We love berries in our family and we eat a lot more berries than fruit. Today was one of those gray and boring days, so we decided to make these tasty treats and eat them as dessert after lunch. Berries are highly nutritious and low in sugar. I have previously written that blueberries are superfood. Today we used a mixture of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. My oldest son decided to top his berry mixture with raw honey and unsweetened shredded coconut. My daughter and my youngest son put almond butter, honey and shredded coconut on top of their berries. I just added almond butter and shredded coconut on top of my berries. Berry cups are great snacks and you can make them any way you want. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.  Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. This post is linked to: Riverton Housewives Round Up, Monday Mania, Fat Tuesday, Traditional Tuesdays, Make Your Own Monday Link-Up , Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways  Healthy 2Day Wednesdays , Allergy-Free Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, What's Cooking Wednesday , Gluten Free Wednesdays . This chick cooks, Freaky Friday, Allergy Friendly Lunch Box Love , Fight Back Friday , Friday Food , Foodie Friday , Seasonal Celebration Sunday , Sunday School , Domestically Divine, Homemaking Link Up, How to Tuesday, Eco-Kids Tuesday, The Gathering Spot

Feeding children both healthy and tasty food can be a challenge. Over the years I have become quite skillful in hiding nutritious ingredients in the food when I cook. Luckily my children are older and it is easier to give them healthy foods.  There are plenty of so called superfoods that are very tasty at the same time as they provide a wide array of nourishing nutrients. I like to include many of these as often as I can. Smoothies, protein shakes or fresh juices are just some ways which they can used in. Some are yummy enough to enjoy on the own. There are plenty of them but I will focus on some that are easy to give children.  Blueberries These berries were neglected for the longest time by scientists because they didn't have a high enough amount of vitamin C. Today we know that blueberries are truly a superfood with many nutrients. They are very small, but they contain more disease fighting antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. They have been called "brain berries", and "youth berries". One serving of blue berries contain just as many antioxidants as five servings of apples, broccoli, squash and carrots. 2/3 of a cup of blue berries provide 1,733 IU of vitamin E, and more protection that 1,200 mg of vitamin C. Blue berries have  very high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients, especially the flavonoid family "anthocyanin". Anthocyanin is responsible for the intense blue-purple color, and the darker the berry, the more anthocyanin content. Blue berries have at least five different anthocyanins, especially in the wild berries, and they are located in the skin like in other fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are concentrated to the skin so that they can protect fruit from the sun and other harmful assaults. Anthocyanins are the key players in neutralizing free radical damage. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants play a big role in preventing diabetes, cardivascular disease, cancer and many other conditions. Anthocyanins work in synergy with other antioxidants like vitamin C. They strengthen the capillary system by promoting the production of collagen, which are the building blocks of tissues.  A study was performed at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. Aging rats were given the equivalent of 1/2 to 1 cup of blueberries, a pint of strawberries, or one large spinach salad. The blueberry group performed better than the other groups on brain teasers. They also showed improvements in balance and coordination. A promising result since it previously was not thought that degeneration due to aging was reversible. The brain cells seemed to communicate better, their brains seemed to have fewer damaged proteins, and their brains developed new brain cells. Other studies on humans have showed that people who eat a cup of blueberries a day performed 5-6 % better on motor skill tests. Positive results have been seen on people with multiple sclerosis as well. Blueberries have an affinity for the areas of the brain that controls movement. It seems to me that growing children can benefit as well by eating blueberries in order to nourish the brain. I like to add blueberries to our protein shake, or use them in my own syrup I make, and my children also like to eat them the way the are. When it is colder outside I like to make a blueberry soup, which is a Swedish tradition. Nutrients in blueberries are: carotenoids salicylic acid fiber folate vitamin C vitamin E potassium manganese magnesium iron riboflavin niacin phytoestrogen polyphenols (anthocyanins, quercetin, ellagic acid, catechins) I miss walking in the woods in Sweden picking my own wild blueberries. However, when I can't get fresh blueberries I buy the Wild Blueberry  brand. The are wild blueberries picked in Maine and Canada, and I have been able to find them at Whole Foods. Here are some more info from the company website. About wild blue berries Glycemic Index and blueberries Research about blueberries Wild Blueberries are leaders in antioxidants ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. This post is linked up to:  WFMW, Eco-Kids Tuesday, Traditional Tuesdays , Real Food Wednesday , Fight Back Friday

