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April has been a productive month here at What Really Works, where we have been working behind the scenes fine-tuning our site to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Meanwhile, the allergy season is upon us, bringing with it a range of encouraging new research regarding treatment of hayfever, eczema and asthma - to name but a few common allergic responses. |
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We hope you are enjoying your gardens now the warmer weather is here - see you next month! |
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Chlorella is a single celled algae that reproduces at one of the fastest rates of any living plant. One of nature's richest wholefood sources of chlorophyll, it is a powerful cleanser and detoxifier. Chlorella contains 19 of the 22 amino acids needed by the body - including all eight essential amino acids. It is also very high in protein, with 58% per 100g, a rich source of carotenoids, and contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Plus chlorella increases interferon production, which is thought to protect cells from harmful viruses. The benefits of taking Chlorella are numerous: Begin by taking 1000mg (1g) daily, gradually increasing to 3000mg (3g) daily. Take chlorella with a large glass of water before meals. Optimum Source Chlorella is available from Xynergy Health Products (08456 585858).
It
can be as simple as filling a basin with warm water and a few
drops of your favourite Hippocrates was the first to discover the therapeutic virtues of seawater by observing its beneficial effects. Harvested from the Atlantic waters off the North West coast of Ireland, the Atlantic Seaweed Bath is an experience not to be missed. High in sulphur and iodine, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and rich in natural oils, you, and your skin, will be transformed. Victoria Health recommend that you use Derma E's Sea Kelp and Herbs Exfoliating Scrub and then plunge into the Seaweed bath. Atlantic Seaweed Bath by Carraig Fhada Seaweed costs £9.95; Sea Kelp & Herbs Exfoliating Scrub by Derma E costs £9.95. Both are available from Victoria Health online (0800 3898 195).
Very reactive, sensitive skin, should avoid using make-up containing fragrance (perfume), chemical dyes (usually labeled as FD&C, derived from petroleum/coal tar), and synthetic preservatives, which are the top three sensitisers. These can cause allergies and sensitivities, and thus irritation or stinging. Alcohol is another common cause. Reactions are particularly common in skins that have been compromised in some fashion, as through a weakened immune system, sun damage, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, etc. In 1994, when Jane Iredale introduced her pioneering range of colour cosmetics based on micronized minerals, she formulated these without fillers, chemical dyes or preservatives. Jane's experience of working with people whose careers depended upon a clear complexion, has enabled her to understand how skin disorders and sensitivities can not only threaten the careers of the stars, but can also destroy any woman's confidence. Jane's products enable make-up artists to achieve optimum cosmetic effects while preserving the skin's health and vitality. Her make-up is worn successfully by individuals with extreme chemical sensitivities.
"FD& C dyes, commonly used in make-up, are not allowed for use around the eye area and some red dyes (like Red #40) are extremely comedogenic," comments Jane. "Synthetic dyes are the usual culprits behind breakouts on cheeks." Jane Iredale has successfully created a complete range of make-up free from chemical preservatives, which used to be a necessary evil to keep cosmetic products fresh. "We
are using very successfully a combination of vanilla extract
and sweet almond To contact Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics: call 020 8450 7111 or visit www.janeiredale.com.
* Disclaimer: The advice in this newsletter should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Our advice is that you find a GP who is sympathetic to the usefulness of natural medicine. |
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One
herb in particular, nettle, is not only effective
as a natural antihistamine, it is also an ideal place for over 40
species of insects (the irritating hairs which cause the sting serve
to protect against grazing animals - well, with the exception of
goats!), especially the larvae of the beautiful butterflies. This
week CONE are holding the fifth annual Be
Nice to Nettles Week (18th - 29th May) - check out their
site at 
Information
courtesy of 
essential oil in order to soak your tired feet at the end of a
long day - or you could have a relaxing therapeutic massage. The
key factor is taking time out for yourself. What helps you unwind?
Curl up in an armchair with a book... take a walk in the park...
organise a babysitter and enjoy a relaxing meal with your partner...
Now is a great time to think about nurturing yourself and indulging
in some healthy self-care measures.
Jane
Iredale base make-up, Amazing Base and PurePressed Base, derived
from natural micronized minerals, offers flawless, 'barely there'
coverage whilst promoting healthy skin. Bases act as a four-in-one
product - concealer, foundation, powder and sunblock, with natural
SPF 17-20 from physical suncreens, which do not irritate like
chemical sunscreens can. It gives fast, weightless, water-resistant
coverage for all skin tones - even the most sensitive or blemished
complexions. They are also non-comedogenic, excluding oils and
fillers such as talc and cornstarch. Under a microscope, the mineral
crystals look like overlapping fish scales which form a filter
that allows the skin to breathe. Titanium dioxide
and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties
and will help to calm erythema, making them especially helpful
for acne and rosacea sufferers. Zinc oxide is also anti-microbial.
The minerals don't clog pores so there's a very low risk of allergies
or sensitivities.
extract
together with bisabolol as preservatives in some
products. Bisabolol is a myrrh-type resin obtained from African
trees. In some products we're using an olive leaf extract.
It is 100% natural, no chemical process is involved in its extraction
and comes from organically grown raw materials. It is a blend
of active substances like bioflavonoids and polypheonols. It's
a free radical scavenger, anti-oxidant and bacteriostatic. We're
having great results with it. We've been able to take the parabens
out of our high water phase products (always a problem to preserve)
by using a combination of the olive leaf extract and potassium
sorbate. We've replaced phenoxyethanol with bisabolol in our lip
products."