the conscious decision blog
Conscious Grooming Gift Guide
As a company that prides itself in creating sustainable cosmetics that are good for the mind, body, and planet, we are always inspired by other companies that share a similar approach. We are living in a time when old remedies are resurfacing and 'simple is chic'. We want to celebrate the resurgence of holistic beauty with a sustainable beauty gift guide for you and your organic-loving friends. Here are our favorite eco-friendly grooming products: 1. One item that most people would love to have is organic textiles for the bathroom. We especially love these by Coyuchi. 2. If you are not already body brushing, get one of these by Iris Hantverk for yourself and once you do, grab one for your best friend. 3. We love these Gua Shas from Poppy and Someday and think they would be a sweet gift for any wellness lover. 4. Use the Gua Sha with Erbaviva's Shaping and Skin Firming Essential Oil to stimulate your lymphatic system. 5. These Swissco Natural Sea Sponges are a great sustainable beauty gift to offer with your favorite organic personal care products. 6. All of us can use a way to release tension and calm the mind this holiday season so gifting a chic Bodha Eye Pillow is for sure a win. 7. After stuffing ourselves with holiday food, there’s nothing better than a good detox and face scrub with this eco-friendly KARMAMEJU face brush. 8. Pair the face brush with this amazing organic Ojas face serum. 9. Want to help your friends create less waste? Grab them this chic hair pin from Individual Medley for a zero waste hair solution. 10. Everyone loves a nice long bath as a way to rejuvenate during the holidays and what better way to encourage this ritual than this new wood bath tray we found at Urban Outfitters. 11. Looking for an eco-friendly grooming product for the organic-loving men in your life? We think this Natural Cologne sample kit by Juniper Ridge is perfect. 12. Everyone has a minimalist and conscious friend who wants wood everything - this toothbrush by Bogo is for them. We hope this gift guide has inspired you to shop consciously. We wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday. Cheers!
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3 Natural Ways to Detox Skin
At Erbaviva we constantly seek ways to benefit body, soul and skin with organic botanicals and natural essentials. We believe that the human body has an amazing ability to heal and thrive without the use of harsh products and chemicals. In fact, by eliminating toxins from our daily beauty rituals we allow our body to naturally beautify itself. Here are three ways to detox skin and uplift the spirit using easy to find natural elements. 1. Skin Soothing Bath Soak - A warm bath is incredibly relaxing and soaking in the benefits of sea salt can do wonders for the skin. You can create your own beauty detox soak with 1/4 cup of sea salt, 3 tables 1/8 cup of sunflower oil and 6 drops of grapefruit essential oil, 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Blend ingredient in a small cup and pore into the warm bath. Sea salt draws our toxins and gently opens the pores preparing the skin to receive the benefits of nutrient, antioxidant-rich oils and essential oils. Erbaviva offers a ready-to-use highly detoxifying bath salt crafted with grapefruit, rosemary and frankincense. check out firming body scrub salt. 2. Skin Rejuvenating Body Scrub - Natural body’s scrubs have been shown to cleanse pores, remove dead skin cells and decrease inflammation of the skin. Using a scrub regularly will help skin look more vibrant, youthful and glowing. Exfoliating dead skin cells also enables the skin to recieve nutrients and moisture. We recommend using sea salt infused with organic carrier oil and essential oils to allow rejuvenation and hydration at the same time. We recommend creating a fresh body scrub with organic firming salts and firming oil. Frankincense, avocado oil and sea salt enables this effective anti-inflammatory blend rejuvenate skin while boosting hydration. 3. Stimulating Dry Brushing - Another natural way to rejuvenate skin is through dry body brushing. Dry brushing benefits include helping to unclog pores and removing toxins from the body. Simply purchase a natural, non-synthetic brush (such as tampico or cactus fiber) with a long handle and firm bristles. Dry brush in a bath tub or shower to limit the mess. Brush in circular motions all over the body. Brush sensitive areas with care. Dry brushing takes less than 10 minutes per day. It stimulates the lymphatic system and leaves skin refreshed and beautified. Becoming mindful about your beauty rituals has a effect that can carry through to daily life. By taking a little time to feel uplifted physically the emotional and spiritual elements of this naturally follow. tell us a few of your favorite natural skin detox beauty rituals and how they effect both the body and mind!
