"Organic" Personal Care Products with Carcinogens?

I wish it wasn't so, but it is. The one billion pores in your skin are crying out "No no, it's not true! I thought I was safe. It says "organic"!

This giant sponge known as your skin is the first line of defense against anything you put on your body. Ten to fifteen minutes is all it takes to absorb whatever you put on your skin. Since your body is absorbing it, you are feeding it.

The regulations on the "organic" label in personal care products are not the same as they are on food products unless they are USDA certified. Because of this, many products have the word "organic" in their brand name or on their label. What this means is that the main cleansing ingredients are usually made with conventional ingredients combined with petrochemical compounds. Ugh! The most used carcinogenic petrochemical is Ethylene Oxide which is known as 1,4-Dioxine. And it doesn't have to appear on the label because it is considered a by-product. Many leading brands (Jason, Avalon Organics, Kiss My Face, Giovanni, Nature's Gate & Grandpa's) have this chemical. Go to www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm to find out more. Here is a list of some other ingredients to avoid in the products you buy.

Mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, propylene glycol, phenal, sodium laurel, lauryth, myreth or lauryl sulfate. Sodium laurel sulfate is present in over 90% of personal health products. Look at the ingredients of your toothpaste, shampoo, cream rinse lotion, etc.
Let the USDA know that we want these substances banned from our products like they do in Europe. Companies listen too.
Here are some brands that are safe from those chemicals...
Aubrey Organics, Weleda, LUSA, Dr. Bronner's, Alffia, Jozlyn's Remedies, Four Elements, Logona, heritage House, Wiseway Herbals, Star Lady Botanicals, Moossprytes, Evan Healy, True Botanica & Burts Bees (watch out for nanoparticles in their Sunscreen SPF 15 though).

And last but not least, a list of the most harmful chemicals & where they are found...
Mercury (listed as thimerosal)-eye drops, ointment & deodorants
Lead Acetate-hair dyes & cleanser
Formaldehyde & toulene-nail products
Petrochemicals-hair relaxers, shampoos, mascara, perfume, foundation, lipstick, lip balm
Coal Tar-dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams & hair dyes
Placenta-hair relaxers, moisturizers & toners
Phthalates-nail polish, fragrances & hair spray
Have I scared you enough today? :-( Sorry about that. This is just one of those things I've known for years & felt it needed sharing. Now walk over to your bathroom closet or vanity & take a look. And bring a wastebasket with you :-)

Microwaves & "What am I going to do without one?"

We have made the decision not to have a microwave at the farm. This is one of those decisions that you make solely on a health basis, not on a convenience basis. Of course it is easy to have a microwave. We all know that. Why would anyone want to make life harder than they have to? There is a change in thinking out there called the Slow Food Movement. Slow down. Appreciate the moment. Yes, I know you appreciate how fast the food gets done in a microwave :-). That's not what I am talking about. How can we live without a microwave? If you are my age, you have. Those of you who are younger than 30, might not have. We have been cutting back on microwaving for years. It's just not healthy. Remember you only have one body...consider it a temple & treat it as such. I came across an article in a natural health magazine that gave ten reasons to throw out your microwave. This is based on research from the Swiss, Russian & German scientific clinical studies. Other countries are usually ahead of us on testing things for safety. Here is the list:

1. Continually eating food processed from a microwave causes long-term-permanent-brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain.

2. The human body cannot metabolize or break down the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.

3. Male & female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.

4. Effects of microwaved foods are long-term or permanent within the human body.

5. Minerals, vitamins & nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, of the body absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down.

6. The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in a microwave.

7. Microwaved foods cause stomach & intestinal cancerous growths (tumors). This may explain the rapidly increasing rate of colon cancer in America.

8. The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood.

9. Continual ingestion of microwaved foods causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland & blood serum alterations.

10. Eating microwave food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability & a decrease of intelligence.

One thing not mentioned is the danger of plastics in the microwave. Toxic chemicals can leach into your food from the containers or the plastic wrap & paper plates you use.

Well, I don't know about you, but if you even think one of these is correct, it is enough of a reason to stop using a microwave.

So tonight when you get home & are starving & want a quick meal from the microwave, have an apple or other healthy snack, pop the meal in the regular oven & relax. Wind down, listen to music, read a little, slow down. Let the stress of the day flow out of your body. When your dinner is ready you will not be eating in a stressed state which is terrible for digestion.

Then, when people look at you (all calm & relaxed) in horror & think you are crazy for not using the microwave, just think of me. I am used to being viewed that way about drying clothes on the line, using natural homemade body products, eating a mostly raw food diet, not going to a "regular" doctor.... & on & on. I tell you what though. This will be our secret. We are healthier for it. Being non-mainstream is a good thing. Enjoy your knowledge & maybe, just maybe, some of those people will eventually see that this is a good path to be on.

Do You Know Where Your Almonds Come From?

