This blog is actually Jenni from Coconut Magic’s work. I just love coconut oil and use it for many things. In one of my recent posts I mention that a teaspoon in porridge in the morning adds to the creamy deliciousness of this dish. In any case, here are Jenni’s 6 clever ways to use Coconut Oil:

We all know that eating fruit and vegetables is healthy…and that most of us should probably consume more than we do. Interestingly a new study takes this even further finding that eating more from this food group can actually change your appearance in as little as 6 weeks. The key to this change is the phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that give the fruit and vegetables colour can also help give us colour as well.

The study revealed that fewer than four portions a day (1 piece of fruit or half a cup of vegetables equals one serve) increased skin redness and yellowness both of which are associated with the perception of increased attractiveness and improved health. In particular it is the carotenoids which are the yellow, orange and red pigments in plant foods that actually cause these perceptible changes in our skin colour and tone.

In addition to changing skin tone carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that improve many aspects of skin health by reducing oxidative stress. These benefits include the reduction in UV light sensitivity and therefore long term sun damage. Eaten in high enough quantities, carotenoids can promote a healthy glow that rivals a tan!

Plant foods that are rich in carotenoids include carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens and red capsicum. Dark green vegetables are included as they contain carotenoids (yellow) and chlorophyll (green) so overall appear green. As always the message is Eat Your Greens…and Yellows and Oranges and Reds!

References:

1. Whitehead RD, Re D, Xiao D, Ozakinci G, Perrett DI. You are what you eat: within-subject increases in fruit and vegetable consumption confer beneficial skin-color changes. PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e32988.

Article by Annie Meredith, creator of Spirit of Woman Australian Bush Flower Essences

It has been said that intimacy breeds contempt. Certainly the high divorce rate would have us believe that.

In your own world, how often have you felt devastated because you and your partner are not seeing eye-to-eye, or you feel that the love has transformed into a power struggle, or long tedious road into boredom?

Do you find that you are continually arguing and sparring and can’t seem to return to that glorious place you experienced early in your relationship when you felt bathed in the warm glow of love and felt so deeply connected to your partner?

Perhaps in your despair you have sought for that seemingly elusive and disappearing love outside of your partnership – in an affair, a flirtation, being totally immersed in your work, losing yourself to a cause, or involving yourself in your children’s lives so deeply that you have no time to let the pain of lost love rise to your conscious mind.

Or perhaps your close same-sex friendships assume such an importance that they somehow replace the sense of hopelessness that you feel deep down that you are not good enough to deserve a loving relationship?

How do we reconcile the disappointments in our relationship and navigate the rocky parts so that we enter smooth waters and come to a place of harmony, love and peace based on mutual respect, gratitude and celebration of the differences?

In truth, relationships are more about ourselves that the other. They just show us to ourselves.

We teach people how to love and accept us in the way that we love and accept ourselves.

For example, blame and criticism is the No. 1 reason why relationships fail. Most couples split up, family members stop talking or business partnerships fail because one or other of the parties gets tired of being blamed and criticized.

Think about how it felt last time you were blamed or criticized.

If in the moment when a critical thought is forming or a blaming statement about the other is on your tongue, you can instead make a “Mmmmmmm” sound. What this does is it shifts you out of your “critical” brain into your “wonder” brain.

Then, you can say to yourself, “Hmmm… I wonder what I could learn from this.” Or “Hmmm… I wonder how I’m contributing to this situation”.

When you do this from a place of sincere wonder, then an immediate change takes place in your connection with the person you were previously blaming or criticizing.

Try this the next time you have a critical thought, and watch real miracles open up in your relationships!

When we are critical and blaming it is truly more about us, and our relationship with ourselves, that we are expressing and that gets reflected back.

We attract the people who will allow us to grow, who will invite us to grow, who will ask us to step up and into our highest self-expression.

This doesn’t always happen consciously or pleasantly…..it just happens.
Enjoy the opportunity to let others know how much you love yourself and miracles will happen!!

The Spirit of Woman Australian Wild Flower Essence Relationship range assists you to have that essential love affair with yourself, so that you can fully love and accept your partner and appreciate the deep love you will receive in return.

