Mummy Knows Best!-Fishy Goodness

I remember firmly refusing to open my mouth, as a child, when my mum tried to shove a spoonful of the stuff into our mouth as a child, saying it was good for me.

Yup, you're right. Its good old cod liver oil I'm talking about.

My boy, since starting kindergarten, has been down with the flu more often than I could take, and the feverish midnight crying has not been fun. (And my husband has turned into Mr Grouch more times than I can count, due to the flu.) Just then, I recalled a fellow mummy mentioning that cod liver oil seemed to help prevent colds in her toddler. A few night's worth of research and a quick consultation with mother in law saw me plonking down in my basket a 2 pack worth of Scott's Emulsion (which I will review later) together with the obligatory ('yucks', according to my boy) paracetamol syrup.

 So, what's so great about fish oil (in my case, cod liver oil) that mommies across generations have touted the benefits? Surely, it is more than just a miracle potion that helps with the common cold or flu?The Belle has done her research, and here are the results.

Vitamin A

Our skin cells contain a type of protein called protein receptors. They respond to Vitamin A in the blood. Proper Vitamin A levels help skin cells function at an optimal level (lack of vitamin A means new cells are unable surface, equaling clogged pores,acne and dull skin.) More importantly, it helps  to  maintain healthy mucosal membranes.It also helps psoraisis sufferers by regulating the over production of skin cells.

Vitamin D

Important to proper skin healing and tissue maintenance. Acts as a natural antioxidant to heal and protect skin. (especially from the harmful effects of the sun.)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Enough has been said about this group of nutrients. They are essential to the body, lubricating the hair shaft,  strengthening the nails, and helping with dry and aging skin. Glowing skin, hair and nails--what can I say?


**Disclaimer: More is not necessarily better. Some nutrients, like Vitamin A, can be toxic in high amounts. Always follow label instructions of the product, and always take  your daily diet into consideration when you plan on starting on any new supplement. When in doubt, consult your doctor.

On hindsight, I should have tested it out before buying a 2 pack, but luckily, the little tyke took to it like a charm. 2 days and 2 doses later, he is almost fully recovered. (Whether he was already recovering or the cod liver oil worked its magic, I don't know. But whatever makes him happy. I will continue to monitor his progress and report back.)

What are your experiences with this supplement from our childhood memory? Comments and opinions welcome!

Review: Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has become almost indispensable for my family. I use it regularly in my day to day skincare. I took so long to review this item even though I have been using it for a long time, because it has become as common to me as brushing my teeth.

Here goes!

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil

Pros:
-Can be used for almost anything requiring an antiseptic effect.
eg;  DIY Tea Tree Oil Multi Purpose Spray
-Excellent for drying up pimples and infections.
-A bottle lasts a long time, even with daily use.

Cons:
-Bottle dropper can be a little unwieldy--product is a little difficult to dispense at first. But okay once you get used to it, so no biggie.

Now, there are many brands of tea tree oil on the market which I have tested, but I happen to like this one because it is easily available where I am, smells pleasant (to me) and it is 100% pure tea tree oil. A keeper in my daily routine!

Hope this review was useful! Comments welcome!

See you again soon, my beauties!

DIY: Tea-Tree Oil Multi-Purpose Spray

I use tea tree oil for many things- wounds, zits, rashes, infections, etc. Recently, my family has been under attack by the flu virus, and a strange case of rashes caused by goodness knows what-- so, I thought it would be good to post this recipe up. (Not one of my usual beauty DIYs, I know, but I hope it's useful!)

Here it is!

Tea Tree Oil Multi-Purpose Spray

4 drops tea tree oil (I use Thursday Plantation's-review later)
1/2 cup of distilled (Bottled) or cool, boiled water
Spray bottle

Simply pour the water in the spray bottle, add the tea tree oil, shake well (before every use), and spray away!

Tea tree oil not only helps dry up acne and pimples, but also kills acne causing bacteria. (Tip: it is also great for keeping mosquitoes and bugs away)! Use this spray on your pillows (less acne causing bacteria=fewer zits!) and bedsheets, children's toys, or spray it on a piece of cloth and give your keyboard keys a good wipe. You can also use it as an air sanitizer-just a couple of spritzes freshens the air. Just be careful to keep it out of your eyes.

I like to spray in my family's footwear to keep our feet smelling fresh and free of infections. my boy likes it on his legs before he goes to bed, since the mosquitoes at my place have acquired a taste for the poor thing's blood. (It really works!)

I find new uses for this spray every day. My friend just told me the other day she uses a diluted version of this recipe as a toner- being careful to avoid the eyes.

I hope everyone finds this post useful, especially with the attack of the flu virus that seems to be everywhere.

See you soon, my pretties!

DIY:Tea Tree and Aloe Vera Treatment Gel

We all know the benefits of tea tree oil and Aloe. When you put them together, you get a treatment that is not only effective for acne, but also for soothing redness from insect bites.

Ingredients
Aloe Vera Gel
Tea Tree Oil

-Mix the 2 together with a spatula in a sterile container.
-3-4 drops tea tree oil to about 3.5cm of aloe vera gel

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that fights acne or infection. Aloe Vera is anti inflammatory and helps to sooth redness and swelling. This gel treatment can be used to treat inflamed pimples or insect bites. It can also be used as a treatment for minor cuts and wounds.

Acne Warrior

Being blessed with relatively problem free skin as a teenager, simple cleanser and pimple cream did the job of upkeep for my then enviable complexion. When the mood struck, Hazeline Snow was slathered on to protect my skin.

So, one can guess, I was unprepared for the onslaught of repeated attacks. I did the worst possible: squeeze. I was determined to extract every last one of those buggers. The condition of my skin worsened, exacerbated by over zealous scrubbing.

It got to a point when someone I thought was my friend said,"If I were you, I would hided at home and cry everyday!" Gleefully. Shortly after, a well-meaning friend said to me,"Erm, girl, what happened, your skin's gone haywire...take care of your skin leh..."

After months of abstaining from makeup and squeezing (phew), my skin somehow righted itself. I blamed it on hormones. Yes, I was deluded...

The, came the arrival of my beloved baby boy. Despite the lack of time I spent on my face, it somehow took care of itself. I was glowing mother.

Alas, it was not meant to last. During the last couple of years, my old enemy snuck up on me again. As I started breaking out again, this time, i resolved to gather the knowledge I had amassed over the years as ammunition in my fight. This was not too difficult-- I was a voracious reader , and of course, a skincare junkie...okay, okay, skincare whore...

Now? I'm playing a tug of war with my acne. Breakout? Avene's Cleanance K. Scarring? Whitening masks and Clarin's whitening series to the rescue. Redness? Into the picture, dear Avene Thermal Spray and Skin Recovery Cream. Not to mention, lots of water...

To quote Lady Macbeth:

"Out, damned spot, out I say!"

From "Macbeth", by William Shakespeare