Dreadlocks, fashion or spiritual

Question: Is it ok to have dreadlocks as a fashion statement instead of for spiritual reasons?

There is a common debate about the value of dreadlocks. Many see locks as a symbol of heritage, while others see it as a symbol of trend. This trend has been growing over the past 8 years. During this period of time, it was hard to find resources or videos that educated viewers about taking care of their locks and naps. Today, there are several publications and websites dedicated to natural hair care.
As the market expands and social connection deteriorates,  another form of division has been developing within the dreadlock community, due to a clash of individual beliefs or integrity. This clash of differences has generated from the purpose or reasons behind growing locks. Whereas some people grow their dreadlocks for looks, where others grow their dreadlocks for spiritual reasons... The hair corporations have become the influence to inspire another group of individuals, who don't grow dreadlocks at all… instead this alternative group simply purchases them.

Question: If an individual asked you if they could purchase your locks, would you consider the request to be acceptable behavior or perverse? I ask because it has become a trend within the hair industry. There are businesses throughout the world, that have been established on the concept of pawning people’s locks… particularly locks grown from nappy hair. Meanwhile, there is also a trend of individuals giving offers to individuals who have locked their hair. Similar, to the already existing behavior of wealthy couples offering to purchase children from poor families. The spiritual process of growing ones locks, has become a market of profit and status. The sacred worth behind the cause and the process, has become trivial to popular civilization. 
As always, I want to understand the why behind an action…. But before understanding this boom in popularity of locks, it is important to have a clear understanding of the history.

Brief History of Dreadlocks

Since the beginning of human history,  well before the tribes of the Caucasus  Mountains returned to the valley, people wore locks. There are images and statues of early civilizations around the world, that demonstrates the legacy of dreadlocks. In addition to these ancient works,  many ancient gods and goddess wore a crown of locks to demonstrate their power, legacy and wisdom. The peasants who worshipped these gods, did their outmost to mimic their Godly image as mortals.

As it was discussed in previous articles,  African hair, in the days of our ancestors, was tried as though spirits dwelt in it. In ancient tribes, only the anointed had the right to touch someone’s hair. The practice behind creating a unique hairstyle, was valued as a religious practice adorned by the gods.  Therefore, the growth of hair, particularly in locks, was a sacred symbol of blessings, wisdom and strength. 

Thus, it is not surprising that at some point in time , all nations wore locks.

But as time progressed, the views of society changed. And where others quickly dismissed the image of dreadlocks as barbaric, there were still many who held to the spiritual practice of their ancestors, even though the full reason was forgotten.

As the westernized civilization developed, those who continue to wear locks endured centuries of social change, accusations,  isolation and cruelty for growing their crown. The symbol of the locks became a symbol of rebellion, freedom, strength and knowledge, many of those who kept to the practices of their ancestors, were the ones who led nations into freedom from the oppressor. And as time continued to progress, the meaning behind the image changed again, as it represented specific religions, such as Rastafarianism. Thus, the value of its meaning remained sacred, until our current generation.

Back to current day

Expression, is indeed the property of the creator who expresses themselves.

Though expression is a source of freedom, the expressional practice can be either fulfilling or empty.

In association with the traditional image, there has been a development of  superficial representation of dreadlocks. These sub cultures have inherited the locked looks, to demonstrate that they are in connection with the Rastafarian nation, however, their overall integrity, lifestyle, mindset and personal agenda counters the beliefs they claim to follow. Many of these individuals use dreadlocks as a way to symbolize their “street life” or use of illegal substances. And have unfortunately,  created a bad reputation for individuals with locks with a constructive lifestyle.

Expression is free, but expression at the expense of others is costly.

In the original question, is it ok to have dreadlocks as a fashion statement instead of for spiritual reasons?

I believe that any fashion statement that has been adopted from strong roots or religious sources, should be adopted with the awareness that you are still (even if indirectly) representing a community of peoples. Therefore, an adoption of a religious practice as a trend, should be treated as a change of personal lifestyle or self-respect,  in order to keep universal integrity.

Thoughts?

How do you feel about people requesting to buy another's locks? How do you feel about people purchasing other's locks? How do you feel about people attaching other's locks, to "quickly" grow their's?

H2O 30 Day Challenge

I am not sure if you have noticed but we as a society tend to overcomplicate the simplest solutions. One of the biggest epidemics in the Natural Hair & Body care industries, is hair loss and acne.

We spend thousands of dollars in our lifetime, buying more products that contain more chemicals, which make the situation worse... not better. This may sound odd but if you struggle from Acne or premature Hair loss, consider changing your water for your daily beauty routines.

Tap water contains a lot of toxins that are very harmful to the body (including fluoride); and as we examined in previous articles, your skin absorbs foreign substances into your blood stream. When you take a bath, wash your face or brush your teeth, the toxins of the tap water is being absorbed into your blood stream.

The result of this is that your body becomes stressed from trying to rid itself of excess toxins. Meanwhile, your skin begins to give you warning signs that something is wrong. When something is off inside of your body, your skin is typically will be the first warning sign of what is wrong. So when you develop acne, blemishes, dry skin, premature balding... your skin is trying to let you know that something is off.

