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- Castor Oil Packs 101
What Is Castor Oil? Castor Oil is produced by pressing castor beans. The oil's chemical composition is made up of fatty acid, particularly 90% of which is ricinoleic acid (an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid). Castor oil can penetrate deeper than any other oil and is loaded with potent antioxidants. What Are Castor Oil Packs? Castor Oil Packs involve saturating organic unbleached cotton flannel or wool with 1-2 tablespoons of organic, cold pressed castor oil. The packs are anti-inflammatory and stimulate the body's lymphatic systems. Castor Oil Packs have been used in naturopathic medicine for thousands of years as a therapeutic technique to heal areas of the body. Castor Oil Packs are best known for their ability to detox the liver, improve lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation in the body, aid hormonal imbalances, support fertility, as well as a long list of other great benefits. Where Do I Put The Castor Oil Pack? The most common Castor Oil Pack is over the liver (on the right side of the abdomen under your ribcage). The pack can also be placed on the front of the neck for thyroid support, on the center of the abdomen to aide digestion, directly on muscles or joints that are strained, and on the lower abdomen to ease menstrual pain. Castor Oil Packs can be worn overnight for a deep cleanse, or daily for up to an hour. Castor Oil itself can also be applied onto the skin/face. Benefits of Castor Oil Packs: There are ENDLESS benefits to Castor Oil Packs (please feel free to research yourself) but some of my favorite benefits are listed below. *Castor Oil Packs can be used by men and women, however I have listed some uniquely female benefits* Detoxifies the liver and thyroid Supports digestion Promotes healthy gut microbiome Heals skin rashes, acne, and wounds Calms the nervous system Promotes better, deep sleep/eases insomnia Alleviates auto-immune disease symptoms Supports mood by producing oxytocin and dopamine Improves overall energy Decreases bloating Improves PCOS symptoms Improves quality of uterine lining Balances hormones Removes excess estrogen Boosts immune system Supports lymphatic system and drainage Aids PMS/menstrual cramps Eliminates ovarian cysts Supports gallbladder Suppresses tumors Reduces joint pain/arthritis/swelling Decreases constipation Supports colon cleansing Reduces stress Alleviates headaches and other pain Some Things To Consider: ALWAYS use ORGANIC, hexane-free castor oil. This is non-negotiable. The castor oil should be cold pressed or expeller pressed. It should be stored in a dark, glass bottle. The thyroid or liver pack cloth should be unbleached, organic cotton flannel or wool. Store your Castor Oil Pack in glass and NEVER plastic. Castor Oil pulls from whatever it is on or in. Do not use Castor Oil Packs if you are pregnant without consulting your doctor. Always consult with a naturopath or doctor if you are unsure about something. Where To Purchase A Castor Oil Pack: I love Queen of the Thrones! You can purchase their kits below!
- BASIC BEAUTY SWAPS
BELOW ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE BASIC BEAUTY SWAPS! I DID NOT LIST ANY MAKEUP PRODUCTS DUE TO MY MAKEUP ROUTINE STILL CONSISTING OF "UNNATURAL PRODUCTS". DEODORANT Just Ingredients | pH Balanced | Non-Irritating | Neutralizes Odor-Causing Bacteria. Primally Pure | No aluminum, parabens, fragrance, triclosan, talc, propylene glycol, or anything artificial. 100% organic ingredients. **This product I had a little bit of sensitivity with but a lot of my friends use and love this! LOTIONS/PERFUMES/SKINCARE/SOAPS Root Apothecary Bare Tallow Whip | The perfect addition to your all-natural skincare routine. Tallow can truly do it all. The bare whip melts on contact with the skin, making its application effortless. It is perfect for moisturizing dried skin, balancing oily skin, and treating things like sunburn, eczema, rashes, bee stings, scrapes, scars, and more, all while truly nourishing from the outside, in. Root Apothecary Tallow Face Serum | This serum is great for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin tightening, acne-fighting, balancing skin tone and texture, overall skin nourishment, promoting collagen production, moisturizing, balancing oil production, and for giving a visible skin glow and plump. Dandelion Naturals Tallow Soap Bar | Each bar is handcrafted in small batches with intentional, high-quality plant oils, butters, and botanicals that cleanse and deeply nourish the skin. Cured for a minimum of 4 weeks to create a hard, long-lasting bar of soap that conditions with naturally occurring glycerin and never strips your skin of its moisturizing oils. Rowe Casa Organics Body Mist | Organic ingredients Rowe Casa Organics Feminine Wash | pH balanced, organic ingredients HAIR Under Luna Warrior Shampoo | 100% natural hair care products that nourish and protect your hair, feed your soul, and don’t harm the planet. They smell like Nature and they lather up enough to make your shower routine feel like a celebration. Under Luna Clear Conditioner Under Luna Hair & Scalp Deep Magic Serum Just Ingredients Dry Shampoo | Contains organic arrowroot and baking soda to soak up excess oils, adding volume and freshness to the hair. DENTAL Just Ingredients Whitening Remineralizing Tooth Powder | Goodbye Toothpaste! Just Ingredients Remineralizing Mouth Wash | A powerful mouthwash that combines scientifically researched ingredients to strengthen and revitalize your teeth and gums.
