/eo mixture)
• sprinkle on mattress
• leave on for a couple hours (perfect timing to wash and dry the bedding)
• then vacuum off

2. Car Diffuser

Use an almost empty essential oil bottle to make a diffuser for your car:

• stuff a cotton ball into essential oil bottle
• put cap back on
• let it sit for a day or two so that cotton ball can absorb any leftover essential oil
• pull cotton ball out of essential oil bottle (use tweezers if needed)
• use paperclip to attach cotton ball to car’s AC/heat vent
• scent should last for 2-3 days, then you can add another drop or two of essential oil to refresh the car diffuser

3.  Freshen as You Vacuum

Using essential oils when you vacuum is a simple way to make your whole house smell fantastic!

Here’s how to use up the last bit of essential oil from an almost empty bottle to make this vacuum refresher:

• stuff a cotton ball into almost empty essential oil bottle
• put cap back on
• let it sit for a day or two so that cotton ball will absorb any leftover essential oil.
• pull cotton ball out of essential oil bottle (use tweezers if needed)
• place scented cotton ball on the floor
• then vacuum it up

4. Homemade All-Natural 'Febreeze'

There’s a great one to use up those last few drops of essential oil in the bottom of a bottle.  Add a spray top to the essential oil bottle and turn it into a homemade all-natural “Febreeze” fabric refresher.  Here’s how to do it:

1. start with an empty (or almost empty) 15ml essential oil bottle
2. choose the linen spray that you want to make.
3. add 2-3 drops of essential oil to the bottle
4. fill the rest of the 15ml bottle with vodka (make sure you leave a little room at the top for the sprayer)
5. put on the new spray top
6. gently shake or roll the bottle to mix the vodka and essential oils
7. shake again each time before use, spray lightly on fabric and allow fabric to dry completely

You can substitute witch hazel or water for the vodka, but it’s best to use alcohol if you can in this recipe.  Alcohol has a faster evaporation rate than witch hazel and water, and as a result, is less likely to cause mold or mildew in fabric.  If you do need to substitute witch hazel or water, give the fabric extra time to dry, and if possible, use a fan to circulate air over the fabric until it is dry.

5.  Instant Deodorizer

Here’s how you turn your empty essential oil bottle into an instant deodorizer:

• take cap and dropper off
• place bottle in a spot that needs a little deodorizing (laundry room, bathroom, closet, refrigerator, etc)
• that’s it; you’re done.  Let the bottle stay in there for a few days to do its work.  When the scent is gone, clean and sanitize the bottle and upcycle it for another DIY project on this page.

6. Smelling Salts (Breathe Better Blend)

Feeling a like congested?  Here’s a great way to upcycle your empty essential oil bottles to help support clear breathing.

How to make essential oil smelling salts:

• start with a cleaned and sanitized essential oil bottle
• fill bottle with Epsom salt
• add 4 drops of essential oil (a blend of 1 drop each eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, and lavender works great, but you can use all peppermint or all eucalyptus if that’s all your have)
• shake to mix well
• put cap back on bottle in-between uses

To use:

• uncap bottle
• hold bottle up close to nose (but not touching nose)
• inhale deeply
• repeat as needed

Some studies suggest that 75% of North Americans do not meet their dietary requirements for magnesium. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are usually subtle unless your levels become severely low. Deficiency may cause fatigue, muscle cramps, mental problems, irregular heartbeat and osteoporosis. Find out if you are deficient.

Combating Magnesium Deficiency With Food

Dark Chocolate

Avocados

Leafy Greens

Pumpkin Seeds

Flax Seeds

Fatty Fish (salmon)

Bananas

Magnesium Oil or Pills

Sometimes you will need additional help with combating magnesium deficiency. That's where my Magnesium Oil and Sprays come in. Made with a highly absorbent form of magnesium which is applied topically to the skin for instant absorbency! 

Get it here!

Are you experiencing stress, poor sleep, anxiety, nervousness, tension, fatigue, irritability, muscle and nerve pain or other symptoms of magnesium deficiency? it's time to try Simply Pure By Salisha's Pure Magnesium Oil Spray. Harvested from pure seawater salt pools, our trans-dermal or topical magnesium chloride is absorbed directly through the skin. It's one of the most effective ways to treat symptoms of deficiency.

