Apr 2011
Welcome Carmen Hughes!
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This month Carmen Hughes joined our team at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic! Look below for a special introductory offer and Mother’s Day special!
Carmen integrates healing energy into her facial and body treatments to provide a sense of well being that energizes all aspects of a person’s mind, body & spirit so that you can feel and be your very best from the inside out.
Carmen has many years of experience in the beauty industry. As well, she is interested in a multitude of alternative therapies and offers Healing Touch, Reiki and Energy Harmony Alignment (EHA) which is a new form of energy work that harmonizes the body by utilizing a very gentle, light touch. This creates a deeply relaxing sense of well being.
Carmen also offers Energy Flow Facial (deep cleansing facial), Cleansing Back Treatment (exfoliation & mask), Tension Release Treatments (combination of Swedish and energizing shiatsu), Ear Candling, Basic Waxing, and Hand & Foot Treatments (reflexology pressure points).
Special introductory offer:
Energy Flow Facial, Neck, Shoulder, Hand & Foot Massage (1 hour): $45.00 (regularly $90.00)
Tension Release Treatment (1 hour): $50.00 (regularly $60.00)
Bring a friend and receive a complimentary Reiki treatment!
Mother’s Day special:
Treat mom to a Strawberry Facial: $45.00 (regularly $90.00)
To book an appointment, call Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic at 416-690-6168
This month Carmen Hughes joined our team at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic! Look below for a special introductory offer and Mother’s Day special!
Carmen integrates healing energy into her facial and body treatments to provide a sense of well being that energizes all aspects of a person’s mind, body & spirit so that you can feel and be your very best from the inside out.
Carmen has many years of experience in the beauty industry. As well, she is interested in a multitude of alternative therapies and offers Healing Touch, Reiki and Energy Harmony Alignment (EHA) which is a new form of energy work that harmonizes the body by utilizing a very gentle, light touch. This creates a deeply relaxing sense of well being.
Carmen also offers Energy Flow Facial (deep cleansing facial), Cleansing Back Treatment (exfoliation & mask), Tension Release Treatments (combination of Swedish and energizing shiatsu), Ear Candling, Basic Waxing, and Hand & Foot Treatments (reflexology pressure points).
Special introductory offer:
Energy Flow Facial, Neck, Shoulder, Hand & Foot Massage (1 hour): $45.00 (regularly $90.00)
Tension Release Treatment (1 hour): $50.00 (regularly $60.00)
Bring a friend and receive a complimentary Reiki treatment!
Mother’s Day special:
Treat mom to a Strawberry Facial: $45.00 (regularly $90.00)
To book an appointment, call Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic at 416-690-6168
Comments
Guest post: Self-compassion: a determinant of health
28/Apr/11 12:56 PM Filed in: Guest post | Philosophy
Guest post originally published by Negin Misaghi, ND
In a recent article in Well, a health blog on The New York Times website, Tara Parker-Pope writes that “research suggests that giving ourselves a break and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic.”
Article is well worth the read! May I suggest you not just browse through it, but really try to understand it with an open mind and heart and see where and how you might need to apply this in your own life.
Here’s an excerpt from one of the researchers Dr. Neff, an associate professor of human development at the University of Texas at Austin: “[people] believe self-criticism is what keeps them in line. Most people have gotten it wrong because our culture says being hard on yourself is the way to be.’”
If you suffer from the detrimental effects of self-criticism practice being more compassionate towards yourself. Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or bombarding ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also means holding our difficulties in mindful awareness and feeling connected to others while we suffer.
For various reasons (learnt responses and cultural norms) we have learnt to have compassion for others without realizing our unique ability as human beings to comfort ourselves. Alex Lickerman, MD in his blog “How to Comfort Yourself” describes what we know and describe as ‘self’ as being made up of a smaller self and a larger self: “The smaller self sometimes refers to the small-minded ego whose only concerns are selfish and at other times to the seemingly endless capacity we all have to believe wholeheartedly the various delusions that populate our thinking. The larger self, in contrast, is considered to be our best self, our most selfless self—our enlightened self.” He believes that our larger self is capable of giving the smaller self compassion.
