DIY Recipe – Baby Powder (Talc-Free)

Turns out that talc, in and of itself, is a toxic mineral for human use. It's crafted by mining talc rocks, then crushed, dried and milled – similar to how flour is processed. This process leaves behind minute asbestos-like fibers. It’s reported that products containing talc has been linked to being a known carcinogenic (cancer causing). Even the American Academy of Pediatrics have reported talc’s hazard.

I know what you’re thinking, “I’ve used baby powder all my life and didn't have any problems at all.” Although this may be true for most, buy products containing small traces of talc, the side effects are not always identifiable or easily related. Further, although it doesn't pose a danger to many, exposing to babies and your more delicate parts does lend itself to improve your health or overall well-being. Like most products using small amounts of harmful substances, after continued use of its carcinogens toxins are more prone to pile up in the body and become a problem eventually. Research has shown talc particles found inside ovarian tumors in women who use powder near their genitals.

To be on the safe side, here's how to make your very own talc-free body powder at home:

What you’ll need:

1/3 cup Arrowroot powder

1/3 cup Cornstarch (non-GMO)

2 Tbsp White Kaolin Clay

1-3 drops Vanilla essential oil (or your preferred gentle essential oil)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients then mix together and sift to ensure that ingredients are well blended. Then, pour powder into a bottle with a sprinkler top (re-use Parmesan cheese or an old spice container if you do not have any on hand).

Note: arrowroot powder and kaolin clay can be found in most local health food stores. You can also order these items online with Mountain Rose Herbs.

If you don’t want to make your own, but prefer to simply buy it. Try these carriers:

Redmond Clay Brand

Belli Baby

Lizzy Lane Farm

Liquid Vitamins – Nutrients You Can Drink

It’s the middle of the week and you’ve been running around like a chicken with your head cut off and once again you don’t have time to prepare a fully balanced meal. Frustration sets in, because you’re wondering how you’re supposed to juggle so many balls in the air, wear multiple hats and prepare a nutritious meal. Trust me, I’ve been there wrote the book and read the novel.

Image courtesy of gameanna/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So first things first, cut yourself some slack, you’re doing just fine. Instead, let’s get creative to keep your health and well being at the forefront. Enjoy the journey of creating a balanced nutritious diet for yourself (forgive yourself when you’ve gotten off course); and when you feel as if you can’t afford to pay attention to your health, have a drink – a drink filled with nutrients that is.

·  Vitamin C: Liquid vitamins absorb directly into the bloodstream rather than being filtered through the digestive system, most of which is wasted.  Liquid vitamin C is no different, as it helps to absorb iron, rich with antioxidants and gives the immune system a boost. Kal Liquid C is my favorite brands. Just add a teaspoon to your beverage. I’ve found this to be most helpful when I feel a cold coming on, at the onset I’ll add more or less vitamin C as needed.

·  B12/B-Complex: If you’re anything like me, sometimes too busy to stop and smell the roses, then liquid B-Complex just might help you to where you’re going. It’s most known for supporting mental focus and helping to calm the nerves. Feeling unsettled and restless, then give liquid B-Complex a try.

·  Black Strap Molasses (unsulfured): Liquid iron. Feeling like you’re running on fumes? Add blackstrap molasses to your diet to help boost your iron count, and give some much needed energy.  It also is a good source of calcium, selenium and potassium.

·  Cod Liver Oil: Before you say eww, Twinlab’s Norwegian Cod Liver Oil comes flavored, (I prefer the mint flavor) to help mask the aftertaste. Not only does it help to lube the joints, but it also promotes brain and mental health as it contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for the brain and nervous system.

·  Green Drink: rich in iron, antioxidants, protein and vitamins. This drink may take some prep time because you’ll have to prepare it at home, but nutrients are well worth it. Prepare your ingredients (green tea, local honey, spinach, kale, mango, mint leaves) in advance, and throw them in the blend and enjoy! For a concentrated effect, you can pour green tea in your ice tray, freeze, and then use them as ice cubes.

·  Buy a drink: grab a smoothie on the go at your local restaurant or juice shop. Just remember to check if the juices are made with artificial sweeteners and syrups (mango syrup, strawberry syrup, etc.).

   You've heard it time and time again, but it still rings true... true beauty starts from within!