SO, WHAT'S THE RAVE ABOUT ONIONS

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone!
So, as you may know, we are enjoying our newest bundle of joy and fully diving into our 4th go round of parent-hood.
Ok, so let's chat about the O'Mazing benefits of onions. Hands down, I absolutely love the flavor of them and the added benefits are a delicious bonus.

ONION BENEFITS FOR OUR INSIDES

• CANCER: Onion extract is rich in a variety of sulfides, which provide some protection against tumor growth. Some studies have showed, regular consumption of onions helps to reduce the risk of several cancers such as colorectal cancer, oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and ovarian cancer. It is suggested to consume one onion serving per day (approximately 1/2 cup).
• HEART HEALTH: The regular consumption of onion has been shown to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. This is attributed to the sulfur compounds, chromium, and vitamin B6 in onions, which helps prevent heart disease by lowering high homocysteine levels, another potential risk factor for heart attack and stroke
• BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS: The regular consumption of onions also have been shown to lower the blood sugar levels. A study found that, onions contain allyl propyl disulfide that helps to reduce the glucose levels by increasing the amount of insulin.
• ALLERGIES: The onions such as red onions are rich in Quercetin, an antioxidant which is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. Flavonoid contained in them blocks the allergy creating histamine and other substances. According to a recent study, eye symptoms associated with hay fever are greatly reduced by quercetin. Suggested dosage is 200-400 mg thrice a day.
• DIGESTION FUNCTION: Onions are a good source of dietary fiber and prebiotics that encourage the growth of good bacteria (probiotics) in the digestive system, thereby improving digestive function.
• URINARY DISORDERS: Onion has diuretic properties, which are useful in treating urinary disorders. For those suffering from burning sensation during urination, drink water boiled with 6 to 7 gm of onion, this may relieve the symptoms.
• BONE HEALTH: A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry revealed that onions also possess the ability of building connective tissue and bone health due to a newly identified substance in it called growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs). Hence onions are very beneficial for women who are at a risk for osteoporosis. There is also evidence to suggest that the risk of hip fracture in menopausal women may be lowered through regular consumption of onions.

HOMEOPATHIC USES FOR ONION 

(ALLIUM CEPA)

Our homeopathic home pharmacy

• COUGH: Our body's way of expelling irritants. Now, there are a couple of ways to incorporate homeopathic remedies using onion. You can visit your local herb shop and purchase homeopathic nosodes of allium cepa and administer as directed, or, create a DIY mixture of onion and honey, following these steps: STEP 1: Dice 1 large onion and place in a large bowl STEP 2: Use a large wooden spoon to macerate the onion, allowing the juices to flow, or you can use a food processor. STEP 3: Mix equal parts of onion and honey and add to mason jar and allow the mixture to sit for at least 4 hours for the combination to fully combine. STEP 4: Once the mixture is fully combined, take 1 Tsp of the mixture twice daily to help alleviate coughing. ** Side note: When taking allium cepa in nosode form, try not to administer using your hands, but take directly from the cap. Handling nosodes using our hands could potentially lessen the potency of the medicine. Try not to eat or drink half an hour before or after taking the meds. Do not smoke, chew tobacco or drink while taking homeopathic meds. As always, first consult your homeopathic physician before taking any medicine.
• SNEEZING: Allium Cepa (onion) is good for a child who experiences bouts of sneezing with a burning sensation in the nose that affects the upper lip., and whose symptoms improve in the outdoors or if he/she splashes cold water on the face. ** Again, before administering any homeopathic remedy, consult your physician prior. When I administer these to my kids, they think they are tiny candies and have no issues taking them...Oh, and we love the results as well!

ONION BENEFITS FOR OUR...HAIR?

• STIMULATES HAIR GROWTH: Onion is rich in sulfur which is one of the essential nutrients in promoting hair growth. A study has shown that applying onion juice on scalp twice a week for 2 months will stimulates hair regrowth. There are a plethora of onion and alopecia videos available via youtube, and one I found in particular that incorporates onion, Apple Cider Vinegar, and my favorite, homeopathic herbs by HowConnie . If you are struggling with alopecia, thinning or any type of hair loss, be sure to check out Connie's video for a DIY treatment. 

** Sources: 'Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child 2nd Edition'

www.livestrong.com

SIZZLING HOT..OIL TREATMENTS, THAT IS!!

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone. HOT OIL TREATMENTS... Dun dun dunnnnnn, another TREATMENT!!! Yes, and this has been one of my favorite throughout my journey, especially since the months are cooling off. So let's chat about the benefits of HOT OIL TREATMENTS.

HOT OIL TREATMENT BENEFITS:

Benefit 1: Imparts shine to the hair

Benefit 2: Helps prevent breakage

Benefit 3: Helps reduce frizz

Benefit 4: Soften and nourish the hair strand

Benefit 5: Helps prevent the drying of your hair shaft

Benefit 6: Help maintain the moisture balance in your hair? Hair that has good moisture balance has great elasticity, creating lush and full hair.

