Friday, June 19, 2009

Wash the Germs Away!!

Worried about illnesses such as the much-talked about swine flu or H1N1 infecting our kids? The most basic and effective way to prevent the spread of these germs among our kids is by encouraging them to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

Most of our kids spend a lot of time in close contact at school, daycare and during play. Being active and sociable in nature, they are most likely to expose themselves
to germs via a variety of sources, such as direct contact among kids, contaminated surfaces and animals. Without frequent hand-washing, kids can get infected with these germs by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Such hand-to-hand contact is the easiest medium to spread infectious diseases such as common cold and flu.

According to Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent our kids from getting sick and spreading germs to others.
So let's cultivate this simple and easy habit of washing hands with soap and clean running water for a mere 20 seconds to keep doctors away!

Unlike traditional soaps or chemical-based hand washes, which can actually dry and crack the skin with frequent use (making children less likely to wash their hands), try California Baby Wash-Up!Moisturizing Hand Washes instead. They contain only natural cleansers and organic and sustainably grown ingredients that are healthier and gentler on sensitive skin.

Make hand-washing fun. Get your kids to wash their hands regularly by simply following California Baby's step-by-step static cling, using the California Baby motto: "Soap + Vigorous Hand Rubbing for 20 seconds = Destroys Microbes!".

Monday, June 15, 2009

Therapeutic Plants: Nature's Healer

Common Name Aloe
Latin Name Aloe vera
Part Used Leaves
Properties Healing
Medicinal Uses Its clear gel is used for treating minor burns, wounds and certain skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm

Common Name Calendula
Latin Name Calendula Officinalis
Part Used Flower
Properties Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
Medicinal Uses Used in a variety of ointments and lotions for soothing irritated, chapped skin, healing eczema and cooling sunburn

Common Name Chamomile
Latin Name
Matricaria recutita
Part Used Dried flower heads, oil
Properties Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antispasmodic effects
Medicinal Uses Accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation, including eczema and promoting tissues regeneration

Common Name Eucalyptus
Latin Name Eucalyptus globulus
Part Used Leaves, oil
Properties Antiseptic and astringent
Medicinal Uses Eucalyptus oil actively dilates bronchioles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe, hence widely used to treat coughs and colds. Also used to heal wounds and fungal infections

Common Name Evening Primrose
Latin Name Oenothera biennis
Part Used Seed, oil, leaves
Properties Antiseptic and astringent
Medicinal Uses Treating skin eruptions of infants, and other skin diseases such as eczema, and allergic dermatitis

Common Name Lavender
Latin Name Lavandula angustifolia
Part Used Flowers, essential oil
Properties Antiseptic
Medicinal Uses Helping quell anxiety and clear the mind. Used as a mild antiseptic to treat wounds, burns, skin ailments, fungal infections, sunburn and muscle pain. Also used to mask unpleasant odors

Common Name Olive Tree
Latin Name Olea europea
Part Used Leaves
Properties Astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal activity
Medicinal Uses Olive leaves are used to treat boils, skin rashes and sprains

Common Name Orange
Latin Name Citrus sinensis
Part Used Fruits, fruit rind, flower
Properties Antioxidant
Medicinal Uses Smelling neroli oil can have anti-depressive effects; it is used to combat nervous strain, anxiety and fear, also useful for fatigue and insomnia

Common Name Rosemary
Latin Name Rosmarinus officinalis
Part Used Leaves, twigs
Properties Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, antimicrobial and antioxidant
Medicinal Uses It is applied externally, in oils and ointments for rheumatism and to increase circulation

Common Name Tea Tree
Latin Name Melaleuca alternifolia
Part Used Leaves
Properties Antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory
Medicinal Uses Effective treatment for acne and for fungal infections; also used for other ailments such as wounds, warts, eczema and insect bites

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Heavenly Scented Sun Safe Protection in a Flip-Top Tube



We have discovered this really great California Baby's Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion which is now available at our online store LittleGreenBuddies.com. Her formulas are light and elegant, with beautiful aromatherapy delicate scents. Made with organic and sustainably grown ingredients, it provides high-level protection to your little ones' skins against sunburn. Its water resistant formula retains effectiveness after 80 minutes of activity in water or perspiring. With this water resistent gentle formula, it is guaranteed that it won't drip into your kids' eyes and sting when your kids sweat!

Moms, our fabulous find works great under make-up because it is non-greasy and gives really nice 'cover-up' base under foundation or powder! Teenagers with open pores, oily or acne skin, you will definitely love this gorgeous non-chemical sunscreen lotion! A must have organic goody for everyone!!