Category: Wellness Tips

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Orange Peel

Orange peel dried (Citrus reticulata)

Botanical Name: Pericarpium citri reticulata. Mandarine Oranges/Chen Pi – Citrus reticulata. Bitter Orange (aka Seville Oranges)/Zhi Shi – Citrus sinensis, Citrus aurantantium.

History/Folklore: All species help move Qi stagnation. Mandarin Orange Peel is a better anti-inflammatory, carminative and tonic. The Unripe Green Orange Peel is a cholagogue and carminative.  Bitter Orange Peel moves Qi stagnation, stimulates, expectorates and is a stomach digestive. Another species is tangerines with the Latin name, Citrus tangerina.

For hundreds of years, herbalists trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used mature mandarin orange peel, known as chen pi or ju pi in Chinese medicine, to improve digestion, relieve intestinal gas and bloating, and resolve phlegm. This peel acts primarily on the digestive and respiratory systems. We apply it in conditions involving a sense of distension and fullness in the chest and upper middle abdomen combined with loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, or coughs with copious phlegm.

You will find dried orange peel in Mother Jai’s Raspberry Tea. Shop below.

Herbal Tea Blend - 4oz Bag

Herbal Tea Blend – 4oz Bag

Herbal remedies to use instead of over-the-counter chemicals.

$12.00
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Immature mandarin orange peel, known as qing pi in Chinese medicine, acts primarily on the liver and stomach to promote digestion, relieve food retention and abdominal distension, and promote good liver function. Practitioners of Chinese herbology use this herb when the sense of distension and discomfort lies primarily under the rib cage rather than the central abdomen. 

The cut peel is traditionally used as a tea, and the powdered peel is used to add a sweet, fizzy flavor to drinks. Many cosmetics call for peel in either cut form or as a powder. Its light flavor makes it easy to add into tea blends, and the peel can also be incorporated into jams, jellies, stir-fry dishes and many other culinary creations.

Symbol of Fertility: Oranges can produce flowers and fruit at the same time so they have become a symbol of fertility.

Health benefits of Oranges

Oranges are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat, filled with Vitamin C, fiber, potassium and low in calories. Consuming them more often may protect against heart disease, cancer and diabetes while also helping to improve memory, blood pressure, immune system and overall health. Listed below are few of the popular health benefits of oranges

Helps Prevent Cancer: oranges are wonderful sources of both Vitamin C and hesperidin. These two antioxidants are recognized to help prevent the formation of free radicals – which are known to cause cancer. Vitamin C content is particularly important because a lack of Vitamin C has been shown to help tumors survive. So if you want to help prevent cancer, make sure you eat an orange.

Control Your Diabetes: oranges are a great source of fiber! This can help lower your cholesterol which in turn helps make your diabetes easier to control. Additionally, researches have shown that if you’re a Type I diabetic, consuming a high-fiber diet helps lower your overall glucose levels. And for Type II diabetics, it can improve your blood sugars and insulin levels. Not only that, but getting so much fiber improves your digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. Meaning you’re less likely to attack the pantry for sugary and unhealthy snacks.

Heart Healthy: oranges are high in potassium. And an increase in potassium can help support heart health and decrease the risk of things like stroke and heart attacks. Potassium also decreases your risk of heart disease. Additionally, oranges help lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, which is great for your heart health and for preventing heart problems.

Better Skin: oranges are good for your skin, helping to protect from skin damage caused by the sun and pollution. They also reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. And, as mentioned earlier, Vitamin C helps increase collagen production, which is important for keeping your skin healthy and wrinkle-free.

Science Supports Citrus

Sweet and bitter orange peels have similar constituents. Modern research shows many benefits to these peels or their constituent phytochemicals.

The medicinal actions of  citrus peels come in part from their primary essential oil, d-limonene. D-limonene has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as a solvent for cholesterol, which has led some physicians to use it to dissolve cholesterol-containing gallstones. D-limonene neutralizes gastric acid and supports normal peristalsis, making it useful for relief of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Research also indicates that d-limonene has cancer-preventive properties. 

Citrus peels also contain hesperidin, a flavonoid that reduces the proliferation of cancer cells and induces programmed cell death in human colon cancer cells. Korean researchers found that qing pi extract induces programmed cell death in human colon cancer cells.

A team of scientists from Taiwan investigated the effects of the four citrus herbs mentioned above on adipocyte (fat cell) differentiation. They found that mandarin orange peel (chen pi) markedly reduced production and accumulation of triglycerides (fats) in fat cells, with the highest dose tested reducing triglyceride production by nearly 50 percent.

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Why use Raw Honey?

