Medicinal Roots: Natural Baby Raising (Blog Feature)

I stumbled upon a fabulous blog about a year ago that was all about raising our children naturally, DIY, and clean living. Having since built a bloggie-relationship with the author, I was able to ask her a favor- to write a blog post regarding natural baby raising for my followers. I have many friends who are veteran mothers, freshly minted mamas, and mamas who are just beginning their journey (congratulations to you all!), so I felt this information would be extremely valuable to them and for myself as well when that time comes. This week's Medicinal Roots was authored by Jennifer de Phoenix, mama of the Cupcake, blogger of DIY Cupcake. Jennifer is also an artist! Check our her Etsy Shop HERE.

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to write this for us. 

Hospital vs. Home Birth

For many mama's, this choice is not presented as a choice.  They will birth in a hospital because... that's where you give birth, right? But for a select few women, they will read, research and find that a home birth is an option and it is safe.  They will interview midwives and find someone to assist them in labor. I was one of those women, and I couldn't be happier with my choice!  I LOVE my midwife and her assistant and her partner midwife.  My daughter is now 8 months old and I still see them every other week, just to say “Hi.”  

For some women, a hospital birth is necessary.  Either because of diabetes,  they are expecting multiples, or for other complications.  I urge those women to seek out a doula for labor support.  Over 30% of hospital births in the U.S. were cesarean births, a major abdominal surgery, with SERIOUS risks of blood clots and more. (source for %) Many studies have found that by simply having a doula (trained labor support) present at a birth reduces the use of pain medication and reduces c-sections.  Cesareans are so common that I've heard people joke about how much easier and better they are, but for the truth about the risks and complications see here.  Obviously the most serious risk is death, and no mother should be dying in this day and age from childbirth! The recommended rate for actual need of c-section should be around 15%, anything higher is unnecessary according to the World Health Organization. 

Because of the high rate of c-sections in hospital settings, I'd recommend a home birth (no c-sections there!) or a birthing center.  With a home birth and birthing center there is always the option of going to a hospital if NECESSARY, but you don't get the choice vice versa.  With a trained and licensed midwife assisting at a home or birthing center, there is little need for fear.  Although, many doctors would like you to believe otherwise.

My favorite part of a home birth? (Besides being able to eat and drink whatever I wanted?)  NO I.V.!
I think it's unfortunate for so many women to believe they need a hospital, We are built for birthing!  No other animal uses a hospital and neither did we for thousands of years (hospitals have only been birthing locations for less than 200 years)!  A Natural labor is best at home, where I could move freely, and feel every movement, I felt connected to my daughter (before I knew she was a daughter) and I felt in tune with my body, Michel Odent refers to a process in labor where a women's mind switches to old knowledge.  That old brain knows how to birth, by adding drugs and interventions women are preventing from accessing this old brain.  In labor, I gave in to my old brain and let my body do it's thing, I have never felt more empowered and self aware. 

Breastfeeding vs. Formula

Let's talk about this in a strictly financial sense.  Breastfeeding is free.  Formula requires the purchase of bottles and the actual formula.  

Let's talk about this in a strictly time sense. Breastfeeding is quick, remove nipple, insert.  Formula requires the prep. boiling water (anything less can lead to illness), bottle usage- cleaning and assembling.

Now let's talk about this in a health sense.  Breastfeeding is normal, therefore, perfect for each baby every time.  It helps the baby's digestive track health, which also leads to life long health, as this is where illness fighting takes place within the body.  Many times you'll hear breastfeeding is best, but it's not, it's normal.  Anything else, is not as good, it might be good enough, but it also might be recalled for plastic and metal shards, or it might cause diarrhea or it might literally rip open the baby's digestive track, microscopically.  Breastfeeding on the other hand is gentle on a baby's tummy and it helps reduce the mother's risk of breast cancer.  (more benefit for babies here)

Finally, let's talk about this in terms of emotional sense.  Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a hormone that allows the uterus to contract after labor (helping to reduce hemorrhage) and also creating a bond for the mother and child.  Oxytocin is known as the love drug. It's what fills your body during your first kiss and even when you hug your parents.  It helps to bond the mother and child and from first hand experience I can tell you, it reduces baby blues.  After giving birth, I was so emotional, or not emotional I guess.  I was happy and loved my baby but wasn't sure I was feeling that LOVE that everyone talked about.  I loved my baby, but I felt like I should love her more... breastfeeding allowed me to bond with her and helped me feel like I was connected.  It really helped in moments of frustration or stress.  

