natural beauty

Wildflower CBD Soap Review.

Cannabis, Product Review

With a continued growing interest in CBD, many beauty companies are finding ways to work the compound into their formulas. These companies aren’t just trying to cash in on the ‘Green Rush’ though, our skin and hair can actually benefit from the regular application of CBD hemp oil. Many studies and clinical trials suggest that CBD has a very real potential for encouraging abnormal cell death, can regulate the skin’s oil production, and is rich in nutrients like Vitamin E. This translates to positive results with conditions like eczema, acne, and all around skin health. What’s more is that this product doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier. That means that the compounds won’t make their way to the endocannabinoid receptors in our brains, a process which creates that familiar high effect. It will be able to access the endocannabinoid receptors in our muscles, joints, and tissues, though, and that is where the beauty magic happens.

SOap

Wildflower CBD soap comes in bar form, is completely vegan, and is made with just five simple ingredients.  The product is meant to be used as an everyday body & face soap and can even be used in place of our shampoo. This all-natural soap is comprised of coconut oil, lye, full spectrum CBD oil, essential oils, and water; that’s it. Each bar is made up of less than 0.03% THC and 20mg of CBD to provide a daily microdose of our favorite non-psychoactive cannabinoid to the largest organ in our body. Grab one in the scent of your choice, they come in vanilla or lavender. The all-natural CBD soap can help treat acne, eczema, and even calm sunburnt skin.

Soap1

It was on purpose that I left this review for a month or so because I wanted to give a real-time review of how my skin reacted to this natural soap. In the last five years, my beauty regimen has changed drastically. No more makeup, no more chemicals, no more products in my bathroom that aren’t naturally made and mostly organic. Aside from the chemicals on the bottles that I have to look up to understand, many makeup and beauty products are littered with hormones. As someone who already struggles with anxiety and depression, I don’t really need more outside influences on my system. Since making this change I have found my mood and emotions more manageable, and this product fits into my natural regimen.

 

The Wildflower CBD soap checked off all of my sustainability boxes while also leaving my skin feeling moisturized and clean leaving me with a soothing lavender or vanilla aroma. When used on my hair, naturally thin and stick straight, my locks dried with more volume than usual but you’ll definitely want to use some conditioner for soft to the touch tresses. This product will definitely continue being a staple in our shower, it’s not only natural and vegan but it leaves my skin feeling nourished and fresh.

Soap1

With just 20 mg of CBD, their soap isn’t the most potent product in the Wildflower line, but it is one of the most noteworthy. That’s because it can help replace multiple chemical-ridden products that are lurking in all of our bathrooms. Grab a 3-pack at buywildflower.com, or check in with your local Bellingham dispensary to see if they have some in stock.

 

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Herb Spotlight: Lemon Grass for Digestive Health

Herb Spotlight

There are some delicious Thai dishes that feature lemon grass and I’m pretty sure that I’ve had tea that starred the herb as well. But I’ll be frank, I hadn’t worked much with the herb before researching this post. Turns out that this herb is almost as beneficial for the human body as turmeric is! There are countless vitamins, minerals and antioxidants packed into this little plant to make it more than worthwhile to add into the weekly or even monthly regimen.

Breakdown of Lemon Grass:

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus [aka: sweet root]

Magickal Stats: Elementally air, ruled by Mercury

Improves Function Of: 

  • Digestive System
  • Sebaceous Glands
  • Detoxification
  • Immune System
  • Nervous System

Aides in Relieving Symptoms of:

  • Headache & Muscle Pain
  • Stomachache, digestive spasms & abdominal pain
  • High cholesterol
  • Nervousness, vertigo & convulsions

Assists Spiritually With:

  • Purify energy & thoughts
  • Discovering the truth
  • Aides the memory
  • Access creativity & study habits

How Does It Work? There are countless healing properties in the makeup of Lemon Grass. First off it contains terpenes nerol, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol and methyl heptenone which make it anti fungal, anti septic and an insecticide. It also contains valuable antioxidants, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that donate the countless benefits of lemon grass. Also, this herb contains Vitamin A-C along with folates for added health benefits. Lastly there are a lot of minerals in the herb including but not limited to magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc and iron. With all of these beneficial ingredients in the makeup, lemon grass is surely worth a second look for a cup of tea or an aromatherapy tool.

What Do I Do With It? Many beauty products are made with lemon grass because it can regulate the sebaceous glands to make hair and skin lustrous. Manufacture a water or vinegar wash for the body, face or hair to balance oils and wash away free radicals. Inhale the essential oil for muscle relieving and uplifting effects. Make a tea or add lemon grass to a rice or noodle dish to truly eat your medicine. Similarly, you can make an oil or alcohol decoction to use as a daily dropper supplement.

Top 10 Essential Oils for a Starter Kit

Beauty Recipes, Carajuana's Kitchen, how to

Essential oils are all the rage. There are raw scented essential oils, combinations according to chakras or healing and more. The very first association that I had with these oils was for aromatherapy. They can be mixed with water and steamed or vaped to promote specific healing or aromatherapy effects. For example, Lavender can be added to promote relaxation and an open heart chakra. Or perhaps patchouli to promote a grounding, comfortable space that gets all the old hippies to tell you really good stories about concerts that they’ve been too. I’m serious, it works every time. When I first wanted to get into buying essential oils on a tight budget, I was concerned because I wasn’t sure where to start. I eventually found my way but decided it’d be nice of me to share with all of you! I compiled this list of essential oils to create a beginner kit and be able to get the most out of your oils.