We always try to eat organic foods. Of course they are not always available. So there are choices to be made. Some foods are worse than others as far as chemical use to grow them. Some time ago, I found out that raw almonds from the US are fumigated. The fumigant is propylene oxide which is recognized as a carcinogen by the EPA. The USDA is being sued by the almond growers to stop the mandatory fumigation. The USDA's regulations allow these fumigated almonds to be labeled as "raw" which is deceiving the public. Fumigating the almonds destroys as much as 90% of their nutritional value by altering proteins & destroying disease-fighting phytonutrients. They should not be able to be sold as "raw" almonds. A large number of people make recipes using raw almonds & expect them to be safe. Raw almonds should be just that. Raw & not tampered with. Just like other foods that are raw. Best left in their natural state. Leave it to the USDA to meddle with Mother Nature & then not tell us about it. Nutrient destruction should be labeled as such. Most almonds come from California. Other countries are not required to fumigate. So much for eating locally (or foods from this country). I hate to say it, but don't buy almonds from the US. If your store shows the point of origin, make sure the almonds come from a different country. I feel sorry for the growers who had no say in the matter. I hope they win their lawsuit.

Some Things You Might Find Interesting About Organic Cotton

Recently I ordered some organic cotton undies & it came with a fact sheet. Thought I would share.

First, why conventional cotton undies are bad...

They are processed with chlorine bleach & hydrogen peroxide & formaldehyde is also applied in the processing of the fabric.

Dioxin is a carcinogen derived from chlorine bleach & is responsible for hormone disruption.

The dye process also has heavy metals that contain harmful carcinogens.

Conventional cotton production account for more than 10 percent of pesticides used & 23 percent of agricultural insecticide sales.

Contamination of ground water is directly linked to pesticide & fertilizer use on cotton crops. Nitrates found in these fertilizers are found to cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants.

Use of chemicals in processing makes the fibers weaker & therefore wear out faster.

Now the good news...

Organic cotton doesn't use any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Growing the crop organically doesn't damage the soil, environment or human health.

Organic cotton farming doesn't poisen farm workers or their families.

No GMO (genetically modified) is allowed in organic cotton.

Organic cotton is stronger due to the lack of chemical processing.

So what do you want to put next to your body? I know you are saying "But it is more expensive than regular underwear". Okay, good point. I understand that. But if you are buying cigarettes or eating fast food, or have other things you spend money on that you don't really need, maybe you could cut back on one of those things & be able to afford to buy organic. You only get one body in your lifetime. Treat it with care. It'll last longer.

Lavender

Lavender is a great antibacterial. There are many uses for it. Here are a few to try.

Use lavender (or any other essential oil you might like) as an air freshener. Just take a small spray bottle, fill it almost full of water (avoid tap water if possible, especially if your water is chlorinated or contains fluride), add about 10 drops of lavender. That's it! Save money & keep the nasty chemicals out of your home.

Ever use those pre-packaged wipes or baby wipes for travel? Here is what you need to make your own.

Container that seals

Either cut up material (old t-shirts work great) or use paper towels cut in half

Pure water (enough only to moisten the wipes)

Lavender essential oil

Pour water into container, add the lavender (about 2 drops per the number of cloths you are using). Mix well.

Put your wipe material in the bottom of the container to absorb the liquid.

Now you have a great antibacterial wipe to use anytime. Put them in a small container & put them in your glove compartment. Take them on the plane with you. Personally, I'd rather use them than wash my hands with the airplane water :-).

Another item made with lavender that you can use when you will be in crowds or on a plane.

Take Q-tips with a few drops of lavender on them & swab your nasal cavity with it before you go out or fly.

There are so many uses for lavender & other essential oils. Replace the expensive products you use now & save money & the planet at the same time.

Other Uses for Baking Soda & Vinegar

I am all about using less chemicals on & in your body & in your home. I have been using a few different cleaners that are so simple & that you don't have to worry about holding your breath while you are cleaning.

The first can be used for just about anything.

Cleaner for all-purpose jobs

2 cups of white vinegar & 2 cups of water.

Optional: Add essential oils*, about 15-20 drops ( Why shouldn't cleaning smell good while you are doing it).

*A note on essential oils: lavender has been said to be toxic to cats & some essential oils stain (chamomile, cedar and orange) so try on a tissue first in an inconspicuous area.

Warm the mixture for tougher jobs.

Furniture Polish

1/4 cup white vinegar

a few drops of olive oil

2 tsp of lemon juice

This should be stored in a refrigerator. Test in an inconspicuous area first. Use a clean, dry cloth & pour a little polish on it. Rub in the direction of the grain.

Reasons to not use a popular furniture spray

1. Propane

2. Isobutane

3. Butane

4. Isoparaffinic Hydrocarbon Solvent Silicons (say what?)

5. Water (okay, that's all right)

6. Storage: keep away from children. Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area. Keep from freezing or excessive heat. (where is your can stored?)

