Maca Powder

I have been using maca powder for about 2 weeks and I have noticed a difference in energy, focus, stress, mood and awareness.  I take only ¼ of a teaspoon once a day every other day and mix it in my morning green smoothie.  My experience with Maca so far has been good.  In the beginning I was having some trouble sleeping so I reduced my dosage.  So far I really love this "supplement" but will continue to monitor my health and symptoms in order to better determine if this is something that I should continue to take. You can purchase this in herbal stores.  I purchased mine at Watkins on 125^th in Harlem.  Below you can find some information to help you better determine if this is something that you should try.

Maca is a plant (Lepidim meyinii or Lepidium perianium Chacon) related to radishes and mustards. It is native to Peru and thrives in the extreme sunlight and desolated altitudes of the Andes.  It is referred as the Peruvian ginseng” because for centuries the indigenous people used the plant for a variety of ailments and disorders.

Adaptogen

Many herbalists recommend maca as an adaptogen. This means its natural properties help the body regenerate after being fatigued or stressed. It has the ability to increase your body's resistance to infection and trauma. Maca is believed to behave as a restorative and tonic and to help rebuild weak immune systems and improve your body's absorption of nutrients. It is believed to do so by supporting endocrine health. The endocrine system is the combination of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are released into the blood stream and act as "messengers" to the tissues and organs. Scientists believe that maca helps regulate hormones, contributing to regulated metabolism, elevated energy levels and an overall feeling of wellbeing. 



Stress Reduction

People who have taken maca root supplements for a period of time have described a significant reduction in the effects of stress on the body. Maca will help to regulate blood pressure and have a balancing effect on the total hormone system. It will also assists the body in its production of serotonin (a chemical which affects mood and digestion) and may also help to lower cortisol, a stress hormone that is also linked to serotonin production, which is known as the “happy hormone”
.

Menopause

Maca is rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and B vitamins making it helpful for menopausal symptoms. It can reduce the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, anxiety and depression. Maca root is an adaptogen and does not contain estrogen, but it can help to balance out your body's own hormones and encourage the production of hormones which are lacking.

Sexual Stimulant

Maca has a number of beneficial uses as a sexual stimulant.  It has been used to enhance fertility and increase sexual desire. Preliminary research on animals has also shown that it may have potential for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and for fertility enhancement in women and men.



Increased Endurance

Maca improves stamina.  It allows individuals to participate in physical activities for longer periods of time

Side Effects

Maca is a superfood because it can cause changes in the way you live and react.  It is advised that you use this superfood cautiously.  If taken in high dosages it can cause:

                        Insomnia

        Allergies- Symptoms include hives, fatigue and flushed skin

        Worsen Thyroid Disease

        Causes Goiters, which is a swelling in the thyroid

        Dehydration

        Diarrhea

        Hyperactivity

If you are pregnant you should not use this product. If you are suffering from breast cancer or prostate cancer, you should avoid using maca. You should also not use it if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). Use caution initially and take the lowest dose recommended if you tend to be allergic to certain substances, watch for any signs of allergy such as hives or rash. Discontinue use if troublesome symptoms arise. If in doubt, check with your healthcare provider or herbalist before taking maca.

Almond oil and the babies

"It's the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into"

--Terri Gullemets

Source (aishafoodista.com)

My daughter has very soft curls that can easily frizz and tangle.  Lately I have been using Almond oil before managing her hair. I have been using Marico’s Almond Gold oil and although its not completely natural I absolutely love it for her and also my son.  It helps me detangle her hair nicely with little breakage, adds shine and maintains a polished look with no flyaway hairs when styling. It has a wonderful scent and its light enough to leave her hair still bouncy and with definition.

Almond oil is composed of fats and fatty acids that are valuable for almost all types of hair as it proves to be very nourishing, and softens and strengthens the hair. It also proves to be a very good cleansing agent. If applied a few hours before you go for a bath, the sticky fats on the oil absorb and gather the particles and the particulates of dust and pollution that have entered your hair. Eventually, when you wash your hair, the whole mixture of oil and dirt gets washed off effectively cleansing your hair and your scalp.

Almond oil can be essentially used as an emollient, which manages to soothe your hair and skin. As an emollient, almond oil also tends to have a very stable and neutral state once applied.

