Most people associate patchouli with a 'hippy scent' or 'the smell of the sixties' to cover up body odour or the scent of pot. I myself fell into this stereotype prior to doing this research, but I have recently taken a new perspective on this decadent essential oil. It is actually used for a wide variety of benefits. And when I say 'wide', I mean the full spectrum. The paradox of patchouli is that it is both calming and uplifting simultaneously! How can an aromatherapy be used to both ground and lift? Read on! Patchouli essential oil is derived from a large evergreen perennial and is a…

Is Epsom Salt really salt? Epson salt is called a ‘salt’ because it looks like a salt crystal. But in reality, they are magnesium sulphate, not sodium chloride (NaCl) which is a true salt. Epsom salts are named after an England town where magnesium and sulphate are found in high concentrations in a saltwater spring.  It is not for consumption. Epsom ‘salts’ are known to help achy muscles, pain and soothing skin aliments. And they work.  Soak in an Epsom salt bath and you will feel good.  It is a healthy way to detox Epsom vs. Table Salt These two ‘salts’ have little in common.   Table salt is…

Time to cozy up, stay indoors and enjoy a hot bath, with Apple Cider Vinegar. Light a beeswax, soy or coconut candle, select your favourite essential oil if desired and relax in a soothing bath of nature’s fermented apples. The mother in the vinegar is essential. which means an organic, unrefined, available at most food stores. The ‘mother’ in the vinegar is what makes it murky or cloudy.  This is the culture of beneficial bacteria that turns apple cider into vinegar in the first place. It is this unrefined version that makes a beautiful hair rinse to condition and shine. This mineral and…

Wipes, wipes and more wipes!  Convenient. Disposable. Available. Let's take a close look at commercial wipes. While each may have its specific goal, all products need scrutinizing. Wipes for...  - Cleaning babies- Removing Makeup- Acne- Eliminating stains- Freshening up- Cooling down But what exactly are ‘wipes’?  We know they are supposed to clean.  But do they? Are they healthy?  High concentrations of surfactants, stabilizers and emulsifiers can be left behind on the skin after using a wipe, which can then cause skin drying and irritations. If alcohol is present, stinging may result.  Let’…

When you completed your bathroom ablutions today, did you use deodorant? Toothpaste? Mouthwash? Did your routine involve soap? Body wash?  Facial wipes? Shaving cream?  Perhaps your baby or grandchild was nearby, comfortably Zen with a teething ring? Toxic invisible Triclosan may have been in any one or all of these products. Triclosan, the super anti-bacterial whitish crystalline powder is often added to skin care. It is a synthetic chemical, first introduced in the 70’s for hospital use to keep medical instruments sterile. But then its use spread. Triclosan itself can weaken our immune…

If 2019 calls you to move forward with the resolution to live a more natural lifestyle then these tips and tricks are for you! I will not go on and on about how toxic chemicals are bad for your mind, body and soul. You hear about that enough already! Let's focus on making choices that will propel us forward into the natural realm of health, well-being, energy and vitality. Tips and Tricks Make a habit to read every ingredient listed when scoping out products. You'd be surprised how tricky companies can be. If you cannot pronounce something, toss it. If the ingredient list is quite long, you…

Holidays are here! Can you feel the excitement? Or perhaps your anticipation has been creeping up inside as tension, nervousness and anxiety. Not many of us can float around calm and collected as we shop, clean, work, prepare, cook, clean more, decorate and organize. Finding patience in the ice and snow during traffic and parking madness can be a feat of futility. We breathe. We try to relax. We attempt the art of gratefulness. Sometimes holding it all together is more challenging than not. "What have I forgotten? Will family time be flawless or fury? I've checked my list twice, but am I…

Holiday Season is the perfect time to freshen up the pooch. Now we that are all on board with natural shampoos... Well, most of us hopefully... We can begin to get our dogs chemical free as well! Shampoo Bars are the best way to clean your dogs coat without the mess and toxicity of liquid shampoos. See our article on Zero Waste Shampoo Instructions: 1. Wet dog thoroughly using warm water. 2. Rub the bar directly on your wet dog's coat. 3. Massage into a foamy lather, avoiding the eyes. 4. And Rinse! 5. We also recommend the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair rinse to wash away odour, residue and let's…