(Inspired by Alex Ortner) B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body are you getting enough of it? Probably not! Studies show that about 80% of vegans or live foodists become B12 deficient and 39% of … Continue reading
Living the healthy (raw) food lifestyle can be challenging when you’re wanting to head out with friends or enjoy the social aspect of food. One of the most fun aspects of eating healthy or raw is learning to cook differently and preparing your own food. But you know that there will be unhealthy food available as soon as you leave the house…so what do you do?
Plan and have will power! Remember why you’re choosing the healthy (raw) lifestyle, remember what you felt like before you embarked on this journey and think about whether or not you want to go back there. For me remembering the pain, lack or energy, lethargy, poor focus, confusion – it’s just not worth it to me to eat that piece of store bought chocolate cake! Plus, when I’m out with friends, I’m out to see them, not to eat food 
Besides your “special” diet isn’t as unusual as you may think. Many people these days have allergies and special diets so you will not be that unusual! And those around you may take interest and may want to follow your lead – so be a leader and show them how easy it really is once you get the hang of it!
Heading out to restaurants is getting easier and easier! In a worse case scenario you order a salad and water with lemon – not that bad of a choice really
Restaurants are very accommodating now. Getting gluten free pasta is a breeze pretty much everywhere now! The other day I went to Luke’s Corner Bar & Kitchen in Vancouver and had amazing quinoa with fresh veg and organic chicken – it was amazing! And I didn’t have to sacrifice a thing.
If you’re a 100% raw foodist, you’ll likely have a tougher time than somebody who is doing 50% to 80% raw, or simply choosing to be free of specific ingredients like wheat or cow’s milk. But again – there are a lot of amazing salads out there, and you can just skip the dressing! Easy – peasy!
Here are some tips for enjoying yourself while out at friends’ homes:
Tip #1 –If you’re doing the 100% raw food diet (whether it’s a permanent eating habit or you’re just doing a cleanse) it can be a good idea to chat with your host in advance. Most hosts are more than willing to accommodate and make sure to have food that you can enjoy. Believe me, once your friends and family understand why you’re doing this and what you can eat – they’ll bend over backwards for you! I can’t tell you how many amazing dishes my friends and family have come up with for me – I’m so blessed! I even got a milk-free, wheat-free, soy-free cheese cake for my birthday from a pastry chef friend of mine and it was AMAZING!
Perhaps offer to bring something to add to the meal or ask if they could make sure there is plenty of salad or raw veggies for you. Or simply just ask if you can bring your own food because you’d like to make it easier for them. Usually I’ll bring a side dish and make sure there’s a salad being served, then I can pick and choose what I want to eat.
Nowadays it’s not rude to be choosy – there are so many diet restrictions out there, everyone is understanding and accommodating
If you are not 100% raw but rather something in the 50% to 90% range then life is a lot easier, simply eat raw during the day and leave your ‘allocation’ of cooked food for the event.
Don’t forget about the 80/20 rule: If you’re simply choosing to eat healthy and you’ve got no restrictions – plan your week to allow for the day of the event to be your 20 day. Just be reasonable about it!.
Tip #2 – Eat before you go out so that you are not starving when you get there and tempted to eat something you may regret later. Making healthy decisions is much easier on a full stomach. You’ll find that this alone can help with 90% of the battle. I always carry a granola bar or two in my purse incase I get stuck in a jam – but that’s better for day-to-day hiccups, not when someone’s cooked for you!
Tip #3 – Offer to bring a dessert you have made. People do not even consider whether the dish is healthy, raw or cooked – as long as it looks good they’ll give it a try. Plus you’ll be sure to have something to enjoy at dessert time and it might spark a conversations about healthy eating too! Another chance to be a leader!
Tip #4 – Decide before you go out what you will eat and what you won’t. For example, decide not to eat dessert, or decide not to combine protein and carbohydrates. Decide not to eat fried goods, or not to eat wheat – whatever your health plan calls for – know it and make a commitment to yourself to follow through on it.
