Vivacious Hair: Rosemary/Mint Tea Hair Spritz

INGREDIENTS:

• 3-4 cups Water
• 1/4-1/2 cup rosemary
• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 1tbsp coconut oil
• 2 drops lotus flower oil
• 1 tbsp sugar in the raw (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Put the water, rosemary and mint leaves in a pot. Bring them to boil. Then put the lid on the pot and let it steep overnight.

The next day, strain your cooled and steeped tea into your blender, add the sugar, coconut oil and lotus flower oil...blend. Let it sit until the foam dissolves.

Pour the tea spritz into your spray bottle. Use it daily or as needed. This spritz I use daily as my water spritzer before locking in moisture with my Avocado/Coconut Oil Whipped Shea Butter to seal in the moisture.

Please Note: This is NOT a hair holding spray, in fact it helps make your hair soft and strong, while detangling it and is used prior to locking in moisture with other styling aids.

TIPS: 
(A) Because this is plant based, I store mine in the refrigerator until I am ready to use it. However, if you know you are going to use all of the contents right away, refrigeration may not be necessary.
(B) Any left over tea can be used as a nice beverage, as long as the essential oil wasn't added to it. I made a large batch of this and actually poured some out for my spritz and saved the rest to make a large batch of tea. Just added some raw blue agave and refrigerated it.

If you're wondering why this combination...here's some background information on it:

ROSEMARY: Rosemary is has been used for centuries to help prevent hair thinning and hair loss. It's even said to help stimulate the scalp to help the hair grow. It fights against premature graying and can gradually darken existing gray hair. The oil is beneficial for dry, flaky scalps, and as such is a great remedy for dandruff.

COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is excellent for both your hair and scalp. Not only does it relieve that dry itchy scalp, but it also rejuvenates the hair shaft and help to repair dry, damaged and brittle hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. More on coconut oil here.

MINT: Although minimal research supports the use of peppermint oil as a proven stimulant for hair growth, benefits for the scalp and hair associated with the oil have been documented by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Peppermint oil aids in removing excess sebum from the scalp and acts as an astringent. The oil contains menthol. When placed on the skin, it produces a cooling tingling effect.

LOTUS FLOWER: Along with water lily and bamboo, lotus flower is a critical component of the Cibu "Hydralphatine Asiatique" triangle. It's often used in cosmetics to revitalize and condition hair cells.

SUGAR IN THE RAW: I added this in for "good measure". I remember reading somewhere a long time ago, that sugar helps seal in moisture and helps the hair to grow. We have seen evidence of this with honey conditioners, etc. Since I didn't put any harsh chemicals in this, I thought why not give this a try. What could it hurt? It's just pure sugar.

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References:

Livestrong

EHow Health

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Related Posts:

Moisturizing Aloe/Flax Gel

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

Anti-Aging Skin Tightening Crème

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PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:

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VIVACIOUS SKIN: Anti-Aging Skin Tightening Crème

Anti-Aging Skin Tightening Crème

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
• ¼ cup organic grape seed oil
• ½ cup raw organic shea butter
• (3) 3 oz bottles
• Scented oils (optional)

Before I begin telling you how to make this, I want to tell you why I chose these three combinations to use on my skin…

Benefits of the Ingredients

Coconut Oil: The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin, which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

Grapeseed Oil: Grape seed oil is a hidden commodity, I find. It has mildly astringent qualities, which help to tighten and tone the skin, making it a good cosmetic ingredient for anti-aging products. It is very useful for moisturizing and adding emollient properties to any product intended for use on an acne prone skin. The antioxidant effect of this oil is most useful when fighting the ravages of aging, as the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are neutralized by antioxidants, is one of the major factors that cause aging.