I know some mom's have to return to work, but there are a few options for those moms.

1. Pump (or hand express).  While on maternity leave, get as much milk as possible, store it in the freezer for up to 6 months or the fridge for about a week and continue pumping during lunch breaks and whenever possible.  Source feed when the baby is with you.  The minimum you should breastfeed for is 6 months, that's when all the benefits really surface.

2. Use donor milk.  Eats on Feets has chapters all over, with healthy moms donating milk to other babies.  Human milk from a donor mom is the next option recommended by the World Health Organization BEFORE formula.

Cloth Diapering vs. Disposable Diapering

Cloth diapering is easy.  I know it might sound overwhelming, but hear me out.  I bought a bunch of gdiapers and some other all in one diapers.  When my daughter goes to the bathroom I rinse out poop in our back yard with a hose, then leave it out to dry in the sun, then wash it later with the laundry.  When she pees I put it into a bucket and wash it with all the laundry.  I wash them and dry them and the poop doesn't stain or stink up my clothes.  I also use E.C. which I'll explain below.  I NEVER have to buy diapers!  I am saving a lot of money, even though I had to spend a little up front (around $300). I can also reuse the diapers with future babies.

Disposables are just that; trash.  There have been recalls for chemical burns on babies bottoms, and they irritate bottoms more since they are papery.  They are wasteful and fill up landfills.  If you've ever opened a diaper up for a science project you've seen the absorbent material inside, it's not nearly as biodegradable as you might think.  It won't break down like cloth when you're done and it can't be reused. I really have nothing more to say about them because I really can't imagine why anyone would use them when the current cloth options are so cute, convenient, and bottom friendly :)

Elimination Communication vs. Diapering

Click here to read about Elimination Communication in full detail, otherwise, I'll just give you a general overview.  E.C. is when the parent learns the ques of the child and takes the baby to the toilet to eliminate instead of having baby eliminate in his or her diaper.  The theory is that babies don't want to defecate on themselves but we train them to be comfortable in their own poop and pee and then we have to untrain then later when we potty train them.  I've been using EC since Sonja was about 2 or 3 months and I do miss (as in don't notice or don't catch them in the toilet) poops and pees in her diaper, but its rare and I don't feel bad that she might be sitting in poop because usually I help her go in the toilet or sink. 

Conventional Diapering is when the parent leaves the child in a cloth or disposable diaper for 2-4 hours.  This is fine for parents who don't mind wiping up poop and pee off their baby's behind, and fine for those who don't mind using tons of oils and products to prevent diaper rash.  This is also nice when used in conjunction with EC.  many parents like to run errands and can get caught up in certain moments.  By using a combination it prevents serious messes while still fostering strong communication between caregiver and child.  I technically use a combination method, but I TRY to leave my daughter diaperless as often as possible around our home.

Baby/Child Lead Weaning vs. "Baby Food"

Child Lead Weaning is when the child or baby tells you he or she is ready for solid foods by reaching or grabbing.  As the parent, we make sure that the baby can safely consume what he or she is reaching for.  Sometimes a piece is too small, or too sharp or hard for baby to eat, if that's the case they don't eat that food.  My daughter has experienced broccoli, bananas, apples, and more but NOTHING mashed.  If she can't hold it, she doesn't eat it.  This also facilitates a longer breastfeeding relationship because she is not eating a lot of nutritional rich foods besides my milk. By drinking milk for longer period of time she is increasing her immune system.
Processed and packaged baby food is not something I want my daughter to consume.  I don't know what truly has been mixed into that mush.  I do not know the effects of the preservatives in each jar.  I do not like what I know about the BPA found in the lids of those jars.  If I was going to do the mushed food method I would steam my own veggies and I would blend them in a food processor or blender and freeze and save such food. 

Natural vs. Plastic Toys

Natural toys include: wooden blocks, metal rattles and so much more.  My daughter has a lot of books, toys and objects she plays with.  Not all are marketed as toys.  Some are wooden cooking spoons, metal bowls and pans, frozen wash clothes (while teething) and other functional objects.  I like that she is exploring real objects she will use in the future.  I also like how she will have to imagine more sounds, functions and concepts as she gets older.
Plastic toys are designed to be sold, used and tossed.  Plastic never breaks down molecularly.  It will not biodegrade back into the earth.  I am scared to death about what this culture has done with plastic, it's killing all the fish in the oceans (well not all... yet) and it's giving cancer both from production (dioxin) and from use (BPA) and yet people still think it's the coolest invention ever.  I would advise any parent to avoid ALL forms of plastic, no matter what, to keep their kids healthy.  I have a simple outlook in my home, if they didn't have it in the Pleistocene (cave man days) we don't NEED it now. 

