Lasting Beauty & Health with Organic Ingredients

I have been reading up books to cleanse my body for optimal health.

I'm currently reading CLEAN by Doc Alejando Junger. I will share more about what I have learnt after I have finished reading the whole book.  Nonetheless, I came across one section of the book which I would like to bring your attention to.  In Chapter 3 Global Toxicity: An Inconvenient Truth, it highlighted where toxins are located at in the Four Skins. The first skin refers to our physical layer of skin which serves as a barrier between our inner body and the outside world. In this case, I would like to place emphasis on the epithelial cells which we, in layman's terms, call it plainly as skin.  According to Dr Junger, we should think of cosmetics or anything that we layer onto our skin as food. It is because cosmetics serve the same function as food, which is to circulate in our blood stream. Alot of products in the marts which we used contain lots of chemicals which are harzardous to our body. Food ingested usually get filtered out of the body by the liver, but chemical products we put on our skin etc entered the bloodstream with immediate effect.

It was not the first time I have heard/read about the importance of using organic products on our body. However, this book has offered clear reasons on why we should strive to live a clean and healthy life, avoiding the chemicals that we are always exposed to, unconsciously. Commonly known toxic ingredients include Sulphates, Parabens, Disodium EDTA and many more. I promise to collate a highly informative post in the future.

One way to ensure that the products we use are highly organic and natural is to look at the ingredient list.
For example - 100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo IngredientsLeaf Juice*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Organic Rose Hydrosol)*, Sodium Cocoate (Saponified Coconut) Oil, Vegetarian Glycerin, Extracts of Melia Azadirachta (Neem), Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root and Fucus Vesiculosus (Kelp), Vegetal Cellulose, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol, Extracts of Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Leaf*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf and Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower, Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Salt (French Sea Salt), Extracts of Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/ Leaf and Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Essential Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Essential Oil (Ingredient list extracted from Budcosmetics.com).

You can see that the ingredients used in the shampoo are clearly derived from nature, which is all clearly recognisable. There is no sign of highly complicated or technical names. Don't you feel comfortable and pleasant just using this organic shampoo, knowing that every single ingredient used in the shampoo is highly beneficial to you in some ways?

A second way is to refer to the original website of these organic brands such as 100% Pure, Mukti etc and see their certifications. Some organic products may be pricey than typical brands we see in the supermarkets due to the organic certifications. Nonetheless, some of the organic products are considered cheaper or about the same price as the high-end commercial skincare brands.

It took me some efforts to throw these toxic products away as I have spent quite some amount of money on them. However, i think the effort to cleanse my cupboard is truly worth it as I know I would save more money in the near future (good health and beauty, no need to see doctor/dermotologist etc!). Once I have a job, I would start to invest more in organic products :)

(though I have already started using organic cleanser,toner & shampoo)

Have you taken any steps to cleanse your dresser/cupboard?

Beautiful Day of my Life: I take great courage in breaking a bad habit.



Travel Essentials (to upkeep a healthy life)

Taken from the plane

I was away the past week to Hong Kong and Macau for my grad trip. I fell sick during the second day of the trip, which taught me the importance of packing the essential travelling kit for optimal health (I did pack some, but regret not packing to the fullest).

The health kit which I have packed to Hong Kong:

• Spirulina capsules (to detox and cleanse your body)
• Organic/Cold-pressed flaxseed oil capsules (for greater immune system boost)
• Walnut & Goji Berries (healthy nuts & berries to curb your hunger pangs on the flight)

Nonetheless, i fell sick. I guess it was because I have overworked myself before travelling such as helping my family with intense housework (as my mother took one week's off from her domestic duties to travel). I also did not have adequate rest on the day before the flight (as we flew off in the morning). The accumulation of sleep debt just led to the collapse of the body.

Throughout my trip in Hong Kong, I did not succumb to using medical pills such as panadol for quick solution. I relied heavily on drinking water, flushing toxins water out of my body. I increased my intake of the spirulina and flaxseed oil to cleanse my body.

