Write to us if you'd like to have your article published here! Visit us frequently to see interesting articles!!!

Rosehip seed oil

Rosehip seed oil has become widely recognized as an effective
skin and beauty care agent in the last decade, with great
interest surrounding its scientifically-validated
beauty-enhancing effects. The oil has been heralded as a
miracle cure for skin, useful for a great myriad of conditions,
from premature aging and sun damage to scarring and other
damage. What is this wonderful red liquid, where does it come
from, how does it work, and most importantly, can it work for
you?
 
Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seed within the fruit of
the wild thorny rose bush. Native to Chile, the plant is now
cultivated elsewhere in South America with many countries
producing the oil. Also found under the name 'Rosa Mosqueta',
the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years,
but only recently became known to the rest of the world.
 
The red colored oil can be either solvent extracted or
'cold-pressed' – pressing is the really way to go, as there is
no chance of any solvent residues remaining in the final
product, and it is easier on the environment. The cold-pressed
oil is the closest to nature; it has a high essential fatty
acid content, and is considered more delicate than other seed
oils. For this reasons, pure rosehip seed oil should be kept in
a cool place, out of direct light, and should be used within 1
year of purchase. Otherwise the more fragile of the fatty acids
could begin to turn bad, and your skin might not be so fond of
them.
 
Rosehip seed oil is an excellent source of natural vitamin E
and natural vitamin A, or 'trans-retinoic acid'. Retinoic acid,
the acid derivative of vitamin A, is the active ingredient found
in Retin-A or Tretinoin. Retin-A (a pharmaceutical preparation)
has been heralded as a wrinkle cure because of its ability to
increase skin cell proliferation – or speed the time it takes
for your skin to regenerate. In fact, rosehip seed oil has been
extensively studied for many of the same actions attributed to
Retin-A, and has been shown effective without side effects
(like over-drying and peeling – though unlike Retin-A, it
should not be used to treat acne).
 
The first major study on rosehip seed oil was performed in 1983
by a team of researchers at the University of Santiago, Chile.
The study's participants included individuals with diverse
forms of skin damage: deep wrinkles and other premature aging,
UV damage, radiation damage, acne scarring, burn scarring,
dermatitis, and other problems of this type. Rosehip seed oil
was shown to have significant, noticeable effects in
regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and scars, and helping
the skin to regain its natural color and tone.
 
Another later study was conducted on women ages 25-35 with
extensive premature aging of their skin. Again, rosehip seed
oil significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun
spots after daily application for four months. Research has
continued on the oil, with one study noting: "On some skin
troubles like superficial wrinkles, chestnut spots and
ephelides, good results have been obtained. After 16 weeks of
treatment, wrinkles and spots become imperceptible." The oil
has been used to successfully treat a long list of skin related
conditions, including: age spots, wrinkles and premature aging,
sun damage, scars from acne, burns, and surgery, eczema,
psoriasis, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, brittle nails, and
even dry and damaged hair.
 
Besides its regenerative properties, rosehip seed oil is also
an excellent moisturizer. This is most likely due to its high
essential fatty acid content (fatty acids that the body cannot
produce itself), which are necessary for healthy skin. The oil
penetrates the upper layers of the skin quickly and, being
known as a 'dry' moisturizer, does not leave the skin feeling
greasy or oily.
 
As for daily use of rosehip seed oil, it is considered
extremely gentle and can be applied undiluted to the skin. It
may also be blended with other oils like jojoba and sweet
almond, and will still have wonderful effects at 10% of the
total concentration. Further, rosehip seed oil makes an
excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy – blends with essential
oils having skin regenerative and soothing properties are
highly recommended. 
 
For improvement of scarring, a simple blend of 20 drops of
Helichrysum Italicum per 1 ounce of rosehip seed oil, applied
daily to the area, can be helpful. Helichrysum is known for its
content of regenerative 'ketones'. For a more luxurious beauty
blend, try the following in 4 ounces of rosehip seed: 
 
5 drops Helichrysum
5 drops Lavender
3 drops Sandalwood
3 drops Neroli
3 drops Carrot Seed
3 drops Geranium
2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Jasmine
1 drop Palmarosa
1 drop Ylang Ylang
 
Even simply the Helichrysum and Lavender will go a long way –
Lavender oil is very gentle, and is also known to have
regenerative properties.
 
So, whether using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin, or
simply giving it a little nourishment, you will almost
certainly be happy with the results. This luscious oil, with
its broad range of positive effects, is sure to take a
prominent place in your natural beauty botanical collection.


