AGENT NATEUR HOLI(STICK) DEODORANT

The search is finally over! After trying just about every natural deodorant available, I was left feeling that wearing a natural deodorant was equivalent to wearing no deodorant at all. I always ended up going back to the toxic traditional deodorants, which is hard when the rest of my skincare routine is almost entirely holistic.

That’s why I was so happy when I was introduced to Agent Nateur's holi(stick) deodorant. Not only is it made with organic ingredients but it really works!! The first time I used it I gave it the ultimate test, an 11 hour flight. I was sure by the end of the flight there would be some sort of unpleasant smell but to my amazement there wasn't. 

Agent Nateur is made with organic coconut oil, beeswax, sodium bicarbonate, avocado butter, sunflower butter, castor oil, raw organic honey, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils. Its ingredients are literally good enough to eat! And that's important because applying creams, makeup and deodorant to the skin is really no different from eating them. It only takes 26 seconds for the chemicals in your skincare products to enter your bloodstream. And while studies have shown that the skin has an absorption rate of over 60%, the underarms have a 100% absorption rate.

Traditional deodorants are loaded with toxic chemicals. Over time these chemicals build up in our bodies and end up wreaking havoc on our health. One of the most common ingredients used in deodorant is the heavy metal, aluminum. Aluminum disrupts hormone function and has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer and Alzheimers. Propylene glycol is another common ingredient that is extremely dangerous and causes damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart. Parabens, which are often used as a preservative, disrupt hormonal balance, which can eventually lead to hormone related cancers and organ toxicity.

In fact it was these hormone related health issues that led Jena Covello to create Agent Nateur in the first place. Unable to find a natural deodorant that worked, Jena started mixing formulas in her West Hollywood kitchen. The finished product not only fills a niche for natural deodorants that are effective but it also brings a sense of luxury to the organic market. With its super chic packaging, divine fragrance and smooth application, Agent Nateur is changing the way the world views luxury cosmetics.

Directions:

A little goes a long way.
Give yourself a month to adjust to the deodorant.
Shave the night before if your skin is sensitive.
Apply to clean skin and reapply as needed.
Agent Nateur bottles were purchased in the UK and turn to the left not the right.

For online orders and a list of stockists, visit www.agentnateur.com

MATCHA

Every time I open up a new tin of DoMatcha, I love to read the little booklet inside that lists the health benefits. Each time I read it, I am equally amazed. It's nutritional benefits read like that of any superfood but that's because it is a superfood. 1 cup of matcha is nutritionally equivalent to 10 cups of green tea.

 

Matcha, which means powder (ma) tea (cha) in Japanese, is made by grinding the whole tea leaf into a fine powder. When you drink matcha, you are consuming the nutrients of the entire tea leaf. 

  

Matcha's antioxidant profile alone is unparalleled. It is high in catechins, which are the most potent and beneficial of all antioxidants. Specifically, matcha is high in the catechin, EGCG. EGCG fights bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, inhibits the aging process and reduces inflammation. Matcha contains up to 137 times more EGCG than steeped green tea. The anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG, promote clearer and more radiant skin, whiter eyes and just about any other outward sign of good health.

 

The antioxidant levels in matcha are 14 times higher than that of blueberries, 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more active than Vitamin E. Matcha contains more than 70 times the antioxidants in fresh orange juice and 9 times the beta carotene in spinach.

 

It also happens to be rich in the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine assists in the production of dopamine and serotonin, which enhances mood, improves memory and promotes better concentration. It also has the unique ability to stimulate alpha waves in the brain; a state otherwise mostly achieved by meditation. The relaxing effects of L-theanine, balance the stimulatory effects of caffeine, leading to an experience of calm alertness and clarity.

 

Because of its unique combination of phytonutrients, the caffeine in matcha is assimilated in a very different, much healthier way than the caffeine in coffee. The caffeine in matcha is released into the bloodstream slowly over time and the result is sustained energy for up to 8 hours. This also prevents the insulin and adrenalin spikes typical of coffee intake. Therefore, there is no low that follows; just sweet, steady energy. Matcha only contains about half of the caffeine found in coffee, which means its energy boost does not necessarily come from caffeine but rather a combination of matcha's natural properties.

Because it is rich in chlorophyll, matcha acts as a powerful blood detoxifier and alkalizer. Other benefits of drinking matcha regularly include: a boost in metabolism by up to 40%, burned excess abdominal fat and the support of healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Most importantly, matcha makes you happy. And as Audrey Hepburn once said, "happy girls are the prettiest girls."


Ancient Recipe:

Using a traditional bamboo whisk:
Put 1/2 -1 teaspoon of matcha in a large cup or a drinking bowl and add a small amount of hot water. Whisk in a quick, light zig-zag motion until a layer of green froth appears on the surface. Add more water if desired.

