In the land of Arizona, Bisbee has become my get-a-way when I can take time away from Sedona. I used to live here and run my business in this eclectic artist enclave, reminiscent of Jerome, but more populated by locals. And when I left, I had no idea that my visits would feel as if I never left at all.

Returning frequently, I still feel like a local. I stay with various friends, sometimes house/dog sit, and see clients in their kitchen or on the patio for old school hairdressing. I can meet up with friends or just let the days unfold serendipitously, as it’s easy to run into people you know. I eat at my favorite restaurants and make sure to bring back the best coffee in the world and maybe a jar of honey from over the line. Every visit feels like coming home and this town’s specialties are just that!

While I’m here, one of my favorite things to do is go to The Garden’s At Mile High Ranch and get an ozone sauna. Today, Maggie (one of the family owners), gave me the option of music or a meditation and I opted for the "moving beyond fear" meditation.

In a private setting, I can look out through a window and see the garden and the large trees that surround the property. Th ambiance is soothing. The therapy consists of 30-45 minutes of steamy warmth that detoxifies your body and can be done once in a while or as part as a detoxification program. The steam sauna with ozone allows the steam to surround the body and ozone can be introduced through the skin. Just your head remains outside the sauna for easy breathing.

The goal is to increases the eliminative, detoxifying, and cleansing capacity of the skin by stimulating the sweat glands and increasing blood circulation and this further promotes healthy skin tone and texture.

Humid heat swells the pores which allows the ozone through the skin into the bloodstream where it  travels to the fat and lymph tissue. Cleansing the lymph tissue of toxins is important to any detoxification therapy and the ozone/steam sauna is the easiest and best way to accomplish this.

The combined action of moist heat and ozone cleanse the lymphatic system, which you can think of as the garbage system of the body that carries 90% of the body's fluids. Raising your body temperature artificially induces a fever-like effect and results in the destruction of bacteria and viruses. Combined with heavy sweating and the cleansing effect initiated by ozone, this “fever" results in the elimination of toxins accumulated mainly in the lymphatic system and gives your liver a huge break. Ozone brings oxygen to the tissues for enhanced health and vitality and the combination of steam and ozone is a natural, effective way to promote a refreshing sense of well-being.

Part of Bath Culture, the use of ozonated steam purifies the skin, soothe sore muscles, boost circulation and imparts deep relaxation.

Benefits :
Reducing lactic acid build up
Relaxes muscles
Increases muscle flexibility
Oxidizes toxins so they can be eliminated through the skin, lungs, kidneys and colon.
Stimulates blood circulation, helping injured muscles to repair quicker.
Stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels relieving pain and speeding the healing process.
Eliminates bacterial and viral infections of all kinds.
Speeds up the metabolic processes of the inner organs and endocrine glands resulting in a loss of 200-450 calories in a 20 minute session.

Research shows steam hyperthermia as an effective treatment for:
* Detoxification programs
* Immune system deficiencies
* Pain management
* Cancer
* Arthritis
* Stress and muscle tension
* Increasing body metabolism
* Elimination of toxins
* Blood circulation

The Gardens at Mile High Ranch is for sale!
​Pet Friendly Hotel | Bed & Breakfast | Bisbee, AZThe Gardens at Mile High Ranch is high-desert country with two acres of lush gardens, wildlife, and beautiful 150-year-old cottonwood trees. BLM wilderness is located just beyond our boundaries. The Gardens is located only one mile from the Historic District of “Old Bisbee”, and we offer peaceful evenings and a healthy breakfast served in your own apartment. 

What is a chakra? A Sanskrit word meaning wheel or disk. In yoga philosophy the chakra system refers to spinning vortexes in the energetic or subtle body that correlate to the glandular system in the physical body; not physical entities but they do affect the body just as thoughts affect the breath and emotions affect behavior. These meeting points between the mind and body are concentrated consciousness. Passed down from ancient India through yoga philosophy, the chakra system is a path of connection to the divine energies of consciousness. A path of connection between Heaven and earth, spirit and matter, mind and body. This path runs through the core of each of us and is accessible and available at all times. ​

Specific essential oils also correlate to these energy centers and can be inhaled and or applied topically for grounding and balancing effects to create a sense of well being and ease. Amazingly, these natural essences facilitate reconnecting with your true nature devoid of the anxiety and stress that cause blockages. Blockages, emotional or physical, affect our esteem, confidence, ability to love and communicate, physiology and sleep, and so on. In essence, we are our healthiest when are energy is balanced. Out of balance creates disharmony and that sense of feeling "off" that can be felt in relationship issues, emotional turmoil, dis-ease and even illness.