Raw Shea Butter:  Aside from the obvious greatness of raw shea butter known mostly for its nourishing abilities of Vitamins A, E and F to help maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy. These vitamins are particularly helpful for sun damaged skin and help prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator. Proving to provide clearer, brighter skin; less wrinkles; and even less sun damage. Lastly, but certainly not least, shea butter has great abilities in maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness (this hides all of the unwanted cellulite). In a clinical study done by Frank Renard, Ph.D., shea butter was found to have significant anti-aging properties and was proven to help rebuild and rejuvenate collagen

Making the Crème

1. Put all the ingredients (except the oils) into a blender and mix well. It will liquefy and blend together well. Taking on the immediate texture of a creamy lotion. 
2. Take one of your bottles and fill. You always want at least one bottle without fragrance for your face and for those times that you just don’t want to wear scented body crème.
3. If you are using scented oils for the remainder of the crème, then proceed to step 4. If not, then please feel free to fill up the remainder of your bottles with the crème you just made.
4. Take part of your mixture and pour it in your second bottle. Pour your scent(s) in and shake well. If you are using different scents for each of the remaining bottles, sit it to the side and pour it back into the blender to mix after mixing your other fragrance of choice with the remaining crème. (Repeat for the third bottle.)
5. For my second bottle, I mixed lavender with vanilla. I love this scent! It’s exhilarating and takes me to a happy place. Did you know that vanilla was once used as an aphrodisiac? And as for lavender, well aside from lavenders well known relaxing nature, it’s good as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. Not to mention its great for treating acne, wrinkles, psoriasis and eczema. (Don’t ask me why I love things that’s good for eczema, I have never had it! *smile*)
6. For my third bottle, I mixed Atom (a flowery fragrance oil I picked up in Egypt) and ylang ylang (also known for its sensual scent that releases anxiety, alleviates stress and is alluring to men) …so this is my little something that’s pretty, exotic, romantic, and sexy.

TIP: This crème is filled with moisturizing nutrients that are great for your scalp and hair. It's a dual crème! Another reason why you might want one that's unscented. *wink*

 

Hope you enjoy this crème as much as I do…out of all of my crème’s and butters, I love this one the most. And feel free to play with the scented oils and mix them in…and tell me what scents do you absolutely love?

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REFERENCES:

• PubMed U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects of triterpene cinnamates and acetates from shea fat.
• Organic Oil Facts

PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:

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This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!

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DID YOU KNOW: Raw Vegan Brownies Are Good For You

That’s right! Those Raw Vegan Brownies we made a few days ago, and devoured…are actually good for us! You can eat these little chocolatey delights with no guilt. Listed below are the 10 ingredients used to make them and how they are good for you.

PECANS are rich sources of many phyto-chemical substances that may contribute to their overall antioxidant activity, including polyphenolic antioxidant ellagic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin. Research studies have been suggestive that these compounds help the body remove toxic oxygen, free radicals; thus, protecting the body from diseases (i.e., cancers) as well as infections. Pecans are an excellent source of vitamin-E. Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.  These nuts are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.

WALNUTS are an excellent form of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Many seem to think you can only get these fatty acids from fish, but you can get it from nuts too.  Walnuts contain no cholesterol and are an important source of dietary fiber and protein and are considered to be the “meat” nut. They are also a good source of many vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin B1, B6, folate, and vitamin E. Research has found that eating regular amounts of walnuts reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. With a 7:1 ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat, walnuts are one of the highest naturally occurring sources of polyunsaturated fats.

RAW HONEY contains essential vitamins and minerals including riboflavin pantothenic acid, niacin, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. Some of the minerals make up to 1-2% of the recommended daily value by USDA guidelines. (To learn more about Raw Honey...CLICK HERE.)

RAW CACAO POWDER comes right from the cacao bean. So you get all of the raw minerals, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter rejuvenating properties of this raw cacao bean! They are full of Magnesium, Iron, Chromium, Anadamide, Theobromine and the antioxidants it has is through the roof! It has polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins! Raw cacao powder has more 540% more antioxidants than in blueberries! (To learn more about Raw Cacao, please read my previous post on 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health.)

DATES are rich in dietary fiber, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption. It’s a great form of a natural laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane exposure time as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. They are a great source of Vitamin A and have great antioxidant properties that are known to help great vision. A few other nutrients dates have are: iron, potassium, copper, beta-carotene, and last but certainly not least…this little fun packed fruit is rich in B-complex vitamins and Vitamin K!