Raw Honey

Raw honey is best described as honey “as it exists in the beehive.” It is extracted from the beehive, strained and poured straight into the bottle, bypassing commercial processing methods. Raw and regular honey differ mainly in how they are processed. Raw honey contains pollen, may be more nutritious and does not have any added sugars or sweeteners, both of which may be present in commercial honeys.

Most of the health benefits of honey can be attributed to its antioxidants and enzymes. Because commercial honeys are processed, they may have lower levels of antioxidants. Raw and organic honey are subject to different regulations in different countries. In the US, there is no rule that organic honey can’t be heated or processed, which means it may not be raw. While raw honey is safe for healthy adults, it can be dangerous for infants and pregnant women. It may contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in the gut of developing infants.

Mother Jai hand blends her Lip balm with High Altitude Raw Honey and Beeswax from Del Norte, Colorado. Shop for yours below.

Lip Balm - .33oz Tub

Lip Balm – .33oz Tub

Naturally moisturizing with natural flavors. Never any petroleum.

$6.00
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Raw Honey Is More Nutritious

Raw honey contains a wide variety of nutrients. It has approximately 22 amino acids, 31 different minerals and a wide range of vitamins and enzymes. However, the nutrients are only present in trace amounts. What’s most impressive about raw honey is that it contains nearly 30 types of bioactive plant compounds. These are called polyphenols, and they act as antioxidants. Many studies have linked these antioxidants with impressive health benefits, including reduced inflammation and a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Conversely, commercial honeys may contain fewer antioxidants due to processing methods. For example, one study compared the antioxidants in raw and processed honey from a local market. They found that the raw honey contained up to 4.3 times more antioxidants than the processed variety.

Honeycomb on wooden board with honey spoon and flowers

Most Regular Honey Doesn’t Contain Any Pollen

Bees travel from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen. The nectar and pollen are taken back to the beehive, where they are packed into the honeycomb and eventually become a food source for the bees. Bee pollen is surprisingly nutritious and contains over 250 substances, including vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, micronutrients and antioxidants. In fact, the German Federal Ministry of Health recognizes bee pollen as a medicine.

Bee pollen has been linked to many impressive health benefits. Studies have found that it may help fight inflammation and improve liver function. It also has properties that may help fight against heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, processing methods like heat treatment and ultrafiltration can remove bee pollen. For example, one unofficial study analyzed 60 samples of commercial honey brands in the US and discovered that over 75% of all samples contained no pollen.

Regular Honey May Have Hidden Sugars or Sweeteners

Approximately 400 million pounds of honey are consumed in the US each year. Because honey is so popular, it’s hard to meet this high demand from local suppliers alone. This is why approximately 70% of the honey consumed in the US is imported. However, there is serious concern worldwide about regular honey being contaminated with sugar or other sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.

Risks of Eating Raw Honey

Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is especially harmful to babies, children under the age of one and pregnant women. It may cause botulism poisoning, which results in life-threatening paralysis. However, botulism is very rare among healthy adults and older children. As the body ages, the gut develops enough to stop the botulinum spores from growing. That said, if you experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea soon after eating raw honey, you should see your doctor immediately.

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Powdered Milk

Powdered Milk

Milk itself has been used as a powerful skin cleanser and beauty enhancer since ancient times – Cleopatra was known for her infamous milk baths that kept her looking youthful and captivatingly beautiful. Today, not all of us have the time or luxury to fill up an entire bathtub with milk and have a deep relaxing soak.

Well, the thing about milk powder is that it all its water content is completely evaporated and only the solid material is left behind. This means that milk powder is more potent, powerful and effective than liquid milk. Milk powder will have a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals than liquid milk since it is in a concentrated solid form.

Try Mother Jai’s Mineral Milk Bath for face packs, milk baths, and exfoliating scrubs. Powdered milk and buttermilk, baking soda, Epsom salt, and powdered oatmeal come together for a wonderfully healing, toning, and soothing blend perfect for any skin type. Use in the bath or the shower with amazing results. Get yours below.

Mineral Milk - 8oz Bag

Mineral Milk – 8oz Bag

Nourishing mineral infused milk that moisturizes and heals skin without chemicals, artificial fragrances, or petroleum.

