Company Review: Essential Oxygen – Organic Brushing Rinse and Food Grade Peroxide

Essential Oxygen – Promoting optimal health by creating truly effective and natural cleaning products. In business since 2009.

I first came across this company and their products at my friend, Barry Koral’s home (I interviewed him for a preview Q and A on my blog). I never heard of, nor saw this product before and don’t see it being sold in the local health food stores (I noticed that Whole Foods is carrying it now and also on Amazon.com). I am Hardcore about only using products that live up to my purist standards. The first thing I do, and recommend to others, is to read the ingredients. If you can’t pronounce something then either don’t buy it or research what it is. Whatever we put on our skin (our largest organ)is immediately absorbed into our bodies and I don’t want to put chemicals of any kind on it!

This applies equally when it comes to our oral care products. If you are brushing your teeth and using mouthwash that is chemically-based all that is being absorbed directly into your bloodstream – YUCK! That is where this company’s products come into play, as the best and absolute purest on the market today. Back to my introduction to this product (at Barry’s home)- I looked at the ingredients on the brushing rinse that he had (it was on a shelf in his hallway and not in his bathroom, or I might have never discovered it) and was very impressed. It was made with essential oils and food grade peroxide and certified organic, to boot! What a great find! I took down the information, but never really did anything about it at the time (that was more then 3 years ago).

I met Mystica, the owner of Essential Oxygen, at Expo West in Anaheim in 2011 at her booth. She gave me some products to try. I took them home and used them. I knew they were a hit with me because they were the purest. I didn’t know her story, at the time, but read about it on her website. She created the products to fulfill a need, first for herself because she had advanced periodontal disease. It worked wonders for her and then she wanted to share this with the public.

What people don’t realize is that the health of your teeth has an affect on the health of your body to a great extent, from your cardiovascular system to your kidneys, etc. If your take care of your oral health then your overall health will benefit to a great extent. I have been using both the brushing rinse and the food grade peroxide on a regular basis and can definitely see a difference in the health of my teeth. I have not used “conventional” toothpaste in years. At first it took some time to get used to the taste/non-flavor of peroxide (I was using food grade peroxide for a while from another source without the essential oils that are in the brushing rinse) and after I while I was used to it. I didn’t need all the stuff that just coats the enamel of your teeth and doesn’t help to keep them clean and healthy.

The products are very versatile and have multiple uses. The brushing rinse call also be used as a mouthwash, helps to naturally whiten the teeth, great for tartar, canker sores, etc. The food grade peroxide is use for first aid, plant fertilizer, oral rinse, etc.

Once I realized how great this product is, I wanted to have Mystica participate in the Q and A on my blog that I started last year so I contacted her, but she didn’t have the time. I saw her again this year at Expo West and received more product – YEY! She said she would like to be part of my Q and A, so I hope to post that to my blog in the future.

In the meantime, I recommend you check out her website (I am posting a link on the right-hand side of the blog under the section titled Blogroll. She has some great articles there on oral health, as well as more info about the products she sells to the public.

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Company Review: Zorbitz – Crystal and Gemstone Jewelry

Zorbitz – Crystal and Beaded Jewelry (products inspiring positive change – in business since 2003)

I first met this mother and daughter team/company a few years ago at Expo West. They had a small booth and were giving out beaded bracelets with a message (depending on which stone was used). I was introduced to the product years before I met the owners, as my Mom bought me one of the luck bracelets at a restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada. From then on I started to notice their bracelets in some health food stores I shop at.

They have a great story to tell about how they got started (almost 10 years ago with very little capital and are now a “booming” business) and you can read about it on their website (Robyn, the daughter, will be answering the Q and A for my blog, so I hope to get a more personal perspective from her very soon). They are real, down-to-earth and a true inspiration to what can be created and accomplished with very little knowledge, but lots of patience, persistence and perseverance. With all their success, they continually give back to charity. Their jewelry is worn by many of Hollywood’s “hottest” stars, as seen in various magazines.

I have become a friend and a “fan” of their products and message. I wear different bracelets depending on the color of my outfits (I have numerous ones to pick from and especially like the crystal ones – thanks to the generosity of Robyn and her awesome Mom, who by the way has gotten the marathon bug and has run some in LA). I always get compliments on my bracelets. I am a walking advertisement/promotion for Zorbitz and more then happy to support them in this way and let the public know about their products.

To read more about the company and see their complete line of jewelry, click on the website link on the right-hand side of this page.