Baby Wearing vs. Strollers

Baby wearing is the concept of using a sling or wrap to keep the baby on the parent as opposed to placing the baby in a playpen or stroller or car seat and carrying the baby around like luggage.  I see 2 obvious benefits from this: 
    1. Baby is always close to mama or papa and 
    2. It helps mama get back into her pre-pregnancy shape by continuing to carry around a few extra pounds.
Baby wearing is essential for E.C., as baby will rarely pee on the wearer when given proper opportunities to go to the bathroom.  It is also really great for baby to develop neck and back strength as opposed to those car seat sleepers who are lounging in their seats.  ALL the babies I know who were worn, more often than not, are quick sitter uppers, crawlers and walkers.  I think that all has to do with the fact that they interacted so much with their caregiver and their surroundings. 
Strollers for transportation are convenient when at the zoo, park or events.  I, however, rarely use my umbrella stroller.  I still wear my daughter a lot, she is 8 months old and over 15 pounds.  If I'm not holding her or wearing her, her daddy is.  She doesn't mind the stroller, but she will get fussy after a while, something rare if we're holding her.  I often see parents out and about with a fussy stroller contained baby; and all the while the parents are trying to reason with the baby, instead of just picking them up and giving them the affection they need. 
I guess this can be a touchy subject for many people, as lots of my parents generation will tell you, "that will spoil your child."  But, I'd really love for someone to explain to me how you can give someone too much love? I think it's interesting people wonder why we get spikes in crime (murders and rapes) MAYBE there is a connection to the disconnect we impose on new people?

Soap, Powder and Oils for Cleaning and Diapering

In conclusion, I'd like to share a few little natural tips for diapering and cleaning.  We use california baby soap and I think any of the mild soaps you find at natural grocers would be fine.  When doing our childbirth education classes we were told not to put anything on our baby that we wouldn't eat, and not that I would eat soap, but I check to see if most of the ingredients are edible.  For baby oil, we use organic olive oil as many marketed oils are derivatives of petroleum and not edible.  For such a young age, it's important to remember that so much is absorbed sublingually (through the skin) and what goes ON the baby ultimately goes IN them.  For baby powder we use corn starch, we don't trust Johnson and Johnson with our daughter's health when it comes to powders or lotions. Many "baby powders" (talcum powder) are dangerous to breathe in, so we stick with natural food based items.  Oh and one more fun thing! coconut oil is great for baby massages.  My daughter LOVES them and she smells tasty afterwards too!


Happy Natural Parenting!

Some shop resources for baby and home products I like:

Our Green House
Earth Mama Angel Baby
Organically Hatched

Medicinal Roots - Week 4: Yoga!

Question:
My boyfriend threw his back out yesterday and I'm trying to convince him to check out the $5 yoga classes at SWIHA with me tomorrow (I want to try the yoga basics class). He thinks he should get adjusted before going and I was going to try to find out if yoga would actually help his back instead of worsen it. What would you advise?
PS- Also, I've never taken yoga before, should I start with that class? What classes would help neck/shoulder/back tension?


Answer:
I love this question because it allows me to hop onto one of many of my soap boxes. I love Yoga. Plain. And. Simple. I love it. I love what it does for the individual as well as what it does for the community of spirits enjoying it together. I love the spiritual connectedness that it awakens. I love the control it gives us over our bodies and the peace of mind we receive through deep breathing. I love it.

Source

That being said, I recommend that your boyfriend do whatever it is he has done in the past that has been successful. If this means going to go to his chiropractic Doc to get a back adjustment, then he should. AFTER his back is stronger and he is feeling better, YES! Go to Yoga classes together! Yoga will help strengthen his back so that he won't throw it out again in the future. It will strengthen his knees, thighs, shoulders, and chest so that his core will be supported correctly. Yoga will also straighten his posture which will also help his back. 


When you both finally do make it to a class, be sure to get there early so that you can speak with the instructor. Talk with the instructor about his back issues so that the instructor can be conscious of it during class. The instructor should be able to tell your boyfriend of any alternative poses he can do to benefit his back and also so that your boyfriend doesn't attempt any poses that might hurt his back, like the Candle-Stick. 