Visit Annie Meredith’s website

This is a great article from Deanne Bromham, our Vitale Life naturopath. When I decided to focus on writing and research, Deanne stepped into the fold and now treats many patients with skin conditions…with great results. She is patient and encouraging and her treatment are very effective. Below is what Deanne thinks the key issues are with skin problems including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and skin pigmentation:

Healing Skin from the Inside – Out

by Deanne Bromham ND

On the exterior skin conditions or damaged skin can be red, inflamed, cystic, rough, blotchy, painful, unbearably itchy, scaly and plaque like, lacking vibrancy, damaged, dry and wrinkling. Anyone who has a skin condition will quickly confide that it can destroy one’s self-confidence. After all, skin is the outer layer we present to the world.  Skin problems affect the body’s surface physically as well as emotionally but we don’t always realise just how deep they run.  This is why it is important to find a long-term solution that treats the cause of the problem and one that really works.

Skin problems are related to a dysfunction occurring deep within the body and this is the level they should be treated; a satisfactory solution means treating from the inside and outside.  Unfortunately, this is often overlooked and strong anti-inflammatory creams are prescribed or in the case of acne retail creams and liquids that dry and strip the skin, only offering temporary relief.

It’s a little like looking into a pool of water, what you see on the surface is a true indication of what’s going on underneath.  What is happening at the bottom and in the middle area of the water will ruminate to the surface, making it visually known what the general state of the deeper water is like.  A client’s skin is an important factor I assess no matter why they have come to see me; it tells me a lot about the person’s overall health.

There are a few major players that affect how our skin looks:

Skin in very much affected by hormones; the finetuning of the stress hormone; cortisol, the blood sugar hormone; insulin and the reproductive hormones – oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone cannot be underestimated in their affect on the skin.

Diet plays a massive part in all problem skin and this can be the simplest way of getting quick improvement.

There is a big connection between skin and digestive health or the health of our intestinal tract. If the bacteria within our intestinal system are out of balance this will affect our skin. It is well understood that the bacteria at the centre of the body, the intestinal tract, set the status of bacteria in the skin.  To correct the bacteria in the skin it is necessary to correct the bacterial status inside first and then the skin will reflect this.

The skin along with the lungs, bowel, liver, and kidney are all organs that assist the body in getting rid of waste products. They are well known as the 5 organs of elimination. When the development of a skin condition or even poor unhealthy looking skin has occurred it may be that one or more of the other organs of elimination are being overloaded and/or are under functioning. If the liver and bowel are unable to get rid of toxins the toxins will begin to find another route out of the body and this can be via the skin.  A pleasant side effect of a professional gut repair and detoxification program is the noticeable difference in the appearance of the skin. One of the most common things clients say while on a gut repair and detoxification program is that all their friends have notice how good their skin is looking. If you’re going to clean the pool of water you will need to scrape leaves and scum off the top but you will also need to get the filter working continuously to clean out what’s in the middle and at the bottom.

One of the most important things to understand about getting your skin clear and beautiful is that the body is designed to heal itself. It is totally unnecessary for anyone to accept that this is a skin problem they have to learn to live with.  The body in its natural rhythm is absolutely able to work so that we look and feel great.   Anything other than this is a sign that a particular area of the body is not functioning as well as it should be or it is out of balance. Naturopathic assistance works on our insides to make our bodies, inside and outside, look and feel great. The body responds very well to this, easily lapping it up as it falls back into harmony.

Deanne, an experienced and skilled naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and iridologist says “As a clinician I assess each person’s skin on an individual basis while taking into consideration the rest of their health and the connection between the two. The use of iridology gives greater insight to their health weaknesses and constitution”. A treatment plan is given that shows what each individual’s skin requires. Results are usually seen as early as 2 weeks.

Make an appointment to see Deanne at Vitalelife in Paddington or Bulimba

As I write this I am suffering from swollen glands, a split lip and mouth ulcer and a headache radiating down one side of my face and head. No don’t worry this isn’t a “poor me” blog (well maybe just a bit). I am telling you this because a. Roechelle forced me to and b. I cannot believe all of this pain stemmed from squeezing one little pimple! Yes that’s right folks – last Monday I had a rather large pimple come up on my lip and instead of leave it alone (which is hard when it is so obvious) I squeezed the heck out of it, so much so that I damaged my lip and it swelled leading to my current symptoms. Can you believe it! I call this the paper cut principle – how one little pimple can lead to such OTT symptoms reminds me of much a tiny paper cut can hurt so badly. Maybe I just have a low pain tolerance…

If I had a cold sore I would take Lysine, cut out chocolate and nuts (makes it worse) and apply a good cold sore cream or oil that contains Melissa officinalis (an anti-viral herb). As it isn’t a cold sore, I can’t do much but apply Paw Paw Ointment to my lip and hope that it clears up quickly. Until then I think I might go to bed!

