Review: Steeped Tea

OK! So... Tea.
Tea is probably the most beloved beverage on earth.
Who doesn't like SOME form of tea?
Whether it's hot or iced, green, black, herbal, fruity, caffeinated or not...

PEOPLE LOVE TEA!

So when Steeped Tea seller Jessica Wismer offered me some tea to review...
Well who am I to turn down potentially wonderful tea, right?

So Steeped Tea is a Canadian company, which a direct sales model. In 2012, the appeared on Dragon's Den, which is pretty exciting stuff for a small business!




Their website is bright and easy to navigate and the have 2 easy to view versions of their catalogue.

In their catalogue, you'll find a pretty big selection of teas!
They are organized into categories: Fruit, Black, ORGANIC, Green, Lattes, Wellness and go on to a selection of tea infusers, tea accessories etc. They also host lots of other things besides tea, such as spices and cake mixes.

I will admit, I am now partial to organic tea, as I'm concerned about the health of our bees (and ourselves) and personally think organic is the way to go when we can. So it's fantastic they are offering that option (when many others don't.)

I was given two teas to try, the first I tried was Summer Sun Mate. The ingredients are listed as Green Mate, Hibiscus and natural flavours. If you aren't aware Mate tea is a traditional South American type of tea (it's the national drink of Argentina!) that is known for it's 'cleaner feeling' form of caffeine. So they say you get the benefits of wakefulness, without the typical drawbacks you might get from regular caffeine. Like all teas it can be enjoyed warm or cold.

I tried my cup warm and it had an easy to drink mellow taste, no noticeable strong caffeine feeling.
Since summer is here I plan to drink it quite often cold and as I think it's mellow flavour would allow me to experiment putting lemon and other fruits in it!

The second tea I tried was called Barry Mania and it's ingredients are listed as Hibiscus, elderberries, dried currents, natural flavours. To the eye, this pretty tea is a deep purple!
It was berry fruity and delicious and I'm sure takes as good cold and it does hot.
I also used this this tea in combination with other teas to give them a fruity kick!

Overall this would be a fun catalogue to get a gift through or peruse if you are a tea lover.
You are sure to find something you want to try!

So if you are in a shopping mood...
Check Out Jessica's Tea Page!

Review: One Earth!

One Earth is a direct sales style company, yet still a small business. They are Canadian owned and run, which is great as well.

They specialize in very high quality, ethically traded goods from far and wide.
They have a well organized website that has links to their colourful catalogues. Surprisingly, they don't have an online shopping element, so you have to contact a One Earth representative to purchase from them. To do that, you could contact them to find a rep, search on Facebook or just check out Jessica Torres' Page.

Jessica became my One Earth rep after some friendly chats on Facebook. She is genuinely passionate about her company and it's products and (a really nice down to earth person.)

So for the product review, I have a few things.
A few I purchased and a few that were given to me as samples.

kafta BBQ Skewers

I bought these skewers for my mom who has a wood burning oven and needed marshmallow/hotdog skewers for roasting. These are a beautiful set. And there are 12! Perfect for parties and campfires. Made by hand and measuring 17" tip to tip, which is just long enough to roast on a fire place (if that is what you are using them for) and very generously sized for the BBQ.

They come packaged as above, appeared strong and excellent in quality, and would make a nice gift for any man/woman/family that loves to BBQ or has wood burning fireplace!
My mom loved them!

One Earth's Spa Products

 

When discussing One Earth's Spa line, Jessica let me know I could feel good about buying them:

"All of  our Spa Products are made in Morocco, by a Women's Co-op, where women learn skills and are able to earn an income in a developing country where over 60% of women are illiterate. The Argan Forests of Morocco are protected as a UNESCO site. Truly when these items are purchased we are helping women in Morocco become self sufficient."

Black Soap

One Earth's Notes:

• There are differences between African Black Soap and Moroccan
Black Soap- Moroccan is felt to be a superior product.

• It will lather but only slightly.
• After using Black Soap, Argan Oil is the perfect moisturizer.

Over All Benefits of Black Soap:

• Removes dead skin (the rough and dry outer surface of our skin). 

• Deep cleans the skin by removing toxins and dead skin cells,
making our skin softer.

• The exfoliation increases the blood and lymph circulation. 

• With its anti-microbial proprieties Moroccan black soap is rich
in vitamin E. 

