Tags
acne aging anti-aging beauty detox diet exercise fasting healing health healthy lifestyle healthy living healthy recipes inspiration juicing Living la Vida Raw meditation mindfulness Move Your Body Natural Beauty natural cures Natural Cures natural remedies nutrition nutritionist parasites raw raw food Raw Food for Thought raw foods raw girl Raw News raw recipes Raw Spirit Recipes skin spirulina stress vegan vegan lifestyle vegan recipes vegetarian Veggie Love wellness yogaNewsletter Sign-up
Author Archives: rawgirl
The Anti-Parasite Diet: Foods that Make Parasites Run for Cover
Embarking on a parasite cleanse can be extremely frustrating. You are dying to get those critters out of you, but have to work against the fact that a lot of times, parasites dictate your cravings. Another frustrating point is that different parasites feed on different foods to thrive. So in order to really do some damage, a general parasite cleanse can be a great help but its also necessary to consume a wide range of foods that irritate parasites to ensure you have killed the various types.
As I continue on my parasite cleanse for this year, I have done a great deal of research on what foods and herbs people say assist the body in killing worms. This is the list of foods and herbs that I have compiled thus far and have incorporated in my diet, in order to really whip out a gangsta can of Raw Girl whoop-ass and rid my body of parasites.
1. Raw Garlic – One of the number one ways to kill parasites. All effective parasite cleanses always include garlic.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Increase stomach acids with Apple Cider Vinegar prior to your meals. This will keep the stomach free of parasites and will also ensure that you will kill off any larvae you inadvertantly eat with your meals.
3. Pumpkin Seeds – Can help to get rid of tapeworms.
4. Pineapple – Contain an enzyme bromelain, that is anti-parisitic. A couple sources claim that a three day pineapple fast will kill tape worms.
5. Cranberry Juice (unsweetened) or Carrot Juice & Carrots – Cranberry juice can be diluted in water. Carrots the juice or the veggie eaten plain kills em as well.
6. Coconut Oil – Contains lauric acid which is found in coconut products. Coconut oil is about 50% comprised of this saturated fat which after converted by the body creates a substance that efficiently kills parasites, yeasts, viruses, and pathogenic bacteria in the gut.
7. Fennel Seed Tea – Is a mild laxative and can be an irritant to certain types of parasites.
8. Herbs: Cloves,Wormwood, Black walnut hull and husks – These herbs are always incorporated into an effective parasite cleanse and should be among the ingredients listed in the capsules you take daily from parasite cleanses that can be bought in health food stores. Cloves kills the parasite eggs that may be lingering in the intestinal tract. Black walnut hull and wormwood kill the adult and developmental stages of around 100 different types of parasites. All three are essential.
9. Pungent Spices – Spices such as: turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, chilis, horseradish, and cayenne, all make parasites run for cover.
10. Probiotics/ Fermented Foods – Some options that can be made at home include: sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) or drinking rejuvelac (a drink made from fermented grains such as wheat berries). You can also take probiotic supplements. These help to replenish good bacteria and kill the bad.
Once again, if you didn’t know, you can get parasites a myriad of ways: from your pets, your loved ones—or anyone you kiss, also from shaking hands (washing hands regularly is key). So if you de-worm yourself and your partner does not, you’ll be back in the boxing ring with the parasites again sometime soon. Armed with my parasite cleanse, incorporating this list of foods into my diet, avoiding sugar, and consuming a lot of greens, I am determined to knock them out in this second round. Check out my newly published book Parasites, Be Gone! for more in depth info and a 14 Day Cleanse with original recipes. Take precautions and get to cleansing!
– XoXo Raw Girl
Natural Beauty Highlight: Khepera Fleming
A dear friend and mother of three who has mastered the art of looking youthful (she doesn’t really have to try), and raising healthy (not to mention insanely talented) vegan children, Khepera Fleming is a beautiful soul residing in the Brooklyn area. If you’re wondering if her picture is airbrushed, that answer is no–that’s how stunning she is live and in the flesh. I caught up with her to find out how she stays on track with her diet and to glean advice that may be helpful for parents to hear about raising children on a vegan diet.
