Category Archives: Health

DIY | Fresh Picked Dandelion Tea

Posted in Health, Tea Time by

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This is such an easy and fun way to make yourself a delicious healthy cup of herbal tea. Dandelions grow in abundance around our yards and most of the time go unnoticed. I love to pick these beautiful flowers to make myself tea, to use in skincare items as well as to decorate my home with. Go around your surroundings and pick yourself a bunch of Dandelion Flowers. Make sure to wash them really well and then pick off each petal and put in a tea strainer. Boil water, pour into the strainer and let the petals steep for 5-10 minutes before drinking. Sweeten with some Raw Honey and you will have yourself a delicious cup of fresh Dandelion Tea that is wonderful for Springtime and for detoxing!

Some of the many benefits of Dandelion Tea:

  • Dandelion tea aids in digestion, and functions well to relieve digestive disorders like constipation and diarrhea.
  • Dandelion tea works great to purify the blood and cleanse the system.
  • Dandelion tea enhances detoxification, by stimulating urination and, in addition, by replacing the potassium lost in that process.
  • Dandelion tea is one of the most effective herbs for getting the bloat out and helping relieve water retention.
  • Dandelion tea has specific action in reducing inflammation, of the gall bladder and of the bile duct, and for rheumatism and arthritis.
  • Dandelion tea improves the function of and maintains optimum liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and gall bladder functions.
  • Dandelion tea helps in treating chronic hepatitis and jaundice disorders, and encourages healing of damaged tissues caused by alcohol liver disease.
  • Dandelion tea helps reduce high cholesterol.
  • Dandelion tea contains antioxidants that help your body fight off toxic bacteria and viruses.
  • Dandelion tea helps with weight control—especially with weight loss.
  • Dandelion tea actively ameliorates disease—it is a potent disease-fighter—and helps the body heal, helps boost immunity, and combat cancer, heart disease, and age-related memory loss.
  • Dandelion tea aids health maintenance for people suffering from Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.
  • Dandelion tea can be made solely from the blossoms, the leaves, or the roots (roasted or not)—or, the entire plant.
  • Dandelion tea is traditionally served plain (as is), and also made into other beverages—like ale, beer, “coffee”, and wine.
  • Dandelion tea as a face wash cleanses  complexion, improves skin clarity.
  • Dandelion tea makes a great bath addition, especially when made from older, stronger (tougher) leaves.

Notes:

Be mindful of where you are picking your Dandelion’s from as many people spray pesticides and herbicides on their lawn and you do not want to be eating those chemicals! Try to pick the freshest of Dandelions that you can or grow your own!

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xoxo,

Britanie

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Tea Time Thursday | Belight Tea Review and GIVEAWAY! *closed*

Posted in Health, Tea Time by

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For today’s Tea Time post I bring you a review and giveaway of the delicious Belight Tea which is an herbal tea blend of pu-erh tea plus 5 Chinese medicine herbs including: Sacred Lotus Leaf, Chinese Hawthorn Fruit, Gynostemma, Hemp Seeds, and Cassia Seeds.

A deep understanding of the principles of Chinese medicine indicates the tea and herbs in Belight may:

  • Nourish digestive “Qi” (“Qi” is energy or life force in Chinese medicine)
  • Aid digestion and settle the stomach
  • Minimize cravings for sweet and salty foods
  • Reduce stress response and cortisol production
  • Block storage of dietary fats, particularly when drunk after meals
  • Clear “dampness” (a pathogenic evil thought to lead to excess fat storage)
  • Moisten and move wastes out of the lower digestive tract

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I have been drinking this tea for a few weeks now and I love the taste of it. I prefer not using honey to sweeten this tea because it has such a earthy flavor to it that doesn’t require sweetness (although it is delicious with honey as well!) I don’t drink this tea specifically for weight loss but I have noticed that my tummy feels and looks flatter after I drink this regularly and my clothes are fitting better as well. If you aren’t looking to lose weight, you can still drink this tea as it’s benefits are more than just weight loss and are beneficial to have daily for regular and healthy digestion and metabolism.

A little bit more about this tea…

Belight is an herbal tea blend with a formulation based on a lifetime of research by a well-respected doctor of Chinese Medicine, an ancient science more than 2,000 years old. With superb knowledge of Chinese herbs, their effects, and synergies when properly combined, Dr. Zhang developed the formula on which Belight is based to help people control their weight. Each herb in Chinese medicine has countless uses, applications, and functions, but only scholars of Chinese herbs can begin to recognize the nuances and synergistic effects beyond textbook knowledge. It was by developing this expertise and studying more closely how hunger/satiety signals, digestion, elimination, and ultimately body weight responded to various combinations of herbs that Dr. Zhang began his formulation. After yet more years of study and experimentation, the optimal combination and proportions were established. And that is the foundation for Belight.