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Company Review: Bio Bag – compostable non-GMO trash, produce, dog waste, lawn/garden bags

Bio Bag-certified compostable, non-GMO trash, produce, dog waste, lawn, leaf and garden bags (formerly PolarGruppen AS started producing compostable plastics in Norway in 1993)

I met Jennifer Wagner at Expo West a few years ago and immediately liked the products, especially since no other company was providing the public with this option. I took home some samples to try and have been using them ever since. You can read my Q & A interview with Jennifer Wagner on a previous blog post with the main heading of: People, Products and the Health of our Planet

The parent company is located in Europe, specifically, Norway. I did not know that till this year when I saw Jennifer at Expo West. They have many great products for your pets, garden and even an option for a portable toilet using their compostable bags. They are working on some new products that I am really excited to share with you (they are not out on the market as, yet, but I saw the prototypes for them) and will be BIG for all of us that are looking for an alternative that you don’t have to throw in the trash. The 2 new items are plastic wrap and zip-lock bags (that are not made of plastic, but non-GMO certified compostable materials). Right now the issue is the cost for making the products and how to be able to bring it to the consumer without it being cost-prohibitive.

BioBag is on a mission that is now almost 20 years strong and continues to lead the way in finding better sources for materials that can be used for everyday products. I am thrilled for the future, knowing that they are having a substantial positive impact for the people and the planet.

Please check out the link for this company on the right-hand side of this page under the heading of Blogroll.

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Company Review: Maggie’s Functional Organics – Apparel for Men, Women and Children

Maggie’s Functional Organics-Apparel for Men, Women and Children (providing a better choice for your clothing since 1992 – 20 years)

I have purchased many of Maggie’s products long before I met the owner, Bena Burda at the Expo a couple of years ago (I will have a Q and A with her to post to my blog in the near future). Since I began my vegan lifestyle/journey over 20 years ago and started eating organic food, I made a gradual progression to purchasing organic clothing, as well. I started with underwear, socks, tights and tee-shirts (now I have LOTS)– whenever I found a great deal/sale (in a store or online) and also have gotten shirts as gifts, too. I now also have skirts and long sleeve tops/jerseys, as well (not everything I buy is from Maggie’s).

I learned that cotton is the 3rd most pesticide-laden crop that is being produced on this planet and having those toxins up against your skin in insane! (also, the skin is our largest organ and you absorb chemicals through it that go directly into your bloodstream). Just like when you change to organic food, start with those items that come into direct contact with the skin and are more sensitive – that being, your underwear, bra/tank top and socks.

Taking baby steps to make this happen is a lot easier on you and your wallet. I would also recommend shopping at thrift stores where you can find great clothing (less pesticides, but I still have to soak in vinegar and baking soda and put out in the sun because they use some chemicals on them before they put out to sell and I can smell it!) and prices. I also purchase hemp and bamboo clothing.

Maggie’s has a great selection of apparel to choose from and always has closeouts/markdowns on the site. Scroll down to the right-hand side of the page for a link to the website with information about the company and products. Please support companies, such as this one, as it creates a need for more organic cotton to be grown (the concept of supply and demand). To me it is more important to spend little or nothing on things that don’t matter I don’t have a TV or a car) and buy what will help to improve my health and that of the planet, as well!

Check out my picture wearing the tie-dye leg warmers and testimonial by scrolling down the page and click on the tab that says testimonials – copy and paste the link below

http://www.maggiesorganics.com/2010_product_style.php?style_id=127&cat_id=2

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Company Review: Natracare – Organic Feminine Hygiene

Natracare – Organic Feminine Hygiene Products (protecting women’s health and the environment since 1990 – 22 years)

When it comes to using any products that come in contact with our skin (especially when they are in more sensitive areas of our body), they ought to be of the highest quality and regard. There are so many commercial options on the market that may have deleterious affects (you may not notice anything in the short-term, but it could come up after many years of using toxic products and it could be an after thought that it had anything to do with the condition/issue you are dealing with).

Please do not take what I have said here lightly. This is a serious matter. Women use pads and tampons for their monthly cycle and need to know that there are better/safer options (forget about cost because when it comes to your health, don’t cut corners). Cotton is the third most pesticide laden product on this planet and yet, women are ok with inserting that into their most private area and exposing themselves to who knows how many chemicals.

There has been an option for organic cotton pads, liners, tampons, nursing pads, etc for many years and the woman behind this is Susie Hewson (a sweet and lovely English lady, who by the way, created this awesome gown from older versions of her products and packaging. I had the pleasure of wearing it at Expo West in 2011 and was dubbed Princess Natracare.