I like to use the Cellfood Original  formula and they have a variety of products that includes the original Cellfood formula. I took a look at their Oxygen Gel a few months ago and decided that I could easily make my own version  cheaper.  Benefits of their gel according to their website: "CELLFOOD Oxygen Gel helps  provide healthy skin an active layer of oxygenated moisture and protection while decreasing the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and mouth. CELLFOOD Oxygen Gel also helps to nurture damaged skin by revitalizing and rejuvenating the epidermis" The ingredients in their formula  taken from their brochure: Cellfood: A proprietary cell oxygenating formula containing 78 trace minerals, 34 enzymes, and 17 amino acids. Provides extra ordinary nutrition. Aloe Vera: Prized as a natural skin healer, moisturizer and softener for healthy and damaged skin. Known for its healing. Chamomile: It penetrates, heals, and cleanses the pores, while soothing, relaxing and refreshing the skin. Fossilized Organics: Rich blend of 100% natural organics containing trace minerals, amino acids and humic acids to nourish the skin on cellular level. (ok, I couldn't come up with a replacement) Glycerine: A natural humectant, glycerine attracts moisture to the skin, making it softer and more resilient. It adds silkiness, and aids in moisture balance.  I used what I had at home today and I also added coconut oil as an extra bonus. I was out of chamomile essential oil so I settled for one of my favorites for skin care, geranium. You can add any essential oils you like of course. I made an infusion of lavender, calendula and chamomile, herbs that are known to nourish the skin. I added coconut oil because of its amazing healing properties: -coconut oil is probably one of the main reasons people in tropical climates can spend so much time in the sun and not suffer from skin cancer. Coconut oil has wonderful antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. Also, when coconut oil is consumed and used topically on our skin, it helps our bodies absorb other nutrients more effectively as well, such as Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant nutrient that protects the skin. - Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory.  -Coconut oil may also help in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. - It is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, and contains no trans fat (even olive oil has some trans fat). It may help prevent wrinkles. First I made an infusion of dried chamomile, calendula and lavender flowers and let it cool. I don't always measure exactly when I make things, I through things together on a roughly estimate. Here is a list of what I used:   Two - three tablespoons of aloe vera gel One teaspoon of liquid glycerine 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. ( you might want to adjust to your liking) One capsule of vitamin E 10 drops of Cellfood 10- 20 drops of geranium essential oil. Two teaspoons of the chamomile/calendula/lavender herbal infusion. First I mixed together aloe vera gel, glycerine, vitamin E, and coconut oil. (You may have to gently heat the oil during winter time). I added the herbal infusion while stirring until I got the consistency that I liked. Add as much as you need to make it the way you like it. I don't want it too runny so I start by adding a little bit of infusion at a time until it looks good to me. I added the cellfood and the essential oil last. I just put this together real quick. You can make your own version with ingredients that you like. This is not exactly like the original but a good enough replacement. I used the leftover herbal infusion for a facial toner. Here is  a list so you can choose the essential oil that's best for your skin. Mature skin frankincense, jasmine, carrot seed, lavender, neroli, rose, sandalwood, myrrh and pathouli Sensitive skin lavender, neroli, yarrow, and German Chamomile Normal skin German chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose, neroli, palmarose and ylang ylang Combination skin geranium, sandalwood, lavender, and neroli Dry skin German chamomile, jasmine, neroli, rose, geranium, lavender, sandalwood, and ylang ylang. Make the facial toner Before you leave: I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil. Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun. Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils: Topical Application Inhaling Essential Oils Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly? How to Dilute Essential Oils Vita Flex Technique If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.  Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. This is linked to: It's All About Me Blog Hop

