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Suntans & Sunburns

Sunburns and Suntans
Sun tanning in sun hat and sunglasses.

Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Suntans v. Sunburns.  As we all know very well, the sun is a power tool and a reason for vacation. The sun, family, fun, ocean—all blissful motivations for going to the beach—but our point is that with the sun and the beach comes sand, tans and sunburns!

So how do you know you’re prepared for a tan and how do you know when your tan becomes sunburn. The first thing to take into consideration is the fairness of your skin—lighter skin burns more easily. So in addition to the general tips we give you, take extra precautions if you’re a member of the lighter complexion.

With that being said, what is a suntan? A suntan is a browning of skin caused by exposure to the sun. This is similar to the cooking of a rotisserie chicken, so if you leave the chicken in there too long, it burns. The really cool nerdy part of a suntan is basically the stimulation of melanocytes from UV radiation, which encourages your skin to produce more melanin and darkens pigment.

Isn’t it neat how your skin reacts to the environment? We think it’s pretty extraordinary—a tan done right can produce beautifully golden skin and wonderful result. The best thing to do at that point is to keep it moisturized and clean.

Now, without proper protection and staying in the rotisserie oven too long, a sunburn could be produced. A sunburn occurs when there is a delayed reaction from UV B-erythema, which is caused by an increase in blood flow. The burn usually shows itself in at least 4 hours and peaks between 8 to 24 hours. In other words, in some cases the skin doesn’t take well to the UV and doesn’t absorb it properly. It requires extra protection to not burn in a lot of sun.  On the other hand, if your skin isn’t regularly exposed to the sun, it weakens the skin’s ability to handle the sun. Therefore, completely hiding your skin from the sun isn’t good for health either.  Your body needs vitamin D that the sun provides. So try to find a health balance.

Symptoms of Sunburns:

  1. Redness of skin.
  2. Skin may radiate heat and feel hot to touch.
  3. Pain or tenderness.
  4. Blistering and peeling skin.
  5. Sunburned eyes may feel painful or gritty.
  6. Headache, fever and fatigue if sunburn covers a large area.
  7. In severe cases, faintness, nausea, and vomiting.

The EE 411: Prevention and Best Suntan Practices

Prevention-

  • Sunscreen/sun block
  • Sun hats and caps
  • Umbrellas and beach umbrellas
  • Aloe Vera (helps soothe pain and redness)
  • Find shade
  • Try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct the sun between 10am and 4pm when it’s at its strongest.
  • Sunglasses
  • Loosely fitting clothing

Best Suntan Practices:

  • Always apply suntan or sunblock according to the directions provided. If it says last for 80 minutes and you’re going to be in the sun for 160 minutes, please reapply after the first 80 mins. It is advisable to look after your skin’s safety.
  • Putting up an umbrella on a beach is practically as fashionable as wearing a hat and it’s healthy too. Even use it while walking like if you forgot your sunscreen, you may look silly but your skin will be protected.
  • Wearing sunglasses helps protects your eyes from the sun because they can be damaged by the sun too.
  • Avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day which is between 10 am and 4 pm. Go out early mornings and evenings, if you can’t take extra precaution for your type of skin.
  • If burned, do not exfoliate or pick at your skin—it will come off on its own. Gently cleanse and moisturize. If especially painful, try aloe vera to help cool your sunburns.

Share with us: How do you avoid sunburns? What are your best suntan practices?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms, Organic Lip Balms and Organic Hair Care) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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“Ignorance is Not Bliss” – Chemicals in Cosmetics

Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

The organic and all-natural skin care community seems to have finally been heard! Just a few weeks ago CBS aired a segment about how important it is to know what you are using on your bodies in terms of skin care beauty products like hair products, make-up, soaps, and nail polish. Beware of the chemicals in cosmetics.  As mentioned by Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi in their CBS production, “Ignorance is not bliss.” What have we said every day since we began, Earth’s Enrichers? Skin care is not just important to your outer appearance but also your inner body– know your body and yourself by paying attention to the products you use.