Tip #5 – If you’re being quite strict with your meats, you can either choose not to eat meat at the event, or you can choose to ask about the meat’s origins. At a restaurant this is easy because they’ll usually advertise the quality of their meats, but in someone’s home you don’t want to insult them.
If you decide to ask about the organic-ness of your hosts meat (LOL) ensure that you’re asking in a non-confrontational way and explain that you are on a cleanse if necessary. When you approach the questions, do so with compliments in them so that you’re not seeming like you’re insulting your host or their food. Once you have the answers you want you can choose to eat it or not to eat it. And remember that any question comes across much better with a smile on your face. ☺
Tip #6 – Another important thing to ask is what’s in the sauce. Again here you can use the approach of being curious simply because it looks good. When you compliment them they’ll be excited to tell you all about it. You’d be surprised how many things are cooked in bacon grease, with cream milk sauces, with added corn starch or wheat for thickness. If you’re avoiding anything, it’s good to ask.
Tip #7 – Ask if the party will have a sit down meal or just a buffet. Parties can be a lot easier with the buffet style of eating as it allows you to pick and choose rather than be faced with a meal in front of you that you feel you should eat out of politeness. If it’s going to be sit down, make sure to chat with your host and let them know about your eating habits beforehand. Remember these are your friends and family – they will be willing to discuss it with you if you explain why you’re asking.
Tip #8 – If you’re cleansing or eating a very strict raw diet then you’ll want to avoid alcohol. If you are driving then you have a easy excuse not to drink.
One idea is to take something with you like a carafe of a non-alcoholic cocktail you have made yourself which is always a welcome gift. Try freshly squeezed lemon, with puree of raspberries, a few drops of stevia or other plant based sweetener such as coconut palm sugar or agave topped up with sparkling water. Add some mint leaves and put in a large glass jug and it looks amazing!
If there are cocktails just serve yourself some bubbly water in a cocktail glass with a lemon or lime and nobody will know the difference. ☺
Or stick to plain water and add some lemon to make it more alkaline.
Tip #9 – Remember to monitor how you’re feeling. Stress plays a big role in our health. If you’re having a lot of trouble with the food then you’re not likely to have fun or be fun to be around. If you’re stressing about the food, go to the bathroom and try something like EFT, breathing, self talk or reiki to get your cravings under control, then rejoin the party.
Tip #10 – Bring a friend. See if there’s a friend who eats like you do who can go with you. It’s easier to eat well when you have a peer that’s helping you and making you feel like you’re doing the right thing. It’s easier to succumb to bad eating when you’re the only one that knows it’s not good for you. Plus you can enjoy the food together.
Always remember to thank your host for accommodating you – especially if they eat a drastically different diet than you do. Aren’t you blessed to have such amazing friends?
This was first published by Alex Ortner on the Raw for 30 Blog (http://www.rawfor30days.com/blog/?p=1479 ) and was written by Brenda Cobb. I’ve thrown in my own 2 cents as well
Chia seeds do good things for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control. The omega-3 fatty acids in chia protect against inflammation and heart disease. Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows in southern Mexico. In pre-Columbian times, chia seeds were a component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. They even played a role in religious ceremonies. Supposedly, 1 tablespoon of the seeds could sustain a person for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to relieve joint pain and skin conditions. It was a major crop in central and southern Mexico well into the 16th century, but it was banned after the Spanish conquest because of its association with the Aztec “pagan” religion.
Over the past few decades, commercial production has resumed because we’ve recognized (again) what an amazing source of nutrients the chia seeds truly are. As we search for healthier foods that are denser in nutrients, and therefore able to feed more people on less land – chia is a front runner and welcome (re)addition to the daily diet.
Chia seeds are one of the most powerful and nutritious superfoods in the world. Chia seed is an excellent source of fiber, packed with antioxidants, full of protein, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and the richest known plant source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Everyone from children to senior citizens can benefit from the wonderful nutritional qualities of chia seeds.
Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your daily diet will give you approximately 7 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, and a whopping 5 grams of omega-3. Chia seeds include phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin and zinc.