You can view photos and a short video at this link- copy and paste
http://sisters.natracare.com/p970/en-GB/The-Wall.aspx –
(scroll down to where it says The Natracare Ball Gown)
It journeyed all over the globe afterwards and was in need of repairs so I could not model it for the public at this year’s expo) and her company, Natracare. I met Susie and her team at Expo West years ago and she continues to be a pioneer and innovator when it comes to feminine products. She is truly doing a great service for the women of this world. I thank Susie, as I am a proud user of these products, exclusively! Look for a Q and A with Susie in the near future that will be posted on my blog.

Please go to the link I have provided on the right-hand side of this page for more information about the company and their products. Spread the word about these great products to all the females in your life- family, friends, neighbors and co-workers so they too can have a safer and healthier option for their personal hygiene.

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Company Review: Environne – Fruit and Vegetable Wash and Cleaning Products

Environne: Fruit and Vegetable Wash available since 1987, Diane Mahoney the owner since 1996.

I have had the pleasure of knowing the owner of Environne, Diane Mahoney, for many years from meeting her at Expo West in Anaheim, CA. It is the only time we actually see each other and catch up on life’s goings on. She is a great advocate for the health and wellness of the public with products she offer, as they serve a purpose and a need. Basically, we met when her company was in its “infancy,” and now it has grown with quite a few product behind including her best selling Fruit and Vegetable Wash.

Besides this great product, my other favorite is the Multi-Task Cleaner. It is such a versatile product and the 2oz size is great to take with you when you travel or in your purse for daily use. It has natural alcohol, so if you are a bit of a germ/clean “freak,” (and who isn’t these days) and concerned about how sanitary others are, then use it for wiping down doorknobs, phone, faucet handles, etc in your hotel room. If you rent a car, use it all all the handles, dashboard, etc. You get the idea now,that it can be used for many things besides cleaning mirrors and floors in your home.

I have previously interviewed Diane for my Q & A Series and you can read her thoughts by going to the archive for October 2011. Please check out her website for more information about the company and all the great products being offered (the link is on the right hand side of the page when you scroll down to the heading “Blogroll”).

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Company Review: Harmony Cone – Ear Candles

Harmony Cone – Ear Candles (a holistic approach since 1992 – 20 years)

I have the pleasure of knowing Doc Harmony for a number of years. I met her and her husband, Kevin, at Expo West in Anaheim. She radiates strength, beauty and an abundant passion to provide “alternative” options for health (she is a Naturopathic Doctor). Every year that I attend the show, I learn more fascinating insight into her life and how she came to start this company. As was told by Kevin (I am paraphrasing from what I remember), Harmony was a single Mom with a son who had lingering ear problems/infection for 6 months with no relief from any of the conventional treatments. She was told my a man about using ear candles as a way that may help. Harmony tried it, even though her son was fussy about having it done and it was the first night he slept peacefully in months and the “problem” was gone the next morning. It is always great to here a “success” story like this and then Harmony wanting to share this product with others who may be experiencing the same issue

In Harmony’s quest to bring this to the public, she has chosen to employ those who are less fortunate, such as single Mom’s (as she was) and those with other challenges to make the candles. The company uses the highest quality materials so there is no chance of any negative results and continues to refine and make necessary improvements for a better experience. No claims can be made that the candles can eliminate any ear aches, infections, etc, so you be the judge when you use it yourself. I have been using these ear candles for years and do enjoy the process and the relaxation I feel, amongst other things.

If you do decide to try ear candles, know that Harmony Cone are the top sellers in the market with no adverse incidents ever in the 20 years they have been available to the public. I say this because there are other companies who have had lawsuits because they used inferior materials. Don’t settle for second best or a cheaper candle because it may result in a stigma you have toward this industry altogether (like one bad apple ruins it for the bunch).

Another very important matter relating to ear candles, is the fact that the FDA is trying to ban the public from using them, claiming they are “medical devices.” How this came about is because Pfizer (the BIG drug company, came up with a children’s vaccine for ear infections – which has already killed some children in the US and some in Japan – where they have banned its use {our government has done nothing about it}). So in order to “take control,” they don’t want the public to have access to a “natural” product that may help and you would then need to get a prescription for it.

