Tea Time: Cherry Tea

I am an avid tea drinker!! When I say avid I don't just limit my self to green tea or white tea, I love and try all teas!!  For the month of June I was really into Cherry Tea.

Cherry tea is deep red in color and has a wonderful intoxicating aroma of the sweet fruit.

The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and the taste resembles a fruit punch I once drank as a child.  

  Not only is cherry tea delicious in flavor, there are so many health benefits in drinking this tea!  Cherry tea is packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that essentially contribute to our health,  rich in antioxidants which protect our body from free radicals, thus lower the risk of cancer and various neurological diseases. 

 Cherries also contain melatonin, an antioxidant with calming effects on the brain, which helps relieve irritability, insomnia and headaches. Cherry tea also include anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially prove effective against pain caused by diseases or injuries.  

Cherries have been know to also delay the aging process!!

I love Black Cherry Berry Herbal Tea from Celestial which you can find in any Walmart.

But when I want a real treat I like to use Teavana Snow Geisha Loose-Leaf White Tea, 8oz

It's a loose tea so you will need a filter in your cup or something to steep the tea with. 

iHerb.com

So one day, a few months back,  I was searching the internet for a new store where I can purchase so herbal and organic products. That's how I came across iherb.com.

I fell in love almost immediately, it is a very straight to the point site with no flashing ads or anything like the other sites.  They carry supplements from A-Z, stuff for kids and babies, pet needs, beauty supply and even some groceries!  

Also, there is free expedites 1-5 day shipping on order over $20. Needless to say my first order was well over $20 lol. I received my things in about 3 days. Everything was packaged nicely and no leaks. I think this will be one of my many go to sites for healthy products.

3 All-Natural Remedies For Thinning Edges | HeyFranHey (NaturallyCurly.com)

 BY: NATURALLYCURLY 6.26.14

Written by Fran of HeyFranHey.com

As healthy-haired naturals, there are various things we have to stay on top of: moisture levels, minimizing breakage, protective styling and healthy ends, just to name a few.

While most of these regimens and techniques cater to our new growth, it’s important to take note of the state of our hair health, overall, to avoid continuing any detrimental habits. One of the biggest concerns we face would have to be the thinning of our fragile edges. Unfortunately, there’s no over-the-counter cream or regimen that will repair damage that has already been done. The most we can do is avoid common pitfalls, such as styles that are too tight and stressful on the edges, products loaded with breakage-inducing alcohols and too much heat styling.

Once we’ve gotten those habits out of the way, the next thing to reflect on is diet, of course! A well-balanced meal full of fibers, nutrients and proteins will ensure hair follicles are properly stimulated and vibrant. Don’t forget to fit in some exercising to improve the scalp’s circulation, as well! Also, make sure to check with your doctor in case your hair thinning is due to an underlying illness. Here are three all-natural remedies for thinning edges. Remember, they won’t serve as a quick fix! They will, however, stimulate hair growth and help you take better care of it as it comes in.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

JBCO is the unrefined version of Castor Oil. This means the full health benefits and nutrients were not lost during processing. A daily or weekly (depending on the severity) deep temple massage will greatly improve circulation and stimulation of the hair follicle. JBCO is scientifically proven to remove toxins and impurities from the scalp. This will allow your natural oils to function properly, creating a healthy environment and nourishment for new growth.

Peppermint Oil & Jojoba Oil

Similarly to Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil is an antibacterial, known for removing impurities causing growth obstructions. Its cooling effect also relaxes the follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Since Jojoba is the oil closest to that of our own natural oils, it is the best choice for a carrier oil. A soothing carrier oil is needed with Peppermint Oil because of how potent it can be. I usually add equal parts. Another great all-natural and effective mixture is Basil Oil and Jojoba. Consistent and weekly pre-poo (before cleansing) scalp massages with either mixture will improve hair growth with major results within the first three months.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals essential for hair growth. It’s almost rare to find a product without it as an ingredient. The anti-bacterial properties of Aloe help you maintain a build-up-free scalp. While unclogging, it also balances and restores the pH, aiding in hair growth, shine and overall health. If you suffer from Alopecia, aloe is commonly suggested as the best natural remedy in preventing further hair loss. Using it as a sealant over your moisturizers and leave-ins or simply including it in your regimen overall will greatly improve your hair’s growth cycle. Focus on your edges (apply more) during application.