As I mentioned before, we are being heard. Lawmakers are coming together to pass a law that allows the FDA to test whether the amounts of dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde are being used at safe levels. If levels are determined to be too high or dangerous, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) would have the power to recall the items in question. However, it is our concern that with constant or everyday use of products with even small dosages of harmful chemicals, that it’s still not a healthy choice for your body.

We digress, if Congress is starting to pay attention to the bigger issue, then kudos to us and them for making a stand to change! Stand fast in your home remedies and organic solutions because you, Earth’s Enrichers, are making a difference and taking care of your health from the inside out!

The EE 411: Numbers and Chemicals in Cosmetics

According to “Dangerous chemicals in cosmetics spur action by lawmakers,” Europe bans over 1,000 chemicals from their personal care product formulations. We checked the facts on this one: Page 18 of “the Council Directive” begins the list of chemicals banned from Europe. The U.S., on the other hand, according to CBS only bans 11 of these same chemicals, and this is supported by the FDA’s website.

So again, we urge you to look out for possibly harmful chemicals in your products while paying close attention to hair care, straighteners that may use formaldehyde or hair dye that may use propylparaben (lead acetate); and newer nail polish that lasts more than a week, which may also contain formaldehyde.

Earth’s Enrichers, we are not trying to scare you but we are trying to inform you. Harmful chemicals in skin care products is nothing new, and it has been around since the dawn of skin care products. Awareness is key to making a positive change and it also allows you to explore your options. We make USDA certified organic and all-natural skin care and hair care options because we care about you and you deserve the best. And for you, all-natural, non-GMO, organic, and chemical and paraben- free IS the best!
.Share with us: How do you protect your health inside and out?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Honey – Secrets of the Hive

Honey

Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Some of you Earth’s Enrichers know the secret of the hive and others, well, you have just unknowingly stumbled upon it. Honey is the holy grail of holy grails. We bet that some of you make tea and, instead of lumping sugar into it, use honey to bring out the sweetness. If you have not tried honey instead of sugar, we suggest you grab some green tea and try it– it couldn’t hurt.

We mean it, it couldn’t hurt. A teaspoon of raw honey is equal to about 64 fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free calories– Honey, you’ve definitely got it! And get this, honey is more than a sweetener, it’s a preserver– an antibacterial, anti-fungal preserver. Buying a jar of honey seems like a good investment if you ask us. Not only does this precious substance have a great shelf life and offer a health-conscious alternative to sugar, it helps to preserve memories, create energy, suppress coughs, relieve allergies, and much more.

Studies have shown that honey can help boost memories, so having a spoonful every now and again could make you all the wiser. While preserving your memory, you can help suppress that little cough you may have and sleep better at night– multitasking the healthy way! Honey is the go-to-guy for everything– both in internal (as in allergies, coughing, sleep, and energy) and external (treating wounds, burns, sores, dandruff, and infections) health.

The EE 411: Honey – Rules of the Hive

After hearing about all the great secrets of the hive, are you surprised that we put honey in select products? It was one of the best ideas we’ve ever had. Honey Granola Bar Soap was designed to replenish your skin with a silky cleansing that removes dead skin. The point, ladies and gentlemen, is that it leaves your skin feeling soft, supple and replenished. If you don’t believe us yet, you can also try our Honey Vanilla Lip Balm. How much better can it get? The very same ingredients that you can eat together, Oatmeal and Honey, can be used to make your skin healthy. It’s a natural and healthy win and there is no secret in that!

As always, we encourage you to do your own research and learn what is best for your skin. Honey, although great for your skin, comes with its own set of precautions like all natural and organic things. Honey in its raw state can contain certain dirts and bacterias that aren’t harmful to us but can be rough on babies, so please wait at least a year until you try honey on your kiddos to suppress their coughs. That way they can build up enough immunity. Additionally, in some cases, using honey on your skin can feel a tad discomforting similar to a light stinging sensation. If that is the case, we suggest you stop using the honey and ask a dermatologist. 