Nature Knows is an adage to consider since plant essences are the original apothecary with medicinal merit and efficacy. Throughout all cultures man's connection to the earth leads to the connection with the Divine, so through these plant essence we can connect to the Divine within ourselves tapping into our true nature of ease and comfort and love.
​

The Living Beauty Detox Program by Anna Louis Gittleman, has been my beacon to health for many years. The book purports "eat right to clear out toxins, manage your hormones, and bring out your best looks". Based on Chinese Medicine each season is connected to different organs in the body. Each season has a dietary, mental, and physical protocol so that by the end of four seasons you have cleansed your major organs with herbs, teas, and foods specific to each season, toning and cleansing those corresponding organs.

I advise everyone to buy their own book, especially at the current affordable rate! You won't want to loan it out either, because you'll need to reference it regularly -or when you do you will want to be sure and have it. Dare I say a bible to your health!

Admittedly, it had been a while since I had done a cleanse religiously, but menopausal symptoms were setting in with night sweats becoming tiresome (no pun intended) and kind of creepy! I was motivated to clear out my system and rid myself of a major sleep disturbance.

I pulled my book off the shelf, made a grocery list, and because Valentine’s Day was approaching and then my birthday, I decided I would do the short version of the cleanse and cycle through it a couple of times. The cleanse is based on eating, so it’s very easy.

Omitted are the classic culprits of dairy, caffeine, alcohol, or sugar, but rather the diet consists of fruits, veggies, lean protein (a vegetarian protocol is available), teas and herbs. Based on the principal that a cell does not give it up unless nutrients are coming in, the protocols are based on bringing in superfood nourishment to detox your body.

The duration is 3 days up to two weeks with a maintenance plan to follow that introduces more favorite foods. So, who can’t do anything for three days? Plus you are eating! It’s so easy and you feel so good you just naturally want to keep going, especially with the small investment in supplements.

I always suggest splitting the supplements with a friend the first time, try a 3 or 4 day cleanse, and then figure it our for yourself. Make it easy and prove to yourself how doable it is.

Like I add a little more salt than she suggests and for this past winter cleanse and I allowed myself a morning cup of very weak ceylon tea that has caffeine.

Aside from following my seasonal cleanse, internet research on my current issues led me to adding Ayurvedic herbs into the mix. I included a triphala, shatavari protocol in the morning and ashwagandha at night. (see Natural Herbal Remedy For Western Menopause) 

The first round of my winter cleanses started on a Sunday and worked wonders. My digestive issues disappeared, my body felt great, my sleep smoothed out, zero pms, and no night sweats. I broke the cleanse on a Thursday evening, took a long weekend off, then returned on the following Monday through Thursday again. I finished my round of cleanses with a three day version right before my 50th birthday. All of February went smoothly and I am still celebrating, really the rebuilding of my adrenals and kidneys. The big self nurturing protocol was rest! Minimizing stress through meditation, yoga, massage, self-care body treatments, and most importantly, as much sleep as I can possibly get, even still allowing myself to sleep in as late as possible.

As I continued researching my symptoms during this time I discovered kidney energy deficiency is one root cause of menopausal issues.  Kidney energy powers the many functions of the body. Learning this connection definitely prompted my winter cleanse!

Another organ that is important is the Liver. It’s the number one organ in terms of women’s health. The Liver meridian runs through the reproductive area, so when Liver Qi is stagnant or weak this area will be impacted. The Liver also regulates the smooth flow of blood and emotions. It’s easy to see the connection between the Liver’s role in promoting regular blood flow and menstrual health, but most women are unaware of this organ’s function when it comes to regulating emotions.

