Skin Oil Cleansing

Cleaning your face with natural oils is great skin care, at any age.  Since I have been cleansing with oil my skin is softer, has less redness, and fewer blemishes.  In addition to the cosmetic benefits, it simply feels good knowing that I am nourishing my skin with natural oils. I have tried many products over the years and nothing has worked as well as oil cleansing. 

TRADITIONAL CLEANSING

Marketing over the decades has programmed us to wash our delicate faces with harmful chemically laden products in an effort to bust that pimple causing oil, or to moisturize that dry flakey or aging skin.  Many of the ingredients in these products actually strip the natural oils causing our skin's processes to go into overdrive and produce even more oil... leading to more clogged pores, blackheads and irritation.  I know that was true for me.  Even at my age (53) there can be clogged pores, blackheads and especially redness.  When cleansing and moisturizing our skin with oil it helps to understand an expression used by chemists, "oil dissolves oil."  I personally recommend that you give it a try for at least a month or two and determine for yourself if this is a better way to treat your skin.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  Keep in mind, that it may take a few weeks for your skin to adjust to the new treatment.  Be patient, experiment with different oils (more on this below), and enjoy the results.

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HOW DO I CHOOSE AN OIL?

The type of oil that you use depends primarily on your skin type and skin condition.  I personally use a mixture of Castor Oil, and Wise Oils Face Serum which is a mixture of Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, and Essential Oils. You can start with one oil or find a blend that you like and works for your skin.  Below is a list of oils that are commonly used with descriptions of the benefits, considerations, and the Comedogenic rating of each.  

Comedogenic rating of each oil reflects the likelihood of the oil clogging pores and causing breakouts for most skin types.   If you are acne-prone, you will want to begin with products/ingredients that are rated 0's, 1's and 2's.

0 -Will Not Clog Pores

1 - Low probability

2 - Moderately Low

3 - Moderate

4 - Fairly High

5 - High probability it will clog pores

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TYPES OF OILS

Castor Oil - is a thick, sticky liquid known for its powerful purging and detoxing properties and has so many other amazing benefits in addition to skin care, but for oil cleansing properties the Undecylenic Acid that is naturally found in the castor oil seed has germicidal and disinfectant powers. This oil is a wonderful oil for treating skin irritations from mild to severe acne and can also clear up eczema and other chronic inflammation issues.  When a member of my family develops any kind of skin eruption, we apply castor oil, and let it work it's magic. For those with dry skin, I recommend staring with a very small amount and mix with a more nourishing oil that is better for dry skin. I personally use 1/4 Castor Oil to 3/4 Wise Oils Face Serum.  Comedogenic Rating: 1

Argan Oil has a high composition of essential fatty acids and plant sterols without clogging pores and has the ability to repair skin damage like acne scarring, stretch marks, and dry skin. The Vitamin E in Argan oil improves elasticity and assists in the healing process of tissue scarring. Comedogenic Rating: 0

Hemp Seed Oil is unique in that it has a very similar composition of fats and amino acids as our own natural skin oils and this is why it's very popular for the oil cleansing method. Comedogenic Rating: 0

Jojoba Oil- Jojoba oil is an emollient which means that it is a great moisturizer as well as prevents irritations and rough patches. Personal note: I have found that Jojoba Oil feels great on my skin, but it seems to irritate my eyes if I use it as a makeup remover.  Comedogenic Rating: 2

Avocado Oil- Avocado Oil has amazing moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing and nourishing properties. Great for oil cleansing.  Comedogenic Rating: 2

Sesame Oil-  Sesame oil can act as both moisturizer and emollient for full-body skin. Besides vitamin E, sesame oil also contains linoleic acids, stearic acids, and palmitic acids. It is even safe to use this oil regularly every day for optimum results and contains natural sunscreen (one of my favorites)  Comedogenic Rating: 3

Rose Oil-  One of the most expensive oils. Rose oils has antiseptic and astringent properties which makes it great for acne and other skin infections. Rose oil also contains eugenol a very potent antioxidant for aging skin. Comedogenic Rating: 3

Sunflower Seed Oil is a gentle antioxidant oil that works well for beginners. It is light and is easily absorbed by the skin without clogging pores.  Comedogenic Rating: 0

Olive Oil is great for dry, combination and aging skin and has been known to help in the healing of eczema, psoriasis, dry skin acne and rosacea. Comedogenic Rating: 2

Rosehip Seed Oil  made from one of the richest plant sources of Vitamin C. I make Rosehip jelly and rose hip syrup as a natural vitamin C supplement for my family. Vitamin C has been proven to stimulate collagen production, reduce redness, increase cell turnover, reduce fine lines, and increase the skin’s permeability  Comedogenic Rating: 1

Grapeseed Oil- Grapeseed Oil is very mild and a wonderful light moisturizer (another one of my favorites). Comedogenic Rating: 2

Borage Seed Oil - Borage Oil is known for it's anti-inflammatory properties, is great for treating skin breakouts. Comedogenic Rating: 2