Another aspect is a honey allergy, which doesn’t happen all too often but if you find that you are allergic, it may be due to pollen found in the honey. Overuse of honey could also lead to the drying out of skin tissue, so be very stingy with how you use this golden substance– you don’t necessarily want the Midas touch. Last but certainly not least, if you’re an individual with diabetes you do not want to place any honey directly on your wounds because it may cause your glucose level to rise. 

Always know yourself, and be prepared when trying out new things. If you have any concerns, call a professional and pick his/her brain just to be safe. I hope we provided you with some awesome info– until next time!

Share with us: What do you think of honey now? Did anything change?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Organic Skin Care – Mother’s Day: Special Place in Her Heart

Organic Skin Care - Mother's Day - Special Place in Her Heart
Happy Mother’s Day

Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Next week is Mother’s Day Y’all!  Do you have any idea what to get her? Our goal for every Mother’s Day is to top the last one. So we have a few suggestions for you that are great for her health and mind and that will find a special place in her heart.

Before you start panicking, take the time to think of why you are looking for the best gift possible.  It’s because this is the day that you celebrate your mother.  So, take the time to reflect on her importance. Think about what she means to you and how you feel about her. Thank her for this year and for how much she’s been there for you.

After you have taken the time to brainstorm, write your thoughts down on a card or letter.  This will create something personal for her to keep along with her gift. This way, when she looks back on this day, she will always have a memento to remind her of the thought that you put into making it memorable. This extra expression of your love will make this year’s gift very special!

The EE 411: Keeping her Health in Mind

When we were kids, mommas would take care of our every need. They would feed us, dress us, hug us and kiss us.  They would also bathed us and made sure our skin was properly cared for. This meant that they would check the products they used to make sure they were right for their baby’s skin.

Now, as an adult, you should return the favor and get her something that looks out for her skin care needs and makes her happy!  As always, we will make it easy for you.  We provide an organic skin care line that we think is the best option for your moms’ skin.  We are sure that she will enjoy using our products and they will make her very happy. 

Therefore, we would like to offer you our Mother’s Day Special.   Choose from our wide range of skin care products and when you Buy 1 you will Get 1 FREE.  Our products can be ordered online at www.earthsenrichments.com or purchased and pick-up directly from our facilities (please call 1.888.958.5687). This special is good Monday, April 27 – Monday May 11, 2015 only.

Thank you for your continued support.  We hope that you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Living Healthy – High Fiber Diets

Living Healthy - Hiber Fiber DietsHey Earth’s Enrichers 

As you all can see, springtime is trying its very best to break in and leave winter behind.  When spring will surely be here is quite uncertain, but it is never too late to start getting ready. Some of you can feel springtime in your bones—although the weather does not scream spring just yet—you have started cleaning, airing out your houses, and getting into shape for those cute little dresses and shorts.

This is the diet season when everyone launches into the routine get-ready-for-spring-and-summer habits. One of those most popular diets known to help individuals lose weight are the high fiber diets. This week we’ll discuss the good and bad about high fiber diets. We will also give you some tips to help avoid or aid constipation that can result from ingesting too much fiber.

High fiber diets are a common and “easy” way to lose a few pounds. It requires that you add and consume more foods that are fibrous in your diet. Fiber makes passing food easier and has fewer calories that can linger in the body and turn into unnecessary fats. Nonetheless, this diet can go south quick.

High Fiber diets require precautions just like any other diet. You must regulate it and you must insure that you are ingesting the right amount of EVERYTHING you need. It is always risky to take on a diet that has a particular focus. In this case, fiber can make certain bodily functions easier but it can also make it harder for them to do their functions. Consuming too much fiber can cause constipation, which, like the tightening of braces, is something no person wants to voluntarily go through.

In addition, calories are important and are where your body gets its fuel for energy. Their purpose is to be ingested and burned off during your everyday activities. When too much of them are ingested and not worked off over a certain period of time they can become stored in the body as permanent fats. Hence, it is wise to watch your calorie intake, even with fiber-rich foods. That is right; the Calorie Counters are not all that crazy.