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Benefits of Sleep
To maintain a healthy lifestyle you can workout, eat a balanced meal, and drink water, but people usually don’t think of sleep as a part of this equation. Truth is, sleep is vital for everyone, from toddlers to adults. We know that sleep is necessary but some aren’t consciously aware of how much sleep they are getting or need. There are many benefits of sleep and not getting enough may be detrimental to your health. Below is the recommended amount of sleep by age from The National Sleep Foundation: Newborns (0-3 months old) 14-17 hours Infants (4-11 months old) 12-15 Hours Toddlers (1-2 years old) 11-14 Hours Pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) 10-13 Hours School-aged Children (6-13 years old) 9-11 Hours Teens (14-17 years old) 8-10 Hours Young Adults (18-25) 7-9 Hours Adults (26-64) 7-9 Hours Older Adults (65+) 7-8 Hours One obvious benefit of sleep is increased energy. Sleep helps rejuvenate the body and mind and in turn you are more alert and refreshed the next morning. Running low on sleep leads to less productivity and can interfere with learning. Sleep also helps regulate hormones. The hormones released during sleep control growth (which is especially important in infants), metabolism, your appetite, and also help repair cells and tissues. Not getting enough sleep can play a factor in obesity, a weakened immune system, and other health conditions. Because sleep is a natural part of our daily routine, we tend to overlook its benefits but we feel the impact of not getting enough sleep or having a bad night’s rest. This is why it’s important to not only get enough sleep but to get quality sleep. If you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, you will feel groggy in the morning. You must go into deep and REM sleep for your mind and body to be able to restore. If you're having trouble sleeping or suffering from insomnia, you should consult a professional. For those who want to try a remedy for better sleep, you can look into essential oils. Lavender and chamomile are popular scents that help relax the mind. We also have a Relax and Breathe Synergy blend. You can try different mixes until you find your perfect combination. Research has shown that sleep promotes a healthier and happier life and plays a major role in a child's development. Though napping can not replace sleeping, The National Sleep Foundation says taking a 20-30 minute nap improves performance by 34% and alertness by 100% - so don't shy away from taking a nap if needed. We hope now you understand the benefits of getting enough sleep. Let us know what tricks you might use to get a good night's rest. Happy snoozing!
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Food for Healthy Skin
As we are introduced to a never-ending lineup of new beauty products made to promote beautiful skin, it is easy to forget what an important factor eating healthy, unprocessed food is for healthy glowing skin. What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your body and some foods are far more beneficial than others. We have rounded up a list of our top ten foods that are good for your skin for extraordinary, radiant look. Dark Chocolate - Get excited, with its high level of antioxidants, dark chocolate is a skin-friendly food. Cocoa contains flavonoids that are not only high in antioxidants but are anti-inflammatory and also protect the skin from UV light by absorbing UV radiation. So nibble away but at a healthy portion. Pomegranate - This powerful fruit contains polyphenol antioxidants which help with free radicals and regulate the flow of blood to the skin, giving a blushy glow. Pomegranates are also high in Vitamin C, helping with collagen formation. It can also be applied topically to help with wrinkles and dry skin. Wild Alaskan Salmon - With high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, it is truly magic for the skin. These good fats fight inflammation, reduce signs of aging, and provide hydration to the skin. And remember that most of the nutrients come from salmon skin! Research has shown that farmed salmon have been found to contain more contaminants and wild-caught Alaskan salmon is said to be the recommended choice due to Alaska's water quality regulations. Kiwi - Kiwi is often overlooked as a great skin food but the high level of vitamin C helps maintain the collagen in our skin, which keeps it firm. In combination with vitamin E and other nutrients, it helps rejuvenate skin and is anti-aging. Olive Oil - The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil have been found to play a role in maintaining youthful skin. It is also is high in antioxidants. In addition to adding it to your diet, it is simple to use topically. Moisturize onto skin and add olive oil to hair to keep it healthy. Sunflower seeds - The tiny little seeds contain a high amount of vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant that assists with anti-aging. They also contain essential fatty acids that help boost collagen and keep skin smooth. Copper in the seeds aid in the production of melanin. Green Tea - Green Tea contains a high level of antioxidants which boost blood flow to the skin and helps with anti-aging. To make double use of your tea bag, after steeping, cool the bags in the fridge and then put the bags under your eyes to help with puffiness. Kale - This dense, powerful leafy green contains high levels of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), C, and K to help with collagen production and healthy cell growth. It is packed with antioxidants and also copper. Oysters - Oysters contain a high level of zinc and vitamin B12 which help with collagen production, fighting signs of aging and repairing skin. Oysters also contain selenium that helps with inflammation and fighting free radicals. Pumpkin - Like kale, it's one of the best sources of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A which helps with collagen formation. It also contains enzymes that brighten skin. It's also a good source of vitamin C and B vitamins that help with cell production. These are just a few of the top foods that have been known to benefit the skin but more importantly, help improve overall health. Do you have any favorite skin-friendly foods that we left off of the list? Tell us in the comments below.
