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I am happy to introduce you to Paloma Health! And, January just so happens to be Thyroid awareness Month... Millions of Americans live with a thyroid condition that significantly impacts their health and well-being—but more than half remain undiagnosed. Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for other health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility. Paloma Health allows you to test your thyroid function from the very comfort of your home with an At-Home Blood Test Kit! They send you everything you need (and more) in a kit with simple and clear instructions on how to register, collect and return. As they say "The science is complex. This test isn't". Once you receive your results, if needed, you can make an appointment with your regular health care provider and share the information with them or you can request an on-line visit with one of Paloma's doctors. The endocrinologist and functional medicine care team at Paloma Health only treat Hypothyroidism so if you go with them you will get comprehensive hypothyroidism care from best-in-class endocrinologists and wellness experts! You'll get expert thyroid care without the headaches because you get an on line doctor visit, fast, effective, quality care medical treatment and prescriptions at your fingertips. In addition, the blog on their website contains a wealth of information and articles regarding thyroid health! Here is a nice introduction video. You'll learn a lot here! Also, doctor visits are covered by insurance. Paloma Health accepts major insurance plans and the Paloma Test kit and their Daily Thyroid Care supplements are HSA/FSA eligible. In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month Paloma Health is having a giveaway to share awareness of thyroid conditions and thyroid health! Head over to their website to learn more and for a great opportunity! (Please Note: This page contains affiliate links)

It's December and this time of year, a lot of us are in the holiday spirit, and one thing that is in the center of it all is the beautiful evergreen pine tree we call the Christmas tree. In our homes, they are all sizes. In the forests they are all sizes as well, from very small seedlings to the very stately and very, very tall. So tall that you have to tilt your head way back to look at the top! Did you know that pine, spruce and fir trees are powerful native medicines with remarkable healing properties? Past generations relied on the pine tree for its medicine and even nourishment. Today, some Native American tribes still depend on it. North America has about 36 kinds of Pine trees. It's important to know that not all are safe to ingest, some examplse are Ponderosa Pine, Yellow Pine, Lodgepole Pine, and Norfolk Island Pine, for example. Today, we are going to refer to the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). The white pine is considered safe, and you will know it by its long, soft needles. They are easy to identify. Identification: White pines can be identified by their clusters of long, soft, blue-green needles that grow in bundles of five. This differentiates them from red and jack pines, whose needles grow in bundles of two. The trees have red-brown bark that forms scaly plates. They produce elongated 3-8-inch cones containing small, winged seeds. . If you are not familiar with the Easter White Pine, please do an internet search and become familiar. Let's Get Down to the Medicine and Food Part! My favorite is the needle tea! What do you need for needle tea? Some pine needles and water; a little bit of honey or lemon is an option. Perhaps a fun family outing would be to take a walk in a forest or possibly your own backyard and find a white pine that you could sustainably and gently harvest some of its needles (always make sure the tree is in a clean location and has never been exposed to harmful chemicals, pesticides, etc. Therefor, never harvest from a tree on the side of the road.). Eastern White Pine Needle Tea The pine needles are loaded with vitamin C, apparently 5 times more than an orange. We all know vitamin C is required for our immune system. They also contain vitamins A, E, and a host of B vitamins, as well as containing antimutagenic, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties. That's potent! Ingredients: ½ cup young pine needles (a small handful) 3 cup spring water slice of lemon or a little honey (optional) Instructions: De-stem and remove the brown papery sheaths at the base of the needles. Chop needles into ½-inch pieces, to help release essence. Bring water to a boil. Place 1 tbsp. of chopped needles into a mug and pour boiling water over top, steep for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze lemon into tea for flavor if desired and enjoy. Eastern White Pine Salve 1. Using the pitch or resin, you can make a salve that has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This can be used as first aid for cuts, slivers, and minor burns. Ingredients: ¼ cup pine resin ½ cup almond or olive oil 1 oz. grated beeswax Directions: Heat the oil in a double-boiler. As oil begins to simmer, add pine resin, and continue heating until the resin melts. Stir occasionally. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh stainless steel strainer. Return mixture to double-boiler over low heat, and slowly stir in beeswax until melted. Pour mixture into jars or tins, and store in a cool place. Use the nuts or "fruit" in the scales of the pine cone.  Known for its own set of health benefits. These include: appetite suppression, boosting energy, reducing risk of heart disease, anti-aging, and improving vision. Use the nuts in salads and other recipes, or simply enjoy them as a snack. Of course, you can find these in your grocery store, so you won't have to sort through pine cones if you don't want to. ( : Use Pine essential oil. Invigorating and cleansing, pine essential oil can alleviate headaches, relieve pain, boost energy and mood, treat acne and other skin conditions, act as a decongestant, and freshen a room. Consider diffusing the oil at home, or adding a few drops to a bath for a rejuvenating and restorative experience. Try This one! Health Ranger Select Pine Needle Nasal Spray with Silver and Iodine 2 fl. oz (59 ml) Made with a combination of colloidal silver, iodine and essential oils, Health Ranger Select Pine Needle Nasal Spray with Silver and Iodine helps maintain healthy nasal and sinus passages. It contains no additives, chemicals, GMOs, fluoride, alcohol, aspartame or synthetic ingredients of any kind and is lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderfully Blessed and Healthy New Year! Val Just a note: In a survival situation, you can use the bark, however, be certain of the type of pine that it is! You can actually eat the bark of a pine tree. Hopefully none of us ever have to do that. The easiest way to reap its benefits is using pine bark extract, which is packed with powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C. The extract has been shown to lower glucose levels, improve diabetes symptoms, prevent hearing loss, restore balance, stave off infections, protect the skin from harmful UV rays, restore circulation, improve erectile dysfunction, reduce inflammation, even increase athletic performance. This is one made from the Chines Red Pine. #Affiliate

