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  We are re-introducing our  newest and favorably reviewed shea + mango butter based lotion! This lotion is for all skin types but if you have sensitive, acne prone, oily or dry skin this is the best natural option on the market for your skin care needs. Chemical free, dye free, paraben free, sulfate free, lye free and formaldehyde free. This is a lotion you can trust and everyone in the household from the babies up to the grandparents can use this lotion to nourish and soothe skin. We also created a list of the benefits for you to know why switching to our organic lotion is the best for your health: 1. PROMOTE HEALTHY SKIN To be considered organic, a product must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. This does not include water or salt. The following list includes several natural ingredients to look out for in organic lotions. Our lotion contains most of these ingredients plus a few others: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) prevents bacteria and soothes inflammation, redness, itchy skin, and sunburns. Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii) contains rich moisturizing properties that help improve dryness, flakiness, and redness. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) treats breakouts, redness, and inflammation. Say goodbye to those pesky pimples! Vitamin C helps prevent signs of aging and tightens skin for a youthful appearance. Vitamin E (typically sourced from Tocopheryl acetate) is a natural antioxidant, rich moisturizer, and excellent oil to help heal scars. Rosehip Oil (contains cartenoids, which helps keep your skin fresh and healthy by creating new skin cells) Mango Butter  (The abundance of Vitamin E and Vitamin C in mangos may help protect your skin from environmental stressors like sunlight, pollution, and even blue light from screens.) 2. AVOID HARMFUL INGREDIENTS In traditional, store-bought lotions, you will find countless questionable ingredients that can be harmful to your health and skin. Check out these commonly found ingredients below and what they are.  Artificial perfumes: these artificial scents are commonly found in most store-bought lotions. Due to a FDA loophole, beauty companies don’t have to list the possibly hundreds of chemicals used in fragrances. The FDA allows this, so companies can protect their trademark scents. However, this makes it impossible to know which chemicals are used in a lotion. Bisphenol A: BPA is used in plastics and exposure to this ingredient is linked to brain, behavior, and prostate gland issues in infants and children.   Butylated compounds: preservatives like BHA and BHT are typically found in skin creams, sunscreens, and personal products with synthetic scents. Studies have shown that this preservative can lead to organ toxicity, reproductivity, and skin irritations. Formaldehyde: this ingredient is used as a preservative in personal care products. However, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause serious respiratory irritation and nerve damage.  Parabens: this is a cheap preservative found in most store-bought beauty products. Parabens can cause issues, such as pain, itchiness, and GI tract irritation (when ingested).  Phthalates: this ingredient is usually found in plastic bottles, synthetic fragrances, household cleaners, personal care products, medical equipment, and even PVC materials. Unfortunately, phthalates have been tested and linked to certain types of cancers, puberty, obesity, and stunting growth. 3. IMPROVE YOUR SKIN’S NATURAL MOISTURIZING PROPERTIES By using an organic lotion (like ours), you can use a product that will improve your skin’s natural moisturizing properties. The perfect balance of natural oils, vitamins, and butters can help support your skin’s health, promote healing, and restore the stratum corneum (outermost skin layer). Indeed, an all-natural lotion can help give your skin the moisture it needs without feeling greasy or sticky.    4. ENJOY SOFTER   SKIN  An organic lotion contains   all-natural ingredients that   can help you achieve   softer  skin. We are all   exposed to things that can   make our skin feel rough,   such as the weather,   friction from clothes and   bags, and work. This can   lead to dry, irritated, or   chapped skin. When you   use an organic lotion, look for one that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which will help heal, soothe, and hydrate your skin. With repeat use, you will experience softer and healthier skin. 5. WORKS GREAT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES One of the main benefits of organic lotion is that it contains safer ingredients than store-bought versions. These all-natural organic ingredients offer a full range of benefits for a variety of skin types.   We hope this article helped you learn something new about the benefits of using organic lotion. As consumers start to care more about what is in the products they use, companies like us have a unique opportunity to help people achieve their skin goals without compromising their health. If you are interested in trying out our lotion, and other organic, plant based, natural products, check out Hello To Natural's full line of healthy and natural  products!    