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**This tea is Gluten Free, Sugar Free and does not contain any artificial colorings, flavorings, or additives.**

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To win your very own box of Belight Tea, please do the following:

  1. Subscribe to my blog (on the sidebar of the main page there is a section that says to “follow this blog via email”)
  2. Like BeautyByBritanie and BelightTea on Facebook (if you have an account)
  3. Kindly leave a comment including your name, email address and what your favorite teas are!

THAT’S IT! I will pick the winner at random on 4/25/13 and announce it back on this post.

*THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY IS SHANDY! CONGRATULATIONS!*

 

xoxo,

Britanie

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Tea Time Thursday | Organic Loose Leaf Wuyi Oolong, Wildflower Honey and Organic Beauty Talk

Posted in Health, Life, Tea Time by

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“The Wuyi Mountains are the birthplace of oolong tea in which this classic, dark-roasted oolong is harvested. We create a vintage blend each year from multiple lots of specially roasted Wu Yi varietals to create our signature Wuyi oolong flavor. After blending and curing, we re-roast to make it even and stable.” – Rishi-Tea

Oolong tea benefits have been known for a long time in China:

  • prevention of obesity and active contribution on weight loss
  • combats aging skin
  • prevents heart disease and cancer
  • reduces high blood pressure
  • improves vitality and life span
  • strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay
  • relieves physical and mental stress
  • improves brain power
  • lowers blood sugar levels
  • treats skin problems such as eczema and rashes

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I bought this particular Wuyi Oolong tea by Rishi-Tea at my local Whole Foods Market. It is really delicious. I love my vintage rose tea cups. I always feel so happy to bring these out for an afternoon cup of tea. I am obsessed with everything rose and tea related so when the two are combined it’s perfection.

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This 100% Raw Wildflower Honey by Vintage Bee is my newest favorite. I fell in love with the adorable bear jars and have not been able to get enough of the delicious and decadent honey. It is the perfect consistency and is possibly the best tasting honey I have ever tried! I found these adorable jars at Home Goods. They are perfect to upcycle and I have been using empty ones for storing my herbs and other concoctions!

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I am enjoying my cup of Wuyi Oolong tea while I read the interview I did on Organic Beauty Talk.

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I am truly honored to be featured on the site and will be doing monthly makeup looks for the site starting in April. You can check out my entire interview here.

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Have you ever tried this or any other Oolong tea? What are your favorite brands?

xoxo,

Britanie

Find Me On…

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

February 2013 Favorites – Beauty, Health, and Tea!

Posted in Health, Reviews, Skincare by

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1.) Weleda Almond Facial Cream- This has become my new favorite daily facial cream. They also have a face lotion instead of the cream, which I haven’t tried yet but so far I find the cream to be perfect for my skin. It is incredibly hydrating but doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy. I also love that the ingredients are very simple and have helped to calm my sensitive and dry skin. I also really enjoy the scent of this – it’s very almondy but not overpowering at all!

2.) Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser – I have used many sugar scrubs for both my face and body in the past but have never used one quite like this. This cleanser lathers up beautifully. It smells like fresh Lemon-Grass and leaves my skin feeling so soft and free of dead skin cells. You only need a pea-sized amount to cover your entire face!

3.) Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - You might be looking at this and doing a double take. I understand it is probably confusing seeing a brand like Elizabeth Arden (which is not chemical-free) on my blog. Let me explain: I have been under a lot of stress which combined with possible unknown allergies caused me to have a severe bout of eczema on my face and turned into contact dermatitis around my eyes. I tried every single thing under the sun. My Honey and Nutmeg Face Mask was the best remedy and helped to clear up the eczema on my face but my eyes were still itching and dry and nothing would get rid of it. I read many reviews about what to do for eyelid eczema and came across Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream. I was hesitant to buy it because the cream has some ingredients I tend to stay clear from, but for the sake of my dry eyes, I decided to just throw my standards out the door and try it. Well, I kind of hate to say this but this cream has worked wonders for the dry skin around my eyes! I literally went from having dry, red and itchy patches all around my eyes to them being almost cleared up within two days of using this cream before bed. I saw an allergist who recommended steroid creams and medications and I opted to not do those. I don’t like that this cream has Petroleum and Mineral Oil, among other things, but honestly given the fact that 95% of my entire beauty and skincare products are natural and non-toxic, I figure I can give in to a chemical every now and then. If it works, it works and to be honest I would rather be slathering on some not-so-great ingredients on small areas of my skin than dealing with the itchiness and irritation of the eczema! I am thankful for this cream and although I don’t usually recommend products that are not non-toxic – I do recommend this for anyone suffering from severe eczema or contact dermatitis that hasn’t responded to any natural treatments. I will still be on the look out for more natural remedies for the eye dryness but for now I am sticking with what works!

