Introduction
Beauty Culture and Natural Health
Many woman and men in today’s society whether admittedly or not are consumed to some extent in regards to their physical appearance and their outward aesthetic appearance. I believe that this is triggered and pushed to extreme limits through the inundation which we receive in regards to glossy magazines, billboards, televisions and all other exports of mainstream media highlighting and influencing popular cultural ideals to be radiant, have picture perfect skin and to be an ideal body shape. As a young woman who practices a healthy lifestyle I find that I do not have any major health concerns. It was only recently that I noticed that after applying eye shadow my eyes were left feeling heavy and uncomfortable for the rest of the day. I started to question what really goes into cosmetic products, what were the long term effects of a wearing a product which made your eyelids feel like dropping off and why was I even wearing eye shadow in the first place? If not for some questionable reference to the vanity prolific in society. I realised that there are a lot of beneficial natural methods for creating beauty internally and externally and consequently after much due diligence and research I threw the eye shadow in the bin and decided not to conform and embrace natural health and inner beauty. The question is will the use of mass marketed cosmetics, diet pills, diet foods and cosmetic treatment aid in assisting individuals to reach the cultural norm and acceptable level of beauty or will it corrupt ones insides inducing aesthetic pleasure from the outside whilst slowly pumping the body with an intoxication of beauty products and chemicals which may assist or trigger health problems in later life. Deepak Chopra stated that, “Beauty is the harmonious interaction of element and forces that comprise the human body, human mind and human spirit.”
“Let us now look at how we can acquire true beauty naturally.”
The endless quest for beauty in a bottle has been exploited and marketed through a fixation on images fuelled by the media, advertising and compounded by the public attitudes towards aging and health. Our societies historical ideals of beauty which transverses into what is commonly considered ‘good looks’, this branding of beauty is achieved through the use of the correct makeup, the right exercise regime, the correct wardrobe and if all else fails the right plastic surgeon. The human races ability to feed and multiply endless reproductions of glossy images of idealized perfection creates an infinitely distorted perception of ourselves, proliferation of these images have created surges in rises of eating disorders, depression and other self esteem issues amongst men, woman, teens and children alike. The question is; do these images present true health? Do they promote ideal standards of healthy living? I am not here to contest the role of fashion, cosmetics or entertainment, as these glamour industries are playing a role of fun, entertainment, self affirmation and fascination of humans. These images have however fixed our statuesque vision of perfection into a two dimensional format and inform us by highlighting the misguided belief that beauty is only skin deep.
We are conditioned in an environment and have become complacent with the idea of hope of discovering eternal youth in a bottle and freedom from disease in a pill. Thousands of new wonder creams and drugs are launched onto the commercial market every week, yet many of these mask, not heal skin problems, wrinkles and signs of the aging body. With the introduction of these new formulas at such a rapid rate it highlights the fact that many of the current products lining our bathroom shelves and handbags are not working to optimal efficiency! The reason being is in line with my own personal beliefs and this is that the secret to lasting beauty cannot be found or created from outside sources it is formed from deep within the body and mind.
Let us investigate the discussion topic of ideal beauty and its relevance and relation to natural health; beauty has been revered by every human civilization enduring both comic and tragic consequences throughout the process. I do not solely believe that beauty is a cultural construct designed to tyrannize women and conveniently poor wealth into the pockets of cosmetic companies, food companies, vitamins and all of those business running in line with the parallel of commercial beauty. Beauty has fascinated society for many a millennia and with the existence of the ego will probably do so for years to come, so whilst we live in this idealized perception of society lined with cultural idealism prolific with vanity and surgery let us look to the birth and gifts of mother nature and rather than shunning perceptive beauty or embracing a consumerist marketing venture of toxin ridden chemicals in order to enhance our figurative appearance; let us embrace the future of beauty and the fruits abound that mother earth has richly provided an abundance of in nature and follow ideals of true beauty both inside and out.