Benefit 7: hot oil treatments help protect the hair from everyday environmental issues, such as heat, rain, cold, styling, especially those who use heat on a regular basis and styling tools such as brushes, curlers and many products that we use that create stress for our hair.

Benefit 8: excellent way to nourish and hydrate the scalp, especially for those who struggle with scalp issues.

HOT OIL TREATMENTS..HOW TO APPLY

The beauty of a hot oil treatment is that they can be done right in the comfort of your own home and with oils that are right in your pantry. The most popular oil to use is extra virgin olive oil. All you do is fill an applicator bottle, heat in semi hot water, apply a generous amount thoroughly to damp unclean hair, scalp and especially ends, cover with a plastic cap and either sit under a heat cap, dryer or steamer.

HOT OIL TREATMENTS..MY METHOD

Step 1: I blend extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, avocado oil, a few drops of lavender oil or peppermint essential oil and slightly heat in semi hot water, or if my coconut oil is already in liquid form, I do not heat. The benefits of using these oils are that they can penetrate the hair shaft, allowing the moisture to be absorbed rather than just sit on top of my hair. 

Step 2: On damp unclean sectioned hair ( I always put my hair in 4 sections for application ease..but this is optional), using my bottle with an applicator tip, I apply my warmed oil to each section making sure to apply a lot of oil to my hair and scalp and especially my ends. (applying a hot oil treatment before shampooing lessens the harshness of shampooing and helps retain moisture levels in the hair)

Step 3: I massage the oil thoroughly through each section including my ends.

Step 4: I sit either under my steamer (no cap needed), with a plastic cap under my heated bonnet, or just under a plastic cap for 30 minutes.

Step 5: shampoo, condition, moisturize, seal in my moisture and style. Excellente! Hair is oboes soft, moisturized and has a nice shine.

**I do this treatment once monthly or every two months alternating between this method and my prepoo method..And, yes, this oil treatment can most certainly serve as a pre poo method.. Hope this helps guys!!!

Keeping Mini Twists Moisturized and Stretched after Cleansing

Products used: Natty ACV Hair and Scalp Mist and Natty Butter .

Earrings by: Yumnah Najah Designs

MAINTAINING HEALTHY HAIR WHILE IN PROTECTIVE STYLES

Hola Chica/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone! So, as we are preparing for the wonderful arrival of our 4th little one, I have been rocking mini twists that I put in about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I must say, it has been a nice break to 'give my hair a break'..however, I do still make sure to keep my scalp clean and hair moisturized to prevent breakage when I take my twists down. If you are thinking of doing mini twists, here is an awesome video to reference that I absolutely love when applying my mini twists: Naptural85 Mini Twists . Now, before applying my mini twists, I do prep my hair...Let's just get into the thick of it on what I do to prep my hair and how to maintain healthy hair while your hair is in mini twists, braids, you are rocking weaves or wigs.

MY PREP FOR MINI TWISTING:

• CLEANSE: I always do a thorough clarifying cleanse a week before applying my mini twists. I use either Terressentials Pure Earth Wash , Dudu Osum's Black Soap Shampoo, or I just apply a homemade bentonite clay treatment to cleanse. All of these work o'mazingly to cleanse my hair. 
• CONDITION: Our hair loves loves loves moisture, so it is to the utmost importance to ensure that before any protective styling, I thoroughly condition my hair. Since I did clarify, I am sure to follow up with a deep conditioner. Of course, my deep condish of choice is our  Natty Cupuacu and Rhassoul Deep Conditioner . It works wonderfully for replacing the moisture that the cleansing has a tendency to remove. 
• MOISTURIZE: I moisturize my hair using our Natty Moist conditioner , then seal/lock in that moisture using our Natty Butter . I do this as a prep, so below, I will mention how I apply my mini twists and get into how to maintain your hair while protected..stay tuned

HOW I INSTALL MY MINI TWISTS:

1. SECTION: Since my hair is nicely prepped with cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing and sealing, this is just the how to of how I install my mini twists. On clean, conditioned, detangled, moisturized hair, I place my hair into 4 large sections. This just makes it easier for me to apply mini twists and helps to reduce re detangling.
2. SECTION AGAIN: I section my larger sections into smaller sections, using my fingers to part my smaller section into about 1/8 to 1/2. This is the size I usually rock my mini twists in. Takes a while, but the results are awesome.
3. MOISTURIZE, GEL AND SEAL: Once I have parted my hair, I apply our Natty ACV Hair and Scalp Mist to dampen, then apply my homemade flaxseed gel (for how to video, CLICK HERE), then lock in that moisture with our Natty Butter. Moisturizing is great because our hair loves moisture, the gel helps to minimize frizz and further moisturize the hair..and because the mist and gel are water based, I lock in that moisture with the Natty Butter.
4. TWIST...Again, it's a great idea to follow the video posted above on how to properly install mini twists. Using Naptural85's method makes taking my mini twists down such a breeze, with no breakage.
5. UPDATE..UPDATE..UPDATE..Pump the brakes!! My newest method is using my Natty Creme to install my mini twists and THAT'S IT!! Before, I would use my ACV Mist, Flaxseed gel and Natty Butter (3 products), now I only use 1..yay, winning!

