Naturally Cured

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Detox Week 3: Infrared Sauna

This week on detoxification I am talking about how to get your SWEAT ON! Skin is our MAJOR organ of ELIMINATION, but many of us do not sweat enough. This can be due to living a sedentary lifestyle or even wearing synthetic clothing that isn't breathable! Sweating is important to detoxification as it allows for the release of toxins built up in the body.

Saunas are relaxing, rejuvenating and will enhance sweating to allow your body to release toxins. Best of all, a regular sauna treatment can help to restore the ability of the skin to release toxins. So why try using an infrared sauna? Conventional saunas tend to heat the body up from the outside in, whereas infrared saunas heat the body up from the inside out! Penetrating the skin deeply will allow the body to restore and function optimally. Here are some notable benefits to using an infrared sauna.

BENEFITS OF INFRARED

1) DIGS DEEP TO DETOXIFY

An infrared sauna works deep to increase the body's core temperature thereby heating from the inside out. Our fat cells tend to store toxins, and infrared saunas have the ability to release toxins stored deep in the body. Infrared saunas also have the ability to release heavy metals such as mercury and lead that many of us can be exposed to. Unlike conventional saunas, the sweat you release during an infrared sauna treatment contains LESS WATER and MORE TOXINS.

2) RELIEVES PAIN

Infrared saunas works deep to penetrate tissues, joints and muscles allowing for your body to relax and experience less pain!

3) REJUVENATES SKIN

Infrared saunas work to promote blood flow and circulation resulting in increased collagen production. This will improve your skin tone, promote anti-aging and overall appearance of your skin. Ultimately, removing toxins from the skin will make you look fresh and ready for spring!

4) PROMOTES RELAXATION

Infrared sauna provides gentle, soothing and therapeutic heat allowing the muscles in your body to relax. The treatment promotes a sense of relaxation while detoxing the body leaving you refreshed!

5) CAN HELP YOU SHED POUNDS

Yup! That's right, it may help you lose some weight. Study by the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that a session in an infrared sauna can burn up to 600 calories. The sauna increases your heart rate, cardiac output and your metabolic rate meaning you'll end up burning calories during your treatment.

References
1. Benefits ISaunas S. Infrared Sauna Health Benefits – Sauna Benefits | Sunlighten [Internet]. Sunlighten.com. 2016 [cited 26 April 2016]. Available from: http://www.sunlighten.com/infrared-sauna-health-benefits.html
2. Dr. Brian Clement on Infrared Saunas and Detoxification [Internet]. Mercola.com. 2016 [cited 26 April 2016]. Available from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/21/dr-clement-on-detoxification.aspx

Choosing a Non-Toxic Nail Polish

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Toxins are bad all around. I have spent the last few years removing all toxins from my beauty routine. The one area I have recently been exploring is my nail polish. Did you know that 80% of cosmetics have been linked to various environmental and health concerns such as reproduction, cancer, asthma and allergies. Toxin exposure from your beauty products may also impact your hormones. This is why I have become determined to help you find out what to look for and which brands are the best!

LOOK OUT FOR THESE 7 TOXINS IN NAIL POLISH!

1. Dibutyl phthalate: this is a solvent for dyes and a plasticizer to prevent nails from breaking. It is known to be a possible endocrine disruptor meaning it can affect the hormones in your body.

2. Formaldehyde: this can be found in nail hardeners up to 5% and is known as a human carcinogen.

3. Toluene: this is known to be a skin irritant and can affect the nervous system through inhalation which may cause drowsiness, headaches and possible irritation to the respiratory tract.

4. Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin: this is used to form a tough and shiny layer to your nail polish. It is a known skin allergen which may cause dermatitis.

5. Camphor: this is a plasticizer that makes your nail polish flexible after application. It may cause dizziness and headaches if inhaled.

6. Parabens: this is a preservative that can mimic estrogen in the body and cause hormonal disruption.

7. Xylene: this is a solvent that prevents your nail polish from becoming gloppy. It is a known allergen and carcinogen.

______________________________________________________________________________________

NAIL POLISH BRANDS THAT ARE "3 FREE"
These nail polishes are free of the top 3 toxins 1) Dibutyl phthalate 2) Formaldehyde and 3) Toluene.

OPI (EWG score: 1-9)
Essie (EWG score: 2-8)
Butter London (EWG score: 3-7)
Sally Hansen (EWG score: 3)
L'Oreal Paris (EWG score: 4)
Revlon (EWG score: 3-4)

NAIL POLISH BRANDS THAT ARE "3 FREE" PLUS FORMALDEHYDE RESIN FREE

M.A.C.
Wet n' Wild (EWG score: 4-5)
NARS (EWG score: 4)

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER INGREDIENTS?? These companies are "7 free" meaning they are free of all 7 toxic ingredients listed above. No EWG scores were found for these products but their sites list all ingredients.

Pacifica
MOOV
Honey Bee Gardens
Piggy Paint
Scotch

** NOTE: EWG score is from the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep toxin score. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

STAY TUNED… for my review on a few "7 free" nail polish brands.