The saying “beauty is only skin deep” is true on one level. Today through the art of makeup application, soft focus lenses, lighting, airbrushing etc one can make almost anyone look fabulous on film, in a magazine or a studio portrait. However from a natural and holistic point of view beauty starts on the inside with inner beauty becoming a reflection on the outside. When one looks at the irises of models, actors or actresses whose faces loom large from magazines they all look beautiful but the eyes reveal all, although the eyes may act in place as the window to the soul however they are also a map of the internal terrain. Through Iridology it can be revealed that a number of these people have health issues. Through personal experience and contacts with models, I know what many go through in order to stay in the game. Fashion is an industry which drives women to starve themselves, live on coffee, cigarettes, diet drinks and pills and unfortunately many of the poster women for this industry embody this culture of beauty at any cost. Many women may look good on the outside but the inside is a different story. Despite the popular phrase “beauty is only skin deep” the outside of the body is, in many ways, a reflection of the inside of the body.
There are several factors to embracing the total truth of true beauty apart from having a loving and vibrant soul. A good nutritious diet is important, reduced stress & adequate relaxation, sufficient sleep, supplements where needed, the right attitude, a good skin care regime using products that really are all natural not just claim to be. Our skin is our largest organ and what we put on our skins is absorbed into our blood stream through the skin. A more internal based perspective insights that one needs to ensure that the Kidneys, Liver, Lungs and Bowel are functioning well and not overloaded with toxins or by stress. As internal organs are normally seen only by surgeons, they get excluded from the beauty contest. If we had the ability to view our internal organs, we would describe them in terms of attractiveness, and normal colour and shape would be considered beautiful. If one is to compare pictures of normal and healthy internal organs with pictures of their infected and diseased counterparts in the medical books it becomes easy to convince oneself that health and beauty are synonymous.
A Healthy Diet and its Contribution to Blissful Health
A diet contained of 100% natural foods and pure water is the precursor to attainment of natural beauty. Hippocrates, the ‘Father of modern Medicine’ brought forth the theory that bad diet causes disease and said. ‘Let your medicine be your food and food your medicine’. A diet which is unbalanced and unhealthy is the major physical factor in terms of disease and also leads to mental unrest and imbalances throughout the body. The food which you intake into your body is equally important to your mental health and physical condition. Dietary needs, conditions and ideal lifestyle plans may vary from person to person. There are however very useful guidelines and principles that can be recommended. A simple vegan or vegetarian whole foods diet made up of predominantly raw fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds are usually regarded as the ideal. Foods should be eaten as close to their natural raw state as possible. Some of the most important nutritional elements of food sources are destroyed or changed through the process of cooking. Eat ‘living’ foods to glow on the inside so that you may shine on the outside.
The universal dietary principles for staying young and beautiful include keeping ones colon and digestion strong and beautiful. Diets compatible with one’s own constitution are critical in order to prevent toxic build up. Foods which should be excluded from all diets include chemically treated, chemically fed, irradiated or genetically altered foods. Chemically preserved, processed, frozen and canned foods should also be avoided along with artificial additives such as artificial colourings and flavours, artificial sweeteners and ‘low fat’ or ‘no fat’ foods made with fat substitutes. Foods which have been prepared in recycled oils and deep fried fast foods should be avoided as should animal fats, hydrogenated oil, margarine and shortening. These toxic foods are very low in pranic energy or life force and create toxins within the body. Other foods which may lead to imbalances within the body include black tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks, meat, iodized salt, white sugar and alcohol.
Okinawa is the most scientifically established place in the world which holds the longest living and healthiest people ever thoroughly studied. According to the authors of the Okinawa Centenarian Study, the Okinawans who have attained the highest health and longevity statistics ever documented eat an average of seven servings of vegetables, seven serving of whole grains and two servings of Soya products per day. Fish is consumed two to three times per week and the consumption of dairy products and meat is near non-existent. The Okinawans consume very little added fats or sugar. Our direction should be to progress forward and learn from these elders and move towards a future which is surrounded by agricultural systems and diets that permit us to live long, joyous, lives along with the other six billion of us on the planet. As we move forward we can learn to live in harmony with the planet and Mother Nature, living increasingly lightly on the planet and reducing our ecological footprint.