• Highly advised to relieve itchy back due to an excess of dead
skin and clogged pores.

 • Ideal to reduce in-growing hair

Cautions:

• Never get Black Soap in your eyes, it will sting.

• It should not be used on broken skin.

• Black Soap is made from Water, Olive Paste and Argan Oil and
either Orange Blossom or Eucalyptus essential oils.

Personal Aside: (As we know Essential Oils should be used with
some caution.)

Personal Notes:

A little goes a really long way! (Which is great because the product
will last a long time!)
When you use it, it definitely feels like a bit of a 'treatment'.
There is a mild tingling factor and definite scent, which is all part of
black soap experience.

How to Use:

1) Wet and let your body warm up for a few minutes (if you have a
sauna, use it in there)

2) Apply the soap on your body and let it sit for 5 minutes

3) Rinse your body while scrubbing with your scrub glove in a
circular motion (It is called a Kessa Glove).

Regarding the Kessa Glove: I don't know much about this
exfoliating glove, except that it is the best and scrubbiest body glove
I have ever used. It's actually more of a mitt, made from a red fabric,
fits well and woo boy does it scrub! You have to use it very gently
if you use it on your face.

I would not use it on children or anyone vulnerable with soft skin.
But if you are like me and always trying to exfoliate your body
with different things, I would run out and buy this immediately!

Argan Oil

You'll find argan oil in many products now a days and is recognized
to be a fantastic oil for use on the body! One Earth had a great sale
on their 100ml pure argan oil, so I took advantage!

They also offer argan oils in a spray format, premixed with essential
oils. But as always, I recommend doing research, to make sure these
oils are right for you before using.

One Earth's notes:

Argan Oil, produced only in Morocco is known as ‘liquid gold’ for
its benefits for the entire body. It takes eight hours of work to
produce 1 litre of Argan Oil. 

Benefits for the Face: 

1) prevents wrinkles, 

2) minimizes fine lines, 

3) protects and moisturizes,

4) restores skin elasticity & texture

5) reduces redness & irritation, 

6) heals imperfections and 

7) neutralizes free radicals.

Benefits for Hair: 

1) repairs split ends, 

2) moisturizes dry scalp

3) restores shine 

4) tames frizz.

Benefits for Body: 

1) rehydrates dry skin, 

2) nourishes brittle nails

3) minimizes stretch marks

4) moisturizes baby skin, 

5) soothes sunburn, 

6) softens cracked skin

I was also given a small sample of their Argan Oil Soap Bar, and I
have to say this is one of the softest, creamiest bars of soap I have
ever used. I would especially recommend it for people who have
dry skin (but still want to suds up) and to people who are looking
for an excellent shaving soap.

Over All I would definitely check out One Earth and if you have
friends who are into multicultural and ethically traded things,
they do have a party format where you can host a party and get
discounts and credits for free products! They have some gorgeous
gift items, shoes, bags, the list goes on!

Contact Jessica for more info:
One Earth - Jessica Torres - Independent Consultant

905-735-8638

http://www.facebook.com/oneearthbyjessicatorres

Review! Ravissante Skin Care

This is a review for Ravissante Body Butter in Lavender and Lip Balms (chocolate and strawberry).

As you might guess, I am pretty passionate about aromatherapy based products. So when I put the word out I was doing reviews, I was pretty excited to give these products a try.

I had heard only good things about this little company through friends, so when Ravissant creator, Barb Mowder dropped by the Chrysalides House Gallery, to drop off some samples, we had a lovely chat about the beauty of essential oils and a need for gentle alternative products in the market.

She has a nice fresh looking website, and offers this info to the reader:

       Lavender Essential Oils have been known to:

• Be used as a bug repellent
• Help with sleep/insomnia
• Benefit the nervous system
• Treat acne and general skin care
• Relieve sore muscles
• Improve urinary disorders
• Improve respiratory disorders
• Aid in blood circulation
• Aid in digestion
• Aid with immune system
• As general skin care

Geranium Essential Oils have been known to:

• Balance hormones
• Be used as an astringent
• Relieve stress and depression
• Reduce inflammation and irritation
• Improve the health of the skin
• Alleviate the effects of menopause
• Improve circulation
• Benefit dental health
• Boost kidney health
• Reduce blood pressure.