$18.00
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Here are the nutrients in milk powder that make it effective as a homemade skin remedy:

  • Lactic Acid – Smooths, tones, tightens & lightens skin
  • Vitamin C – Highly antiaging, promotes youthful, radiant skin
  • Vitamin B6 – Necessary for new skin cell formation. Keeps skin moisturized and healthy.
  • Vitamin A – Essential for healthy cell division, heals dull skin
  • Calcium – Boosts collagen production, maintains skin elasticity
  • Potassium – Hydrates and moisturizes. Heals dry itchy skin
  • Magnesium – Promotes youthful radiant skin, anti-aging effects

10 Benefits of Milk Powder Face Pack & Face Mask:

  • It acts as a cleanser
  • It gives your skin a youthful glow
  • It contains high concentrations of vitamins and minerals
  • The lactic acid in it lightens and smoothens skin
  • It helps heal dull skin
  • It gives the new skin formation a boost
  • It helps boost collagen
  • It hydrates your skin
  • It has the property to heal itchy skin
  • A milk powder face pack eradicates blackheads as well as whiteheads

Some Ways to Use Powdered Milk for Healthy, Glowing Skin

For Lighter Skin:

  • All you need is 2 tsp. of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tsp. of oatmeal powder and 1 tsp. of milk powder
  • Mix all these ingredients in a bowl to form a paste
  • Wash your face with Olay moisturizing face wash and apply this paste to your face
  • Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash off with cold water

To Treat Hyperpigmentation:

  • For this mask, you’ll need 2 tsp. of milk powder, 2 tsp. of yoghurt and half a lemon’s juice
  • After mixing these ingredients, you’ll get a thick paste
  • Soak a towel in warm water and steam your face with it, this will help open your pores
  • Now apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes until it dries
  • Repeat this treatment every 2nd day and your skin tone will magically even out

Goodbye Pimples:

  • This nutritious mask will require 1 tsp. of turmeric, 2 tsp. of milk powder and 1 tbsp. of honey
  • After mixing these ingredients together, apply it to your face evenly
  • Let the mask dry out and wash it off with lukewarm water
  • You need to repeat this milk powder face pack for dry skin twice a week, to get rid of that pesky acne as well as its blemishes

To Treat Oily Skin:

This milk powder face pack for oily skin only requires two ingredients – 1 tbsp. of fuller’s earth or multani mitti, and 1 tbsp. of milk powder

Mix both these ingredients in some water or rose water if you wish to get a smooth paste

Smear on your face evenly and let it dry thoroughly

Wash it off with lukewarm water to reveal fresher skin instantly

Make an exfoliating scrub. To get rid of that top layer of skin and expose a brand new you, use milk to exfoliate. Take 1 cup of milk and 3 tablespoons of oatmeal and apply it to your skin, gently rubbing it in. The oats provide the grittiness while the milk provides the nourishment.

Allow it time to dry. Then rinse it off with warm water, scrubbing gently. If you’d like to make this in advance, make it with powdered milk and store in your refrigerator.

Or you can soak 1/2 cup of almonds in milk overnight. Then in the morning, grind ‘er up into a paste and apply to your skin, following the same drying and washing routine.

Use it as a toner. If you’re not crazy on the idea of soaking your face in a layer of milk overnight, just use it as a toner. Apply milk to your face with a saturated cotton ball, leave it on for at least 15 minutes, and rinse well. With repeated use, it can bring out your skin’s natural glow.

Use it to shrink your pores. It isn’t just milk that can do your skin good — it’s all those dairy products, too. If you’re looking to shrink your pores, get sour — with sour cream or buttermilk. All you need do is apply a thin layer to your skin and let it soak in for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and rinse it well.

Recipes

Milk Powder Face Pack

Ingredients:

  • Milk Powder (2 small pouches or 2-3 table spoons)
  • Rose Water

Directions:

Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour very little of rose water and make a smooth paste. The consistency would be very watery and thin. Apply a thick layer on the face and leave it on til it dries. After 15-20 minutes, the mask starts to harden gradually (it takes a little time) into a white layer on the face. After the complete mask hardens, remove the mask by taking a little water and gently scrubbing it off. Wash off and moisturize. The result is a supple and brighter skin which feels extremely soft. The mask is so gentle that it can be applied daily. You can use any liquid in place of rose water.

Skin Lightening Face Pack

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp of Powdered Milk
  • 1 – 2 tsp Orange Juice
  • 1 tsp of Colloidal Oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients, milk powder and gram flour evenly. Then squeeze in about 1 – 2 tsp of orange juice. Please make sure you use fresh orange juice and not store-bought synthetic orange juice. Now mix everything together and make a thick paste. Add more orange juice if necessary. Using clean fingers, apply this paste onto your already cleaned face and allow it to work its magic for 10 – 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Milk Powder Face Mask for Acne & Acne Scars

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp of Powdered Milk
  • ¼ tsp of Turmeric
  • 1 tsp of Organic Liquid Honey

Directions:

In a small bowl, measure out and put in your milk powder, turmeric and honey and mix it thoroughly with a spoon. If you have fair skin, you may want to use a little less turmeric. Now apply this thick paste onto your clean face with the back of the spoon itself. Allow the mask to settle for 10 – 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water and pat dry with face tissues.