4.) Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronzer Concentrate - I have very fair skin and it can often be difficult for me to pull off bronzer because it ends up looking very unnatural. This bronzer is PERFECT. It is so easy to apply and you need the tiniest amount. I like to apply this on both cheeks and blend in. It works well on it’s own to liven up the face or to layer under some blush. It’s also awesome for mixing with tinted moisturizer or foundation! This doesn’t have glitter in it or shimmer so it looks very natural and just melts right into the skin. I only have a sample size of this but have to get the full bottle because I love it that much.

5.) Suki Tinted Active Moisturizer- (review here) My current favorite tinted moisturizer. I use the color “Porcelain” and it covers everything without ever looking cakey.

6.) Aura Cacia Sandalwood Essential Oil- I love the smell of Sandalwood. It instantly relaxes me. I love to wear it on it’s own for perfume and in my hair which I will do a separate post on, but my favorite thing to use this for is for a natural deodorant! I use this alone or mix with a little bit of aluminum-free baking soda, vitamin e and some arrow root powder and it works amazingly well.

7.) Wedderspoon Manuka Honey 100% Raw Active 16 Plus - Oh how I love Manuka Honey. It has so many uses and benefits. I love to use it as a facial cleanser or to add into face masks. I also love to eat a teaspoon of this before meals to help with digestion and stomach discomfort. I don’t typically use this honey in my tea because once it hits the hot water it loses many of it’s nutrients and I don’t want to waste any of this because it’s quite pricey, so I like to eat the honey on it’s own or on top of nut butters. It is also great for the hair and lips!

8.) Bijabody Daily Beauty Tea- (review here) This tea is delicious. It has Oolong and Aged Pu-erh and the perfect amount of Ginger and Cardamon. I love love it.

9.) Oolong Tea- My new favorite tea. I drink three cups of this a day. The caffeine in this doesn’t make me feel jittery or nauseous and it has a light taste of Green and Black tea combined. It’s delicious and is great for the skin, especially eczema!

10.) Macro Greens by Macrolife Naturals - This is my favorite Green Powder because it tastes wonderful. It has so many powerful nutrients in it and I love to put it in my water and sip it throughout the day to keep my body alkaline and to get my daily dose of greens! I highly recommend this powder in particular if you are looking for a green powder but don’t like the taste of most powerful green drinks. This one is masked by fruits and seriously tastes delicious just with water!

Random Favorites:

my interview on violet-woods, my new homestead + vintage finds, pinterest, downton abbey.

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What were some of your favorites for the month of February?

xoxo,

Britanie

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Afternoon Tea | Organic Rooibos, Rose and Raw Honey

Posted in Health, Life, Tea Time by

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It’s no secret how much I love herbs and concocting. I love to try different teas but the one that I keep going back to every afternoon is this very easy to make blend of tea that only contains two ingredients, three if you want more sweetness in your cup :)

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Ingredients:

  • Organic Red Rooibos tea is full of anti-oxidants and has many benefits for skin, hair, nails, immunity and digestion.
  • Organic Rose Petals are a natural anti-depressant and naturally balances hormones. It can relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.
  • Raw Honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes digestive health, is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, eliminates allergies, and is an excellent remedy for skin wounds and all types of infections.

When Rooibos and Rose are combined, the taste is fragrant and some-what nutty. When Honey is thrown into the mix, it adds a perfect amount of sweetness to this tea!

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I love drinking Tea morning, afternoon and nights but I pick each tea based on the time of day and the benefits of the herbs. The teas I drink in the afternoon are typically calming (without being too sedative) and are very balancing and fragrant. Afternoon tea is my time to wind down before the evening comes and then I usually opt for an even more relaxing tea like Chamomile and Lavender or pure Rose Tea.

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I love to sit in the sun and enjoy this fragrant, calming and yet up-lifting blend of tea. I always feel more relaxed and balanced after just one cup.

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I hope this post has inspired you to go make yourself a warm and healthy cup of tea. If you try this blend or have tried this blend in the past, please do share your thoughts with me! I love talking teas and could do so all day!

