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In Nutrition

Homemade and Healthy Electrolyte Drink

Electrolytes are minerals that are needed by the body to perform basic life function processes. Two of these functions in particular is to maintain electrical neutrality in the cells and to generate and conduct action potentials in the nerves and muscles.

ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE

When electrolyte levels in the blood become too high or too low, it can cause an imbalance, which in turn can lead to issues such as:

  • irregular heartbeat
  • muscle weakness or spasms
  • bone disorders
  • convulsions and/or seizures
  • confusion
  • numbness
  • excessive tiredness
  • nervous system disorders
  • change in blood pressure

CAUSES OF IMBALANCE

  • poor diet and severe dehydration
  • prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea
  • loss of electrolytes and hydration after exercise
  • acidosis/alkalosis (imbalance of blood pH)
  • diuretics and other drugs
  • congestive heart failure
  • cancer treatment

ELECTROLYTE DRINKS

Most electrolyte drinks that you will find on supermarket shelves (and even some from healthy places like sports nutrition stores) contain ingredients that are far from being beneficial to the body. High levels of sugar, sodium, food dyes, chemical sweeteners and other additives found in these drinks contribute to health problems. Many popular electrolyte drinks, when consumed regularly, have the potential to lead to diabetes, kidney damage, tooth enamel erosion and weight gain.

Clearly it’s best to avoid this ‘health’ drink and stick to a natural source of rehydration of electrolytes.

HOMEMADE AND HEALTHY ELECTROLYTE DRINK RECIPE

  • 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups of raw coconut water
  • 2 tbl organic raw honey or organic maple syrup
  • 2 pinches of Himalayan salt

METHOD

  1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
  2. Bottle in glass and refrigerate.
  3. Best served on ice.

For a nice change, substitute the orange juice for 1/4 cup of lime juice!

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In Recipes

5 Detox Smoothies Your Body Will Love

Sometimes when we think of the word detox we immediately think it involves drinking some horrible concoction to get our bowels moving.

A colon cleanse can be useful to help the body detox from toxins, however it is not the only way!

These 5 detox smoothie recipes are not only delicious but they use wholefoods that nourish your body while gently supporting your detoxification pathways at the same time.

Simply blend up all ingredients and enjoy!

THE SKIN SMOOTHIE

  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 tbl acai berry powder
  • 1 tbl hemp seeds
  • 250 mL coconut milk
  • 250 mL almond milk
  • 1 tsp coconut syrup
  • splash pure vanilla extract

THE LUNG SMOOTHIE

  • 1 cup chopped pineapple
  • 1 granny smith apple
  • 1 handful baby spinach
  • 1 Lebanese cucumber
  • 1 lime (skin on for extra anti-inflammatory benefits)
  • 2 cm piece ginger
  • handful of mint leaves
  • 1 cup coconut water

THE KIDNEY SMOOTHIE

  • 2 carrots
  • 1 grapefruit
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 cm piece ginger
  • 1 – 2 cm piece turmeric
  • pinch cayenne pepper

THE LIVER SMOOTHIE

  • 2 lemons
  • 1 grapefruit
  • 1 green apple
  • 1 cup chopped pineapple
  • 2 sticks celery
  • 1 carrot
  • chopped parsley (to taste)

THE COLON SMOOTHIE

  • 1 beetroot
  • 1 red apple
  • 1 pear
  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce

Adding lettuce provides beneficial fiber and other benefits to the smoothie but mixing green with red fruit and veg can make the end result brown. Which doesn’t look all that appetising!

If you’d prefer to keep your smoothie nice and red, just skip the lettuce and pop it in your salad instead!

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In Low Tox Life

All Natural DIY Linen Spray

Have you used one of these before?

Linen sprays are designed to freshen up sheets and sometimes clothing between washes.

You might be thinking you don’t really need one because your fabric softener leaves a pretty smell on your clothes and bed linen, but I’m here to let you know that those aromas are doing more harm then good!

I talk a bit more about it over here on this post, but any ‘fragrance’ you come across these days is more likely to be a cocktail of hundreds of synthetic ingredients that are linked to all kinds of illness and disease.

Not too long ago, all fragrances came from pure extracts of plants, aka essential oils. For most big companies, it’s a lot cheaper to fabricate scent in a laboratory.

I don’t know about you, but I’m all about quality and not compromising my health.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils have become quite popular these days but they really aren’t a new thing.

Their use dates back to thousands of years ago where they were used not only to heal and nurture the body, but to anoint it in spiritual practice, embalm the deceased, protect from illness and disease and to simply fragrance the environment and home.

Because of their comeback, many companies have jumped on the ‘oily’ bandwagon purely for profit and so there are a lot of ‘essential oils’ out there that simply are not true, authentic extracts from the plant.

Then there is the issue of how they are farmed, distilled and tested..

but that’s another story for another day!

Essential oils, if pure and unadulterated can bring a lot of joy and healing to your life. Plus they are really handy for all your DIY creations.