Note that not all essential oils are for everyone, especially if you are pregnant. Make sure you do some research into specific essential oils before application. In some circumstances, it's best to steer clear of essential oils altogether. It is recommended that you consult your doctor prior to use of any essential oils if:
• you have a history of miscarriage
• you have had any bleeding during pregnancy
• you have epilepsy
• you have heart problems
• you have diabetes, blood clotting problems, or have thyroid, liver or kidney disease.

I really love how she includes a warning, essential oils have their place but are not benign. They affect our bodies! And should be used with some investigation first.

It's also an indication that there is a nice amount of EO's in her products for you to benefit from!

Also important to note: Her products are Paraben Free, Gluten Free & SLS Free.

So the product review....

The Ravissante Body Butter in Lavender is pretty great! She's not kidding when she says BUTTER!
As it should be, it's super thick, so a little goes a long way. It's not at all greasy and soaks in SUPER fast.

I started using it on my feet regularly and my heels have gone from a dry wasteland to fresh and supple! The smell is great and smells like pure lavender essential oil should.

Because this butter is so thick, it won't spread over large areas easily, but just start on the driest parts then rub outward and it will get the job done!

Both the lip balms were really nice and gently flavoured and I was happy to use them daily for my dry lips.

The quality and effort put into these products are apparent, I would give them a try if you are looking for something soothing and gentle to pamper those rough patches!
The lavender body butter is $23.99 and the lip balms are $5.99.

Contact them through their website link above or on The Ravissante Facebook Page!

The Well Bag's Soap Berries- Official Launch! Never Buy harmful Laundry Detergents Again!

Have you heard Soap Berries? No?

Well it is the Well Bag's primary mission to change that!

Soap Berries are hands down, THE gentlest, safest, and the most environmentally kind laundry product available. They SHOULD be a household name and commonly relied upon product, and they are in some countries, but have not yet made it to mainstream use in North America.

What are they exactly?

Soap Berries, or Sapindus mukorossi, are a dried berry from Nepal. They contain a natural soap that works as an excellent laundry soap and fabric softener in one, as well as for other household cleaning purposes!

Benefits:

• Biodegradable, USDA Certified Organic
• Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic
• Great for High Efficiency, Grey Water and Septic Systems
• Awesome Cleaning
• Helps to employ the people of Nepal.

Ideal for:

• All washing cycles (cold water and gentle). 
• Chemical & scent allergies. Hypoallergenic.
• Ft. load/ HE washing machines & Grey water systems.
• Our rivers, oceans and environment! Tell your friends!
• Making your own clean products from: The Soap Berry Clean Recipe Book!

The are extremely easy to use!

1. Find the small cotton bag included in your Soap Berry sack.
2. Place 4 or 5 broken Soap Berry shells into the bag, tie twice.
3. Add to wash. Best results: use pre-soak cycle (optional). 
4. Reuse the same Soap Berries 5-7 times, then replace.

Even David Suzuki likes them and features a profile of their use on his website.
READ DAVID SUZUKI'S ENDORSEMENT HERE!

2% of all Soap Berry sales will benefit WaterCan, a leading Canadian water charity dedicated to fighting global poverty by helping the world’s poorest people gain access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene education.

Where can I get them?

$8.00 for 100g bag (30-50 loads)
$30.00 for 500g bag (150-200 loads)
NO HST!

Call for pick-up or delivery 519- 208-5961
Email Us to Order: thewellbag@gmail.com
(we charge actual shipping)
We are a CANADIAN small business! :-)

Chrysalides House

619-A02 Wild Ginger Ave

Waterloo, Ontario

519-208-5961

www.chrysalideshouse.ca

Online sales coming soon!

Come to the official Waterloo product launch and demo: Saturday May 10^th 11:00 – 2:00 at Vincenzo's In Waterloo!  

Tis The Season~ To Get The Sniffles... or worse! PART THREE~ HONEY!

This is part 3 of MY go-to 'get well fast-er' plan.
These are tips that always seem to work for me when I am hit with a bug or feel like my immunity is low.

Many of these are everyday things that can also be used in some capacity to prevent general colds and the flu and keep you healthy!

Ok, I know what you are thinking....

"Ya ya... Honey will soothe my sore throat, no surprise there..."

Well to that I will say, YES it will, BUT there is much more to the benefits of honey than that!

AND I am not going to be talking about the kind of honey in the cute little bear bottle, which while adorable and tasty, the medicinal benefits are pretty limited.