The people of Hunza live at the northernmost tip of Pakistan, where Pakistan meets China and Russia. The Hunzans have largely perfect physiques, are free from disease in general and are one of the longest living races in the world with many people reaching high over one hundred years of age. They are often cited as a peaceful, good natured and resilient race of people. The Hunzans eat and grow a lot of fruit, including apricots, pears, peaches, plums, mulberries, apples, grapes, figs and many types of melons. They embrace all of these along with an abundance of wild berries both fresh and sun dried. The fruit which they consume the most of is the apricot. They consume more than twenty varieties of apricots all with superior nutritional content. Meat and dairy products are hardly consumed by the Hunzans and these constitute a minor one percent of their diets. The primary grains which they consume include barley, millet, wheat, buckwheat and the pearly seeds of a grass named Job’s tears. Vegetables are also prominent in the Hunzan diet and they consume a wide variety of greens including spinach, mustard greens and lettuce, and root vegetables such as radishes, potatoes, turnips and carrots, they also enjoy beans, chickpeas, lentils, and other sprouted legumes and an assortment of pumpkins and squashes. They cultivate many herbs for medicinal and culinary purposes and it is rare that a meal does not contain freshly ground linseed. A large amount of the food which they consume is in its raw state. In the summer approximately 80 per cent of food is consumed raw, when vegetables are cooked they are often lightly steamed and then the water in which the vegetables have been cooked is always consumed. The Hunzans may be one of the healthiest races on planet Earth. They are nourished by cuisine which is rich in nutrients and also by extraordinarily beautiful environment with healthy water, soil and air. There are so many miraculous things that we can learn and embrace from these people who embrace old age and remain disease-free and clear-seeing as the elder generations become positive role models for the younger generations.
The animal meat which many are presented in this modern age has consequently very often been pumped with hormones and chemicals and the animals have been raised on plants that have been grown on artificially sprayed and fertilized soil. Traces of the chemicals from these plants are retained in the animal and hence are passed on to the human who chooses to consume the animals’ meat. This is also true of commercially produced milk, cheese and eggs and vegetarians need to remain aware of these concerns as well as meat eaters. Animal protein are often very high in fats which may contribute to coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, fats are good for the body although it is ideal that these are consumed from vegetable sources. When animals are killed for meat fear grips through the animal’s body as it resists death, these fear residues are prolific throughout the animals’ body and the consumption a dead animal does not assist us in growth internally, spiritually and compassionately. As one practices a healthy diet we become increasingly conscious of the influence of how one eats on the body and mind.
Transitioning to a diet full of healthy habits can be a challenge for some people especially after years of practicing unsavoury dietary habits. It is vital that we embrace a healthy diet in the quest for true beauty as in order for one to shine on the outside a level of cellular health must be attained on the inside. Body tissue is composed of the nutrients one consumes. Therefore it has been clearly indicated that processed, chemically laden, lifeless foods create unnourished aged looking skin. A diet which is abundant in rich fresh healthy foods, positive thoughts and loving feelings is congruent with the attainment of true beauty.
Vitamins
Vitamins, mineral and trace elements are also vital for health. The liver stores fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and F. Due to Vitamin C and the B group being water soluble they are not stored within the body and fresh supplies are needed daily. Our entire vitamin requirements should ideally be sourced from our intake of our fresh foods however relatively few people get an adequate supply from their food. Stress, illness, food additives, environmental pollution, alcohol and smoking all play a rule as contributing factors which may increase the bodies need for various nutrients and will often at the same time decrease its ability to absorb them thus leading to necessary implementation of supplementation if only for a short period of time.
High Phytonutrient Content Super-Foods
High phytonutrient content foods are one way to help assess the nutritional merits of a diet or eating plan, these foods are often referred to as superfoods. Superfoods are fabulous for promoting health they can prevent disease and may even reverse the effects of aging. Use superfoods to increase your health and wellbeing, make sure you include these foods to help you transform into a superman or woman. Superfoods can add extra bounce in one’s step and increase nutritional intake. They are calorie sparse yet nutrient dense foods and are superior sources of essential nutrients. As a result of concern over the quality of foods grown on mineral depleted soils superfoods become an intelligent dietary choice. They are fabulous sources of anti-oxidants for healthy healing and are nutritionally more potent than regular foods. Superfoods can be divided into five main groups these include green, bee, seaweed, herb and fruit and nut superfoods.
