In Pursuit of Healthiness

It is happening all over. People are getting educated and understanding that we need to change course to live healthier. We see it more in the foods we choose to consume. We know that the mass-produced convenience items that are bulked up with god knows what and processed as cheaply as possible are harmful. Years ago we reached for them not even thinking about anything but it’s “fast & easy”, now we know better.

There is a strong movement to be more selective with our food purchases. Read those labels and set aside anything full of filler and non-nutritious, bleached, over processed ingredients. Buy from local farms and farmers markets. Be conscientious with our decisions about what to consume. This needs to be done with all products, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the skincare products we use.

Skincare? Yes, anything you place on your skin, you are essentially consuming. And if you would not eat it, you should not be using it on your body.

Food is not the only thing that got caught up in the mass-produced consumables. Skin and body care products are right there as well. A huge majority of manufacturers followed suit and found that to be more profitable, bulk it up with non-nutritional filler and focus marketing on the 1% good ingredient inside the product.

The labels are attractive, it says “organic” or “natural” or “essential oils”, but further investigation shows the fine print and all the other stuff in them. (extracts, fragrances, synthetics, filler oils & fats, ect.) Look for products that are 100% wholesome ingredients, not just 1% for marketing purposes.

Read the fine print on your skincare products, think. Would you eat it? Here is a common horror ingredient in most Soaps, Shampoos, Toothpastes “Sodium Laural Sulfate” Oh there are more, enough to make you shudder, a good place to check the safety of the skincare products you are using is here at “Skin Deep” But what about the small business’s that make skincare? The ones not large enough to get in the database? There are some conscientious small local business’s that offer safe alternatives to skincare.

All skincare product’s need close investigation. Let’s start with soap, what is it exactly?

True soap is simply saponified vegetable or animal oils/fats. The alkali used is a derivative of wood ash, the residue left over when rainwater washed through it. Most commonly known as Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium Hydroxide and now clinically produced to provide a more reliable formula. Is there a difference in soaps? You betcha!

The best is “Made from Scratch” (cold process) where you control every ingredient. Look for the benefits of 100% food grade vegetable oil based soap, A “Soap Maker” that utilizes certified food grade alkali for saponifying. Make sure the aroma & beneficial botanicals are from 100% essential oils. (not extracts that are processed with alcohol) and especially steer clear of synthetic fragrances. This creates a highly superior soap you can both feel and taste. Yes taste, that is the true test of a soap claiming to be made with botanical essential oils, you should be able to taste them!

There are quite a few “soap crafters” out there. Those that use pre-manufactured soap bases and then enhance them, re-mold and market. This is an entry level type of home-made soap. One that is faster, easier and less expensive than from scratch. However you are not in control of the ingredients in the base you are using. This is the kind that you can find at hobby shops or wholesale suppliers.

I am not saying that all pre-maufactured bases are poor quality, there are some good ones out there. But lets be honest, most are not going to spend the money for them and go with the bulked up ones with ingredients you really do not want in a pure soap, or any skincare product.
This type of soap crafting is called “melt & pour”. You do not have to actually make the soap, do not have to know and calculate the alkali needed to saponify. You can get away with a fraction of the essential oils, toss in goat milk powder and call it goat milk, make it in pretty molds, it is easier for sure. These are mostly used as decorative soaps.

I chose to be a Soap/Skincare maker, one that does everything from scratch for the control of every ingredient. Does this make my products more expensive, perhaps, at least to create. I use superior food grade oils & alkali, 100% pure essential oils, and wild harvested herbs. Never a pre-manufactured base, no extracts, no synthetic fragrances. You can feel, smell and taste the quality.

Commercial Soaps or Anti-bacterial Soaps. Just eewwww. We assume because they are stocked on shelves in the “soap” isle of the grocery store, they are safe soap, not the case. Most ALL commercial soaps have been so over processed and had so many unnecessary bulking ingredients added, they are now detergents. So much so they cannot even put “soap” on the label and use the more popular phrase of “bar” FDA ruling (beauty bar, cleansing bar, deodorant bar”) These are simply disgusting for your skincare and health. Cheap? sure. Healthy? No.