Here’s a very simple linen spray that you can use to freshen up your towels and sheets.

WHAT YOU NEED

  • 10 – 20 drops of essential oil
  • 70 mL distilled or filtered water
  • 30 mL vodka
  • 100 mL glass spray bottle

METHOD

  1. Add essential oils to 100 mL glass spray bottle.
  2. Add water and vodka.
  3. Gently invert to mix.
  4. Lightly spray from a distance on sheets and other household linen.

Fragrances to try:

Bergamot, Lavender, Geranium (fresh floral and citrus scent)

Lavender, Cedarwood, Frankincense (great for sleep)

Orange, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang (sensual and intimate)

NEW TO OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

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In Low Tox Life

All Natural DIY Stain Stick

Living a low tox life means avoiding as many toxins as possible in our household and personal care products and one of the places we need to evaluate is our laundry.

I always say, you are the gatekeeper in your home. That means you get to choose what products you use and what products you feel comfortable allowing into your home.

Many products out there that are designed to whiten and brighten, contain ingredients that ‘trick the eye’ into thinking they look cleaner and some whiteners can cause developmental and reproductive effects.

Sadly, most products on the market contain synthetic and harmful ingredients that pose a risk to you and your family’s health and have no place in a healthy home.

I talk a little more about this over on this post.

So what can we do?

Well, you can spend some time looking for a company/brand that is committed to only using safe, beneficial ingredients or you can make your own.

I tend to do a mix of both.

There are some things that I love making myself and there are other things that I leave up to the experts and buy from my favourite online brand.

Here’s a super simple stain stick recipe that has worked for me.

It uses a combo of basic raw ingredients with things I always have at home.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

  • 2 drops Thieves Dish Soap
  • 5 drops Lemon essential oil
  • Hydrogen Peroxide

METHOD

  1. Add the dish soap and essential oil to a 10 – 15 mL glass roller bottle.
  2. Top up with hydrogen peroxide.
  3. Apply to stains before washing.

SUPPLIES

The hydrogen peroxide you can usually find at your local health food shop or discount chemist.

I order my essential oils from Young Living as they work well, are the best value and are free from contaminants and adulteration. (I’ve spent years researching and trying loads of brands)

The Thieves dish soap I get from Young Living too because again, no nasties or hidden ingredients.

Use my referral number as a discount code if you’d like to try these too!

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In Low Tox Life

All Natural DIY Fabric Softener

Did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic household products you can have in your home?

Apart from crazy ingredients like methylisothiazolinone , a potent skin allergen and glutaral, known to trigger asthma and skin allergies, they also contain synthetic fragrances.

Synthetic fragrances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions and they are in almost everything you can think of!

READ YOUR LABELS

When you start to look around your house and read the labels of your favourite products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of chemical nasties, but do not fear. I always encourage people to take one step at a time.

Choose one room, one cupboard or one product, and switch it out for a safe, all natural product instead. Just be on the look out for greenwashing!!

What is greenwashing? This post explains it.

MAKE YOUR OWN

The beauty of making your own products is that usually they are very cost effective PLUS you know exactly what is in there. No hidden nasties.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

  • 1 tbl of your favourite organic/chemical free conditioner
  • 10 – 20 drops of essential oil of your choice
  • 1 cup of distilled vinegar
  • 1 cup of warm water

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients to a 500 mL glass jar or bottle and mix gently.
  2. Add a small amount to your wash as you normally would to soften clothes, towels and sheets.

DON’T HAVE TIME FOR DIY?

Here’s where I shop for all my family’s favourite personal care and household cleaning products. I’ve read the labels and they are 100% safe, effective and the company aligns with my values.

They also deliver to my door!

Use my referral code (1706951) for a 24% discount and go here if you want to learn more about how essential oils can bring so much beauty and good health to your life.

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In Recipes

My Super Fresh Strawberry and Mint Sorbet Recipe

Summer is officially over but it’s not too cool to still enjoy a freshly made strawberry and mint sorbet.

This recipe ticks all the boxes if you are needing something sweet and tasty but you want to make it at home quickly and easily without any silly chemicals or unhealthy ingredients.

There is the option to add a little refined caster sugar or rapadura if you want to but the strawberries, mint and apple are quite sweet on their own.

I needed to supplement my homegrown strawberries at the market with this recipe as I’m not producing as much right now. I also grabbed some beautiful organic apples to juice up.

My mint is growing great guns however, so I was super excited to add that in to the recipe.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

  • 250 – 280g of strawberries (you can use frozen)
  • 3/4 cup ice cubes
  • 60 mL organic apple juice
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tsp caster or rapadura sugar (optional)

METHOD

  1. Blend all ingredients together until your desired consistency.
  2. Add a little water or extra juice if you need it smoother.

Want to know the nutritional benefits of strawberries?

Check out this post here.

And if you’d like to know the latest Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list for 2022, go here.

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In Essential Oils

Royal Hawaiian Face Serum

Nourishing your skin can be so simple using pure ingredients that promote a natural, healthy glow.