** Side note: Your hair and skin are the last areas to receive nutrients once your body absorbs it. So when you eat low nutrious foods, there is not enough nutrients in the body that can be sent to your skin or hair follicles.

Scientists have discovered that the process of producing distilled water is healthier than other types of water, to where they recommend using distilled water for newborn babies. It may seem expensive, but it really is not, a gallon of distilled water is only $0.89. We may not be able to change ALL of our water usage habits, but try to change as much as you can. The less you rely on tap water, the better.

By using distilled water, you are investing on your health. AND practicing "saving water" techniques. So take the "change the water" challenge for 30 days.... Its a win/win. While you are taking this challenge, write down the changes in a daily journal. You will be surprised in the outcome of the results of this lifestyle change.

Let me know if you tried the 30 Day challenge, I would love to hear your feedback.

Why Are KMT People More Prone to Diabetes & High Blood Pressure

Why Are KMT People More Prone to Diabetes & High Blood Pressure

Growing up, it was not uncommon that I would hear from my elders about how it was important to live and eat healthy. How it was important to do certain things, or else I will end up with high blood pressure and/or diabetes because it runs in the family?

My story is not a rare case, I have come across many of my peers who have grown up thinking the same things. As a child, my response would be "how do I avoid it?" and my family's response is "Oh, dear child more than likely you will have it as it is unavoidable, it is in your genetics..."

So far... I am not there (knock on wood) but I had always wondered "why" it was meant to be this way. Naïve, I would go to my doctors hoping that they could answer me the question of "why" but alas they would also fill my head with doom, as this fate was "unavoidable."

Over the years, I have pieced together the missing clues of this answer to the "why." But only recently did all these clues make any sense. And today, I am going to share with you my enlightenment of the "why."

DNA

Let's start with understanding the DNA and the role of our ancestors.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) carries the information of our existence. In DNA, lies the codes given to our cells, to develop our very being. The DNA is built with 2 main strains that are able to be detected by microscope. However, the actual lay out of the DNA is extremely complex, with additional layers, after layers, after layers (until infinity) that create the genetic make up of a single human being.

Within DNA also lies the famous chromosomes, which determines the coding of the being to be a specific gender... a code (might I add) that can never be altered.

Within DNA, is also RNA. RNA is the strains of DNA that western science has deemed to be useless. However, RNA plays a huge role in the construction of our entire existence and being.

The RNA holds the map and the keys to unlocking the mysteries behind the DNA. The RNA holds the frequencies that had been played out throughout the existence of your entire linage. In other words, the feelings, the actions, the characteristics, the memories (and so on) of your direct line of ancestors, is embedded into the structure of your entirety.

Yuya T. Assaan-ANU (author of 'Grasping the Root of Divine Power')  had written that not every one who descends from KMT is considered your ancestor. He wrote these words shortly after explaining how he discovered that the descendants of KMT in America are so quick to claim late celebrities as their ancestors (like Aaliyah, Michael Jackson, Prince, and so on). And that these individuals lacked the understanding of the role that Ancestors play in our lives.

The role, that our ancestors play in our lives, is to be the connection points between you and the Source. Without the experiences of our ancestors, we would be without direction, or hallow two dimensional beings that lacked reasoning and understanding beyond their current lives.

With great power, does come great wisdom... but there is also a double-edge sword to these spiritual connecting points.

Negative experiences, unfortunately, are also embedded into the genetic blueprint of our being and consciousness. And this... my dear readers, brings me back to my point of this article.

What Goes Around, Goes Around, Goes Around

Have you ever gone a day without eating your breakfast, snack or lunch? Do you remember how your body felt that day? Your body probably felt pretty crappie. It probably felt drained and exhausted, and was acting like a car running on fumes.

The reason for that yucky feeling, is because your body IS running on fumes. There is not enough substance for the body to sustain itself, and to complete its daily routines. Thus, you (unconsciously) put your body into shock.

Your body has gone into survivor mode, and begins to rush/horde food into your body from the minute you finally decide to eat. Your body, by this time, is ravenously gobbling up the nutrients and putting itself into hyper drive to store is ALL away. The sugar, the toxins, the fats and the nutrients. Everything your body would normally filter away, it doesn't. It just keeps stocking everything on. It is only until the digestive system finally balances itself out, where it realizes what it has done. And then, for the next few days, your body (even if you don't notice it) is working extra hard to correct itself. Typically, in this process of self-correction, our blood levels are thrown off balance and it takes time, for our blood sugar levels to reach a healthy level.

If you constantly put your body into shock, after awhile, your body will forget how to self correct itself. And thus, your physical self will remain out of balance, and require excess health routines and life style changes to bring yourself back to balance.

Shock is an extremity. And extremities are the experiences, in which the body stores into its deepest memory (and into your DNA mapping, which, by the way, is constantly recording your life as you live it).

The tip to prevention of diabetes and high blood pressure is to have healthy snacks periodically throughout the day and drink regular glasses of clean water...

Our ancestors experienced the worst form of brutality and suffering in history. To this day, we live in a system that continues to echo the demands of the original oppressors. Our ancestors were starved, raped, beaten... dehumanized.

