Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea butter is another one of those “buzz” words in the natural living arena. People use it for many reasons and still more are just learning of its power. Shea Butter, also known as African Karite butter, comes from the fruit kernels of the Karite Nut tree found in the savannahs of central Africa and has been used across the African continent for centuries.

It is important to note the differences in the type of shea butter that is used and to be aware that just because it says “all natural” does not mean that it is so.

When you think of shea butter quality think about vegetables. If it is whole raw vegetables then it is quality stuff filled with nutrients then it is good. If it is canned, it has been overcooked and has lost much of its nutritional value. The same is true of shea butter.

Shea butter is available in various forms; virgin, unrefined, refined, and highly refined. The form is determined by how the nut is extracted and processed. If shea butter is expensive, know that is most likely the highest quality available because it is much better than that which is refined. It has been processed with a natural extraction process which leaves more of the wonderful raw ingredients in the Shea Butter.

Shea butter that has been naturally processed can vary in color from yellow to gray to even a slight green, and may have a nutty to slight smoky scent.  On the other end, the highly refined Shea Butter has been extracted using chemicals.  It tends to be pure white, has a smoother texture, and no smell and is a big hit with the cosmetic industry.  Sadly the refining process also removes a lot of the healing properties as well.

In other words, the less it is refined, the more natural raw ingredients remain in the Shea Butter.  Just like vegetables.

Pure raw virgin Shea Butter is a great emollient and easily penetrates the skin to moisturize. It has a high amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin E, as well as phytosterols, triterpenes, fatty esters and phenolic acids. Your body needs Vitamins A and E because they are important in helping to repair skin damage; phytosterols, and triterpenes aid in skin allergies; phenolic acids are good for cellular protection.

Here is a list of just some of the benefits of shea butter:

• used to protect skin from the sun’s UV rays
• soften and heal cracked and aged skin
• Helps heal scars, burns, and stretch marks
• Prevents ashy skin, chapping, and skin rashes
• Fortifies cuticles and nails
• Helps bruises to heal
• Helps drain toxins from sore muscles
• Helps prevent skin irritation for babies
• Use after shaving to prevent irritation and restore skins natural luster
• Ideal for dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, sunburn and athletes foot
• Rejuvenates skin pores and adds elasticity to skin
• Firms up aging skin and helps clear wrinkles
• Massage shea butter into areas affected by arthritis, join pains, or other muscular ache.

Dangers of Stress

Recent research suggests that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of illness is stress-related.

Stress is a normal part of life. When your feet hit the floor in the morning, stress starts. That is expected because your body is no longer in the rest phase. However, there is a level when stress can become deadly.

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand, be it physical, mental, or emotional. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When people experience stress by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood. These chemicals give people more energy and strength, which can be a good thing if their stress is caused by physical danger. But this can also be a bad thing, if their stress is in response to something emotional or mental and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength.

Although some stress is good this is not true in most cases.

There are different types of stress like survival stress where you are in a “fight or flight” situation and have to respond to potential danger. Then there is internal stress where you worry so much that you cause more stress on your body than need be. This often happens when we worry about things we can’t control or put ourselves in situations we know will cause us stress. You also have Environmental Stress where your body response to things around you that cause stress, such as noise, crowding, and pressure from work or family. And finally you have stress that comes from being Fatigued and Overworked.

Fatigue and Overworked Stress builds up over a long time and can take a hard toll on your body. It can be caused by working too much or too hard or by not knowing how to manage your time well or how to take time out for rest and relaxation.

People under large amounts of stress can become tired, sick, and unable to concentrate or think clearly. Sometimes, they even suffer mental breakdowns.

If you are suffering from extreme stress or long-term stress, your body will eventually wear itself down. You will find that many illnesses that have a direct correlation with stress. Such as…

• Chronic pain
• Migraines
• Ulcers
• Heartburn
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• PMS
• Obesity
• Infertility
• Autoimmune diseases
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Skin problems
• High blood pressure

Understanding your stress level is important. There is a delicate balance to this stress being good or bad. If nothing in your life causes you any stress or excitement, you may become bored or may not be living up to your potential. If you have no passion, drive, or determination, which all cause a lever of stress you may be living without purpose. On-the-other-hand, if everything in your life, or large portions of your life, cause you stress, you may experience health or mental problems that will make your behavior worse.

