oil pulling

Have you heard of oil pulling before? Well if you haven't, listen up, cause this Ayurvedic natural remedy rocks! Why and how so? Look below!

How do you do it?

The pure oils actually pull out harmful bacteria, fungus and other harmful organisms from the teeth, gums and throat! So far, my longest time is 6 mins. Hahaha, I know, at least 14 mins more to go right. But you know what? It's an improvement from when I first started. I could keep in in for about  2 minutes? What I think really helps is distracting yourself, like watch tele or something entertaining on YouTube and time will fly as you oil pull. Oh yes and btw, I use the coconut oil in the picture above, Nutiva coconut oil is really amazing because of it's texture, it's the best I've tried. It's silky, smooth and light. (I know these terms may seem like pretty typical, generic terms to describe an oil, BUT, you will know what I mean if you have tried a few and if you compare them to this oil.)

Good luck!

turmeric

I also know I have done posts on turmeric before, but this info graphic here is great for peeps who who just wanna know the basics about turmeric and why it's super cool. 

coconut oil

I know I've gone on about coconut oil a few times before, but really, it's one of the BEST multi purpose natural oils out there. Saw this info-graphic and knew I had to share it. A few more ways you can incorporate coconut oil in your daily routine!

Franch oil

Let me introduce you to my new favorite cure all natural affordable oil. It is, FRANCH OIL! Developed in 1998, this Ayurvedic oil is made from ingredients such as almonds, tulsi, aloe vera and linseed! German Cold Pressed technology is used to extract these oils, this method promotes extraction without denaturing active components of ingredients used. 

What is the oil good for? Oh my look...

- Hair growth

-Healing cracked feet 

-Healing chapped lips

-Healing minor cuts,burns,mosquito bites, insect bites 

-Reducing pimples

-Reducing menstrual cramps

-Constipation problems

-Sprains, joint pains,muscle aches

I bought mine from Little India for less than $10. Try it sometime, use it consistently and remember, there are NO side effects! 

epsom salt soak for your feet

Lately, I've been soaking my feet in Epsom salts before I go to bed. What I do is, fill a basin with warm/hot water and add in about 1/3 a cup of salt, soak my feet in the mixture and read till the water is no longer warm. Hehe.

Okay now why do I add Epsom salts in the water? This is because, Epsom salts are made out of the mineral magnesium sulfate, which acts as a sedative for the nervous system. So take note, this is NOT A TABLE SALT, it is NOT sodium chloride, it is made up of magnesium and sulfate! 

So please don't add this to your food! D:

This is a picture of the brand of Epsom salts I use.

How does it work? Okay so when the magnesium sulfate is absorbed through our skin, (a highly permeable membrane), it actually draws salt and toxins from the body and allows magnesium and sulfate to enter the body through reverse osmosis. This leads to relaxed muscles, a reduction in swelling, promotion in detoxifying and re-balancing mineral and sulfur levels in the body.  

If you have a bathtub at home, try putting in a few spoons, it's a great way to cleanse your aura too!

Epsom salts are used in so many ways, from gardening to household cleaning to yes (as mentioned above), detoxifying the body. I will post more about it's benefits and how it helps me as I continue to explore how beneficial it can be in my life. 

Till then, try soaking your feet in a basin of warm water and the salt before you hit the sack, it could help you get a better night's sleep. :) 

Chrysanthemum & Green tea Eye Pack

For all those of you who want bright eyes that look alive and rested, try this out!

What do you need?

2 Tbsp dried chrysanthemum flowers

Green tea leaves OR 2 green tea bags

distilled/filtered/mineral water

Once you have rinsed the tea leaves/tea bags and chrysanthemum flowers (to remove any dust or debris), place them in a clean cup/bowl.

Pour boiled distilled water/filtered/mineral over the bowl/cup containing the flowers and tea leaves/tea bag. Now cover it and leave it to infuse for about 8-10 mins. 