Now that we have gotten into the habit of healthier eating, we need to take the next step for healthier Skincare.

 

Soothing Psoriasis Cream with Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis)

Several months ago, I had a customer who was using a couple of my products combined to relieve his Psoriasis ailment. He emailed me an article which is also blogged here “Doctors Find Natural Psoriasis Treatment – Indigo Naturalis” and we got to work on creating the cream utilizing this wonderful herb along with some other proven ones for skin problems.

Since then more customers have started using it and all are reporting amazing results. One testimony: “Dear Debby, Two weeks ago, I bought your psoriasis cream. I wasn’t sure it would work, but the results have been amazing. Several sores are now GONE.” – Roger
Also the original customer Juris, my inspiration for this creation, sent me before and after pictures to monitor the success.

With such wonderful results, this is now available via the website Gaia Essentials as an natural alternative.

Actual Clinical Test Results and Doctor’s credits from the Archives of Dermatology:

Clinical Assessment of Patients With Recalcitrant Psoriasis in a Randomized, Observer-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Indigo Naturalis

Yin-Ku Lin, MD; Chee-Jen Chang, PhD; Ya-Ching Chang, MD; Wen-Rou Wong, MD; Shu-Chen Chang, PhD; Jong-Hwei Su Pang, PhD

Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(11):1457-1464.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with indigo naturalis in patients with recalcitrant plaque-type psoriasis.

Design Randomized, observer-blind, vehicle-controlled, intrapatient comparison study.

Setting Ambulatory department of a hospital.

Participants Forty-two outpatients with chronic plaque psoriasis were enrolled in the study from May 1, 2004, to April 30, 2005.

Intervention The patients applied either indigo naturalis ointment or vehicle ointment topically to each of 2 bilaterally symmetrical psoriatic plaque lesions for 12 weeks (depending on the date of enrollment in the study).

Main Outcome Measures The outcomes were assessed using the following criteria: the sum of erythema, scaling, and induration scores and the clearing percentage of the target plaque lesion assessed by 2 blinded observers.

Results Significant reductions in the sum of scaling, erythema, and induration scores (P < .001) (mean score, 6.3 after indigo naturalis treatment vs 12.8 in control subjects) and plaque area percentage (P < .001) (mean percentage, 38.5% after indigo naturalis treatment vs 90% in controls) were achieved with topical application of indigo naturalis ointment. Approximately 31 of 42 patients (74%) experienced clearance or near clearance of their psoriasis in the indigo ointment–treated lesion.

Conclusion Topical indigo naturalis ointment was a novel, safe, and effective therapy for plaque-type psoriasis.
Author Affiliations: Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr Lin), and Department of Dermatology (Drs Y.-C. Chang and Wong), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences (Drs Lin, C.-J. Chang, Wong, and Su Pang) and College of Medicine (Dr Y.-C. Chang), Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, and Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei (Dr S.-C. Chang), Taiwan.

 

 

Refreshing a Website’s Pictures & Content

Scary, when you do not know what you are doing or know enough to be dangerous. My husband is dabbling in Photography and graciously took all new pictures of the Gaia Essentials product line for me. One by one I placed them on my website and this took 3 days. I am very happy with the results. Gaia Essentials

The Farmer Market Season is coming to a close and the Christmas Season around the corner. For the first time we participated in the Pacifica Fogfest, opening another door to display and offer the product line.

Being a conscientious consumer, I cannot educate enough about simplifying your life while taking care of yourself by using high quality skin care. My philosophy is “If you would not eat it, you should not be using it on your skin”. We honestly do not need a multitude of different things for cleansing and moisturizing, providing you select the right things to use.

 

Casual Blogger Confession and Retribution or “I am not a good blog writer”

Nine months have gone by without a peep of a post here, yep this is proof that writing is not my calling, or even in my blood. Yet I’ll try….

Short Summary:

Beautiful Grandson born in October to my middle daughter, her first. So I spend a wonderful couple weeks there helping her learn the ropes and get back on her feet. which also allowed me to visit with my other grandchildren and oldest daughter.