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xoxo,

Britanie

Find Me On…

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Beauty Is As Beauty Does | BijaBody Health + Beauty

Posted in Health, Reviews, Skincare by

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If you haven’t tried anything from BijaBody, you are sincerely missing out. They are scientifically advanced, holistically intelligent, anti-aging body care & beautifying, fair-trade tea blends to enhance your entire gorgeousness. I was lucky enough to be sent some wonderful samples to try out. I am sent many products to test out and to review with my utmost honest opinions (I would never give my readers anything less than my full honesty!) and 9 times out of 10 I am lucky in that I truly like the product but it’s a little rarer that I fall in love with the products and the brand.

BijaBody is one of those brands that I instantly fell in love with after only trying out for A DAY. I love their principles and clean ingredients and the packaging is so classy and delicate.

You can read all about the Founder of BijaBody, Melissa Picoli , the story behind the brand and learn about BijaBody’s Principles. To say their principles are impressive would be a drastic understatement. All of their ingredients must be as natural as possible, and any ingredient that is not fully natural must be naturally derived, non-toxic, biodegradable and serve a very distinct purpose that cannot be achieved with a natural ingredient alone.

♥ BODY ♥

Anti-aging body care beautiful enough for your face, especially formulated for your body.

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Daily Body Serum: antioxidant. protective. nourishing

Description: This serum is a serious barrier between our skin and everything trying to attack it daily. Potent levels of White+Green Tea, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vit C+E, and Lycopene, which have shown to provide botanical solar/pollutant protection; in our signature HoneyOil base. Goes on silky, and leaves skin moisturized but not greasy. And smells divine.

Key Ingredients: HoneyOil, Lycopene, Alpha Lipoic Acid, White + Green Tea Extracts; Vitamin C+E

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Body Treatment: anti-aging, pigment-preventing. pro-gorgeous

Description: This regenerative treatment goes way beyond a lotion with a pretty smell. Advanced, highly concentrated Turmeric extract, known for its pigment preventing and anti-inflammatory properties, blended with Peptides, White+Green Tea extract and Resveratrol in our HoneyOil base. This combination slows down the relationship between our beauty and time. Layer over Daily Body Serum during the day for added benefits, or wear alone in the evening, particularly on areas that get the most wear and tear such as knees, arms, hands & chest.

Key Ingredients: HoneyOil, Turmeric, White + Green Tea Extracts, 3 Peptides, Resveratrol, Vitamin C+E

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Bedside Manner: lip + hand treatment, beauty balm.

Description: Suitable for lips, smiles lines and hands, this HoneyOil beauty balm contains peptides, two algae shown to increase moisture retention and plumpness of lips, vitamins and nourishing botanicals. Perfect for any facial treatment, manicure, or with ultrasound on smile lines and wrist lines.

Key Ingredients: HoneyOil, Peptides, Laminaria+Portulaca Algae extract, Beeswax & Shea, Vitamin C + E

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♥ BEAUTY TEA BLENDS ♥

BijaBody tea blends are loose-leaf to maximize the abundant goodness of ingredients. Tea leaves do not respond well to being crushed and stuffed into tiny tea bags. It causes premature oxidation, and basically makes it less amazing. We’re not so into powdery, weak cups of tea. We like our tea leaves to unfurl slowly, releasing their goodness over multiple steeps.

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Daily Beauty Tea

Blend of fair-trade, organic Oolong and Pu-erh Tea with beautifying herbs and spices -including Cacao Nibs, Burdock, a dash of Cayenne, and so much more- supports a fiery metabolism, internal ph balance, natural detox and digestion, and your skin’s exquisite function. Enjoy this blend for balanced energy levels, proper digestion, improved defense against colds and viruses, and as a peaceful, beautifying ritual throughout your day!

Nightly Beauty Tea

Blend of aged Pu-erh with calming, beautifying herbs and spices-such as Gotu Kola, Chamomile, Red RaspberryLeaf, Lemongrass and Ginger- strengthens digestion, healthy skin function, mental/physical calm and enhances your dazzling elegance. This blend is soft and calming, focused on effective digestion, calming your mind/spirit, and supporting your body’s crucial overnight processes. It will not make you sleepy, but it does help slow everything down, just enough.

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The Daily Beauty Tea has become an instant staple in my morning routine. I drink one cup of this every morning, after eating breakfast and it helps to improve my digestion and gives me a great steady-energy without making me feel jittery like many other caffeinated teas can often do. I usually don’t like much spice in my teas at all but the Ginger and Cardamon really give a slight kick without ever feeling overpowering. This is truly one of my new favorite teas and that is saying a lot because I am somewhat of a tea snob and can tend to be very picky!

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Nightly Beauty Tea featured with BijaBody’s Fair-Trade Glass Tea Tumbler with Feather Design.