As a Black-owned company, we'd like to take this time to feature eight publicly-traded Black-owned companies to keep an eye on in 2023.  These companies are well known to many, and new to others.  We are inspired by our community and those who strive for greatness around us.  We will continue to look for more ways to spotlight Black companies in other arenas as well. RLJ Lodging Trust website: https://investor.rljlodgingtrust.com/ stock ticker is RLJ RLJ is a real estate investment trust sector is hospitality portfolio consists of 103 hotels in 23 states Their business is focused on urban communities and densely-populated cities. They see high demand from high levels of tourism, corporate events, and vacationers became publicly traded on the NYSE in 2011 Robert Johnson is the founder and chairman of the company, Leslie D. Hale is the standing CEO Urban One website: https://urban1.com/ publicly traded on NASDAQ under ticker UONEK specialize in representing Black culture 20 million unique website visitors, 200 million app streams, 82% of Black America reached, 40 million video streams owns the brands TV One, Radio One, Reach Media, One Digital, One Solution, and Cleo TV Cathy Hughes is the founder, leading the company for more than 40 years founded in 1979, in Silver Springs, Maryland reported $111.5 million revenue for 2021, an increase of 20.3% from 2020 Ping Identity Holding website: https://www.pingidentity.com/en/company.html founded by Andre Durand in 2002 specialize in identity protection services publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker PING specialize in identity data management, intelligent access controls, and multi-factor authentication they have a trademarked intelligent identity platform used by 13 of the largest banks, 5 of the largest retailers, and 7 of the largest healthcare companies Carver Bancorp website: https://www.carverbank.com/ founded in 1948 traded on NASDAQ under stock ticker CARV a holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank. first branch opened in Harlem in 1949 a CDFI (community development financial institution) focus primarily on business development efforts and personal lending for poor communities in the US.  they process business loans without bias and offer personal loans to those who may be blocked out by other institutions. Broadway Financial Corp website: https://www.cityfirstbank.com/ founded in 1946 in Los Angeles a CDFI (community development financial institution)  started by offering loans to Black people who were denied by other institutions On April 1, 2021, the bank merged with City First Bank and became the largest Black-owned financial institution in the United States. Axon Therapeutics website: https://axontherapies.com/ a biopharmaceutical company focused on novel treatments for central nervous system conditions. traded on NASDAQ under the ticker AXSM American Shared Hospital Services website: https://ashs.com/ they provide equipment to hospitals and medical centers. founded in 1980 and incorporated in 1983. trades on the NYSE under the ticker AMS Citizens Bancshares Corporation website: https://ctbconnect.com/ publicly traded under the stock ticker CZBS. announced 100 year anniversary in 2021 founded by five black businessmen founded in Atlanta and headed by Heman E. Perry focused on the importance of equality in financial services, homeownership, fiscal responsibility, and thriftiness

African Black Soap has been a popular skincare product for centuries, and there are numerous reasons why people eagerly purchase the natural soap. From decreasing acne, to aiding with scalp detox, the powerful natural soap has gained (and rightfully earned!) a crown in the skincare and beauty community. If you are wondering what the benefits of adding Liquid African Black Soap to your skincare regiment is, here are ten of our top reasons:   1. Ready to Use & Easy to Store Our liquid black soap facial wash is packaged in an easy-to-use and store bottle. There is no heating up or waiting for the soap to melt down. Likewise, in our liquid black soap body wash, we combine the power of African Black Soap with Manuka honey, aloe vera, and purified Water to increase the moisturizing features. Our Liquid Black Soap features a variety of essential and fragrance oil options to keep skin fresh and to fight odors. 2. More Moisturizing & Skin Softening Benefits Naturally, African Black Soap has powerful cleansing and detoxing properties. In liquid form, the harshness can be decreased by adding properties that the skin loves. In our liquid black soap formulation we infuse jojoba and tea tree oils to improve the skin softening properties of the soap.  3. Controls Acne & Breakouts African Black Soap has numerous antibacterial properties which have been known to reduce acne and clear up breakouts. We like to pair our liquid black soap with a natural exfoliating sponge, like the African net sponge, to clean the skin. 4. Decreases Scars & Hyperpigmentation There have been studies conducted that show liquid African black soap being used to reduce and remove their stretch marks, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.  5. Anti-fungal & Anti-bacterial Properties Our African black soap features ingredients such as plantain ash (potash), palm kernel, coconut, and shea butter which in soap form provide numerous cleansing properties, including anti-fungal and antibacterial.  6. Clarifies & Detoxes Your Hair As a natural shampoo, African black soap works well to detox and clarify the scalp and hair. It is a great alternative to your normal shampoo, however will require you to deep condition or do a hot oil treatment afterwards. Try our ABS shampoo and hair growth serum and see the difference for yourself. 