Last, as always, consult a professional when taking on a diet. Doing so can help you personalize your diet to work better for you. It also reduces unnecessary risk. Moreover, doing research about diets or other nutrition facts could spare you any surprises.

The EE 411: Avoidance and Alleviation of Constipation

Eating too much fiber can cause constipation. The best way to avoid it is to not overload your body with fiber. Fiber is a natural element that is present in most foods. It can be used to alleviate constipation but if you over do it, you could exacerbate the issue. An adult needs an average of 14 to 15 grams per day but, of course, it is better to seek a professional to give you the personalized dosage you may need.

The best way to alleviate and avoid constipation:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Incorporate some “roughage” in your diet like green fresh vegetables
  • Incorporate a good amount of fiber in your diet, but don’t make it your entire diet
  • Herbal teas
  • Exercise and stay physically active
  • Be patient if you’re constipated—rushing a constipated bowel movement can cause even more pain
  • Stretch and use some yoga positions—walk around and get everything moving

If all else fails, consult a professional and determine what kind of laxatives or stool softeners you may need.  Hopefully, this information will help you in your steps to discovering relief and taking on a high fiber diet.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Healthy Lifestyle – Goal Setting

????????????????????Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Having aspirations and goals can give you the drive you need to be successful in life. Not having anything to work towards or a sense of purpose can lead you astray. You may find yourself not wanting to do anything and settling for average. We at EE would like to sway you to do otherwise—Set a Goal! Even if it’s just a small one, no goal is unimportant.

The sense of achievement that comes from obtaining the goals you set can be priceless. It’s the feeling of accomplishment that keeps you motivated. Take for instance someone who is afraid of rollercoasters who is convinced to ride one at an amusement park. This person waits nervously in line. The anticipation of the rollercoaster makes them anxious and they start to look for means of escaping, but the time to board draws near. The person gets on the ride and as it slowly creeps up to its first plummet, the feeling to faint threatens to take over. All of a sudden the coaster drops and the person finds him/herself on a thrill—dipping, whirling, screaming screams he/she didn’t even know they were capable of—then the ride’s over. The person gets off the ride feeling a sense of accomplishment and awe. They think that it wasn’t so bad and that it was over quite quickly. This person may even consider getting on another ride.

The point is that goal setting and achieving that goal is not as easy as people think.  You have to make the decision and choose the goals you want to accomplish. Once that decision is made, you have to stick to it. On your way to achieving that goal, you may start looking for every way out. Don’t give in because before you know it, you will have gotten closer to achieving your goal. It may seem like the world is standing in your way and/or that you don’t have enough time to be successful, but you do! Don’t let the anticipation make you anxious and turn you away from what may frighten you, or you may miss your opportunity.

If you stay strong, you will find that you have reached your goal before you know it. Perseverance will allow blessings to come your way because of the amount of work you put in. Your patience and courage will help you accomplish something you didn’t think was possible. Have faith in yourself, and remember the feeling that comes with accomplishment because it will keep you motivated.

The EE 411:  Goal Setting, Motivation, GOAL!!!

There are some standard guidelines for setting goals:

  1. Brainstorm: Think about what you want to achieve and why. This could take anywhere from hours to a day or two. Don’t rush yourself because you have to know what you want.
  2. Prepare Yourself: After you have discovered what you want to achieve, do some research. Find out what it will take, how long it usually takes, what all it encompasses, etc. Make sure you get a handle on everything you need.
  3. Blue Print: Draft out the main or long-term goal and the steps or short-term goals you will need to take to achieve the long-term goal.
  4. Timeline: On your blue print, map out how long it will take YOU to achieve this goal. Chart out on a calendar when you will achieve these events.
  5. Goal Contract: Write out your main (long-term) goal and the steps you will be taking (or short-term goals) out. Make it detailed, and then find a witness to sign this contract. This witness will be responsible for helping you achieve this goal by not letting you out of it. (Choose someone you are close to that will be assertive and adamant).
  6. Begin!