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Why to Avoid "Fragrance" in Products
One way to keep your home healthy and happy is to use organic ingredients for the home and body. if a product has synthetic fragrance listed in skincare ingredients, we recommend thinking twice before bringing it into your holistic home. The Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act established in 1973 requires cosmetics to publicly list ingredients on their product labels. However, fragrance is seen as a trade secret and the word has since been used as an umbrella for thousands of chemicals that do not have to be listed or disclosed, many of which are toxic for the body. These ingredients include BHT, Oxybenzone and Phthalates, to name a few. there are a variety of ways that the chemicals inside synthetic fragrance can negatively affect the body. The most well known effect is related to the endocrine system. This system is a collection of glands, including the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and more, that secrete hormones into the circulatory system. When certain synthetic chemicals are absorbed in to the body they can act like hormones which disturb natural hormone production. Even a slight disruption in hormone levels can create a significant issues in the system. The result can be very broad and may affect a person’s weight, metabolism, reproductive system, and more. Synthetic chemicals have also been linked to chronic allergies, skin conditions, respiratory issues, and eye irritation. Not knowing exactly what is in a product can also make it hard for those who have sensitive skin to figure out exactly what is causing an allergic reaction. This is why we recommend that you always read the product label before making a purchase. Of course staying chemical-free does not mean that you cannot smell great and partake in aromatic adventures. essential oils are truly naturally occurring aromatic compounds derived from flowers, roots, resins and other parts of the plant. we recommend using products with naturally derived fragrances and/or are organic that are free of chemicals like our Embrace Spray or Relax Spray. Both of these products offer a nice, light scent without any toxins. with so many companies using synthetic fragrance in their skincare ingredients, certain precautions must be taken to make sure you’re purchasing healthy products for your family. Unfortunately, the United States doesn’t force companies to list the specific ingredients inside of fragrance so that means as a consumer, you have to be extra careful. We recommend reading the ingredients in everything you buy. Don’t trust what the front of the product says because many items will say it's natural or fragrance-free or unscented but will still include toxic chemicals in their products. We hope this little bit of information helps you make healthier choices for your family.
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Rose Benefits For The Body
Rose Essential Oil is used in many products at Erbaviva because of the enchanting scent and all of the benefits that these beautiful blooms offer the body and soul. We source the highest-quality rose essential oil and use it throughout our line such as in our Awaken Collection and Stretch Mark Oil to promote beauty and wellness for the entire family. here is a list of our top 3 rose essential oil properties that make it a great addition to your daily beauty rituals: Aromatherapy Benefits - Rose essential oil has been used for its therapeutic aromatic properties for centuries. Its warm, creamy, floral, deep aroma is known to support and nurture the human spirit. It is feminine, empowering, and helps strengthen the link between the heart and the mind. The sweet, warm aroma helps create a tranquil atmosphere that can reduce anxiety and calm the body. Rose blends well with Lavender and Clary Sage. Anti-inflammatory - Rose essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties are known to reduce skin redness and blotchiness, as well as alleviate skin irritations making it great for the entire body. Add a few drops to an organic carrier oil to use as a skin soothing oil for face or body. Skin Hydration - Rose offers moisture retention properties to keep skin smooth and supple. Dry skin can be delicate but rose is gentle enough for even those with persistent skin sensitivity. Add a few drops to an unscented body oil or cream for deep hydration. There are so many other ways that rose can benefit the body but these are just some of our favorites. Rose oil skincare is amazingly versatile, it’s no wonder it's one of our staple ingredients. Remember, a little goes a long way - check out our pure essential rose oil and add it to any products that you use or make your own rosewater. et us know what your favorite rose oil uses are by leaving a comment below!