In general, Yoga is an amazing strength building exercise that any mobile person can participate in. You don't have to be athletically inclined, skinny, tall, short, in-shape, young, old, or average. It really is an activity that welcomes all to its table. And best yet, you can start at any time! You don't have to be a Yogi to participate. New faces are always welcome!

Um... amazing, right? Source

Source

The benefits of Yoga are numerous and while I am not fully educated... ok ok... I am barely educated on the full potential of Yoga, but I understand some of the many benefits. Because it is a strength building exercise it is excellent for people with arthritis and stiffness of the joints. The movement and flexibility of the poses helps with blood circulation and blood pressure. One of the most prominent features of classic Yoga is that it is slow, calm, and quiet. It is a peaceful exercise. It allows time for reflection, meditation, and stillness of the mind. This is great for those who suffer from anxiety, stress, and mind chatter. 

Source

Yoga is a spiritual experience as well. When I say "spiritual" I do not mean one religion. I am talking about true spiritualism. There doesn't have to be one single religion about it. Is Yoga associated with one (or three) particular belief systems? Yes, but it doesn't have to be for you. That, my friends, is completely your choice.Yoga practice is a time to search your inner self and to connect to your spirit. It is a time to connect with a higher Spirit... who or whatever that higher Spirit may be to the individual. This can be a time of prayer or meditation. A time to imagine changes we would like to see in ourselves. And it is a time to give thanks for what we have in our lives and the people we share it with. Gratitude is very important, here is an opportunity to embrace it! 

Source

So what about that funny little word at the end of your Yoga experience? You know the one... you are sitting on your mat, facing the instructor. Your hands are pressed together at the palms near your heart with your fingers pointing toward the sky. You bow and say "Namaste." What does that mean anyway? A modern interpretation of the word is "The spirit in me respects the spirit in you." It could also be "The divinity in me bows to the divinity in you." It is typically used as a greeting and parting message among those in India, similarly to our "hello" and "goodbye." It really isn't all that weird in the end, but rather beautiful when you think about it.

Source

As I mentioned above, talk to your Yoga instructor before class. Get to know them and let them know of any physical concerns you might have regarding your Yoga practice. They can't help you if they don't know if there is anything hurting you. This includes head colds, flus, and other illnesses. (Yep, there are poses out there that will open your sinuses!) Be aware that inversions are not advised for women who are pregnant or on their menstrual cycles.


Some Excellent Resources:

• Spirit of Yoga (SWIHA's Yoga Den) 

                 Rates 
                 Schedule

• Imagination Yoga - Yoga for Kids!
• Iyengar Yoga - What is Yoga?
• Pregnancy Yoga - YouTube

Namaste,
~ Birdie

Medicinal Roots - Week 3: Cleaning Supplies

A close friend of mine asked an excellent question regarding natural hair care products this week. While I would LOVE to have this be my topic for the week, I simply do not know enough about it yet to make a solid statement about them. Personally, I have rid my house of any salon type hair products and began working with a "natural" shampoo and conditioner that I purchased at my local grocery store. It is not the best option, but it is better than what I was using previously and has far less ingredients listed on the bottle than my old brand. Currently, I use Nature's Gate Shampoo and Conditioner (not combined). The version of Nature's Gate that I have is the Tea Tree Oil and Lavender. It took a while for my hair to get used to the new product, but now, having used it for about 3 weeks, my hair is very light, has tons of volume, and feels very silky soft. It was worth the wait. 


SO, until I have more information regarding organic/natural hair care, I will leave it as it is stated above. Do some research, check out their site, and make your own decision on whether or not they would be a good choice for you. 


In the mean time, below is an article I wrote regarding safe recipes for Spring Cleaning and the effects of the current harsh, chemical-filled cleaning supplies on the market today. Enjoy!

Spring Cleaning the Cleaning Supplies

Many of the synthetic chemical cleaners found in the average household are overly compartmentalized to suit specific needs such as clean drains, windows, dishes, or carpets. This means there is a cleaner for anything and everything, which also means there is a price tag that accompanies these cleaners leading to one more unnecessary poisonous chemical in the home.

Money and clutter aside, these chemicals are the hidden cost of the cleaning supplies deemed safe by government entities. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a study conducted in 1985, toxic chemicals found in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution. The Toronto Indoor Air Conference found from a 15 year study that women who managed the household had a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who worked outside of the home in 1990 as a result of being consistently exposed to toxic chemical cleaning supplies.