The Key to Motivation:

Motivation comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be material things or objects, a feeling, or a treat you’d like to give yourself. By definition, motivation is the general desire or means for an individual to do something. So even a person’s reasons for setting a goal could keep them motivated. To help remind them of their motivation, use reinforcers. These can be little rewards that can be merited when a step is achieved. However, make sure the award doesn’t set you back. For instance, if your goal is to quit your shopaholic tendencies, the reward shouldn’t be a shopping spree. Make the rewards moderate and plausible like a trip to the movies. Take the rewards as an opportunity to try something new!

Share with Us: What advice do you have for setting and achieving goals?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Natural Health – Ways to Relieve Skin Irritations

 

Natural Health- Ways to Relieve Skin IrritationsHey Earth’s Enrichers 

In some instances, desperate times can call for desperate measures. What can you do to relieve the temporary discomfort that comes from skin break outs? You know the inflamed, red, itchy areas that happen when we make that one mistake we didn’t need. These cases tend not to be as serious as a visit to the emergency room, but can be as irritating as the day is long.

So this week, Earth’s Enrichers, we will be dedicated to giving you helpful and natural ways to relieve skin irritation. These remedies can be found in your own home and can be helpful when the irritation is not so serious but is far from comfortable. If you find that the irritation is something serious, then it’s best to contact a professional or doctor before taking any further action.

In weather that’s, icy and windy, your face or other constantly exposed areas can be subject to harsh elements. To protect your skin from the irritation of the cold, we recommend you moisturize and continue to hydrate your skin throughout the day. Coconut oil and shea butter (which we use to base all of our balms by the way) are great for healing, moisturizing, and revitalizing skin. Keeping your skin clean and moisturized properly everyday will help prevent irritation.

Then again, even when precautions are taken, things can still happen. So, what do you do to ease annoying skin irritation? There is a simple and general tactic to relieve discomfort. The first thing you should not do is constantly mess with or scratch the irritated area; that could make it worse. Not to mention, the dirt and bacteria from your hands could cause contamination.

So, the first step to take is to make sure the irritated area is clean.  Use natural skin sensitive cleansers that contain natural relievers like oatmeal and aloe vera. Using a cold water soaked wash cloth, pat the area gently or place it over the area. Do not scrub the area or leave it wet—pat the area dry with a soft towel. The cool water will help relieve the hotness of irritation temporarily.

 Aloe Vera has healing and cooling properties that can soothe irritations. Also, using a cold compress is an alternative. It can reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from the burning irritated skin, there are also properties in oatmeal that can help relieve inflammation. When cleaning or soaking the irritated area, it is best to use cold to lukewarm water. This way you don’t produce more irritation to the affected area or dry it out.

 Last but certainly not least, remove anything from that area of the body that could cause irritation. For instance, a tag or piece of clothing that continually comes in contact with that area will cause further irritation. Following this process should help provide some relief for any skin discomfort or irritation. If it doesn’t go away in a timely fashion, we recommend that you seek medical attention to see what the allergenic is or what continues to irritate your skin.

The EE 411:  Skin Irritations – Break Out the Break Out Remedies 

Remember, it is important to know your body. Make a note of the things that break you out and cause allergic reactions. It will help save you from future troubles. Once you recognize what irritates your skin, you can have a better assessment of its sensitivities. You will start to develop a profile that helps you select products that benefit you. So, for remedies that can help relieve the annoyance of skin inflammation, redness, and itchiness, please see below:

 When looking to reduce redness and inflammation, the following are good options:

Simply place these things on the area until temporary relief is evident. It shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes.

 When looking for something to reduce itching and irritation, the following are good choices:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Baking soda (a teaspoon add water)
  • Oatmeal
  • Peppermint leaves*
  • Basil leaves*

(*Also, good for bug bites)

Taking controlled amounts of these substances and gently rubbing them on the irritated area should temporally cease the annoyance. Check out other skincare remedies.

 Here at EE we do care about your health. If you find that you constantly deal with your skin breaking out, then perhaps you should assess the products you are using. We encourage you to try us and see if our products lead your skin to better results. We make our products with you in mind, so don’t forget we have your back. For a quick start, here are some EE products that contain ingredients that help with relief of irritation, inflammation, and redness.