 My husband and I managed to take a few road trips, which are always good for the soul. (Santa Barbara, Reno)

Fantastic Coastside Farmer Market Season finale is December. Many thanks to my wonderful customer base for their support. Without your patronage Gaia Essentials could not exist. Many of Gaia Essentials recipes are inspired by the needs of the community and created from these requests. Some remain custom products and some are produced as consistent inventory. All great ideas!

 This spring found me enrolled in San Mateo Community College and taking Conversational Spanish with my friend and apprentice Tobie. Yes, Spanish is a complicated language and will take years to get affluent, so this will be a continued part of my regime. Homework waiting on me as I write this.

Let me open up a chat about a on-going hobby of mine, that spans 9 years now. MMORPG or conveniently called MMO’s now. What? That is a acronym for Multi-media Online Role-playing Games. This is something that gobbles up a few hours a day of my time, at a minimum. First one I ever created a character in was Everquest. From then on I was addicted to them. Pictured is the first character I ever created, my druid Klailie.

 

 
Most of my adorable computer creations are healer types (Druids, Clerics, Priestess’) due to nurturing nature, these appeal to me. As I have traveled thru this cyber arena I have made some of the best friends anyone could be blessed with. So close have we become that physical get-togethers are the norm now. Our guild Reverence was formed withing the game of Dark Age of Camelot and has continued in its unity since. It is wonderful to be a part of a guild, club, society, whatever you label it, with friends that enjoy the same recreations.

Can I explain more about these computer games? Not really, it is a complex society that without actually experiencing it on your own, it is hard to understand what I am babbling about. Just know that it is socially addictive, it is real, and it is fun!

Thrown into my schedule this past month has been a move. We found a beautiful home in the Seal Cove area of Moss Beach, CA with fantastic views of the Ocean and the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The Gaia Essentials Shop is now its own unit in the beautiful backyard.

Even though I have never had a green thumb so to speak, last week I planted 4 Herb Gardens. I will hold back on chattering about this until its fruition.

That sums up the activities in my life since my last post.

Blessings, Debby

 

Half Year Mark Already!

Just wow

The Coastside Farmers Markets have been rocking which found me hiring help to keep up. Joining Gaia Essentials is Tobie Ross, and I could not be happier. We also have been attending the Urban Village Farmers Markets in various places.

We launched the Warming Massage Candles to the delight of our customers, you can give them a try with a loved one, they are on the website. Simply light them, let a small pool of the butters form and pour into your hand for a amazing massage.

The Natural Botanicals Deodorant has been flying off the shelf, works like a charm! I cannot count the customers praises on this product.

With the sun being at its highest my light skin has been abused. So out of necessity I created a Calming Skin Balm with so many luscious and soothing Botanicals its a god send.

AND we just finished up a new Reparative Faceblock. A complete UVA & UVB protection via reflective minerals in a soothing vitamin enriched base with Chamomile, Sandalwood & Shea for ultra sensitive sun care. This will be available thru the website within the week.

In keeping with the spirit of local patronage our 100% Soy candles are now available in the handmade pottery of Wild Women Pottery. As you know Soy is washable in hot soapy water, so cleaning up after using your candle is easy and you have a nice tea or coffee cup. Various shapes and sizes.

So as you can see, its been busy. The following month is great times with company for 2 weeks, and then more in August. *cheers*

 

Visitations and Preparations

This month found me in Florida for a much needed visit with my Parents & Siblings.  It was a wonderful couple of weeks catching up with my sister over way too much wine. Cooking healthy meals for my parents. I even got in some fishing with my Dad, as well as some flying with my brother in his Moony he is so proud of.

Now its buckle down time to prepare for the Certified Coastside Farmer Markets that start May 3rd.

I did finish the Gardeners Grit Soap and a new Vanilla/Lavender “bath soak” Salts. Currently being tested is my new Soothing Massage Candle. This is a unique Soy wax/Exotic Butter and Oil combination laced with pure Essential Oils that has a low melt point for an intimate massage experience.  Simply Yummy! I will keep you posted on the response and availability.

We have had a couple BBQ’s for friends this month also, always a good time.

 

Where did February disappear to??

Wow, talk about a month zooming by, I barely caught a glimpse of it.   My loving husband brought home a pet germ and put us down on the couches coughing & hacking for 2 weeks…. that could account for the loss of time as well.