Remember that the art of self-compassion is a learnt response, which can overtime become your only response through conscious practice.
How have you met your needs for self-compassion today? Why not practice directing some of that compassion which comes so naturally to us to our selves?
Lesson from Gollum
25/Apr/11 09:15 AM Filed in: Philosophy
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Over the Christmas break a few months ago, I re-watched all the Lord of the Rings movies. I thought this scene with Gollum was a really powerful example of how most of us have 2 competing voices speaking to us.
One of those voices tells you that you can’t trust, you are not loved, not good enough... The other tells you the opposite. The “nasty” Gollum is right to some degree. The stern voice in your head can keep you protected and help you overcome many obstacles. But ultimately too much “medicine” is poison and allowing that voice to dominate will make your life miserable. You can tell the nasty voice to go away! You are the only person who can control what you tell yourself, so be careful to nurture the “kind” Gollum inside!
Over the Christmas break a few months ago, I re-watched all the Lord of the Rings movies. I thought this scene with Gollum was a really powerful example of how most of us have 2 competing voices speaking to us.
One of those voices tells you that you can’t trust, you are not loved, not good enough... The other tells you the opposite. The “nasty” Gollum is right to some degree. The stern voice in your head can keep you protected and help you overcome many obstacles. But ultimately too much “medicine” is poison and allowing that voice to dominate will make your life miserable. You can tell the nasty voice to go away! You are the only person who can control what you tell yourself, so be careful to nurture the “kind” Gollum inside!
Gluten sensitivity, part 1: definitions, prevalence, presentation
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
What do osteoporosis, anemia, hypothyroidism, irritability, diarrhea, and constipation have in common? They are all signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity. I’ve been meaning to write about this topic since I attended a seminar on gluten sensitivity in October 2009! A recent article in the Wall Street Journal called “Clues to Gluten Sensitivity” has helped me get in gear to cover this enormous topic. This is part 1 of a multi-part series of blogs I plan to write. Stay tuned for more!
What is gluten sensitivity?
As mentioned in the article linked above, it is important to understand the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. “Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.(1)” “Gluten sensitivity (GS) encompasses a collection of medical conditions in which gluten has an adverse effect.(2)” These medical conditions can be related to damage to the small intestine or may present in other ways.
Which foods contain gluten?
Gluten-containing foods:
Oats should technically be safe to eat on a gluten-free diet but most commercial oats are contaminated with gluten as they are farmed, transported, and packaged. You can buy gluten-free oats, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats. A small number of gluten sensitive people may also be sensitive to oats, so it is important to assess this for each patient individually.
Prevalence
This information is specific to celiac disease (see definition above), but still gives a good idea of the prevalence and importance of diagnosis.
Prevalence of celiac disease (3):
Those diagnosed with celiac disease between 2-4 years of age had a 10.5% chance of developing an autoimmune disorder. Additional findings show that the later one is diagnosed, the more likely her or she is to develop and autoimmune condition (5):
Age at diagnosis and chance of developing an autoimmune condition:
4-12 yrs: 16.7%
12-20 yrs: 27%
Over 20 yrs: 34%
As is now becoming clear, patients may have “silent” or atypical form that presents with no gastrointestinal symptoms. (6)
(7)
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease (1):
Signs and symptoms of “silent” celiac disease (8):
Children:
References:
What do osteoporosis, anemia, hypothyroidism, irritability, diarrhea, and constipation have in common? They are all signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity. I’ve been meaning to write about this topic since I attended a seminar on gluten sensitivity in October 2009! A recent article in the Wall Street Journal called “Clues to Gluten Sensitivity” has helped me get in gear to cover this enormous topic. This is part 1 of a multi-part series of blogs I plan to write. Stay tuned for more!
What is gluten sensitivity?
As mentioned in the article linked above, it is important to understand the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. “Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.(1)” “Gluten sensitivity (GS) encompasses a collection of medical conditions in which gluten has an adverse effect.(2)” These medical conditions can be related to damage to the small intestine or may present in other ways.
Which foods contain gluten?