Warning labels hide behind deep blue Windex liquid making it impossible to read unless the liquid is gone. Other's direct the user to call Poison Control if they ingest any of the cleaner or get it in their eyes. Cleaners are often sprayed on kitchen counters and tables, children's toys, and bathroom surfaces. All areas that contain items that end up in family members's mouths. A toothbrush or an apple, teething rings or bottles.

Spring cleaning has never been so dangerous.

Fortunately there is hope for the future, as all one needs to do is take a look into the past. With two common, non-toxic ingredients that have been used for hundreds of years, households are able to eliminate nearly every synthetic chemical cleaner under the kitchen sink. By combining baking soda and white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle and switching it out for the plethora of chemical cleaners lingering throughout the house, not only has the home owner saved money, but they have also protected their family from poisons that irritate allergies, cause asthma, and cancer among many other respiratory and digestive ailments.

To aid in the Spring Cleaning of Cleaning Supplies some formulas have been provided below:

• All Purpose Cleaner: ½ Cup Vinegar and ¼ Cup Baking Soda mixed with ½ gallon of water. Use in a spray bottle to cut through grease, soap scum, water stains, disinfect surfaces, etc.
  
  
• Deodorizer: Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets, in shoes or gym bags to eliminate odors.
  
  
• Windows: Mix 2 teaspoons of White Vinegar with 1 quart of warm Water.

Please remember to dispose of any chemical cleaning supplies in a safe and appropriate manner. 

Happy Spring Cleaning,

~ Birdie

Medicinal Roots

It's that time of the week again! 


Ask me a question, list a concern, or curiosity regarding your health or the health of someone you know in the comments of this blog post. I will pick the question I am best able to answer and post the answer during the week with a holistic, natural healing approach. 

Questions can be regarding headaches, stiff joints, emotional stuckness, stress, fears... basically they can be anything pertaining to your health! This means physical, emotional, spiritual... the whole works!

I might ask a lot of questions in my answer to help you think through to find your own answers. I might remain broad in a general response to connect with a larger audience. Or I might dig deep and give a really specific answer. It all depends on the topic! So give it a shot, what is there to lose? All names will remain as confidential as I can make it - don't want to ask your question in the comment box? 

Email me at: Oaktreeapothecary@gmail.com

I look forward to your questions and am excited by your interest in your health and how to obtain its fullest potential! 

Cheers,

~Birdie

Medicinal Roots - Week 2: Acne/Blackheads

Question:
I have been battling black heads and acne-prone skin all of my life. On a day-to-day basis I apply salicylic acid to my face, use cleaner, and moisturizer. Twice a day. This is a LOT of stuff I have to put on my face in one given day. I can tell that I am wearing my skin down by applying so much product and I would really like to know a more natural way of keeping my poor skin under control and HOPEFULLY eliminate my acne and blackheads for good! 


Answer:
This is a great question. There are a lot of people who suffer from this issue, myself included. I recently offered some Tea-advice to a friend who was dealing with some uncommon acne - the same rule applies here. 


Salicylic Acid and Soaps
The idea of putting any type of chemical acid on my face worries me considering that I have become increasingly attached to the idea that you should never put something on your skin that you would not put in your mouth. We say this because, simply, whatever is put on your skin is ultimately absorbed by the body so you might as well stick it in your mouth too while you are at it. Ew. Also, we are trained to treat acne topically, assuming it is an external problem. This, truly, is not the case. All skin irritations, cancers, and other blemishes are, at the root, an internal issue. Our diet, the cleanliness of our blood supply, and our emotional/hormonal state that are the culprits. Just to note a doctor who I respect to the end of the world and back:

"Soap removes the protective oil from the skin and upsets the acid-alkaline balance. Only use soap if your skin is really dirty; otherwise, wash with water." - Dr. Christopher

What Are You Eating?
The best thing to do is to take a glance at your diet. What percentage of your foods are live foods? Fresh produce - vegetables and fruit? Versus how much of your food is processed or dead (meat)? Our diets, remarkably, are the key to most any and every illness or ailment we can think up. We very seriously are what we eat - what we put in our bodies becomes the food and fuel for our cells which create every inch and ounce of our bodies. So if we are not eating life or if we are eating an excess of processed junk our bodies will become made up of just that. Beautiful, radiant skin that looks full of life (is firm and youthful) comes from eating live things like plants. This doesn't mean we have to eat raw foods or strictly vegan. It just means that we need to incorporate more delicious fruits and vegetables into our diet and eat less meat dominant meals.


Drink Tea
To supplement a healthy diet, acne/blackhead sufferers should invest in some Red Clover and Burdock herbs or teas. By drinking a red clover tea and then, later in the month, some burdock root tea the body will be able to cleanse its blood supply and push all of the toxins out of the body.