Harmony Cone, along with a few small candle companies and others are fighting the good fight against the FDA and are close to taking it to the Supreme Court (they told me first-hand that they will never give in and would rather burn down the company here in the US and start over in another country before they give even a cent to the FDA). If you would like to assist, there is a petition you can print out and sign (go to the link I provided and print it out–you will get 10 free candles for every 20 signatures you get and tell each person who signs to do the same. Don’t stop at 20, get as many as possible and you will get more free candles. We the public need to show that we will not be put down by BIG Pharma or any others who want to take away our rights as citizens.

Copy and paste the link below to get the petition that you can print out

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=136642f07ca1ae61&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3Ddd0e075838%26view%3Datt%26th%3D136642f07ca1ae61%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbRrTM0087Bm2dUGFPuPtPSyFhqN_Q

Harmony has agreed to be part of the Q and A series I am doing on my blog, but has not been able to work on it because most of her time is being taken up with traveling and fighting against the FDA. Hopefully, that will all end soon (so Harmony and Kevin can have their lives back) and she can have the time to share her personal thoughts with the public, via my blog.

Disclaimer
I advise you to educate yourselves adequately and seek advise from a qualified holistic health professional/specialist before trying this product if you have any doubts. The information contained here, is not intended as a diagnosis, cure or treatment for any disease or ailment. Neither I, nor Harmony Cone and their associates accept liability or responsibility for any adverse consequences you might encounter in using this product.

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Company Review: Freeland Foods/Go Raw -Raw Organic Vegan Snacks

Freeland Foods/Go Raw – Raw Organic Vegan Snacks (serving the public since 2002 – 10 years)

I have known this company for many years and consider myself a friend of the owner. It is great to develop close(r) relationships with those who are pioneers in this industry and who are truly “real,” in their life, lifestyle and how they conduct business. It is a great model and great story. The first time I met Rob(ert) Freeland was at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market in San Diego more then 10 years ago and he was selling some raw vegan snack products (he studied and worked at the Optimum Health Institute prior to starting this business). I did not know much about raw food, but he gave me a snack to try and I liked it. At the time they were in wax paper type bags and had a sticker/label on it with information about the product (they’ve come a long way since then). I brought some products to a class I was teaching on raw foods at the School of Healing Arts in Pacific Beach and people were very interested.

Rob rented a space on University Avenue and built his own custom dehydrators to produce the products. I visited there a number of times and got to see how the production worked. I was one of the first to sample the chocolate before it was introduced to the public. From there, eventually the company and Freeland family (wife and children) made a big change by moving north to be closer to family and found a space to expand the business (Rob and family have moved back to San Diego, but the business is still up north, but plans are in the works to move it back to SD). Time has created great success for Rob and the company. The public gets to enjoy the benefits of great certified organic raw vegan snack products (flax snax, granola, super cookies and chips, chocolate, energy bars and sprouted seeds) that are free of oils, sugars, GMO’S, nuts, gluten and wheat. Having an option like this is great!

Please be mindful that these are dehydrated snacks. This means that you will need to drink lots of fluids to make up for that. Also most have flax and/or other seeds and/or coconut so the fat content will be much higher then if you simply ate some fresh fruit. Don’t get me wrong, the snacks are delicious and it is very easy to “indulge” and eat more then you intended to. Eating too much fat is not beneficial to the body regardless of whether it is raw or cooked, vegan, vegetarian or animal-based. The reason being, is that it creates more of an acidic state in the body in which it will need to work harder to return to an alkaline balance.

I support Rob and his company with all they do in promoting eating foods that are closer to nature and are better for the planet then the other “crap” people are eating. These snacks are a transition/stepping stone to getting further into eating whole, fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables. We are helping ourselves and helping the planet, as well!

I do have some constructive criticism to share: There are some changes I would like to see in ingredients currently used in the products. First, would be replacing sea salt with kelp powder (I have an article about this in a previous blog post that was written by Roger Haeske, and not all of you are going to agree with me on what he says – you can do your own research – I have read many other articles on the subject of salt and why it is not beneficial to our health – we do need sodium because it is a mineral, but sodium chloride is not!). I would also like to see an alternative to agave syrup because it is not all it is “cracked up” to be (with the research done, it has been touted to be on par with HFCS -high fructose corn syrup – not good!). I believe that coconut sugar in liquid form would be a better option, but not sure if it is raw. I would also like to see a veggie chip that is made out of something other then kale (which has saturated the market by other companies).

Please check out the website (scroll down to link on the far right-hand side of this page) for more information about the company, products and locations to purchase.