In Chinese Medicine meridians are invisible energy pathways or channels that run through the body. Our vital life energy, or "qi", is thought to flow along these meridians, and anything that disrupts the smooth flow of chi is said to cause illness. Our life essence or vital qi is stored in our kidneys and apparently the herbs that tone and support the kidney also are major bone fortifying herbs. An interesting connection when you consider low kidney qi is common to menopause and osteoporosis occurs in menopause and the latter years. Since the skeletal system controls the endocrine system this seems to be the connection with the particular herbs prescribed for bone fortifying and menopausal symptoms that I write about in my blog Natural Herbal Remedy For Western Menopause.

In that blog I outline and attribute the cessation of night sweats and other symptoms I was having to the Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs I have started taking and the herbs and dietary protocol outlined in The Living Beauty Detox Program.

Here is the herbal protocol according to the seasonal diet for winter from The Living Beauty Detox Program with the addition of Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs for menopause. Hopefully, this will motivate you with an idea of the cleanse, but is no replacement for having the book as a direct resource.

​I mix 1 tsp shatavari and 1/2 tsp of triphala with a couple of ounces of hot water first thing in the morning. Shatavari is an excellent herb for cleansing the gut, like triphala, so it made sense to take them together. Before bed I take 1/2 tsp ashwagandha with a couple ounces of hot water.

Nothing iced or cold 
Breakfast- Lunch - Dinner: Cooked warmed foods from the meal plan lists - low glycemic - organic- lean proteins - veggies - warm/cooked fruit

nettle tea  - alkalanizing minerals for kidney cleansing and adrenal support  - 2 x per day
unsweetned cranberry juice mixed with a green supplement and fiber

Morning and night in teas or tinctures, capsules or as a food seasoning :
flaxseed oil - lignan-rich
juniper - diuretic/bladder infections
ginger - warming/ increases circulation in kidneys
marshmallow - sooth mucus membrane/urinary tract
horsetail -  antioxidant and anti-inflammatory/diuretic
miso and sea salt  - sodium and electrolytes assist both kidney and adrenal function. enzymes, calcium, iron
tamari - aides digestion
raw plain sauerkraut -
apple cider vinegar

A side note:  I am working with my western doctor and going to a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to cross check what I am doing. I am not prescribing for you, but rather sharing my research, personal experiment, and experience using these particular herbs. Please do your own research according to your symptoms, as the information is dense and I have only included what was pertinent to me.

Oh, and now it is spring and you bet, I’m starting a liver cleanse next!

Marna Woo

I am already taking D3-k2, iodine, and magnesium on a regular basis after a mammogram scare a few years prior, and that is another pertinent story. I only mention it because those supplements are keystone building blocks to this process, as well. In the same vain as I write this blog, I wrote Needless Biopsies ~ How I changed My Mammogram And Avoided A Surgical Breast Biopsy again, sharing my experience in hope of helping others with a like situation. 

And what is this process? I’ve hustled to catch up and am learning women need to prepare for menopause. Or is it just the western woman? Just as I point out in my Needless Biopsies blog, Asian women fair differently from Western women in breast cancer statistics, as they do in menopause statistics. Apparently, the phase of menopause is relatively unknown in Asia and the Chinese and Japanese don’t have a word for it.

Menopause
The word “menopause” isn’t even in the traditional Chinese medical vocabulary. Actually, TCM calls the various symptoms that some women experience when their cycle ends simply “menstrual cycle ending symptoms.” So you may be surprised to learn that menopause is essentially a Western concept. This stage of life is a natural part of a woman’s life-cycle and is a gateway to an enriching and fulfilling time of her life. You may be surprised to learn that during this transition period a woman has a great opportunity to enhance her health. More on menopause

Reading this actually gave me hope that I could change my symptoms.