7. Great For All Over Body Cleansing Liquid black soap can be used to cleanse your face, body, feet, and hair! It does not discriminate :) 8. A Natural Exfoliant If you have itchy scalp or skin, Liquid black soap is great as a natural exfoliant whether you pair it with a sponge or not. For those with sensitive skin, however, we would suggest using the soap sparingly, or add additional liquid to avoid overloading your skin.  9. Reduces Irritation & Itchiness Razor bumps, ingrown hairs, foot fungus, and more! Liquid black soap's anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties are great for reducing irritation cause by skin fungus, waxing, and shaving. 10. Made With Love Our liquid African Black Soap body wash, facial wash & shampoo are made with love all the way in Illinois. Hand infused and bottled daily, we are proud to provide our liquid black soap products to our customers all in the U.S. and abroad. Grab your h2n soap today!

  We've combined the top plant-based skin-healing essential oils with shea butter and cocoa butter to bring you a balm that works!  The highlights of this balm are the menthol oil, eucalyptus oil, and camphor oil.  It relieves pain and inflammation topically on the skin. Click here to order our shea balm! Read ahead to as we break down all of the key ingredients and benefits. Menthol oil naturally cleanses the skin and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It has a cooling effect which soothes irritation and inflammation due to acne and other causes of skin inflammation. The oil of the Eucalyptus plant is reputed to carry out diverse functions for the skin. They are well-known for their purifying and cleansing properties. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that diminish redness and acne-related symptoms. Camphor oil is aromatic and absorbed through the skin. It can provide various health benefits, including pain relief and the easing of skin irritation. Camphor oil is extracted from the wood of camphor trees. This is our version of a famous "Vapor Rub", with healthy, plant based ingredients. Some who have tried it out say it works "like magic".The magic is in the plants that produce the oils we use.  We encourage you to try for yourself, order here. 

As we celebrate women’s history month this year, we wanted to celebrate and recognize someone near and dear to us and who had a huge impact on our lives and company and still continues to today. We want to salute Alice Carol Perry, my late mother, and original investor and unwavering supporter of Hello To Natural. Alice was a faithful daughter, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and woman of God. She spent her life in service of others and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her felt loved, seen, cherished and nurtured.  Over the course of her life, she was involved in a myriad of exciting adventures. Alice was a founding board member of Amistad Productions (Black Ensemble Theater Company) which she founded with her husband, Ernest. Alice served as a steward, sang with the choir, became a member of the women’s missionary society and lead a women’s group for social issues at her African Methodist Episcopal Church where she was a member for over 40 years. Alice was a housewife/homemaker. She was very proud and committed to raising her children and nurturing her family. She taught her girls how to cook, how to clean, often worked on arts and crafts projects and exposed her children to the theater, arts, piano and dance. Alice was not your typical housewife. She was heavily involved in political activism which involved marching, canvassing and advocating the importance of voting and participating in the political process. Alice also owned a catering business, Silver Spoon Catering, which she ran with her baby sister, Wilna. Alice was actively involved in her children’s education and access to opportunities and resources.  Starting from her early days teaching, from helping to create a parent organization at her children’s elementary school, she spent over twenty years combined as an employee, involved parent, and consultant for the Chicago Public School system.  If anyone knew Alice, they knew she possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. In February of 2017, she a key investor/mentor for Hello to Natural LLC. She was not only a loving mother to me, but also to Darrell and she encouraged us and felt like we had discovered something special with our business. She bought our products and shared them with friends and family and was always there encouraging us both along the way.  Alice’s experiences are vast and she lived a very full and exciting life. She gave to others endlessly and she touched everyone she met.  She had a multitude of interests and remained life-long learner and teacher. Most notedly, Alice was an avid reader. Alice was an unsung artist and spent her life building an art collection that she would never publicly exhibit. Between doodling, sketching, penciled portraits, her original work and her coloring book series she amazed all of us with her natural talents. To have known her, is to have experienced love, warmth and genuine compassion. Alice’s humanitarianism defined the very essence of who she was. This month we celebrate a life well lived and thank our Mom for the love, light, encouragement and belief she had in us by the unwavering support she always demonstrated. 