It has been unseasonably warm the past week and this has triggered an innate drive to clean.  Guess that is where the cliche’ “spring cleaning” comes from.  Last week I added to my head stuffiness by jumping onto a whim to thoroughly dust the house down and clean out corners. Sneezing is my breathing now.

This month also juggles me into getting ready for the “Certified Coastal Farmers Markets” that are just around the corner. You will find Gaia Essential products in my booth at both the Half Moon Bay & Pacifica locations. So I start the printing process of all my brochures and literature this month in preparation.

I also plan on developing a “Gardener’s Grit” Soap for those that have a green thumb. It was requested quite often last year so it will become a staple thru-out the summer months. Look for it by the end of the month.

 

The Love Month of February

I do love this month! Right after the adorable groundhog peeks up from his hibernation, the month is rolled out with love at every corner. Yes, the 14th brings Valentines Day with much more to celebrate, as that day is also my oldest daughters birthday.  Just as we catch our breath and the last of the cake is done, along comes the 17th and my youngest daughters birthday! AND I found out on the 5th my middle daughter is expecting her first child.

The memories of the month include juggling the birthdays with one of them always falling on the weekend of  the Daytona 500, kick off race for Nascar season. Having grown up in St Augustine with a background in the Auto industry, this was huge. I remember the rumbling of the cars during race weekend, that went all the way into the heart and the smells of the race pits.

As I rode my bike this morning along the coastal trails in Half Moon Bay, I reflected back to those earlier years with affection that swelled the spirit. I watched as a hawk soared above the ocean swells and could actually taste the salty waters as I envisioned myself gently floating in time with them.

 I do hope this month finds you joy and happiness.

Valentine Specials

 

Gaia Essentials “Effective Botanicals” Natural Deodorant & Recipe Ingredients

This wonderful natural deodorant is completed. It will available at gaia-essentials.com after another week of testing. (making it a full month with various testers) It is a solid, yet it glides on smoothly. The cornstarch blots effectively with no trace of residue.  With the blend of pure essential oils known to possess anti-bacterial properties that keep odor away, they also give it a light refreshing aroma.  

The correct percentages of my ingredients took alot of researching and experimenting so I will keep those close to my heart. However I will list them out, as I believe in full disclosure of all my products for consumer information and cautions with allergies.

100% Soy Wax, Grape Seed Oil, Macadamia Oil, Aloe Vera butter, Pure Elemi, Bergamot, Petigrain, Lemon, Coriander, Lavender & Basil Essential oils. Cornstarch & Baking Soda. (revised 4/23/08 )

You will find no aluminum or parabens.

 

A Pure Botanical Natural Deodorant Recipe step in Creation

While my passion is researching and creating pure natural personal care products I must admit to the funniest part of this endeavor.  Having my husband sniff my underarms at various intervals.   Yes, its quite comical yet necessary.  As you know, we tend to smell ourselves differently, if at all.  So one must get opinions from others even though we all differ with our likes and dislikes.  Aroma is linked very closely to our memory.

Point in case was an discussion with him last night about my Honey Almond Soap he is currently showering with.  He said it reminded him of a trip he took, not sure where but it must of been pleasant.  He said the soap even tasted good.  With all my ingredients being high food grade quality this did not concern me, even I have tasted the soaps when the lather finds it way to my mouth occasionally.  Now I have wandered….

I have finally gotten the deodorant to the perfect consistency.  Solid but smooth on the glide with enough pure Cornstarch to blot, yet not leave a trace of residue on clothing.  I tried with a black cotton Tee-shirt, no residue. It is a light cream color with a hint of green, as I do not add any artificial coloring or bleach to remove coloring.  Its a natural  color from the grape seed and botanical essential oils.

                    

Above you see my work area with the equipment, ingredients, recipe book, notes and various stages of containers. Now I have it in the solid form that is most desired with a turn dial dispenser (from asking about), the next step is to send it out to my testers. Even though I have proved its effectiveness with myself, we are all different. So I like to get as many opinions as possible before labeling and packaging the product for retail. Stay tuned.

A year later and one of my best selling products. Available at Gaia Essentials, the local Coastside Farmers Markets in season and my shop in Moss Beach.