Castile Soap: It's History and Uses

The Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap brand was created by the Heilbronner family in the 1880's in Laupheim, Germany. During the 1930's, and with the rise of Hiltler, the Heilbronner son, Emanuel) decided to drop the "Heil" part of their last name and emigrated to the United States. In 1948, Dr. Bronner’s was founded! (Fun fact: Emanuel also invented a foam concentrate still used in fighting forest and structure fires today.)  

We know there are many companies that make castile soap, but after a lot of research, we fell in love with the ethics and quality of Dr. Bronner’s. Castile soap is made with 100% plant oils, with the exception of an added scent, which is organic as well. The ingredients are water, organic coconut oil, potassium hydroxide, organic palm kernel oil, organic olive oil, organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, citric acid and tocopherol. How simple is that list?!  I love that I can read it all without having to look up words that I don’t know how to pronounce! There is absolutely no synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents. Dr. Bronner’s also has many "already made" products like lotions, shaving soaps and balms. Please check out their website for their dilution sheets (attached below).

Are you into DIY projects? Here is a wide list of some of the castile soap uses! Please check out their website for their dilution sheets (attached below).

• dish soap
• all purpose cleaner
• laundry detergent
• glass cleaner
• dishwasher soap
• tub scrub
• face wash
• shaving soap
• shampoo
• clearing congestion
• hand soap
• lotions

I absolutely LOVE the versatility of this product! In the hustle of life, who wants to remember to pick up ten different cleaning and beauty products. Not me. I’ve been slowly switching over to a more minimalistic approach to life and that includes the mental list of things to remember on my weekly store run, with this I can just make sure I have the castile soap of my choice on hand and enjoy the every day moments with my family more! If your kids are old enough, get them to help you make your DIY and teach them about becoming more conscience of what is going on our biggest organ, the skin!

Websites sited:

https://draxe.com/castile-soap/

https://shop.drbronner.com

dilution sheet:

https://www.drbronner.com/all-one-blog/2017/06/dilutions-cheat-sheet-dr-bronners-pure-castile-soap/

Sip, Say and Spot

Got your attention with that title, did I?!

Sip your favorite Fresh Brewed coffee, specialty drink or smoothie to Say whats on your mind and have a Spot for people watching right out front our kiosk! There's a lovely pallet bench that has your name on it! Bring a friend to take a load off on a nice warm day OR a brisk cool morning as we are on the skirt tails of Fall - our favorite season at Fresh Palate!

Fresh Brewed Thermos'

Looking for a great new thermos for your favorite Espresso Drink or Flavored Lemonade?! Or a gift for the hard to buy for person in your life?! We have the Thermos for you! 

A little interesting fact about where the word and idea of a Thermos originated from - 

Thermos trademark registered in Britain 1907, invented by Sir James Dewar (patented in 1904 but not named then), from Greek thermos "hot". Dewar built the first one in 1892, but it was firstmanufactured commercially in Germany in 1904, when two glass blowers formed Thermos GmbH. Supposedly the company sponsored a contest to name the thing, and a Munich resident won with a submission of Thermos. - sited from http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thermos

More information on our Thermos' - Both can be used for hot or cold drinks! The Black thermos can keep drinks hot for 6 hours and cold for 12 hours. The Grey thermos has a time frame of 12 hours for hot and 24 hours for cold! I, personally, wanted to put the 24 hours to the test and still had ice chips in my Grey thermos at the 24 hour mark! 

Bring your mug in for a fifty cent fresh brewed coffee refill ANY time to either Fresh Palate or Fresh Brewed Kiosk!! 

Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

Cinnamon bark oil is distilled from the bark of cinnamon trees. It has many helpful properties!

Common Uses:

• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Colds
• Digestion
• Diabetes
• Diverticulitis
• Pneumonia
• Staph Infections
• Viral and Infectious Diseases
• Warts
• Whooping Cough

Source: "Reference Guide for Essential Oils" By Connie and Alan Highley

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil is steam distilled from the clary sage plant and has been used for centuries for many problems.

Uses:

• Abdominal Cramps
• Autism
• Cholesterol
• Menstrual Cramps
• Epilepsy
• Hair Loss
• Hemorrhoids
• Hot Flashes
• PMS
• Seizures

Source: "Reference Guide for Essential Oils" by Connie and Alan Higley

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is steam distilled from lemongrass leaves in India and Guatemala. This oil can be used for many things. 