Fragrance body oils are fun to make and experiment with at home to come up with your own fragrance combinations.  Fragrance oils are made from all natural plant-based ingredients, so you know exactly what you're putting on your body.  Fragrances all derive from plants or trees. The essence of the plant is captured in concentrated form, known as essential oils. These essential oils can be combined with carrier oils which will stretch the essential oil, taking on its essence, and diluting the concentration which allows it to be used to its fullest potential. What You Need Container for mixing Pipette/Pipet/Dropper Carrier Oil Essential Oil Container for mixing To start with, you can use any container you have around the house or in the kitchen, such as a bowl, glass, jar, or a cup.  Keep in mind that if you use a container that is usually used for eating or drinking, you'll need to clean it out well before and after using it to mix oils.  We recommend a 10 mL glass dropper bottle/roller bottle, or a 30 mL dropper bottle if you have one. Pipette/Pipet/Dropper Next you'll want a pipette or dropper for combining oils.  These can be found at craft & hobby stores, or can be ordered online. Carrier Oil A carrier oil is an oil that is used for carrying the fragrances of the more concentrated essential oils. Carrier oils are plant-based, and they don't interfere with the fragrance of the essential oils that will be mixed. Carrier oils dilute essential oils to stretch the fragrance and make the essential oil safe to use on your skin.  NOTE: Using essential oils without diluting them can cause harmful irritation to the skin, as some essential oils are harmful if they are not properly diluted.  Oils that can be used as carrier oils are: Coconut Oil Jojoba Oil Apricot Kernel Oil Sweet Almond Oil Olive Oil Argan Oil Rosehip Oil Black Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil Avocado Oil Sunflower Oil For mixing fragrances, we typically to use jojoba oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, and avocado oil.  Carrier oils have different properties such as thickness. viscosity, and skin absorption that will affect your choice of which to use. Essential Oil Essential oil are oils that come from plants, trees, shrubs, and seeds.  One of the most popular methods for extracting essential oils is steam distillation, whereby steam is used to extract the oils from plant material.  Another popular process doesn't use heat, and instead uses methods such as grinding, squeezing, or rotation to extract oils.  These are known as cold-pressed methods. Essential oils can fall into three categories. They are: base notes, middle notes, and top notes Base Notes Base notes form the foundation of a fragrance.  They are rich, heavy, and long-lasting, lingering for up to 6 hours.  Base notes will carry and boost fragrance of the lighter notes while adding more depth and resonance. Popular base notes are: vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, moss and woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood. Middle Notes Middle notes are sometimes called heart notes because they make up the heart of the fragrance.  They typically make up 70% of the fragrance, and last longer than the top notes.  Their fragrances come forth as the top notes fade. Middle notes include full-bodied, aromatic floral oils like jasmine, geranium, neroli and ylang-ylang, as well as cinnamon, pepper, pine, lemongrass, black pepper and cardamom. Top Notes Top notes are sometimes referred to as head notes, and make up the top layer of a fragrance.   This means they are the first notes you detect when you first smell a fragrance.  Top notes evaporate quickly, lingering for the first 5-15 minutes after a fragrance is first smelled.  They consist of lighter, smaller molecules, and give off an initial scent to your fragrance, which eventually blends in with the middle notes. Common top notes include citrus scents – like lemon, orange, and bergamot – as well as light floral notes like lavender and rose. Basil and anise are also commonly used as top notes. Basic Recipe 1 part base note fragrance 1 part middle note fragrance 1 part top note fragrance Carrier oil How to combine Start with adding 5 mL of carrier oil to your mixing container Using your pipette, add 5 drops of the base note fragrance Next add 5 drops of middle note fragrance Add 5 drops of the top note fragrance Add a little more of the carrier oil (approx 3 mL) Combine the mixture by stirring or shaking the bottle with a top on it to prevent spilling Smell the fragrance you've just created, adding more of the top, middle, or base note as desired. Citrus Lavender Vanilla Fragrance Recipe 5 drops lemon essential oil (or other citrus such as lemongrass, orange, bergamot) 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops vanilla essential oil 9 mL almond oil Steps Start with adding 5 mL of almond oil to your mixing container. Combine 5 drops of vanilla oil, 5 drops of lavender oil, and 5 drops of lemon oil to your mixing container. Add the remaining carrier oil. Put the top on your container and combine the mixture by shaking or stirring Remove the top and your fragrance is ready to use!