Neem Oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E found making it easily absorbed into the skin without leaving the skin greasy. Great for aging skin. Comedogenic Rating: 1

Sea Buckthorn Oil- Sea buckthorn oil is commonly used to prevent and to reduce the negative results of acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, skin ulcers and stretch marks.   Comedogenic Rating: 1

Tananu Oil contains moisturizing omega fatty acids and it's know for it's ability to promote new cell growth.  Its antimicrobial properties have been compared to the power of antibiotics and the antioxidant properties are known to prevent sun damage and wrinkles. Comedogenic Rating: 2

Coconut Oil  is a very popular oil due to the fact that it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.  Coconut oil  has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties proven to successfully fight bacteria and other skin infections such as acne. Many with dry skin love Coconut Oil as a cleanser, but those with sensitive or oily skin may find that it clogs pores and causes breakouts.  Comedogenic Rating 4

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HOW TO CLEANSE THE FACE WITH NATURAL OILS:

The great thing about cleansing with oil is that all you really need is oil, cotton (either rags, circle pads) and warm water.  

INSTRUCTIONS

Gently place a warm wet cotton wash cloth to your face

Pour oil mixture into the palm of your hands or take a cotton pad that has already been imersed in oil

Gently massage oil onto your face in circular motions.  I gently massage for approximately 1 minute

Gently remove oil with a warm wet wash cloth

Enjoy the softness of your skin

I would love to hear about your skin oil cleansing experience!

Gigi

To view Wise Oil Products click here

The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

Golden (Turmeric) Tea

I love my afternoon Golden Tea time.  Turmeric Tea is rich in flavor, nutrition and benefits.  Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough brown skin and a beautiful orange flesh.   Turmeric has long been used in Chinese and Indian medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat many conditions, such as, bruises, chest pain, colic, jaundice, hormonal difficulties and more.  In addition, Turmeric contains a volatile oil known as "Curcumin." Numerous studies have sited that Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to potent drugs as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and unlike these drugs that can have significant toxic effects, Curcumin reportedly produces no toxicity. 

Considerations: Turmeric is fat-soluble, meaning that it dissolves in fat. Without fat the active component "Curcumin" has a difficult time being absorbed into the small intestine.  This is why I use nutrient-dense whole fat raw milk.  I also add black pepper to my tea to enhance the bio-availability of the Curcumin and it's delicious this way. 

Golden Tea Recipe

1/4 Teaspoon of Organic Turmeric Powder or Grated Raw Turmeric Root

1/4 Teaspoon of Organic Black Pepper

1 Cup of Raw Milk 

1/2 Teaspoon of Raw/Local Honey

Place Turmeric, Pepper and Raw Honey into your cup and pour in hot milk.  Stir and Enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Brazil Nuts

Cacao Covered Brazil Nuts made with Raw Cacao, Coconut Oil & Raw Honey (see my healthy chocolate recipe) are not only delicious but they are nutritious.  

Of course you can use any kind of nut you like or even a variety of raw nuts together, I like to keep raw Brazil nuts on hand for the specific mineral benefits that I need in my nutrition protocol. 1 of Brazil Nuts can provide about 20% of the daily value of phosphorus, 8% of the daily value of zinc, 15% of the daily value of manganese, 25% of the daily value of magnesium and 780% of the daily value of selenium. Not to mention Brazil nuts are a great source of Thiamine and Vitamin E.  

One of the many cool facts about Cacao, besides that fact that it tastes good, is that it is the highest source of magnesium and chromium of any food! Magnesium is the most deficient mineral in the average human. All of the compounds found in raw cacao benefits longevity in humans. For my healthy chocolate recipe with Raw Cacao, click here.

Here's to healthy snacks with a mineral punch!

Easy Homemade Toothpaste

Commercial toothpastes are commonly full of all kinds of ingredients and harmful chemicals like fluoride and foaming agents that may be harmful to your health.  For this reason, I prefer to make toothpaste for my family.  It's not only healthier, but more economical.  

My results: My teeth are whiter, the sensitivity to hot and cold has disappeared, no tartar build up, and my gums no longer bleed!  I'm sold.

Ingredients:

Organic Coconut Oil- research shows that coconut oil is effective against cavity causing bacteria and maintains a natural lipid enzyme balance on the tongue. I prefer to purchase expeller-pressed organic coconut oil.  

Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda- acts as an abrasive and helps whiten teeth.  It works! I like Bob's Red Mill because of it's finer texture.  Most baking soda's, without added ingredients, will work just fine.

Organic Peppermint Extract to flavor.  Some people prefer to use essential oils and that is a personal choice.  I 100% agree in the benefits of aromatherapy and use EO's daily, but I do not believe in ingesting them in any amount so I prefer to us organic extracts to flavor foods and homemade toothpaste.

Magnesium Chloride Oil- this is a newly added ingredient to our homemade toothpaste. Since magnesium is responsible for so many processes/systems in our body I decided to add easily absorbable magnesium chloride spray to our dental hygiene regime.  You can even make this toothpaste without the Mag Chloride and spray your toothbrush 1 or 2x per week and brush with mag as an added benefit. You can make your own with Magnesium Chloride Flakes and Distilled Water, or order online.  Here is my favorite: Magnesium Mist Oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together and place in glass storage container. You can play around with the measurements to suit your taste and texture. 

