Photo Credit: sweetbeetandgreenbean

Proper oral care is extremely important, but the health of your teeth and gums is also primarily determined by how healthy your body is on the inside. Using the best oral care products possible and brushing 10 times a day will not protect against decay if your diet is high in refined foods. The further away a food is from it’s natural state, the more harm it can bring your teeth. Refined foods lead to higher acidic levels in your body. This damages teeth and gums. When the body is acidic, it borrows the calcium and other minerals it is depleted of from teeth and bones.

A diet high in vitamins and minerals is essential for oral health – particularly calcium and vitamins A and D. Vitamins A and C are needed for the absorption of calcium, and calcium is an important element in our teeth.

Choose these foods that are abundant in vitamins and minerals and foods that naturally fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath:

1. Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are very rich in calcium and they also contain large amounts of vitamin C. They also has contain Fluorine, which fights tooth decay.

2. Vegetables
Green plants have large amounts of chlorophyll, phosphorous, and vitamins A and C, all of which are needed for calcium absorption. Chlorophyll helps build enamel and prevents tooth decay. Vitamin C helps reduce plaque from building up. Broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin are all vegetables that contain large amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables also bring health to gums by cleansing and stimulating them.

3. Fruits
Most fruits contain good amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C creates the cement that holds all of our cells together. It is vital for beautiful skin, and for the health of your gum tissue. If you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Kiwis are particularly high in vitamin C. Berries such as Goji Berries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Camu Camu berry, and Cloudberry are bursting with large amounts of vitamin C.

Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water or brush immediately after eating fruit, so that the sugars and acids are not sitting on your teeth. If you eat citrus fruit, rinse with water, but wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging enamel.

4. Onions
Onions contain powerful sulfur compounds, which kill various types of bacteria. Their antibacterial compounds are most potent when eaten freshly peeled and raw. p.s. There are some tips below for natural breath fresheners.

5. Celery
Celery protects your teeth in two ways: The extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria that causes cavities. Additionally, chewing on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth.

6. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are high in calcium, which helps preserve the bone around your teeth and gums. Eating Seeds (in their whole form) also slough off plaque and help build tooth enamel.

7. Shiitake Mushrooms
Lentinan, a sugar found in shiitake mushrooms, prevents mouth bacteria from creating plaque.

8. Water
Water cleanses the mouth, allowing the saliva to work wonders depositing essential minerals back into the weakened teeth. Drinking water keeps your gums hydrated and is the best way to stimulate saliva–your body’s greatest defense against the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water also helps wash away trapped food particles that decompose in the mouth and cause bad breath. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, be sure to rinse your mouth with water.

Sources:

1. Berry, Lynn, Beyond Non-Toxic Toothpaste: Tips for Healthy Teeth, NaturalNews.com, December 8, 2007
2. 10 Most Healthy Foods for Teeth, Dental Health Magazine, April 16th, 2009
3. Knittel, Linda, 10 Foods for a healthy, beautiful smile: protect your teeth and gums with these stellar foods – Diet and nutrition: how to eat right, Natural Health, Dec, 2002, Weider Publications, Gale Group

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: FotoosVanRobin

Stop Stains
My teeth have started to become stained for the first time in my life because I drink so much green juice. The two best tips for avoiding stains after a drink or meal are to use a straw (I use glass straws) and to brush afterward. If you are unable to brush afterward, at least swish with plenty of water.

Prevent Cavities
Brush your teeth or rinse with water after each meal, snack, or juice, particularly if you eat fruit or something sticky that stays stuck on the teeth like dried fruit.

Freshen Breath
Chewing gum or candy (mints) between meals feeds plaque, which can cause cavities. Instead chew on a cinnamon bark pieces, cloves, peeled cardamom pods, or fennel seeds, which kill bad bacteria and give you a sultry and fresh breath.