Chia is an ancient superfood that is very similar to flax, but without the estrogen and phytoestrogen element which can be a major problem for anyone with hormone related cancers or imbalances. Chia is also a great source of B vitamins including folic acid.
Chia has 3 to 10 times the oil concentration of most grains and 1 ½ to 2 times the protein concentration of other grains. These oils are the essential oils that the body needs to help absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. As well as to build cells, support the brain, joints, eyes, nerves, heart, skin and more!
Plus, chia seeds are energizing and give a boost of energy that lasts, providing stamina and endurance. A single tablespoon could sustain Aztec warriors for an entire day, and chia seeds reduce cravings. Because chia seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrate energy slowly into the bloodstream, which means they are a great supplement for suffers of diabetes, hypoglycemia, and other blood sugar imbalances.
Unlike flax seed, chia seeds do not have to be ground up before you ingest them. The human body can easily digest chia seeds breaking through the hard outer shell and accessing the nutritious innards. Chia’s 7 grams of fiber per serving actually you’re your digestive process.
Getting chia into your daily diet is easy too – chia seeds are convenient and versatile. You can eat chia seeds straight from the bag, mix them with your favorite drink, add them to your cereal or salad, sprinkle them onto your oatmeal, granola, or yogurt – you name it! Chia seeds have little flavour, and they are pleasantly crunchy. On top of that chia seeds last for years in the refrigerator. Just keep them in an air tight container.
Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid and don’t require grinding. You can enjoy chia seeds’ gentle nutlike flavor by sprinkling ground or whole chia seeds on cereal or salads, blend them in a smoothie, juice or water, or create healthy, delicious dehydrated crackers or cookies. Eat a handful of whole seeds as a snack or make your own chia smoothie.
Chia Seeds have many anti-aging properties. The seeds fight free radical damage. Aging happens when damaged cells are replicated. Chia antioxidants act to neutralize the free radicals that cause premature aging and flush out age-accelerating toxins. Chia seeds help a person regain youthful exuberance, skin elasticity, enhance hair, skin and nails, lubricate joints, reduce inflammation and muscle soreness and speed rejuvenation as well as lowering lactic acid buildup in muscles.
Chia provides 97% of its calories from high quality plant protein and lipids with very few calories from carbohydrates. The carbohydrate portion of Chia is predominantly insoluble fiber, which is beneficial to digestion because it passes through the gastro-intestinal tract undigested resulting in a non-caloric, but still quite satisfying effect for the body. Plus insoluble fiber soaks up toxins, especially heavy metals – so chia is naturally cleansing.
Gram for gram, Chia is the highest source of protein, bar none.
Try these great ways to use chia in your daily life:
Chocolate Banana Coconut Chia Pudding
2 ripe bananas
1 cup fresh coconut water
2 Tbsp chia seeds
(2 Tbsp raw cocoa powder – optional)
Grind the chia seeds in a high speed blender.
Add the bananas and coconut water and blend until creamy.
Take the mixture out of the blender and allow it to thicken.
Enjoy this nutritious, delicious and easy treat daily for a high fibre, high potassium functional food supplement.
Chia Enhanced Smoothie
Just add 1-2 Tbsp of chia seeds to any smoothie.
Chia Enhanced Baking
3 Tbsp (alkalized, filtered) water
1 Tbsp chia seed
Mix it up & allow it to get gloopy. Use this mix in any recipe as a replacement for 1 egg – makes your baking really nice and fluffy J
Enjoy!
Brenda Cobb : www.livingfoodsinstitute.com
Raw for 30 : www.rawfor30days.com
Hey Everybody!
I just wanted to let you know that there are less than 24 hours left to pick up a copy of “Simply Raw” and “Raw for Life” for 50% OFF the regular price and get the $161.20 in bonuses. I just found this deal in my in box and I wanted to share it with you. This movie is inspirational and I have it in my library – definitely worth a watch. Plus all the bonuses were also amazing! I’m glad I bought the package!