Coconut Oil- about 1/2 cup (feel free to double the recipe, if need be)

Baking Soda- 1/2 cup

Organic Flavor extract- 1/8 tsp. or less

Magnesium Chloride Oil- 2 teaspoons.  

Brush teeth daily with generous amount.  My preferred method is a combination of oil pull/brush technique.  I wash my tooth brush in hot water and then scoop out a generous amount of homemade toothpaste and swish around in my mouth for as long as I can- about 10 minutes.  I then spit it out, rinse and scoop another generous amount onto my toothbrush and brush my teeth, gums, tongue and rinse.

Here's to a healthy mouth.

Rose Hip Spread

Rose Hip spread is not only delicious, but nutritious! A great way to get your Vitamin C needs for the day.

A Rose Hip is the fruit  or seed pod of the rose plant.  Some reports claim that wild varieties have the highest concentration of Vitamin C, with some estimates reporting 30-50 times the Vitamin C of oranges.  Rose Hip, also known as Rose Hep is so packed with nutrients that I consider it a SUPER FOOD!  Known for it's Vitamin C content, Rose Hip also contain vitamins A, B-3, D and E as well as bioflavonoids, citric acid, flavonoids, fructose, malic acid, tannins and zinc.  Because Rose Hips contain a variety of antioxidant; carotenoids, flavonoids, polphenols, leucanthocyanins and catechins, Rose Hips are considered to be a good cancer preventative and the natural pectin found in Rose Hips is beneficial for gut health.

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Rose Hip Spread Recipe:

1/2 C of dried organic Rose Hips ground to a fine powder (I use my coffee bean grinder). You can also place 1/2 C of dried organic Rose Hips in boiling water and reduce to simmer for several minutes until hips are soft and remove seeds.

1 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar or organic fruit juice of choice (I love the benefits of ACV and the tart taste)

1 tsp. of organic sweetener of choice to taste (raw honey, molasses, maple syrup) 

Mix all ingredients together and serve on organic sprouted bread, organic crackers, raw cheese or organic fruit!

It's deliciously tart and sweet.  Feel free to experiment with organic fruit juices and sweeteners of your choice.

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Garbanzo Bean Smooth Spicy Spread

Garbanzo Bean Spicy Spread

Ingredients

2 cups of soaked and cooked garbanzo beans.  I prefer to soak mine for 24 hours and then pressure cook them in my InstantPot for only 10 minutes with garlic and natural salt.  Soaking, Sprouting and Fermenting Legumes aids in digestion and assimilation of other valuable nutrients. 

1 Tablespoon of Organic Olive Oil

Juice of 1 Large Organic Lemon

1/4 Cup of Chopped Serrano Peppers (or peppers of your choice)

1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

(Note: add any spices that you love to this spread)

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Process:

Place all ingredients into blender/Vita-mix and blend until desired consistency. I prefer my bean dip to be very smooth without the gritty texture.  Pressure cooking also helps reach this desired consistency.

Spoon into bowl and enjoy with your favorite chips.  My favorites are Jackson's Honest Chips made with organic heirloom potatoes, coconut oil and sea salt. 

Enjoy!

Almond Butter Banana Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups raw (preferably sprouted) almond butter

4 medium bananas, mashed

4 pastured eggs

4 Tbsp vanilla honey or 4 Tbsp honey + 1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 T butter coconut oil, melted

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp sea salt 

4 Tbsp coconut flour

Process:

Mix ingredients and place in parchment paper lined baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. Top with pastured butter.  DELICIOUS

Rice & Avocado Stuffed Nori Rolls

Stuffed Nori Rolls are great as a nutrient packed meal or served as an hors d'oeuvre for your guests.

Stuff Nori Roll Ingredients:

• Organic Nori Seaweed sheets. I use Emerald Cove Organic Pacific Nori (6-10 sheets)
• Sprouted Organic Rice. I use Trader Joe''s Organic Sprouted Rice- or any rice you prefer (1 1/4 Cup) 
• Ripe Avocado ( 1-2 Avocados)
• 1 Organic Lemon
• Cumin (to taste)
• Cayenne (to taste)
• Natural Salt (to taste)
• Other Spices- as you prefer (to taste)

Process:

• Prepare Rice as instructed on cooking instructions and set aside to cool
• Mash 1 - 2 Avocados and mix with desired amount of cooked sprouted rice. Use as much avocado and/or rice as you prefer. 
• Season mixture with preferred spices
• Gently toast Nori sheets in toaster oven or oven (very low temp for 1-2 minutes) You can also use them raw.  Toasting lightly will give them more of a nutty flavor.
• Tear or cut desired size of Nori roll (I cut about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide), place a small tsp. of rice and avocado mixture on Nori strip, gently squeeze lemon juice on each end to help the Nori stick, and roll up to form your Nori roll.

Enjoy!

Be Blessed.

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