Did you know that our bodies are made up of 70 + trillion cells? That's a lot of 'em! Your cells are the foundation of you! And, because good health begins at the cellular level, it's important that our cells have everything they need to support you. Our cells require nutrients to help us not only heal from chronic conditions, but also to support and maintain optional health. The Building Blocks of Your Cells Phospholipids are the building blocks of your cell membranes. They allow nutrients into the cell and escort waste out (along with the help of proteins). They also allow the cell membrane to communicate with other cells, vital for keeping your body humming along smoothly — from balanced immunity to cardiovascular function to nervous system regulation and more. Your First Step in True Healing BodyBio PC (Phosphatidylcholine), it is your ultimate health optimization tool! Why? Because you can’t address larger, more complex health issues without first rebuilding your cells, the foundation of YOU. If you’re looking to recover from a chronic condition, PC is your first step in true healing from the cells up. Just looking for general good health maintenance? Pursue your wellness by prioritizing your cells. By using PC to support your cellular function across the board. What is Phosphatidylcholine? Watch this video for a clear explanation. BodyBio PC, a unique phospholipid complex, designed to repair and protect each one of your 70 trillion+ cells. BodyBio PC is for everyone because everyone is made up of cells. (70 trillion of them!). Give those cells the nutrients they need, and they’ll reward you with health and vitality at every age. Now you can receive %15 off with the one time code PURSUANCE Aging and toxin exposure cause your cells to break down, phospholipids are critical to rebuild and maintain their health from the brain to the gut and everywhere in between. You'll feel the power of these phospholipids as improved brain function, mental clarity, smoother digestion, better detox, and more consistent energy. That’s what makes BodyBio PC the foundation for your cellular health. Wishing you all the best in your pursuit of wellness! Val #Affiliate

Are you looking for answers? Are you doing everything right (as far as you know, anyway), but you are still feeling bla? The answer could lie in your DNA! And now, everyone has the ability to decode their unique set of genes, to inform you of your diet, environment and lifestyle choices that lead to and optimized you. What's The Difference? Contrary to popular recreational DNA tests out in the market, this test isn’t going to tell you the color of your eyes or where you came from. ⠀ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆’𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. To help you fully understand your unique operating manual. The research team behind The DNA Company spent 3 years working with 5,000+ executives, professional athletes, Olympians and black ops military exploring the full potential of human optimization by unlocking our human instructional manual – our DNA. Unlock the whole picture of yourself through a functional genomics perspective. Learn how your genes work together and how they are influenced by your lifestyle, nutrition and environmental choices and challenges.⠀ Make significant improvements in the following areas: Cardiovascular system Immunity and Detox Sleep Diet and Nutrition Hormones and Fitness Mood and Behavior All of this with a 30-second saliva sample and no doctor appointment or visit necessary! What do you do with the information you will receive? Watch this informative video here! Want to see a sample test result? Click here Now, are you ready to dive in? Are you as excited about the possibilities as i am? Order your DNA test Here! Here's to our good health, and be a reason somebody smiles today! Val #Affiliate