Eating parsley or mint leaves not only provides excellent nutrients, but also will help you maintain fresh breath. They both contain monoterpenes, substances that travel quickly from your bloodstream to your lungs, where their odor is released via your breath.*
Keep Bacteria in Balance
We need to encourage healthy bacteria to live in our mouth to prevent harmful bacteria from affecting our teeth. Control unhealthy bacteria with healthy bacteria. Take probiotics and eat lacto-fermented vegetables (such as sauerkraut, kimchee, pickles, and sauerkraut). Make your own or look for the brand Rejuvenative Foods at your health food store. You can also wash your mouth with a mixture of probiotic powder and water to prevent plaque build up.

*Linda Knittel, 2002 Weider Publications, 2002 Gale Group

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Nadine, Oral Care Goddess

Nadine Artemis is a gifted beauty visionary who handcrafts essential oils, elixirs, serums and perfumed poetry. She gathers the purest ingredients found in nature, working with the intelligence embodied in plants. Her famous oral care elixirs offer the most pure and effective oral care available.

In these recordings, she reveals her immense knowledge of oral care, and teaches how to take care of teeth, gums, and mouth with her revolutionary products. Enjoy!

Successful Oral Care (28 minutes)

Successful Self Dentistry (53 minutes)

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Credit: 96dpi

I have found that one of the most beautiful ways to love myself is to care for my body with great reverence. I consider my body a divine temple – that’s why I eat healthy, exercise, and care for my skin. One of my favorite luxurious skin care rituals is to literally bathe myself in oils – cleansing and moisturizing my face and body.

Oils for Travel

Jed and I have been on the road traveling frequently lately, sometimes having to take off at the drop of a hat. I am always seeking to simplify my travel needs and lighten my packing as much as possible. That is why I am so grateful to have discovered the use of oils as ‘all-in-one’ skin care. I use a more extensive skin care regimen at home, but whenever I travel, all I do is pack my bottle of Best Skin Ever. (I love all the scents, but my current companion is Vanilla.) I am able to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize with this glorious blend of oils all in one bottle. Joy! (See below for instructions)

Why Use Oils on the Face?

It may seem mysterious or even unnerving to use oils on the face. It certainly felt this way to me when I first learned about this method. I had oily skin and breakouts for so long that it seemed counter-intuitive to put more oil on my face! Yet, the truth is that oil dissolves oil. Your skin naturally lubricates itself with oil, and produces excess when dried out. If using oil weren’t the appropriate care for our skin, our bodies would not produce it at all. There is nothing to fear in applying oils to your face!

Pure Cold-Pressed Plant Oils will not clog pores or cause blemishes. Blemishes of all kinds can be caused by a plethora of things including diet, toxicity, hormones, bacteria, candida overgrowth, liver congestion, etc. Your skin naturally produces oil because it it ensures it proper functioning. Your natural oils protect, lubricate, heals, and moisturizes your skin. Skin that is functioning as it was designed to will be clear and glow with radiance.

Using oils to moisturize is the perfect way to achieve absolute purity. A pure oil is not blended with any water-based substance, no preservative is needed, and no solubilizers or stabilizers are necessary. Pure Cold-Pressed Plant Oils contain the highest level of active, alive nutrients for skin. They are very efficiently assimilated through skin because they are naturally absorbed and can penetrate deeper the lotions, creams, etc due to the natural composition of the skin. Oils also do not require heat to blend. The Cold-Pressing process ensures that all of the nutrients naturally present in the plant  ingredients make it into the oil. Like cooking food, temperatures  exceeding around 110º F destroy enzymes, vitamins and alter or deactivate many other beneficial nutrients in the product ingredients. A facial oil leaves skin with a renewed look of health and dewy, youthful beauty.

Our Facial Oils: Ultra Restore, Ultra Sapphire, Best Skin Ever

Daily Cleansing with Oils

Simply moisten a wash cloth with warm water, add a few squirts of our Best Skin Ever and gently massage cloth over face. This removes the dirt of the day and exfoliates. Finish with a spray of Rosewater. Add another squirt of Best Skin Ever for more moisture or use your favorite moisturizer.