Strain the liquid from the solids and allow it to cool completely.

How to use it?

Soak the desired number of cotton pads you want to use in the infusion before application. (2-6 cotton pads maybe?)

(With your eyes closed of course), place the cotton pads over your eye area and leave it on for 20-30minutes. 

(The more cotton pads you place over your eyes, the stronger the concentration of liquid over your eyes, so you could maybe place 6 and allow infusion to take place, then go on to place 3 cotton pads over each eye?)

When removing the cotton pads, rem, don't press your eyeballs, just gently remove it, and you are done!

Hope you enjoy this!

rose bud & apple cider Vinegar toner

Instead of using your usual face toner, you could try making your own, with this easy recipe! 

Fun fact1: Rosebuds soften and moisturize the skin. Infusing the scent of rosebuds makes a pleasant and uplifting scent, great for improving your mood if you are feeling low. 

Fun fact2: Apple cider vinegar is great for restoring the skin's natural pH level for ALL skin types! It also helps to reduce skin irritations and remove impurities.

What do you need?

2 Tbsp Rosebuds

1 cup distilled/filtered/mineral water

1-1 1/2 tsps Organic apple cider vinegar

What do you do?

-Soak the dried rosebuds in the water for 15 minutes. Heat the mixture on your stove for 15-20 mins but DON'T boil.

-Remove from heat, allow it to cool before adding organic apple cider vinegar. Mix it well.

-Remove the rosebuds from the mixture. Store the mixture in a bottle. 

Done, have fun!

DIY CUCUMBER & YOGURT CLEANSING CREAM

Fun Fact 1: Yogurt has been around for MORE than 4000 years. Besides eating it, yogurt has been used by various cultures to treat hair and skin problems (such as scalp irritations and burns). The lactic acid found in yogurt makes it ideal for natural moisturizing and exfoliation of skin. It also contains a host of vitamins and minerals, keeping the skin healthy. It also does a pretty good job emulsifying excess oils found on skin. 

Fun fact 2: Cucumber is a great ingredient as a cleanser because it is refreshing, cooling, softening, soothing and has healing properties!

Here is an easy, cooling cleansing recipe you can apply on your skin!

What do you  need?

1 1/4 mashed/finely minced CUCUMBER

1Tbsp Plain,unsweetened YOGURT

What to do next?

Combine both ingredients, and mix well!

Now, rinse your face with water and apply the cleanser in a circular motion gently on your face.

Wipe off the yogurt cleanser with a cotton pad and rinse your face thoroughly, pat dry.

Make sure ingredients are in the fridge before/after making the mixture so that when you apply it, it'll be nice and cooling and soothing! :)

DIY Rose Water Spray

I am quite a sucker for rose scents, and I'm also quite crazy about the natural beauty properties of roses. Did you know that roses have fabulous skin enhancing effects? For example, when rose water is applied on the skin, it's anti-inflammatory properties help to calm irritated and sensitive skin.It is also cooling, moisturizing and refreshing. 

I read somewhere that it's the sugars found in rose petals that are responsible for it's soothing effect upon application. Also, it's natural oils actually trap moisture, which is why our skin usually feels smoother when rose water is applied. 

So how do you make your own rose water spray? 

All you need is: 

A) Handful of rose petals OR rose buds (just get whatever you can)

B) 2 cups of boiling filtered water (if you don't have a filter, it's okay)

C) Vitamin E

D) Spray Bottle

(Vit E is optional, I'd really only use this because well, not only is it an amazing moisturizer, but it also acts as a natural preservative for your beauty product. But if you don't plan on keeping your rose water spray for long, you don't need this)

What do you do now?

1. Boil the water, make sure it's really hot. With your roses in a bowl, pour the boiling water over it.(Add in Vitamin E oil if you want). 
2. Cover this, and  leave it for a good 8-10 hours (or longer, it really depends on how strong you want the scent to be). 
3. Use a strainer, drain the water into a spray bottle and you are done!

