Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Morrocco Method Scalp Massager


I am passionate about healthy hair products. About six or seven years ago I became more aware of how harmful many hair care products were and this led me on a journey of discovery to find out healthy alternatives.
One problem I had was an oily scalp. When I came across the Morrocco Method I was intrigued to learn that Anthony Morrocco recommended brushing and scalp massage for a healthy scalp. In fact he said a lot of brushing and scalp massage was beneficial in treating the causes of an oily scalp. Although this seemed counter intuitive to me I was prepared to give the scalp massager a shot.


About the product:

The massager is made of natural rubber and is made by Morrocco Method. It is 4 - 1/4 " round and very light to hold. It has a handle type nodule in the center which allows the user to rotate the massager over the scalp.

How I tested the product:

I had the original scalp massager that had an oval wooden base and a rope handle, for a few years. The nubs that rubbed the head were thicker. I have been using this new , improved massager for a week and I much prefer it. I use it three times a day following the instructions that it came with. The instructions are simple and easy to perform. Starting at the nape of the neck since the largest concentration of sebaceous glands can be found there, you massage gently in a circular motion. Gradually move over the whole head until you feel your scalp tingling. This denotes increased blood flow to the scalp. This has healthful benefits for the scalp, follicles and hair.


Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Cheap $7.50
  • All natural 100% rubber
  • On Morrocco Method website there are detailed instructions and videos how to use the massager.
  • Feels good on the scalp, relaxing but invigorating too.
  • Doesn't pull hairs out, so gentle enough for fragile and damaged hair.
  • Seems to relieve tight muscles in the neck


Cons:
None so far.


Conclusion:

So far so good. I like this product much more than the older style massager. This is gentle yet does seem to make my scalp more invigorated. It's too soon to tell whether my oily scalp has responded but I will update later on the longer term effects and benefits.
Disclosure: I am an affiliate for Morrocco Method products. I only endorse those products I have tried and that have passed my test of using non toxic ingredients, good performance and great customer service. In my opinion and after a number of years testing the products out, Morrocco Method attains this criteria.




I give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Time will tell if it makes a difference to my scalp but it feels good and it's so easy to do. Well worth the cost.










Sunday, September 12, 2010

Review of MyChelle Fabulous Eye Cream


My skin is sensitive and so I have to be careful what I put on it.Usually this means I end up spending a little more on face care products as I have learnt the hard way by trying cheaper products and ending up with a sorry result! Only last month I decided to experiment with a cheaper eye cream and overnight my eyes developed a horrible reaction. They became puffy, the skin was extremely itchy and red welts appeared. It was quite a severe reaction that prompted me to go to the doctor but fortunately it healed within a week or so.
So having learned my lesson I am back to using MyChelle Fabulous Eye Cream and it really is rather fabulous.

About the product:

MyChelle Fabulous Eye Cream is designed for all skin types. It is described as being a rejuvenating eye cream to help reduce the visible signs of aging as well as hydrating and soothing the delicate eye area. The active ingredients include edelweiss plant stem cells and hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid helps plump out skin and keep it youthful looking whilst edelweiss contains high concentrations of leontopodic acids A and B which have strong antioxidant properties. Edelweiss stem cells are especially beneficial for the eye contour area.

How I tested the product:

I use this product in the morning and just before bedtime. I dot it gently under the eyes and between the eyebrows. Sometimes I use it above the upper lip since the ingredients can also inhibit lines forming.

Pros:

  • Non - irritating.
  • A light pleasant smell which doesn't overpower.
  • Seems to work, my furrows have all but disappeared between my eyes.
  • Scientifically formulated preparations using natural and bioactive ingredients.
  • The product comes with good educational material about the ingredients.
  • Comes in tube, which I prefer as my fingers are not dipping in the jar. More hygienic.
Cons:

  • Expensive. I love MyChelle products and I will continue to use them due to my skin sensitivites but the products are not cheap. The eye cream is around $28 for a 5oz tube.
 Conclusion:

Well prepared product that uses natural non -toxic ingredients in theraputic doses that are the correct amount to affect a positive change.The company has a great website and publishes literature to educate consumers about safe alternatives in skin care.

Where to buy it:

Online, health stores, company website. Shop around online as you can often find the product a little cheaper.

I give it 4.5 stars out of 5 and if you have sensitive skin this just might be a good product for you.