Deep Cleansing with Oils

(The following information comes from Stephanie Strauss of The Beauty Bottle, LLC)

The basic concept of this skin care and cleansing method is that the oil used to massage your skin will dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your pores. The steam will open your pores, allowing the oil to be easily removed. Should you need it, the smallest drop of the same oil formula patted over damp skin will provide the necessary lubrication to keep your skin from over-compensating in oil production.

First and foremost, this is typically done in the evening, prior to bed. There should be no need for deep cleansing in the morning if you’re waking up with skin cleansed the night before. In the morning, a quick wipe with a warm washcloth should suffice. We don’t want to over-cleanse our skin as this will serve only to irritate and cause more oil production. The objective of using this method is to deep clean while balancing our skins oil production at the same time.

Instructions

1) You’ll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.
2) Pour a generous amount of Best Skin Ever into the palm of your hand. Roughly, the size of a quarter, but more is acceptable. Rub your
hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.
3) Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage.
4) Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You
want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.
5) As you’re massaging, let your mind drift off to something calming and breathe deeply. Take this time to relax and release some of the stress that your body is harboring. Sit down, breathe deeply, and take your time. Give the oil enough time to work on dissolving the impurities in your pores and give yourself enough time to unwind.
6) Once you’re satisfied that your pores are saturated and you’re feeling calm, pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. We want the water to be warm enough to open your pores and remove the oil. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. We’re not scalding our skin, we’re steaming to coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities. We’re essentially steaming our skin as an esthetician would, but without a steam machine.
7) Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores releasing the impurities. Wipe the oil
gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you’ll find it’s completely unnecessary and your skin will be soft, smooth, and free of flakes without the additional manual exfoliation and irritation that will result. Impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria will be gently swept away.
If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of Best Skin Ever, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

This deep cleansing method should be done regularly, but not too frequently. You’ll know if you’re deep cleansing too frequently by the dryness that your skin will exhibit. Don’t be surprised if you find you’ve unblocked an oil flow for the first few days. Once you remove the plugs from your pores, they will begin functioning properly again. Perfect skin won’t happen overnight and while it may take a few massages to achieve your goal, you should notice a huge difference in your skin after the first deep cleansing massage. Give your skin a few days to adjust and adapt to being clean and clear of blockages; understand that the new oil coming from your skin is actually a good sign and will balance out very shortly. You’ll find redness and irritation subsiding. You’ll find your skin losing that “congested,” and thick feeling.

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

I just received this great question on Twitter about using Morrocco Method Organic Shampoos. Thanks so much Victoria!

momsnkidshealth @LivingEarthLive Hi there – wondering if you have any usage instructions for the Morrocco Method shampoos – is there a transition period?

Transitioning

Because Morrocco Method products are Organic, Vegan, and chemical-free, there can be a detoxification transition period. Often when one moves away from chemical laden shampoos, the hair follicles will begin letting go of toxins. Yes, hair can detox too! This means, it is possible to experience a short period of slightly less than glorious results before you start having GLORIOUS results. Personally, I had glorious results right away.

Using Morrocco Method Shampoos

Rotation

Morrocco Method 5 Elements Shampoos are designed to be used in rotation so that all aspects of hair and scalp can be nourished and maintained. Pine Shale (Air) and Apple Cider Vinegar (Fire) Shampoos nourish the hair and stimulate growth. Sea Essence (Water) and Earth Essence (Earth) Shampoos detoxify and regenerate hair and scalp. Rotate all four for maximum care — Pine Shale today, Apple Cider Vinegar tomorrow, Sea Essence the next day, then Earth Essence, then back to Pine Shale Shampoo to continue the rotation cycle. Regularly alternating shampoos helps to keep the hair and scalp receptive and responsive, insuring a thorough cleansing and nourishing every time they are used.