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My Overall Thoughts: I could smell the body products all day long without ever tiring of the delicious scent. They are so sweet and decadent. I literally can’t stop smelling my arms when I wear the serum and the body treatment. The beautiful hints of honey, rose and green tea were enough to make me fall in love with these products instantly and then when I felt how quickly both the oil and the cream absorbed into my skin, I loved it even more. The hand + lip treatment is incredibly hydrating. I have been using one sample for my lips and the other for my hands and am loving the formulation. I recommend all of the products I tried but my favorite (aside from the teas would definitely be the body oil!).

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If you want to place an order on BijaBody use code “lotsalove” and get 10% off your order!

Have you ever tried anything from BijaBody? If not, what are you waiting for? Your skin, mind and body will thank you for it!

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♥

Check out BijaBody’s Website | Like on Facebook | Follow on Twitter

xoxo,

Britanie

Find Me On…

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Beauty and health benefits of Roses

Posted in Health, Skincare by

“Take time to stop and smell the roses.”

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I have always had an affinity towards roses. They are my favorite flower in the world and the sight and smell of a rose can instantly brighten my mood. Over the years I have learned and discovered so many different uses for Roses and use it in my every day life. I have been meaning to dedicate an entire blog post to the many uses and after receiving a huge bag of organic Rose buds and petals decided it was time to let everyone in on one of my biggest beauty and health secrets!

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In one of the flower’s earliest uses for beauty, the ancient Greeks and Romans used rose petals to perfume their baths. They highly valued roses and also decorated the floors of their banquet halls with rose petals. In distilled forms, roses have been included in cosmetics, medicines and therapeutic treatments for centuries. Rose petals are a staple in Ayurvedic medicine to detoxify and calm the mind and body. Many beauty products today are now embracing Rose as an ingredient. Listed as rose water, rose distillate, rose essential oil, rosehip seed oil, this beautiful and fragrant flower helps to replenish and beautify the skin, hair, nails and entire body.

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Beauty Benefits:

  • Rosewater is a natural toner. Use with a cotton ball and wipe face to remove dirt and makeup. Helps to tighten pores!
  • The natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin which helps to keep the skin feeling smooth and soft. The sugars in rose petals make it perfect for those with sensitive skin as it instantly creates a soothing feeling.
  • Using a few drops of rosewater in bath water will make your skin glow.
  • The Anti-Bacterial properties in Rose makes it amazing for fighting acne and breakouts.
  • Anti-Inflammatory properties help to soothe irritation skin and redness. Its calming properties can also help sooth rosecea and eczema.
  • Due to the high amount of Vitamin C found in Roses it is a wonderful Antioxidant that can help protect skin cells from damage due to sun.
  • Great for under eye area to combat dark circles.
  • Rosewater has natural conditioning properties which makes it wonderful to use in your hair. Add a few drops of rosewater to your shampoo or conditioner.
  • Helps aid hair growth.

How I use Roses in my beauty routine:

I use Rosewater every day, without fail. It is a must have product for me. I use it to spray on my face throughout the day. I use it as a makeup setting spray and I also use it as a toner. It instantly makes my face glow and helps to moisturize my dry skin. I will often use it on my entire body after showering and also I add a few sprays of rosewater to my hair when damp. I recently started to use Roses in a face mask recipe I am absolutely loving and will be doing a blog post on soon!

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Health Benefits:

  • When used aromatically, rose calms and soothes the mind.
  • Drinking a cup of rose tea a day can help combat depression and anxiety.
  • Helps to strengthen the digestive tract and the stomach lining. It aids in eliminating toxic waste in both the small and large intestines.
  • Rose tea can help combat Chronic Fatigue and Insomnia.
  • The very scent of Rose can arouse you and therefor is helpful for boosting the Libido.
  • Rose tea has the ability to assist in clearing the Urinary Tract of toxic nitrogenous wastes which in turn can reduce the potential risk for UTI’s, Bladder and Kidney Infections.
  • Works as an anti-spasmodic and  efficiently relieves spasm in respiratory system, intestines and muscular spasms in limbs.
  • Helps regulate and balance hormonal production.
  • Promotes circulation, takes care of heart, reduces blood pressure and helps cure headaches, asthma and certain infections.

How I use Roses in my health routine:

I drink 1-2 cups of Rose tea a day. One usually in mid-afternoon and one before bed. It helps to calm anxiety immediately. The aroma of the Roses instantly calms my mind and makes me feel happier. I personally love the taste of Roses and I don’t mind the some-what perfume taste that it has because I find it so delicious. If you find that the taste is too much for you, I recommend watering it down or adding some Honey to sweeten it. You can also add Rose Petals to other teas. I love to mix Rose petals in my Green or Black teas. It’s also wonderful with Rooibos tea! So many antioxidants all in one cup of tea! I also love to use Rose as a natural perfume, especially before going to sleep.