About The Author: Misty Rae Cech ND is a naturopath and yoga
teacher practicing in Boulder, Colorado, and the owner of the
http://www.anandaapothecary.com. Misty regularly employs
aromatherpy, flower essences, and herbs with her clients to
support natural healing processes.
 

Shea Butter:

Shea butter is derived from the African Karite nut which has been used for thousands of years.  Shea butter protects, heals and improves skin better than any other single oil presently known.

Shea Butter is a wonderful treasure that originated in Africa, and is now
being enjoyed the world over!  Shea butter will naturally reveal the softer,
more beautiful side of your skin!  Pure Shea butter contains the
Vitamins A & E and other very special ingredients, which include
specific fats and acids, that work together to provide you with softer,
smoother, more supple skin.

100% Pure Shea Butter is centuries old. It has been used in Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso and other parts of Africa for centuries. Shea butter is nature's wonder. It is a daily moisturizer that has numerous uses. Including: Stretch marks, chapped or dry lips, chaffing, blemishes, hands, cuticles, feet, cracked heels,  bumps, massages, dry skin, flaky skin, rough skin, dull skin, dark spots, marks, minor scars, premature facial lines, blisters, knees, elbows. Also used for hair & scalp, to name a few. Moisturizers & hydrates your skin. 

Shea Butter maintains skin & hair moisture. 100% Pure Natural Shea Butter is soft, smooth, has a pleasant smell & varies in color.  The older the Shea Butter, the more yellowish it becomes.

Highest in unsaponifiables: anywhere between 7-12% unsaponifiables found in good quality shea butter is far higher than avocado (2-4%) and soybean oils being researched by rheumatologists for their ability to reduce inflammation. The high percentage of unsaponifiables found in shea butter contribute to its ability to heal eczema, psoriasis, rashes, severe dry skin, burns, wounds, parasitic infections, and more.

Vitamins A & E: shea butter is very high in vitamin A. in combination with vitamin E shea butter is highly effective in cell regeneration and anti-aging. Shea butter greatly improves the look and feel of skin.

It is used as a decongestant, for its draining properties and as an anti inflammatory against arthritis and for soothing strains. It is also a wonderful healing agent, accelerating cicatrization of wounds and burns.

The Karite tree(shea tree) grows without assistance from man
Every summer, a fruit is produced by the tree, from which a nut is removed.. Pure, unrefined shea butter is normally grey to off-white in color and has a slight nutty odor, which wears off within minutes of applying to the skin.

 Shea butter gives natural UV protection, is high in vitamins A & E, soothes irritated and chapped skin, and moisturizes.  

The Shea Tree
Living up to two centuries, the Shea Tree bears fruit after 15 years and produces a full crop after 25 years.  It grows mainly in West Africa, and can reach a maximum height of 15 to 20 meters. 

The Shea Tree cannot be cultivated. It blooms from June to July and bears dark green fruits which fall to the ground when ripe. Each fruit contains a nut with a hard white kernel which is the source of the Shea Butter. The magnificent hardy Shea (Karite) tree grows on the dry soils of West African Savannah. A hardy tree not unlike the oak, the Shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii) grows up to 15 to 20 meters high.

Click here if you want to purchase Shea Butter

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skin Care Secrets – You can have Beautiful Skin

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, just like your heart or
your kidney. Its job is to protect your insides so it is important
for it to be healthy. If you eat a healthy diet, drink lots of
water, keep it clean, and protect it from the sun, your skin will
stay healthy all your life.

A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a
routine that will be most beneficial to the skin.  You will first
need to consider your diet and type of life-style since these two
factors play an important role in the health of a person's skin.

Diet - Eat Well

What you put into your body has a huge effect on how the outside
looks and feels. Eating healthy foods is important. Remember to feed
and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods.  Give your skin a
drink too.  Eight glasses of are essential to maintaining your
skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts. The water you choose
can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. You still
can't beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good
health and a good complexion.

Hygiene - Keep your skin clean.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of
makeup you use.  And be sure to clean your tools regularly.  Things
such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs
and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. A good way is to
soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water
using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo.  Rinse and blot excess
moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a
tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.

Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin with
a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier.  Check the
labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the
penetration of pollutants.

Exercise - keep fit

A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and rejuvenate
the skin and improve circulation and blood flow.  Also, body sweat
triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural
moisturizer.

Sleep - get an adequate amount of quality sleep

Be sure to get enough sleep. An adequate amount of quality sleep can
help recharge and rejuvenate the body, making it more resilient.
Lack of sleep can lead to tired lifeless skin and circles under the
eyes. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back
so fluid doesn't collect there. And, you can keep the oil from your
hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft
headband when you go to bed. 