Apart from that, I also bought Nin Jiom Pei Pa Kao (Fritillaria Loquat Sore Throat Syrup). It is highly effective when your body is overheated due to exhaustion and working during late nights. It is said to nourish your lungs with moisture and clears phlegm in your body. It has helped greatly in soothing my dry throat after the flight. Apart from that, my symptoms of sore throat subsided after a day. I drank the herbal syrup on its own without any water, and let it flow down my throat.

Lastly, a travel essential would definitely be to pack Chrysanthemum tea bags. I usually get this brand as you dont need hot water to make the tea and the powder will dissolve into chrysanthemum tea. Unfortunately, i forgot to take it along on my recent travel trip. >.< so i'm truly thankful when there are countless herbal tea shops in Hong Kong for me to buy hot and warm tea to build up my immune system.

I look forward to more travel trips in the future and to discover more travel essentials for healthy life.

Beautiful Day of My Life: I take steps to improve my life. My life is becoming truly meaningful, every minute.

Rethinking Life

This picture was taken outside my house as I embark on my evening walk. The walk has been meaningful as it allows me to rethink my life & how I have lived it. It has been a long while since I last walked around my neighbourhood and to admire the natural beauty of the forest. I am truly thankful to have lived close to nature ( without the occasional bees and bats flying into my house).

I have completed my studies and is going to embark on the next stage of life which is to join the working force - a typical route that many people has walked through. I know, sooner or later, i would be joining that path. But in the mean time, during this break, I realise I have to reshift my priorities, with a strong focus on living a holistic and healthy lifestyle.   

I realise my body has beeen tired - from studies, from social gatherings, from meeting the expectations of others, from saying too many yes and not having the courage to say no etc. I have not stopped to listen to my body when I have recurrent cough, sore throats and headaches and allergies. This break is the break to recharge my life, reach further into my inner self and listen to my body.

I'm looking forward to my energised body and health in the long term! (in the midst of plannign my own health journal).

Chrysanthemum Tea Recipe

Chrysanthemum Tea with Goji Berries

I have been drinking Chrysanthemum Tea with Goji Berries for 3 months and I have noticed the improvements in my eyes. Chrysanthemum tea has potential benefits. 

 However, do note that those who are prone to diarrhea or experience constant coldness in the hands & feet, kindly refrain from drinking this tea. If you really want to drink, drink just abit with more Goji Berries.

Ingredients (1.5 cup for 1 pax)

• 1 tbsl of Chrysanthemum flowers (8-10 flowers) 
• 1 tbsl of Goji Berries (8-10 berries)
• 1.5 cup of boiling water

Steps

1. Put one table spoon of Chrysanthemum flowers into a teacup/pot which is filled with boiling water
2.  Let the tea brew for 15-20mins (depending on the heat. if the water is too hot, the flowers may brew faster.) Try not to brew for too long if not the tea would be bitter.
3. Pour the hot tea into a cup and add the Goji berries inside. This would ensure that the taste and nutrients of the Goji berries are still within the berries. Tastes better too!



It looks more as I have made the tea for 2-3 people.

4. Once slightly cool, enjoy the tea. If you love to drink it cool during the hot weather, feel free to add some ice!

Enjoy!

Beautiful Day of My Life: I believe that the small positive change I have made now, would bring me greater goodness.

Cats. They are wiser than you think.

As a lover of cats, I was so happy to see this cat's video on guide to life! I hope that you enjoy watching it as much as I do!

BRETON'S GUIDE TO LIFE (in 10 steps) from Ariel Belziti on Vimeo.


Beautiful Day of my Life:  I have the ability to seek inner peace with myself, to be comfortable with stillness at this moment.

What's the big deal with Dry Eyes? Stress, Anxiety & Quality of Life

All we need is your listening ear and support

 

Many people may wonder, "What's the big deal with dry eyes? If your eyes feel uncomfortable, just use eyedrops." Usually, that is what any individual would do, including me.  Life will go on as usual. But that did not happen to me even after I have used the eye drops. 