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Have you ever used Rosewater or had Rose Tea? I’d love to know your favorite ways to include Rose into your daily routine!

xoxo,

Britanie

Find Me On…

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith*

health scoop | valerian root

Posted in Health by

I have mentioned the benefits of Valerian Root in a previous post along with other remedies that I use to treat Anxiety and Panic Attacks. I felt that because the Valerian Root has worked so well for me and is really easy to use that I would do a blog post specifically about how Valerian works for Anxiety.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and cannot predict how someone will react to something even if it is natural there can still be side effects to herbs. Always check with your doctor or do your own research before trying any new supplements or herbs!

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History: Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia.

What It Is: Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis/edulis) is a hardy perennial flowering plant with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. As anherbal tincture is often called “Nature’s Valium” for it’s powerful muscle relaxant and sedative properties. This herbal remedy has traditionally been used for insomnia, anxiety, pain, and muscle cramps and twitches. It works particularly well when you are emotionally stressed or in pain. It helps relieve all sorts of cramps, be they intestinal, menstrual, muscle cramps or even bronchial spasms. Because of valerian’s historical use as a sedative, anticonvulsant, migraine treatment and pain reliever, most basic science research has been directed at the interaction of valerian constituents with the GABA neurotransmitter receptor system. Valerian extracts appear to have some affinity for the GABA receptor, a class of receptors on which benzodiazepines are known to act. It is important to note that when taking benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc taking Valerian in conjunction can heighten the effects of these drugs so use with caution!

How To Use: Typical dosages may vary from 2–10 grams per day. Valerian root is nontoxic, but may cause side effects, such as giddiness and disorientation, when taken in large excessive doses.

Different Forms: Valerian is available in capsule, tincture and bulk form and it is also packaged in tea bags

My Thoughts: I have been using Valerian Root for years to fight anxiety and panic attacks. Most recently I have been using it to help me while I am tampering off of a medication that I have been on for anxiety for over ten years now. It has been helping me immensely to get through the heightened anxiety I am having through this transition. It also helps tremendously with insomnia and stomach cramps/menstrual cramps. I have never experienced any negative reactions when taking this. I prefer to take it in tincture form as I find it’s the easiest and fastest to digest. I get the non-alcoholic version as I cannot have gluten and also it doesn’t burn if you want to put a few drops under your tongue instead of putting it in a glass of water and drinking it.

Notes: Valerian has a very strong scent. Many people are turned off from the scent of this. I personally like it. It has a very herbal scent to it. I enjoy the scent of herbs and when I know something is helpful for me I tend to crave the scent and taste of it regardless of how potent it is. If you are someone who is incredibly sensitive to smells, I would recommend taking this in capsule form as it is not as overpowering as the tincture.

Have you ever used Valerian Root for anxiety or any other health-related issues? If so what were your experiences?

xoxo,

Britanie

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. I am never paid to give my honest opinions and will only recommend products that I love and use myself! All Photographs are (C) Britanie Faith unless stated otherwise.*

Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Stress

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I have struggled with anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. I was always a nervous child but it wasn’t until my teenage years when I started having many physical health issues that I had my first panic attack. Not long after that I started having more panic attacks and was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder. I have been to anxiety groups, yoga retreats, meditation classes, you name it and I have done it. Over the years of studying herbalism and holistic health and from basic trial and error, I have found many natural ways to help relieve and take the edge off of my anxiety.

You should always check with your doctor before using any type of supplement or herbs. I cannot ever predict what type of reactions or side effects a person could potentially have. All of our bodies are so different! These are what I have found that work for me very well. I don’t use all of these at once, but I find that most of them work well in conjunction with other remedies. Usually one or two of these together is enough to help calm the nerves and they tend to work synergistically.

Badger Balm Stress Soother – “In traditional aromatherapy, Rosemary instills clear thinking and confidence; Tangerine and Spearmint are uplifting and cheering; Cedarwood helps build inner strength; Roman Chamomile and Lavender are soothing and relaxing, and Rose is all about love and forgiveness. Just rub a little on hands, temples, forehead, or anywhere that needs soothing and breathe it in – the aroma will do the rest.” I use a generous amount of this balm before bed. I apply it on my hands and temples. I also sometimes just breathe in the balm itself and find that it immediately calms me.