Uses:

• Air purification
• Antibacterial
• Carpal tunnel
• Cataracts
• Cholesterol
• Gastritis
• Graves disease
• Hashimotos disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Paralysis
• Tissue Repair
• Varicose Veins
• Whiplash
• When paired with some other essential oils, it can help with insect repelling

References: Reference Guide for Essential Oils By Connie and Alan Higley

Joy Essential Oil Blend

Joy essential oil is a blend of bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, rosewood, lemon, mandarin, jasmine, roman chamomile, palmarose, and rose.

Joy brings back memories of being loved, helps you open up to receiving love and sharing loving times. If you are experiencing grief, Joy helps to open up the adenoids and adrenal glands that grief can shut down. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help the body control blood sugar, burn protein and fat, along with reacting to stressors like illness and injury. Joy can be applied on the ears, neck, temples, wrists, and over your heart and heart chakras. 

For more effective benefits accompany Joy with the oils Hope, Magnify Your Purpose, Motivation, Live with Passion, and Valor. 

Melrose Essential Oil

Melrose essential oil is a blend of the single oils: melaleuca, melaleuca quinquenervia, rosemary cineol, and clove.

Cleaning or Therapeutic Uses for:

• Bruises and insect bites
• Tissue regeneration
• Skin abrasions
• Burns
• Rashes
• Earaches
• Gums
• Cold sores
• Canker sores
• Candida 
• Fights infection
• Kills fungus

References: Reference Guide for Essential Oils By Connie and Alan Higley

Thieves Oil

Thieves essential oil is a blend of the single oils clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary cineol.

The single oils in thieves are highly antiviral and antiseptic and can help with:

• The flu
• Candida
• Colds
• Sinusitis
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Coughs
• Strep throat
• Sore throats
• Teething
• Cold sores
• Canker sores
• Cuts/Bruises
• Infection
• Slivers

References: Reference Guide for Essential Oils By Connie and Alan Higley

Manuka Essential Oil

Manuka oil comes from the leaves and branches of the Manuka tree in New Zealand and has a wide variety of uses. 

It may help with:

• Skin problems(sun burns, eczema, ringworm, fungal infections, dandruff)
• Fever
• Colds
• Asthma
• Hay fever
• Acne
• Bronchitis
• Cuts(antibacterial)
• Insect bites/stings
• Joint pain
• Infections(staph/strep)
• Ulcers

References: Reference Guide for Essential Oils By Connie and Alan Higley 2013 Edition

Melaleuca Oil

Melaleuca Oil also known as Tea Tree Oil has many benefits and uses. 

Common Uses:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Candida (yeast)
• Cold Sores
• Dandruff
• Influenza
• Hives
• Inflammation
• Lice
• Rashes
• Shingles
• Sunburn
• Thrush
• Wounds

Tea Tree promotes cleansing and purity. Apply directly to the skin, dilute with a carrier oil for sensitive skin or children, or diffuse. 

References:

Reference Guide for Essential Oils By Connie and Alan Higley 2013

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is one of the most used essential oils and has a wide variety of uses. 

Common Uses:

• Air purification
• Antioxidant
• Antiviral
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Cleaning (kitchen and bath)
• Constipation
• Depression
• Digestive issues
• Disinfecting
• Gout
• Hangovers
• Heartburn
• Kidney stones
• Overeating

Lemon can be applied directly to the skin, diffused, or added to water or other beverages (1 drop for every 4oz of liquid). 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is steam distilled from the leaves, stems, and flower buds of peppermint plants. Like lavender, it has many benefits and uses and is one of the most common essential oils. 

Common Uses:

• Allergies (Skin and Airborne)
• Asthma
• Autism
• Cold sores
• Concentration
• Energy
• Headache 
• Heartburn
• Heatstroke
• Indigestion and IBS
• Morning sickness
• Motion sickness
• Multiple Sclerosis

Peppermint oil can be diffused, applied directly to the skin, or ingested (1 drop in 4oz of beverage). Peppermint oil is a "hot" oil, so it's recommended to dilute the oil with a carrier oil so as not to irritate the skin.

Sources:

http://rodentsheriffreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rodent-sheriff-peppermint-oil.jpg

"Reference Guide to Essential Oils" by Connie and Alan Highly

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has been called the most versatile of all essential oils. Its benefits seem endless!

Some common uses of lavender are:

• Acne
• ADD/ADHD
• Alertness
• Airborne and skin allergies
• Anxiety
• Burns
• Blisters
• Depression
• Dry Skin
• Hair loss
• High Blood Pressure
• Hives
• Insect Repellent
• Inflammation
• Sleep
• Stretch Marks
• Sunburn
• Wrinkles

Sources:

• http://www.bpkineziologia.hu/images/rendszer/bachvt.jpg
• "Reference Guide for Essential Oils" by Connie and Alan Higley

Ginger

Ginger is a root that can be in powdered, dried, oil, candied, tea, or juice form. It can also be eaten fresh and provides many health benefits.