How long have you been a vegan? If you were a meat eater previously what made you decide to change your diet? What were some of the benefits spiritual mental or physical you received by changing your diet?I have been vegan for 18 years. As a child I suffered with constipation and poor digestion due to a diet of heavy starches and my inability to digest animal protein. In my teenage years I was very lethargic, consistently depressed and suffered painful menses. I became sick and tired of being sick and tired so I began a search which brought me to Chinese Herbalogy, I purchased and took a 14 day cleanse that shifted my paradigm. I was renewed with crystal clear understanding that I could not go back to my old eating habits. I realized my diet was killing me. For many years I felt imprisoned in a body that caused me a great deal of stress and as I removed the animal proteins, the denatured grains and introduced juicing and more living foods I emerged from the fires with joy, energy, conscious awareness of self in relationship to the plant animal kingdom and great deal of spiritual strength knowing that the power to heal myself is within me. There is wisdom in the phrase “Heal Thyself Know Thyself.”
What are staples in your diet? What are vegan dishes your kids enjoy? Greens of all sorts are a main staple, quinoa, sea vegetables. My children love lentils and beans. They love all the fabulous dishes that one can make with beans and lentils. Bean burritos or tacos with lots of veggies brown rice and plenty of guacamole. Chick pea or lentil patties, kale salad with seaweed, Tofu, whole grain pancakes with fresh fruit, power shakes with sea moss, spirulina, veg protein.
What supplements do you use regularly, if any?
Flaxseed oil, B-complex, Spirulina
What crucial advice would you give to mothers who want to raise their children vegan? Do your research and stay away from processed foods. There are a variety of vegan-packaged foods, which are quite inviting but are loaded with sodium, sugars and preservatives. You will have to put time and energy into food preparation and meals should be made from whole foods giving precedence to organic. You must keep in mind that children are growing and it is my belief that whole foods are best and if given a variety you don’t need lots of supplements. In our modern world we have come to rely on fast foods, which include packaged foods, and microwavable foods and both are deadly to the growing children as they are simply denatured. Keep it simple plenty of dark leafy vegetables, root vegetables, lots of seasonal fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts (watch out for allergic reaction to some) oils, etc. Most importantly teach your children so they carry the legacy of eating well and they do not succumb to peer pressure. Also, remember food is medicine so as a mother you’re also the healer in the family especially if you’re responsible for the meals so the healthier the meals the healthier the children.
Were you vegan during all of your pregnancies? How did your diet or supplementation change during this time? I was vegan throughout all three pregnancies with no cravings for animal protein. I always get asked that. The only difference is I ate more because my body demanded it. I ate basically the same but I included a prenatal vitamin and I increased my greens and liquid intake to increase my energy and flush my system.
Is it difficult for your kids to interact with the other children who have S.A.D. (Standard American) diets? Their interaction can be difficult because my children’s views on animal consumption involve a conscious understanding of their relationship between themselves and the plant and animal kingdom. They can become physically ill if they watch friends or family members consume animal products. Holidays can be tough, although now we are thought of and something vegan is prepared for us. I’ve come to find that many of their friends eventual try and end up truly loving vegan food. My 9-year-old daughter, Ajahee, who is a model and aspiring actress, is very vocal with her friends about her vegan lifestyle and she says she never feels indifferent about it. She loves it.
What is your beauty/skin care regimen like?For years I used products from the health food store just whatever appealed to my senses. Most recently I was introduced to a skin care line that promised definite results so I tried it and fell in love with Arbonne International, which is now my home based business; I am an independent consultant and district manager in the New York area. Arbonne’s 450 products are botanically base, pure and beneficial. I use the NutriminC re9 system, which is the best product I ever used on my skin. It gives hydration, luster and youthful skin. I love it.
I love the Arbonne natural foundation I bought from you! It’s so light and enhances natural glow. How do you define natural beauty? I feel natural beauty comes from ones soul. It’s a great feeling when you meet a pure soul I always walk away saying he/she is beautiful. Usually that person’s lifestyle explains their inner beauty; maybe they’re truly growing their souls through conscious eating, meditation, yoga, giving, loving but whatever it is it shows. Natural beauty defines itself there’s a certainty that whatever is good comes from nature (Neter) God/Goddess.