Green superfoods have the highest concentrations of easily digestible nutrients, fat burning compounds, vitamins and minerals to protect and heal the body, they also contain chlorophyll, proteins, protective photo-chemicals and healthy bacteria. Wheat grass, barley grass, wild blue-green algae, spirulina, chlorella and green leafy vegetables are green super foods that can be introduced into the diet. Bee super foods include royal jelly, bee pollen, honey (especially Jarrah honey) and propolis. Let us investigate seaweeds, seaweeds are the most nutritionally dense plants on the planet they can contain up to ten times more calcium than milk and eight times as much as beef, they are wonderful for regulating and purifying our blood system, helping to alkalize our blood, neutralizing the over-acid effects of our modern diet and protect us from a wide array of toxic elements in the environment, including heavy metals, pollutants and radiation by-products converting them to harmless salts that the body can eliminate. Seaweeds also increase weight loss and deter cellulite build-up. Iodine in seaweed helps stimulate the thyroid gland thus food fuels are used before they can be turned into fatty deposits, at the same time, the minerals act like electrolytes in order to break the chemical bond that seals the fat cells allowing trapped wastes to escape. Nori, kelp, dulse, arame, wakame and kombu are fabulous seaweeds to add to ones diet. Herbs provide the body a large array of nutrients it may not have received as a result of poor diet or environmental deficiencies in the soil or air. Medicinal herbs are essentially body balancers that work with the body functions in order to assist the body with its ability to heal and regulate itself. Herbs are wonderful natural healers and are best used in their whole form rather than isolating effective plant constituents. Since all body parts and most disease symptoms are interrelated, it is a wise move to use herbs which can affect each part of the problem, and the herbs which are most applicable for each body condition should be used with relevance to the bodies health state. Free radicals are, in part, a natural occurrence through metabolism however free radical overload can be put on our bodies by external factors including pollution, cigarette radiation, smoke, burnt foods, deep fried fats and cooked foods. Antioxidants build up the immune system and fight off the free radicals in the form of super foods or supplements these can include Goji berries, raw cacao, maca, acai berries, coconuts and noni. So add some super foods to your diet and add an inner sparkle which will enhance your outer beautiful glow!
Chocolate doesn’t have to be seen as a deadly sin anymore. A report from the US department of Agriculture/Journal of American Chemical Society and Brunswick Laboratories MA, USA, clearly indicates the healthy antioxidants found within raw cacao, Goji berries, acai berries, dark chocolate and blue berries benefit health. The proof is in the pudding…. raw chocolate pudding that is!
Water
The entire bodily system is dependent on water. We become hydrated from the inside as we consume an adequate amount of water and with the body fully hydrated our skin becomes healthy, moisturized, smooth, soft and aglow. Water plays an integral role in maintaining our skins elasticity and suppleness. As the kidneys and liver excrete toxins from the body water assists this process additionally it and keeps our joints lubricated, helps prevent infection and carries vital nutrients to our cells. Pure drinking water assists in maintaining a slim physic. It is important to drink at least 2 litres of water which is free from contaminants such as pollutants, fluoride, chlorine, parasites that cause illness and toxic metals such as mercury and lead. A good reverse osmosis system with a re-mineralize filter would be good if pollutant free glacier water is not available to you, as most standard water filters do not remove all containments such as fluoride and various pesticides. The ideal water to drink is pure fresh spring water which comes forth from the earth at cold temperatures; fresh spring water and glacial run-off water are the ultimate and should be consumed whenever possible. Dr. Emoto scientifically demonstrates that when we write the word “love” on our drinking water it positively alters the structure of our drinking water. Water assists in purifying your system and assists in keeping the cells in your body abundant with nutrients. Our internal organs perform at optimal proficiency when hydrated and an external bright and radiant glow appears on our skin through the provision of an abundance of pure water.