These types of spray bottles are nice, a good size, and easily available, you can buy em from Sasa. 

Now, since it gets so hot over here in Singas, why don't you put your bottle in the fridge, and bring it along with you when you go out. Spray to cool down, feel refreshed and smell lovely.

Stars & Smiles,

aly

lemon for blemishes

Costs less than $2, is anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and rich in Vitamin C. Lemons! If you have blemish problems, try applying lemons on it! Rub a slice of lemon on your face, 

(remember it's acidic so don't leave it on for too long), leave for 5-10 mins and wash off. If it stings or you feel a "biting" sensation, it's okay! Okay it's NOT okay if you cannot tolerate the feeling okay? But if you can, then its O.K. 

Now try doing this for a week, and your blemish with def diminish!

( This is especially effective if you just got the blemish). 

Rub -A- Dub- Dub,

aly

Coconut oil beauty uses

    

Soooooooo a few uses of coconut oil below!

1. As a moisturizer
2. As a replacement to chemical laden shaving cream when shaving your legs
3. As massage oil
4. To add shine to your make up (So put very little oil over your make up, to give a glow)
5. To remove make up (like look at the pic below, I used it to remove eye make up) and then to remove blusher. It works sooo well! And guess what? Natural! No chemicals! WOO! 

Natural Plant Beauty Secrets

Sometime last month I attended a workshop conducted by my best friend's mom, Nazli Anwari on how to make face and body scrubs from candle nuts, avocados, gingers, jasmines, rice flour and more. Everything we were taught to make incorporates natural ingredients. Hence, it is safe to feed the skin these knowing that what has been applied is natural and chemical free. We learned how to make different types of teas (to soothe the throat, (relieve colds, to give energy and to detoxify). We learned how to make a turmeric body scrub, candle nut face scrub, papaya face mask and how to create a jasmine massage oil. 

It was SO enjoyable and informative, perfect for the woman who wants to live naturally and authentically. I must share the happiness with you. Here are a few pictures.

                                         Aunty Nazli preparing before the workshop :)

Refreshments water, apples and nuts, YUMMY

Gorgeous natural ingredients for to prepare teas/scrubs etc

Helloooo Fernando, their adorable kitty cat

We got to smell and touch kaifir lime and basil leaves..

A few ingredients for a face mask we made

Utama Spice all natural body moisturizers and face scrubs were given free

I'll share one of my favorite recipes shared with us during the workshop. This is how to make Kunyit Assam (A turmeric Tea which is fantastic for cleansing the intestinal tract).

Ingredients: 

1. 10gm turmeric tuber
2. 6gm assam or tamarind
3. 5gm cinnamon
4. 20gm palm sugar or honey
5. pinch of sea salt and powdered nutmeg

So what you do is grate the turmeric finely and boil it together in 100ml of water together with the cinnamon and nutmeg for 15 minutes. From here, strain into a cup and add sugar/honey and salt. Drink when cool. This can be consumed once a day (prefereably before breakfast). Keep in mind also that tamarind has laxative qualities, so timing when consuming this drink, is important! :)

If you would like to learn these things too and/or would like to get in touch with Nazli Anwari, her contact details are:

Mobile: 96312957

Office:63487658

Email: Nazli@medicinewoman.asia

Websites:medicinewoman.asia

thaiyogamassage.asia

sickening beauty

I'm a fan of info-graphics like that found below, cause there is so little beating about the bush. Information is laid out in a succinct and easy to read manner. Check out the picture below if you are curious to know what harmful chemicals may be contained in products you may be using on a day-to-day basis.

Smoother Skin

If you want smoother and lighter skin, less pimples, reduced  body odor (let's say after you exercise) and improved digestion, try incorporating lime in your diet/weekly beauty routine.

Glowing & Smoother Skin: 

Take 1 lime cut in two, and rub in a circular motion on skin, leave it on for 10mins

If you have sensitive skin like me, don't apply it very often because let's not forget that lime is acidic, and too much acidity on your skin isn't good. You don't want your skin to thin!