This is the first reason to our ailments to High Blood Pressure and Diabetes...

The Second Reason

Earlier I mentioned that " we live in a system that continues to echo the demands of the original oppressors"... well hold onto this statement, we are about to uncover a few things about our environment.

Did you ever wonder why scientists primarily work with albino lab animals? I used to think it was just because of tradition... until I realized that it was NOT due to traditional ascetics. They test with albino animals because albinos have a very low count of melanin. An animal with a low count of melanin, reacts differently than an animal with a traditional average of melanin. There are pretty much two types of beings that have a low count of melanin...

• Albino animals
• The white race

**Note: though an albino has a low melanin count than a non-albino animal, it still has a higher count of melanin than found in the white race. Interestingly enough, the white race does not have the albino gene. Which therefore categorizes them as not an albino version of the human race.

Certain items that are promoted heavily in westernized societies, are of items that are very dangerous to higher melanated individuals. Example: Milk Thistle is promoted to be a great supplement for the body but has an active chemical which disables melanin production.

Another example would be high levels of acidic vitamin C or high levels of synthetic vitamin D, all have dangerous effects on highly melanated individuals, while... simultaneously, is used to "strengthen the white race."

Everything natural probably is good for the body, however this issue is that the high levels of these items are... well, killing melanated people.

When I say high levels, I am not saying that eating an orange a day will kill you. I am simply say high levels of synthetic concentrated forms of these ingredients are dangerous.

Synthetics are fed to the animals we eat, poured into the water we drink, fused with the plants we eat or fused into our soil.

The Solution

You are writing your own story, in this very moment. You are gaining more insight of your own awareness, and you are realizing that the masks are being removed all around you. You are seeing things for what they really are, and in this moment, you are making a change in the "unavoidable fate" that you grew up believing you could never change.

You have the power to do and change whatever it is that you want to change, you just have to identify the lies first. Now, your next step is to develop a new lifestyle. Exercise, balance you meals according to our diets (see: Dr. Sebi), drink lots of water and focus primarily on reducing stress.

Stop saying "I can't" and stop believing what these killer doctors are trying to feed you. They do not know your body, they do not care if you exist if you get healthy. The medical industry is a business, or sub entity to the biggest corporation in the world (US). Don't fall victim to the ideology that they "care about you", when you know in your spirit that they do not.

Herbology Techniques

When you think about herbology, what do you think of?

A lot of people believe that by using the natural ingredient they are getting the best of what nature can offer. Well, that is only a part of the truth.

To understand the benefits of herbology, you first need to understand what makes it beneficial.

Enzymes

In every living thing there are a substance called enzymes. Enzymes is produced by all living organisms. Enzymes are used to create a biochemical reaction. Humans, as you know, are living organisms. Therefore we have our own set of enzymes in our bodies working to cause a biochemical reaction... digestion. Our enzymes are used in our bodies to break down foods and substances in order for it to be transferred and/or processed in different areas. Enzymes are living organisms too. When we cook our food the heat kills them, and thus changing the living organism into an official dead one.

Why is this important?

When we eat foods that are overcooked (or officially dead food) our body has to rely on our own enzymes to breakdown the foreign substances in order to filter out the nutritious chemicals that can, while simultaneously disposing substances the body deems to be toxic waste.

This breaking down substances and filtering process, is very tedious to our bodies. The result of this constant breakdown of substances and filtration, causes us the body to feel tired after eating. Therefore, in order to feel healthier, it is typically better to consume living food, not dead food.

When I say "living food" I am not referring to eating a living octopus or a live rabbit, I merely referring to plants and minerals. Overcooking your food, is never beneficial to the body. "Dead food" typically becomes filtered by the body as toxic waste, as the nutritional values have depleted.

What I have learned, in my years of practicing herbology, is that consumption of food should be well thought out and planned. And that there is seemly not many differences between the consumption of food orally or the consumption of substances through our external layers, such as the skin.

The skin, the body's largest organ, is like a sponge. It absorbs anything that touches it, down into its many layers until it reaches into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream, you body begins to process the substances as if you consumed it during your normal meals.

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of what touches your body, and what products you use.

Thinking About this Differently:

So back to the introduction about the concept of herbology. Yes, using natural ingredients is beneficial, however, using "dead ingredients" completely ruins the point of going natural. Synthetic ingredients, are materials that have been overly processed and separated with chemicals. When natural beauticians create products, they miss the importance of preserving the ingredients in their closest natural state. This process of retaining the natural substance, will create a vast difference in the potency of the final product.

The trick, is in the preservation.

I found that natural products should be presented and preserved similar to the produce section in a grocery store (by the way, do not be fooled by companies like LUSH, as they still use a lot of chemicals in their products). Natural beauty products shouldn't be expected to be preserved for months. They should be refreshed or remade, weekly.

Years back, when I first started this blog, I created a promo line of Hair Care products. These products quickly became very successful. Why?

The products complemented the needs of the body, not the needs of the merchant. The issue is that merchants or manufacturers make the same mistakes when coming to creating natural care lines.