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Ingredients to Avoid When Purchasing Baby Shampoo
Nowadays, there is an endless supply of so-called “natural” products and it can be hard to know exactly which products are healthy for you and your family. For the healthiest home, we always recommend using organic personal care products, but for those that have not fully transitioned to organic, we have rounded up three harmful ingredients you should avoid when choosing your baby’s shampoo. Fragrance - If fragrance is listed as one of the ingredients in your shampoo, avoid it. A variety of different chemicals can be hidden inside that one word, since the specific ingredients are not disclosed, these are often toxic. Even if the product is marketed as fragrance-free or unscented, it may still contain fragrance but is masked with another chemical so it blocks the brain from detecting odor. If you want a shampoo with a pleasant smell, choose products that are naturally scented with essential oils and not synthetic chemicals. Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - SLS is a detergent and foaming agent. Many people like their shampoos to lather well, but it may not be the safest. Also known as an insecticide, SLS has been linked to cancer, liver damage, rashes and other harmful effects on your body. If you see SLS in the label, move on to the next product. We use quillaja in our baby shampoo, which is a natural foaming agent. Parabens - Parabens are preservatives and are common in many of our household items such as soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics. They help prevent bacteria from growing in products but they are neurotoxins that can cause toxicity in the body, hormone disruption and skin irritation. There are many different types of parabens, but here are some to keep your eyes peeled for: methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and isobutylparaben. There are of course many other harmful shampoo ingredients that aren’t healthy for the body but chances are, if they have any of these three, there are more toxic chemicals in the ingredient list. If you’re on the market for a safe children's shampoo without any toxic ingredients, we’d love for you to try our organic baby shampoo!
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Importance of Non-Toxic Bath Products
It’s always important to use non-toxic bath products not only when you clean the house but when you clean yourself. When you shower or bathe with warm water, it opens up your pores and changes the temperature of the room, which make the bath products you use especially crucial. Here are a few things to be mindful of when bathing. First, hopefully you have access to clean water, because our skin is our largest organ and will absorb any toxins that touch the body. If you don’t have access to clean water, you can research a whole-house purification system or shower head filter. Next, as steam starts to form on your mirror, everything inside your bathroom, and especially the products that are close to the shower head, will start to vaporize as the temperature rises, which means you’re breathing in all of those chemicals. Additionally, your lungs become more absorbent in a warm/moist environment, giving the bathroom air a fast-track to your respiratory system. Your skin cells also open up when warmed, raising the absorption capability for your body, which provides easier access to anything you put on topically. It’s also important to read labels as many foaming products contain detergents and other ingredients that can be harmful. As a general rule, the less ingredients the better, and the easier they are to pronounce, the higher the chance that they are safe. Finally, chemicals can be toxic if ingested or if they get in your eyes. We know too well how washing a rowdy toddler can be so it’s very important to use clean ingredients for your entire family. We make an entire line of organic baby sincare products and have personal care items for adults. All of the products we make at Erbaviva are free of toxins and infused with organic essential oils, to add healing benefits. We hope you’ll pop over and peruse our offerings and happy bathing! Did we miss anything? Can you think of any additional ways that we should be mindful of what bath products we use? Tell us in the comments below.
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Baby-safe Essential Oils | Lavender
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic practice of using aromatic essential oils from plants to improve and support the wellbeing of the mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils can be safer alternatives to conventional medicines and harsh chemicals.Lavender essential oil can be a powerful tool in the holistic home and we love that it is gentle and safe enough to use for for baby when properly diluted. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, we recommend adding a few drops to an organic carrier oil, cream or lotion, or adding a few drops to a diffuser if you want an ultra simple and pleasant way to experience lavender’s extraordinary benefits.There are many ways that your newborn baby can enjoy the benefits of lavender essential oil. Here are a few of our favorites. Calms the body - Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for nerves and anxiety, perfect for a new baby. Try diluting lavender essential oil in organic carrier oil and soothe baby with a pre-bedtime massage. This will calm the baby’s body and mind and help whisk her/him away to sleep. It’s also nice to apply lavender essential oil to baby’s bath! If you prefer a pre-blended option, check out this Nighty Night Bath Essence a perfect blend of oils for a calming bath after a long day of playing. Helps with Ear Aches - Lavender oil is magic for alleviating ear pain and is actually beneficial in an aromatherapy capacity. To assist with ear pain, apply diluted lavender oil to a cloth that has been dampened with warm water and rest against your baby’s ear for five minutes. Helps with Respiratory System - When used as a vapor inside a cold air diffuser, lavender can help relieve colds and coughs. It can also be applied to the back of the neck if diluted properly. As always, we recommend using the highest quality lavender oil for infants. Did we miss one of your favorite ways to use lavender oil in the home? Leave us your holistic remedies in the comments below.
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