My daughters hair routine

1. Prepoo-  I massage coconut oil on her hair and put it in a soft bun for about one hour while she plays around the house
2. Shampoo-  I shampoo her hair with Dove. (I only shampoo her hair twice a week)
3. Conditioner- I use Hello Hydration by Herbal Essence (the best) and detangle her hair starting from the ends with a wide comb
4. Style- I apply almond oil and brush her hair softly and style as desired

Almond Oil's Benefits

Excellent emollient - soothes and softens the skin and hair

Relieves skin irritation, rashes and burns

Treats dry skin by balancing the skin's moisture level

Ideal consistency for use in massage

Soft aroma.

Precautions

People with nut allergies should avoid Almond oil.

Bitter almond oil is toxic unlike sweet and pure almond oil

Store in a dark cool environment and refrigerate after opening, almond oil can go bad

What your weekly hair routine should include.

Source (hairliberty.org)

• Proper detangling method- Make sure that you part your hair in two to four parts.  Damp your hair by spraying a little water mixed with a leave in conditioner and start detangling from the ends, if necessary use your fingers before using a comb.  This will allow less breakage.
• Avoid stressful hairstyles- Tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids will stress your hair follicles causing lots of breakage, particularly in the front area of your head.
• Avoid excessive heat-  Always protect your hair from the heat, and when purposely using heat to style make sure that you are using the adequate temperature for your hair type
• Avoid products that contain alcohol-  Avoid gels and hairspray which leave your hair dry, use gentle shampoos that are sulfate free.
• Deep condition-  Deep condition at least once a week.  This will replenish any moisture loss and will improve your hairs strength and growth

Greener place

Lat year we burned through more than double the amount of resources that Earth can sustain long-term.  We need to make a change today to help turn things around before its too late.  By creating small habits we are able to make a significant difference in our world, in your neighborhood and in your backyard.  Here are some ideas for you to contemplate...some I have adapted!

1. Turn off your lights.  By turning off the lights in rooms that are unoccupied not only will you doing something good for the earth, but you can potentially save more than 10% of your energy expenditure.  
2. Unplug appliances. I unplug everything that is not in use leaving my fridge, stove, and main television on.  My bill used to be $250, last bill I received was $80.
3. Use less water.  Fix leaking faucets, install low flow shower heads, take shorter showers, reduce the amount of times you take a bath in a month.
4. Recycle your plastic and cardboard
5. Eat less meat.  Nearly one-fifth of the worlds greenhouse gasses is estimated to be generated from livestock production...more than transportation. Reduce by eating no meat a few times a month...every little bit helps. 
6. Boycott plastics. Refuse to use any plastic in your home.  Not only is it loaded with BPA which is a chemical that can cause a multitude of health problems, but plastic can survive for thousands of years in landfills releasing its harmful chemicals into groundwater.  
7. Garbage Bags.  Plastic bags will long live past your the disintegration of your food.  Green Genius' biodegradable garbage bags are a great option for your home or business ($6 for 15; amazon.com)
8. No more paper towels.  Paper towels are relatively cheap but in one year the average person can use up to 3,000...adding to the devastation of our earth.  Use cloth napkins for meals.  You can wash them and reuse them as much as you need.  Peopletowels has a variety of pretty, reusable, organic towels that you can keep in your kitchen or purse. ($16 for set of 2 peopletowels.com)
9. Remove yourself from junk mail lists.  To end up with less to recycle and less clutter go to Direct Marketing Association (dmachoice.com) where you can register your address.

Me

About me

I am a full time working mother and wife.  I have two young kids and one pre-teen. I am a cook and love anything that nourishes my mind and soul.  From food to beauty products, to great places to vacation.  I hunt for bargains and fun/safe places to discover in my city for my family.


About the blog
I became a spectator to other peoples lives, whether they were on television or friends of mine.  I decided it was time for me to be grateful for everything that I have and make the best of my life by exploring everything that I am blessed to have around me.  Drop-Dead Gorgeous Life is about goodness, about having a gorgeous sense of confidence and self worth, a gorgeous heart and soul, gorgeous health, a gorgeous outlook...its about helping others and bringing consciousness. Its an Awakening!