De-Stress - Relax
Get serious about stress reduction.  Skin conditions such as acne
appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin
conditions then to get worse.  Set aside quiet time to meditate or
daydream.  Breathing exercises are excellent for reducing stress.
And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health
as well as your complexion. A more detailed version of this article
is available at:
http://hair-removal-tips.blogspot.com/


Copyright © 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for The Pregnancy Guide
website at: http://www.pregnancyguide.org.uk/ and he's also a
regular contributor to the Cosmetic Surgery Guide blog at:
http://cosmetic-n-plastic-surgery.blogspot.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The Secrets of Mangosteen.

Do you spend at least some time in your day thinking about your
health or that of a loved one? Do you also find the subject is
frustrating, mainly because there is a lot of confusing and
sometimes contradictory information out there?

You are not alone!

My wife and I have been involved with complimentary health care
for 10 years and we are sometimes confused too! So are many of
our friends and clients.

So, I want to share with you, a very pleasant surprise I received
a few months ago. I was chatting to an acquaintance who is a
homeopathic doctor and the subject got on to food supplements. I
believe strongly that "you are what you eat" and Hippocrates
centuries ago said "Let food be your medicine.."

My friend had been reading some laboratory research on the
powerful benefits of a fruit called the Mangosteen. (No, I had
not heard of it either!) Called the "Queen of Fruits" where it
originally grew in Southeast Asia, it is prized and valued above
all others.

Mangosteen juice is rich in the super anti-oxidant called
'xanthones'. This juice has been the subject of extensive
scientific research for over 30 years and in the last 15 years
there have been more than 50 scientific journal articles
published on the subject. Why?

Because xanthones have been shown to kill or stop the spreading
of viruses fungi, bacteria, and free radicals which are strongly
associated with cancer. Another area of research has shown how
xanthones inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL)
one of the causes of atherosclerosis (furring up of the arteries)
and heart attacks.

Add to that, the mangosteen juice has been shown to help promote
healing with diseases such as diabetes, premature aging,
arthritis, (the anti-inflammatory activities of natural xanthones
are significant)asthma, MS, the list goes on and on.

Now, like you I am sure, we are all skeptical about claims of
cure-all potions so I did some more research. I was impressed!
The available research is abundant and furthermore that many
doctors are recommending this juice to their patients.

One such, Dr. J. Frederick Templeman, M.D. is quoted as saying
"Studies are showing that xanthones have positive effects on
nearly all of the body's systems". He has stopped prescribing a
number of drugs as mangosteen has been more effective.

Dr Templeman goes on "All drugs are potentially dangerous. Food
by comparison is absolutely safe".

I was confident enough now to try this juice. Firstly I have to
say it is delicious! And it is entirely natural, with no
additives. My wife and I have been taking it regularly for 3
months now and I can report we have stopped taking other
expensive supplements, just regular daily drinks of mangosteen.

Our general health levels have increased and my joint aches and
pains are much reduced. My wife agrees, the hot flushes she was
experiencing have virtually disappeared.

If you are serious about your health, you should look into
mangosteen juice for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, what
you do today is going to affect you tomorrow. I strongly
recommend you begin consuming this xanthone rich, mangosteen
juice NOW!

© Barry Dench is a qualified electrical engineer, who in 1996
applied his knowledge of magnetism to research the effects of
magnetic fields on the biological body. Author of "The Essential
Magnetherapy Handbook" and numerous articles on the use of
magnets and nutrition, he can be contacted at his website:-
www.mws.magnecare.co.uk

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Home Remedies for Younger Skin: Look younger with these natural
remedies and tips
 

Author: Reno Charlton

Article:
When we are younger, we all believe that we will have young,
supple skin forever. That’s why it comes as something of a shock
when we look in the mirror one day and see the appearance of the
first fine line or wrinkle, which then seems to rapidly spread
across the face. There are many things that can contribute the
appearance of wrinkles, lines, blotches and other blemishes.
Firstly, of course, it is a natural process for aging skin
because as we grow older our skin elasticity gets weaker so it
is harder for the skin to spring back into place. Other factors
can include:

• Smoking • Unprotected sun exposure (UV rays) • Stress • Poor
facial/skin care

No matter how old we are, we all want to enjoy the benefits of
healthy skin – that’s why the anti aging skincare industry has
become a multi-billion dollar one. The good news is that you can
use natural skin care combined with a change in lifestyle to
improve the texture, tone, and feel of your skin, and to reduce
lines and wrinkles that can make your skin look aged.