It took quite some time for my loved ones to understand what i have been going through becuase of the mindset that dry eyes is no big deal. Yes, it is definitely nothing when you have minor dry eyes. But if your eyes started tearing the whole time, redness, coupled with the constant eye strain, your eyes definitely need your tender loving care.

I recalled the struggles I had with work and my life, when my dry eyes syndrome got worst. During that time, I was still using antibiotics for my red eyes which, according to the opthamologist, is a symptom of conjunctivitis. Everytime my eyes began to tear, i constantly put the drops. The symptoms abade for 1-2 days and they returned after that. Having dry eyes during the period of study was not helpful at all. As I constantly have to write essays, it is necessary to use the computer. Presentation slides have to use the computer. These continuous usage were not helping me. Given the high level of discomfort, my work productivity had gone down. I used to be able to handle many tasks at one time, with the computer. However, it all went down. 

 

I was irritated and disappointed with myself. It just did not feel like me. But i did not tell anyone about it. I was embarrased by this condition. I don't smoke, I don't drink alcohol ALOT, I don't club etc. So why had this happened to me? I could not understand why at that time. This affected my relationships with my friends too. I cut down my social gatherings with my friends, using "busy" as an excuse. But in fact, all I wanted was to rest at home and cuddle up. I would cry at home silently.  I slowly redrew from school activities. My self-esteem was affected by my health. Though I looked comfortable to my friends, i was actually struggling inside. It was hard to tell people that I have dry eyes and difficulties because i was too proud to admit it and i dont think anyone would really understand me.

There has been a correlation between anxiety,depression and dry eye syndrome. There are research to support this point. (Though I have only use one article here to support my point, I believe you can understand my point. Any chronic illness, if not cared for, will affect one's quality of life. Don't you think so? Would you be happy to have this chronic illness to be with you for life? N.O NO! )

I was truly disappointed in the amount of support the local health system has provided for patients with dry eyes. Treatments are given but not adequate support to the patient. If no institution could offer me support, I have to seek my strength and support from other sources. (will share about that in future post). My life has been improving daily and I never regret the steps that I have taken.

Point to take away from this blog entry:
Do offer a good listening ear and support to your friend who may be suffering from some things. You can never imagine how your support, no matter how minute it can be, can mean alot to your friend. 

Beautiful fact of my life: I am truly happy that I have taken steps to embrace one of my fears openly. I am looking forward to more positive changes in my life.

 

Food for the Dry Eyes (Yes, they need moisture. duh)

Dry eyes can be burdensome, if you have the problem for quite some time, from days to years.  I have been dealing with dry eyes for 1.5 years. Some doctors told me it is eye allergy and this problem can never be treated which kinda make me sad. However, after listening to a TCM lecture in school, the problem in fact be solved. After changing the way I eat for the past few months, my eye conditions have improved a lot.  I'm looking forward to the time where my eyes are completely healed so that I can wear contact lense comfortably. 

What to Eat:

• Chrysanthemum Tea with Goji Berries (1-2 cups a day)
•  It is your daily dose of Vitamin C and A.
• Given its cooling properties, it can help to reduce headache, giddiness and eyestrains
• Sore, itchy and red eyes. 
• Caffeine Free - feel free to drink at anytime of the day!
• Note that if you constantly have cold hands, include more Goji berries and do not drink Chrysanthemum tea as intensely. Take a break in drinking the tea once in a while.
• Carrots
• Source of Vitamin A
• Consume once every 2-3 days would suffice. If not, too much Vit A will be reflected in the colour of your skin such as too yellowish.
• Goji Berries ( A handful each day, on an empty stomach. Before Meals)
• Mulberry leaf tea
• Cassia Seed Tea (For red sore eyes)

What to Avoid:

• Spicy food.
  It is very important. This is difficult if you stay in Asia such as Singapore where spicy food is almost part of your life. I love curry,Laksa, Otah etc. but one really has to stop eating to help your eyes. If your body is too heaty internally, the heat will travel up to your body (I know it sounds stranges..but this is some concept my mom has told me which I think it is quite true. If you eat too much spicy food, you will tend to have headache.)  

The list will constantly be updated as I read and find out more.