Mineral oil is a common ingredient in our skin care products and cosmetics. It’s also found in our household products though widely used in the automotive industries.  What is mineral oil? Is it natural and safe?

Mineral oil is actually a refined transparent colorless substance processed from petroleum. We know that petroleum is indeed natural since it comes from the earth.

However, being natural does not make it safe. There are many plants and herbs that are toxic to the human body. They are undoubtedly pure and natural. Mineral oil has seen some beneficial health claims. For example, mineral oil is considered good for constipation relief. When consumed by the body, mineral oil works as a laxative to improve bowel movements for stools to pass through the intestine. It is also a common ingredient found in some antacids, eye care products, baby care lotion and petroleum jelly.

Let’s get to the facts as to why you should think twice about having mineral oil as part of your skin care products. Look at one study from Material Safety Data Sheet in 2008. The paper describes Mineral oil as hazardous. The potential health effects include irritation to the respiratory tract if inhaled or prolonged contact. If ingested, the material can cause serious diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. Inhalation of mist or vapor may produce aspiration pneumonia.

Another MD report highlighted the risk factor if taken as laxative can cause serious lung disease in some people

On the extreme side, untreated and mildly treated mineral oil has been proven to cause cancer, as noted in another research report. There were suggestions that mineral oil interferes with the absorption of various nutrients especially fat-soluble vitamins.

If it is considered unsafe for our skin, why is mineral oil still being readily used in skin care products? First, being a byproduct, mineral oil is cheap and abundantly available. Secondly, mineral oil serves to keep the moisture within your skin to prevent dehydration. Think again, our body is already loaded with many toxins from the food, water and air. It makes sense to choose better alternatives for our skin and body, coconut oil for example.

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Green Tea has been promoted as the healthiest tea for thousands of years. Modern science has started to play catch up.

Researches showed that green tea contained compound of polyphenols, called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechins. The substance is both an antioxidant (that protect you against free radicals) as well as anti-cancer.

In one clinical study trial that was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (August 2008), researchers gave a standardized form of EGCG to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer that has excess of lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell) . Ralph W Moss, PhD did a study involving 33 patients who were treated with EGCG with dosages from 400 mg to 2,000 mg, twice a day. The trial proved positive as one third of the patients experienced more than a 20 percent decrease in the number of lymphocytes in their blood. 11 out of 12 patients that previously had visibly swollen lymph nodes experienced a reduction of at least 50 percent in the size of these nodes within one month of treatment.

Green Tea has also been proven to protect against prostrate cancer as in two recent studies in Italy had shown. Out of the 62 men with a pre-cancerous prostate condition, half were given an extract of green tea daily. The other half was given a placebo. In the placebo group, 9 out of 30 men developed cancer. In the green tea group, however, only one out of 32 developed the disease. Another study found that those who consumed the most green tea were two-thirds less likely to develop prostate cancer.  It has the effect of slowing the progression of prostate cancer according to US journal Cancer Prevention Research study.

Green tea has been linked to a positive effect on a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Taking your green tea or an EGCG supplement is a good idea whether you have a health issue or not.

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The concept of beauty and health has always attracted the most interest among everyone. We are referring to vitality and vigor – the enjoyment of life richness. On the other hand, we fear sickness yet sometimes we don’t seem to care what our bodies are subjected to through the environment, water and food. It is not luck to be sick or healthy. The choices we made come with a price; a responsibility so the type of action we pursue to enjoy this freedom of choice will reflect back to us.

The body, mind and spirit are so interconnected that one can’t do without the other.  This is why the wellness concept becomes so important to us. We enjoy perfect health if the body, mind and spirit are in perfect harmony. The Lifeforce is what’s governing us. The universe we live in and our human body is also made of a universe on its own. The moment when any one of this element is out of key or alignment, we experience discomfort and pain and ignoring these signals very often lead to health issues that warrants emergency action. Let’s start with the body.