So, what kind of honey am I talking about?

Let's start here:

1. MANUKA HONEY (UHF)

MANUKA HONEY  is pretty much the queen bee in medicinal honey in my opinion. And let me warn you, it is not cheap. But hey, neither are the various concoctions at the pharmacy, that may have their place, but will do little to actually heal. And that is the real goal right?

Manuka honey has proven itself a powerful healing agent for a long time, and that history holds up under scientific study.

It's main source of power comes from it's antibacterial properties.

It can be used for a huge variety of health issues:

• "Improves overall immune system function by killing harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (the GI tract contains 85% of the immune system)
• Colds, flu, and sore throat (it kills the bacteria your throat)
• Cough suppressant proven to work as good as over the counter cough medicines
• Mouth infections like bad breath, dental cavities, plaque, gingivitis, and periodontal disease
• Cold sores
• Skin injuries and infections like MRSA, staph, abrasions, mastitis (breast infection), boils, diabetic ulcers, ringworm, rashes, athlete’s foot, nail fungus"

If you are interested in the technical why's and how's of Manuka honey's antibacterial processes, check out this great video:

 

Some people should not use honey medicinally or otherwise, unless directed by a physician, such as:

• "Manuka honey may be contraindicated in people with diabetics or other blood sugar issues. Individuals with diabetes, whose ability to metabolize sugar is impaired, may be subject to enhanced cellular damage due to increased tissue levels of methylglyoxal. Indeed, metformin, a drug commonly prescribed for diabetics, was designed to ameliorate the effects of methylglyoxal in the tissues of diabetic patients. Topical use is perfectly safe for diabetics.
• Honey should not to be given to children less than one year old in case of rare botulism contamination.
• People with severe pollen allergies should use honey with caution.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor.
• While there are many claims that ingesting manuka honey can be a good for the side effects while undergoing cancer treatment like radiation and chemotherapy, the sugar content of honey is contraindicated for cancer, as sugar feeds cancer cells. You must decide for yourself if the benefits of honey outweigh the potential to feed and promote a cancer. Topical ingestion is fine for cancer patients."

Don't bother wasting this precious honey in your tea, as the high heat can destroy the enzymes that produce any therapeutic effects

Manuka Honey can be used orally or topically and here are some general suggestions for it's application:

• "Enhanced immunity: MGS (Molan Gold Standard) or UMF 10+ 1-2 teaspoons daily.
• Digestive upset and infections: MGS or UMF 16+ to 25+  1-3 teaspoons daily
• Topical: Apply honey with MGS 20+ or higher activity every 12 hours and cover with a dry sterile gauze and bandage.
• Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, or Acne: Apply honey to affected area, cover with dressing, and leave on for one hour a day." 

2) Other Medicinal Honeys

Manuka isn't the only medicinal honey and depending on where you live you may find some honeys are easier to find than others. Considering the wide variety of uses, why not invest in some and give it a try!

• Jelly Bush (aka Tea Tree) honey from Australia (similar to Manuka)

• Ulmo honey from Chile

• Noni honey from Hawaii

• Tualang honey from Malaysia

• Yemeni Sidr from Yemen

• Honeydew (Forest or Tree) Honey from Europe, New Zealand

• Medical grade honeys "for chemo, immune, and bronchial support"

  
  
  Source: I pretty much found the BEST and most concise collection of information regarding Manuka honey at: http://www.liveto110.com/medicinal-manuka-honey/
  Their post was excellently sourced and the best collection of info I have ever found on the subject on the web, which caused me to get a bit quote crazy. I just couldn't have said it better myself!
  

  HAPPY HEALTHY HONEY HUNTING!
  

  Look out for Part 4, to get well quick, when the season hits!
  
  Please note: web advice is never meant to take the place of a doctor or natural practitioner.
  When in doubt, consult a professional!
   

Tis The Season~ To Get The Sniffles... or worse! PART TWO~ Garlic!

This is part 2 of MY go-to 'get well fast-er' plan.
These are tips that always seem to work for me when I am hit with a bug or feel like my immunity is low.

Many of these are everyday things that can also be used in some capacity to prevent general colds and the flu and keep you healthy!

So! GARLIC! Love it right?! It is pretty much a staple in many households for cooking, but did you know that: It. Is. SO. Healthy. Crazy healthy.