They will:

1. Overcook their ingredients
2. Use chemical preservatives
3. Use chemical fragrances
4. Use plastic containers
5. Lack the true concept of balancing the ingredients

So, stop using preservation that will extend the product shelf-life, because all common preservatives ("so-called" natural or chemical) destroy the natural perks of the recipe. Also, ditch the pan. You actually rarely need to cook the ingredients to get the effect you want. Cooking the ingredients is actually the "quick fix" solution. Ditch the fragrances and be selective on which essential oils you use in your products. Fragrances kills the nutrition out of the ingredients and dries out the customer's skin and hair. Therefore, using fragrances destroys the beneficial purpose of making a natural product line.

What tools do you need?

1. High End Blender (Vitamix is the best in the market for what you are doing)
• Vitamix is excellent because you can blend, semi-cook, puree, grind, etc.
2. Stone Grinder
• the big heavy ones are great. It is the best method in releasing the natural oils out of cloves and nuts
3. Filtering system (cheese cloth is a standard)
4. Jelly jars & lids
• these are used to seep and create your recipe base
5. Choice mediums
• Olive oil, rum, grapeseed oil... which ever is your preferred recipe primer.

And finally, you need a lot of patience. This is a longer process, but... the results are 100x better than anything you cook up (literally).

Hope this helps, to get you started on your herbology journey.

:-)

Long Time no Speak, Times have Changed

Bonjour, Guten Tag and Good Morning!

It has been a while since we spoke, my friends. I have been on some journeys, which has provided me an excellent opportunity to review new cultures, languages, people, places, music and food. I listened to stories and actively explored new places. And now... I am back in Seattle, reaching out to you.

Before returning to the "so-called" culturally diverse city named Seattle (which is pretty much not culturally diverse... I'll explain later), I was blessed with the opportunity to stay in London for 3 months. Most of my time was spent in Brixton (a historic area where Caribbean migrants settled in London). I did live in England many years before this visit but it has been over 10 years since I landed in that country.

I have to say, that in the 10 years since I had last been in London, the Black British roots in London, are being wiped out. As a youth in London, I remember the city being filled with black-owned businesses, festivals and community events. But now... all the places that I used to hangout in (particularly East London and Stratford) have become skeletons of what they were. So, many "out of business" signs have been constructed throughout those areas. So many building structures that play apart in our history in England, have been demolished.

I couldn't help but notice, when I wandered around the city, that it was an eeriness to the changes, that echoed the events that went on in America.



We are being washed out of history...

When I returned to Seattle, the same events in London, continued to be happening in this city. A city where the runaway slaves fled to for refuge, before the European settlers "discovered" the Northwest. A city where my family lived in for many years. When I returned to Seattle, the local white Americans looked at me as if "I did not belong there"... it was in this moment of realization, when I understood my next move as a journalist...

When I originally created this blog, there was no resources to support information about bettering your well-being naturally as a sister or a brother. So, as I did research for myself, this blog became my intention to simply share my discoveries across the world wide web, in hopes of reaching a potential reader. I honestly never expected to uncover as much information as I did, about our hair and our appearance, nor did I ever imagine that there would be so many readers interested in what I discovered.

This blog, became a platform to share TRUTHS to the best of my knowledge. The TRUTHS that I seek out, are the TRUTHS of my direct ancestors, which hail from Black History. (Black History, is in reference to the line of descendants since the importation of their Ancestors, African slaves)

Just as I did when this blog was created, I still want to share with you about the truths that I uncover. And to the best of my work-a-holic abilities (lol), I plan to keep you updated with history, stories and information related to the Topic of Natural and Nappy.

In regards to the KERNE Magazine publication... this magazine will be a platform where I will share truths outside of our history in appearance. Just as I have dug deep into understanding the Whys of Black hair, I plan to find out the WHYS of our current black situation.

With that said, like the KERNE Facebook page, to keep up-to-date with new events or the official launch date of this publication

Thank you again for being loyal readers.

Blessed. :-)

Starters for the D.I.Y Beauticians

So, you have a basic understanding on the knowledge of herbal-lore. And now, you want to take this further. So... whats stopping you?

Possibly motivation... or possibly understanding... or probably, if you are a consitent reader, just a little more guidance into the direction of creating your own cosmetic line.

Firstly, I would like to share that I have been overjoyed from what I have been witnessing over the internet. Before, when I first started this blog. There were no websites out there, to support the idea of creating your own cosmetics... and hardly any companies that would develop 'organic' products. Since, this blog has been posted up, I have been 'wowed'! There has been a sudden 'boom' in the market for organic and DIY products, that I must say... I am very impressed.

My only drawn back is, that even though the boom is good.

I will warn readers to be very careful on some of these recipes being posted on others sites. Some of these sites (possibly out of ignorance) post some ingredients that will actually do HARM to your body, rather than improve it. So be careful.

This is also why, I think it is a priority that I post information about different ingredients. I want you to have an understanding of what you are putting into your recipes. One ingredient in particular, Lemon, has great benefits... if used in the correct reciepe.

For example:

Lemons, are great for lightening up your skin, and creating lovely natural highlights to your hair. BUT the high acidity in them, can be HARSH to your skin and scalp. And can cause unwanted bleaching, if not used correctly.