I kept researching Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicines plus menopause and kidney related sites and they all led to the same herbal recommendations for my symptoms: triphala, ashwagandha, schisandra (another Chinese herb), eucommia, and the newly introduced shatavari, dipsacus and drynaria! I really felt like I was onto a remedy with everything cross checking and relating to my symptoms. ​

​Interestingly, though, I also read studies specific to Asian and Chinese women that correlate the lack of these “menopausal symptoms” to a plant based diet high in phytoestrogens, herbs, green tea, and positive aging psychology, very unlike in the west, where American and British women suffer these “symptoms” the most while consuming more red meat, coffee, alcohol, and sugar with anti-aging self deprecation.

​Similar studies on cancer attribute the iodine rich seaweed and seafood along with phytoestrogen rich diets prevalent in Asian cultures to be the reason for a lower percentage of cancer, particularly breast cancer, in those regions as well.

So why aren’t we doing what they are doing? And are the phytoestrogens and iodine why I crave a poke bowl every day?

I was so consumed with all of this new information, I suddenly realized it was winter and the season of the kidneys and adrenals. According to my Living Beauty Detox Program book,  which is based on Chinese Medicine, it was time for a seasonal cleanse!

In Chinese Medicine meridians are invisible energy pathways or channels that run through the body. Our vital life energy, or "qi", is thought to flow along these meridians, and anything that disrupts the smooth flow of chi is said to cause illness. Our life essence or vital qi is stored in our kidneys and apparently the herbs that tone and support the kidney also are major bone fortifying herbs. An interesting connection when you consider low kidney qi is common to menopause and osteoporosis occurs in menopause and the latter years. Since the skeletal system controls the endocrine system this seems to be the connection with these particular herbs prescribed for bone fortifying and menopausal symptoms.

As of this writing it has been two months since I have experienced a night sweat and the contrast to what I was experiencing before is profound. I’ve continued this conversation with girlfriends and hear the same frustration and dismay that I had, so I’m sharing what I have discovered and how easy it has been to create a different experience.
Here is the protocol I have given myself with the side note that I am working with my western doctor and going to a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to cross check what I am doing. I am not prescribing for you, but rather sharing my research, personal experiment, and RELIEF that I have found using these particular herbs. Please do your own research according to your symptoms, as the information is dense and I have only included what was pertinent to me.

Oh, and now that its spring, you bet I’m starting a liver cleanse next!

​Marna Woo


Daily Protocol, my latest recipe for success:

​I take Tri-Iodine a couple of times a week and D3 K2 daily. more info 

MORNING: 1 tsp shatavari + 1/2 tsp of triphala powders with a couple of ounces of almond milk warmed with 1 tsp raw honey and cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, cloves pinch of salt + 2 gel caps evening primrose oil.

​BEFORE BED: 1 tsp shatavari  +1/2 tsp ashwagandha powders with a couple ounces almond milk warmed with 1 tsp raw honey and cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, cloves pinch of salt + 2 gel caps evening primrose oil.

In the morning and again at some point on the day:

1 Eucommia capsule (2 x’s a day)
1/2 dropper full Teasel (dipsacus) (2 x’s a day)
1/2 dropper full Go Sui Bu (drynaria) (2 x’s a day)
2 capsules Adrenal Support capsule (eleuthero + schisandra 1 x morning)
1 teaspoon Flaxseed Oil (daily- part of the Spring Cleanse in the Living Beauty Detox Program)

In the above flaxseed link are the 50 highest natural sources to help you identify what to include in your diet (or not) depending on your preference. Many women swear by estrogen rich foods for menopause symptoms. Some medical opinions go so far as to “emphasize the need for the intake of foods containing” them because they reportedly “can take out the postmenopausal indications to a large extent” such as hot flashes (8). Whether or not they can help hormonal imbalances is something you need to discuss with your doctor before ever using them for that purpose.
Whatever your opinion on them may be, you should have a right to know if you’re eating a food with high amounts of phytoestrogens. Males are more likely to avoid them, while some females want more in their diet and others may wish to minimize or avoid consumption due to safety concerns. Unfortunately, manufacturers fail to disclose this information and U.S. labeling laws do not require or even allow it to be stated within the nutrition facts box.

In harsh contrast to all of this soft lighting, lace, and allure is that modern medicine states that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer and they say hereditary factors, like having fibrocystic breasts and a maternal grand mother that had breast cancer, put a woman at a higher risk.