Gluten-containing foods:
- Wheat (all forms, including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, couscous, bulgar, etc)
- Rye
- Barley
Oats should technically be safe to eat on a gluten-free diet but most commercial oats are contaminated with gluten as they are farmed, transported, and packaged. You can buy gluten-free oats, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats. A small number of gluten sensitive people may also be sensitive to oats, so it is important to assess this for each patient individually.
Prevalence
This information is specific to celiac disease (see definition above), but still gives a good idea of the prevalence and importance of diagnosis.
Prevalence of celiac disease (3):
- In average healthy people: 1 in 133
- In people with related symptoms: 1 in 56
- In people with first-degree relatives (parent, child, sibling) who are celiac: 1 in 22
- In people with second-degree relatives (aunt, uncle, cousin) who are celiac: 1 in 39
- 60% of children and 41% of adults diagnosed during the study were asymptomatic (without any symptoms).
Those diagnosed with celiac disease between 2-4 years of age had a 10.5% chance of developing an autoimmune disorder. Additional findings show that the later one is diagnosed, the more likely her or she is to develop and autoimmune condition (5):
Age at diagnosis and chance of developing an autoimmune condition:
4-12 yrs: 16.7%
12-20 yrs: 27%
Over 20 yrs: 34%
As is now becoming clear, patients may have “silent” or atypical form that presents with no gastrointestinal symptoms. (6)
(7)Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease (1):
- Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged)
- Diarrhea, either constant or off and on
- Lactose intolerance (common when the person is diagnosed, usually goes away after treatment)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody, or “fatty”
- Unexplained weight loss (although people can be overweight or of normal weight)
Signs and symptoms of “silent” celiac disease (8):
Children:
- Short stature
- Anemia
- Neurologic symptoms
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Anemia
- Reduced bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
- Apthous stomatitis, dental enamel defects
- Infertility, recurrent miscarriage
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Dyspepsia
- Esophageal reflux
- Neurologic symptoms
- Autoimmune diseases
References:
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001280/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten_sensitivity
- Fasano A, Berti I, Gerarduzzi T, Not T, Colletti RB, Drago S, Elitsur Y, Green PH, Guandalini S, Hill ID, Pietzak M, Ventura A, Thorpe M, Kryszak D, Fornaroli F, Wasserman SS, Murray JA, Horvath K. Prevalence of celiac disease in at-risk and not-at-risk groups in the United States: a large multicenter study. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Feb 10;163(3):286-92.
- Green PHR, Stavropoulos SN, Panagi SG, Goldstein SL, Mcmahon DJ, Absan H, Neugut AI. Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Jan;96(1):126-31.
- Ventura A, Magazzù G, Greco L. Duration of exposure to gluten and risk for autoimmune disorders in patients with celiac disease. SIGEP Study Group for Autoimmune Disorders in Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology. 1999 Aug;117(2):297-303.
- Sanders DS, Hurlstone DP, McAlindon ME, Hadjivassiliou M, Cross SS, Wild G, Atkins CJ. Antibody negative coeliac disease presenting in elderly people--an easily missed diagnosis. BMJ. 2005 Apr 2;330(7494):775-6.
- Feighery C. Fortnightly review: coeliac disease. BMJ. 1999 Jul 24;319(7204):236-9.
- Green PH, Alaedini A, Sander HW, Brannagan TH 3rd, Latov N, Chin RL. Mechanisms underlying celiac disease and its neurologic manifestations. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005 Apr;62(7-8):791-9.
How to be happy
21/Apr/11 10:39 AM Filed in: Philosophy
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I regularly read a blog by Adventurous Kate (another Kate!) and her recent post entitled “I’ve Found The Secret To Happiness” really resonated with me! She writes about her life one year ago, in the wrong job with an unhealthy lifestyle and really, not living a life that fulfilled her. She has since completely changed her career and lifestyle, leading her to greater happiness. Her blog is so inspiring and upbeat, I always look forward to new posts!
So what on earth does a travel blog by a girl I’ve never met have to do with naturopathic medicine? I’ll get to that, but first I’ll explain why her post inspired this blog.