Share with Us: What natural remedies do you find works best for you?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Living Health – Yoga

 

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Even during those summer days, waking up can be a nightmare especially when it’s early, but what do you do when you wake up? Think about it, the first thing you do is stretch to wake up your muscles. Stretching your muscles is and should be a part of your everyday physical activity and/or exercise.

If your body is getting its preparation, what about your mind? Is there an exercise that prepares your body as well as your mind? Well, there is! You all have heard of yoga, right? Yoga is an exercise and meditation activities that helps you unite your mind and body. It uses techniques or poses to help with your posture, flexibility, and strength. It also teaches you how to breathe during the practice of these particular exercises.

Before we go on to the physical part, let’s talk about the meditation (or the mind exercise) that happens before or during your practice of yoga. Meditation is not always a religious practice; it’s a way of getting your mind together whether you’re contemplating your spirituality or how to make your kids eat their vegetables. It’s a way to get in touch with your body as well. Remember how we always say get to know your body? Meditation can help you with that during the poses in yoga.

When or if beginning yoga for the first time, you may not find it easy for your body and you may discover new things about your body. For instance, you may discover poses that you like or poses you don’t like. This depends on how the poses feels to your body. It also shows you where and how you need to improve physically. It’s challenging but yoga is a progressive exercise practice. When we say “practice,” we mean with more practice comes more improvement. You’ll find, over time, those uncomfortable poses won’t be so uncomfortable anymore.

Yoga inspires stretching and positioning your body in ways that will improve your flexibility. It also encourages you to use muscles you haven’t used or never knew you had. When your yoga instructor directs you to take a specific pose or certain posture, it conjures those dormant muscles. Over time, they build and tone.  For instance, the use of good posture strengthens your core muscles.

If you’re looking for a way to become one with yourself (an exercise for your mind and body), and to progressively improve your fitness (flexibility and strength), give yoga a try. It may be one of the best ways to exercise for you.

The EE 411: For the Newbies 🙂 

There are a few things that beginners should keep in mind when starting yoga: (1) how do I prepare for yoga and (2) what type of yoga do I like or is best for me?

How do I prepare for yoga?

  1. Determine if yoga is right for you by checking with your doctor. Medical considerations like hip surgery or pregnancy should be taken into account. Although, it is recommend that those expecting should not practice yoga—still consult a professional.
  2. Keep Hydrated. This is important in general! This is also really important if you are thinking about practicing Hot Yoga or Bikram.
  3. Eat. A rational meal two to three hours before practicing will give you energy to put forth the necessary effort.
  4. Know your limits. Do not perform a task just because everybody else in the class can. If you cannot do it, do not push it to the limit. Do what your body is prepared for; in time your flexibility and strength will improve. Also, know what time of day you are more flexible. For instance if you are your stiffest in the morning, morning yoga classes may not be the best for you.
  5. Warm up! Pre-stretches for ten or fifteen minutes help ready your body for the work it’s going to put in during yoga.

What type of yoga do I like or is best for me?

  • Anusara- Popular and designed in the US, this type of yoga inspires elegance with a focus on alignment.
  • Ashtanga- This style encompasses a series of postures with matching breathing. It is a physically demanding work out, so bring a towel.
  • Bikram –This yoga is heated, literally. It takes place in an artificially heated room. It consists of 26 poses in a sequence. You will sweat—this is another towel demanding yoga practice.
  • Hatcha- This is a generic, universal form of yoga. It is one of the common practices and is generally used for introduction because of its gentle style and more relaxed environment.
  • Hot Yoga- Do not forget your towel! It is similar to Bikram except the sequence of the poses is different, but the room is still heated.
  • Iyengar- this yoga practice is scrupulous and requires you to pay the utmost attention to detail. It requires configuration in your poses. It also summons the use of props during the practice. It requires plenty of discipline and is not for the faint hearted or fidgety.
  • Restorative- Do you consider yourself a nervous person? This yoga works to relax and calm the nerves. This yoga also uses props like blankets and instructs the students to take less disciplined poses. It requires less effort and restores your body to its proper balance.
  • Vinyasa- If you like to dance this may be the yoga for you. Its practice is to incorporate more harmonious movements that are sequenced to flow smoothly. However, the sequences are almost never the same. So, it is less consistent.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Organic Soap – Lemongrass Limelight