Recognizing when you are stressed and managing your stress can greatly improve your life.

One of the best things you can do to relax and relieve stress is take time to enjoy. The Sacred Glo candle is a great way to relax and enjoy the moments. You can learn more about this wonderfully unique candle by visiting the Sacred Glo main site.

You owe it to yourself to live a life that is stress-free.

Benefits of Soy Candles

These days you can find soy everywhere and in everything, including milk, chips, nuts, and even burgers. There’s no doubt that soy adds health benefits through and through. You can even find this healthy ingredient in candles. Soy candles are a new and emerging type of candle, offering great lasting benefits for those who love burning candles.

Traditional candles are known to cause soot in and around the general area they are burning. Soot is that grayish black smoky smelling fog that clouds the top of your candle jar, on your walls, and even on your ceiling. It is caused by the toxic elements, namely carcinogens, in the traditional candles that are released when ignited. Carcinogens can cause cancer, and other health related problems. New research is showing links between candles, charcoal, and other burning devices we use in our home to causing cancer. While this research is fairly new, it is still a proven fact that soy candles do not produce carcinogens.

Soy candles also last longer then the traditional wax candles. Soy candles last 30 to 50 percent longer then traditional candles. Your average 14 oz wax candle will last about 75 hours. On-the-other-hand a soy candle of the same size will last over 100 hours and smell just as sweet as the traditional candles do.

In addition to what has already been mentioned here are more soy candle benefits:

• No carcinogens are produced from burning soy wax.
• Soy wax is non-toxic.
• Little or no soot is produced from burning soy wax.
• Soy wax will not discolor your walls or furniture with petroleum byproducts.
• Soy wax is a renewable resource; petroleum is limited.
• Soy wax is biodegradable.
• Soy wax is water-soluble (no more messy cleanups).
• Burning soy wax candles helps support the American farmer.
• Soy wax holds color and scent better than paraffin.
• Soy wax burns 30% to 50% longer than paraffin.

The Sacred Glo Candle is 100% soy and made with healthy wholesome ingredients that will not only benefit your home but your mind and body too. This versatile candle, after burning, leaves you with a soothing massage oil or body lotion. There is no need to be worried with the dangers of carcinogens, black soot, or paraffin with the Sacred Glo candle as we provide only the purest organic ingredients for your home and body care needs.

Chemicals in Cosmetics

Cosmetics are a billion dollar industry. Many cosmetic companies are creating empires based on the products they sell. Mac, Clinique, Fashion Fair, Cover Girl and others have all taken a big piece of the pie. Many of them even lay the claim of being natural or mineral based make-up. However, it is important to note that if it is not certified 100% organic, there are likely chemicals in them that your skin just does not need.

Here is a partial list of chemicals to be on the look out for when you purchase cosmetics.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) – Often described as being “derived from coconut” to camouflage their toxic nature, these chemicals are frequently used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. They can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems.
• Paraben Preservatives – Parabens are commonly used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care, and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be exceedingly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers also discovered a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.
• Propylene Glycol - Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.
• Isopropyl Alcohol - Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid layer, promoting the growth of bacteria, molds and viruses.
• DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine) - These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics, as well face and body creams, as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
• Aluminum - A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Mineral Oil - Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) - Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs hamper with the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing an increase in aging and leaving the skin exposed to bacteria.

You will discover that using products like the massage oil and body lotion in the Sacred Glo lotion candles that your body will come alive and reward you with more energy and vibrancy. There will be a glow that people will notice and your skin with be refreshed. Using ingredients like essential oils and whole foods for the care of your body is one of the smartest moves you can make.

“Mom Fuse” review of Sacred Glo

We recently offered a sample of our Sacred Glo lotion candles to a popular review site, Mom Fuse, which is specifically geared towards Moms and we were very pleased with what Mom Fuse had to say!

You can read the entire review here:  Sacred Glo lotion candles review by Mom Fuse

Thanks again to Jessica from Mom Fuse for sharing Sacred Glo with your readers!