Even though her story is so different from mine, I relate because I too was living a life that looked really great but was not fulfilling. I had graduated from Queen’s with a degree in Commerce and landed my “dream job” with a major consumer packaged goods company. I made more money than I had ever had in my life and spent a lot of my free time spending that money on clothes, accessories, fancy dinners, wine, and just a lot of “stuff.” While I loved the people I worked with and even enjoyed the challenge of my job, I was not happy. I was not in a career that utilized my greatest talents, I did not have the freedom that I wanted, and I had a lot of stuff but not a lot of great experiences.
So, after lengthy research and consideration, I quit my job and went to naturopathic medical school. Several people in my life remarked that this was a crazy choice, since I had so much going for me and such a bright future. I had to move because I couldn’t afford the rent on my apartment. I could not live alone (as I had wanted to do for years) because it was too expensive. I gave up the company car, new clothes/shoes/toys all the time, and my time (to class, studying, and part-time work). I gave up material comfort, career prestige, and 4 years of my life. I took on health challenges, loneliness, exhaustion, and a massive student debt. However, even though those years were incredibly difficult in a lot of ways and I will spend many years to come burdened with debt and the incredible responsibility of naturopathic practice, I’m happier!
I spend my time doing things I enjoy and learning about what interests me. I get to run my own business, which I love, and write about my interests here! I get to meet interesting and diverse patients and then spend (probably too much of) my time researching, analyzing, and formulating treatment plans for them. This career change has also changed the rest of my life. I have met truly amazing people and have had enriching experiences I would not have had otherwise. I have a lot more control of my time, so I have the flexibility to live how I choose.
So let’s return to the question of why a naturopathic doctor has written a whole blog inspired by a post by a stranger travelling in Asia? The point is that a very important part of wellness is happiness. You can eat perfect, exercise perfect, and live a perfect life but if you aren’t happy, your health and well-being will suffer and this will one day manifest as disease. This is where you say “duh,” but I hope you also consider what makes you happy and how you can get more of that in your life.
I regularly read a blog by Adventurous Kate (another Kate!) and her recent post entitled “I’ve Found The Secret To Happiness” really resonated with me! She writes about her life one year ago, in the wrong job with an unhealthy lifestyle and really, not living a life that fulfilled her. She has since completely changed her career and lifestyle, leading her to greater happiness. Her blog is so inspiring and upbeat, I always look forward to new posts!
So what on earth does a travel blog by a girl I’ve never met have to do with naturopathic medicine? I’ll get to that, but first I’ll explain why her post inspired this blog.
Even though her story is so different from mine, I relate because I too was living a life that looked really great but was not fulfilling. I had graduated from Queen’s with a degree in Commerce and landed my “dream job” with a major consumer packaged goods company. I made more money than I had ever had in my life and spent a lot of my free time spending that money on clothes, accessories, fancy dinners, wine, and just a lot of “stuff.” While I loved the people I worked with and even enjoyed the challenge of my job, I was not happy. I was not in a career that utilized my greatest talents, I did not have the freedom that I wanted, and I had a lot of stuff but not a lot of great experiences.
So, after lengthy research and consideration, I quit my job and went to naturopathic medical school. Several people in my life remarked that this was a crazy choice, since I had so much going for me and such a bright future. I had to move because I couldn’t afford the rent on my apartment. I could not live alone (as I had wanted to do for years) because it was too expensive. I gave up the company car, new clothes/shoes/toys all the time, and my time (to class, studying, and part-time work). I gave up material comfort, career prestige, and 4 years of my life. I took on health challenges, loneliness, exhaustion, and a massive student debt. However, even though those years were incredibly difficult in a lot of ways and I will spend many years to come burdened with debt and the incredible responsibility of naturopathic practice, I’m happier!
I spend my time doing things I enjoy and learning about what interests me. I get to run my own business, which I love, and write about my interests here! I get to meet interesting and diverse patients and then spend (probably too much of) my time researching, analyzing, and formulating treatment plans for them. This career change has also changed the rest of my life. I have met truly amazing people and have had enriching experiences I would not have had otherwise. I have a lot more control of my time, so I have the flexibility to live how I choose.