Two Steps to Gorgeous Hair

A perfect shampoo is achieved in two parts. The first shampooing cleanses hair and scalp of dirt, dead cells and dust, which you would otherwise massage back into the hair, scalp and follicle openings if you shampooed only once. This clogging debris could retard new hair growth and severely damage the oil glands, upsetting the natural fall-out and reproductive cycles of your hair.

The second shampooing and massage of your clean hair and scalp stimulates the flow of blood to the scalp and opens the hair follicles, allowing the blood vessels to feed each root, bulb and hair shaft, nourishing the entire follicle and activating the sebaceous (oil) glands. This ensures the proper lubrication and distribution of your own natural oils to the entire scalp and hair shafts. A natural coating of oil is vital to the maintenance of a healthy scalp and hair. It keeps the outer layer of hair lubricated and prevents drying, which is the excessive evaporation of moisture.

Step One: Wet your hair, then apply a nickel-sized portion of shampoo to your scalp. Massage it lightly into your hair and scalp, and then rinse thoroughly, using warm water.

Step Two: After rinsing, take a quarter-size portion of the same shampoo and massage it gently into your clean hair and scalp for a second cleansing, then rinse thoroughly, finishing with a cool rinse. Towel dry hair and scalp thoroughly. Your hair is now ready to be brushed and styled.

Find these incredible shampoos HERE.

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Credit: aehack

I received the following email from a lovely woman named, Belene, last week. I asked her if I could share our correspondence because I felt it might also be of help to others out there, possibly you. She graciously agreed. Thank you, Belene!

If you would like to know more or if this information was helpful to you, please let me know in the comments below.

Belene’s Email:

I am emailing you because I am having facial problems I have never encountered in my entire life. For the past 5 weeks, I have had severe acne from temple to temple and smaller bumps on my cheeks and chin. Each day I get a new pimple and they are scaring. I am of Ethiopian descent and the scaring is black. Prior to this I had almost flawless skin. If I were to have a break out it would be a single one. Not every sq nanometer of my face. Please advise.
Thanks so much.
Bliss

My Response:

Hi Belene,

Nice to meet you!
Thank you so much for your inquiry.

I understand how you might be feeling. Acne can be a troubling condition. I had acne for many years until recently – I tried everything to heal it over that entire period of time and nothing seemed to work. My skin is beautiful now and I found that it was caused many factors, some of which took some time to heal.

Acne is a complex issue. There are a plethora of possible causes including:

• Diet
• Toxic load in the body
• Stress & Stored Emotions
• Hormone Imbalances 1) Increased insulin production can signal the body to release extra male hormones, called androgens, which are involved in pimple formation. 2) Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities.
• Medication – including some contraceptive pills, anabolic steroids, some anti-epileptic medications, lithium and iodine-containing medications.
• Chlorinated industrial chemicals may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.
• Rosacea can often be confused with acne – some causes include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; demodex mites, caffeine; foods high in histamines (red wine, aged cheeses, yogurt, beer, cured pork products, etc.); microdermabrasion and chemical peels; high dosages topical or nasal steroids or benzyol perioxide. Also a very acidic diet contributes to rosacea.

I have some questions for you:

1. Have you changed your diet recently? You could be detoxing.
2. Have you had an abnormal amount of stress lately?
3. Have you experienced any changes in your health recently?
4. Could it be Rosacea? Have you used any corticosteroid (cortisone) creams or any steriod type medication?

Here are my recommendations:

1) First, try to determine if it is indeed acne or rosacea. You might need to see a dermatologist to determine this. You may also look for an alternative medicine practitioner that can make this determination. You could also diagnose yourself by researching online – I do this all of the time.

2) Good skin care makes a significant difference with both conditions. If it is acne, look for products that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. With ingredients such as MSM (methylsulfonylmethane, a vital naturally occurring sulfur compound), Niacinamide (vitamin B4), Willow bark extract, Neem, Zinc Oxide, Witch Hazel, and Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Chamomile Essential Oils.
Click HERE for some products that will help.