***

Anyways, enough of the preaching. Lets get down to business. This post is strictly about different ways to 'prepare' your chosen ingredients for your recipes.

Different types of preparations are as follows:

• Tinctures
• Infusion
• Decoction
• Distillation

***

Tincture: Is a solution that has either an alcoholic base or non-volatile substance (like, witch hazel). The base solution is used to extract the properties from natural substances (like, plants or minerals). In this process, a lot of the original properties from the original substance is preserved. Tinctures are considered one of the closest forms of the original extraction.

(example of commonly used tinctures: Witch Hazel)

Example Recipe: Witch Hazel

1/2 cup of vodka

1oz of witch hazel flowers

Place items in a tinted glass jar. Let the mixture set for 6 months (max.) in a cool and shaded environment. Shake the contents weekly. Filter the loose leaf out using cheese cloth; and use in recipes.

Infusion: Is a solution that has an oil base (usually olive oil). Like the tincture technique, it extracts the properties of the original subject. Though Infused solutions carry a great percentage of the original subject's properties, it is not the closet form of the original extraction. However, most recipes that will be used on the skin/hair, will use mostly infused solutions or decoctions, since tincture solutions (due to the alcoholic base) are to harsh for the exterior body.

(example of commonly used Infusions: Calendula Oil)

Preparation is for external usages

Example Recipe: Calendula Oil

1 cup of Castor Oil (or Olive Oil)

1 1/2 oz Calendula flowers

Place contents in a tinted jar. Place container in a shaded environment for 3-6 months (min), shaking the contents weekly. Filter the loose leaf out using cheese cloth; and use in recipes.

Decoction: Is the most common form of preparation, when using fresh or dried herbs. Decoction preparation time is more instant, making it more convenient. However, because the herbs are prepared on a high temperature, most of the natural properties are cooked out of the herbs/minerals, making the mixture not as potent as it could have been without decoction.

(Example of Decoctions: Tea)

Example Recipe: Peppermint Tea

4 fresh twigs of peppermint

3 cups of water

Place water into a small pot; bring to a boil, then add peppermint leaves. Bring the temperature down to 'low heat'. Then let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes (sweetening the tea, whilst it is over a heat. Sweeten to preferred taste). Take pot off of the stove, and let the mixture seep for 3 minutes before serving.

Distillation: Is the most potent solution and the most commonly used solutions used. It is oil based like infusions. Distillation is similar to Infusions. The only difference that Infusions are prepared and left to sit in dark cupboards, and their preparation time is much longer. Distillations can be left to 'infuse' outside in the sun, for a shorter period of time. The process is great, however, it does require a large amount of herbs/minerals to create a solution that is greatly potent. Preparation is for external usages

Example Recipe: Lavender Distillation

1 oz of Lavender Flowers

1 cup Olive Oil

Place contents in a jar (preferrably a tinted jar, but not required). Place the container outside, in a stable location, where the container will recieve a large amount of sun. Leave the container in this location for 2 weeks (max), shaking the container bi-weekly. Filter the solid contents out, and bottle the liquid into a tinted container, and store in a cool location.

• Essential Oils: are a sub-catergory in Distillation. After the herbs have been infused in the sun for a couple of weeks (allowing the substance to become some what oxygenated), the solution is then further filtered. From the base solution, they extract the plants natural oils. Essential Oils require a HUGE amount of product (like, a few pounds), just to make a 2 oz bottle. The process is very delicate. And takes a lot of time to produce. However, if done correctly, essential oils are the CLOSEST format of the original subject. And can be used in almost any external type of recipe. Preparation is for external usages

And there you have it... the basic preparations when working we herbs. So what do you do from here? Try it yourself. Try combining different types of herbs to create a new oil infusion (like, calendula & lavender). With making "base infusions" (like distillations; tinctures; and oils) you are cutting down on preparation time when you are in the kitchen. Also, you are cutting down the costs, since you will only need to use a few drops of your homemade solutions, verses a few cups of your materials.

The Vegan Cosmetic Diet

Over the passed year or two, I have been trying out my own personal experiment. I wanted to discover the best possible solutions for improving my appearance... other than the typical resolutions like losing weight or eating better.

I believed, full heartedly, that the cosmetics that I was paying hundreds of dollars for (per year), were wasting my time and money.

I also believed that if God (if you believe in God), created this world especially for us to thrive in, then there were resources surrounding us, that would indeed 'heal us' for whatever ails us.

Before I could make a my theory be seen as a FACT. I had to endure the full chemical cosmetic lifestyle for a month or so.

So, I lathered myself up with fragrance induced soaps; oiled

myself up with Palmer's coco butter; fed my hair organic root stimulator hair food... and washed my face up with Ne

utrogena.

Thru that time period. Nothing really seemed to change. The worst part was that because I had been using a few natural products before, my body seemed to be repelling the products. I felt the residue from the soaps; the lotions and hair food. My face broke out, which is rare for me, and I felt either super greasy or super dry. My hair began to develop dandruff. And my skin, started to look really scaly.

During this uncomfortable time period, I continued my

studies on Natural alternatives. Taking classes in Herbology, etc.

When the month ended, I began the full vegan cosmetic diet with confidence.