 

??????????Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Well Earth’s Enrichers, we are nearing the middle of the summer. We have gotten past the strange cold fronts, the nearly vacant spring, and now everything is starting to find its balance. The birds are chirping, the sun is blazing, the humidity is rising, and the mosquitoes are among us. Yep, we said it, the pest above all pests. Not only are they hard to see and have an irritating buzz, but they also leave you with an unpleasant reminder of their visits.

Well, we have a surprise for you! Did you know lemongrass is a natural mosquito repellent? No, seriously!  The fresh smell of lemons (or citrus), while pleasant to us, repels mosquitoes. They can’t stand it. It’s the perfect plant to plant in your yard to dissuade mosquitoes from entering and perfect for your skin to help ward off mosquitoes.

Think about it, you have all these unpleasant means to get rid of mosquitoes. For instance, those outside candles that could be dangerous around little children, those bug zappers that draw the bugs in the first place, chemical sprays, and body bug sprays that either don’t work or have an unpleasant smell. If you take a chance on those, then why not take a chance with the natural way?

Here’s another cool fact, some of those outdoor candles contain citronella, which helps ward of the bugs. Citronella is naturally found in lemongrass. It may work better straight from the source, don’t you think?

Lemongrass has other amazing benefits for your skin as well. It can help ward of skin infections and fight fungus. It can also act as an astringent, which can help dry out acne.  Try the lemongrass. Plant some of it around your yard to help keep mosquitoes away and also use it on your skin so you have protection wherever you go. That way you’re not just warding off mosquitoes, but you’re also protecting yourself and your skin from possibly damaging unpleasant bites.

The EE 411: 

To get you started we have a few awesome selections. Since lemongrass has these great benefits for your skin and relieves us from the world’s most annoying pests, we suggest using our Lemon Fresh Shea organic body bars, body balms, sugar scrubs, and bath salts. We also have a lemongrass mint organic lip balm.

Our refreshing body bars contain lemongrass, shea butter, and cocoa butter, which have the following benefits:

Lemongrass
– Wards off skin infections
– Helps fight fungus infections on skin
– Acts as an astringent

Shea Butter
– Acts as a natural moisturizer
– Soothes skin
– Protects skin against aggressions (wind, sun, cold etc.)

Cocoa Butter
– Fades blemishes
– Hydrates the skin

Our skin softening body balms contain lemongrass and shea butter too; but they also have coconut and sunflower oil. They have the following benefits:

Sunflower Oil
– Aids in the regeneration of skin
– Helps reduce scars and heal wounds
– Improves the appearance of dry, weathered, and aged skin
– Rich in Vitamins A, D, and E which act as an antioxidant

Coconut Oil
– Prevents the drying and flaking of skin
– Helps with rashes
– Protects against sun damage

The sugar scrub has the same benefits as the body balms with the addition of sugar, which can exfoliate the skin, break down the bonding or sticking together of skin cells, and facilitates moisture.

The bath salts also have lemongrass and shea butter, along with sea salt. The benefits of sea salt are that it helps detoxify the body, relaxes the muscles, and reduces aches and pains.

Give one of these a try for your summer vacations and Fourth of July barbeques. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. You could improve the quality of your skin, while protecting yourself from radicals that may ruin the skin like mosquitoes.

