The Word is Spreading, Avoid Phthalates!

’ve been preaching about the negative side effects of fragrance oils and phthalates for some time now. But for many people the message is just hitting home today with the release a study in the February edition of Pediatrics. The study's lead author, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a University of Washington pediatrician, has finally brought the issue of the dangers of phthalates to the main stream media. The study as been reported all day on the news networks like the Fox News, ABC, and the Washington Post. Even the critics are...

Paraben Puzzle

Answers To Some Of Your Questions About Parabens arabens. What are they? Do they work? Are they dangerous? These are just a few of the questions I get at least a few times a day, every day. Hopefully, this post clears up some of the paraben puzzlement. Parabens are esters of para-hydroxibenzoic acid that have been used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods for many years. The most common parabens are: Methylparaben, Propylparabens, Ethylparaben, Benzylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Butylparaben. They are commonly...

A Closer Look at a Few Common Ingredients

A Closer Look at Aloe Products There is a great deal of confusion regarding Aloe products. The number one point of confusion is regarding the viscosity of aloe products. Consumers expect Aloe Juice to look and feel like Aloe Jelly. Many consumers believe that the thick jelly on the market came straight from the plant itself. But in reality the jelly like product is made by adding a thickener. The most common thickening agent is a combination of Carbomer (a.k.a. Carbopol) and TEA (Thiethanolamine), however there a few on the market...

What Roast Do You Like Your Coffee? Learn Your Roasts

Do you like coffee???It's an absolute must for me (if not coffee then at least a cup of flavorful tea in the morning). I like to use a french press to make my cuppa joe as it seems to enhance all the wonderful nuances of the beans. And I can make it as strong as I want each time. Many people grind their beans themselves, to ensure a fresh and flavourful cup of coffee. But not as many people roast their own. Whether you are a home-roaster or not, knowing the different roast levels and their taste characteristics can be helpful when purchasing coffee....

Safe Deodorant Alternative

AromaGuard®Safer, Gentler Personal Care There is a personal care dilemma we all face. How do we eliminate the possibility of body odor without exposing ourselves to harmful ingredients? Is the only answer to use an irritating, chemical-laden deodorant? Madison Avenue advertising has force-fed the public the idea of chemical prevention of perspiration. Aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum chlorohydroxide plug underarm pores to provide “protection” while possibly leading to neurological...

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses

Peppermint has been used in candies and sweets for ages, and not without good reason! Extracted from the Mentha Piperita plant, peppermint essential oil has a very distinct, fresh, menthol smell. The oil itself is light yellow in color, and has a viscosity like that of water. In aromatherapy, the oil is known to stimulate the mind and increase focus. It also has healing properties for the skin, cooling it and healing redness and itches. Furthermore it helps with headaches, sinus problems, chest congestion, and bolsters the digestive system. The...