Natural Skin Care
Skin is the body’s largest organ. It is an organ of elimination which proceeds too many of the waste-products which have been produced as a result of bodily processes in sweat through the pores. A variety of skin diseases such as eczema, boils and acne may occur as a result of the body attempting to remove more toxins through the skin than the skin can efficiently process or cope with. As the skin has the ability to remove waste products and toxins from the body it also has the ability to absorb some substances which are potentially harmful to the body whilst also rejecting some of these dangerous substances. This is created as a result of the skin being ‘semi-permeable’. The size of the molecules from which a particular substance is made up of is the determining factor as to whether a particular substance will be able to pass through the skin or not. When faced with substances it cannot metabolize or eliminate the body breaks them down and distributes them to remote areas of the body away from vital organs in order to minimize harm. The poisons have been removed out of the way but do not necessarily remain out of sight. Toxic wastes are pushed towards the peripheral organs and external deformities are thus direct manifestations of internal pathologies. These may include varicose veins, puffy faces, pimples, psoriasis, pigment change, bulges, boils or swelling etc on the skins surface and are hence a visual observation of the effects of an organ within the body struggling with the body removing and pushing out toxins in order to protect itself.
We are consistently inundated by the hundreds of new beauty products which arrive on the market every month. Increasing amounts of confusion is created amongst consumers who questioning which products are truly good for the skin and body. Many creams and cosmetics contain dyes, preservatives, harmful, harsh chemicals, carcinogens, mineral oils, synthetic substances, emulsifiers and fragrances. A significant number of the chemicals added to cosmetics and food are responsible for or can exacerbate ill health effects from conditions such as asthma, migraines, dermatitis, hives, hay fever, behavioural problems, learning difficulty, hyperactivity and many other health concerns. Some of the chemicals which are used in today’s personal care and food industry have been found to be toxic to the body organs and systems, even more disturbing is the fact that some of these products can cause birth defects, cancer, genetic mutations and damage to DNA. As we have seen the skin digests nutrients and hundreds of people ingest the harmful ingredients contained in cosmetics and skin care products daily. A simple way to care for your skin when reviewing skin care products is if you cannot eat it do not use it on your skin!
Harsh Chemicals in Cosmetics
Some of the chemicals which I stress particular avoidance of and can be found in many cosmetics and personal care products include chemical dyes, FD & C colours, D & C colours and H & C colours. These colours are produced from coal tar and all have been proven to be carcinogenic on studies of animals; other possible reactions to these colours include dizziness, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches and confusion. Many hair colours contain dichlorobenzidine which is a carcinogen that can be absorbed by the skin and may also be responsible for causing jaundice, central nervous system problems, anaemia, kidney and liver damage. Fragrances used in cosmetics mean synthetic ‘fragrances’ this term can indicate addition of up to 4,000 unlisted ingredients some of which may cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discolouration, vomiting, violent coughing and allergic skin irritation. Let us look at detergents nitrosodiethanolamine formed with TEA, MEA, DEA, sodium lauryl sulfate. Detergents have potentially harmful ingredients and may cause dermatitis, flu-like and asthmatic conditions, eye damage and severe upper digestive tract damage if ingested. Petroleum products such as paraffin and mineral oil are on the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) list of suspected carcinogens. Adverse reactions may become apparent in people who are sensitive to petro-chemicals. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent which is also on the FDA list of suspected carcinogens. Drying agents such as phenols are potentially harmful; these are suspected carcinogens and may also create skin irritations, eruptions and peelings, swelling, hives, burning, pimples, numbness and cold sweats. Surfactants such as polyethylene glycol are potential harmful ingredients and once again are suspected carcinogens. Humectants are products which encourage the skin to retain moisture include propylene, glycerine, sorbitol and butylene glycol are all humectants. Besides PEG-8 most glycols synthetic or natural are considered safe. Natural glycols are commonly labelled as vegetable or natural glycerine and petrochemical are listed as glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, PEG, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. Studies indicate that polyethylene glycol may cause high allergic reactions in some people. If you wish to further broaden your knowledge and shop smartly and safely for cosmetic, personal care and food products then I would highly advise retaining a copy of ‘The Chemical Maze’ by Bill Stratham as this book serves a wonderful knowledgeable guide to food additives and cosmetic ingredients.
