organic – Page 2 – Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, PR4

Shopping consciously

November 28, 2015November 28, 2019 by JMReflex, posted in Carbon Neutral, Eco-friendly, Environment, Organic, Trading Fairly

It’s that time of year again where we start thinking about the Christmas shopping. We are all looking for a good deal, a bargain, the ideal gift.

But what are we actually buying? Where did it come from? Who made it? How was it grown? How many people were involved it’s creation and how were they treated? How much were they paid? What is the item’s carbon footprint?

Enough of the mindless purchasing of gifts just to get the job done. These questions make us conscious shoppers.

As an Independent Consultant for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic I’m passionate about the ethics and ethos of my business. The products and gift boxes I sell encourage a more holistic way of health, beauty and wellbeing.

Here’s a few areas highlighting why shopping with me is such a great choice…

Organic

We believe in “Soil Not Oil” and protect the planet by using sustainably-sourced organic ingredients, grown from healthy soil, free from oil-based fertilisers and preservatives.

We work hard to minimise our impact on the environment

Throughout our Christmas Gift range, we use Carbon Balanced Paper and were awarded the very first World Land Trust (WLT) Certificate in doing so. By choosing Carbon Balanced Paper we have balanced, through the WLT, the equivalent of 17.4 tonnes of CO2 so far, preserving 815m2 of critically threatened tropical forest.

In addition, by using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paper and card in our other gifts and printed materials we are further helping to protect the world’s forests.

Carbon Neutral

We grow many of the organic herbs at the eco-factory in Peacemarsh, Dorset, and Sheepdrove Organic Farm in Berkshire. This gives us zero-transport miles!

We are a Carbon Neutral company, and our eco-factory has 200m2 of solar panelling installed!

People Helping People

We also make sure we know the origins of every herb and ingredient we use.

Trading fairly we build strong, sustainable relationships with our suppliers, some of whom have been with us for the last 30 years.

We are changing the lives of women in Northern Kenya by trading FairWild certified organic frankincense, bringing rare and valuable income to the women of the Samburu Tribe.

We believe in people helping people: our Fairtrade rooibos comes from small-scale growers in the Cedarburg region of South Africa, home of the rooibos plant.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified Reflexologist, Acupuncturist and Independent Consultant (Group Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.

Feeling the burn? Be careful what you slap on

July 1, 2015November 7, 2019 by JMReflex, posted in Health & Wellbeing, Skincare, Sun care

I think I’m safe in saying that we all look forward to the summer and the summer holidays.

The problem with the summer is the risk of sun damage to our skin, from prolonged exposure, burning and skin cancers.

We need to find a good balance between safe sun exposure for vitamin D production whilst simultaneously protecting us against skin cancer.

UV explained

The sun’s UV (ultra violet) rays can be a danger. They both have strong links in the development of skin cancers. Here they are explained in a nutshell:

UVA: these rays penetrate deep into the skin and are strongly connected to premature aging. This is the predominant tanning ray.

UVB: these rays mostly affect the surface of the skin and cause reddening and sunburn.

The World Health Organisation have identified UV as a human carcinogen.

Which suncare product?

Firstly look for “Broad Spectrum”. This means that the product has been tested and guaranteed to provide both UVA and UVB protection.

The Neal’s Yard Remedies range is Broad Spectrum.

Many suncare products usually contain synthetic and potentially toxic chemicals e.g. sun filters, preservatives, colouring, perfume. Nano technology is often used too, however this means that these tiny particles are then absorbed by the body and can be harmful to the environment.

Neal’s Yard Remedies use a physical barrier as opposed to a chemical barrier. A certified non-nano form of zinc oxide is used, which is processed so that the particles become transparent. This allows the zinc to better cover and shield the skin while minimising the white cast that used to be a common trait of physical sunscreens.

A physical barrier is much better for us than a chemical barrier which can be absorbed through the skin and be toxic to the body.

Other suncare nasties are oxybenzone, octocrylene, honosalate, octonoxate, methylisothiazolinone, the latter a common preservative to which more than 10% of the population are allergic (Allergy UK).

Chemical suncare ingredients are linked to hormone disruption, skin allergies, and traces have even been found in mothers’ milk!

Neal’s Yard Remedies use natural mineral filters blended with deeply nourishing and organic shea butter, conditioning beeswax and moisturising oils of karanja and baobab, infused with cleansing lemongrass and soothing lavender essential oils (which are also naturally insect-repelling). Together they protect, nurture and moisturise the skin.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and independent consultant (Team Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.

What can we do for Eczema?

March 12, 2015November 26, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Eczema, Health & Wellbeing, Nutrition, Reflexology, Skincare, Stress, TCM

Eczema is dry, itchy, flaky, red and inflamed skin (and sometimes worse). It is largely a chronic condition meaning that it is long-lasting and can be controlled but not cured.

Those suffering with eczema usually suffer also with other conditions such as asthma and hay fever. This is because they are all types of allergies; the body has an inappropriate allergic reaction to antigens that are usually harmless (e.g. animal hair, pollen, dust). When the body reacts in this way it releases huge amounts of histamine which then causes inflammation, itching, sneezing, wheezing etc. It is usually the immune response that causes the damage to the body, not the allergen itself. (1)

So what can we do for eczema, and why do people suffer with eczema? I believe it has a lot to do with the gut. If we don’t have good gut health then the toxic overload is too much for our bodies and the skin will try to help by excreting those toxins. Remember that the skin is an outlet as well as a protective barrier and receptor. So cleaning up diets, eliminating processed foods, sugar, caffeine etc. and increasing the intake of vegetables and water is going to have a profound effect in the long term. I think we all have room for improvement with our diets!