Vitamin C is an antioxidant responsible for more than 300 metabolic functions in the body, but it cannot be  manufactured  by the body. It needs to be obtained from the diet or supplement. Avocados, cantaloupe, black currants, beet greens, dandelion greens, collards, Brussel sprouts, grapefruit, dulse, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions, oranges, papayas, sweet peppers, persimmons, pineapple, radishes, rosehips, spinach strawberries, turnip greens and watercress are good sources of vitamin C. Plenty of herbs contain vitamin C as well, such as alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, fennel seed, eyebright, fenugreek, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, skullcap, and yellow dock. Vitamin C has many functions in the body. It is essential in the cholesterol metabolism, the formation of teeth, ligaments, blood cells, and body tissues. It is involved in the assimilation of iron, maintenance of vision, and in cell respiration. It has also been confirmed in studies that vitamin C has the capability to eliminate lead and other poisons from the body. It is a great detoxifier, and it can even be used as an aid in neutralizing a black widow bite. It is in included in our first aid kit. Studies have shown that vitamin C can reduce symptoms of asthma. It also acts as a natural anti-histamine for allergies. Vitamin C promotes healing, build healthy ligaments and connective tissues, and aids in the prevention of bruising. Wound healing is faster because when Vitamin C is added to cultured human skin fibroblasts, the collagen synthesis increases eight times.  Due to its healing effect every sport injury greatly benefits from high doses of vitamin C. The body has a need to replace collagen due to all wear and tear we expose the body to. The wear and tear is higher in long distance runners, running athlete, weight training, and hill sprinting as well as many other activities. Vitamin C helps build collagen for healthy ligaments and connective tissues. Dr. B. Sokoloff showed in a study sponsored by the American Heart Association, that triglyceride levels in the blood could be reduced by 50-70% by taking two-three grams a day.  Matthias Rath, M.D, in his book "Why Animals Don't Get Heart Attacks..But People do", states that the ability to increase the production of collagen elastin and other reinforcement molecules is the most important function of vitamin C in preventing strokes and heart attacks. He also says that atherosclerosis is an early form of scurvy. The depletion of vitamin C leads to a gradual breakdown of the body's connective tissues, including the blood vessels. Sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body on the other hand leads to optimum production and function of collagen molecules. When the blood vessels walls are stable atherosclerotic deposits do not develop. As we seen vitamin C is a very useful antioxidant with many uses. It enhances the immunity as well as aids in the production of anti-stress hormones. It promotes healing of wounds and burns, protect against abnormal blood clotting and bruising. It also counteract free radical damage. So, how much is recommended per day? Well, it all depends who's recommendation you follow. The RDI for nutrients are barely a maintenance dose and doesn't provide sufficient amount of nutrients that we need. Factors such as medications, especially analgesics, antidepressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids that may reduce levels of vitamin C are not being considered . Smoking also depletes the levels of vitamin C. Here is a chart from the Vitamin C foundation and as you can see the RDI recommended by the government is way low compared to what should be taken for optimal health. You can also see that Linus Pauling, the Nobel Price winner and well known experts in vitamin C recommended a higher amount as well. RDI    Source/Population 60-95 mg    U.S. Recommended Intake 200 mg    Levin/NIH Recommendation 400 mg (recently increased)    Current Linus Pauling Institute Recommendation 2500 mg    Hickey/Roberts minimum 3000 mg    Foundation's daily recommendation 6000-12000 mg    Levy's daily recommendation 6000-18000 mg    Linus Pauling's daily recommendation 6000-9000 mg    Pregnancy 6000-18000 mg    Heart Disease 14000-30000 mg    Cancer 20000-300000 mg    Cathcart/Levy Cure for Infectious Diseases   We like to use vitamin C in a non acidic powdered form and we add calcium ascorbates to our shakes. In our quest for optimum health my husband and I  try to find supplements, foods, and herbs that provide as powerful nourishment as possible to a reasonable price. We believe vitamin C is one of those with amazing properties. Check out Linus Pauling Institute for more information about studies of vitamin C for conditions like stroke, lead toxicity, gout, cataracts, cancer, coronary heart disease, immunity, and diabetes. Thanks for visiting!   Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils.  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She received her aromatherapy education at the American College of Health Care Sciences.  Johanna also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness with her husband. Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