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What’s In A Name? Go Raw, Harmony Cone, Environne, Natracare, Maggie’s Organics, Bio Bag, Zorbitz, Essential Oxygen, Organic America, 100 Percent Pure,Harmless Harvest,Bambooee

If you are wondering what this is all about, let me explain. I attend the Natural Products Expo (Expo West) in Anaheim at the Convention Center every March (been going for 13 years straight and I have the bag from the show in 2000 to prove it!). It is the largest expo in the world for the natural product industry and this year attracted about 60 thousand attendees and some 3,000 booths. Since I am in the industry (as a chef and educator), I love to go and see those I have developed a relationship with for many years and meet new and interesting people. One of the things I look for are companies and/or products with integrity, purity and purpose.

I have had the opportunity to do some Q & A interviews with some of these companies (you can read in previous posts on this blog) and I am hoping to have some others in the future. In the meantime, I have decided to write my own insights/reviews with some new companies from the expo and some that I have known for years. It is great to see that there are still those companies and/or products out in the world that are wanting to do “good” for the people and the planet and I believe it will continue to happen because we are demanding it!

Stay Tuned!
Chef Mindy aka The Hardcore Purist – I won’t stand for anything less! (let the companies know I referred you)

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My Cleansing Repertoire – Using Mineral-Rich Carlsbad Water – Reactions and Results

For the next 3 days, I used a different water that is even higher in alkalinity, at a pH of 8.76. I want to see if there is a difference in how I feel and how much I drink. This water is available at a spa in Carlsbad, CA. It was discovered a long time ago and you can read more about the source at www.carlsbadalkalinewater.com

My second 3 days using Carlsbad Alkaline Water Only

Day 1 – Sunday February 26. 2012
Today is the 4th day of my cleanse. I decided that I want to use both types of high alkaline water and drink them separately so I can really tell if there is any difference. My cleanse is for a total of 12 days, so I decided to do half on just water and half on coconut water and water (mostly/all with the Carlsbad water, since I have more of it). I am drinking 3 days on each of the two types of water to give my body some time to feel the “affects,” so to speak.

When I had my first drink of water this morning, the taste was not the same as the previous 3 days, it did not taste as sweet as I thought it would. It still had a smooth taste and I do not have any headaches or hunger issues. I did initially get this water in a 5 gallon plastic bottle and then transferred it to glass bottles and jars within a short time after. I don’t know if this had any bearing on the taste of the water. I do not have a 5 gallon glass jug, but if I do decide to consume more of this water in the future, I may consider purchasing one or more 1 gallon bottles (then I will see if it changes the taste).

Since I have this water in many different types of jars and bottles, I am using the ones I know the size of , so I can still keep track of the total I drink for the day.

Consumption for the day: Total – 96 oz/12 cups/¾ of a gallon/3 quarts
9:30 am – 11 am – 16 oz
11:15 am – 2:10 pm – 32 oz
3 pm – 6:35 pm – 32 oz
7 pm – 8:30 pm – 16 oz

I drank more water then I did yesterday (76.4 oz). I don’t know if it is because I needed it or because of the higher alkalinity. It will be interesting to see how much of the water I drink tomorrow.

Day 2- Monday February 27. 2012

Today is the 5th day of my cleanse. I started out drinking the water almost an hour later then yesterday because I was busy talking on the phone and didn’t feel the need to. I am still feeling fine with no headaches or “feel” hungry. I believe the water is helping me very much, especially since it has a higher pH.

Consumption for the day: Total – 80 oz/10 cups/2 ½ quarts
10:25 am – 11:05 am – 16 oz
11:30 am – 2:45 pm – 32 oz
3:50 pm – 6:40 pm – 32 oz

I drank less water today then yesterday, as I was occupied with other things (phone, computer, etc) and also spent more time lying down in bed so didn’t need as much water. Also, I am going to bed earlier tonight because I have a lot to do tomorrow and would rather not have to get up during the night to use the bathroom.

Day 3- Tuesday February 28, 2012

Today, is the 6th day of my cleanse. I started drinking water earlier this morning, but then had a lapse for a while because I was working on the computer and didn’t feel thirsty, either. Still no side effects like a headache or hunger pangs, so that is good. The water is keeping me “nourished” and hydrated.

Consumption for the day: Total – 91 oz/11.3 cups/ almost 3 quarts
9:10 am – 10:30 am – 24 oz
12 pm – 4:35 pm – 27 oz
4:35 pm – 7:05 pm – 40 oz

I drank quite a bit more then yesterday and felt well hydrated, but a few ounces less than 2 days ago.

Now this gives you a sense of what it takes to stay hydrated and how good you can still feel with only drinking water.

Namaste!
Chef Mindy

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