How long ago did you do a parasite cleanse and what did you do to cleanse? I contracted a severe parasitic infection upon moving to NYC and working long hours in Manhattan eating most of meals out even though I chose healthy meals. I did a parasite cleanse over 10 years ago. I was referred to a Naturopath in my area who put me a series of herbal flushes, a kidney liver flush every morning, followed by herbal tea concoction three times a day, followed by weekly colonic irrigation. I followed a strict diet of fresh squeezed green veg juices, whole grains, steamed vegetables and salads. I stuck it out for 30 days and was healed. I now maintain my body system with herbal bitters so I am not so susceptible.
What were your symptoms prior to cleansing?If you have never had one pray you never get one. Parasites rob your life force. I became lethargic, my skin broke out severely, I craved sugar, probably to increase my energy, my thinking was cloudy and I had itching in personal body parts. Not a pretty sight. I was IRRITABLE all the time.
I agree, it really is not pretty! How long did it take you to see improvements in your health?Following the protocol I saw results in two weeks and by months end I was completely healed. It’s not easy I had a great supportive friend at the time that helped through the rough periods. I remember taking relaxing baths and just seeing myself healed.
Fabulous Vegan-in-Training 
One of Khepera’s daughters: Ajahee, an insanely talented nine-year old who acts, models, dances, sings, and writes her own music and screenplays! Watch out world, this little vegan-in-training is going to be fabulous when she grows up.
Ajahee is currently represented by Product Model Management in New York.
Interested in finding out more about Arbonne? You can email Khepera at: ksekkm@yahoo.com.
Taking a raw girl vacay to start work on another film. Back on Monday with videos on sprouting, raw pancakes (yum!), and other goodies. Stay tuned!
– XoXo Raw Girl
VEGGIE LOVE: Cactus Pear
Hey gang. This Veggie Love segment is dedicated to a new find that has got me coming back for more. My new love is cactus pear, a Mexico and Latin American staple that is, quite literally, the fruit from the cactus plant. Its skin is scary and prickly, but the inside is sweet, earthy, and the most fabulous color pink. Pair this diamond in the rough with its insane nutritional quality and we have ourselves a supermarket superstar.
Cactus pear only recently began reaching the consumers in the 1980s, when health scientists became aware of their medicinal qualities–one researcher even called them magical. Perhaps we have the next “superfood” on our hands?
To start off, cactus pear is known for its extremely high antioxidant count–limiting free radicals in the arteries and throughout the body, and preventing tumor growth and cancer cell production. Some studies have even found that this fruit shrinks tumors! The healthy oxidized state the pear promotes is also great for your skin–making you look younger, longer.
Cactus pear can also reduce blood sugar levels; meaning it can not only prevent, but treat diabetes. It’s great source of fiber also helps absorb and remove unneeded cholesterol. With traditional vitamins and minerals, cactus pear is high in calcium which strengthens bones and teeth. Its high Vitamin C content prevents cell damage, helps wounds to heal, fights infections, and aids in the absorption of iron. The fruit is also high in magnesium and taurine, nutrients important to brain and heart health.
Are you sold?
Preparation:
Handle with care. While most commercial cactus pears have had their spikes removed, you can still get a prickly splinter (which I found out the hard way). You might even want to use gloves. To remove the outer skin, cut on a tilt about a centimeter deep into the fruit and move knife in a circle around the fruit, then cut in half. You may even be able to peel the skin like an orange after the initial cut. The center of the fruit is loaded with tiny seeds which are edible, but hard. The flesh in-between the skin and the seeds is the best part and can be easily chopped once the seeds are scooped out. Just be careful of your clothing; the deep magenta color can be more dangerous than a red beet.
Cactus pears can be used in all sorts of ways: chopped on top of salads, made into jams, thrown into smoothies, or eaten plain. One you are familiar with the taste (a balance of light sweetness and earthiness), you can experiment. So far my favorite way to use them is in a delicious Cactus Pear Smoothie. Its sweet, chocolaty, and the color of bubble gum. I genuinely described this smoothie as “bomb-alicious.” Give it a try:
Ingredients: Flesh from 1 cactus pear; 1 frozen banana; 1/2 Tbs raw cacao powder or nibs; 2/3 cup coconut water; 1/3 cup filtered water.