And after tonight this huge discount is gone… Sorry it took me so long to let you know about it
If you haven’t seen the trailer yet make sure to check it out here:
http://www.rawfor30days.com/cmd.php?Clk=4565080
Also, just so you know the $161.20 in bonuses are REAL bonuses.
You can actually look them up on the individual expert’s websites and see them selling for the exact prices shown…
You basically get $191.15 of products for $15…
This special half off special ends Friday (TODAY!) at midnight! If you’d like to get this revolutionary film that so many people are raving about and save 50%, then go here now:
http://www.rawfor30days.com/cmd.php?Clk=4565080
Remember, 20% of your net purchase goes to support a ballot initiative to get GMO’s labeled in the state of California (setting a great precedent for the rest of the country)
I’ll write more about the movie later on (smokin’ busy today) but I just wanted to make sure you all knew about this great deal!
Have a GREAT day!
Antioxidants are necessary in your everyday diet to help your body fight off free radical damage – thus preventing degenerative disease and supporting a healthy long life. But what does that actually mean? What’s a free radical? and what’s an antioxidant? Well – let me tell you!
What IS a Free Radical?
A free radical is a molecule that damages the tissues, cells, and even the DNA of an organism on a second to second basis.
FIGHT FREE RADICAL DAMAGE WITH ANTI OXIDANT RICH CHOCOLATE!!!
What is an Antioxidant?
An antioxidant is an enzyme or other organic substance, such as a flavonoid, that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation (AKA free radical damage) in animal tissues.
What is ORAC?
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – a food’s ability to help your body fight off free radical damage.
Raw Chocolate has the highest ORAC value on the planet.
Xocai’s end product ORAC value is tested regularly and is guaranteed – they put it on the box!
So – get out there and find yourself some RAW, clean, filler-free, chemical-free, ethically grown, dark chocolate! Can’t find any? Come see me – I’ve found an amazing product that I love and my kids love too. You know it’s tasty when even the kids ask for their supplements everyday And that’s what chocolate can become for you and your family – a nutritional superfood that you treat both as a treat and a supplement. It’s the best of both worlds!
Read on if you want to learn more about this amazing healthy chocolate I now carry at my office: Xocai – What makes it Special?
What is XoVita™? XoVita is an exclusive and proprietary high-antioxidant blend of cacao, açaí, and blueberry compounds for superior protection against free radical and oxidative damage within the body.
Xocai is Raw – meaning the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are still intact. It is all-natural, unprocessed, cold pressed dark chocolate. The chocolate does not undergo ‘dutching’ or roasting – it’s processed in a patented way that does not exceed 220 degrees, which means it’s raw according to Raw Food Movement.
Clean – no wax, nofillers, no chemicals, no preservatives, no hydrogenated or trans fats, no processed sugars.
Friendly – vegan, vegetarian, diabetic & celiac friendly
Added antioxidants – açai berry (2nd highest ORAC food on the planet) and blueberry = an ORAC value that’s equal to eating a ton of spinach (1.6 pounds) or 6.5 pounds tomatoes! Chocolate itself is extremely high in antioxidants, but is especially high in flavonoids, which have been approved by Health Canada and proven to heal the circulatory system!
Only 3 chocolates a day provide you with ALL your antioxidant needs for the entire day (1000mg of antioxidants). Add in your fresh and clean fruits and vegetables each day and you are far better off than most people eating a S.A.D. diet!
Xocai Healthy Chocolate products have been approved by Health Canada to claim that they reverse free radical and oxidative damage with in the body!
What are you waiting for? Let’s get you started on a daily chocolate boost!
I loved this message that came through to me from FRESH the movie (www.freshthemovie.com) so much I had to share it – and add a bit of my own as well!
The holiday season is actually one of the best opportunities you have to go green. After all, your holiday experiences can serve as a role model for green, resource-efficient practices all year round!
Here are some tips and tricks to guide your planning:
I’ll take any excuse to eat chocolate everyday and not feel guilty about it. The thing is – it’s not an excuse – there are REAL health benefits to eating properly prepared and handled, high quality chocolate! The thing is – you need to find a quality source.