So let’s return to the question of why a naturopathic doctor has written a whole blog inspired by a post by a stranger travelling in Asia? The point is that a very important part of wellness is happiness. You can eat perfect, exercise perfect, and live a perfect life but if you aren’t happy, your health and well-being will suffer and this will one day manifest as disease. This is where you say “duh,” but I hope you also consider what makes you happy and how you can get more of that in your life.
Naturopathic medicine: choice of the uninsured
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I just read a great blog by an Dr. Steve Nenninger, ND in New York called “Naturopathic Medicine is the Treatment of Choice for the Uninsured.”
In Canada we are fortunate enough not to have to deal with the same private insurance landscape (nightmare?) as in the US, but the parallel here is our provincial healthcare plan. Some of my patients have additional insurance through their workplace that provides some coverage for naturopathic medicine, but about half of them don’t, which means they pay 100% out-of-pocket. Regardless, for most chronic health concerns, and depending on the insurance plan (which you pay for as well!), most patients are paying a portion of the cost for naturopathic treatment themselves. So why is it worth it?
“The treatment you get from insurance is not the treatment that will get you better.”
Doctors in Canada are also bound by “standard of care” and those protocols for treating patients are based on their medical training. This medical training is based mostly on pharmaceutical medication and does not include much on nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counselling, or other holistic and gentle therapies. Seeing an MD (for “free” in Canada, although we all know it’s not really free) is not the same as seeing an ND.
“The most expensive treatment is the one that doesn’t work.”
Naturopathic medicine is focused on true healing. As an ND I am constantly focused on our goal of wellness and I am fortunate enough to have the time to spend with patients to discuss honestly how our treatment is progressing. Being ill or even just not being truly well is far more expensive than just the cost for medications and treatments. As Dr. Nenninger says: “Nothing affects your ability to be a productive human being more than being ill.”
I just read a great blog by an Dr. Steve Nenninger, ND in New York called “Naturopathic Medicine is the Treatment of Choice for the Uninsured.”
In Canada we are fortunate enough not to have to deal with the same private insurance landscape (nightmare?) as in the US, but the parallel here is our provincial healthcare plan. Some of my patients have additional insurance through their workplace that provides some coverage for naturopathic medicine, but about half of them don’t, which means they pay 100% out-of-pocket. Regardless, for most chronic health concerns, and depending on the insurance plan (which you pay for as well!), most patients are paying a portion of the cost for naturopathic treatment themselves. So why is it worth it?
“The treatment you get from insurance is not the treatment that will get you better.”
Doctors in Canada are also bound by “standard of care” and those protocols for treating patients are based on their medical training. This medical training is based mostly on pharmaceutical medication and does not include much on nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counselling, or other holistic and gentle therapies. Seeing an MD (for “free” in Canada, although we all know it’s not really free) is not the same as seeing an ND.
“The most expensive treatment is the one that doesn’t work.”
Naturopathic medicine is focused on true healing. As an ND I am constantly focused on our goal of wellness and I am fortunate enough to have the time to spend with patients to discuss honestly how our treatment is progressing. Being ill or even just not being truly well is far more expensive than just the cost for medications and treatments. As Dr. Nenninger says: “Nothing affects your ability to be a productive human being more than being ill.”
Happy weight, naturally
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
In my practice I meet a lot of patients who want to lose weight, whether it be 5 pounds or 100 pounds! Most people have an unrealistic expectation of how much weight they can lose and how quickly this can be achieved. I recently read an article called “Ideal Weight or Happy Weight” about the impact even a small weight loss can have on your health and the theory of a weight “set point.”
“If you're overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight is associated with a myriad of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, and reducing your risk for heart disease.” These are amazing benefits that not only pay off in the short-run when you feel so much better, but in the long-run by significantly improving your quality of life! A 10% weight loss is a great goal to start with and helps patients adopt the habits that will build the foundation for great health for the rest of their lives.