I've always has strong healthy nails until a few years ago. Horizontal ridges grew deeper and deeper across my nail bed and so I experimented with vitamin supplementation to no avail. I just excepted it with each manicure buffing out the ridges myself. The last few months, however, I unknowingly rectified the problem with a daily power smoothie that I want to share with you!

It all started with achy joints. My body was in constant pain and that prompted me to research causes and remedies for joint pain. I had started taking a anti-stress multi-vitamin that emphasized vitamin A and I started feeling better. During this time I learned vitamin A helps regulate the thyroid. Then a friend left a book on my doorstep called Collagen Myths and Misconceptions. I read the book within a few days and had found a link to achy joints, body pain, thyroid issues, and a host of other ailments related to depleted collagen. The remedy was easy enough and I started taking the recommended 1000 mg vitamin C and lysine- taken internally to turn up our own collagen production. I knew that collagen keeps our skin firm and wrinkle free, strengthens bones, teeth, and hair, but I learned a myriad of other vital functions that collagen is the precursor for in our body. You see, you can't eat collagen or apply it topically to your skin. You have to manufacture it from within. Vitamin C and lysine turn on our internal collagen production. We think of our bodies as mostly water, but my new view is that this "water" flowing around our body is where the collagen is, lubricating all of our joints and carrying the signals for vital functions to our endocrine, cardiovascular, skeletal and other systems- like nothing happens without collagen. Since our collagen production decreases with age it only made sense to start pumping up the collagen. 

Not wanting to swallow pills everyday, I decided to open up the capsules into a smoothie for easy consumption. Mmm, mmm, easy! I started feeling better within the first week.

Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with a tear at the apex of my patellar cartilage in my right knee. This was a wake up call that my joints and tendons were really weakening and, again, a friend to the rescue found out about 
an herb called eucommia. A yang herb that has natural latex qualities that translate to the tendons, ligaments, cartilage and skeleton. Upon reading the article I was immediately interested by this excerpt alone:
Eucommia has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment for different types of arthritis and bone injuries. This is in part due to its qualities as a Jing tonic, beneficial for increasing the pliability and elasticity of the joints, ligaments and muscle tissue.

I bought the herb off Amazon and my smoothie recipe evolved. 2 months later all of my joints feel better and my constant body pain has subsided (tendonitis in elbow, a swollen pinky knuckle, achy neck and shoulders, etc).
​The added bonus? Smoother nails without ridges! So with nothing to loose, you might want to try stimulating your collagen production and focusing on your skeletal system to ease what's ailing, you just might be surprised at what get's better!

TART AND TANGY SMOOTHIE
Organic and made to taste. The above pic shows the brands I use for the ingredients.
In a blender:
1 banana
about 1/2 c. kefir
about 1/8 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
1 dropper ashwaghanda
1-2 grams eucommia
1000 mg vitamin c
1000 mg lysine
100 mg stabilized R-lipoic acid
1-2 tsp. maple syrup
1 TBS grated frozen lemon
2-3 ice cubes

The left over banana peel? I rub the inside all over my face for a morning banana facial before my bath. Super moisturizing to the skin:)

​Feeling scattered and off-centered? Balancing poses improve focus and concentration that stimulate our third eye, the ajna chakra, offering both physical and mental benefits. Strengthening and elongating our muscles connects us to our center of gravity teaching us how to align ourselves, improve the function of equilibrium receptors in the body, and learn the importance of getting grounded. Keeping our attention focused, undeterred by external stimulation, and staying steady in one place for a while, clears the mind and builds equanimity by instilling a deep sense of calm even though we are experiencing intense, unwavering alertness. Through this mental clarity, we can activate the ajna chakra - a visionary center of signs, symbols, dreams, intuition, and even psychic capabilities. Clearing the way to see the true nature of reality, dispelling illusion to better navigate our lives. Aligning ourselves in balancing poses translates to better alignment and awareness in our everyday standing and walking, improving the way we do everyday activities. This awareness transcends into our thought patterns and further into our emotions bringing a sense of mental clarity, calm, and balance on and off the mat.