So – here’s the science:
Approximately 2,500 studies have investigated the potential health benefits of chocolate, cocoa and cacao. Hundreds of research teams associated with universities and research institutions around the world are involved in this research. Below are just a few quotes from the many studies on healthy chocolate:
Antioxidant/Oxidative Stress
“Cocoa flavonoids have shown a powerful antioxidant activity providing protection against oxidation and helping prevent oxidative stress-related diseases.”
J Nutr Biochem. 2009 Feb 4.
Cardiovascular Health
“Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate intake significantly improved coronary circulation in healthy adults.”
Int J Cardiol. 2009 Jan 24;131(3):424-9.
Weight Control
“Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism, especially by decreasing fatty acid synthesis and transport systems, and enhancement of part of the thermogenesis mechanism in liver and white adipose tissue.”
Nutrition. 2005 May;21(5):594-601.
Visual/Eye Health
“Our findings suggest that [cocoa procyanidins] inhibits diabetes-induced cataract formation possibly by virtue of its antioxidative activity.”
Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Jan;229(1):33-9.
Brain/Mental Function
“The prospect of increasing cerebral perfusion [blood flow] with cocoa flavanols is extremely promising.”
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S210-4.
Mood
“Chocolate preference in old age was associated with better health, optimism and better psychological well-being.”
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;62(2):247-53.
Immune Function
“Studies in this line suggest that high-dose cocoa intake in young rats favours the T helper 1 (Th1) response and increases intestinal gammadelta T lymphocyte count.”
Br J Nutr. 2009 Apr;101(7):931-40.
Skin Health
“Our study demonstrated that regular consumption of a chocolate rich in flavanols confers significant photoprotection and can thus be effective at protecting human skin from harmful UV effects.”
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Sep;8(3):169-73.
Sports/Athletics
“The results of this study suggest that chocolate milk is an effective recovery aid between two exhausting exercise bouts.”
Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006 Feb;16(1):78-91.
Oral Health
“Consuming a cocoa-enriched diet could diminish periodontitis-induced oxidative stress, which, in turn, might suppress the progression of periodontitis.”
J Periodontol. 2009 Nov;80(11):1799-808.
Want a source for quality chocolate that has all these benefits guaranteed in every bite?
Check it out: Discover how eating CHOCOLATE everyday can be both beneficial and healthy!
This time of year we’re looking for ways to stay warm and cozy – why not use essential oils on your body and in your environment? Then add the spices to your foods and drinks and ~ voila! Warm and cozy all around
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
RECIPES:
Inviting Kitchen
Fresh Mandarin Orange Peels
1 Cinnamon Stick
OR
Several Drops of Mandarin (Citrus reticulate) Essential Oil
1 Drop Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum ) Essential Oil
Boil a pot of water. Turn the heat off but leave the pot on the heat. Throw the spices into the pot, and allow the scents to fill your kitchen.
Great for on top of the wood burning stove as a humidifier if you’re lucky enough to have one
Warming Massage Oil – Christmas Cookies
Cinnamon Essential Oil – 1 drop
Nutmeg Essential Oil – 1 drop
Clove Essential Oil – 1 drop
Vanilla Essential Oil – up to 3 drops (depends on the strength of your EO)
30 mL Calendula Infused Coconut Oil
Blend the essential oils together first to create a synergistic blend, then add the blend to the calendula oil. Mix, warm, apply, enjoy!
OR
Try adding these essential oils to a (NATURAL) vanilla scented lotion. Yum!
Holiday Spice Nog – By http://rawfoodfoundation.org/
1+1/2C Raw cashews, soaked
4C water
1 large banana, very ripe
1T vanilla bean powder
1T cinnamon
1/2t allspice
1/2C honey
pinch of Himalayan salt
1t coconut butter (optional)
2T coconut oil
Directions:
1. In the vitax mix blend call ingredients on high for approx 3 minutes, until mixture becomes warm
2. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon stick and enjoy!