Review of " Hair Loss in Women" by Melanie Vonabuesnig


Hair loss in women is not an unusual occurrence which may be surprising to some. There appears to be an increase among young women experiencing this distressing condition. Many factors can be attributed to hair loss and it can take varying degrees from slight loss to total body hair loss. The condition can come and go in some women whilst in some cases it can be a permanent condition.
It is crucial that one understands what type of hair loss they are suffering from as there are many different causes. For some it may be a hormonal cause for instance some women experience temporary hair loss a few months after having a baby. Others may have endured some stressful incident in their lives which can cause hair loss some months after the fact. If a person is on a drastic diet then their hair may be affected.  The choice of hair care products can also have a detrimental affect upon ones hair as I posted in an earlier blog. Therefore it is important to find out the underlying cause and treat it accordingly.

About the product:
I was fortunate enough to find an excellent book that deals with this subject. "Hair Loss in Women - Getting to the Root of the Problem" written by Melanie Vonzbuesnig. Melanie has experienced drastic hair loss herself but was able to heal and control her condition through research and understanding what was causing her particular problem. The results of her research are presented in this book and I found it easy to read and thorough. She covers common as well as rare hair loss conditions. The book makes good sense as well as providing alternative healthy means to address this condition. Her own angle of healing is the use of aromatherapy, which is a safe, natural use of essential oils to assist the body in healing and balance. Essential oils carry the vibrational healing properties of certain flowers, and plants and studies have shown that many ailments and conditions respond favorably to these essences.

How I tested the product:

I read the ebook in one sitting. I found it engagingly written as the author herself has suffered with hair loss. She also presents real life people under the different sub headings of hair loss, so the book is more heartfelt than a medical text book. I personally do not have drastic hair loss but I am interested in maintaining the health of my scalp and hair as it is fine. I am aware that many women suffer from hair loss  and so I wanted to find out what causes it and what can be done about it.

Pros:
  • Instant download in ebook format.
  • Fairly priced.
  • Comes in a bundle of 3 books at discounted rate.
  • Well presented, well documented and easy to understand.
  • I imagine this knowledge would give hair loss sufferers hope that they do not have to suffer alone and that many hair loss cases are treatable.
  • Promotes simple and natural techniques for health.
  • Nice customer service. Prompt responses to emails.
Cons:
  • None really - the book is a good resource that women can incorporate into their lives. If you don't care for ebooks then you can order a hard copy.
Conclusion:
Practical and compelling information especially in the light that the author honestly recounts her own hair loss journey.

Where to buy it:

Knowledge is power.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Review of Ginger Soother Ginger Drink


Introduction :

Every now and then I get tummy troubles as I am sure many others do too. I prefer to treat my tummy aches with natural remedies whenever possible and one of my go to remedies is ginger. I love ginger. The smell is aromatic and can quell feelings of nausea in me. I also find it useful in fending off a headache.However if I am on the go I don't always have the time or the energy to peel ginger and prepare it for cooking. Enter "Ginger Soother" a tasty ginger concoction made by the Ginger People. What a cute name!

About the product :

Ginger Soother is a yummy drink that contains filtered water, ginger juice, honey and lemon. It can be imbibed either hot or cold although I prefer to drink it at room temperature. Remember drinking this kind of remedy as a kid for sore throats and colds? That's because these ingredients are very soothing and have a warming effect on the body both inside and out. Ginger is an age old remedy that is a powerful antioxidant and has many beneficial qualities attributed to it. It is wonderful for helping digestion as well as soothing aches, nausea and even can act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

How I tested the product:

I have been drinking this particular brand for a few years now. I usually only take it when my tummy hurts but it tastes good enough to drink as a treat.

Pros:

  • Easily available in health food stores and online.
  • Reasonably priced at around $1.55 + for 120z bottle.
  • Tastes yummy!
  • I find it really does ward off mild tummy aches and pains.
  • Natural ingredients with 19g of ginger per serving. That is an ample amount for therapeutic uses.
  • Available in a variety of sizes.
  • Also comes in apple with ginger.
Cons:

  • Some people may not like the fact it is in a plastic bottle.
Conclusion:

This is one of my favorite drinks for a pick me up when I feel poorly. It is refreshing and feels healthy. I would probably drink it daily but the price does add up. Maybe I should buy it in bulk for a discount!

I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

Where to buy it:
Health stores, online.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Review of Similasan Stye Eye Relief

Introduction:

As a child I suffered a lot with styes in my eye, occasionally having them cut out the lid by surgery. I even remember rubbing my grandma's gold ring on the eyelid as that was an old wives tale for supposedly healing styes! I guess it was my grandma who shared this old remedy with me, I can't recall if it worked or not.... Since then I have not been plagued with this problem, until recently I developed a small stye on the upper lid. Probably I have been run down, and need to get more sleep, but I needed something to relieve the redness and irritation.

About the product:

Similasan Stye Eye Relief is 100% natural. Its active ingredients include the homepathics Conuum maculatan, Graphites, Sulphur. These ingredients temporarily reduce symptoms such as redness, swelling and tearing. The product claims to soothe the pain and discomfort of a stye and as it is a homepathic preparation, there are not any harmful side effects, or drug interactions.