Our immune system is our security, our defense. A healthy immune system protects us against the adversaries (pathogens and disease), and the choices we make absolutely affects the health of our immune systems. A healthy immune system should be a priority in a pursuit of wellness. The important measures that we should all apply are listed here. Strengthen, Build, Edify Diet: Your diet should consist of dark leafy greens and colorful vegetables. Eliminate or drastically reduce inflammatory foods such as sugar, toxic oils, dairy, gluten, acidic, and processed foods. Drink nourishing bone broths, use herbs such as ginger, turmeric, rosemary. Eliminate alcohol, or at the very least keep it minimal. Move Your Body: Opt for 20–30 minutes a day. Do what your fitness level allows. Try to get outdoors, if you can. Supporting Supplements (as your resources allow): Vitamins D, C, B Complex, Zinc, Resveratrol Vitamin D - If you can't get outside for at lest 20 minutes a day, and more if you have dark skin. You should supplement with Vitamin D3 plus K2 at a dose of 5,000-10,000 IU/day. It's a good idea to test your levels. Optimal levels are 0 ng/mL up to 80 ng/mL This one from Seeking Health could be a great choice Vitamin C- A maintenance dose is, 2000mg divided throughout the day. This one from Seeking Health is a good liposomal vitamin C B Complex - This one from Seeking Health is one of the B Complexes that we use. Zinc - 30- 50mg per day Resveratrol - 200mg Minerals - Without minerals, you won't get the most our of your vitamins. Get Restorative Sleep: This is where you heal and repair. It is a must! (Try These Steps For Better Sleep) Detox - Use a Far-Infrared Sauna and get those toxins out via sweat. We use the one shown below. It works wonderful! You can get it here! In the Winter, use a humidifier: The air can be extremely drying when we have our heat sources going. A humidifier will keep your mucous membranes functioning properly. Release Some Nitric Oxide: Do this short routine with Dr. Zach Bush or sing and laugh. Laughter is good medicine, and it does the body good! So now, with a healthy functioning immune system, you won't have to worry about what's out there, you will be protected. A healthy functioning immune system is your security and protection from invading pathogens and disease. The best of health to you! Val #Affiliate

February brings us Valentines Day. For most of us when we think of Valentines Day, our loved ones come to mind. Actually, it isn't just on Valentines Day...it's everyday that we think of our loved ones. Valentine's Day is just a fun day to show our love. There are many ways to show your love to those who are special to you; a card, a phone call, a visit, flowers, a hug, a small gift, a special meal, a back or foot rub, performing a service, or simply saying the words "I love you". Oh, and another way to show your love, believe it or not, is to take care of your self! In a profound way, taking care of yourself can absolutely reflect love to and for others. One Way To Show Your Love Is To Protect Your Loved Ones If you love someone you want to protect them from harm. Unfortunately, today we are surrounded by an invisible form that can harm. I am referring to EMF radiation. EMF radiation is a form of frequency toxicity that we are all bating in 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. These frequencies are everywhere; cell phones, phone towers, wiring in your home, smart meters, smart appliances, your wifi router, and your neighbors wifi router. It's at home, it's at work, it's at school, it's where you shop, it's everywhere! EMF, What's The Harm? Love isn't the only thing that's in the air... EMF, is destructive and our bodies suffer from it. The frequencies trigger stress and the stress hormone cortisol, disrupts sleep, interferes with your central nervous system, impacts detoxification and promotes aging. It reaches down into