3 All-Natural Remedies For Thinning Edges | HeyFranHey

Dry Brushing 101

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How does dry brushing work?
The exfoliation part is easy to understand. “Gentle dry brushing will slough off dead, dry skin, improving its appearance and allowing it to hydrate more efficiently when moisturizer is applied afterward,” says Francesca Fusco, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.

As for detoxifying, dry brushing is similar to massage. “The light pressure against your skin and the direction in which you brush helps move lymph fluid into the lymph nodes so this waste can then be eliminated,” says Robin Jones, spa director at Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, TX. Your body naturally does this, but dry brushing speeds up the process and at the same time boosts circulation, delivering oxygenated blood to the skin and other organs, which helps them do their jobs better.

So how do you dry brush? 
First you need a proper brush, which you can purchase at most health food stores. Look for firm bristles—typically cactus- or vegetable-derived—or else the process won’t work, King says. A long handle is also handy to help you access hard-to-reach areas such as your back. Try Bernard Jensen Skin Brush Natural Bristles Long Handle ($11; vitaminshoppe.com).

Because dry brushing energizes and stimulates the body, most pros suggest doing it in the morning before you shower, but you can do it any time of day you prefer. Using long, upward strokes, start brushing your skin at your feet and work up your legs one at a time. Then move up your mid-section (front and back) and across your chest. Finish by brushing up your arms toward your armpits.

Now it’s shower time, with an added bonus: “You’ve just opened up your pores, so any of body treatments you apply in the shower and afterward will penetrate better,” Jones says.

Tea Time

Almond Oil For Dark Circles

Dark circles are a cause of worry for all those who are conscious of their looks as these are darkened skin patches encircling the eyes. They tend to make an individual appear old and unattractive. Instead of resorting to surgeries or expensive skin enhancing treatments that are loaded with chemicals, one can turn to simpler remedies like using almond oil to get rid of the dark circles. This article is an eye opener wherein it highlights the benefits of using almond oil as it is one of the simplest for remedy eliminating the darkened patches surrounding the eyes.

Reason for Dark Circles:

There are several reasons behind the occurrence of dark circles like sleep deprivation, sensitive skin, fatigue, over exposure to chemical based make up products like eyeliner, mascara, and so on. Treatments like application of almond oil should be based on the reason behind the dark circles.

Role of Almond oil in removing Dark Circles:

Almond oil is an emollient that nourishes and moisturizes the skin around the eyes. This oil possesses vitamin K and vitamin E that are highly effective in erasing the blemishes and subduing the puffiness around the eyes. Sometimes dark circles occur due to dehydration of the skin. Applying almond oil helps in rectifying this imbalance and prevents the area (encircling the eyes) from getting dull. Massaging this oil helps in enhancing the texture and lightens the skin under the eyes, making the skin taut and even prevents premature aging of the skin near the eyes.
Ways of applying almond oil for preventing dark circles

1. Simply massaging with almond oil:

The ideal way of applying this oil is by first washing the area around the eyes with water and pat dry with a towel. Next take a few drops of this oil on the tips of the finger massage it on to the area surrounding the eyes. This will enhance the blood circulation which in turn reduces the dark circles.

2. Almond oil with aromatic oil:

Another way to use it is in the form of carrier oil and combines it with aromatic oils to lighten the dark circles. This method should be used daily for best results.

3. Almond oil with honey:

A paste can be prepared by combining almond oil with honey in equal proportions and mixed well. This paste can be then dabbed on to the area surrounding the eyes, leave it on through the night and rinse off in the morning.

4. Almond oil with milk powder:

Another way of applying almond oil is by combining it with milk powder again in equal proportions. Ensure that the consistency of the paste is thick and apply it under the eyes. Leave it on for 10 minutes. This procedure is easy to follow and gives prompt results.

Precautions taken while using almond oil for dark circles:

Care should be taken to apply the oil carefully so as to prevent it from entering the eyes. People who are allergic to nuts should avoid the oil applications altogether. Oil extracted from rancid almonds can have adverse effects therefore one should select the almonds carefully. The eyes should be closed while massaging the oil on to the dark circles. Care should be taken to use the tips of the fingers gently so as to avoid hurting the eyes.

There are several brands that endorse almond oils however the purest form can be available by crushing the almonds and extracting the oil by one’s own self at home. However it can be a tedious process therefore it is advisable to buy almond oil from general stores itself. Dark circles will surely go away if one uses the almond oil diligently using one of the methods discussed in this article.

- See more at: http://stylesatlife.com/articles/almond-oil-for-dark-circles/#sthash.8JMXRW5d.dpuf