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Finding Balance with Holiday Eating

thanksgiving

We all tend to eat too much for the holidays. One way to counteract our increased calorie consumption is to exercise more (burn more calories).

This can be beneficial, yet if you’ve seen the latest research you will know that calories are not the issue. Macronutrient composition is the issue. To put it plainly, we are getting to many simple carbohydrates and not enough healthy fats.

So finding balance with Holiday eating is essential to minimize weight gain and maintain digestive health throughout the Holidays.

I would never recommend avoiding certain foods because that leads to uncontrollable cravings. Which make weight loss even harder.

Simply try to put fewer simple carbohydrates (pie, bread, pastries, jellies, marshmallows) on your plate and more complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa) and more healthy fats (avocado, walnuts & pecans, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, turkey & ham, olive oil).

Following the One-Hand Rule can be very helpful as well. This is filling your plate while considering the size of your stomach. Basically, your stomach is the size of both of your fists together.

So when you fill your plate consider a serving to be 1/4 to 1/2 the size of your fist. If you have 8 different foods to try then place 1/4 fist size of each so you can try them all. Or if you have 4 foods to try then they would each be 1/2 fist size servings.

This is a very simple method to control your eating without weighing, calculating or measuring.

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Medical Conditions Causing Chronic Pain: How to Cope

Receiving a medical diagnosis can be difficult, especially if it’s a condition that will continue to cause chronic pain. While the news may be a shock, the best thing you can do is create a structured plan for yourself that includes relaxation techniques and a safe pain-management system.

Overcoming the shock

The initial shock can take time to wear off.

  • It can be scary to learn about medical conditions, so be patient as you absorb the news.
  • Be sure to lean on your family and friends for emotional support to help you cope.
  • Stick to your routines to help ground you and take your mind off your diagnosis and pain.

Safely managing your symptoms

Learn healthy ways to cope with pain.

  • You can reduce inflammation through proper nutrition, so experiment with new recipes that can help ease your pain.
  • If you need help creating a healthy eating plan, hire a nutritionist who can help you get on the right path.
  • Start a meditation practice to help reduce pain intensity and increase clarity.
  • Incorporate exercise into your routine to help release natural endorphins and build muscle.

Coping with stress

Use natural methods to relieve tension and pain.

  • Enjoy the natural aromas of essential oils by lighting a Blended Candle or spraying an Aroma Spray from Mother Jai.
  • Cut tension and relax at home by cleaning, decluttering, and opening your windows.
  • Practice yoga and meditation to relieve stiffness and improve blood flow. Find options on YouTube.
  • Take up a new hobby to help occupy your mind and provide a distraction from worrying thoughts.

Find your community

You’re not alone: find others who are also dealing with a tough diagnosis.

  • To feel less alone in your diagnosis, find other people who share your condition.
  • There are many online resources for finding support groups, including Reddit and Facebook.
  • Support groups can help you work through the emotional and physical challenges of your condition and connect with people who can relate to what you’re going through.

While a medical condition can feel scary and unmanageable at first, following the above advice will help you cope—and thrive. Stick to a routine to stay grounded, take up meditation to reduce tension and pain, and find support groups that can help you through the challenges of your condition.

Mother Jai offers wellness education, services, worksheets, and hygiene products to help you achieve the holistic wellness you desire.

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Flax Seed

Flax Seed & Flax Seed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)

This is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the health benefits of flax seed that he passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it. Flax seed oil comes from cold pressed flax seeds. The most common folk or traditional use is as a laxative; it is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.

Flax seed oil has different folk or traditional uses, including arthritis. Both the seed and seed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer. Whole or crushed flax seed can be mixed with water or juice and taken by mouth. The oil is available in liquid and capsule forms. The seed contains lignans (phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens), while flax seed oil preparations lack lignans.

Benefits of Consuming Flax

Flax seed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and may have a laxative effect. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.

Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flax contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

Several studies have suggested that diets rich in flax seed omega-3s help prevent hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in the arteries partly by keeping white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessels’ inner linings. Lignans in it have been shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaque buildup by up to 75%.

Because plant omega-3s may also play a role in maintaining the heart’s natural rhythm, they may be useful in treating arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure. More research is needed on this.

Eating these daily may also help your cholesterol levels. The level of LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A study of menopausal women showed a decrease in LDL level after the women ate 4 tablespoons each day for a year. Fitzpatrick says the cholesterol-lowering effects of it are the result of the combined benefits of the omega-3 ALA, fiber, and lignans.

Preliminary research also suggests that daily intake of the lignans in may modestly improve blood sugar (as measured by hemoglobin A1c blood tests in adults with type 2 diabetes).

Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid may benefit people with heart disease

Precautions

Flax seed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage.

The fiber may lower the body’s ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. It should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.

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