Unlike, changing from a meat eater to a vegan, there were no withdrawal symptoms.

In fact, there was a rapid change in quality of my skin and hair. My stretch marks and scars, that seemed to never vanish, began to fade. And my hair became silky soft.

After 6 months of being on this plan, my skin looked so radiant, that people were stopping me on the streets to compliment about how beautiful my skin was (both men and women).

My hair, which seemed to take forever to grow (when I used chemical hair products), seemed to explode with length and thickness.

Being inspired by the results, I then took my change a little further... but before I inform you of what it is, here is a back story:

For 5 years, my menstrual cycle stopped, for unexplainable rea

sons. Being 19 when it stopped, I spent so much time and money going to hospitals to figure out why it stopped. But the doctors couldn't find a solution... I just stopped having periods.

If you didn't know, periods are important to have, not only to reproduce, or to clean out toxins out of a woman's body... but to 'balance your hormones.

Without a period, my hormones became extre

mely unbalanced, which then caused a series of problems... the biggest one, being that my body started to swell. My breasts increased drastically, but as they increased they caused an unbearable amount of pain.

I always would go to bed crying because I was in that much agony.

Getting back to my natural cosmetic diet... I started to gain positive side effects from the homemade recipes I was using.

Not only did the scars and stretch marks go away... but my body's hormones began to balance out. And the agonizing pain I use to experience... vanished.

Happily, I can say that my body is back to normal, as if... nothing every happened.

***

Once again, the more and more I discovered, the more and more I wanted to go deeper into my change of lifestyle.

I took my recipes and decided to try out the same recipes with 3 of my friends. And put them on a strict cosmetic diet for a month.

Friend #1: Hair Type/ Asian. Her issue was that she worked a very laboring job (day porter). Because she was very active at work, her hair would become frizzy and greasy, so she would always wear baseball caps, to hide her hair.

Friend #2: Hair Type/ Relaxed. She had relaxed hair, and her issue was that her hair kept breaking, and never would grow. She had to keep cutting it off.

Friend #3: was Caucasian. Her hair was healthy. But not perfect.

I altered the Conditioning solution that I would use for my own hair, for Friend #1 and #2, since it would have been too heavy for their type of hair.

I expected to see results in a week or two. But to my surprise, the next day they came back to me thrilled! And gave me their reports:

#1: I'll be honest, I was skeptical about trying this solution that you gave me. But, when I was in the shower, and started using your shampoo... I could feel a difference in my hair automatically. It was like it was coming to life, or something. I put the light oil on my damp hair, as instructed afterwards, afraid that it would make my hair greasy. But it did! I was shocked. My hair feels soooo soft, and shiny. Thank yous!

#2: I tried out your hair stuff, last night, and... WOW. My hair became super curly in the shower.. but really soft, even under the water. I used the conditioning solution afterwards, and when it dried, my hair became super manageable all of a sudden. It was such a change, it was like I didn't recognize it.

#3: My hair is really soft and manageable. I love it. Wow. When can I buy a bottle.

In two weeks, I watched (super happy) as my friends changed. They seemed more and more confident. #1 stopped wearing baseball caps; #2 started wearing her hair down, instead of pulling her hair back; #3 was just.. well, happy. She started styling her hair in a different way, each day. And the added bonus, was that ALL of them has experienced a sudden improvement in the skin quality. Their complexion was much more clearer.

My Conclusion: Chuck the store bought junk, and pick up a herbology book... free your mind, and you may find something quite interesting.

Recipe: Avocado Wash

This is a treatment that should be used, in cases where your scalp and hair is seriously damaged. As I mentioned before, the Avocado has an excellent abundance of natural fats, that the skin, scalp and hair love.

• 1/2 Avocado

Taking half of a ripe avocado meat, apply to hair and scalp, massaging it in for about 3 minutes. Let it set for another 2 minutes. Rinse out under COOL water until all contents are out. Hand dry your hair, preferably. Or dry under the COOL setting with your hair dryer. You don't want to create any further damage to your hair/scalp from using heat, when your hair is in this delicate state.

You should only need to use this treatment once or twice. (For Nappy/Kinky hair wash hair once a week. All other types of hair, can use this treatment twice in one week)

*Note: You will automatically notice that your hair will start to become super curly, this is a great sign. It just means that your hair is well moisturized. The botanical properties from the avocado in its rawest form, should help in bringing your hair/scalp back into a more healthier and balanced state.

Playing The Guinea Pig

So from 2008 to present day, I have been conducting a series of personal experiments on myself. I became a "Mad Scientist", determined to find answers to my own personal questions.

A couple of assignments were completed. While some, are still are still being worked on. I needed answers, and became willing to sacrifice myself (as the lab rat) to find them.

I had a series of theories, like:

1. Would my body thrive better on a "Vegan Cosmetic Diet", or would the results be the same if I used other types of ingredients?
2. What would happen if I went "back" to using store bought products, after being on a Vegan Hair/Body Diet for a year or two? Would the product benefits on the container labels, give me good results? Or back fire?
3. Is chemically altered hair, permanently altered and bounded to using a cycle of chemicals to maintain it?
4. Can relaxed hair successfully be locked? Or do you really need to chop it all off?