By adding vitamin A to you skin regimen and diet you can target acne, age spots, wrinkles and large pores for a smoother, more even complexion. For topical skin treatments try Tangerine Dream Night Treatment H2O Activated Powder. Applied at night the yummy tangerine aroma sends you into dream land to awake with renewed clarity and firmness in your skin! 
TANGERINE DREAM is very different...
Bacteria breeds in water so Monsoon Nectar formulas do not contain water. Tangerine Dream is water activated so it will feel a bit granular when you first apply it to your skin. Massage the emulsion into the skin on your face, neck, and chest, perhaps the back of your arms and hands. Wet your hands with water (or mist with a toner) to activate powders and massage a second time into skin. The powdered emulsion freshly activated by water or toner dissolves and melts into your skin to work on the cellular level. Activating Tangerine Dream on the surface of the skin creates a nutrient rich delivery system that penetrates deep into the cellular level. Freshly activated, these ingredients are at their most potent level and are instantly transported to the basal layer and the dermis – the target area of receptor cells. Tangerine Dream is special because tangerine peel butter is a natural form of vitamin A, which is highly effective in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, fading brown spots, and smoothing out the texture and appearance of the skin without the harsh side effects of Renova, Retin A or Tretinoin, or Retinol.  

Determine How Often To Use: Start with 2-3 x’s per week at night only. As a treatment, use up to 5 days consecutively or when your skin starts to exfoliate (maybe fewer days). Then take a break. Take it slow gradually building up your skin's strength for vitamin A and figure out a balance in how often you use Tangerine Dream. Moisturize daily with Dream Cream, Green Tea Body Balm, or a Chakra Aroma Antiox Moisturizer. Dream Cream is a companion product (used together or alternately) that helps synthesize Vitamin A and works in conjunction with Tangerine Dream. 1o0% natural and organic ingredients (without chemicals, fragrances or stabilizers) will dispense in a creamier firmer consistency in cooler temps and will be more liquid in warmer temps. If pregnant or breastfeeding please discuss the use of any vitamin A product with your doctor. Citrus oils can create sensitivity when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Use only at night.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin A, Aloe, Kelp, Panthenol DL, Zinc Oxide       
VITAMIN A

• normalises blood flow and helps to reduce the symptoms of rosacea
• increases the rate of wound healing
• exfoliates – making skin smooth and even-toned
• repairs the cellular structure of the epidermis – optimising your UV protection
• decreases clustering of melanin granules – so reducing brown spots or pigmentation
• decreases sebum production and thus treats acne brilliantly
• promotes a healthy cellular membrane
• helps in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesions
• improves hydration both in and around the cell by doing all of the above


• ALOE VERA


• Aloe vera contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E — plus vitamin B12, folic acid and choline. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause premature aging.
• It contains eight enzymes, including aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase that reduce inflammation.
• Four fatty acids are present, including cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sisosterol and lupeol — all providing anti-inflammatory results.
• Minerals such as calcium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc are present in aloe vera.
• It provides 12 anthraquinones — or compounds known as laxatives. Among these are aloin and emodin, which act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.
• The hormones called auxins and gibberellins are present; they help with healing wounds and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe vera provides sugars, such as monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides which moisturize the skin and maintain the acid mantle.
• Soothes rashes and skin irritations
• Treats burns
• Heals external cold sores
• Moisturizes scalp and soothes dandruff
• Boosts the Immune System
• Provides antioxidants and reduces inflammation

We know that inflammation is at the root of most diseases. Aloe vera provides an amazing number of vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage. Zinc is also an important component in aloe vera — making it a great source to combat zinc deficiency — because it’s essential to maintain immune function.

Vitamin A, for instance, plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision, neurological function and healthy skin because it’s an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. Vitamin C is another important component found in aloe vera; it protects the body from cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease and even skin wrinkling. Vitamin E benefits include being a powerful antioxidant that reduces free radical damage, fights inflammation and helps naturally slow the aging of cells. These antioxidant properties are also helpful when you’re exposed to cigarette smoke or UV rays from sunlight — they protect the skin from skin cancer and fight skin inflammation after exposure to the sun. Aloe vera can also naturally treat acne and eczema since it helps the healing process in the skin. Bradykinase, also present in aloe vera, helps reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically.

