Behind the Label: Windex

Windex
Here are the three ingredients found in Windex and their affects on our health and environment.

#1: Isopropanol

#2: 2-Butoxy ethanol - Same chemical found in Simple "Green"
More information on this chemical: http://www.valdezlink.com/re/outline.htm
· Development Effects
· Toxic Air Contaminant
· Testicular Damage
· Reduced Fertility
· Embryo Death
· Birth Defects
· Headaches
· Respiratory Irritant
· Toxic to Blood Cells
· Severe Kidney & Liver Damage
· Bone Marrow Damage
· Red Blood cell Damage
· Personality Changes
· Dizziness / Nausea
· Depression
· Anemia

#3: Ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether



To clean windows without making yourself, your family and pets ill and without killing the frogs in your local stream, blend one cup of white distilled vinegar with distilled water in a 32 oz. spray bottle. Spray safely on glass, countertops and toilet seats. Use cotton cloths instead of paper towel.

Since the EPA does not require manufacturers of household chemicals to list their ingredients on the package label, you can use this website to learn what's actually in the household chemicals found in your home.
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/search.htm

Ho What? Jojoba, pronounced Ho Ho Ba.

BACKGROUNDI was first formally introduced to Jojoba back in 2004 when I was completing my Certification in Aromatherapy. At first sight, I believed it was an oil, like Sweet Almond oil or olive oil. We learned quickly that it was not. We used it as our base (or carrier) to create essential oil products and these products could be massaged both into the body AND face, without causing zits!

After reading about it over and over, I decided to include it in my best-selling product, which is called Face and Body Butter and in all of my roll-on blends for clients. It’s immediately softening to the skin, there’s no smell, and I really like its color when it’s held up to the light.

ABOUTJojoba is actually a liquid wax obtained from cold pressing a seed (Simmondsia chinensis) NOT a nut. Jojoba doesn’t contain triglycerides, which are fragile, oxidize and break down, so it doesn't turn rancid. It has an indefinite shelf life. Isn't that cool?!

Here are some other cool things about this amazing non-oily, liquid wax substance.

• SPF of 2 - 4
• Non-allergenic
• Conditions the skin
• Relieves cradle cap
• Soothes chafed / dry skin
• Does not not clog pores
• Conditions and softens cuticles
• Removes make-up and mascara
• Provides soothing relief of Psoriasis
• Transports essential oils into the skin
• Superior for scalp, face or whole body
• Conditions hair and scalp, prevents dryness
• Soothes and conditions skin after sun exposure
• May be blended with wheat germ oil for face care
• Improves skin’s absorption of facial mask nutrients
• Strengthens the hair shaft and restores manageability
• Gentle enough for newborns after bath, diaper changes
• Penetrates into the skin and is an appropriate carrier for diluting for Essential Oils
• Does not stain and washes out with hot water and natural soap

HOW DO I USE IT?
Clients often ask what to use in place of commercial, synthetic moisturizers or products recommended by Dermatologists. I recommend jojoba - straight up on the face, body, in hair - or with Essential Oils.

If you're blending jojoba with Essential Oils, please follow these guidelines:

• 5 total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of jojoba for children, pregnancy, elderly, face care
• 10 total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of jojoba for adults, daily use, massage
• 15 total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of jojoba for acute injury or illness

Click HERE to see recipes using jojoba and other ways to use it

WHERE CAN I GET SOME?
Most health food stores and Wegmans carry jojoba. You may find, like me, that it's quite pricey to purchase it this way. I purchase it in gallons - the Certified Organic version - directly from The Jojoba Company.

I suggest buying jojoba in large quantities and breaking it down into small glass containers for everyone in the home to enjoy.

photo source: http://www.jojobacompany.com/

Natural Remedies for Sore Throat

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar (available at your local health food store and Nature's Market, Wegmans)
Place 1 Tablespoon of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar in 4 oz glass of water; stir well. Gargle and spit.
More information at: http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html
Essential Oil GargleIn a glass container, blend 5 Total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of water with a drop of 100% pure aloe vera gel or local honey. Choose 2 of the following Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Myrrh, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Thieves essential oil blend.

Shake well before using; gargle and spit. Avoid direct eye contact. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Sore Throat Essential Oil Massage BlendIn a glass container, blend 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) and 5 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oils into 1 ounce of unscented, natural lotion.
Massage well on the front and back of neck and around ear lobes (never drop Essential Oils into the ear drum). Shake well before using. Avoid direct eye contact. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Thieves essential oil blend lozengesAll I can say is... these are amazing!Available at: https://www.youngliving.org/amy
Thieves essential oil mouthwashShake well before using; gargle and spit.Available at: https://www.youngliving.org/amy

Organica Jane's Healthy RAW Balls

Organica Jane's Healthy RAW Balls
In food processor combine:

• 1, 16 oz jar raw almond butter and
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup and
• few dates pitted

blend thoroughly then add

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup whole raw almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup choc chips / raw cacao chips
• 1 TB raw cacao powder
• 1 TB ground flax seed

Could also use walnuts, Ningxia (Chinese) wolfberries, cherries, raisins. Please use organic, non-sprayed ingredients wherever possible. Thank you.

Batter will be very thick. Remove by the spoonful and roll into balls; place in frig overnight to hold. Can dip into melted organic chocolate for extra naughty.
photo source: Flickr.com

Organica Jane's healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks organic butter, softened
• 3/4 cup local pure maple syrup
• 3 free-range, organic egg whites
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose (organic spelt / brown rice flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 T ground flaxseed
• 3 cups organic quick oats
• 1 bag of carob or organic semi-sweet chocolate chips

Note: Can use applesauce in place of butter and egg whites to make vegan.

Heat oven to 375°F

1. In large bowl, beat butter and syrup, add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and clove; mix well. Add oats; mix well.

2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 10 – 12 minutes – or till golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Servings: ABOUT 3 DOZEN