The body is the physical self that we are born with. It is made up of billions of living cells that requires continuous nourishment of the right kind for it to renew and rebuilds. You’d have heard of the saying, ‘what you eat is what you are’. This is quite true besides the genetic factor. Perhaps to amplify further, you are only as healthy as your weakest organ is.

The powerful mind controls the action that we take. Emotions and attitudes affect the body in turn affects the chemical messenger system to tell how your body internal system should function. Managing your stress levels becomes a top priority to a healthy mind body connection.

The spiritual aspect is fulfilled if we believe in our God – who teaches us to do good and spread the message of love and care for others. We need to keep our souls in tune with God and the world around us. In this festive season of gift and sharing, why not start the bit to spread some cheer for your fellow beings.

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Long before the discovery of allopathic medicine, men and women are already into studying and practicing using plants for the therapeutic and medicinal values in the field of herbalism. Its efficacy and commercial recognition has known no bounds and these days we can find herbal preparations everywhere.

Herbs are plants that come from the soil: they are natural and pure. We love things that are green and natural – simple as that. But are all herbs safe for our human body? Definitely not! Herbs that are safe may be not safe if taken in too great a quantity. For example, one journal I came across mentioned that comfrey, ephedra and coltsfoot are dangerous to one’s health.

What about children – are herbs safe for children?

Yes and no. Children can definitely benefit from using herbs but their dosage must be monitored based on age and/or weight. Echinacea can be beneficial even for a child but not ginseng (for energy boosting) and St. John’s wort (for anti-depression and PMS). Before considering taking herbs, it is advisable to seek an herbalist or a health practitioner first. If you can’t find one, read a good book on herbs.

In general, herbs are still considered far less harmful than prescription drugs. Statistics have shown more reports of death or serious complications arising from use of prescription drugs and drug interactions than there are for herbal remedies. The botanical extracts works on the body in a gentle manner and if used together, some herbs work synergistically well to promote wholistic well being and health.

The benefits of herbs are used not only to support internal health, but to support the texture and integrity of the skin and hair too. Nowadays, we find them in cosmetic formulations for all types of bodycare products. The common household ones are Aloe Vera and Gingko Biloba which promotes good skin healing and firming. Plant compounds such as flavonoids exhibit antioxidant capabilities that are beneficial to arrest free radicals thus reducing wrinkles from forming.

Read up and make the best of the many herbal remedies that are available to us – the natural pure way.

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It was an impromptu visit to a nail parlour salon that I’m writing this. Besides the vain factor, going for a manicure or pedicure has given me some reservations.  A quick check on conventional nail polish very often reveals among the ingredients some noxious chemicals that can impact on our health. When the polish is being applied, one can instantly smell the fumes and experience a tingling effect in the nostrils.

Now for more facts: since nail salons have sprung up in every new shopping mall, have you ever stop to think if it is indeed wise to fall for the latest fashion nail colours? Here’s some consideration if you’re planning for your next visit:

1. Petrochemical solvents found in nail polish will evaporate and pollute the environment each time you apply it on your nails. However, look out for some popular brands that are water-based, vegan or mineral based that are safer not only to the environment but your skin too.
2. Be informed that chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, dibutyl phthalate, xylene, toluene, acetone and formaldehyde are pretty nasty and harmful. The substances can cause organs irritation/damage and disrupting your hormones function. For example, phthalates pollutes the air and water, It is also linked to liver, kidney, lung, and reproduction disorders. In fact, use of formaldehyle (that harden nails) has been banned in certain countries in Europe as it has been shown to be cancer causing.
3. Studies carried out at Wayne State University in Detroit 2 years ago have shown the many hazards that manicurists faced in their jobs in nail salons. They include poor mental ability, memory processing and related mental health issues.
4. Some nail salons operated under poorly ventilated conditions so it’s good idea to check out first.
5. Choose to go green and support the environment for the sake of human mankind. Say no to petrochemicals derived products. Even bottles can be made from recycled reusable and recyclable glass.

Remember to make smart beauty choices that flatter and that matters. It makes sense to take care of your health naturally!

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