The British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy/essential oil therapy as the controlled use of essential oil(s) to maintain and promote physical, psychological and spiritual well-being.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly volatile plant molecules with complex chemical structures created by Mother Nature and extracted by humans through steam distillation, expression, solvent extraction, CO2 extraction and other extraction techniques.
While obviously a ‘processed’ (meaning altered form of the original plant form) plant product, essential oils can still be considered all natural and pure. Essential oils are truly the pure life essence of a plant. History (and science) has shown essential oils to provide psychological, physical and spiritual benefits when used correctly and safely.
CO2’s, Absolutes and Hydrosols (AKA Hydrolates) are also commonly used in aromatherapy, even though they are not true essential oils. True essential oils are extracted via steam distillation only. The left over water from that distillation process is the hydrosol. The hydrosol contains more of the plant matter and is extremely safe to use. CO2 extracts are obviously extracted via CO2 and Absolutes are put through a complex process that involves oils, sometimes chemical extraction as well as distillation. Despite all this, the term essential oil is commonly used as a blanket term to include all natural, aromatic, volatile, plant oils including CO2s and Absolutes. Hydrosols are often called hydrolates, floral waters, or flower waters. Be careful with hydrosols – there are many products out there labeled ‘hydrosol’ that are actually just tap water and a drop of essential oil! This imposter product is not to be used the same way one would use a true hydrosol!
In addition to essential oils and hydrosols, true aromatherapy includes the use of other complementary natural ingredients including cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), herbs, milk (powders), salts, sugars, clays and muds. Organics are encouraged, and endangered species are used sparingly – if at all – from reputable farms.
Products that include synthetic ingredients are strongly discouraged in holistic aromatherapy. It is important to note that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils (and usually listed as “fragrance” on an ingredient label) are not the same as essential oils. Obviously a man-made chemical can not compare to the complexity of a substance created by Mother Nature.
A holistically used essential oil is not altered, buffered, or ‘suped up’ in any way – it is simply extracted as Mother Nature made it. This is why true quality essential oils vary in consistency, scent, and volatility year by year – just like good wines do. The weather conditions, growing conditions, and simply world happenings affect the plant that the oils are extracted from. Thus, oils from your own region are particularly beneficial to you in the same way that local honey is best for you. The environment you are exposed to is being protected against in the plants that grown near you. These plants protect themselves producing chemicals that will ‘fight off’ whatever is happening around them, keeping themselves strong and vibrant despite local changes and attacks from the environment. When you consume those plants in essential oil form, in tea form, and as foods, you take in those vital plant sterols (their stress response chemicals), thus boosting your own defense to the same attacks. Isn’t Mother Nature brilliant?
The Benefit of an Scent: Using Inhalation to enjoy Essential Oils
Essential oils that are inhaled through the nose and into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits. First as the aroma molecules pass through the nose they are detected by the Olfactory bulb (an extension of the brain) and interpreted immediately. This creates a cascade of chemical responses in the body (whether your sense of smell is functional or not). It triggers memories, emotional responses, and physical responses. Think of smelling something vile – your whole body reacts viscerally. Now think of smelling something wonderful – like pumpkin pie on a cold day – your entire body relaxes and warms at the scent. This is one of the most basic effects of essential oils on the entire human being – and yet it is anything but simple. It is extremely complex!
Not only does the aroma of a truly pure essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a positive reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the naturally occurring chemicals can supply therapeutic benefits again. This time the benefits occur on a physical level: the essential oil molecules enter the blood stream via the lungs and thus travel through out the entire body. This enables them to effect every cell they come in contact with. Imagine the implications – the healing effects – this can have! Amazing!
The Benefit of Applying Essential Oils to the Skin
Essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream via skin application as well as inhalation. Again the oils are able to reach the muscles, joints, digestive system – and much more via skin application. Beginning close to the application site, the essential oil molecules can travel all over the body via the circulatory system. The beauty of the skin is that it is a filtration system, so not all oils get intot he circulatory system this way. This is partially because essential oil molecules are also absorbed by the skin cells, healing, nurturing and supporting the skin cells. This translates into health care options, first aid applications, beauty applications and hygiene uses.