RAISINS are a top source of antioxidants. They are full of potassium and dietary fiber, including inulin to promote digestive health. They help fight dental plaque and gum disease, are low in sodium and naturally fat and cholesterol free. It’s even said that eating raisins help reduce risk of heart disease and cancer. These dried grapes contain natural fruit sugars, a good source of energy.

MESQUITE POWDER has a low glycemic index of 25. So it actually balances out any sweetness and sugars that are in foods to prevent that sugar “spiked” high that one typically gets from sugars. It has a high protein content is a good source of lysine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. And its natural caramel taste is used as a flavor enhancer.

COCONUT OIL is filled with over 90% saturated fats…but wait! Don’t freak out on me…hear me out. Not all fats are bad, some are good fats that our body needs. These fats simply go in…and then come right out. They don’t sit and accumulate more fat. Coconut Oil is full of medium-chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Its loaded with Vitamin E, Vitamin K and minerals, namely iron. Not to mention, many often use coconut oil as a method for losing weight, as it carries the fat out of our body with it, while filling our body with healthy fats. While this is naturally fat, its cholesterol free! (To learn more about Raw Cacao, please read my previous post on 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health.)

COCONUT MANNA is a great replacement for cream, butter, milk or yogurt.  It’s healthier for you too. It has 50-55% Lauric Acid, 16% fiber, 7% protein and filled with nourishing medium-chain fats that are cholesterol free. These fats will do your body more good than harm.

HIMALAYAN SALT is a pink beautiful salt that, unlike iodized salt, contains 84 minerals and trace elements. The major nutrients in this salt are: potassium, calcium, magnesium sulfates and iodine.  The advantage of using this salt is that the essential minerals and nutrients aren’t taken out. So you get these minerals and nutrients in its natural form.

By the way, if you're reading this and wondering, "What brownies, is she talking about?"...well the recipe was in last week's Recipe of the Week, Raw Vegan Turtle Brownies. (Click Here for the Recipe) 

PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:

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This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!

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DID YOU KNOW: 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health

When I initially implemented live vibrational foods into my lifestyle, I kept hearing the term “superfood.” Rather ignorantly I just presumed that all fruits and vegetables in the produce section were superfoods. Unbeknownst to me, there was a conglomerate of ancient superfoods that have been brought back to the surface by vegans and more specifically, raw vegans. It was like an entire world existed that I was completely oblivious to. So I thought I’d share this information, because I know I’m not the only one who didn’t know these things.

For those of you who don’t know, Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content that may confer health benefits as a result.  These Phytonutrients are known in the plant based diet world as having “super healing” powers.  These super healing powers have been known to cure illnesses ranging from the common cold to diabetes to cancer and even HIV/AIDS! (Although, I personally believe, these superfoods must be implemented within and in conjunction with a fully 100% live food diet, which is said to alkalize your body to the point of purity.)

If you think superfoods won’t do you any good because you don’t have any illness, you’re sadly mistaken. Many people who have a live vibrational food lifestyle don’t have these illnesses, or any illnesses for that matter.  Many contribute that reason to their diet and lifestyle, which consists heavily of the implementation of these superfoods.

I’m sure you’re thinking, as I did, that all fruits and vegetables are super foods. Many are, and that’s why I won’t bother with going into the basic foods in your average produce section of the grocery store. Listed below are 8 ancient superfoods that many may have seen or heard of but don’t quite know what it’s nutritional value is or what it’s useful for.

• Raw Cacao: Cacao, to the Aztecs, was considered the food of the gods. These beans are the basic ingredients of chocolate. Recent research has suggested dark chocolate offers some health benefits. Raw cacao beans are rich in antioxidants, which lower the free radicals that can alter or damage the body. According to Good Cause Wellness, the beans provide some iron and calcium, but are particularly rich in magnesium. There are 76 milligrams of magnesium per one ounce serving, or 272 milligrams per 100 grams of the beans.

• Chia: The chia seed is a superfood that has twice the protein of any other seed or grain and five times the calcium of milk. They contain boron, which is a trace mineral that helps with the absorption of calcium. Chia seeds are also a great source for essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6. This power packed seed is said to contribute to healing diabetes.

• Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is one of my favorite things, because it is multifunctional. The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. Whether you’re cooking or making raw foods, this oil can be used. I even use it in my smoothies from time to time. It’s a staple in my house. (I’m sure I’ll dedicate a full article on the benefits of coconut oil in the future…stay tuned.)

• Goji Berries: These delicious berries are LOADED with nutrients. Goji Berries have all 18 Amino Acids (including isoleucine and tryptophan), more Beta Carotene than carrots, 21 Trace Minerals, more Iron than spinach and 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges. Goji Berries are one of the highest antioxidant containing fruits in the world, typically containing 2-4 times the amount found in blueberries. Goji berries are an excellent source of trace minerals, such as zinc, iron, copper, calcium and phosphorous, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E. While fortifying the immune system and helping to stimulate the body to produce more natural Human Growth Hormone, studies with elderly people have shown that these powerful berries can decrease the signs of aging, increase the function of T cells and white cell interleukin-2 while uplifting mood, increasing optimism, improving appetite and encouraging better sleep patterns.

• Hemp: Hemp seeds are a great source for protein provides a host of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to survive. It is rich in the antioxidant zinc and the electrolyte magnesium. It also contains some potassium, which is lost in sweat and iron, which your body uses to carry oxygen in the blood. Hemp protein provides 20 amino acids -- the building blocks of protein -- including the 10 essential amino acids that your body can't produce itself. Hemp is one of my favorite all natural protein supplements because unlike whey, it digests immediately while burning fat, and does not turn into fat.

• Maca: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root plant consumed as a food and for medicinal purposes. Maca is also known as "Peruvian ginseng" (despite the fact that it is not a member of the ginseng family), because it is used as a folk remedy to increase stamina, energy, and sexual function. It is typically taken as a pill, liquid extract or as powder. Long used to enhance energy and boost stamina, maca is often touted as an aphrodisiac and a natural means of improving sexual performance and fertility. Although few scientific studies have tested maca's medicinal effects, some research suggests that maca may offer certain health benefits such as: fatigue, infertility, symptoms of menopause, sexual dysfunction in women, sexual dysfunction in men (including erectile dysfunction).

• Matcha Green Tea: Green Tea contains a high amount of antioxidants (chemical compounds known to forestall aging). Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables – even chocolate. A testing method known as ORAC – short for oxygen radical absorbance capacity, evaluates the antioxidant levels found in food. According to research done by Tufts University, the ORAC capacity of matcha green tea is exponentially higher than other foods known for their high antioxidants levels such as blueberries and spinach. There are many types of antioxidants, however, the class known as catechins are only found in green tea, and these maybe the most potent of all. Of the catechins, EGCg (epicgallocatechin gallate) is the catechin with broadest and most potent cancer-fighting properties.  Sixty percent of the catechin content of matcha tea is EGCg. Green tea is also rich in Chlorophyll, (a detoxifying agent) and Theanine, which improves mood and concentration. While this superfood is naturally caffeinated, it’s a healthier form of caffeine than in other beverages and is good for your body.

• Nutritional Yeast:  Nutritional Yeast has been around for over 5,000 years and has been that hidden gem of a superfood. It has about 14 grams of protein per ounce. But my favorite thing about Nutritional Yeast is that it is one of the best sources for B12. Nutritional yeast's yellow color comes from the B vitamin riboflavin. Nutritional yeast is rich in B-complex vitamins, making it a vital supplement for those who are not receiving their B vitamins from other sources. Many brands of nutritional yeast also contain vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell production. B12 maintains the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells, making it a vital part of normal nerve function. B12 can be found in many animal products like fish, seafood and dairy. Vegetarians and vegans are eating less than the recommended levels of B12 for adults, according to Harvard Health Publications. Nutritional Yeast is also high in fiber and low in sodium and has the greatest cheesy flavor. I’ve personally got over my animal cheese addiction simply by implementing this superfood into my diet.

Now clearly there are more than the above-mentioned 8 Super foods. However, these are the 8 I chose to highlight that I felt many being introduced to this healthy lifestyle don't know a whole lot about. I remember when I was first implementing healthier methods into my lifestyle, I was shocked to learn about many of these above-mentioned superfoods. Hope you enjoyed this piece as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. 

PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:

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This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!

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