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Bentonite Clay – Where does it come from?
Where does it come from? Volcanic ash clay also known as sodium bentonite clay is formed when the ash, which results from a volcanic eruption, mixes with water. The result is clay, which contains an extensive concentration of a number of minerals. These minerals have been found to have a number of healthy benefits. Sodium Bentonite clay works by gathering an electrical charge as soon as it becomes hydrated. This electrical charge is part of what makes it so effective. The high mineral content and the electrical charge is what draws out the impurities and helps to absorb the toxins, heavy metal and other contaminants that can cause the blemishes…
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Poverty: It's blog action day 2008!
Caution! Ramble in progress! What do I know about poverty? Very little actually. I’ve been very blessed in this life. I know Bono from U2, Bob Geldof and all the others that organized LIVE Aid. Live Aid was a multi-venue rock music concert held on July 13, 1985. It was a wonderful awareness campaign that actually worked! Thanks to those that worked hard in that organization and the paths and doors that have opened since then for Africa. (it’s still only a drop in the bucket.) Farm Aid came on the scene a bit after that if I remember. We are just now beginning to understand the importance of small…
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Why name a soap Faustine Clay?
Perhaps folks wonder why I would name an all natural handmade soap faustine clay. I’ll tell you! The real story is that I’ve a dear friend with that nickname and she expressly asked for a handmade clay soap. My choice of clay was bentonite as it pulls dirt and oils from the skin. Those of us with oily skin can celebrate with this help! Bentonite clay actually forms from volcanic ash. (post on bentonite clay coming soon!) So how many folks immediately think of Roman times and culture that have been preserved in the ash of long since volcanic erupted Pompeii? Ok well we all can’t be geeks I realize,…
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Juniper berries – Faustine Clay Handmade Soap
Did you know that Juniper berries aren’t true berries? They are actually the female part of the pine cone for the juniper tree. Now you’d think that if something is called a berry, it would be a berry! Juniper trees being of the pine family though does make sense. Botanical: Juniperus communis Family: Cupressaceae (cypress) – Coniferae (conifer) Other common names: Common Juniper, Ground Juniper, Juniper Berries, Gin Berries This “berry” has been used as flavoring for gin and also in European cuisine for its distinguishing sharp, clear flavor. It tends to cut the gaminess of wild game. This berry’s use as a spice can be traced all the way…
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Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint: You knew it was a good thing. Did you also know why? Some of these facts will surprise you. History: Peppermint is a cross between water mint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Peppermint specifically was first cultivated in England in the late seventeenth century. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses. Hence it is often termed as the world’s oldest medicine. Mint plants such as peppermint and spearmint have a long history of medicinal use, dating to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In fact, dried peppermint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 B.C. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued it…
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More candles this time Soy wax!
Hey there! I did make a few more candles this weekend that will be featured on the website! These are of the soy wax variety. All natural soy wax has become a cost effective choice for those looking for a natural candle that is also sustainable. See some of the candles I have featured: Soy wax tarts – What is a candle tart you ask? It’s a bit of scented wax that goes on the top of a candle burner that is either driven with a tea light to heat it or by an electric source much like a cup warmer. Soy Wax Travel Tins in Pumpkin Puree and Lavender…
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Busy this weekend with…candles!
I’m not sure why but making candles is relaxing! I enjoyed making a few for our upcoming candle season. I realize it’s already candle season in many places in the country. Some might even say candle season is every season! Here’s what came out of the molds in paraffin this weekend: Candy corn pillar Rainbow pillar
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repost: Cancer or Germs? I’ll take the germs.
Cancer or Germs? I’ll take the germs. This is a really neat post from one of the blogs that I frequent, The green parent. Perhaps folks don’t understand the importance of organic or pesticide free things other than what they eat. Some times the cycle of polution eludes the smartest of folks. That is changing this year. There is a lot more awareness with the internet and folks are stepping up. We are all on this journey. Not everyone knew way back when that these things could effect us in such ways. We know now and we need to act upon our new knowledge to make a difference. I’m stepping…
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Another use for loofah…scrubbing!
Those of you that are in charge of cleaning your homes, loofah makes a wonderful eco-friendly scrubbie too! It’ll scrub hard for you even with Dr. Flower handmade soap and then when you are ready, throw it in the compost when you are done! These are some of the places that I use my loofah scrubbies and handmade soap: Stovetop scrubbing Sink scrubbing Tupperware scrubbing
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Dr. Flower's Essentials proudly presents Loofah!
Dr. Flower’s Essentials proudly presents a new product line of natural bathing exfoliates. Loofah! It’s a fact that regular exfoliating and massage will help tone and promote firm skin. These Natural shower/bath fuzzies enhance your bathing experience especially with a handmade soap. Luxuriate in the natural suds as you scrub down with one of these natural goodies! This is NOT a sea creature, it’s a gourd that grows on a vine in the same plant family as cucumbers. As a plant, there are six or more species of Loofah and it is what’s for dinner in some Asian locations. Loofah Aegyptiaca (Egyptian) and Loofah Acutangula (Chinese) are the prime species…