To apply essential oils to the skin, essential oils are typically diluted into a carrier such as a cold pressed vegetable oil. Common carrier oils provide healing benefits themselves, thus a complex and synergistic product is the result.
Aromatherapy is not just for your Body!
Essential oils can be used in all kinds of household applications: Think – laundry, glass cleaner, soaps, cleansers, lotions and potions, love life, child care, atmospheric enhancement, shampoos, conditioners, natural moth balls, bath bombs, linen mists, carpet fresheners, car fresheners, real Christmas tree scent on a fake tree, natural pesticides and insect repellents … The list goes on and on!
So how will you incorporate aromatherapy into your life?
I’ve been an Aromatherapist since before there were Registered Aromatherapists or Essential Oil Therapists in BC. I took my training in 2001 and then joined the BCAOA board of directors to help the cause to get our RA status. It was an exciting time! We were passionate and motivated to help the world understand and appreciate the value of good quality essential oil therapy.
Aromatherapists in BC and around the world) recognized the massive mis-use of terms like essential oils, aromatherapy, and aroma-massage – it was too trendy! And unfortunately, trendy often means watered down and bastardized. We were professionals using the oils therapeutically and with reverence – not crafters making soap unaware of the health effects poor quality ingredients had on our clients – and we certainly weren’t Glade selling ‘aromatherapy’ candles!!!
We wanted the world to know the difference between a trained and professional Aromatherapist who can help you to make life altering health changes in your life, and the junk on the shelves that barely has any real natural product left in it – just the 10% required in order to be labeled ‘natural’.
In a groundbreaking event the British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy (BCAOA) was granted occupational title protection and designation under the Society Act of British Columbia in March of 2003. This was the first time that any organization has received a government issued designation for Aromatherapy anywhere in North America. We were ecstatic!
This occupational title designation grants the BCAOA the exclusive right to the title Registered Aromatherapist and the initials RA.
Additionally, only those aromatherapists who meet the BCAOA’s high standards for membership will be eligible to use any and all of the four Canadian Trade Marked titles and initials
Essential Oil Therapist — EOT®
EOT®
Registered Aromatherapist – RA®
RA®.
These titles now provide the public with a method of locating and identifying qualified and well-trained aromatherapists/Essential Oil Therapists — EOT®. Municipalities are able to confirm the member’s status for licensing, and many municipalities are now requiring the titles to run a business legally.
We continue our fight. As Registered Aromatherapist, we take our craft seriously. We consider it both an art and a science, and we treat our essential oils with the respect that they deserve. And we treat our clients with that same respect and reverence! We know that you don’t want mineral oil, colours, perfumes or any chemicals on your body – and we know how to make you the products you want – and need – to live a healthy, meaningful, conscious life!
A Registered Aromatherapist®, or and Essential Oil Therapist®, is a member in good standing of the BCAOA – the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapist. He or she must maintain their continuing education, hold liability insurance, be professionally trained, and adhere to both the code of conduct and the code of ethics of the BCAOA.
Seeing an RA® or EOT® is a very different experience from seeing an RMT or spa technician. It’s a deeper, more meaningful experience and you are assured of the safety of your treatment – don’t forget that essential oils are like medicine – they have contra-indications and warnings just like any other health product – but when used properly, by a trained professional – they are effective, safe, powerful tools that help balance the body mind and soul. True aromatherapy is a holistic experience, and can even be a spirtitual experience! It’s worth finding an RA® or EOT® for!
If you want to find an RA® or EOT® near you – or if you want to learn more about the BCAOA and their cause; please go to the BCAOA’s website: www.BCAOA.org
Please consider making a donation to support the BCAOA’s campaign to have the Government of British Columbia recognize aromatherapy/essential oil therapy as a complementary health care therapy and to allow registration as a professional (college) under the Health Act of British Columbia.
To make a one time Donation Click Here
For a monthly Donation of $10/month Click Here
For a monthly Donation of $15/month Click Here