Our magnesium oil is sourced from distilled, concentrated seawater. Unlike magnesium chloride hexahydrate (a lab product) our magnesium chloride sourced from the sea is natural and also contains 90 Plus trace minerals, which can't be reproduced in a lab. Our magnesium chloride products are antimicrobial, antiseptic, crystal clear, non-staining and fragrance-free.

Features

• Dramatically alleviates pain, cramps and muscle spasms
• Increases the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to aid digestion and the absorption of nutrients
• Reduces inflammation throughout the body 
• Improves sleep, reducing night time disturbances and awakening
• Lessens the effects of skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema
• Lightens stress and reduces anxiety, helping you feel much happier and more relaxed
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Total health benefits as a key mineral in our bodies
• Enhances the nervous system and its functions

Get Yours Here

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food titled, "Efficacy and Safety of a Flaxseed Hull Extract in the Symptomatic Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Parallel, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study," reveals that men who consumed an extract of flaxseed for swollen prostate (i.e. benign prostatic hyperplasia) saw significant improvement.

According to the study, The American Urology Association (AUA) Guideline, 2010, defines benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as proliferation of smooth muscles and epithelial cells within the prostatic transition zone. The typical symptoms include:

• Urinary frequency

• Urgency

• Nocturia (abnormal frequency of night time urination)

• Decreased and intermittent force of stream

• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

BPH is one of the most widespread health conditions faced by men today, with the incidence rising to nearly 50% of the male population by the eighth decade of their lives. Moreover, countries like China and India are now seeing an exponential increase in BPH diagnoses as they increasingly adopt the Western diet, lifestyle, and medical system.

Current approaches include side effect heavy pharmaceuticals such as alpha adrenergic blockers and 5 a-reductase inhibitors, as well "gold standard" surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which so consistently produces surgery related impairments that there is an entire syndrome named after these side effects, namely, ​Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Syndrome.

The human cost in both financial and existential terms is immense. This is why interest in safe, natural, affordable and effective alternatives is growing, and why the researchers felt compelled to test the hypothesis that eating flaxseed might provide an ideal alternative approach.  

In the randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study, three groups of men, aged 45-75, with newly diagnosed BPH and an American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) score of ‡ 13 , were given either a placebo, or a low or high dose of a lignin-rich flaxseed hull extract.

PROBIOTICS

More specifically:

"Study treatment consisted of 500 or 1000 mg of extract containing 100 mg (low-dose active [LDA] group, n = 26) or 200 mg (high-dose active [HDA] group, n = 26) of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), respec- tively. The placebo (P) group (n = 28) received matching maltodextrin capsules. Sixty subjects (LDA [n = 19], HDA [n = 20], and P [n = 21]) completed the study as per the protocol requirements. Change in the AUASI score within a period of 8 weeks, from baseline to end of treatment, was assessed."

The promising results were reported as follows:

"In this study, supplementation with the flaxseed hull extract provided greater relief than placebo in obstructive symptoms of BPH, such as sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, ''stopping and starting'' while urinating, weak urinary stream, and ''straining while urinating.'' Low and high doses of the flaxseed extract provided statistically significant improvements in the scores of these obstructive symptoms at week 8 as compared with baseline. In contrast to this, the placebo group did not show a statistically significant improvement with respect to these obstructive symptoms."  

The treatment group did not see any sign of increased side effects relative to the placebo group, indicating how remarkably safe flaxseed is versus conventional treatment. Also, because the placebo group also saw a significant improvement, it is possible that the strong placebo effect may have overshadowed the real power of the intervention. We hope that in the future a non-pharmaceutical industry funded study compares flaxseed to both pharmaceutical and surgical intervention to assess its true power.

PROBIOTICS

Another important observation is that the flaxseed groups saw an increase in free testosterone, as well as a decrease in the testosterone metabolite DHT, which is known to contribute to prostate growth both benign and malignant. The placebo group, on the other hand, saw both an increase in testosterone and DHT.  This also means that aging men, whose testosterone levels often plunge in relation to their estrogen levels, might experience additional hormonal benefits from eating flaxseed that could contribute to their overall state of well-being.