My husband and I were introduced to Cellfood a couple of years ago. After reading information about Cellfood we decided to give it  a try. We realized that this is a very powerful product that is easy to use on the go.  I just add some drops to  water bottles in the morning, and I don't have to worry about how to get sufficient nutrients throughout the day. So what is so great about Cellfood and why are top athletes around the world using it? Let's find out why professional athletes and health and fitness enthusiasts are using it. Oh, it is not just for active people, many with chronic conditions have reported improvement in health using Cellfood. Honestly, I think everyone should use it.   Cellfood broshure: "Cellfood provides significant benefits to help support enhanced athletic performance in all sports and physical activities."  Cellfood is made from all-natural plant sources from clean seas and sea vegetation between New Zealand and Antarctica, and from fossilized plants and mineral springs. It contains 78 minerals, 34 enzymes, and 17 amino acids. It provides powerful electrolytes as well. For optimal performance in endurance sports the working muscles need oxygen, and Cellfood releases plenty of oxygen and hydrogen well needed.  It is a legal substance that is all natural, and it is an  approved supplement for all level of athletic activity whether it is competition or fitness. None of the ingredients are banned in Olympic, International, collegiate or scholastic competition.  Cellfood is added to water or other liquid. Once ingested it weakens the electron bonds of water molecules in the body, and this releases hydrogen and oxygen directly into the cells. The nutrients in Cellfood are in pure and bioavailable form that reach deep cellular levels. As you can see, Cellfood oxygenates, deeply detoxifies and nourish the cells. Cellfood's unique water splitting technology has three significant benefits that are worth mentioning: Released oxygen cleans cells, provides cellular energy around the clock, and stimulates cellular respiration. Released hydrogen repairs, solidifies, and builds vital tissue cells and the immune system. Free radicals are considered to be one of the major causes of aging and disease. Cellfood releases negatively charged oxygen molecules which will attract free radicals, they will join with them and form stabilized oxygen. A clinical study of athletes in both 18-30 and 31-50 proved that Cellfood will reduce antioxidant stress. The oxidative stress of the younger group reduced by 27% and the free radical level in the 31-50 group reduced by 10%. Exercises create free radical activity so the free radical activity is higher in elite athletes to begin with. Different ways that Cellfood helps the body: Cellfood supports: enhance energy levels breathing function removal of lactic acid for better athletic performance nutrient absorption helps faster recovery from injury free-radical removal bacteria/parasite elimination cellular oxygenation decreased heart rate blood cell + platelet increase alertness and mental focus immune system function ph balance increase brain functioning, alertness, concentration provides electrolyte activity sustains endurance and stamina enhances digestion and overall metabolism As I mentioned earlier, I think everyone should take Cellfood. It is an amazing formula and it should be part of every natural health building program. Disease is a result of toxic overload and nutrient depletion, especially on a cellular level. As we've seen, Cellfood has the ability to neutralize free radicals, and provide nutrients on a cellular level.It's 129 nutrients provides food for building our cells. It is a product used by top athletes, people with health challenges, as well as being part of a preventative health building program. Cellfood is an easy and cost effective oxygen therapy, and it does not create free radicals. Some oxygen therapies and products tend to flood the body with oxygen, creating harmful free radicals. Cellfood uses the free radicals to create more stable oxygen instead. The nutrients in Cellfood: Released Oxygen Oxygen is vital to the healthy functioning of our body— it fuels all of its systems, fires its chemical reactions, and eliminates wastes and toxins. Cellfood enhances the critical bioavailability of oxygen to the body through its unique ability to 'dissociate' water molecules within the body— resulting in the release of abundant nascent oxygen, and hydrogen, directly to the cells. Trace Minerals and Elements Actinium, Antimony, Argon, Astatine, Barium, Berylium Bismuth, Boron, Bromine, Calcium, Carbon, Cerium