References:
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/toxics/how-to-choose-a-non-toxic-nail-polish/

http://www.freep.com/story/life/wellness/2015/05/09/chemicals-nail-polish/70956546/

Photo credit: Flickr.com user "amOunaâ„¢ The Pretty Psychopath BFH" / Foter / CC BY-SA

Castor Oil - Nature's Hidden Gem

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Castor oil is an incredibly versatile oil which dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Contained in the castor seed, Ricinus communis, this oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which gives the oil its beneficial healing properties. Castor oil is a folk remedy used around the world. Traditionally, it was used orally as a strong laxative, however, it can disrupt digestion and the beneficial flora of the gut. Castor oil provides best results when used topically. This gentle but powerful approach allows castor oil to deliver a multitude of benefits while being affordable and effective.

1. Skin

Castor oil is readily absorbed through the skin and can effectively work to treat acne by penetrating deep into the layers to remove any impurities. Apply on your face before bed and wash off in the morning.

2. Liver Detox

Castor oil packs are commonly used while on detoxification programs. Place castor oil on your upper right abdomen just below the breast to the bottom of the ribcage. Then place a flannel sheet over top followed by a hot water bottle to allow for the oil to penetrate deep into the liver. Sit and relax for 30-60 minutes while the oil stimulates the body’s natural detoxification process.

3. Muscle pain

Castor oil has been shown to relieve muscle aches through topical application by drawing out lactic acid from the muscles. Leave the oil on over night and it will relax and soothe aching muscles. I have found using castor oil on my back and neck to be very helpful. Usually the next morning, my muscle aches have subsided significantly.

Castor oil’s benefits extend far beyond the above uses such as treating dry hair, sore joints, fungal infections and inducing labor. Castor oil’s powerful properties and its plethora of therapeutic benefits make it one of nature’s hidden gems.

References

Marcheggiani, T. (2013, February 23). 6 Uses for Castor Oil . . Retrieved May 7, 2014, from http://www.myyogaonline.com/healthy-living/health-and-wellness/6-uses-for-castor-oil

(2013). Castor Bean. Natural Standard, Retrieved from http://ezproxy.ccnm.edu:2059/databases/herbssupplements/castoroil.asp

DIY Natural Liquid Hand Soap

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UPDATE: Check out my newest creation DIY NATURAL FOAM SOAP at my new blog! There is a short video as well showing the steps! http://saminamitha.com/2016/12/08/diy-natural-foam-soap/

Aloe Vera Lavender Liquid Soap with Vitamin E

During the winter I get extremely dry hands from using various kinds of liquid hand soap (especially from Bath and Body Works). So I decided to look for a natural approach to washing my hands. I found an amazing hand soap called “Nature Clean” liquid soap. It is very gentle and moisturizing on your hands. It is 100% natural as it is made out of plants and minerals. Using the soap for a couple of days cleared my dry skin. The only problem with the soap is that is $5.99 and we end up using one bottle in less than a few weeks. So I decided to search for a liquid soap recipe that I could make on my own. Sure enough, I found exactly what I was looking for at Holistic Handmaking! I decided to cut the recipe into half just to try it out and it worked wonders. This is gonna save me tonnes of money and eliminate the amount of plastic soap containers I throw away each month. Check out the steps below!

Materials

1 Bar of Soap

1 Gallon of Filtered/Distilled Water

2 Tbsp of Vegetable Glycerin

1 Jar or Soap Pump

4-5 Drops of Lavender (Optional)

Step 1: Shred a bar of soap.

I love the brand Soap Works so I ended up using the Aloe Vera with Vitamin E bar. You can get this soap at Bulk Barn and many health food stores. You can use any soap you like but a castile or vegetable based soap is the best to use as it is safe and gentle.

Step 2: In a large pot, add 1 Gallon of filtered/distilled water. You can pick this up at any grocery store.

Step 3: Add the grated soap to the pot.

Step 4: Add two tablespoons of vegetable glycerin to the pot and stir thoroughly. You can buy vegetable glycerin at any health food store.

Step 5: Warm the mixture over medium to high heat until all the soap dissolves. Make sure NOT to boil the water. Add a few drops of essential oil. I used lavender but any essential oil will work.

Step 6: Let the mixture cool.

Once the soap has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool over night (or about 12 hours).

Step 7: Voila!

After about 12 hours check if the soap is ready by placing a spoon on the top of the mixture. If the spoon falls to the bottom quickly the soap isn’t done yet. If the spoon falls slowly or not at all the soap is ready. Thoroughly mix the soap and store it in a container.

NOTE: If the mixture is too clumpy try adding increments of ½ cup of water and use a hand mixture until you get a desired consistency. I end up adding about ½ cup as my mixture was a little too solid.

Step 8: Soap Dispenser

I decided to use a mason jar as my soap dispenser. I got my bf to drill a small hole in the lid to make room for an old soap container pump.

Sources

http://www.holistichomemaking.org/2013/04/homemade-hand-soap-tutorial.html

http://puresoapworks.com/aloe.htm