Home remedies and a healthy lifestyle can help you feel and look
younger

We’ve all heard of ‘old wives tales’ and many people treat them
with severe skepticism. But, as the saying goes, there is no
smoke without fire, and many of the home remedies that are
regarded as old wives tales really do have substance to them.
You can look young without having to refinance your home by
using some of these incredibly simple methods.

Apple Juice You can treat fine lines, fine wrinkles, and cracked
skin by applying the juice of green apples to your face each
day. You should leave the juice on for around ten to fifteen
minutes each day before rinsing off. This is one of those home
remedies that can help you to look younger and add a real zing
to your day. The aroma and zest of the apples will put a spring
in your step while the juices get to work on your skin.

Pineapple If you want another fruity way to reduce fine lines
and wrinkles, you can use the juice or the core of a fresh
pineapple. Apply the juice either by hand or by rubbing the core
over your face, and leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes. You
can enjoy the tropical aroma of this home remedy while the
pineapple juice helps to improve the tone and texture of your
skin, enabling you to feel fresh and look younger.

Nourishing face mask If you want to enjoy a more luxurious home
remedy, you can make up your own face mask. This will leave your
skin feeling supple and revitalized, and can help you to look
younger by replenishing your skin. You simply combine a couple
of tablespoons of natural whole yogurt with a tablespoon of pure
liquid honey. You then squeeze in some cucumber juice and give
the whole mixture a good stir. Chill the mixture in the fridge
for a short while (you don’t want to get it too cold, but
refrigerating it for a short while will help to ‘set’ it so that
it won’t slide off your face). Apply the mixture to your face
liberally, lie back, pop a couple of cucumber slices onto your
eyes to soothe them, and simple relax for about fifteen minutes.

Afterwards, rinse the facemask off your face and pat dry. You
can then moisturize your face, and you should be left with
smoother, softer, and suppler skin. You can do this once or
twice a week to help keep your skin nourished and replenished.

Cucumber If you are having problems with discolored age spots,
you may find that cucumber juice is very effective in bleaching
out these age spots. Simply combine cucumber juice with water
(one tbsp of juice to two tbsp of water), and apply to the
affected areas twice daily. Dab the solution on in the morning
and at night, and allow to dry on the affected area.

Papaya Juice This fruit contains an enzyme that can remove dead
surface skin. So, if you have rough skin or blemishes, fresh
papaya juice rubbed into the skin can remove the affected skin
and leave you with softer, smoother skin.

Other home remedies to help your skin look younger

When talking about home remedies in relation to skin care, many
people instantly imagine creams, potions and lotions. However,
part of helping your skin to look younger is combining remedies
like the ones above with an improved lifestyle and some other
simple procedures. By following the steps below you can enjoy
younger looking skin for longer:

Massage A five minute facial massage each day can help to keep
your skin looking younger and wrinkle-free for longer. You
should take off all make-up, wash your face, and remove any
excess oils by using a suitable cleanser (or use the juice from
a fresh lime to do this). Starting from your neck up, gently yet
firmly massage in an upward motion right up to your hairline.
Once you have done this, rinse your face and apply a suitable
moisturizing cream or lotion. When you apply your cream or
lotion, apply it in using the same upward motion so that it is
massaged into the skin.

Water If you start to dehydrate on the inside, the effects will
also show on the outside, and dehydrated skin can experience all
sorts of problems, from dryness and roughness to loss of
elasticity and increased wrinkling. It is vital to drink around
eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin in top condition.

Diet Your diet can have a surprising effect upon the condition
of your skin. Most people associate rich, fatty foods with
weight gain and sluggishness, but these foods can also result in
poor skin condition. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and
vitamin-E rich foods can help to keep your skin in good
condition and help keep signs of aging at bay.

Protection from the sun The UV rays from the sun can have a very
harmful effect upon the sun, and not only do unprotected sun
worshippers risk cancer, but they are also likely to see their
skin wrinkle and age very prematurely (depending on the amount
of time spent in the sun). You should try and avoid being out in
the intense midday sun at all, as this is when the heat and rays
are at their worst. However, whatever time of day you go out,
you should wear an appropriate SFP sunscreen or moisturizer to
stop your skin from burning and losing its elasticity.

Quit smoking If you smoke, you’ve probably heard many reasons
why you should give up this habit. One of them is that smoking
can age your skin prematurely and leave you with deep and
numerous wrinkles. Quitting smoking can help you enjoy younger
looking skin for longer, as well as help you with your health.