“Your body weight is naturally regulated to stay within a range of 10%-20%.” Once you maintain a certain weight for a few years or even decades, it can be difficult to shift significantly outside of this “set point.” However, it is not impossible, it just requires more time, commitment, and consistency than most patients realize. You CAN lower your “set point” through healthy eating habits, exercise, and lifestyle strategies.
What else can I do to support healthy weight loss?
Naturopathic medicine is a great support for weight loss via a personalized nutrition plan, addressing underlying health issues obstructing weight loss, improving digestion, making the mind-body connection, and perhaps more importantly, supporting behavioural change at a deeper level using energy medicine. We’ve all heard that it is so important to address the REASONS behind habits to change them. In my practice I find homeopathy and acupuncture to be great stimulants for self-healing as well as useful tools to address food cravings, mood, stress, sleep, and motivation, all of which contribute to your ability to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
What can I do today?
You can start implementing some healthy weight loss strategies into your life right now:
• Eat a healthy, nutrient-dense breakfast every day
• Ensure you get adequate, quality sleep each night
• Eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• Get outside and walk for at least 20 minutes per day
• Stick with it! As they say, “practice makes perfect!”
In my practice I meet a lot of patients who want to lose weight, whether it be 5 pounds or 100 pounds! Most people have an unrealistic expectation of how much weight they can lose and how quickly this can be achieved. I recently read an article called “Ideal Weight or Happy Weight” about the impact even a small weight loss can have on your health and the theory of a weight “set point.”
“If you're overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight is associated with a myriad of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, and reducing your risk for heart disease.” These are amazing benefits that not only pay off in the short-run when you feel so much better, but in the long-run by significantly improving your quality of life! A 10% weight loss is a great goal to start with and helps patients adopt the habits that will build the foundation for great health for the rest of their lives.
“Your body weight is naturally regulated to stay within a range of 10%-20%.” Once you maintain a certain weight for a few years or even decades, it can be difficult to shift significantly outside of this “set point.” However, it is not impossible, it just requires more time, commitment, and consistency than most patients realize. You CAN lower your “set point” through healthy eating habits, exercise, and lifestyle strategies.
What else can I do to support healthy weight loss?
Naturopathic medicine is a great support for weight loss via a personalized nutrition plan, addressing underlying health issues obstructing weight loss, improving digestion, making the mind-body connection, and perhaps more importantly, supporting behavioural change at a deeper level using energy medicine. We’ve all heard that it is so important to address the REASONS behind habits to change them. In my practice I find homeopathy and acupuncture to be great stimulants for self-healing as well as useful tools to address food cravings, mood, stress, sleep, and motivation, all of which contribute to your ability to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
What can I do today?
You can start implementing some healthy weight loss strategies into your life right now:
• Eat a healthy, nutrient-dense breakfast every day
• Ensure you get adequate, quality sleep each night
• Eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• Get outside and walk for at least 20 minutes per day
• Stick with it! As they say, “practice makes perfect!”
Essential oil acne treatment
10/Apr/11 09:14 AM Filed in: Beauty
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I’ve been working with essential oils since I was in high school and I enjoy making my own formulas that have evolved over the years. This mixture is designed to gently combat and heal acne blemishes.
Acne spot treatment
Caution:
Bergamot essential oil can cause skin to become more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive). Avoid use before sun exposure.
Directions:
Combine the following ingredients in a 10mL roller bottle:
15 drops bergamot essential oil
15 drops geranium essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil
Then, fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba, grapeseed, almond, or calendula.
Apply mixture to blemishes nightly as needed.
I’ve been working with essential oils since I was in high school and I enjoy making my own formulas that have evolved over the years. This mixture is designed to gently combat and heal acne blemishes.
Acne spot treatment
Caution:
Bergamot essential oil can cause skin to become more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive). Avoid use before sun exposure.
Directions:
Combine the following ingredients in a 10mL roller bottle:
15 drops bergamot essential oil
15 drops geranium essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil
Then, fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba, grapeseed, almond, or calendula.
Apply mixture to blemishes nightly as needed.
Great quote #26
08/Apr/11 08:29 AM Filed in: Quotes