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has just released its guide to safer shopping. They looked at pesticide residue on fruit and vegetables and have come up with the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15. A little statistic from them makes one realise how big an impact choosing “cleaner” food can make. From EWG: Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day from the Clean 15 list rather than from the Dirty Dozen can lower your pesticide intake by up to 92 percent! What a huge impact.

This link outlines the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

There are other ways to reduce your pesticide intake (please comment and add any ideas you have as well):

• Going organic where you can. While this can seem like a stretch on the budget, if you at least choose some organic produce you will be making a difference.
• Washing your fruit & vegetables with a mild unscented Castile soap. Pesticides are fat soluble and so more residue will be washed away if you use soap and water rather than just water.
• Grow your own – even if it is just some herbs, rocket and cherry tomatoes – this is the start of a lovely summer salad

Please comment if you have any other ideas for reducing pesticide intake from foods.

Following on from my last update, I had the two BCCs removed from my face about a month ago. I decided to get them cut out rather than use Black Salve (otherwise known as Cansema). I would probably have tried the Cansema had the BCCs been on my body but I felt a bit precious about risking this on my face as this product does have a risk of keloid and non-surgical scarring. So to surgery I went. I must say the whole process was simple but unsettling. I felt very relieved the cancers were cut out but at the same time wondered why they formed in the first place particularly as I have spent my life being careful to minimise sun exposure. Even more unnerving was the thought that more may develop.

Well its now a month later and the scars have healed up. I am applying all the good things including TSB Skin Smoother at night and Minerelle Vitamin C in jojoba oil (this product is in testing at this stage but due online very soon). I really think it has made a significant difference but due to the face the scars are on my face, I was not prepared to leave one without treatment as a placebo. No, I am far to vain for that level of dedication! Now that they have healed I have stopped worrying about more developing – I do all that I can to prevent them – wear natural sunscreen (Devita Solar Body Block when out in the full sun and Devita Solar Protective Moisturiser during the day), wear a hat, eat good food (most of the time) and generally look after myself but if anyone has any other ideas I would love to hear them. PS I am also using my phone as a hands free just in case it had anything to do with the development of the BCCs.

The photos below show the healing process to date.

Day 1

After 1 week - stitches removed

After 2 weeks

After 3.5 weeks

Related Articles

• Skin “hot spots” – skin carcinoma, dermatitis or what?

Keratosis Pilaris

A couple of people recently have asked me about small bumps on the backs of their arms – what they are, what causes this condition and what can they do about it. The official name for this common skin condition is Keratosis pilaris and it appears as rough, bumpy, sometimes red skin most often found on upper arms, thighs and sometimes even on the cheeks.

It occurs due to a hard protective protein found in skin, hair, and nails called keratin, which builds up, forms a plug blocking the opening of hair follicles. When these plugs, or bumps, become irritated it causes redness.

Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary condition that usually presents in childhood, often worsening during puberty and occasionally continuing into adulthood. Warm weather can cause improvement but the drier weather in winter will commonly exacerbate the condition by drying out skin and further blocking hair follicles. At this stage there is no completely effective treatment however there are a number of things you can do that will improve the overall look and feel of the skin: 

• Dry skin exacerbates this condition so removing any surface dead skin cells will help to keep follicles clear and minimise roughness and bumps. Exfoliate or dry body brush 2-3 times a week. Be gentle as skin irritation can make it look worse. Avoid exfoliating already irritated or broken skin.
• Apply a daily moisturiser to minimise moisture loss from the skin. Use a lotion or cream rather than an oil. Oils will provide nourishment but they don’t tend to stop water evaporating from the skin surface. A lotion or cream with Shea or cocoa butter or jojoba oil (actually a liquid wax) will provide rich hydration.
• Avoid harsh body cleansers (no SLS). Use a gentle natural body wash to avoid stripping the natural oils from the skin and in fact, water will generally wash the area clean without the use of a cleanser. Only use cleanser on the affected area when necessary.
• Safe sun exposure can greatly reduce the appearance of bumps. Be sun safe and go out in the early morning or late afternoon. Limit yourself to 10-15 minutes.
• Nutritional status may play a role in the severity of the condition:
  • Essential Fatty Acids will help to keep the skin hydrated and reduce inflammation  – the Lemon Flax Drink is an ideal way to quickly increase your skin’s EFA content. Otherwise regular consumption of deep sea fish, nuts and seeds and green leafy vegetables will also improve EFA levels. A fish oils supplement is another alternative.
  • The bumps have been linked to low levels of vitamin A and B12. Vitamin A comes from consuming Betacarotene-rich foods including any vegetable that contains yellow, orange or yellow pigment (pumpkin, sweet potato, capsicum etc). Vitamin B12 is found in red meat which eaten in moderation can help increase levels.
  • Low grade dairy intolerance may also be related to the severity of redness and bumps. If you have other symptoms that may be related to dairy consumption it may be worthwhile avoiding it completely for at least 6 weeks to assess the impact on your skin.