Aromatherapy and Skin Care
Aromatherapy is of wonderful use when assisting positive skincare. There are a myriad of essential oils used to treat skin conditions, here are a few of them. For dry skin gentle flower oils such as Camomile, Neroli, Rose and Jasmine are most appropriate. Geranium, Lavender and Sandalwood may also prove valuable as they assist in the production of sebum. Essential oils for oily skin concerns include Geranium, Lavender, Cedarwood, Cypress, Grapefruit and Sandalwood. For skin which has begun to wrinkle regular massage is invaluable along with essential oils such as Frankincense and Neroli. For skin conditions such as acne essential oils which are antibacterial such as Lavender and Tea Tree are very valuable along with Geranium to balance the secretion of sebum. Geranium and Rosemary used in massage assist in stimulating the lymphatic system and removing toxins from the body. For skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema oils such as Lavender, Melissa, Camomile and Neroli should be used in baths, massages or for when the person is feeling particularly fraught.
Herbs and Skin Care
There are a number of herbs which can be ingested in to help improve your skin and the general functioning of the body. To treat the skin holistically you also need to also treat the other organs and body systems. Therefore there are lots of herbs which will indirectly aid skin functioning and general health and wellbeing by assisting other organs. Skin problems can occur as a result of allergies, hormone imbalances, and lack of nutrition or dehydration. Hormonal levels can be balanced with vitex berries, blessed thistle, nettles and dandelion. Nettles can assist in relief from airborne allergies and pau d’arco can relieve food allergies. Let us continue to investigate herbs which one can consume in order to promote health and radiant beauty within the body. Borage seed oil is rich in Gamma Linoleic acid; rosehips are rich in Vitamin C which aids in restoring collagen. Herbs such as nettles, red clover, indian madder, damiana, pau d’arco, liquorice, echinacea, or elecampane cleanse the blood. Horsetail contains a richness of silica which is fabulous for healthy skin and cartilage as well as containing all the other minerals that the body needs. Calendula is highly prized for healing the skin it contains vitamin A as well as beta carotene. Hibiscus flowers and rose petals are toning to the skin. St. Mary’s Thistle assists in cleansing and regenerating the liver. A herb which is both healing and cooling for the skin is chickweed. To assist in the healing of the epithelium and reduce stress one may consume St. Johns Wort. The oat straw especially the green straw is very rich in silica. Oats are used as a nervine to reduce stress also to regenerate damaged nerve tissue. To assist in the treatment of acne one may use the herbs lemongrass, burdock, nettle, indian madder, chickweed, calendula, cleavers, thyme, St. Mary’s thistle as a tea or made into a wash for the face. For dry skin a wash can be created from calendula, comfrey, marshmallow root, chickweed, sandalwood or rose petals or as a tea calendula, marshmallow root , liquorice root, sandalwood, rose petals, chickweed and oats .
It is evident that skin problems are created as a result and reflection of internal health and overall body and blood toxicity and/or stomach problems. Almost all substance that have the ability to cleanse the blood or intestines will also show a direct result on the condition of one’s’ skin. People who suffer from concerns such as poor digestion, acid reflux, allergies, ulcers, absorption problems or other digestive ailments will very often have skin problems as well. Generally once the internal disorder is taken care of, the skin problem will soon heal and leave the body. Alfalfa is a wonderful herb which contains eight digestive enzymes as well as numerous minerals and vitamins so it is a perfect herb to assist with poor assimilation in the stomach. Dandelion leaf is a bitter herb, which aids the liver and kidneys and also provides the body with vitamin C, potassium, zinc and silicon. Gentian is also a very valuable herb it is a strong digestive bitter which aids digestion.
Essential oils, herbs, fresh fruits, flower remedies, herbs, honey and other natural substances create a wide array of mediums that can be used when treating a myriad of skin condition and skin disorders. As our lungs and skin are connected and due to the fact that we have the ability to breathe through our skin as well, it is important that our lungs remain as unpolluted as possible. This includes no inhaling of any toxins and no smoking which can be difficult to achieve in the 21st century environment.