If it is rosacea, I would recommend very soothing and healing products for you, such as Rose Cellular Renewal, RoseGlow Face Creme, RoseGlow Serum, Seabuckthorn Tamanu All Over Lotion, Blue-Green Algae Mask

3) A healthy diet and body free of toxins is also essential. I definitely recommend a healthy Vegan diet.  A Raw Vegan diet is even better for beautiful, blemish-free skin. Regardless, specifically steer clear of sugar; refined starches and grains; alcohol; caffeine; chocolate; dairy products (especially pasteurized cow dairy), red meat, and all processed and chemical foods. Consume an abundance of fresh vegetables and vegetable juices. Eating foods with Omega-3 fatty acids and fermented foods or a non-dairy pro-biotic supplement is also important for clear skin. Increase your pro-biotics for sure.

You might consider a green juice fast for at least several days or more – this will be intensely healing and alkalizing to the body.

4) Your body may need help detoxing. I highly recommend Colon Hydro-Therapy!!

5) Acne can also be caused by poor fat metabolism. This means that the liver is not capable of fully digesting and assimilating all of the fat and oil entering the system. The health of the skin is often a reflection of the health of the liver. There are various ways to cleanse the liver. Drinking water with lemon every day helps. Eating Raw, Fresh, Organic Fruits and Vegetables is important. I add large amounts of dandelion to my fresh juices for liver cleansing. Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root in tincture or tea form are also simple ways to keep the liver healthy. Avoiding drugs, alcohol, and for some of us, even chocolate, which has a stimulating effect on the body and taxes that liver, is essential. Also look into doing liver flushes and cleanses, seasonally, or more frequently for a congested liver.

6) Hygiene is important. Change your pillowcase regularly and avoid touching your face with your hands unless you have just washed them.

7) I have all of the above covered and still get a pimple or three from time to time. Hormonal imbalances, stored emotions, and stress can also contribute to acne breakouts. I participate in various forms of therapy, healing, and other practices to take care of my emotional well-being.

I wish you many many blessings towards your healing. Do not hesitate to ask any more questions you may have. Keep me updated on your progress, if you like, as well.

Warmly,
Jill

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Credit: Bashed

I just created a spur-of-the-moment yummy smoothie for my Honey. He LOVED it!

Apple Pie Smoothie

Ingredients

All Raw & Organic:

1 large apple or 2 small apples (my favorites are Pink Lady and HoneyCrisp – use your favorite)

5 dates (we are blessed enough to have fresh, local dates)

2 handfuls of pecans ( I used 1 handful of walnuts and 1 handful of chashews because I did not have pecans)

1 tsp Vanilla ( I have fresh ground vanilla beans, so I only used a tiny dash because it so so much more potent when it is not an extract)

1 – 2 tsp cinnamon (depending on how ’spicy’ you would like it to be

1/4 – 1/2 tsp nutmeg

a dash of Himalayan or Celtic Sea Salt

Roughly 2 cups of water (depending on how thick you like your smoothies)

(If you like super sweetness add a bit of Honey or Agave to taste)

Instructions

1. Soak the pecans (or whatever nuts you have) the night before or a few hours in advance. If you want it now and don’t have soaked nuts, use un-soaked nuts – they are getting blended.
2. Drain and rinse the pecans
3. Pit the dates, cut in half or pieces
4. Core apple(s) and cut into pieces
5. Add all of the above and the rest of the ingredients to a powerful blender (preferably a Vitamix or similar). Blend until completely smooth.
6. Enjoy drinkable and healthy apple pie!

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Credit: Swamibu

I eat 100% raw all year round and my skin stays soft and beautiful and I stay warm and happy. Here are my top tips for gorgeous glowing skin and radiating warmth this winter:

Stay Hydrated
It is extremely important to stay hydrated all of the time, especially during the winter when there is less of a desire for water and when skin tends to dry out. If room temperature water is too cool for you, heat it up a bit. Add a squeezed wedge of lemon. Lemon is also great for alkanizing the body and cleansing the liver. Drink more moisturizing herbal teas: Irish Moss, Red Clover Blossom, Marshmallow Root, and Fennel Seed. Always drink herbal teas, and stay away from caffiene. Also, try adding raw ginger or a dash of cayenne to drinks or dishes.