 If you experience Keratosis and have had good results with a particular treatment please comment so other readers can benefit from your experience.

If you read my blogs regularly you will likely know that I have sensitive skin. In recent years, this hasn’t been such a big problem for me but I am regularly asked how to manage sensitive skin. In this video I review why sensitive skin occurs, how you can help minimise skin reactions using topical ingredients and what dietary and lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your skin. I have also previously written a Sensitive Skin Information Page about sensitive skin which you can review here.

Sensitive Skin Solutions

At the Natural Therapies Expo recently I entered a draw and won a Raindrop Technique. At this stage I had no idea what this therapy was or what I was in for – but of course I was excited that I had won something. So on Monday, after a very busy weekend which included the Open Day of our new centre at Bulimba and the Million Paws Walk, I went along for my appointment. The experience was nothing like I expected!

As soon as I hopped out of the car Val’s house (the Rainbow Technique therapist), I could smell essential oils. The smell was divine and got stronger as I entered the treatment room. As Rainbow Technique involves the use of therapeutic grade essential oils, to ensure I didn’t have a reaction Val performed a spot test on my arm. She also measured my height (!). After 5 minutes with no reaction on my skin, I undressed down to my smalls and lay on the table.

So to the experience! I think I imagined it would be much like an aromatherapy massage but in reality the therapy is completely different. For a start, undiluted essential oils are used and over the 90 minutes treatment 140 drops of essential oil was dripped onto my body and massaged into the skin. As you can imagine, I smelt divine afterwards. The smell was not sweet at all, more herbaceous and green, which was likely due to oils Val chose. For my treatment the oils used were Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Wintergreen or Birch, Marjoram and Peppermint, and the blend Valor.

Firstly the oils were massaged into my feet. During this process I almost fell asleep. It was very relaxing. Then I rolled over onto my stomach and the oils were dropped onto my spine and feathered in using a spine-tingling massage effect. What I noticed was the waves of aroma wafting over me as Val applied each different essential oil. Far from being overwhelming, the aroma was relaxing and enlivening.

Prior to this treatment I was so very weary – I just wanted to curl up in bed for the day. Following the treatment and until I went to bed that night, I was very alert and while not overly energetic, I felt great. This is in contrast to how I usually feel after a massage, which is relaxed but a big groggy. I slept well and woke up invigorated. Val mentioned that the oils may cause my body to detoxify and that I may feel the effects of this for up to 48 hours after the treatment. I drank lots of water and felt fine.

Raindrop Technique derives its name from dripping the therapeutic-grade essential oils onto the body from a height (like rain). The oils are said to interact with the physical body as well as the energy field. This technique was inspired by the Native American belief that raindrops falling from a height may purify and cleanse the body and spirit.

The skin is highly absorbent and so the oils penetrate easily into the muscles and bloodstream. As a result only soft pressure is required to get deeply effective results. The massage techniques that are used such as feathering the spine also stimulate the nerve cells in the skin, making it more receptive to therapeutic effect of the oils.

Raindrop Technique was developed by essential oil researcher and naturopath D. Gary Young. As part of his research Gary showed that the essential oils may also influence the inflammation-producing bacteria and viruses that reside along the spine. On this note following my treatment, Val measured me again and I was 1.5 cm taller than before the treatment. Apparently this effect is common as the oils reduce inflammation in the spinal muscles allowing the spine to stretch out. And quite frankly at 155cm I need every cm I can get!

All in all, I really enjoyed the treatment and because I am a skin care junky, I of course ordered a whole heap of the essential oil blends to use at home. I am in love with some of the combinations.

To find out more about Raindrop Technique you can contact Val Chambers at valeriechambers@y7mail.com

Have you had an unusual treatment of any kind? Something out of the ordinary that you enjoyed? If so, let us know. It would be great to hear about.