the cellular level and wrecks havoc! Yeek! Whether you realize it or not, you are being affected and your loved ones are too! It's all really pretty scary stuff! What Can We Do About EMF? We can't eliminate EMFs totally, however, there are some things we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Unplug your wifi router when you retire for the evening. Do not sleep with a wireless device in your bedroom. (priorities this!) Turn wireless devices off when not in use. (still emit, even when not using) Get grounded (more on that in another post) When using devices use speakers and wired headphones (do not place cell phones against your ear and head.) Do not lay wireless devices on your body. Sleep with your head at the foot of your bed. (aware from the wires in the wall) Do not let them put a smart meter on your home. When you can, go barefoot outdoors. Use scientifically proven EMF protection products. A Bit On EMF Protection There are several studies regarding EMF Protection devices, showing that they do indeed help! As a food grower, one that really opens my eyes to the effects of EMFs on life, is a very simple study regarding cress sprouts. This test provides a visual demonstration of the negative effects of EMF radiation on the growth of cress sprouts, and how the EMF Harmonizer+ , a product from EMF Harmony minimized these negative effects. You can read more information on the study here. EMF Harmony is one of my trusted sources for EMF radiation protection. All their products are wonderful in supporting your health. I especially like the EMF Harmonizer Mobility wristband because it is attractive to all ages, even teenagers. EMF Harmonizer Mobility Wristband is a very nice looking, stylish accessory with a stainless steel magnetic clasp and a leather band. It offers EMF radiation protection provided by their dual-level technology, It supports your health and well-being as you are exposed to the ubiquitous electromagnetic radiation in today’s environment. The Mobility wrist band will protect your body against the negative effects of all EMF’s; It is effective for cell phone, WiFi, and even 5G protection. It is attractive enough to wear to work, school or play, and, durable enough to wear at work, during sports and the garden. It makes a perfect gift for your loved ones. Right now, today (2/3/23), and for a short time, EMF Harmony will take off 20% with the code VDAY at checkout. That's a good savings! Another EMF radiation protection company is Earthing®. They have several items for your home that will protect you from the damage of EMF radiation. They have bedding, mattress covers, earthing mats, grounder flip flops, grounding mats, socks, pillow covers, a pet bed cover and more, including an outdoor yoga mat. You can think about Earthing® products as extension cords that connects you to the ground outside. They offer safe, authentic products that help you stay grounded indoors. This is so necessary in today's world! Check them out here! The earthing essential kit contains their best selling Earthing™ Essentials Kit and includes a bundle of products to get you grounded at an incredible price! These products are designed to make it easy for you and your loved ones to get grounded indoors. Do Your Research Regarding EMFs. Once you do, you will come to realize, although technology has helped us out in many ways, that unfortunately, there are most certainly parts to it that we need to be aware of and mitigate. We know it isn't going away, so we need to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Our health depends on it! Research: (And, there's more!) Physicians For A Safe Technology National Toxicology Program U.S Health and Human Services International Research On Cancer NASA I hope this helps. And, if you know someone who would be helped by this information, please share. Here's to our health, Val (Please Note: This post contains affiliate links)

