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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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Organic Skin Care- Store Opening

USDA Organic Skin Care Collection
USDA Organic Skin Care Collection

Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

We’ve finally done it! What did we do? We set up a store front for customers to come visit and buy! We guess you can say we’re officially open for business.  So, here’s your chance to stop by and see what we’re all about. We are located at 2330 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21218, and you can visit us Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

The best part about this is that you don’t have to wait for your order to be delivered. Order online, come in, and pick it up or just come on in and decide when you get here. No pressure—you can take your time and personally check out your options.

If it just so happens that we are a little out of your geographical reach, you can find us in Whole Foods, David’s Natural Market, and Dawson’s Markets. Although in those locations you won’t get to meet us, you can still personally check out our items. Not to mention, you can always order online and receive it at your home—whichever is most convenient for you. 🙂

The EE 411: Let us Re-introduce Ourselves (USDA Organic Skin Care)

Just in case we have any new-comers, let us introduce who we are. We are a USDA Certified Organic and all-natural skin care company. We care about all facets of health that benefit you, our Earth’s Enrichers! So, if we hear of anything that benefits your health, we will personally do our research and let you know about it. And if it has anything to do with skin care, we are already on top of it!

Our motto is Enriched by Earth, Deserved by Everyone, which means we want to provide you with what you may need to look after your health whether it is skin care, mental, or physical health. We ask that you know yourself and do what is best for you—stay up to date on skin and health care by doing your own research too.

We’re here to provide you with top of the line skin care necessities because you deserve it—we’re looking forward to meeting 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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Organic Skin Care – Mother’s Day: For Her Personality

Organic Skin Care Mothers Day For Her

                                                 Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Organic Skin Care - Mother's Day: For Her Personality
Organic Skin Care – Mother’s Day: For Her Personality

Roses are red, violets are blue. We want your mother to be happy, and so do you! It’s the five day countdown to Mother’s Day and last week we dropped you some hints as to what to get her. Do you remember? Something special from your heart and something healthy for her skin.

We suggest you take care of mom, just like she takes care of you. So get her something to make her skin glow and feel rejuvenated for spring/summer like our Lemon Fresh Shea collection. It helps hydrate and illuminate, while also keeping the spring/summer pests away like bugs.

Or maybe you want to encourage her to take a breather and relax this Mother’s Day with a nice comfy home spa treatment, our Calming Spa Seaweed team could do the trick. Not only does it have seaweed and rosemary mint to help detoxify and de-stress your body but it makes for a lovely bath.

No wait, we’ve got it! You want your mother to get her groove on this Mother’s Day and enjoy herself. We have two “wing-women” that could inspire invigoration, revitalizing, and cleansing of her skin to get her ready to go out. You’ve heard of our Chai La Tea and Fresh Ground Java, right?

Then again, if she does just want to relax, Lavender of the Valley is the way to go. The Lavender of the Valley collection will help create a soothing atmosphere. A nice warm bath and music would help her unwind–she may appreciate the sentiment.

The EE 411: Our Offer

Once you decide what collection is best for your mother, 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.

 

(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 – Spring Cleaning

Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Organic-Skin-Care-Spring-Cleaning
Organic Skin Care Spring Cleaning

Spring is finally settling in place and summer is about to follow. Besides all of the diets and physical activity, what are you doing to prepare your skin for the summer? Yea, that’s what we thought—not many people know that preparing your skin for summer is an actual thing. There are certain steps that you might want to take in order to protect your skin from the upcoming heat and sun.

A total body cleansing, this means cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing.  Getting a head start on clearing acne or skin irritations before the heat and sweat irritate it is a great way to prepare for the summer. Not only are you clearing your skin for a great natural even tan but you are one step closer to smoother healthier skin.

After working on clearing your skin from acne, exfoliating your winter skin will also help smooth it out and make it glow. As you all know, exfoliation is when you scrub with a bathing tool that is a little rougher than a washcloth which can scrub off the dead skin lingering behind. Doing this can prevent random bits of embarrassing flaking that can happen throughout the day.