Now, let's say you rubbing 1/2 a lime onto your skin just isn't your thing, it stings and it's annoying. Well, don't waste the other half..

 Squeeze lime juice into water, and hey drop in the skin too

Lime juice improves digestion and is an awesome thirst quencher

Reuse that empty jar

If you drink lots of coffee, eat your pasta with pasta sauce enjoy your toast with jam, well, you're bound to have the empty glass jars remaining once you're finished with it. Instead of throwing the empty glass jars away, you could wash out what's left in it, remove the labels, add in a few bio gel plant balls, put in a plant of your choice, and tadaaaa- you've recycled your glass jar and managed to add a splash of green/nature in your room! I recently added my own new addition (money plant in glass jar) recycling my friend's empty coffee jar. The water is yellowish brown well cause I soaked the remaining coffee bits which were hard to remove in water overnight.

Whiter teeth the natural way

I saw this video on YouTube and thought I'd give it a go! This is a natural way of whitening your teeth. All you need is a strawberry and a teaspoon/pinch of baking soda.

1. Cut up the strawberry put it in a bowl and start mashing it up
2. Add in a teaspoon of baking powder (full teaspoon or half/ less/ pinch, is really up to you, but I'd go with a pinch next time)
3. Mix it together
4. Put the paste on a spare/new toothbrush 
5. Apply as if your brushing your teeth (the taste is pretty salty and try not to swallow it)After 5-10mins wash off thoroughly and brush your teeth after 
6. Smile to self and feel happy

Things to take note of:

The baking soda may cause some discomfort to your gums, it did for me, even my lips began feeling sensitive, so I washed it out after about 4-5 mins and instead, mashed up the strawberries and applied the pulp on my teeth.

Here's the thing though, the strawberry baking soda combo is an acidic combination so if you wanna do this, don't do it too often.. Even applying strawberry pulp on your teeth often isn't a good idea because it contains malic acid, which yes does have it's benefits but if you think about it, acid on your teeth for long periods of time on many occasions, can't be a good thing. I'd limit this to once a week or once in two weeks.

All in all, this method of whitening teeth is great for those who aren't up to going to the dentist for teeth whitening (cause who knows what's in em teeth whitening chemicals which are probably way more harmful to the teeth and body). It is also, WAY cheaper.

So try it sometime! Takes less than 15 mins for a brighter smile :)

LIPS: DIY LIPGLOSS

After watching Jeannie Mai advertise how to make your own lipgloss, I finally made time to buy the ingredients and try it out.  

What you will need:

1. Aloe Vera (Just one is enough)
2. Coconut oil (Cooking oil )
3. Vitamin E oil
4. Teaspoon
5. Bowl
6. Container/Vial/Anything to store your lipgloss in

How to do it:

• Scoop out a teaspoon of Aloe vera
• Half a teaspoon of coconut oil
• MIX
• Add in a drop or 2 of pure vitamin E oil
• MIX
• Store in container/wherever you want

Step by step picture guide

After trying this out, I realized that if you want a natural lipgloss, using coconut oil on your lips is really all you need. I suppose the added benefits of the aloe vera and vitamin E is a bonus though. (They are both super moisturizing for our skin, reduce signs of aging skin, contain antioxidants and super for healing the skin)

If you are in a rush , my advice, and something I will start doing too is to just store a little coconut oil in a vial I can carry along in my handbag for a quick lip glossy look. 

I also realized that the sheen provided by coconut oil (only) on my lips lasted way longer than the aloe and vit e combination. However, I must stress that my lips felt SO supple when I used both. Really, I have sensitive skin, I have used Vaseline, lip balms and numerous lip gloss brands, if anything, this is a natural alternative to a lip moisturizer. I'd totally recommend it to everyone. 

My glossy lips 

Try this out, or hey try just dabbing a little coconut oil on your lips.. it works :)