A well-organized, coordinated campaign from the FDA and Big Pharma is threatening access to the supplements we all depend on. Using the false premise that supplements are unsafe, the FDA is working to gain more power over the regulation of supplements in order to further solidify Big Pharma’s monopoly over medicine. These efforts must be opposed. The FDA has asked for the authority to implement an anti-supplement policy—we can’t let it happen. We can take action! Visit The Alliance of Natural Health to fill out an opposition form. Do it today!

What's in that candy? Most likely corn syrup, made from genetically modified corn, among other things. Evidence exist that some of the food additives, currently approved by the FDA for use in food products, are dangerous for consumers and may place your health at risk. Sadly many are targeted at children. There are currently 5 food additives recently examined and possibly coming under law in California as banned. These include red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil and titanium dioxide. Some of the "foods" containing these toxic chemicals include Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, jellybeans, Pez candy, Campbell’s Soup, Trident sugar-free gum and some breads. Lets take a look at these 5 1. Titanium dioxide Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are used in many foods as an artificial cake additive, anti-caking agent and whitener. It can be found in chewing gum, salad dressings, baked goods and coffee creamer. When the dust is inhaled, titanium dioxide is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans — yet, it’s an ingredient in the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. A 2017 paper demonstrated titanium dioxide nanoparticles could be found in tissue after only one week of exposure in an animal model at levels relevant to human consumption. The researchers concluded that the data indicated a risk for susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and colorectal cancer when exposed to dietary sources. A 2021 EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavorings found that based on the evidence and many uncertainties as well as a concern for genotoxicity, titanium dioxide “can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.” Scientists theorized in a 2022 paper that after exposure to titanium dioxide stopped, the toxic effects would continue to be detected. Using colon cells, they found that exposure caused alterations that were not reversed even after 48 hours. A 2021 review of the literature looked at how titanium dioxide affected the gut microbiota. They evaluated 18 animal studies and acknowledged that while extrapolation from animals to humans is challenging, the review did highlight titanium dioxide plays a key role in gut nanotoxicity. Did you know, although food companies began phasing out titanium dioxide in products shipped to the EU, it continues to be added to food sold in the U.S., Britain and Canada. Scientific Report , Pub Med 2. Brominated vegetable oil While the EU has banned brominated vegetable oil (BVO), the FDA allows manufacturers to use it as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored soda to keep the flavor from floating to the top. BVO contains bromine, which the Daily Mail notes can damage the central nervous system with long-term exposure and has been linked to memory loss, chronic headaches and poor balance. Mountain Dew removed BVO in 2020, but Sun Drop and other budget and store-brand versions of Mountain Dew still use it. India, Japan and the EU have banned its use as an additive as there are concerns that the bromine could accumulate in fatty tissue. The EWG warns that drinking large amounts of BVO-containing soda increases your risk of irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, fatigue, loss of muscle coordination and memory and headaches. The risks have been known since the early 1980s and even earlier studies showed animals eating diets contaminated with brominate developed changes to their heart and liver. Yet, since 1958, the FDA has classified it as GRAS. Daily Mail , EWG 3. Potassium bromate According to the Advisory Board, potassium bromate is another additive that is banned in Europe because it may cause cancer but still allowed to be added to flour and baked goods in the U.S. A request to ban potassium bromate was denied by the FDA, even though the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a possible human carcinogen. According to the EWG, the EU believes it may cause cancer, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment believes it’s known to cause cancer and the IARC believes it is possibly carcinogenic to humans. In 2015, the EWG’s online tool found 86 baked goods and other food products where manufacturers use potassium bromate as an ingredient. In 2023, that number has risen to 180. In 1999, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, echoing findings in several studies, determined potassium bromate is a possible human carcinogen. In lab tests, animals exposed to it had increased incidences of both benign and malignant tumors in the thyroid and peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Later research found that ingesting potassium bromate resulted in significant increases in cancer of the animals’ thyroid, kidneys and other organs. Because of these health concerns, potassium bromate is not allowed for use in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and the European Union. California requires food with potassium bromate to carry a warning label. Even with plenty of evidence showing potassium bromate’s potential to harm human health, it’s still legal for use in food sold in the U.S. EWG 4. Red dye No. 3 This food dye is used in many sweet candies. Yet, since the early 1980s, researchers have demonstrated that it is linked to cancer and laboratory animals and behavioral issues in children. On Jan. 30, 1990, The New York Times reported that the FDA had banned red dye No. 3 in cosmetics, yet it continues to allow the toxic chemical to be ingested in food and drugs. Consumer advocacy groups continue to petition the FDA to remove red dye No. 3 based on its link to cancer in animal studies and hyperactivity in children. FSN 5. Propylparaben Propylparaben belongs to a group of chemicals widely used as artificial preservatives called parabens. The Daily Mail notes that propylparaben is often used in baking products, yet the additive has been associated with infertility in animal studies, reduced sperm count in males and as an estrogen disruptor in females. Propylparaben is covered under the GRAS classification by the FDA. In 2019, the EWG reported that human studies from Harvard linked reduced fertility with higher levels of propylparaben in the urine. A 2021 paper reviewed the use of propylparaben, known for wide use in personal care products, drugs and food. The researchers reviewed the available evidence from animal and human studies, during which they addressed the circular logic proponents use to suggest that because the chemical has been used for several decades it must be safe. After evaluating the data, they concluded: “Inadequate evidence has been provided for the safe use of PP [propylparaben] in food, cosmetics and consumer products.” Pub Med, EWG Read The Labels! It's worth reading the labels. You deserve foods that will nurture you and your family, not poison and cause an accumulation of toxins that have serious negative health effects. It's o.k to have a treat once in a while, Choose healthier alternatives.

The mind, like a muscle, can either be agile or allowed to grow flabby with disuse. Atrophy often results from one=track concerns, such as work, family and social responsibilities. Could this be you? So, what should you do? Some things you could try are: Reading one good, well written book about a subject completely unrelated to your field or hobbies. Take a hike into the woods. Visit a museum Watch a good thought provoking movie (no crime or violence) Attend a good concert. Learn a song from beginning to end. Take up an instrument. (A harmonica is a small investment and you can take it with you anywhere you go!) As simple as it seems, get yourself a cross-wood puzzle book and spend some time exercising. Mediate. Learn a new skill. Take up Yoga or Tai Chi Continue to pursue wellness; you'll feel better!