Moisturizing will restore the moisture that the exfoliating could take away to get rid of the dry skin. It helps bring out your skin’s natural glow and reduce dry flaking. Also during your moisturizing process, try to incorporate natural organic products that contain sun protection. This way your skin is getting all the nutrients it needs and protection from the sun’s UV rays.

There are other ways to get your skin ready for the summer but these are the basic and affordable first steps. The next step is getting those winter toes ready for sandals and flip-flops—a perfect excuse for a pedicure and manicure! If you have been saving all winter, treat yourself to a spa/makeover treatment. Remember; know your skin so that you do not over-do or under-do cleansing, exfoliation, or moisturizing.  This way you will be one step ahead of the sun.

The EE 411: 

Other ways to prepare your skin for the summer:

  • Hydration- removing sodas from your diet and drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin clear and readies you for the heat.
  • If you live in large city/industrial/or dusty area, keep wipes or hand sanitizer with you to relieve your skin of dirt that can irritate or clog pores.
  • Given that the weather patterns have been little weird, make sure you pay attention to the temperature and dress appropriately.
  • We were serious about a run to the spa or a home mani and pedi! It helps for when you do want to wear those sandals.

(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 – Foods that Boost Your Energy

 

Living Healthy - Foods that Boost Your EnergyHey Earth’s Enrichers 

Last week we talked about caffeine and how too much could possibly be detrimental to your health. Since we alerted you about caffeine risks, we thought we should give you some other options and means to boost your energy throughout the day. So, just for trivia, what is the most natural way to boost energy?

The answer: Eat! The body usually builds energy from sustenance. Carbohydrates help produce fuel for your body. Eating the right things throughout the day can help your body maintain energy. Perhaps, you may not have to turn to caffeine if you find out what foods provide you with the appropriate amount of energy.

Carbohydrates are meant to be burned off since one of their major purposes is to fuel your body. This is an important aspect to keep in mind when you are eating foods that contain them. It may be counterproductive to overeat the needed amount just as it is counterproductive to under eat. Make sure you don’t skip meals and snack regularly. Not eating properly is a perfect way to zap energy and cause you to turn to not-so-healthy immediate options.

Foods, drinks, or snacks with a lot of sugar will give you a rapid fire of energy, but only for a moment. This can also result in negative health effects and crashing. Trust us, there is nothing worse than a sugar crash when you need to keep moving.

Remember, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to sneak in nutrition. It is up to you to determine which of those are the best opportunities. When you are working at your desk starting to feel tired and your stomach growls– pull out an apple or trail mix. It will help keep you stimulated throughout the day.

The EE 411: Foods that Boost Your Energy

To keep you on your toes at work and give you a bit of variety, here are some selections that can help keep you energized throughout the day:

  • Eggs- consist of proteins that help repair your body’s energy after sleeping and boosts you for the day.
  • Brown Rice- has proteins and carbs that help produce energy
  • Fruits- natural sugars, glucose, that your body is better at metabolizing

o   Apples- fiber! A nice sweet way to keep your energy alive without crashing.

o   Oranges- with vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, this fruit will give you ongoing doses of energy with each orangy little piece.

o   Bananas- fiber, glucose, fructose, etc. that will help boost energy.

o   Blueberries- consist of energy improving carbs, plus they taste good.

  • Greek Yogurt- why not?!
  • Nuts
  • Beans- a great source of proteins and carbs.
  • Oats- fiber, reduce the risk of CVD.
  • Fish- fatty acids, B6 vitamins, riboflavin, etc. It can lower cholesterol and reduces CVD. 
  • Sweet Potatoes- Vitamin A, C, and Carbs to help increase energy.
  • Spinach- A top choice for iron that aids in producing energy.

Share with Us: How do you keep yourself energized throughout the 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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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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Healthy Lifestyle – Massage Therapy

 Healthy Lifestyle - Massage TherapyHey Earth’s Enrichers

Earth’s Enrichers, summer is coming to an end and this is probably one of the most stressful moments. This is the time the students are preparing to return to school and when work seems to be piling up the highest. However, just because the summer is nearing its end does not mean summer is over!

Now is the time to prepare yourself for what’s ahead, while enjoying the weeks of summer you have left. This is no time to get tense! Well some of you may already be tense. No worries we have a solution. First things, first; tension can be caused by anxiety and stress. Although these are forms of mental stress, they can manifest themselves in physical ways like headaches, back, or neck pain.

So, ladies and gentlemen, what’s the best way to remove physical tension, while also soothing your mental tension? A massage! Yep, the kind of massages you’d find in a spa.  Massages are meant to work out the tension in muscles and reduce the discomfort it brings. They’re not just for relaxation purposes.

Massage therapy is an actual therapeutic and medical process of relief. It’s been known to be help with anxiety, headaches, sports/work injuries, joint pain, stress, sleep/digestion disorders, nerve pain, and pain & muscle tension. A nice natural, soothing, handy option for relief. It can also improve posture, increase range of motion, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and can even strengthen the immune system.

Massage therapy or massages in general are a form of treatment and with most treatments there are some things you must do to help prepare your body. It is important that you prepare your mind for what is about to happen, especially if you have never had a message. So, do some research to find out what to expect and/or meditate on it. You must be open and relaxed in order to experience the benefits of the therapy.

To help keep your mind on what’s going on during the process, it is recommended that you not eat before your session. That way your body isn’t trying to digest your food, while it’s supposed to be relaxing. Also, to keep yourself relaxed, try not to frazzle yourself too much before your session. If you are relatively anxious or stressed, it may take you longer to relax during the massage.

There is no hidden rule that says you cannot talk during your massage.  In fact, communication between you and your massage therapist is recommended. This way you can inform them of what is uncomfortable or what is making it harder for you to relax. For instance, if there is a certain part of your body that is particularly sensitive or if the music played is distracting, you can just let them know. They are totally cool with it. It’s about making your experience a relaxing and beneficial one.

Speaking of making yourself relaxed during your massage, you don’t have to be naked if you don’t want to be.  Just let your massage therapist know what you’re comfortable with and wear clothes you consider fairly comfy. Also, be sure to tell them if you are allergic to any oils or lotions. That way you won’t end up breaking out after your session.

To complete your spa experience, be sure not to rush into movement. Take your time with getting back into your normal grove; getting up too fast might cause you to get dizzy. Remember your body will be going from extreme relaxation to outputting energy. So, take your time. Next, hydrate your body. The water helps flush out the toxins in the body.

Let’s not forget, a massage is not just therapy, it’s relaxing “me time.” So, enjoy it the way you want. Play the music you want to hear, use the oils you like the best, dress (or don’t dress) the way you see fit, and relax. The experience will be different for everybody and the benefits may not immediate. It may take some time to notice the changes after a massage. If you have never experienced a massage, we recommend you do more research and try it. You may love it! Remember, summer is not over yet!

The EE 411: Types of Massages 

There are many types of massages and they are used for different purposes. We have ten popular massages listed below:

  1. Deep TissueThis massage strives for deeper contact with muscles and the strokes tend to be slower. This is usually used for individuals with tight muscle pain, strain, issues with posture, or who are recovering from an injury.
  2. BackUsually brief massages that focus on the back. Tend to be generic spa massages.
  3. AromatherapyMassages that usually incorporate complementary, relaxing scents to help relax the body and mind of the individual.
  4. SwedishA very familiar massage that incorporates kneading, circular motions that target the superficial layers of the muscles. Usually, tame and soothing. This is the best options for newbies to start out with. J
  5. SportsKind of like the Swedish massage but more for folks with sport or activity related injuries.
  6. ShiatsuThis is a Japanese style massage that uses fingers to target acupuncture patterns. At each point, they linger for a few seconds to increase energy flow and maintain balance. A very pleasant experience.
  7. ThaiThis is similar to a Shiatsu, but it uses pressure points to increase energy and you are a bit more active because of the series of postures and positions you’ll be in. Great for reducing stress, increasing range of motion and flexibility.
  8. Hot StoneThis is a massage that incorporates fairly large smooth heated stones that are positioned on certain parts of the body. They are there to loosens tension. The therapist usually applies slight pressure on the stones.
  9. Reflexology– (or foot massage) This uses pressure points on the foot that corresponds to different organs of the body.
  10. Trigger PointThis focuses on tight muscle fibers that usually happen when they are over used.

(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!)