Natural Alternative - Haircare
Our hair is composed mainly of a protein known as keratin; this protein also forms the outer layer of skin cells and our nails. Keratin is produced as the living cells in the hair follicle. Hair problems that occur in the body can often be seen as a reflection of kidney or adrenal stress and hormonal imbalance. Hair loss is very often caused as the body’s reaction to adrenal stress either through taking steroids, stress or trauma, birth control pills or pregnancy and poor peripheral circulation. Excess hair present in the face area or other parts of the body can serve as a reflection of imbalanced hormones or adrenal stress. Other factors that influence the condition of hair include age, diet, health, seasonal changes, climate, sleep; lack of nutrients and toxicity levels also can affect head health.
One of the most beneficial treatments for maintaining healthy hair include weekly scalp massages, which assist in the reduction of stress, male pattern baldness, dandruff, alopecia, premature greying and psoriasis. Scalp massage assists in increasing oxygen flow to the brain and improving circulation of cerebrospinal fluid which relaxes the muscles and nerves, reduces fatigue, stimulates brain development and loosens the scalp. For hundreds of years Rosemary has been used as a hair tonic, especially for dark hair. Camomile is often used as a rinse for fair hair, accentuating gold tones (it can be slightly drying. Jojoba oil is wonderful massaged into the scalp. Lavender and Ti-tree essential oils have been effectively used to treat dandruff.
There are many herbs which can help the body to internally combat hair concerns. Borage can assist in strengthening adrenal glands and nettles and alfalfa can increase circulation and nutrition. Red clover, ginkgo, echinacea, or blessed thistle can aid in the removal of toxins from the body and vitex berry can help regulate hormonal levels. Catnip and Valerian can assist with sleeping difficulties. Fenugreek, linseed and black seed are also good herbs and seeds for the hair as they contain essential fatty acids which help hair remain shiny as well as assisting in the balancing of hormones. For shiny hair horsetail, nettle, Eclipta, Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile and are also very valuable herbs.
It is important to use either homemade or commercial products on the hair which contain all natural ingredients. Many mass-marketed hair care products have ingredients that may cause cancer or create a negative impact on neurological functions, the liver or immune systems. It is a fact that many commercial hair care products contain ingredients that have been declared to be human carcinogens. When we use natural herbal hair care products we clean our hair and wash away the dirt and grime without removing the hairs natural oils. Weekly conditioning treatments should consist of scalp massages and hair 'masks’ comprised of natural essential oils and carrier oils such as jojoba. The health of one’s' hair is determined greatly by general health, dietary habits that include a good balance of vitamins and minerals, or the use of supplements where necessary and the inclusion of lifestyle choices, and products choices of what we use treat our hair that make for healthy skin and hair.
Healthy Beautiful Eyes
Clear, vibrant, bright eyes make one look more beautiful and are a sign of good health. The area located directly under the eyes does not have sebaceous glands and hence the skin may not always remain well lubricated here, it is thus the most delicate part of the skin and the first to show signs of aging. To improve the condition of the eyes and the skin surrounding the eyes one can practise blinking to improve vision, prevent strain and lubricate the eyes, palming by closing one’s eyes and covering them gently with your palms, this helps to relieve bloodshot eyes or improve one’s eyes by gently massaging the eyes at bed time with almond or olive oil. An eye wash of fennel or eyebright tea can add tone to surrounding tissues of the eye. Blood cleansing or digestive herbs can assist in the removal of dark circles and herbs such as agrimony or calendula can provide a powerful but gentle wash for tired, infected or stressed eyes.
Stress and Relaxation for Inner Healing
One’s mental clarity and outlook on life contribute to the attractiveness of an individual. Stress and stress related illness is one of the most common problems amongst modern society. Factors influencing stress may be mental, environmental or physical in origin. Chronic stress can hasten the shrivelling of the tips of the bundles of genes inside cells; this in turn shortens their life span and speeds the body's deterioration. The way in which we react or respond to stress can be a cause for concern when the body handles stress by initially allowing the body to adapt to stress and continuing to function well, even thought the source of stress may remain present. This adaptation phase creates strain within the body and if the level of stress increases or a new source arrives the all types of symptoms from allergy to heart attacks may follow.