- MY TOP 5 DAILY SUPPLEMENTS
Often I am asked which supplements I take, or what I think others should take. My supplement routine shifts from time to time based on my needs-- and while I can't say exactly what each person should implement into their routine, I can tell you my top 5 daily supplements that never change! It should obviously be noted that I am not a doctor, and you should always consult with yours if you are not sure about something! PROBIOTICS Over 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. Poor gut health can lead to many issues-- from autoimmune disease, arthritis, skin rashes, allergies, sleep issues, IBS, bloating, digestive problems, hormonal imbalance, acne, depression and anxiety... the list goes on. This is why a daily probiotic is a MUST for me. Our naturally occurring good bacteria (flora) in our gut, mouth, skin, urinary tract, and lungs is broken down by daily exposures such as stress, sugar, and toxic chemicals (also a reason to avoid antibiotics). Luckily, a quality probiotic supplement can help restore your overall microbiome. In addition to taking a daily probiotic, I also each foods that are rich in them such as kraut, kimchi, pickles, sourdough, aged cheese, and kombucha. Mary Ruth's Organics has been a staple Probiotic supplement in my house. MAGNESIUM Magnesium plays a part in over 300 enzyme systems in our body. These include protein synthesis, blood sugar regulation, energy production, muscle function, blood pressure regulation, and nerve function. Magnesium is also needed for DNA/RNA regulation as well as glutathione (the body's master antioxidant responsible for boosting our immune system and reducing inflammation) production. Studies have shown that taking magnesium aides better sleep, reduces depression and anxiety, soothes PMS symptoms, improves workouts, and maintains regular heart rhythm. It should be noted that there are different types of magnesium (glycinate, citrate, chloride.. to name a few) and that each of them absorb differently in the body/provide different benefits. Before deciding on a magnesium supplement, you'll want to research this! I personally take Magnesium Glycinate as it is highly absorbable. VITAMIN D3 Most every American is deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an essential role in cognitive function, lung and heart health, overall mood, immune response, bone health, hair and nail health, and much more. Signs you may be Vitamin D deficient include depression, mood swings, muscle pain/spasms, fatigue, lethargy, hair loss, infertility, inability to sleep, and auto-immune and hormonal issues. In addition to an oral supplement, it is important to get at least 30-45 minutes of sunlight a day, specifically in the morning for maximum absorption. You should also consider adding Vitamin K to the equation, as it helps ensure the calcium transported by Vitamin D is absorbed in the bones. CoQ10 CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that the body naturally produces. As you age, CoQ10 levels and production decrease. The highest levels of CoQ10 are located in your heart, liver, pancreas and kidney. CoQ10 is directly responsible for cell growth and production by aiding cell energy, as well as protecting cells from oxidative stress (when there are more free radicals in your body than antioxidants, resulting in damage to tissue and organs and leading to serious chronic disease). Ample amounts of CoQ10 keeps the heart healthy, aides in fertility, supports healthy skin aging, reduces headaches, is a cancer preventative, among a long list of other things! There are also a lot of great food sources of CoQ10 including RED MEAT (yes it's your friend), fatty fish such as salmon, and nuts. ASHWAGANDHA Ashwagandha is a common holistic herb that derives from the Ashwagandha shrub commonly grown in India, Africa, and the Middle East. The supplement is pulled from the roots and berries of the shrub. The healing properties of this herb are most popular for their ability to reduce stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol levels that can lead to depression. Many studies have indicated that implementing a daily Ashwagandha supplement led to a decrease in anxiety and stress, as well as insomnia for those who suffer severely. Additionally, Ashwagandha has been proven to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, lower blood sugar, reduce tumor growth in cells, and improve brain and memory function. Ashwagandha is extremely helpful to men as it helps keep naturally occurring testosterone levels intact, as well as increases strength and body mass. THINGS TO CONSIDER There are a few things you should consider when shopping for supplements: - Are the supplements third-party tested? (an independent organization has reviewed the manufacturing practices and determined the product meets safety/health standards). - What other ingredients are in the supplement? (what is used to make the capsule? are there food additives/chemicals to preserve shelf-life? seed oils?). - Are there Organic ingredients when applicable? (this won't ever apply to minerals, rather plant based supplements/herbs). -Are the supplements bioavailable? (the ability for the supplement to be absorbed and used properly in the body).
- Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
One of my favorite drunk food go-to's in college was the crispy potato soft taco from none other than Taco Bell. The closer I get to 30, I realize that Taco Bell is no longer a great option, but that doesn't mean I still don't LOVE tacos. As such, I concocted a taco recipe that brings me back to the 2AM drive-thru, but packs an even better flavor profile. It is also extremely hormone-friendly! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! INGREDIENTS SWEET POTATOES, CUT INTO SMALL CHUNKS* BLACK BEANS, RINSED, DRAINED & PATTED DRY* RED BEET & CABBAGE KRAUT BY WILDBRINE* AVOCADO, SLICED* LIME WEDGES* CILANTRO, CHOPPED* TACO SEASONING (EQUAL PARTS CHILI POWDER, CUMIN, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER, SALT & PEPPER)* EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL* SIETE CASSAVA FLOUR TORTILLAS* (OR TORTILLAS OF CHOICE) (OPTIONAL: FRESHLY GRATED QUESO CHEESE OR COJITA CHEESE) *indicates organic ingredient INSTRUCTIONS -PEEL SWEET POTATOES AND CUT THEM INTO SMALL CHUNKS. IN A BOWL, COAT THE CHUNKS IN HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING AND DRIZZLE WITH OLIVE OIL. -RINSE AND DRAIN BLACK BEANS, THEN PAT THEM DRY. -PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES AND SPREAD OUT THE SWEET POTATO CHUNKS AND BLACK BEANS ON A BAKING SHEET. ROAST THE POTATOES AND BEANS FOR 20-25 MINUTES. -WHILE THE POTATOES ARE ROASTING, SLICE LIME WEDGES AND AVOCADO. CHOP CILANTRO. -IN A FRYING PAN, HEAT EACH SIDE OF THE SIETE CASSAVA FLOUR TORTILLA FOR 10-15 SECONDS ON HIGH HEAT. -ASSEMBLE THE TACO: SIETE TORTILLA, POTATO & BEAN MIXTURE, RED BEET & CABBAGE KRAUT, AVOCADO SLICE, CILANTRO, (OPTIONAL) QUESO/COJITA CHEESE, GARNISH WITH LIME WEDGE & ENJOY! I LOVE THE WILDBRINE ORGANIC KRAUT. IT IS AN AMAZING SOURCE OF PROBIOTICS FOR A HORMONE AND GUT HEALTHY TWIST ON YOUR MEAL!
- Mom & Dad's Summer Pasta
One of my absolute favorite recipes that my parents make for me is a veggie-filled pasta dish. I'm not sure that it has a name, so I call it their 'Summer Pasta' due to it being loaded with fresh veggies from the farmer's market. It is such a light, refreshing dish compared to other Italian dishes-- and therefore it is my favorite! I took a little bit of a hormone-healthier approach when it came to making this recipe myself in terms of pasta choice, but whatever you choose, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds! INGREDIENTS ONE BOX (8 oz) OF JOVIAL GRAIN FREE CASSAVA FUSILLI* 1/2 LB CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED* 1 LB OF BROCCOLI RABE OR BROCCOLI, CUT IN SMALL CHUNKS* 2 MEDIUM YELLOW SQUASH OR ZUCCHINI (YOUR CHOICE), CUT IN SMALL CHUNKS* 3 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC* 1 MEDIUM SWEET ONION, DICED* 3 tbsp EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL* SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE (OPTIONAL) RED PEPPER FLAKES (OPTIONAL) SHREDDED PARMESAN CHEESE *indicates organic ingredient INSTRUCTIONS IN A LARGE SKILLET, HEAT OLIVE OIL, MINCED GARLIC, AND DICED ONION ON MEDIUM-LOW HEAT. THE KEY IS TO COOK THIS UNTIL IT IS FRAGRANT, BUT DO NOT LET THE GARLIC BURN. THE ONIONS WILL START TO TURN TRANSLUCENT WHICH IS A GOOD SIGN! BRING 3 QUARTS OF WATER TO A BOIL WITH 1 TABLESPOON OF SALT. ADD THE BROCCOLI AND COOK FOR 5 MINUTES. ADD JOVIAL FUSILLI TO THE BOILING POT OF BROCCOLI AND COOK FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 MINUTES WHILE STIRRING OCCASIONALLY. I LOVE JOVIAL BRAND BECAUSE THERE ARE ONLY 2 INGREDIENTS IN THE CASSAVA PASTA AND IT IS VERY HORMONE-FRIENDLY! WHILE THE PASTA IS COOKING, ADD THE CHERRY TOMATOES AND ZUCCHINI OR YELLOW SQUASH TO THE ONIONS AND GARLIC. TOP WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND LET SIMMER UNTIL THE TOMATOES AND SQUASH ARE SOFTENED (ABOUT 3-5 MINUTES). DRAIN THE PASTA, BUT SET ASIDE 3/4 CUP OF THE PASTA WATER!!! THIS IS KEY!! HEAT THE VEGETABLE SAUCE MIXTURE ON HIGH, ADDING THE PASTA, BROCCOLI, AND PASTA WATER. TOSS TOGETHER, COOKING FOR 1 MINUTE UNTIL THE PASTA IS COATED. SERVE AND TOP WITH RED PEPPER FLAKES AND FRESH PARMESAN CHEESE! ENJOY!