• 1 tbs Red Clover herb in an 8 oz cup of hot water, 3 times a day for a week. (may sweeten with raw honey if desired).
• 1 tbs Burdock root in an 8 oz cup of hot water, 3 times a day for a week. (sweeten with raw honey- trust me).
• Rotate weekly for 3 months.
• You can also use the cooled Red Clover tea as a face wash or in a bath from time to time.

Here is the catch - by drinking the tea and pushing out the toxins you are in for a little surprise. The way the body pushes out toxins is through the skin - your oil glands... so expect more acne. <--- There, I said it. Please don't roll your eyes just yet. Let me explain!!


You know that old adage that says "Things will get worse before they get better?" Yes, well... surprisingly, it's true! Our bodies must experience a "healing crisis" before it can begin to heal itself. Just like when you are sick and have a fever; your fever must reach its peak before the next day when it is nearly gone. So, in this instance, your skin will break out more before it can begin to clear up. This extra breakout is literally the body forcing the toxins out of your body and to the surface. This may be a major bummer, but at the same time, realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, that this is the beginning of your body healing itself! It is quite beautiful if you really think about it.


Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Your next step is to go out and enjoy the sun shine! Leave your sunblock at home! Be wise in your sunshine time and be sure to bring a lot of water. It is recommended that you start slow if you are a newly minted sunbather- so only a few minutes a day (like 1 minute, I'm not kidding.) If sunbathing is nothing new to you, try sitting in the sun for 5 minutes to start. We are not looking to get a tan here, we are simply looking for some sincere one on one time with Mr. Sun. This means a clean (make-up) free face. For every day after you start this rendezvous with the sun, add a few minutes to your time. Also, be sure to meet with the sun during healthy sun hours - avoid bathing between 11:00AM and 1:00PM. Morning sun is ALWAYS a better recommendation. Set a timer for yourself, we tend to bask in the sunlight and we don't want to overdo it - so set a timer and obey it! 

• New: 1 minute on the first day. Add 2 minutes per day following.
• Experienced: 5 minutes on the first day. Add 5 minutes per day following.

So what does the sun do for you? Well it helps "ripen" you up! Just like a beautiful flower we too need the sun to help us grow. The sun light will help pull the toxins out of your body while the tea is busy pushing them. 

Cosmetics

Remember my whole, "Don't put it on your skin if you won't put it in your mouth"? Well it applies here as well. I recently did some exploring (not being one to dive into make-up much) and I found a few websites that provide natural, mineral cosmetics. I was pretty excited by this, although I know that it isn't very new in the cosmetics world. Right now, through the recommendation of a friend, I am waiting on a few eye shadows and foundation powder from The Body Shop that are mineral based. (They are currently having a wicked sale right now and free shipping-FYI). This make-up will be light and thin... not caky and thick like most products on the market today. It is hard to get by in this society Make-up free, but please try whenever you can. Go for a natural, lighter look instead of the dramatic. Natural beauty is always more desired in the long run... your skin will thank you for it too!! 

Moisturizers

Confession time: I suffer from Psoriasis. Meaning... I get dry patchy blemishes on my skin... all over my body. My scalp is flaky and makes me look like I have dandruff. It can be rather embarrassing. I have had to battle this skin condition since I was 16. My nose and cheeks were the worst in my flare ups. My morning ritual involved facial scrubs to exfoliate my skin and moisturizing my body, head to toe, with a thick lotion from St. Ives. Again, the mantra pops up regarding putting things on my skin and in my mouth. Would I ingest this lotion? Um no. Not willingly. So I made a switch to using carrier oils instead (or massage oil). I use organic sesame oil on my body and a home made organic creme for my face. Since I have dry skin, I could use something like a Shea butter. For oily skin, most won't need a moisturizer especially if they start taking care of their bodies in the ways suggested above. You could also consider using vitamin E oil in your most targeted areas that give you the most trouble. Vitamin E is a beautiful helper for our bodies and keeping our skin in tip-top shape. It is most commonly used for scaring of the skin, but can be used (paired with Aloe) for burns. 

I hope this is a good jumping point for you. Unfortunately there is no over-night fix. As with most holistic remedies, we need to invest time and effort into it and be patient. 

A great online store to consider is Mountain Rose Herbs. They provide organic herbs, butters, and oils in bulk. They are my supplier for most of my products.

Very sincerely yours,

~Birdie