Coconut oil and sunflower oil can help regenerate the skin and when those pests bite they can leave behind nasty sores.  Overtime it, these natural organic oils could improve those damaged areas’ appearances, bringing back your skin’s natural glow and pigment.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Living Healthy – Enjoying Juicing

 

Fresh Vegetable SmoothieHey Earth’s Enrichers

Are you a juicer? There’s this wonderful way to take in all of the nutritious fruits and vegetables that you need. Juicing is a way for you to consume these nutrients in a delicious mix of your own. Whether you despise kale by itself but you love it with one your favorite fruits or you love is straight up, you can have your favorite or least favorite veggies and fruits anytime you want.  Of course, this isn’t a fairytale end to digesting your fruits and vegetables while still maintaining ALL of the appropriate nutrition. There are some rules. These rules ensure that you are getting all the nutrition you need.

Before I give you the juicing nutrition rules, let’s go over some juicing properties. The idea of juicing is basically taking your favorite fruits, vegetables, or both and designing your own delicious, affordable and all you can drink fest. This usually does not entail adding much else to your mixture, although if you see fit, you can add yogurt, ice, or any other suitable ingredient at your leisure.

You don’t need a professional grade juicer; you can simply use a blender. Before putting in any seedy fruits or anything with fibrous skin, we recommend peeling and deseeding. It will help you enjoy your drink and your blender in the long run.

Be kind to your blender! Your blender is the reason why juicing is possible so treat it with nice gestures like a thorough cleaning when you’re finished with it. That way it’s ready for the next fruit and vegetable rodeo.

Being kind to your blender has benefits for you—other than keeping it around longer. If you don’t like seedy or pulpy fruits/vegetables then choose options that lack those characteristics. Also, if you find that you don’t quite like thicker drinks add a little water till it’s just right.

This is all about what’s good for you! So keep in mind what makes you happy, while making and keeping you healthy. Continue to explore and research foods, beverages, and activities that keep up your fitness. If you haven’t given juicing a try, try it! Experiment with your favorite fruits, vegetables, milk, etc. Come up with your best, and tell us all about it. We’d love to hear it! And as we always say, know your body, and do what makes your body happy.

The EE 411: Juicing Nutrition Rules

Now about those rules we promised you. These are important, so pay close attention. There are ten rules you should keep in mind when juicing:

  1. Juicing alone does not provide you with all of the nutrition necessary for your body. This means juicing diets are not recommended especially if you’re only consuming the liquid. It is important to have a well-rounded diet and; Juicing can lack the fibers/proteins necessary to keep your body healthy. The skins of the fruit/veggies and pulp are a part of those fibers/protein. It is important to actually eat the veggies and fruits that are the recommended amounts for a day.
  2. Depending on the vegetable or fruit you choose, you are taking in nourishing vitamins and benefits that are special to the particular veggie/fruit. So, it wouldn’t hurt to do a little research to see what you need and what fruits and/or vegetables can give it to you.
  3. When juicing it is important to know what your body needs and doesn’t need. It is counterproductive to overload your body with vitamins it doesn’t need. Your body will simply become confused and not know what to do with what you gave it. It could make you ill, so check with a professional and keep up with what your body is taking in.
  4. Juicing diets aren’t the best for detoxing. Once the fruit and veggies are juiced, fibers are demolished. Fiber helps your body produce waste and regulate the sugar levels in blood; without it in the juices, it doesn’t necessarily provide you all that you need. Therefore it’s not the best way to detox your body.
  5. Great for easy snacking and stopping you from eating that sinful junk food you like. It creates a fun and creative option that can satisfy the sweets cravings. Fruits have natural sugars, and you can definitely substitute that for your average sweets.
  6. Don’t go overboard. This is just a heads up. If you experiment with juicing and you juice, for example, a meal—please don’t make yourself sick. Don’t force yourself to drink it if you don’t like it.
  7. Calories vary depending on what you use. Grinding [insert your choice ingredient(s)] does not necessarily mean it breaks down the calories. This is another reason why knowing your body and research is important. What you like, may not meet the calorie goals you have in mind.
  8. Juicing can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancers. Using organic, natural grown vegetables and fruits can provide your body with benefits like strong bones, an increase in energy, antioxidants, boost the glow in your skin, and aid in weight loss.
  9. Drink it while it’s fresh! Once juiced, it can be quick to perish and lose its appealing taste.
  10. Make sure what you’re using is pesticide free, and natural or organic.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)