The ideal water temperature for matcha is between 150-185 degrees Fahrenheit (65-85 Celsius).


Latte Recipe:

For one 12oz to 16oz serving: Blend 1-2 teaspoons of matcha and a small amount of liquid with a spoon to make a smooth paste. Add hot or cold almond milk and sweeten with coconut sugar if desired.

Photo: Panateagreen.com


 

 

 

 

 

BENTONITE CLAY

Bentonite clay is one of nature’s most powerful detoxifying agents. It has been used by cultures around the world for thousands of years and it’s been a staple in my medicine cabinet since I was first introduced to it over five years ago.

Formed from weathered volcanic ash, this healing clay can be used both internally and externally. What makes it such an incredible detoxifier is the fact that it has a negative electromagnetic charge while toxins tend to have a positive charge. This means that the clay actually acts as a magnet pulling out heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, parasites, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, radiation and other major toxins. It can absorb 180 times or more its weight in toxins.

When taken internally, it alkalizes the body while the energy of the clay works to revitalize and rebuild damaged cells and tissues. When it comes into contact with a toxin, the clay will absorb the toxin and release its minerals for the body to use. It also helps to oxygenate the cells by removing excess hydrogen and allowing the cells to replace it with oxygen.

Some of the benefits of drinking bentonite clay include: clearer skin, brighter and whiter eyes, increased energy and better digestion.

By using the clay externally, either on one’s skin or in a bath, it will actually pull toxic debris out through the pores of the skin. Cleopatra used clay from the Nile and Arabian desert over 1800 years ago, as part of her beauty ritual. Pliney the Elder even devoted an entire chapter of his "Natural History" to the many uses of clay for pimples, black heads and skin tightening. 

It makes an amazing face mask. Believe me when I tell you no pore will be left unclean. You will actually feel your face pulsating as the clay removes impurities from your pores and afterwards you will notice an instant tightening effect.

It can be used externally for a variety of skin conditions such as acne, insect bites, cuts, burns, sunburns, rashes and itching. It is especially calming for eczema and psoriasis.

Bentonite clay is typically available as a thick tasteless grey gel but it also comes in capsule and powder form. Make sure to use a food grade clay for internal use. Also, when taking clay internally it is important to use psyllium fiber and an herbal cleanser. Psyllium fiber swells to 40-60 times its own weight and will work synergistically with the clay to quickly and effectively pull out toxins. An herbal cleanser is important as clay can have a constipating effect and it is important that toxins are eliminated.    

Directions for use:

Take on an empty stomach at least two hours before or two hours after a meal.

Do not take it with any supplements or medications as it can reduce their effectiveness.

Do not let clay come into contact with metal as that can reduce its effectiveness.

Drink plenty of water.

Clay Mask: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and clay. Apply mask to face and allow to dry for about 15 minutes.

Clay Bath: Add ¼ cup clay to bath water.

EAT YOURSELF TAN

Slathering on self tanning lotion not really your thing? Mine either. I'm not necessarily opposed to sweet, porcelain skin but there's nothing like a healthy bronzage. So with no winter sun in sight, I'm going to examine the possibilities of eating myself aglow. 

 

It has been proven that foods containing high amounts of carotenoids (colorful plant pigments that work as powerful antioxidants), tyrosine (amino acid) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) can increase skin pigmentation. In fact, self tanners often list carotenoids, tyrosine and riboflavin as key ingredients. These ingredients increase the production of melanin, which gives skin its pigmentation.

 

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are high in carotenoids, especially the most powerful, beta carotene. Dark leafy greens are also high in beta carotene. When you eat multiple servings of these particular foods, it warms up your skin tone and creates a natural tan.

 

Try increasing the following foods for beautiful sun kissed skin, without the sun:

 

Cartenoid Foods:

Apricots

Bell Peppers

Broccoli
Butternut Squash

Cantaloupe

Carrots
Cayenne Pepper
Chili Pepper
Collard Greens

Kale
Lettuce (romaine, green leaf, red leaf)
Mangoes
Peas
Pink Grapefruit

Pumpkin

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard

Tomatoes

 

Tyrosine Foods:

Egg Whites

Mustard greens

Pumpkin seeds

Salmon

Seaweed

Spirulina

Turkey

 

Riboflavin Foods:

Almonds
Beef

Cilantro

Coriander
Lamb

Mackeral (a small fillet contains the highest percentage of B2 in fish)

Paprika
Salmon

Sesame Seeds

Spinach

Trout

 

A trip to your supermarket might almost give your face the same satisfaction as a weekend in Tulum. OK, almost, I said almost!!

 

Photo: Hanalei III by Byrdie Mack