Homeopathic Calm Drops – “This homeopathic formulation nurtures the deeper feelings that surface from anxiety, stress and strong emotions. Calm Drops console the spirit when coping with grief, trauma, hurt or symptoms of depression. Our homeopathic lozenge provides emotional support when feeling anxious, irritable or overwhelmed by stress. These vanilla lozenges are vegan and gluten free.” I carry these in my purse at all times. They really help and taste delicious!

Lotus Wei Quiet Mind Mist – “Geranium, Lemon and Coriander help to ease tension and induce a quiet mind”. I leave this near my bed and like to spray it on my pillow cases before going to sleep. It’s very relaxing and smells so good!

Get Relaxed Tea - “The mood-mellowing begins instantly with the calming aromas of lavender and rose petals gently wafting up from the steaming cup. Ahhhh. With each sip, a blissful blend of health-promoting organic rooibos laced with nerve-soothing chamomile and passionflower, along with stress reducing eleuthero root that helps you chill out, unbend and unwind*. Simply brew and breathe. Deep.”  This is a great tea to have on hand. It works well as a tea before bed to help with occasional sleeplessness or insomnia. It is also really great for drinking during the day to help calm your body and mind.

Lemon Balm – “Lemon Balm is used as an anxiolytic, mild sedative or calming agent. At least one study has found it to be effective at reducing stress. Lemon balm extract was identified as a potent inhibitor of GABA transaminase, which explains anxiolytic effects.” I love lemon balm and actually did an entire post on it here. It’s great for anxiety, insomnia and many digestive issues. I like to take it in capsule, tea and tincture form, however it is really great in all ways, it comes down to what your preference is! I find that the tincture works the fastest and the best for severe anxiety or insomnia.

Lavender - “Throughout history, lavender has been cultivated for its flowers and oils and used both cosmetically and medicinally. A member of the Labiatae family, lavender is primarily used either dried or as an essential oil. Historical use includes documented activity as an antibacterial, antifungal, carminative, sedative, and antidepressant.”  There are few scents that are as soothing and relaxing as the scent of Lavender. I love to buy loose lavender in bulk to make tea or a diy facial steam, for baths and also for many skincare purposes. I also really love to mix Lavender with Chamomile to drink before bed!

Chamomile - “Chamomile is an herb that has been used in traditional and herbal medicines for thousands of years. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks used chamomile for its multitude of physical and mental benefits. Among its many other uses, chamomile may help to reduce anxiety, ease insomnia, calm upset stomachs and soothe minor burns.” Chamomile is my favorite tea in the world for so many reasons. I love the taste of chamomile and I love how I immediately feel calmer when drinking it. If I could only drink one tea for the rest of my life it would be Chamomile!

Valerian Root - “Valerian contains compounds known as valepotriates that may have a sedating effect. Valerian also contains a substance known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, which may also aid relaxation. As such, it is also used as an anti-anxiety treatment.  It may also heighten the effects of prescription sedatives.” This is a great thing to have if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks and don’t want to be on anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. If you are already taking medication for anxiety, Valerian can help to heighten the effects so you want to be sure to use with caution!

Magnesium Citrate – “A magnesium deficiency can cause or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Magnesium naturally calms the nervous system and the muscles; whereas, a deficiency can result in a tense body and an anxious mind.” I take up to 600 mgs of Magnesium Citrate every night before bed. It not only helps with anxiety but is great for digestive health and insomnia.

Other great things for anxiety, stress and over all health are Yoga, Meditation and Epsom Salt Baths.

If you have ever tried any of these remedies or any other remedies please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

xoxo,

Britanie

health scoop | triphala – the ancient ayurvedic combination of “wonder fruits”.

Posted in Health by

Triphala is one of the most powerful Ayurvedic supplements for overall health.

Triphala comes from the ancient Indian system of traditional medicine, ‘Ayurveda.’ Ayurveda focuses on disease prevention and the maintenance of an overall healthy physiology. The word ‘triphala’ comes from Sanskrit and literally means ‘three fruits.’ This name comes from the fact that triphala is comprised of three Ayurvedic components:

● AMALAKI(Amla, Indian gooseberry, emblica officinalis): is considered one of the best rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda. It’s a strong natural antioxidant containing 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice. It is believed to increase gastric emptying and possesses many antimicrobial properties. In India, amalaki is known as the nurse herb because it strengthens the immune system and cools the body.

● HARITAKI(Harada, terminalia chebula): has the strongest laxative powers of the three fruits contained in triphala. It is believed to promote digestion and treat acute and chronic constipation. In Tibet, haritaki is so highly revered that in their sacred paintings, it’s often depicted in the extended palm of the medicine Buddha. The herb also has astringent properties.