Reduce stress Stress is another factor that can affect our skin
and leave us looking and feeling old before our time. In order
to try and enjoy younger looking skin, you need to take the time
to relax and de-stress. Make sure that you put a little time
aside each day to really relax and get things into perspective.
Whether your idea of pure relaxation is a long, luxurious bubble
bath or curling up with a good book, take the time to try and
relax each and every day.

Use these tips to enjoy younger, fresher and more rejuvenated
skin

The tips above are designed to help you make the most of your
precious skin, and to keep it looking and feeling good for as
long as possible. By combining the simple skin treatments listed
earlier with the lifestyle tips outlined above, you could enjoy
more resilient, supple and fresher looking skin.

These steps are really simple to take, and will cost next to
nothing to try. Taking five or ten minutes a day to look after
your skin can make a real difference to the appearance of your
facial skin. By keeping your skin clean, well nourished,
hydrated, and moisturized you should be able to make it look and
feel softer, smoother, and younger than ever.

About the author:
Reno Charlton is an experienced freelance copywriter and an
award-winning children’s author from the United Kingdom. Aged
33, she lives near to the city with her husband, Phil, and their
two cats. Her articles on anti-aging skin care can be found at
http://www.look-younger-now.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Importance of Laughter and Tears
By Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

Ron grew up in a household where laughter and tears were
never expressed. Anger was the main feeling expressed by his
mother, while his father was mostly withdrawn. By the time
Ron was eight years old, he had managed to shut off both his
laughter and his tears to avoid feeling rejected by his
parents and controlled by his mother. Shutting down was his
way of protecting against being invaded by his very
controlling mother. He became a serious child - a controlled
and controlling child.

Ron grew up, went to college, became a successful lawyer,
married and had three children. Yet nothing, not even his
deep love for his children, managed to break through his
rigid, controlling way of being.

Ron reached out for my help because he was not only very
unhappy, but was often in physical pain. All he could say
about the physical pain was that he hurt. "My body hurts. My
chest hurt, my stomach hurts, and my back hurts." He had
been thoroughly checked out by a physician and learned that
nothing was physically wrong. The doctor told him it was
stress.

Ron told me that he spent much of his non-working time
daydreaming because when he was present with himself in the
moment, all he felt was pain. He had learned to daydream to
avoid the pain.

However, Ron was now 48 years old, and the daydreaming was
no longer working well. The pain was breaking through,
especially in the form of debilitating back pain, so Ron
decided he needed some help.

The issue behind Ron's pain was that his primary intention
in his life was to control. He wanted to control how others
felt about him. He wanted to control how well his employees
worked. He wanted to control how his wife treated him, as
well as how well his children did in school. He particularly
wanted to have control over not feeling the pain of
rejection and the fear of engulfnment that he had felt so
much in his family. 

Ron's control had worked for him to a certain extent. He was
financially successful. He had all the material things a
person could want – a beautiful home, a vacation home, a
boat, and all the electronics a person could ever use. He
had a wonderful family, and he had good health, other than
his pain. Yet he was often miserable.

The problem Ron was facing was that having control was far
more important to him than being a loving person with
himself and with others. As a result, Ron felt empty inside
and was constantly looking to others to fill him up. He had
no interest in taking responsibility for his own feelings –
his own pain and joy. He wanted others or things to make him
happy.

Imagine how a child would feel if you put him into a box and
told him he could never laugh or cry. This is what was
happening with Ron. His Inner Child – his feeling self – was
in a box, not allowed to laugh or cry. Laughter and tears
are our natural ways of releasing feelings. Without the
God-given gifts of laughter and tears, our feelings get
blocked up inside, eventually causing our muscles to go into
painful spasms. This is what was causing Ron's pain. He
could no longer put a lid on his feelings without feeling
physical pain. 

It was a tough battle for Ron. At those moments when he let
go of control and opened his heart to love, the pain went
away. But his terror of being rejected or controlled was
generally more powerful than his desire to be loving with
himself and others, and he would close up in the face of his
fears. He feared that if he opened to his feelings, he would
be weak and would be seen as weak, which he feared would
lead to both rejection and engulfment.

Ron wanted something he could not have – the illusion of
safety that being so controlling gave to him, while not
suffering from the physical pain of being so controlling.

After much hard work, Ron finally saw that being loving to
himself by letting himself experience his laughter and tears
did not cause weakness, nor the rejection and engulfment he
feared. In fact, by being more aware of his feelings and
allowing himself to express them, Ron learned that he
actually felt safer and more powerful than when trying to
control everything. 

Laughter and tears are great gifts that allow us to release
our feelings in healthy ways.

About The Author:

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and
co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me
To Be Loved By You?" and "Healing Your Aloneness." She is
the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing
process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a
FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or
mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone Sessions Available.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------