Blend all ingredients together and drink up!
Note: I ran my whole cactus pear with seeds through the Vitamix before making the smoothie and then strained the liquid to remove the seeds. This way, you use a little more of the fruit. If you’re short on time, just use the flesh.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful smoothie and all the benefits cactus pear has to offer.
Here’s to feeling great about what you eat and sharing the veggie love.
–Kenzie, signing in for Raw Girl
Update: Raw Girl’s 30 Day Challenge
7 Days left of my warrior challenge! The goal was to practice hot yoga for an hour and a half three times a week for a month. It really hasn’t been easy people. This past Friday the class was so hard, towards the middle, I wanted to get up like a drama queen and politely explain to the yoga teacher that I didn’t sign up for this level of intensity and slip out the door before she could protest. But I stayed in the room, and emerged sore as heck but triumphant. Last week was the first week that I felt my body was starting to adjust to the challenge of four and a half hours of hot yoga in a week, so I was able to stay active in other ways I am used to and go to my belly dance class and run.
As far as the benefits I have noticed thus far: my productivity has pretty much doubled, my moods are on an even more even kilter, and I can definitely say that practicing has helped in a huge way with detox. Then of course, there’s the added benefit of building strength. I may have Michelle Obama arms by the end of next week! This challenge has me feeling like a warrior in my daily activities, perhaps because anything seems possible after you twisted and stretched your body to the point of exhaustion. I may have to extend the challenge for another month. That is…if I can make it through this next week, one glorious asana at a time. Keeping hope alive. Will keep you posted when it’s all said and done.
– XoXo Raw Girl
Learning to Let Go…
Photo By LisaCharleneF
I was listening to the radio last night, and the announcer was talking about people in your life that are “frenemies,” (enemies masquerading as friends). You know the energy vampires, the backstabbers, or even the cheerleaders who deep down don’t really mean the praises they shout in your direction. I think we all know some of those. He was saying that letting go of people or situations in your life that no longer serve you can take you in new more fabulous directions. In addition to that, I believe letting go by learning to surrender is one of the fastest way to move forward and reach your goals.
To emphasize the first point, I will share some tidbits from my new read for this month is Focal Point by Brian Tracy. As I began to delve into the book, one of the first things he emphasizes to become more powerful in all aspects of your life is letting go of habits, activities, and situations that are not giving you the most bang for your buck. Businesses have quadrupled their revenue and productivity by focusing in on their most lucrative clients or services instead of catering to all. I’m also sure that many families and relationships have been saved with readjustment of habits and commitment to real communication. All successful people establish a goal with laser focus and work towards them. The thing that I personally am working on, and this book is assisting, is prioritizing what it is exactly I want and what actions are most important for me to focus on in this moment. Just like you do when your on a “diet.” I have been cutting out the excess and noticed that as soon as I have let go of the old activities that sap my time and give little return for my energy investment, I have become doubly productive and had more impact. All that said, letting go sometimes isn’t easy. We all love comfort and familiarity and can get trapped into habits, situations, and with people who are hampering our full potential because we don’t have the courage to let go.
The other meaning of letting go related to surrender, is learning to go with the flow; finding a balance between trusting that your visions will come to pass without working yourself into a frenzy to accomplish them. In the past, because I am a go-getter who loves to accomplish my goals, I would create task lists and dream up new things to do to get me where I wanted to be. Living like this, left me drained, seemingly “productive”—but worn thin emotionally and physically. After a major adjustment, I learned to hold onto the goal or vision, but to trust that unexpected divine ways to accomplish it would fall right into my path. Julia Cameron, an author who I love, says in many of her books on creativity that we can rely on synchronicity. It’s not that you don’t do anything at all, or that you neglect to plan, but rather you aren’t trying to force moments or make anything happen. Its almost like active listening—but more like active being— you know what you want, so you are ready and alert to it when it arrives. When the right opportunity or idea falls into your path, and it will, you are there with your energy conserved ready to take efficient action.