In this recipe we will be using a selection of the finest quality essential oils to moisturise and tend to the delicate needs of your facial skin and décolletage area while making you feel a million dollars.

Creating your own spa treatments at home can be so simple and affordable.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Manuka essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 2 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil
  • 60 mL pure Jojoba oil

METHOD

  1. Add all essential oils to a 60 mL glass dropper bottle.
  2. Top up with jojoba oil.
  3. Carefully invert back and forth to mix all ingredients.
  4. Use a small amount day and night after cleansing skin.
  5. Can be used on its own or before your favourite organic moisturiser.

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

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In Essential Oils

Lavender-Infused Dry Shampoo

Washing your hair after a hectic day is extremely satisfying and can even be part of your self-care practice. However washing too often can leave it prone to dryness and breakage. Have you ever experienced this?

Greasy or dirty hair never feels nice, so a great alternative in between washes is dry shampoo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most conventional dry shampoo brands contain toxic ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, fertility problems and even cancer. This is another product on the shelves that needs to be avoided but thankfully you can make your own!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Tea Tree essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (for dark hair only)

METHOD:

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl, adding the cacao powder one tablespoon at a time until desired colour is reached.
  • Put in a container of your choice and apply with a makeup brush.
  • Leave for 2–3 minutes to absorb hair’s natural oils.
  • Brush through hair and style as desired.

Dry shampoo adds texture and keeps your hair feeling fresh for longer. It can even be used to help style your hair and give it some lift when it’s feeling a little flat.

Have you tried dried shampoo before?

Let me know if you try this recipe!

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

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In Essential Oils

Mermaid Waves Hair Spray

We all want lushious locks that we can be proud of but we also don’t want to sacrifice our health for beauty, right?

This all natural recipe is just the thing to show your hair some love and leave it smelling beautiful.

If you are looking for that ‘beach wave’ look, keep reading to the end to discover the secret ingredient.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 5 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
  • Alcohol-free Witch Hazel

METHOD:

  1. Add all essential oils to a 120 mL glass spray bottle.
  2. Fill with the witch hazel and shake gently to mix.
  3. Spritz lightly on to damp hair and work into scalp.

THE SECRET INGREDIENT:

Do you ever wish you could create the perfect beach waves at home, even when you are no where near the beach?

Here’s the secret ingredient to add to your new Mermaid Waves hair spray…

Sea Salt!

Yep, that’s it. I guess it’s not too hard to understand why.

Simply add a pinch to your spray bottle before filling up with witch hazel and apply in the same way.

You can also add to dry hair and scrunch for extra beach waves.

DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

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In Essential Oils

The Healing Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil

TRADITIONAL USES

Spearmint has traditionally been used to improve digestion and increase the appetite.

BOTANICAL NAME

Mentha spicata

AROMA + BLENDING

Spearmint essential oil has a fresh, minty, sweet scent and blends well with Anise, Basil, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tangerine and Vanilla.

KEY QUALITIES

The Sweet Sister

Refreshing, carminative, restorative, stimulant (nervous and mental).

BODY SYSTEMS

Spearmint essential oil helps to support the following body systems:

  • Respiratory (sinus congestion, cough)
  • Lymphatic (fluid retention)
  • Digestive (nausea, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, travel sickness)
  • Urinary (kidney stones)
  • Reproductive (heavy menstrual flow, leucorrhoea, excess milk supply)
  • Integumentary (itchy skin)
  • Nervous (mental fatigue, headaches)

MOOD + EMOTIONS

Spearmint essential oil has been used to uplift the mood and help to sharpen the senses. Spearmint helps to allay feelings of resentment and selfishness.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Spearmint essential oil enhances feelings of calmness and compassion. Use it to bring more clarity of thought, focus and direction in your life.

PRECAUTIONS

Could antidote homeopathic remedies.

RECIPES USING SPEARMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

REST AND DIGEST MASSAGE BLEND

  • 4 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops Bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops Spearmint essential oil
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil
  • 1 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 1 tbl vegetable carrier oil
  1. Combine the essential oils in a small glass amber bottle.
  2. Add the carrier oil and apply to the stomach area 1/2 hour before or after meals.

FRESH BREATH MOUTHWASH

  • 1 cup of distilled water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops Spearmint essential oil
  • 1 drop Lemon essential oil
  1. Add the salt and baking soda to a small amount of warm distilled water.
  2. Mix to dissolve.
  3. Add the essential oils and the rest of distilled water.
  4. Bottle and label.
  5. Shake well before each use and for best results, make weekly.

OUTDOOR BBQ DIFFUSER BLEND

  • 2 drops Citronella
  • 2 drops Eucalyptus
  • 2 drops Spearmint

Add essential oils to your favourite ultrasonic diffuser and sit back and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of this beautiful blend. Use to uplift the atmosphere at your next BBQ and keep the bugs at bay.

ARE YOU BRAND NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

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