  1. Lemon

This is a must have in an essential oil starter kit. A few drops can be added to a rag to polish silver and keep wood healthy, take the smell out of laundry that has sat too long and even cure halitosis. Lemon essential oil can also brighten skin when added to a regular face wash routine and remove grime, grease, goo and any gunk left behind by kids or doing work in the garage. Even add a couple of drops to your water bottle every day to promote weight loss. Lemon essential oil is rich in Limonene, a powerful cancer fighting terpene. The oil is used in a lot of recipes for beauty products as well as home cleaning solutions.

2. Tea Tree

For skincare, tea tree essential oil is a must. When dealing with acne, just dab some water down tea tree on a cotton ball and apply to problem areas for immediate drying. Mix into shampoo to combat dandruff, apply to hangnails for quick reparation, and combine with it’s pal Lemon essential oil to make a fantastic all natural home cleaner. Tea tree is very powerful in fighting mold. Place a couple of drops into mold prone laundry and make a mold removing spray with diluted tea tree oil. Lastly, if you put tea tree into an aromatherapy diffuser it will cleanse the air immensely. It’s antimicrobial, antibacterial and has a smell to match. But if you’ve got sick kids at home, are a teacher fighting winter colds, sunburn, toothache or just plain don’t feel good; vaporizer some tea tree for immediate cleansing in the air.

3. Lavender

Linalool is the main terpene property in lavender, which is relaxing and calming to the nerves. It is added to beauty products to nourish dry skin and is generally made into a salve or a body oil. It is antimicrobial so it can be added to a cleaning spray with tea tree and/or lemon for a different scent and easy germ removal. Create a linen spray or add to a washcloth to use as a home made dryer sheet. This is an oil is truly essential to any beginner kit, it can disinfect and the aroma is extremely pleasant around the home.

4. Rosemary

Simply smelling rosemary stimulates the immune system by limiting the production of cortisol and stimulating the activity of antioxidants. Inhalation can also relieve stress, improve memory and help with respiratory problems. It is antibacterial with astringent properties, making it an amazing addition to natural mouthwash protecting both teeth and gums. Add Rosemary essential oil to a massage oil to help relieve pain and tension in muscles, massaging into the scalp can even help generate hair growth. It’s antimicrobial properties make it a perfect addition to acne products while also helping reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

5. Eucalyptus

This is a great option to work as an expectorant and should be on hand for any colds or flus. Create a steam bath or put in a diffuser while you sleep to relieve congestion.  Eucalyptus can help to ward off dandruff, fight itchy scalp and even kill lice. Add to coconut oil with lavender to create a dandruff serum. It can be used as an anti-microbial in home cleaner, hand wash, laundry soap.. every cleaner! For the same reason it can be used to relieve wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores and scrapes. Drop a couple of drops in a laundry machine filter or air filter to cleanse air and disinfect the filter. It’s an air cleanser, odor remover, spot remover and first aid item; it’s a must have on the list of beginner essential oils.

6. Oregano

Oregano is part of the mint family and is extremely cleansing to the system. It can not only fight infection it also protects the body from any harmful organisms that would create future infection. It is so rich in nutrients that daily ingestion can help to bridge the gap if normal food intake isn’t reaching someone’s nutritional guidelines. It is coveted for it’s antioxidants that fight aging naturally and can even be used to help sedate allergic reactions. Oregano oil can help stimulate bile production which helps the digestive system get lubed up and start operating better. The essential oil can relieve menstrual symptoms along with other aches and pains while also supporting regular periods.

7. Peppermint

Since I was a little girl I was attached to peppermint, I drank the tea like it was going out of style. But lets be real, my grandmother tendencies will never be in style. The herb along with the essential oil will soothe nausea, bloating and stomach ache and naturally reduce drowsiness. Repel ants and spiders in the spring time by treating commonly insecty areas with diluted peppermint spray. Mixed with vinegar it can be used as a cleaning product and it also freshens the air controlling any foul odors. Stave off heartburn or cool a fever. Peppermint isn’t just refreshingly delicious, it’s a medicine too.

8. Cedarwood

Another cure-all oil, cedar wood can be added to massage oils for extra tension relief and aromatherapy stress relief. Inhalation can relieve stress and help promote feelings of wellness and vitality while also manifesting a feeling of being centered. It also works great as a cleaning agent and bug repellant when diluted. Apply to the face as a toner to promote even, healthy skin and protect it from free radicals. Massaged into the feet, the essential oil can help to reduce water retention. Also apply directly to a toothache to relieve pain.

9. Frankincense

Any acne sufferer should invest in some Frankincense essential oil to help zap brown spots and quickly heal scabs after the Tea Tree has dried the blemish out. It can help reduce the appearance of scars and bee stings. When combined with coconut oil or another preferred carrier oil it can moisturize and create beautiful skin or even promote healing injuries and wounds. Rub into nails to nourish and strengthen them, a must have after removing acrylics. Apply to temples with a dab of lavender in case of a headache and feel instant relief. Or combine with massage oil for relief in achy joints and muscles as well as a feeling of relaxation.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is primarily ingested and is a powerful oil to control blood sugar which makes it very popular with diabetics. It also helps to relieve symptoms of IBS and the stomach flu. This is because it’s antibacterial and can help to balance the bacteria in the digestive tract to promote digestion and halt bloating. Cinnamon oil can be diluted to clean kitchen counters. It also helps to combat arthritis as proved by personal testimonial, some put it in a carrier oil and use it in massage while some drink it in a tea. The oil can do almost anything, it is a bug repellant, weight loss inhibitor, cancer fighter, and antioxidant. It also is delicious so adding it to food can help to preserve the food items with the antibacterial properties of cinnamon.

 

Top 5 Magical Uses for Coconut Oil

Beauty Recipes

I’m sure you’ve heard by now of the beautiful majesty of coconut oil and have possibly written it off as some woo woo hippy nonsense. I say this because often times when I’m just so excited about something and share it with someone in my family or otherwise, they write me off as spouting some woo woo hippy nonsense. Such is the norm. And I’m so stoked on coconut oil.

I first learned that coconut oil held it’s nutritional properties at a higher temperature than olive oil so I began sautéing my veggies in it. But soon after, the true nature of coconut oil showed itself to me and I’ve been basking it it’s light ever since. There are just so many neat reasons to use coconut oil that I decided it was time to share them with you all here.

ONE. Cooking with Nutrients

Like I mentioned already, coconut oil is able to maintain it’s nutritional value even when heated at high temperatures. This oil is made up mostly of fatty acids that travel from the digestive tract to the liver where they’re turned into ketones. This quick conversion also delivers a quick burst of energy. Coconut oil is most saturated in 12-carbon Lauric Acid which breaks into a compound called monolaurin in the body. Lauric Acid and monolaurin have been found to kill bacteria, virus and fungi in the body. These are the compounds that are able to withstand high heat due to their structure. This is truly a healthy oil and can, in some cases, cure virus or fungus in the body.

TWO. Oil Pulling

To successfully oil pull grab a tablespoon of raw coconut oil and put it in your mouth. Resist the urge to eat it even though it’s delicious. Now swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes. This is a long time. I could sit here and lie to you and tell you that I sneak this in every day. But I’d be a liar, and that ain’t me. Sneak in at least 5 minutes of oil pulling each day before eating and after brushing your teeth. The oil leaves a protective layer on your teeth for the day so it’s counter productive to brush afterwards.

The benefits of oil pulling are delicious. First you’ll get whiter teeth from the natural antibiotics and antiviral makeup of the oil. The oil is also ‘sticky’ for toxins and it literally pulls them out through your mouth and tongue. The color of the coconut oil will change a bit and I always like to think those are all the germs screaming for mercy as I banish them from my body. This toxin purge will lead to a full body detox, increased energy, hormonal balancing and skin clearing. Lastly it will help to relieve you of bad breath and dental deficiencies. Be careful not to swallow the oil since it contains all of the bacteria and waste from your body.

THREE. Toothpaste

I’ve been on a mission to replace chemicals in my life with natural products. I just decided that there had to be another way so I’m slowly knocking one product after another off of my regimen that has chemicals in it. About a year ago a patient at my work told me that all you need to make your own toothpaste is a 1/2 cup coconut oil and 3 TB baking soda with added spearmint essential oil to taste. Cowboyfriend said he would switch over as long as it was just as antibacterial and antiviral as store bought toothpaste. Welp, turns out coconut oil is more healthy! When modified with an enzyme the coconut oil/baking soda mixture can reverse tooth decay. In a world filled with antibiotic resistance it is good to take note of this amazing natural product.

FOUR. Makeup Remover

This one is based entirely on personal experience. I wear makeup about once every couple of weeks, but I never go to bed with makeup on unless I want an epic breakout for the next week or so. I ran out of sensitive skin makeup removing wipes awhile back and racked my brain to figure out how to clean my face. A friend told me once to use coconut oil to remove makeup so I had to grab some from the pantry and try it out. I smeared it on a bit of toilet paper and wiped off my makeup. It worked like a champ, it removed every bit of makeup. It also moisturized those areas around my eyes that can make me feel like I look old or tired.

To make my own wipes I put some cotton pads into a mason jar. Melt enough coconut oil to cover the cotton pads and pour it directly into the jar. Seal the jar and let the makeup removing begin! The oil will chunk up but don’t worry about using chunky amounts, the oil is good for your skin.

FIVE. Always Moist Baked Goods

You can use coconut oil instead of butter or oils in baked goods! It definitely adds more moisture than regular butter or even my vegan butter. This is a good option for certain baked goods that can tend to bake a bit dry like cakes or muffins. However it tends to make cookies too oily. When baking cakes and other drier products use a 1:1 ratio to butter. For more oily cookies, etc. use a 3/4:1 ratio.