There is something about surrender in this way that allows us to be a magnet for what we want. If you believe that like attracts like, then consider that when we are worked up and working hard to invent ways to get something or somewhere we are inhabiting an energy of lack. We need this thing bad, and the universe responds by showing us, that yes, indeed we do need it. In this space, there is no room for what we want to show up. But when we give in to the act of surrender and we are no longer desperate or worried, our energy shifts to that of receptivity. It is right there, that I have experienced that the tide begins to turn.
Take a look at your life today. What are your main priorities? Are you focusing on them? What can you let go of or improve so you can use more of your energy to get you closer to where you want to be? Are you trying to control how a certain goal will be accomplished? Perhaps you can make sure your goal is clear, and give yourself permission to let go and hand the dream over to the divine.
Taking a Raw Girl Vacay this weekend to shoot a film. Be back on Monday will more fuel for your raw fire.
-XoXo Raw Girl
7 Habits of Highly Effective Raw Vegans
I just finished reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which I always heard about but never picked up. It is a good read, but as I was plowing through the book, I started thinking to myself: what are 7 Habits of Highly Effective Raw Foodies?
And then, the light bulb went on over my head. Below is the list I came up with. There may be more or less, but these are the points I have found myself working on consistently since starting on the raw path.
– XoXo Raw Girl
1. Embrace Moderation A.K.A. Watch the Excess. Chill on the nuts. They are heavy and hard to digest if eaten in excess, especially if not soaked. A lot of raw recipes and raw restaurants feature dishes that are nut-heavy and will leave you feeling, well, a little bloated. Get creative and substitute or indulge from time to time but mostly keep your diet plant-heavy. If you used to be a sugar addict avoid excessive amounts of raw foods with sugar. Minimize use of large amounts of salt, even if it is Celtic or Himalayan.
2. Don’t Be Full of Sh%# A.K.A. Regular Colon Cleansing. Learning this tip that should have been taught to me in grade school changed my life. Everyone should be concerned with ensuring that their body sewage system (which the colon is) is maintained and regularly cleaned out.
3. Be a DIVA A.K.A. Emphasize Quality. Drink lots of pure or energized water. Find the freshest organic produce available. If you eat non-organic fruit from time to time it won’t kill you, but if you minimize this it’ll keep your body from being loaded with yet another toxin from the pesticides.
4. Add Fuel to Yr Fire A.K.A. Practice Adequate Additional Supplementation and/or use of herbs. This means you are taking your B-12 regularly and using other supplements to provide daily optimal nutrition. Herbal bitters are wonderful, and using a range of other types of herbs in moderation and with care can really boost your overall health if it starts to lag.
5. Live La Vida Toxin-Free A.K.A. Ramp up on Detox. Mineral cleanse, parasite cleanse, shower filters, regular fasting, avoiding beauty products with chemicals… I think you get the picture.
6. Get Off The Couch A.K.A. Get Regular Exercise. General exercise is always good, but it’s also good to incorporate into your exercise regimen workouts that support detoxification: yoga, rebounding etc. Not only will you be foxy and centered if you practice either of these two exercises, but you will give your organs a nice toxin rinse in some of those yoga poses and boost your lymphatic system with the rebounding.
7. Insist on Beauty Sleep A.K.A. Rest it up! Adequate amounts of rest and relaxation always lead to a more productive, happier raw vegan. Although you may find you need less sleep, still make sure to get what you need and not eat anything too close to bedtime.
How to Make a Green Immune Booster Smoothie
This green smoothie was a concoction I threw together to help out a sick family member. I am very big on proper food combining and usually make sure not to mix citrus with other things, but in this case I made an exception. People who eat a lot of junk tend to have stomachs of steel anyhow, because the majority of people are used to eating all kinds of food in one sitting regardless of the fact that it may take a different set of enzymes to digest. Will go more in-depth on food combining sometime soon.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised that my stomach didn’t get queasy at all when I tested this smoothie. I added in orange juice for vitamin C, flaxseed and prunes to help elimination, bananas to slow digestion, and spirulina and alfalfa sprouts to boost immunity. Worked like a charm or at least made a difference because the next day my loved one was up and moving.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDxbY3_wrXo]
Ingredients:
fresh squeezed organic orange (3 oranges)
4 preservative free dried prunes
3 Tablespoons of flaxseed
3 Tablespoons of spirulina
large handful of sprouts ( I think I used at least half the container)
2 ripe organic bananas
Remember when you are sick, it is not best to suppress your symptoms with a whole bunch of drugs that put a band aid on the condition but do not address the core problem. I rarely ever find myself ill, and going raw and medicine-free has taught me how to heal myself naturally and know what my body needs when I need it. Start listening more when you are sick instead of telling your body to quiet down by overloading yourself with tylenols, midols, cough syrup, etc. Rest is needed, and usually a departure from solid foods, and flushing out your colon solves a myriad of problems. At least you’ll know you got to the bottom of the real issue and will enjoy the fruits of long lasting health.
