Recipe for Good Skin by Kristine, Customer Service at the Cambridge Naturals, whether you are 24, 49, or even 98!

i drink water
i eat and drink greens (veggies, wheatgrass juice, chlorophyll, chlorella, barleygrass juice)
i take fish oil
i use a gentle cleanser (and not too much of anything to block my pores or irritate my skin—usually nothing at night, to let skin detox)
i eat NO hydrogenated oil (i read labels for these ingredients)
i limit sugars – they make my skin unhappy
i eat healthy fats in all their forms (olives, avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut)
i eat very little wheat, which inflames my skin (and my joints, injured areas and sinuses)
i use a clay mask about twice a month (especially after eating wheat which makes my skin feel like tree bark)

*extra bonus–all these things add health and balance to the rest of me, too.

This post comes from Kristine, Customer Service Specialist at Cambridge Naturals and lover of all things Omega-3

If I could only take one supplement, fish oil is the one.

When our ancestors ate animal protein, it was always from animals who grazed on grasses. The result was a regular supply of Omega 3 fatty acids, among other nutrients. When eating grains, they received Omega 6 fatty acids. Our genetic programming is based on a diet with both Omega 3 and 6′s in balanced amounts, as well as Omega-7′s, 9′s and others in smaller amounts. Grains continue to be a source of Omega 6′s for us. However, when we consume animal protein, we get Omega 3′s only if it was greens-fed. When eating grain-fed animal protein, which became widespread circa 1942, we receive no Omega 3 nutrients. Instead, we receive an additional serving of Omega 6′s, resulting in an excess which can create inflammation and slow down the chemical signals that govern our brain connections, known as neurotransmitters.

Eating fish is an excellent source of Omega 3s. The small fish eat algae, and the bigger fish eat other fish. Given the condition of our oceans, many people consider the cleanest fish to be the smaller ones, such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel because they have the least build-up of mercury and contaminants. (Contaminants are reduced as much as scientifically possible by the high-quality companies whose fish oils we sell). Wild salmon is also considered a very healthy fish to eat. Yet, I am not a fish-eater at all. Meaning, I had no source of Omega 3, since I was not eating any greens-fed animal protein. I tried flax oil, which contains another form of Omega 3, considered not as potent as that from grass /algae fed animal protein. I am allergic to it. After doing some research, I decided to start taking fish oil to see what it might do for me. Within a couple of days, my skin was less dry. Three weeks in, I noticed a lack of creaking in my neck from an old injury. Soon, I realized that my face had pretty much stopped breaking out. I had new hair growing back on a spot which had thinned after being on a prescription drug years ago. My mood felt more even and resilient, and my focus improved. I have continued this way for over 6 years and I share this experience with others. I haven’t missed a day since I started. I like that my daily fish oil is a concentration of food. I think of it as original nutrition, since it helps me recreate what our ancestors ate. We are genetically designed to work well with both Omega 3 and 6 sources. It is the Omega 3 that had been absent in my nutrition and which may be lacking in much of my brethren and sistren.

It is interesting to note the existence of two prescription drugs: one for ‘mood and focus’ and one for ‘lowering cholesterol’, both of which are fish oil and nothing more. Our bodies respond to original nutrition, and since I don’t eat fish and have a hard time finding grass-fed animal protein that I like, I choose to keep my balance right with fish oil supplements. Hair, skin, nails, brain, heart, joints, and inflammation may each show improvement in bodies getting enough Omega 3.

By Sennea Raslan Customer Service Specialist, Bee-Keeper and Honey Buyer

Tired of the sneezing, sniffling, watery-eyed fog that pesky pollen allergies can inflict? Boy, they can really put a damper on a potentially awesome day. Word on the holistic-medicine streets is local honey can nip all that in the bud. The theory is if we introduce small amounts of pollen from the plants in our surrounding area (pollen that’s present in your local beekeeper’s bee’s honey) to our systems on a daily basis our bodies will no longer perceive these innocent pollen grains as…well, terrorists of sorts. Those pollen terrorists that must be removed at all costs! Even through embarrassing, unsightly mucous excretions. Gross…yuck…ewww! Fret not ‘cause local honey saves the day! Right? Never-again an unnecessary pollen-related histamine response!

But!…there is some groundbreaking news in the beekeeping community. Honey does not need to be local to help with allergies; it just needs to be raw and unfiltered.

This is because the pollen you are having an allergic reaction to (the pollen found blowing around in the air) is not actually present in the honey. The plants that release pollen into the air are plants that utilize wind-pollination. Honeybees don’t forage from these plants. They forage pollen from plants that utilize cross-pollination (plants that pollinate because an insect is buzzing around in the flower or some sort of vibrations that shake plant from an outside source). These plants do not release pollen into the air. Leading some in the bee-community to theorize that, “honey being local” is not necessarily of significance. The reason raw and unfiltered honey has helped people with allergies isn’t totally clear. It could be related to the presence of pollen from any plant in unfiltered honey. Or it could be the enzymes that are naturally occurring in raw honey. So….even if your goal is to support a local beekeeper, find a honey that is raw and unfiltered and you’re good to go. Thanks, 10th grade biology class!

A homemade Valentine’s Day gift recipe, from Customer Service Specialist and Licensed Acupuncturist, Nathan

Whether for Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year, a personalized scent can make a great present- and making it is much easier than you think!

All you need:

4 oz. spray bottle with a fine mist spray*, filled half with distilled water and half with high proof grain alcohol (such as vodka), or entirely with distilled water.

40 drops of personalized essential oil blend* (This can be a single oil or any combination of oils that would suit the person to whom the gift will be given.)

Combine the oil blend with the water and alcohol combination (or just water) in the bottle and shake vigorously before every use. Feel free to mix oils from different categories to make an amazing and truly individual blend!

Need any ideas for oils to add to the blend? Here are a few possibilities:

Centering oils*: Frankincense, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Spikenard, Rose, Lavender
Uplifting oils*: Bergamot, Neroli, Orange, Lavender, Lemon, Basil, Rosemary, Grapefruit
Floral oils*: Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Rose, Geranium, Chamomile, Clary Sage
Woody oils*: Cedar, Cypress, Sandalwood

*All these oils are available at Cambridge Naturals

A quick word of caution:

Essential plant oils are very concentrated substances and have properties that can affect sensitive people. The citrus oils, like Lemon, Grapefruit, Neroli, Bergamot and Orange can make the skin where they are applied more sensitive to sunlight. People with sensitive skin should use caution to super dilute these oils, or use non-citrus blends.

Do not use essential oils internally unless supervised by a qualified professional.