7. Disposal: take to the nearest steel recycling center.

Enough said?


Drain Cleaner


1/2 cup each of baking soda & white vinegar.

Pour baking soda down the drain & follow with the vinegar. Let it sit for around 30 minutes & flush with boiling water. Try again if it didn't work the first time.




Reasons not to use a popular drain cleaner (right from their material data sheets)
Warnings: CAUTION: Eye irritant. May be irritating to skin. For sensitive skin or prolonged use wear gloves. FIRST AID: EYES-Flush with water for 15 minutes. IF SWALLOWED-Drink a glass full of water. Call a physician. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Avoid contact with clothes, fabric or carpet. Do not use or mix with other household chemicals as hazardous gases may result.
Acute Health Effects: From MSDS Inhalation: Exposure to vapor may irritate eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Injures mucous membranes on direct contact. Skin Contact: Injures skin on contact. Some clinical reports suggest a low potential for sensitization upon exaggerated exposure to sodium hypochlorite, particularly on damaged or irritated skin. Eye Contact: Corrosive to the eyes. Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation of the mouth and throat may occur.
Chronic Health Effects: From MSDS Occasional clinical reports suggest a low potential for skin sensitization upon exaggerated exposure to sodium hypochlorite if skin damage (e.g., irritation) occurs during exposure. Routine clinical tests conducted on intact skin found no sensitization in the test subjects. The MSDS further states "The following medical conditions may be aggravated by exposure to high concentrations of vapor or mist: heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or obstructive lung disease."See the accompanying chemical database file for a further discussion of potential health effects of the chemical ingredients that are found on the label or mentioned in the MSDS.
Carcinogenicity: From MSDS The manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) states that the product contains no substances that are considered carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.
Handling: From MSDS Keep out of reach of children. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Use general ventilation to minimize exposure to vapors Avoid all splashing; particularly in eyes, on skin and clothing. Keep children away from basins containing Liquid Plumr. Do not use plunger with Liquid Plumr. Do not use with ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners or other drain openers. Do not reuse empty container.

Just think of how much money you will save by using these cleaners & there are no metal or plastic containers to recycle. You can re-use the empty glass bottle of vinegar for the furniture polish or other cleaner. I know it is "easy" to just go out & buy the ready made stuff, but you really do owe it to yourself & your family to clean up your home of chemicals. Break the habit & start a new tradition in your home of safe cleaning.

Shampoo No More!

Okay. My challenge is done. For a week, we have been washing our hair with baking soda & water. I won't go back to shampoo if my hair stays looking like it does now. I cannot tell the difference! My hair usually requires washing every day to look good. I have always had oily hair & it looked oily after skipping a day. I haven't used a cream rinse in quite some time but always felt I needed it in the winter with the dry air. I have to say that now, my hair is clean & not fly-away. I am so happy to report this! No more questionable chemicals being absorbed into my skin. In the past I have used an herbal vinegar rinse that I made. I used that every other day this week. I really don't see any difference when I do. If you are using "regular" products on your hair, I would try the rinse to get the build up out. For a simple vinegar rinse use either apple cider vinegar (which is quite strong smell-wise) or use white vinegar (organic if possible). Add water to it at about one part vinegar to 3 parts water. Rinse well.

Washing hair can be so simple & now cheap. With most people trying to save money now, I feel this is something to try. Please don't go to the dollar stores & stock up on cheap shampoos. The chemicals in those shampoos are terrible. Your skin is the largest organ in the body. Don't put anything on it that you wouldn't eat. (I know you are picturing yourself eating your lotion right now :-)

The One Week Challenge

Tuesday I started a new personal challenge. I read on a blog http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/?p=365 about a better way to shampoo. I have been using Organic shampoos for years but am still looking for a more natural way. So for a week, I am trying this new, natural way on my hair & see what happens. It involves using baking soda & water. How simple is that. Today is Thursday & my hair looks like & just washed it. How natural can you get! If you are looking for a way to save money & keep nasty chemicals from absorbing into your body, try it. It's so simple.

Making Toothpaste

A lot of people are out of work or close to it right now. There are some things that you use everyday that can be made for pennies. One of them is toothpaste. No, it doesn't contain fluoride, but that is a great thing! Do a Google search sometime or check out this website about fluoride.
http://preventdisease.com/home/tips79.shtml
The initial cost for the essential oils is high but they last a long time. Always use sea salt & try to find baking soda without aluminum at a health food store. This recipe is for a smaller size jar (see pic). Baby food jars would work great.

Toothpaste

Baking soda base
Sea salt (couple of pinches)
Tea tree oil-20 drops
Peppermint-20 drops
(or other flavor you like better)

Fill jar 1/2 full with baking soda. Add salt & essential oils.
Stir, then add more baking soda & stir again.
Just wet your toothbrush & dip into jar.

We have been using this for years & no cavities. It is all natural & frugal. Think of all the money you will save & your health will be better too.