Take advantage of this incredible medical herb! Both the flowers and the berries are wonderful for addressing upper respiratory infections. Today, the elders are in full bloom and it's the perfect time to pick some elderflowers. We are blessed to have lots and lots of elders throughout our property! These elderflowers can be used both fresh and dried. If you to have access to elders, the elderflowers can be dried for teas and other uses, by laying the entire cyme on a large piece of parchment paper, cotton towel or tray and placing in a warm, dry environment, out of direct sun. Once dry, the flowers can be separated from the stems by gently rubbing them into a bowl or bucket. Discard any flowers that have browned. Store in a sealed glass jar. Not everyone has elders growing in their yard, or other availability. Thankfully, you can find them in local herb shops or on-line. I will set a link below, for your convenience. These beautiful, delicate, lace like flowers have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant properties. A tea from the dried flowers will help to relieve cold or flu symptoms, an infused oil will relieve inflammation and a infused vinegar can be used in salad dressing! They are quite miraculous! A Simple Elderflower Tea Recipe: Pour boiling water over fresh or dried flowers and steep in a covered container for 10 minutes. Mix in a spoonful of local honey and find relief from your symptoms. An Age Old Elderflower Tea Recipe used Historically: *1/2 cup of dried elder flowers *1/4 cup of dried yarrow leaves and flowers *2 tablespoons dried rose hips (vitamin c) *2 tablespoons dried peppermint *Honey to taste (optional) Bring 3 1/2 cups water to a boil. Place all the herbs in a 1 quart jar. Cover with the just boiled water and stir. Steep, covered for 30 minutes. Strain well. Add honey if desired. Place the tea in a thermos and sip throughout the day. *All ingredients for the Age Old Elderflower Tea can be found here at Mountain Rose Herbs. Elderflower Vinegar: *Fill a jar with fresh elder flowers. *Cover with vinegar. *Let sit for at least a month, strain, and pour the infused vinegar into a sterilized bottle. Use as you would any vinegar in a salad dressing and reap the antioxidant benefits. Inflammation Relief Oil: *Fill a glass jar 1/2 full of dried elderflower or full if using fresh flowers. *Pour oil over it. You can use olive oil, sweet almond or jojoba. Sweet almond and jojoba is less greasy. *Store in a dark cupboard for 2 weeks. You will need to shake the jar at least every other day. *Strain the oil and place in a labeled jar. Store in a cool dry place Use on inflamed skin such as bug bites, sprains and rashes. You can find sweet almond oil and Jojoba oil at Mountain Rose Herbs! #affiliate

EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ is here, and the results are shocking! Yet again, strawberries top EWG’s Dirty Dozen list. 22 different pesticides were detected on a single strawberry sample! You must see the full list of fruits and vegetables! Along with EWG and others, we recommend you buy organic when possible, because they’re less likely to have traces of pesticides. Even traces are not good! Think about it...a blueberry ate by an adult, a blueberry ate by a little person...that little body is getting the same amount as your big body...! It is an unnecessary and dangerous toxic load! Get the list here at EWG

The Big Deal is This! Cosmetics and skincare is not regulated. Even if it was, that would not guarantee pure, clean ingredients. Unfortunately, some skin care products can and do contain some pretty bad stuff! Today we are looking at paraben. So What is Paraben, and Why is it There? Paraben is used as a preservative to prevent mold and bacteria from forming. Europe has banned the use, while the FDA continues to allow the use in cosmetics and skin care products. The experts agree that it can be a highly dangerous chemical over the long-term, contributing to fertility impairment, hormone disruption, skin irritation, and even various types of cancer! Long term use has been recognized to harm both male and female reproductive systems because parabens act like testosterone and estrogen in our bodies; this interferes with the delicate balance of our hormones. Experts warn parabens can lead to Early puberty in girls Lowered sperm count and motility Affected length of the menstrual cycle Fetal malnourishment and other reproductive development issues Preterm birth and other birth outcomes So, What Can You Do? Read the labels. Go through the products in your home and discard any that contain parabens. You may be able to return them to the store where you purchased them for a complete refund. Tell the cashier that the contents harm your body, and you would like your money back or, contact Corporate and request a refund. It's worth the try. Again, read the labels and stop buying any item that contains parabens, plus it is likely the item also contains other harmful ingredients as well, such as formaldehyde. Opt for products that have clean, organic, plant and oil based ingredients, Anything you place on your body is absorbed into your blood stream. If you can't eat it, you don't want it on your body (of course I'm not saying it would taste good). EWG is a great source for finding clean products. EWG SKINDEEP EWG, What Are Parabens...https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens Web MD, What You Should Know About Parabens...https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-parabens Parabens as emerging contaminates...https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652622008757 MDPI Paraben Compounds...https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2307