Oil of Oregano

Oil of Oregano

Origanum Vulgare

A natural substance that is extracted from wild oregano plants, and two key compounds found in it are Carvacrol and Thymol, which studies have shown, have significant effects on harmful microorganisms that cause many illnesses in humans.

Oil of Oregano is known to be:

• antiviral
• antibacterial
• anti fungal
• anti parasitic

Benefits:

• pain reducer
• inflammation reducer
• can effectively fight off infections
• destroys organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems
• strengthens the immune system
• increases joint and muscle flexibility
• improves respiratory health

Uses:

• skin infections
• digestive problems
• sinus congestion
• colds
• sore throats

You can find Oil of Oregano at most health food stores such as Sprouts and Mothers Market

Source: http://www.homeremediesweb.com/oil_of_oregano_health_benefits.php

Hydroquinone...Not So Safe

Many of us have pigmentation concerns. Whether it be from acne scars or sun damage, we all still yearn for an even skin tone. There are plenty of skin lighteners and skin brighteners, and creams and serums but do you really know what you're putting on your skin?

Hydroquinone

is used as a topical application for skin whitening to reduce the color of the skin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroquinone

"Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production of melanin pigments in the skin. Because the chemical lightens skin by reducing melanin, it simultaneously increases exposure to UVA and UVB rays deep in the skin (iv). This increases skin cancer risks due to UV exposure, in addition to the carcinogenic effects of the chemical itself. The chemical is allowed in personal care products in the United States in concentrations up to 2 percent... Although banned in the European Union".

The U.S. Cosmetics Ingredient Review Panel indicates that "Hydroquinone is unsafe for use in products that are left on the skin".

Hydroquinone is identified as a:

• Carcinogen
  
• Immunotoxicant
• Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant

Hydroquinone also identifies concerns regarding the ingredient's risks for various organ

systems, the Endocrine System and neurotoxicity

It is also linked to the skin condition Ochronosis.

Source: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Cancer! Carcinogen! Neurotoxicity!!!

Why would anyone put this ingredient on their skin?

Got Balls?

Painful, achy knots in your back, neck, or shoulders? Sore, tired feet? ANSWER: TENNIS BALLS.

Take an ordinary tennis ball and use it to ease the pain by leaning against it or laying on it. Put the ball on the sore spot and apply pressure. Move your body around to make the ball roll, "pushing out" the knot, and alleviate pain.

Kick off your shoes and RELAX your feet by placing a TENNIS BALL on the ground and rolling the tennis ball with the heels and balls of your feet.

For firmer, tighter areas of the body that have pain you can use a GOLF BALL because it is a harder, smaller ball and can pin point the area better for relief.

For the LOWER BACK, you can use a semi-deflated VOLLEYBALL, SOCCER BALL, or BASKETBALL as a lumbar support while sitting up or laying down.

The best thing ever is to fill a pillow case with TENNIS BALLS and use them to relax your entire back.

On a budget? You can go to your local public tennis court and find dozens of abandoned tennis balls that people were too lazy to retrieve. Just wash 'em with antibacterial soap and warm water, and let them dry in the sun before you use them!

Just a note

Dogs LOVE tennis balls and they will steal them from you when you're trying to do these exercises if they see that you have one!!!