– XoXo Raw Girl
Act Now! The GE Gangsters Are Trying to Take Out Alfalfa
Unfortunately my friends, the Monsanto mafia is at it again. Apparently, genetically engineering corn is not enough. Considering all of the money they have made, all of the disease creating processed foods sold from the genetically engineered (GE) corn, all the farmers put out of business or bankrupt, and all of the fields of natural corn contaminated by the GE corn, you would think they perhaps could stop there? Unfortunately not. Now these folks want to colonize and orchestrate another gangster takeover of a very nutrient dense food: alfalfa.
That’s right, Monsanto is looking to introduce Roundup Ready Alfalfa into the market. Keep in mind that their roundup ready crops (these are crops that are compatible with the pesticides they created) when grown, contaminate crops that are not GE. What this means is one field can be planted, the crop will spread and contaminate other natural sources. This phenomenon is definitely plant colonization at it’s best and will threaten not only our lives from the processed foods they will sell, but it will do more damage to the livelihood of our American farmers, who are already knee-deep in debt and being bullied by the food corporations insistent upon having complete control of the market.
More is at stake than just alfalfa people. If Americans do not wake up, I have no doubt that we may soon see a complete takeover and have no true sources of natural food available. They MUST BE STOPPED NOW before the organic veggie hits the fan.
Please visit the link below to read more and send comments! We have to take action, and only have until this Wednesday, March 3rd. If we don’t stand up for our rights to un-colonized, un-engineered foods, who will?
http://ga3.org/campaign/alfalfaEIS/explanation
Ready to dish out an organic can of whoop-ass.
-XoXo Raw Girl
9 Ways to Get More Bang for Your Beauty Without Spending a Buck
Somehow, we have all been duped into believing we need a product for every separate beauty endeavor. We have to have several types of moisturizer, face washes, and scrubs for different parts of our body. One of the first things I did when I started going raw is simplify. Not only is this good for your health but it eases some strain on your wallet to boot. I tossed out products full of chemicals and parabens, and started to search for all-natural options to my once full medicine cabinet. When I started to get concerned about what I was putting on my body being as pure as the food I was consuming, I realized that a lot of products could be used for both. Below is a list of some versatile items that can offer double duty and add a little extra wiggle room to your budget.
1. Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil – Awesome total body moisturizer which can also be used in the kitchen. If used as a moisturizer it protects the skin against the aging effects of free radicals, minimizes wrinkles, and can clear up dark spots on the skin. It can also be used as an excellent conditioner. Most oils when heated turn rancid, coconut oil happens to be the most heat-resistant oil and therefore the best for cooking. The chained fatty acids in coconut oil have the ability to internally kill parasites, bacteria, and viruses in the body.
2. 100 % Natural Shea Butter – I heart shea butter. It’s like ten products in one. Shea butter is made from the nuts of karite trees in West and Central Africa. I use it as a moisturizer and also on my hair. A lot of people with locks use beeswax or other products that can leave residue in the hair, but I am extremely particular about avoiding chemicals or anything that may damage my hair (which might be why it grows like wildfire). Shea butter has been used to heal burns, scars, sores, dandruff, dermatitis, stretch marks, and also protects the skin from environmental and free radical damage. In addition it contains cinnamic acid which protects the skin from UV rays. Also works as a conditioner and makeup remover. If I was stranded on a deserted island, I could live easily with shea butter as my only beauty product. Isn’t it a lot more glamorous to be rescued skin glowing and protected from uv rays, hair conditioned and shimmering in the sunlight, and body moisturized and scar-free? I think so.
3. Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil – Another fabulous oil that you can take out of the kitchen into the bathroom. Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer or night cream, best when applied to damp skin so you don’t feel “greasy.” If you need to exfoliate, mix olive oil with sea salt and use as a scrub. Awesome to use to remove eye makeup, and can also prevent wrinkles in the process! Also can be used as a deep conditioner, and dandruff controller that can be massage into the scalp after shampooing. And don’t forget after all that if you need to make a quick, easy, and tasty salad dressing you can put a capful or two of olive oil with a squeeze of lime or lemon and some sea salt. What more can a girl ask for?
4. Essential Oils – These oils are powerful! In particular, Young Living Essential Oils, which are the highest grade, and can be taken externally and internally are magnificent. If you are feeling tired or lethargic during the day you can rub a couple drops of peppermint behind your ears and on your temples and inhale. You will feel alive in seconds. You can also add peppermint to your tea. A lot of the oils are nice to add to baths as well. The most miraculous thing is that you can relieve headaches, cramps, fatigue and a myriad of other symptoms with these oils in addition to using them for aromatherapy to promote psychological and emotional wellness. Ladies: the Young Living essential oil blend called Dragontime, is incredible and when rubbed over your tummy can relieve menstrual cramps. It has helped me get through a day effortlessly that would have quickly turned sour without relief. Forget midol this works well and it’s also better for you.
5. Oats, Citrus, Honey – Of course you can eat these things, but you can also make a banging facial mask out of them too. Check the archives I included the recipe for the mask recommended to me by makeup artist Ryan B. Anthony. It is awesome for exfoliation and leaves your skin glowing. You can tell everyone that is truly a 100% natural glow–because they will ask!
6. Avocados – I may just have to write a veggie R&B love song in the style of Barry White in honor of avocados. They truly are my first, my last, my everything. I love love love avocados! They make great additions to smoothies. Guacamole is my favorite, and it’s good to know that after I get down with my guac and finish scraping my bowl, I can also mash up a side plate and moisturize my skin with an avocado mask.
7. Watercress – For skin spots, watercress juice can be applied externally. Watercress juiced along with other veggies helps control inflammation of acne because of its high Vitamin A content. Try cantaloupe or honey melon juice which helps flush out toxins mixed with watercress.
8. Bentonite Clay – Internally this clay can be used as a natural detoxifier, to clean the colon, and to regulate elimination. Externally bentonite clay masks draw toxins out of the skin and will leave you glowing.
9. Cucumbers – Juicing cucumbers is refreshing and always makes a good base that can be mixed with other veggies. Cucumber juice has high water content and helps to flush out the body and also cools body temperature. On your face, we all know the age-old tip that cucumber slices over the eyes can reduce puffiness. In addition to that cucumber when blended or juiced makes an awesome toner. It can be mixed with celery juice, honey and or lemon, or even a bit of apple cider vinegar.
Hope you’ll give some of these tips a try, it’ll give you some extra dough for those stilettos you’ve been eyeing without sacrificing your diva glow. I’m going to get my veggie mask on!
– XoXo Raw Girl
How to Make a Tangy Parasite Killa Cocktail
Caught up in my frustrated fervor to conquer parasites, I dreamed up this tangy cocktail that combines two ingredients parasites do not like: cranberry and pineapple. Besides giving parasites a run for their money, it’s also a fun late night cocktail to serve at a house party or shindig (if people still have those). Instead of getting drunk and compromising your health and your liver, why not serve up a non-alcoholic cocktail that may kill some harmful worms in your body? I’m down for the second option.
Ingredients:
2 cups diced pineapple
1/2 cup of organic unsweetened cranberry juice
1/4-1/2 cup filtered water
Wedge of lime (optional)
Blend together until smooth. A nice froth will be on top. Garnish with pineapple, squeeze in a little lime if you like, and drink up!
– XoXo Raw Girl
BEFORE COCKTAIL
(Parasite cleanses are frustrating sometimes.)
AFTER COCKTAIL
(This is how happy I will be when I finally kick some parasite but. It might be scary.)