Cesium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Fluorine, Gadolinium Gallium, Germanium, Gold, Hafnium, Helium Holmium, Hydrogen, Indium Iodine, Iridium, Iron, Krypton,Lanthanum, Lithium Lutetium,Magnesium,Manganese, Molybdenum, Neodymium, Neon, Nickel, Niobium, Nitrogen Osmium, Oxygen, Palladium, Phosphorous, Platinum, Polonium, Potassium, Praseodymium, Rhenium, Rhodium Rubidium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Scandium, Selenium Silica, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, Sulfur, Tantalum, Tellurium Terbium, Thallium, Thorium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten Vanadium, Xenon, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc, Zirconium Metabolic and Digestive Enzymes Hydrolases, Carbohydrases: Maltase, Sucrase, Emulsin. Nucleases: Polynucleotidase, Nucleotidase. Hydrases: Fumarase, Enolase. Peptidases: Aminopolypeptidase, Dipeptidase, Prolinase. Esterases: Lipase, Phosphotase, Sulfatase. Copper Enzymes: Tyrosinase, Ascorbic Acid, Oxidase Iron Enzymes: Catalase, Cytochrome oxidase, Peroxidase Enzymes containing coenzymes 1 and/or 2: Lactic Dehydrogenase, Robison Ester, Dehydrogenase Enzymes which reduce cytochrome: Succinic Dehydrogenase Yellow Enzymes: Warburg's Old Yellow Enzymes, Diaphorase, Haas Enzyme, Cytochrome C reductase Amidase: Urease Mutases: Aldehyde Mutase, Glyoxalase Desmolases: Zymohexase, Carboxylase Other Enzymes: Phosphorylase, Phosphohexisomerase, Hexokinase, Phosphoglumutase Amino Acids Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan Tyrosine, Valine Electrolytes Electrolytes support the healthy electrical integrity of the body's natural colloidal systems, including the blood itself. They impart a negative charge to the red blood cells, separating them to restore their maximum functioning. More information on:  Cellfood.Com

Do you use regular sunscreen? Summer is around the corner and the advertising for sunscreen can be found everywhere. They fail to tell you how dangerous the chemicals are, and how the sunscreen block the skin's ability to synthesize Vitamin D from the sun. It can reduce the vitamin D production by 99%. Vitamin D has many health benefits and it is very important for your health. The benefits of Vitamin D are many, but some are:Supports the immune system. Helps to keep the bones strong. Supports cardiovascular health. Supports healthy teeth. The body needs to be exposed to natural sunlight.  According to Mercola, studies have shown that people being outdoors without being sunburned decrease their risk of getting melanoma.  The best is to limit your exposure in the sun, gradually build up the skin's exposure to the sun instead of spending hours outside the first time after winter, eat appropriate food and supplements to protect the skin from the inside, and wear protective clothing. Our family protect our skin from the inside. We use the following:Essential fatty acids - Essential fatty acids keep the nutrients and the water in, but keep the toxins out by maintaining the cell membranes. They have inflammatory properties.  Skin cells made of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 are better at handling free radicals than cells made of saturated fat. It is hard to come by non toxic fish today, and even supplements have been found to be toxic. Be picky when you buy  fish, make sure you avoid farm raised salmon since the omega 3 level is not very high. It most likely include many toxins and chemicals due to being raised in a fish farm. You also want to stay away from bottom feeder fish. Good sourcers are wild salmon, herring, mackerel (not king), anchovies, flax seed and walnuts. Supplementation is also an option if you don't eat fish about two - four times a week. Make sure you buy from a company that you trust. Just stay away from cod liver oil, according to Dr.Mercola, there is a chance that you receive too much vitamin D if you use cod liver in combination with sun exposure. Antioxidants - Skin damage is caused by oxidation, free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells. Antioxidants neutralizes the free radicals. Carotenoids is one group of antioxidants with many healing benefits.  Lycopene is a carotene found in tomatoes, and other red fruits and vegetables such as carrot, watermelons and papayas. Lutein is another carotene found in dark green leafy vegetables. Betacarotene is found in carrots, canteloup, pumpkin, apricots and sweet potato. Other antioxidants we include are vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen, as an antioxidant it protects the cells from free radical damage. Food high in vitamin C are bell peppers, broccoli, mangoes, oranges, pineapples, strawberries and tomatoes. Vitamin E can be found in wheatgerm, nuts, seeds, spinach and swiss chard. Food comes first in our family and supplements cannot replace a good diet, but we live in a place where the sun is very strong with many sunny days per year. We eat many colorful fruits and vegetables, and add nuts and seeds as snacks.  