Tools for Natural Living

Somehow, the combination of sun, wind and salt water makes for really great hair after a full day at the beach. Those sun-filled summer days are waning for some of us now and will soon be replaced with falling leaves and gusty winds. But with a few simple ingredients, you can still have soft, wavy/curly "beachy" locks all year long. Ingredients 1 cup boiling water 2 tablespoons Epsom salt 1/2 tablespoon Himalayan pink salt 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted 8 drops sweet

There are at least 100 plants that contain phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or non-opioid analgesics, herbal therapies are often better tolerated and present less risk of side effects or the risk of kidney or liver damage. Here's a sampling of the some of the most effective and best studied herbs to naturally help ease pain and inflammation. Arnica (Arnica montana), pictured above, i

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects people of any age, even sometimes occurring for the first time well into adulthood. Many plants possess chemical compounds that lend them acne-fighting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are harnessed in their essential oils. In clinical studies, certain essential oils really stand out in effectiveness. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is well known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties and it

Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) is a member of the Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) family, which includes celery, angelica, dill, parsley, carrot and many other flowering plants known for their umbrella-like flowerheads and feathery foliage. It is known as Queen Anne’s lace primarily in North America and by several other common names elsewhere, such as bird's nest, bishop's lace and wild carrot. Its royal moniker reputedly arose when the 18th century monarch, Queen Anne of

Japanese matcha tea is essentially green tea but it is grown, produced and prepared differently than ordinary tea. A few weeks before harvesting, the plants are shaded, which increases their production of caffeine and theanine. When served, the powdered tea is blended with water or milk rather then steeped in a tea bag in hot water. A single serving of matcha tea contains the nutritional value of 10 cups of ordinary brewed green tea and 137 times more antioxidants. Now, resea