Quick Tips: For the D.I.Y Beauticians

For all the readers who are developing their own custom Shampoos, Conditioners and Hair Food... here's a cool tip for your recipes:

Add Color Enhancing Ingredients to Your Recipes

Ever wish that your natural hair color was a little more richer or more vibrant, without having to dye your hair? There are several plants in the natural world, that have the ability to enhance our natural hair color. Causing your typical black hair, to become even more darker and richer looking. Or your red hair to become even more shiny and vibrant without having to dye your hair.

Here are some basic color enhancers...

Blond Hair:

• Chamomile
• Honey

Auburn & Red Hair:

• Cinnamon

Brown & Black:

• Lavender
• Basil
• Sage

Natural & Nappy

Hurray! "Natural & Nappy" Blog finally got its own personal make over. All the links and interesting stuff should be all up to date. Once again, I apologize for the delay in new articles. And also I apologize for any delays in answering your questions.

The Bar-Kays play "Son Of Shaft" live in Los Angeles 1972

I had to post this again. Cause the other link, apparently no longer works. :-(

Enjoy, if you haven't seen this already...

...Holy Basil!

Wazzzzz UUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuup!!!! lol. It has definitely been a while since I posted anything new on this blog. I am not sure, if at this point anyone is still interested in reading anything on here... but what the heck.


Here... finally, for over a year, is the next AMAZING Plant! Basil!

[And the the crowd says: "ooooooooh... and ahhhhhhh"]

Yep, basil. It is not just an Italian garnishment for meals. It is a semi-super plant. And I say 'semi' only because it is not considered a miracle plant like Hemp. But just because it is not a a miracle plant, it doesn't mean that it doesn't have stunning properties of its own.

***

Like always, before going into what Basil can do for you... let's learn a little bit about the wonderful Basil.


Basil is indeed seen as a 'holy' plant. In many cultures Basil symbolized: Love; Loyalty; Honor; and Holiness.

It originates from India, where originally it was used regularly to swear oaths in the courts. And in Greece, it was used in preperation of the Holy water used in the Orthordox Churches.

Basil, throughout history, could be found in various places around the Mediterranean; Middle East and even in Central America.

But the reason Basil spread to various parts of the globe, was not just because of its sweet flavoring. It was due to its healing properties.

The Well-Known Benefits of Basil:

• Anti-inflammatory {(E) Beta-Caryophyllene: aka BCP}
• Antioxidants
• Antibacterial
• Magnesium
• Minerals
• Eugenol

Healthy Benefits from Basil in the Inside:

• Boosts up your immune system (fights off flus; colds; etc)
• Kills Bacteria
• Helps to diminish inflammations
• Pain Relief (head aches; migraines; etc)
• Helps to keep your Heart Healthy
• and so on, and so on

So, what does Basil have to do with keeping you looking beautiful? You ask.

The common known cosmetic factor about Basil is that...

the eugenol works well to relax an individual... Basil Aroma therapy

But what else...

Something to always remember is that every living plant that exists in our world, usually have more properties than is listed in Science Text books!

Scientists are always discovering a new element that they didn't see originally with the natural world around us.

For example:

Did you know, that Basil naturally boosts the hues of your hair color (both natural and dyed)?

It works best for people who have darker colored hair (brown and black for example). Basil will enrich the colors of your hair naturally. Given a more profound & richer effect that chemicals can't ever fully mimic (if processed correctly).

The natural properties and minerals found in Basil, not only improve the visual appearance of your hair. But also, they improve the health of your hair too.

Here's an experiment tip to always remember...

Whatever benefits your hair most likely will give similar results to your skin. And that tip works the other way around, too.

Happy Birthday Hair! - February 2008

This Video inspired me t try to start my locks. I thought it would be nice to share to all of you

Q & A

Sorry once again, for not keeping up on this blog, as much as I should. Anyways, I received a lot of questions, so I figured I should share the questions and answers with everyone:

1. What is the best way in finding the best 'hair care remedies'?



ANSWER: The best BASIC hair food known to this planet will always be:

A combination of shea butter; coco butter; rosemary extract; and basil extract. Shea Butter will always be a great base for nappy/natural hair, due to its properties, along with Coco butter. But did you know that Rosemary and Basil has great properties of their own? Basil naturally boosts your natural color; whilst rosemary that fills your hair with a great balance of vitamins and minerals to keep your scalp well fed with a healthy nutritional diet.

Essentially, products that you buy over the counter, are going to sit on your scalp causing a collection of gross residue. The ingredients I listed above, will absorb into your hair strands and scalp, giving you a better result. Without that nasty greasy hair.


When your buying hair products, look at the ingredients on the bottle, like you would if you were buying food to eat at a grocery store.

The following ingredients will always be a BIG "no no" for a choice of 'hair food':

• Mineral Oil
• Fragrance
• Petroleum

These listed ingredients will cause WAY more damage than good. Mineral Oil, for example, will 'dry out the scalp' even further, rather than keeping it properly moisturized.

Video: The Bar-kays

Ok. The last video was annoying, but this one is just fun. I love the dude with the silver afro and the lead singer... they just crack me up. Especially when the lead singer gets into banging that cow bell...