How I tested the product:

I started using the eye drops as soon as I noticed the red tell tale signs of a stype developing on my upper lid. I used a couple of drops 2 or 3 times a day.

Pros:

  • Does not sting the eye.
  • Pretty affordable, I paid around $10 for a 10ml bottle.
  • No harmful side effects.
  • Natural, safe ingredients.
  • It really did relieve the irritation in my eye and less than a week later the stye is almost gone.
Cons:

  • For some reason I can't seem to get it in my eye straight away. I usually end up with streaks of the eye drops down my cheeks. At least it doesn't smell!
Conclusion

I like this product and I like this company. I have tried other products of theirs and even though I cannot pronounce the name (!), I like the fact that they are creating safe, alternative medicines.  This particular product worked for me,  and was a cost effective way to treat a minor irritation.

I give it 4.5 stars out of five.

Where to buy it:
Readily available in health store, pharmacies, online.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Review of The Etheric Weaver

 Introduction:

There are many tools and gadgets that are available that purport to heal and help a person. As someone who has been interested in health and well-being for a long time, I have had the opportunity to experience a really easy to use yet powerful crystal called an Etheric Weaver. I have suffered with asthma for around 20 years, and wanted to get off the medication that was needed to control the symptoms. Whilst the medicine helped control the disease, I knew it wasn't really healing the cause - it was masking the symptoms. This understanding led me to trying out the Etheric Weaver.

About the product:

The Buddha Maitreya Etheric Weaver® is a simple to use healing tool and can be used by anyone for deep meditation, self-healing and healing others. Simply hold by the teardrop, and let the crystal hang like a pendulum over your hand or the area being treated. Relax and clear your mind and allow the Etheric Weaver® to begin moving gently on its own as it works to calm, heal and align to the Soul - radiating the vitality of one's attunement to God. The crystals are available in a variety of colors and you simply choose the color that you are attracted to - it's as simple as that.

How I tested the product:

Well, I have been using this particular healing tool for a long time now. It is part of my daily care program that I use whether I am sick or not. I simply hold the crystal over my lung area and allow it to move. Sometimes I hold it over my hand and the really interesting thing is that I can often feel heat and tingles in my body. This has been explained to me as a movement of chi or vitality and is similar in concept to acupuncture where tiny needles are placed along specific meridian points to increase the person's own vitality. This in turn can lead to healing of ailments, pain, emotional disorders to name a few.


Pros:
  • Easy to use, does not require any specific knowledge or interpretative skills.
  • It works! I have had an 80% improvement in my lung function - verified by my decreased use of medication and improved breathing.
  • Easy to order with an excellent website that details exactly how to use the etheric weaver as well as customer care service, both online or by calling in.
  • Many testimonials to support the healing efficacy of this product.
Cons :

None - this powerful crystal has done more for me and my lungs than I could have hoped for. With regular use my symptoms are kept at bay. Remember though you do have to use it, not just leave it in the box!


I give it 5 stars out of 5. 

Etheric weavers can be purchased here.







Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A Review of Mambino Youth Glow Omega Face Complex


Introduction

My complexion has a tendency to be dry and sensitive to many products. I have monthly flare-ups with areas of breakouts that can be quite painful. Recently I tried a new product to help combat the dryness and soothe the inflammation. I was looking for something that would moisturize my skin without causing oiliness that would lead to more breakouts.

About the product:

Youth Glow by Mambino Organics is designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It contains rosa mosqueta, evening primrose and sea buckthorn and is high in essential fatty acids which nourishes the skin. The product describes itself as " revealing fresher, smoother and more radiant looking skin."

How I tested the product:

I have been using it for one month now.

Pros


  • Does not irritate my sensitive skin.
  • Certified organic ingredients.
  • Pleasant smell - although for people who like fragrance free the aroma might be too strong. I am sensitive to many perfumes but I really like this. It has an orange/rose aroma.
  • Reasonably priced - cost me $24 and as you only need a couple of drops the 1 fl oz bottle should last as long as most serums. In my opinion you don't need a serum with this product and you may not need a moisturizer on top, although I still use a moisturizer in addition to this product.
Cons

  • I don't know that any of the ingredients specifically target anti-aging as do many serums that are currently on the market.
  • The scent might irritate some.

Conclusion

I like this product and was quite impressed that it did not cause any more breakouts. I used it on inflamed areas and it did not irritate. I feel the product lives up to its promise of calming sensitive skin. It actually feels like it has healing properties too and the ingredients look good. My skin feels moisturized hours after I have applied it. I am happy with my purchase.

I give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Anything that calms my skin is good in my book.

Where to buy it:
Online