So healthy, that upon reading the benefits decided to start taking garlic supplements for my overall immunity.

Apparently garlic has been used by people for pretty much ever, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. So that is a great bragging point on behalf of garlic to tell the kids! lol

Garlic has not only been shown to help immunity for fighting cold and flu viruses, but also heart disease and cancer! YAY!

So, How do you take it? Well cook it in some delicious pasta for starters.
BUT if you are really concerned about getting the medicinal benefits of garlic;

'Adult
Whole garlic clove as a food supplement: 2 - 4 grams per day of fresh, minced garlic clove (each clove is approximately 1 gram, so 2-4 cloves!)

Aged garlic extract: 600 - 1,200 mg, daily in divided doses

Tablets of freeze-dried garlic: 200 mg, 2 tablets 3 times daily, standardized to 1.3% allicin or 0.6% allicin. Products may also be found standardized to contain 10 - 12 mg/Gm allicin and 4,000 mcg of total allicin potential (TAP).'
 
Also very commonly found in supplement and health-food stores are odourless (No Stinky Breath) soft gel capsules, which are very easy to take! I take it daily at the lower end of the recommended dosage, then up the dosage to the max listed, if a flu bug hits to give my immune system that extra support!

There ARE possible side effects with some people and people taking certain medications or with certain health concerns that large amounts of garlic may not be right for.

You can find many more details from my reference here:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic

I also thought that I would include this crazy amazing recipe, that uses FIFTY cloves of garlic (wow, I know!) if a winter bug hits your family and you decide garlic is right for you.

Modified Garlic Soup Recipe
Serves 4

26 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) organic butter (grass fed)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 cup fresh ginger
2 1/4 cups sliced onions
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
26 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup coconut milk
3 1/2 cups organic vegetable broth
4 lemon wedges
Preheat oven to 350F. Place 26 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and toss to coat. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 45 minutes. Cool. Squeeze garlic between fingertips to release cloves. Transfer cloves to small bowl.
Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, thyme, ginger and cayenne powder and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add roasted garlic and 26 raw garlic cloves and cook 3 minutes. Add vegetable broth; cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan; add coconut milk and bring to simmer. Season with sea salt and pepper for flavour.
Squeeze juice of 1 lemon wedge into each bowl and serve.
Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Source: http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/garlic-soup-made-with-52-cloves-of-garlic-can-defeat-colds-flu-and-even-norovirus/

Look out for Part 3, to get well quick, when the season hits!

Please note: Web advice is never meant to take the place of a doctor or natural practitioner. When in doubt, consult a professional!
 

Tis The Season~ To Get The Sniffles... or worse! PART ONE ~ Vitamin D!

                   

On my various interweb travels,

I often see posts like:

Oh no! I caught the worst cold, what can I do?!

 

This is part 1 of MY go-to 'get well fast-er' plan.
This always seems to work for me when I am hit with a bug or feel like my immunity is low.

Many of these are everyday things that can also be used in some capacity to prevent general colds and the flu.

My first answer is ALWAYS Vitamin D!
There is some great evidence out there to show that Vitamin D3 can help prevent a host of illnesses including diabetes and cancer, as well as viruses like colds and the flu.

Depending where you live, how much sun you get and sun protection you wear, it's fairly common to be deficient in Vitamin D. You can get your levels checked if you are curious. Your levels are measured as a compound called 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. Ideally, we should have levels of 40-60 ng/ml.

Commonly Vitamin D is available in a liquid drop form making it much easier to take happily then capsules or pills, especially for children. It doesn't really taste like anything, basically a subtle oil type flavour and is usually in doses of 1000 ui/ drop.

Vitamin D has been tested as having a very high toxicity threshold, so it is safe to take at least a few thousand ui and there are no reported cases of vitamin D poisoning at daily oral doses below 30,000 ui.

I personally take 5000 ui/ day as a prevention and when I feel a bug approaching bump it to 10,000 ui. I generally wear sunscreen and am not really a fan of being in the sun, so I feel that this is appropriate for me.

The following organization has pretty much made themselves experts on Vitamin D and have a wealth of info on their site.

So consider this my citation:
http://www.grassrootshealth.net/index.php/documentation
 
Look out for Part 2, to get well quick, when the season hits!

Please note: web advice is never meant to take the place of a doctor or natural practitioner.
When in doubt, consult a professional!