MAINTAINING YOUR HAIR WHILE PROTECTED

• Ok, so let's get into the thick of how to maintain those beautiful tresses while they are in protective styles such as twists, braids, weaves or wigs.

STEP 1: CLEANSE: It is of the utmost importance to keep your actual scalp clean while rocking your protective style. Here are a couple of ways you can ensure a clean healthy scalp while rocking your style:

• CLEANSING METHOD 1: Take a spray water bottle (BPA Free of course) or a water bottle with an applicator tip and dilute your favorite natural shampoo (any natural shampoo can work, it doesn't have to be a clarifying shampoo) with distilled or filtered water, shake and spray or apply the mixture onto your scalp. Applicator bottles work great for those rocking weaves or wigs because they are able to reach your actualy hair much easier. Standing under your shower head, allow the running water to rinse downward, parting your hair along the way. 
• CLEANSING METHOD 2 (method for mini twists or braids): Take a pair of pantyhose, cut the legs but leave enough to of the legs to be able to tie. Place the pantyhose atop of your head, crown only and tie the legs..should look like you have a cap with a tip..Take your favorite natural shampoo and apply on top of the panty hose, dulute the poo if needed so it is thin enough to run through the panty hose. With the panty hose still on your hair, take the balls of your fingers and massage the poo into your hair. Rinse thoroughly. Leave the stocking cap onto your head while allowing to dry a little, then follow my method of how to keep your hair stretched and moisturized after cleansing: FOR VIDEO, CLICK HERE . 
• CLEANSING METHOD 3: Take some lemon juice, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) or witch hazel, a cotton ball and essential oils of tea tree, rosemary or peppermint (optional). Combine your natural pantry cleanser of choice (either the lemon juice, ACV or witch hazel) with a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Dip your cotton ball into your mixture and focusing on your scalp, part your hair and apply (this method is known as a dry cleanse). The essential oils are helpful for those who may have the itchies. 
• CLEANSING METHOD 4: ACV Rinse. Take a spray bottle or applicator bottle and dilute 1 TSP per 8 oz of distilled/filtered water and apply to hair and scalp. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse. Or if you the Natty ACV Hair and Scalp Mist, spray desired amount onto hair and scalp. The product can be left in (which is what I now do) or you can optionally rinse out.

STEP 2: CONDITION AND MOISTURIZE: Here are two simple methods that you can use to condition and moisturize your hair.

• CONDITION METHOD 1:You can dilute some of your favorite natural conditioner with water and using a spray bottle, spray the mixture onto your hair. Spray bottles have the capability of getting into cracks and crevices and since the mixture is diluted, you lessen the risk of the conditioner being stuck in between your twists, braids or other protective styling. Enjoy for 10-20 minutes (depending on the ingredient). Rinse thorougly by standing under the shower head and gently parting the hair to ensure that all of the conditioner is removed. 
• CONDITION METHOD 2 (for braids or mini twists) : Apply a generous amount of extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and apply to twists or braids, place a plastic cap over your head, leave in overnight (due to the size of the molecules and the amount of time it takes for the oils to actually penetrate the hair). Rinse. Using this method, it's ok if you do not completely rinse all of the oils from the hair, it's actually quite moisturizing. 
• RE MOISTURIZING and SEALING: (for those with mini twists, braids or wigs): If hair is damp from cleansing or conditioning, apply a butter or oil of your choice to lock in the moisture. If remoisturizing throughout the week, just dampen hair with a mist of your choice (water can work just fine), then lock in the moisture with your Natty Butter, butter or oil of your choice.  
• RE MOISTURIZING and SEALING: (For those with weaves) after cleansing or conditioning and while the hair is still slightly damp, take a light oil such as grapeseed, jojoba, olive or coconut and apply to a cotton ball or cutip. Take the oiled cotton ball or cutip and apply to your actual hair underneath the wig to lock in the moisture. Allow the hair to dry thoroughly to prevent moisture mildew. If remoisturizing throughout the week, you can apply your Natty ACV Hair and Scalp Mist or just take a spray bottle of water or your favorite moisturizing mist  and lightly mist your actual hair. Follow up with your favorite butter or oil to lock in the moisture.

STEP 3 PROTECT: Be sure to protect your hair at night with a silk or satin scarf, bonnet or sleep on a silk or satin pillow. This helps keep the hair moisturized and protected from breakage.

STEP 4 BREAK..BREAK..BREAK..BREAK..No matter the protective style, allow your hair a break. Remove any protective style after 4-8 weeks and give your hair and scalp a thorough cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing and sealing. This is very important as many naturals experience breakage.

ENJOY YOUR PROTECTIVE STYLE...I KNOW I DO!!