One of the most positive ways that the body can handle stress is to take aware and knowledgeable steps to remove the cause of stress and relax. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, creative activities, hypnotic counselling, aromatherapy, nutrition, vitamin and mineral intake, counselling can act as valuable stress relieving paradigms. There are huge arrays of essential oils which are incredibly valuable for curing stress; some of these include Camomile, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Lavender, Jasmine, Marjoram, Neroli, Rose, Rosewood and Vertivert. Rosemary and Geranium essential oils strengthen the action of the adrenals and may be used for short term purposes. Black Pepper, Thyme and Peppermint can be used for short periods in cases where stress has led to excessive exhaustion. Suitable essential oils can be chosen for stressed related concerns based on specific conditions applicable.
Aromatic baths, speaking to trusted friends and or counsellors, auric healing, reiki and massage can help a great deal in the process of stress removal. Removal of chemically and additive laden foods from ones diet will assist in stress removal along with exiting household products with synthetic chemicals from ones home. When the body is stressed it is less able to absorb nutrients so some supplementation of B group vitamins and vitamin C can assist in stress removal. Ginseng which is known as an ‘adaptogen’ assists the body to cope with the effects of stress, herbal iron preparations are also found very useful with some individuals in the process of stress removal. Some herbs which aid in increasing energy levels include nettles, eleuthero ginseng, damiana, alfalfa, gingko or chickweed. Herbs that help alleviate depression include St. Johns Wort, borage, wood betony, gingko and raw cashew nuts also help to elevate depression. There are herbs which can assist in overall well being, health, relaxation, de-stressing and detoxification of the body. Herbs for detoxifying the body include burdock, yellow dock, cleavers, poke root, indian madder, bupleurum, sarsaparilla, nettle, Japanese knotweed, turmeric, red clover and Queen-delight.
For relaxation and de-stressing the body herbs such as damiana , oats, St. Johns Wort, withania root, jasmine flowers, rose petals, passion flower, sandalwood, lavender, lemon balm , lime flowers and vervain are very valuable.
The Conclusion of Natural Beauty
The vitality of internal organs, our mindset, living condition and our bodies overall health conditions transcends through the skin and brings radiant external beauty from your soul to your physical appearance. One first needs to glow on the inside to embrace their thriving most beautiful self on the outside. Beauty is not simply an external preoccupation with vanity it also indicts how healthy we are from the inside out. A beautiful person is someone in my eyes with a beautiful, loving, peaceful soul no matter what their age, skin, condition etc. The media uses photoshop, lighting and mass marketing and through this our perception of beauty has warped into a desire to be glamorous with forgetfulness to the concept of true health and the beauty of an individual from their soul upward. The adage "Beauty is more than just skin deep" is so much more than a simple saying; it resonates an explicit truth.
True beauty is a reflection of health. Health is a reflection of the condition of one’s body, of the mind and spirit. A loving, cherishable, positive attitude, helping others and the spreading joy reflects an internal beauty that cannot be achieved under a knife, through pill, or the use of cosmetic products. Inner nourishment promotes true beauty. A positive attitude, charitable associations, laughter, love and taking care of others provides nourishment for the spirit. Meditation and higher learning assists in nourishing the mind. Natural foods, essential oils, herbs, and supplements nourish the body. When we admire bright sparkling eyes, gorgeous skin, and silky, soft hair we are in a way admiring the teamwork of a healthy internal body, liver, colon, kidneys, etc. It is biologically possible to look beautiful at any age without enduring toxification from foods, cosmetics, skin care, plastic surgery and medication. Let us remember some of the wise words left forth by our predecessors first being George Elliot, “All honour and reverence to the divine beauty of form! Let us cultivate it to the utmost in men, women and children – in our garden and in our houses. But let us love that other beauty too, which lies in no secret of proportion but in the secret of deep human sympathy.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.”, and finally wise words from Audrey Hepburn, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”.
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