 Ginger May Help with:

• Digestive Issues
• Nausea
• Colds
• Morning Sickness
• Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness
• Menstrual Cramps
• Inflammation

Ginger also contains some essential vitamins and minerals. Some are calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folate. 

Sources: 

• http://themindunleashed.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/gingerr.jpg
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php

Apple Cider Vinegar Uses

 Apple cider vinegar can aid in killing some types of bacteria and helps with:

• Nail fungus
• Lice
• Ear infections
• Disinfecting/Cleaning

It has been added to daily regimens, by itself or in addition to other changes in diets, medications or supplements, to help lower blood sugar and insulin levels (helping people with type two diabetes). Ask your physician before adding apple cider vinegar to your diet, in case it could have an adverse affect with medications you may currently be taking.

Apple cider vinegar may also aid with weight loss, although just adding/subtracting one food  to/from your diet will not cause weight loss, but when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it may help.

More benefits are:

• Helps with stomach aches and sore throats
• Lessens dandruff
• Can clear/lessen acne

These are just SOME of the benefits of this vinegar! Follow the links below to learn more:

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/

https://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/

Image: http://www.prevention.com/sites/prevention.com/files/styles/article_main_image_2200px/public/articles/2016/01/gettyimages-464461402-acv-sasimoto.jpg?itok=SNpYP4Su

Turmeric

Turmeric comes from a turmeric plant and offers many benefits. This spice is used in food (especially Asian) to color, add flavor, and the root is used in some medicines. 

It has been used to help all of the following:

• Heartburn
• Arthritis
• Headaches 
• Diabetes 
• Stomach Aches and Bloating
• Liver Problems
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Kidney Problems
• Colds
• Depression
• Acne

And many more! Besides it being a spice, it also comes in capsules and an extract.

Learn more about turmeric(uses, side effects, etc) here: 

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662

http://asulia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/asulia-blog-5-Ways-to-Use-Turmeric-for-Better-Health.jpg

Maca Powder

Maca powder is a super food that contains many benefits. Maca starts as a root then is dried and processed into a powder. Incan and Spanish warriors are believed to have consumed maca for increased stamina and energy in battle.

More benefits are:

• Fights stress/ anxiety
• Improves bone health
• Amino Acids
• Helps fatigue
• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
• Improves skin health

(Click the link to learn more: https://www.themacateam.com/maca-benefits )

Add maca powder to smoothies and teas, or sprinkle it over cereal!

Sources;

• http://cdn2.blisstree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Maca-powder-flour-in-glass-bowl-with-maca-roots-or-Peruvian-ginseng-lat.-Lepidium-meyenii.jpg
• https://www.themacateam.com/maca-benefits

•  

Spirulina

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is an algae that grows in salty and fresh water and  is among the world's most concentrated sources of nutrients! It comes in powder and tablet form and can be added to smoothies, face-masks, and more!

1 teaspoon contains:

• 17 calories
• 3 grams of protein
• 12% Vitamin B2
• 18% Vitamin B1
• 16% Iron

This super food also contains amino acids, antioxidants, can benefit your immune system, and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Recipes with Spirulina:  http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/recipes

Sources:

• http://www.howtolivehealthy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Spirulina-Powder1024x682.jpg
• https://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina/

Why Breakfast is Important

We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fact 93% of Americans agree that it is, but only 44% say they eat it everyday and 27% spend less than a minute on it. People who skip breakfast are more likely to consume more sweets, soft drinks, and eat fewer fruits and veggies throughout their day than those who don't. Knowing this, it isn't a surprise that studies show HALF of regular breakfast skippers are overweight. Breakfast also affects our brains and how we think. Students who eat a nutritious breakfast daily tend to have better grades than those who don't.

Choosing a healthy meal in the morning is essential. A sugary or greasy breakfast will give you a short burst of energy, followed by a crash, leaving you groggy and cranky. One great option is oatmeal and fruit (and one of my personal favorites). It's quick, easy, filling and will keep you focused and energized throughout your busy day. If you're not an oatmeal fan, don't worry, the options are endless! If you need help with ideas for a quick, healthy breakfast follow this link: http://greatist.com/health/healthy-fast-breakfast-recipes

The key to a good day is a good start. Stop skipping the most important meal of the day, and start eating breakfast!

Image: https://www.google.com/search?q=breakfast&espv=2&rlz=1C1TSND_enUS554US673&biw=1517&bih=674&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiK39m8tL7LAhVESSYKHS5ZAqAQ_AUIBygC&dpr=0.9#tbm=isch&q=oatmeal&imgrc=Bu8CjS67R-FsOM%3A