Eat more Healthy Fats
Eating more healthy fats beautifies your skin and warms your body from the inside out:
All raw and organic:
Avocado
Coconut, especially organic young coconut
Seeds especially Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds, and Flax seeds
Nuts, especially almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts
Olives
Fresh Oils
* Only use Extra Virgin Olive oil or Coconut oil when cooking
* Only use Flax, Hemp  (only if very fresh) or Olive oils for raw foods and salads

Get your Vitamin D
If you live in a less sunny place, and I know what that is like (I lived in Seattle for many years until very recently), make sure to take a high quality Vitamin D supplement, at least 4000 IU per day.

Cleanse with care
Be very cautious not to cleanse skin too often or use a harsh cleanser. All of our cleansers are very gentle and hydrating.

Rehydrate throughout the day
Rehydrate skin frequently throughout the day with a hydrating mist, which will work even over makeup. You could also reapply your favorite moisturizer.

Bathe with moisturizing herbs
If you take baths, bathe with moisturizing herbs such as rosebud, lavender flowers, calendula, and chamomile flowers

Eat warming foods
Eating Raw foods is actually warming to the body. This may be a surprise, but more heat is produced through digesting raw foods then eating cooked foods. Also, raw, living foods are beautifying, whereas, cooked foods are not. In general, foods that take longer to grow are generally more warming than foods that grow quickly. What do I see most abundant this time of year, root vegetables. They grow this time of year for a reason, they are very warming to the body. Foods that are warming include: squash, carrots, potatoes, yams, rutabagas, turnips, garlic, leeks, onions, rice, oats, cardamon, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, black or hot pepper.

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Credit: sweetonveg

Jed loves this treat. He adores dipping fresh, organic berries, especially strawberries, in it.

Ingredients

1/2 cup – 2 cups  soaked Raw, Organic Cashews*
4 Tablespoons Raw, Organic Carob Powder (We use Carob, but you may use Raw Cacao Powder, if you like, for even more chocolaty-richness). We like the Raw European Carob, as it has a “roasted” flavor like chocolate, but it is raw.
2 teaspoons Vanilla (I use pure dried/powdered vanilla bean)
Sweetener of your choice (I use Stevia, but you could also use raw, organic Honey, Yacon Syrup, or Agave Nectar)
a dash of Cinnamon
spring or purified Water

Instructions
Soak 1/2 – 2 cups of truly raw, organic Cashews* overnight. (The amount of cashews depends on how many people you want to serve or how much you want left over).

• Drain and rinse the Cashews.
• Place all ingredients in your Vita-Mix (or very powerful blender) and blend until completely smooth. Start with approximately a 1/2 cup of water. Add more water if the consistency is too thick or it will not blend easily.
• Enjoy as is or as a sweet, chocolaty dip for fruit

* All cashews are steamed to remove the skin, unless the package says that they have been skinned by hand. Therefore, cashews are not raw unless they are labeled “truly raw” and are treated by hand. Eating only truly raw cashews ensures that the fat has not oxidized due to the heat applied to them and that their enzymes are intact.

*The oils found in the cashew shell are poisonous. Cashews are in the same family as poison ivy and poison sumac. This is why you always see them shelled and skinned. I was concerned about this fact for while and stopped eating them. But, I soon came to my senses. Being cashew-free only lasted a few months – they are so luscious. I eat them alone as dessert sometimes, they are so naturally sweet. They really are totally safe and extremely healthy to eat when the skin is removed and when they are truly raw, so no need to go without these sweet, creamy nuts.

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.

Photo Credit: suttonhoo

I am featured in an in-depth interview in the current issue of Pear Magazine. Read all about my story, how and why Living Earth Beauty came to be, and my answers to many skin and beauty questions.

Read it here.

©2010 Living Earth Beauty. All Rights Reserved.