But in the shorter term something is needed to apply to the skin to reduce the symptoms and give relief. This is particularly true for children whom are a large group of atopic (hereditary) eczema suffers. Any petroleum-based products are not going to do this. The skin might feel soft and moisturised initially but after continued use the product will block the skin’s pores, causing imbalances in the skin’s natural equilibrium and resulting in even more problems.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its replacement, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are both known irritants. Beware of products labelled “sensitive”. Many products on the market are full of chemicals that have no place on the skin. However, most people can tolerate them. For those who can’t, the manufacturer removes the problem chemicals, and replaces them with some that are actually worse, on the basis that the customer is unlikely to react to both. (2)

The following products are those which myself and colleagues have seen to be helpful with treating eczema:

NYRO baby balm. This balm protects and calms the skin with a combination of gentle, moisturising ingredients, including olive oil, coconut oil and shea nut butter. Apply as required to affected areas. One mother kindly shared these amazing photographs of her daughter’s eczema, before and after using the NYRO baby balm for 6 weeks.

For small patches of eczema or dermatitis, consider the NYRO Stellaria Cream which is fabulous at reducing itching. Chickweed, a traditional herb renowned for cooling and soothing itching or red skin, is the active ingredient in this formula.

Another fantastic product to try is the anti-inflammatory and deeply soothing Calendula and Oat Lotion, which is suitable for extreme dryness and sensitive skin.

One particular customer has experienced great success with seemingly uncontrollable eczema by the daily application of organic virgin coconut oil. Try to find a coconut oil that is raw, unrefined, unbleached, and processed without heat to retain its unique balance of nutrients. Applied directly to the skin, coconut oil makes an extremely effective conditioning treatment, gently soothing dry, sensitive skin or scalps.

As a reflexologist, I am very much aware of the power of stress and what it can do to the body. If you are suffering with eczema it could be exacerbated by stress, or vica versa. A course of reflexology might help the situation, calming the sympathetic nervous system and in turn stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and allowing the body to regain a state of relaxation and homeostasis. During the reflexology sessions particular emphasis would be paid to specific reflex points, particularly those of the digestive system, endocrine system, lymphatics and immune systems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the lungs are linked to the colon; they share the same meridian. This ties in with the commonalities between eczema, asthma and hayfever, and highlights another reason to look to improve digestive health. They are both organs of elimination.

Along with a cleaned-up diet, a cleansing and healing supplement such as aloe vera juice and/or beauty oil might also be used to help with the healing and replenishing process. Aloe vera juice is an excellent digestive tonic. Beauty oil is a blend of avocado, hemp, flax and evening primrose oils.

(1) Ross & Wilson Anatomy & Physiology in Health and Illness. p371

(2) Closed discussion thread

Are you being greenwashed?

January 30, 2015November 7, 2019 by JMReflex, posted in Health & Wellbeing, Skincare

What is greenwashing?

Firstly, to determine whether or not you are being greenwashed, it might be useful to determine what greenwashing actually is. Greenwashing is the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing to promote the perception that an organization’s products, aims or policies are environmentally friendly.

Unlike the food you eat, there is a lack of organic regulations for cosmetics, and in some cases due to the complexity of calculating ‘organic’ in beauty products, there has been a proliferation of new brands that exaggerate their organic or natural status. Some contain very few organic ingredients at all, and others also contain quite a few synthetic ingredients that no green consumer would expect or want! (1) But its not just about ‘organic’, its also about claims that products are ‘completely natural’ or ‘free from chemical nasties’. It’s nonsense when companies claim to be “chemical-free” – everything is made from chemicals – preservatives, plants, people and the universe! (1) It is the synthetically made petrochemicals that are the ones to be avoided (see previous post).

To avoid being greenwashed, choose products that have independent certification (Soil Association, USDA, etc.), or choose companies that clearly identify their ingredients and sourcing policies. (1)

Beware of clever wording

If the ingredients list states something like “Key ingredients are” and then a line of essential oils, then there is something deliberately being omitted. Where is the full ingredients list?

Some companies like to use the tag-line “paraben-free” which is great – but what are they using as a preservative instead? And what else is in the ingredients list? The marketing focus is perhaps drawing the consumer into a false sense of security.

Another clear message of suspicion is when you look at a particular company’s website to find out the ingredients list of a particular product, but none is given. Transparency is the key here. If the company is not willing to disclose the ingredients list on their website then it is likely that there is something to hide.

Remember that cosmetics ingredients are listed in order of quantity so the ingredients that make up the bulk of the formulation are listed first. The exception to this rule is is that any ingredient under one percent concentration can be listed in any order, so brands will often put more exotic ingredients first to draw customers in. (2)

Do your research

Products like essential oil blends and balms are plant and plant/wax-based and made simply from cold pressed seed oils, steam distilled essential oils and beeswax. These can be 100% organic.

Natural ingredients used in beauty care – such as clays, minerals and salt – can not be termed ‘organic’ because they are not living organisms or the products of farming. However those used in NYR products are of the finest quality and are harvested sustainably.

In NYR products the ‘functional’ ingredients such as emulsifiers (combining oil and water) and surfactants (foaming and rinsing agents) are processed from natural plant material (as opposed to being derived from petrochemicals).

Neal’s Yard Remedies has a long history of using certified organic ingredients as well as making almost all of certified organic products in its own eco-factory in Dorset in the UK. Organic ingredients are always labelled first on each product, and the little green box % box is also given. (1)
(1) https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/jackiemarsden/area/ingredients-statement/

(2) https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/dissecting-a-beauty-product-label

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net