● BIBHITAKI (Bihara, Behada, terminalia belerica): is an excellent rejuvenative with both laxative and astringent properties. It eliminates excess mucous in the body and provides support for a variety of lung conditions, including bronchitis and asthma. It is also a source of protein, oils and linoleic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid.

The Many Health Benefits of Triphala:

● Digestion: Triphala is taken as a general health tonic, useful for all body types and a variety of conditions. It is commonly recommended to tone and strengthen the digestive system, particularly in cases of weak digestion and constipation. Triphala is a gentle laxative that can be used daily and is not habit-forming, and has no adverse effects on the intestinal flora (the microorganisms that aid digestion). It is said to improve the function of the stomach and intestines, and is also useful for cases of excess stomach acid. Triphala regulates and detoxifies the bowels, improves overall health by increasing the efficiency and absorption of digestion, and reduces gas. It has a balancing effect on the body’s metabolism, and is prescribed to restore appetite. The herbal compound also helps the body to eliminate excess fat, by improving metabolism. Because of its gentle properties, triphala is recommended as a digestive aid for the elderly and for those with sensitive stomachs.

● Gastrointestinal Motility: Triphala is believed to promote gastrointestinal motility. Proper digestion and absorption of nutrients entails the contraction and relaxation of muscles located in the stomach and intestine. When the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract fail to function normally, health conditions may occur such as irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors often prescribe prokinetic drugs to treat gastrointestinal conditions. In a study published in the “Journal of Postgraduate Medicine,” researchers found that Triphala is equally effective in gastric emptying as prokinetic drugs without producing negative side effects.

● Constipation Relief: Triphala is known to have a gentle laxative effect. It works by removing toxins, accumulations, gas & distention without irritating the colon. If you are suffering from constipation and want to avoid harsh commercial laxatives, give triphala a try.

● Blood Detox: Triphala is used as a blood builder and purifier, and may increase red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Because of its balancing effect on blood sugar levels it may be useful for those with diabetes and hypoglycemia. It also has anti-cholesterol and anti-mucus properties in the body. Triphala is believed to strengthen the kidneys and liver, and can be helpful for hepatitis sufferers.

● Immune System Boost: Triphala is extremely beneficial in increasing the immunity in the body and also helps in fighting any kind of infection that occurs in the body. It is helpful in production of various anti-bodies, T helper cells and lymphocytes that are helpful in fighting against any foreign invasion on our body. Triphala is one of the powerful antioxidant. Its reference has been found in various ayurvedic texts. Triphala has a unique properties by which it is has the affinity to scavenges free radicals. It is very helpful in retarding the early aging process to make you young for ever. It also fills your body with new energies and enthusiasm that will make you and your body happy.

● Antibacterial Effects: Triphala is also believed to possess antibacterial properties. In a study published in the September 1998 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology,” researchers found evidence of antibacterial activity against various bacterial species such as Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with the development of gastritis, ulcers and stomach cancers. A subsequent study published in the December 1998 issue of the same publication found that Triphala inhibits the growth of Streptococcus. In particular, oral rinsing using Triphala extract was shown to create a protective effect indicating a potential role in dental care.

● Brain Enhancer: Triphala is supposed to increase the mental ability as well as improves the concentration levels in the brain. It does not let the non required chemicals to get secreted in the brain thereby preventing the production of negative thoughts and does not let depression to interfere in your life. Triphala energizes the body. It eradicates all the lactic acid formed in the body which is the main cause of the fatigue in the body.

● Urinary System: Triphala is very helpful in curbing any kind of infection that is affecting the urinary tract hence it is extremely helpful treating any kind of urinary tract infection. Triphala is also helpful in cases of Dysurea (painful urination). It helps to maintain the normalcy in urination and eases the urine flow out side the body.

● Female reproductive system – Triphala is extremely beneficial in treating female reproductive tract abnormalities. Diseases like dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, irregular menses, leucorrhea, vaginal dryness, excess bleeding etc are some of the common problems that have been successfully treated by normal use of Triphala.

● Male reproductive system – Triphala is extremely beneficial in treating the various diseases of male reproductive system. It is helpful in increasing the energies of the body and also augments the endurance. It helps in increases the sperm count and enhances the quality of the sperms. There for it is considered as a good aphrodisiac agent.

How To Take Triphala -

You can take Triphala either in a powder from or capsule/tablets. I use both. I put a tiny bit of powder in my smoothies in the morning and I also take the tablets at night before bed. it is really up to you which you prefer!

I have used Triphala for years now and absolutely swear by it! My favorite brands are Triphala Tablets by Planetary Herbals and Raw Organic Triphala Powder by Z Natural Herbs.

xoxo,

Britanie