        SEA KELP - mineral and antioxidant rich seaweed is incredibly nourishing for the skin.

• Potent anti-aging properties
• Prevent damage to amino acids and protects the cell’s membrane
• Protects against damage caused by free radicals
• "Re-organise" the cell membrane to reverse cell damage and restore them to their healthy state.
• High iodine, mineral and antioxidant content helps moisturize and soften the skin, helping it retain moisture. Elements in kelp easily penetrate the skin to remove toxins, soothe and hydrate the skin, keeping it smooth. If you suffer with breakouts then Sea Kelp is beneficial, it has anti-inflammatory properties which will help reduce the inflammation that causes red, painful breakouts.  
  
  ZINC OXIDE:
• Photo-Induced Aging - Heals skin and wounds, reducing tenderness associated with sunburns.
• Soften chapped skin
• Acne/Large pores - Astringent qualities reduce the appearance of blemishes, skin irritation, inflammation, and the number and severity of acne breakouts antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory properties that help speed wound healing to help skin recover - Rosacea, Psoriasis, Eczema: mostly inflammatory diseases 
• Warts: Studies have shown that topical zinc was effective in treating viral warts in 80 percent of participants.
• Diaper rash
• Dandruff: Also called “seborrhoeic dermatitis,” zinc oxide is a proven treatment for the condition.

The spices of the season are such because they help with classic fall time ailments largely associated with the lungs. Fall time cleanses, according to Chinese Medicine, focus on the lungs and and "letting go". After the expansion of summer, fall is an internal, contracting time for cultivating the mind and body with introspection. This means a hot bath for me!
Allow your morning ritual bath or shower to set your day and Get in touch with your skin with the original apothecary of essential oils and botanicals from Mother Nature! Stave off colds and flu by anointing your body every day with Monsoon Nectar~ formulated with the highest percentage of essential oils for the antimicrobial, antibacterial, and powerful antioxidant properties. Stay healthy and strong by applying a shield of protection everyday. 100% pure essential oils and botanicals absorb into the skin to cleanse, moisturize, and protect by giving your immune system a boost!

A selection of products that pump up the spice for autumn:Black pepper and anti-inflammatory turmeric are the under notes in Madagascar Exfoliating Cleanser, an exotically herbal, foamy cleanser and body wash. 
Sandalwood, frankincense and rose mingle delicately in India Stimulating Hydrosol, a toner and liquid smudge.
Apply all Chakra Aroma Antiox Moisturizers to damp skin. Either towel blot skin after bathing or mist first with India or Morocco hydrosol. You skin is like a sponge and will readily absorb the moisturizer when damp. Just like you have to wet a sponge and squeeze it out to make it damp for absorbing. Slather up with omega 3,6, 9, beta, carotene, alpha lipoic acid, and ester C, in an essential oil and botanically based oil~ plant essences so nourishing and sweet to the skin I call these Chakra Aroma Antiox Mosturizers nectars.

Eh-heep-to means Egypt in Spanish. The history of essential oils dates back to Egypt and I use Spanish names for these Chakra Aroma Antiox Moisturizers, because our monsoon is regionally on the border of Mexico and the Southwest United States and directly related to the winds coming up from Mexico! Smoky low notes of frankincense, cypress, cardamon and cedarwood. Grounding for the root chakra.

​Cascada means waterfall and the element for the 2nd chakra is water. Emotions, sensuality, and passion for all things in life swirl in these deep waters of our Self. Top notes of ginger and lemon dance with an undercurrent of spicy sweet and warm bread to nurture our feelings and desires.

Rio is like the river of life: earthy, herbal, and spicy. Ignite third eye activation in the 6th chakra of inner knowing and intuition. Healing lavender and cedarwood mingle with ravensara and clove bud.
Hydration is always supportive so look for spicy herbal teas to enjoy along the way and enjoy the season!
Marna Woo