...Somebody, loved themselves.

Video: I Can Feel It by the Afros

Um. This music video might have been the reason people don't take fros seriously...



Sorry if you find this video annoying...

hmmm...

The last article, was quite dark. I thought that I cleared out my beauty closet enough until I researched for that article... So goodbye Neutrogena Oil-Free facial scrub and cleanser. I can no longer put you on my face, now that I know that I'm putting Cetyl Alcohol on my face, too. [ That goes for your moisturizers and lotions, too]


The alternatives???

Option 1: Make your own products...

• Advantages ~ the product will be the best quality you can ever get... even the most expensive products can't compare to that.

• Disadvantages ~ can be time consuming. Might have to rearrange your lifestyle.

My favorite websites to get supplies from:

• Organic Creations

~ I like this guys because they follow up with emails and invoices to make sure the package was delivered. They also deliver quite quickly AND give you a tracking number.

• Dandelion Botantical

~ Located in Seattle, Wa. But they also do business online. Very nice people. They even teach classes on Certified Herbology. They have a lovely book selection. AND THEY ARE NOT CULTISH... so I don't feel like I am going into a devil worshiping store. The environment is laid back, clean and friendly.




Option 2: Alternative over the counter products, from natural cosmetic companies like LUSH

• Advantage~ Products are natural and there are even some that are vegan!

• Disadvantages~ A bit pricey. Not the greatest cosmetic quality compared to homemade products.

Hope this lifted up your spirit since the last post....

Painted Faces (part 2)

Have you caught your breathe, from the last part of this article? Good, cause it gets worse...






3. I found these definitions of ingredients from "Caring Consumer.com" These ones are IMPORTANT to know because they usually show up in everyday products...

• Cetyl Alcohol (Basically Sperm from a Sperm Whale or Dolphin) ~ you can find this in some face products and more!

• Elastin ~ Protein found in the neck ligaments and aortas of cows

• Estrogen ~ Female hormones from the urine of pregnant mares

• Gelatin ~ Protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. From cows and pigs

• Glycerin ~ usually comes from animal fat

• Insulin ~ usually comes from the pancreas of hogs.

• Keratin ~ Protein from the ground-up horns, hooves, feathers, quills, and hair of various animals

There's "... confusion over whether or not an ingredient is of animal origin is the fact that many companies have removed the word animal from their ingredient labels to avoid putting off consumers.

For example, rather than use the term hydrolyzed animal protein, companies may use another term such as hydrolyzed collagen. Simple for them, but frustrating for the caring consumer...

Animal ingredients are used not because they are better than vegetable-derived or synthetic ingredients but rather because they are generally cheaper... Rendering plants process the bodies of millions of tons of dead animals every year, transforming decaying flesh and bones into profitable animal ingredients. The primary source of rendered animals is slaughterhouses, which provide the "inedible" parts of all animals killed for food. The bodies of companion animals who are euthanized in animal shelters wind up at rendering plants, too. One small plant in Quebec renders 10 tons of dogs and cats a week, a sobering reminder of the horrible dog and cat overpopulation problem with which shelters must cope... Thousands of products on store shelves have labels that are hard to decipher. It's nearly impossible to be perfectly vegan, but it's getting easier to avoid products with animal ingredients. "

~ quoted from www.caringconsumer.com





To Conclude:

There ARE products out there in the market that are vegetable-derived or synthetic- derived (if you want to go this route) products. Go to your usual store and check out the cosmetic sections. Look at the ingredient lists on the back of the containers and take note of all the ones you CAN'T understand. Then,

RESEARCH IT! RESEARCH IT! RESEARCH IT!


This makes you realize that the manufacturer isn't always honest. And that you can't always trust what someone is trying to sell you. Educating yourself on what you place onto your body is truly the GREATEST policy.


If you have a strong stomach and still want to search even deeper into this subject, check out
www.foodRisk.org

for there own reports on the subject...

Recipes

Here's a couple of new recipes, from my favorite books, to cheer you up:


Avocado Skin Softener (from "The Herbal Home Spa")

1 Avocado Pit
1/2 Avocado
1/4 Cup (50ml) Cornmeal
1 tbsp sea salt

Dry out the avocado pit for a few days, then break it into several pieces. In a spice mill, or old fashion grinder (or coffee grinder), grind the pit to make a gritty pit meal. Reserving the avocado skin, mash the 1/2 avocado with the cornmeal, 1/4 cup of avocado pit meal and sea salt.


how to use: in a foot bath basin, gently massage the mixture into your feet in a circular motion, starting with your toes. Rinse, and then with the inner part of the avocado skin, rub the heel and any other callused areas... including your knees, elbows and hands. Do not rinse off.
Massage the oil into the skin with your hands in gentle circular motions. At first, your skin may seem green (regarding to people with more littler skin tones). Soon you'll feel the abrasive effect, then the moisturizing effects.

Makes 1 treatment


Cuticle Cream (from "Beauty By Nature")

2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp cocoa butter

combine ingredients in a small saucepan, and warm over very low heat, stirring constantly. Store in a clean container with a lid.