We also add Brazil nuts for the selenium.  To make sure we protect the skin properly since we also spend much time outdoors, we supplement with an extra Carotenoid blend. You can make tasty salads, make yummy smoothies, or eat the fruit and vegetables the way they are. We also stay well hydrated,  make sure we get enough trace minerals, vitalized protein and vitamins in the summer heat. We add oxygen drops with electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids and trace minerals to our drinking water. There are times when  you absolutely need a sunscreen, especially when you find yourself out in the sun all day without any shade. Look for a a natural alternative without any harmful chemicals. Avoid chemicals like octyl methoxycinnamate, Para amino benzoic acid, Octyl salicyclate, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Cinoxate, Padimate O, Dioxybenzone, Phenylbenzimidazole, Homosalate, Sulisobenzone, Menthyl anthranilate, Trolamine salicyclate, Octocrylene, and parabens. Make a soothing spray for the summer: Recipe and tips for the beachKeep the bugs away

You can easily make your own antioxidant serum for your face at home. The options are many, and you can switch out the essential oil if want to change the properties of the original serum recipe.  Clary sage, German Chamomile, rose, ylang ylang, and geranium have a superior ORAC value to most foods. For example, German chamomile's ORAC, antioxidant capacity, is 218,600 while blueberries' ORAC value is 2,400. Here are some guidelines if you want to add the essential oil  that fit your skin the best. Mature skin:  frankincense, jasmine, carrot seed, lavender, neroli, rose, sandalwood, myrrh and pathouli Sensitive skin:  lavender, neroli, yarrow, and German Chamomile Normal skin: German chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose, neroli, palmarose and ylang ylang Combination skin:  geranium, sandalwood, lavender, and neroli Dry skin: German chamomile, jasmine, neroli, rose, geranium, lavender, sandalwood, and ylang ylang. Serum recipe Star by making an infusion of green tea by steeping tea bags or leaves in boiling water for some time. Let it cool. Add 2tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea. Spoon 1 tbsp aloe vera gel into a small glass bowl, add 20 drops of olive oil, I use extra virgin oil, and add the contents of one capsule of vitamin E oil. Stir together and add 2 tbsp of the green tea and lemon mix.  Add 6 drops of orange essential oils to the mix.( This what the original recipe calls for but I change it to geranium.) Put it in a dark glass bottle, shake it up and keep it in the fridge. According to research the skin's ability to absorb active ingredients peaks between midnight and and 4 am in the morning. So to treat your skin to a nightcap  of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins can work wonders for your skin. You also have to nourish the face from the inside to make sure it gets all the  nutrients it needs. Your face needs antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium and beta carotene to assist in minimizing the damage caused by sunlight and pollution. Foods to eat are berries, fresh mango, spinach. Make a salad with water cress, olive oil, or a carrot and orange salad with raisins; butternut squash soup; handful of Brazil nuts; dried apricots or pomegranate juice.  Zinc, iron and magnesium are key minerals involved in repairing and maintaining skin cells. I prefer to use spirulina  since it is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and amino acids. I also add it to smoothies and whey protein shakes. For a smoothie, add 1tbsp or a 2 capsules to about 1 cup of natural yogurt, blend with half a banana and a handful of strawberries. Co-enzyme Q10 and B vitamins play  a vital role in generating energy within the skin cells.  Sardines and mackerel are sources of Q10 or you can start taking a supplement instead. Start taking a B-vitamin Complex. Omega 3 and 6 are used in cell membranes and they help fortify the skin's natural barrier function. It may be hard to come by non toxic fish today, a general rule is to stay away from bottom feeders. If you purchase supplements make sure you buy from a company that has good reputation for testing their products. Here is a list of how toxic some fish oil supplements are: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/21/DDCR1CI52J.DTL Of course pure filtered or distilled water and avoiding junk food is a must if you healthy skin. Before you leave: I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil. Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun. Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils: Topical Application Inhaling Essential Oils Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly? How to Dilute Essential Oils Vita Flex Technique If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.  Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. This post is linked up to: Simple Lives Thursday Wildcrafting Wednesday  Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways