Coconut Oil for Your Skin - Nourishing Your Body From the Outside In (review and giveaway!)

I think most of us have heard how wonderful coconut oil is for us to eat. Some of us may have even heard how wonderful it is for our skin.

But did you know there are more than 160 uses for coconut oil?

Coconut Oil For Your Skin - Nourishing Your Body From the Outside In by Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama is a wonderful collection of nourishing recipes.

Why use coconut oil for your skin? Coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, is an antioxidant, and fights infection. Continue reading

The Shocking Truth About Shampoo: Why I Haven’t Shampooed in Seven Years

When I became pregnant with my first child eight years ago, I had lots of fun picking out things for my baby for after she was born. The little socks and shoes, tiny diapers. But when it came to shampoo, I found myself frustrated. I couldn’t find shampoo that didn’t have a bunch of chemicals in it.

Now, I wasn’t even aware of the whole “crunchy mama” world at that point - little did I know where that one thought process would take me! At that time I was still painting my fingernails with cheap nail polish, wore makeup that was full of chemicals, enjoyed soda, fast food and Doritos, etc. But once I realized my newborn baby was going to be slathered in baby lotions and shampoo made with chemicals, it made me re-think my own choices.

I never did buy that bottle of Johnson’s & Johnson’s. Especially after finding out the “tear-free” versions contain formaldehyde which prevents tears by numbing the eyes - not because it was gentle and chemical-free!

It was then I discovered the world of natural alternatives to shampoo, cosmetics, personal care items…and everything else. And I ditched my Suave shampoo for good.

Continue reading

More Wonderful Uses for Hard Lotion

If you haven’t already read my review on Hard Lotion, please go over and do so now (that’s where the give-away is, too!).

After posting my initial review on Hard Lotion I have found several more uses that I am excited to share with you. Continue reading

Lea’s Easy All-Purpose Natural Soap Recipe

Finding soap without a lot of additives can be difficult. Many soaps include fragrances and irritants that can cause problems for those who are sensitive. Other soaps may be too drying, requiring moisturization after you wash. Continue reading

Coconut Oil for Body Care

Hybrid Rasta Mama posted a list of 80 Uses for Coconut Oil. In it, Jennifer shares daily dosage recommendations, uses for your body, general health, health problems, cooking, and more.

I prefer using food-grade Extra Virgin Unrefined coconut oil for not just cooking, but putting on my body. What you put on your skin gets absorbed in your body, so why not use the best? Besides, I use so much of it, I buy it in large tubs. So I always have a bunch around.

I prefer Nutvia, and I purchase it from VitaCost. You can also get Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 54-Ounce Jar on amazon.

I now prefer Tropical Traditions coconut oil. I explain why in my post: Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil - my new favorite choice. Continue reading

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Ailments

Hydrogen peroxide has many different medicinal uses. It has been used over the years in home remedies, listed below are a few of these remedies.

* A mixture of half 3% hydrogen peroxide and half water can be used to treat canker sores (mouth ulcers). Use a cotton bud to apply the mixture directly to the canker sore.

* Swish your toothbrush in 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution prior to use. If you don’t like the taste of hydrogen peroxide, you may rinse your toothbrush with clean water prior to use, but if you choose not to rinse the peroxide mixture off before brushing your teeth, in addition to disinfecting your toothbrush, the hydrogen peroxide will help whiten your teeth.

* Hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus may work, although scientific studies have not been done to confirm its usefulness. Use a 3% solution, as the stronger preparations are less safe and may cause skin reactions. Approaches include soaking in the peroxide, wiping onto the affected areas several times daily, or spraying it on and allowing it to dry. It is likely to produce results much faster for athletes foot fungus than for a nail infection. On thing is undeniable: as a foot fungus remedy, it is one of the cheapest. Continue reading