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to improve your health, then you should start drinking elderberry tea every day. Elderberry tea is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and treating cold and flu symptoms. Plus, it tastes great! So if you’re looking for an easy way to add more superfoods to your diet, then start drinking elderberry tea today. What is Elderberry Tea? The Sambucus Nigra plant, more commonly known as the elderberry tree, is a well-established species that can be found around the globe. Originating from European coasts, this hardy shrub has an impressive stature with mature trees reaching heights of up to nine meters tall. The blossoms on the branches display frothy white clusters in springtime and have a light apple aroma which is often picked for syrups or jams. Elderberries themselves require cooking before being consumed; they emit a dark colouring and tart flavour upon preparation - perfect for adding depth to any recipe!   Benefits of Elderberry Tea   This superfood has a long history of use in folk medicine, having been consumed by indigenous peoples of the Americas for centuries. It is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamins A, B6, C and E which are essential for bolstering the immune system. Packed with anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling, joint pain, and muscle aches. Elderberry tea is also known to be effective at treating cold and flu symptoms, such as relieving congestion and reducing fever. 1. Elderberry Tea Boosts Your Immune System Your immune system is a complex network of organs and cells that work together to protect your body from foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Elderberry tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamins which can help to strengthen your immune system and make it more efficient at fighting off infection. Elderberry's potent blend of vitamin C, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins makes it a powerful asset in fortifying the immune system. Studies have revealed that taking an Elderberry extract may help to ward off seasonal discomforts and lessen their duration.Its ability to modulate both the body’s inflammatory response as well as its overall susceptibility is remarkable - making this natural remedy particularly beneficial for adults or children with weakened immunity systems.Through its powerful antioxidant properties, elderberry is an effective weapon against free radicals and inflammation. Its natural stores of polyphenols are thought to boost white blood cell count and limit the number of harmful cells entering our bodies - making it essential for optimal health! 2. Elderberry Tea for Colds and Flu Elderberry tea is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat the symptoms of colds and flu. The Elderberry tree is known as Sambucus Nigra, and its antioxidant compounds are both anti-viral and antibacterial, which makes it an ideal choice for treating respiratory illnesses.The Elderberry fruit’s high levels of Vitamin C can help to reduce congestion, while flavonoids found in the Elderberries work to inhibit the replication of viruses, making them less severe. One of the Benefits of Elderberry Tea is it contain anthocyanin, which helps to reduce inflammation in airways and minimize mucous production - aiding relief from a cough or sore throat.In addition, Elderberries contain specifically-targeted compounds that can help to boost the immune system and provide extra protection against colds, flu, and other seasonal illnesses.Elderberry tea is a simple, safe way to fortify your body’s defence mechanisms - allowing you to fight off disease more efficiently.   3. Elderberry Tea Reduces Inflammation When it comes to inflammation, we can differentiate between two distinct varieties: acute and chronic. Acute is a body's immediate reaction - think of cuts or scrapes that you may have sustained; while chronic refers to long-term damage, even after the original issue has been addressed. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to damage and can manifest in a variety of ways from swelling to joint pain. Elderberry tea contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which can help reduce this discomfort and promote faster healing. The healing potential of natural antioxidants has made a huge impact on the medicinal field, particularly in easing inflammation. Elderberry stands out as one of nature's most powerful allies against this condition, proven time and again to be incredibly effective due to its bioactive properties. The potential for elderberry extract as an all-encompassing nutraceutical agent to treat a variety of issues was studied in 2019. Results showed that the use of this traditional remedy could help reduce inflammation, obesity and oxidative stress on top of its other health benefits. An exciting new study explored the potential of elderberry extract as an effective solution to reduce acute inflammation. Results indicated remarkable promise, showcasing a statistically significant result that could revolutionize medical supplementation treatments for this condition in mice. 4. Elderberry Tea Benefits for Skin Health Elderberry tea is packed with antioxidants and other compounds that can be beneficial to your skin health. Elderberries are a great source of flavonoids, providing protection against UV radiation, as well as Vitamin A which helps to maintain the integrity of the skin’s surface. Elderberry tea also contains Vitamin C which is known to stimulate collagen production - helping to keep the skin looking youthful. The anti-inflammatory properties present in Elderberries are also thought to help reduce redness and irritation associated with sensitive skin conditions, such as dermatitis or eczema. Elderberry extract has been shown to have healing properties on damaged tissues due to its high levels of phenolic and flavonoid content, meaning it might even act as an effective solution for sunburns. Acne is another skin condition that Elderberry tea could be beneficial for. The antioxidants present in Elderberries are known to help reduce inflammation and promote healing, while also reducing the production of sebum which can clog pores and cause breakouts. 5. Elderberry Tea May Help Lower Blood Pressure High blood pressure is a common problem which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. One Elderberry Tea benefits is it contains flavonoids which are known to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries and reducing stiffness in vessels. Elderberry tea also contains Vitamins B6 and C which have both been linked with helping reduce hypertension symptoms. Elderberries are known to be an excellent source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps to regulate and balance sodium levels in the body. This mineral is essential for healthy cardiovascular functioning and it can help reduce blood pressure if consumed in sufficient amounts. The potential effectiveness of Elderberry Tea in managing hypertension was examined through a study conducted in 2018 on rats. Results showed a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suggesting Elderberry as a viable solution for reducing high blood pressure. You could also try Hibiscus Tea Bags Elderberry Tea Side Effects Elderberry tea is generally considered safe to consume when taken in moderation. Elderberries contain glycoproteins which can be dangerous if consumed raw, so it is important to ensure that any Elderberry products are cooked before use. This tea should not be consumed in large amounts as it may cause an upset stomach or diarrhoea in some individuals. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before consuming Elderberry Tea supplements. Elderberry Tea Pregnancy Elderberry Tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as Elderberries may affect hormone levels and uterine contractions. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before introducing Elderberry into your diet. Elderberry tea should also be avoided by anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, as it could worsen symptoms or interact with medications. How to Make Elderberry Tea Elderberry tea is simple to make and can be enjoyed in many different recipes. Elderberries can be purchased dried or frozen, and then brewed into a delicious beverage. To make Elderberry tea: 1. Boil 1 cup of water 2. Add 1 teaspoon of Elderberries 3. Simmer for 10 minutes 4. With a tea strainer, strain the Elderberries from the liquid 5. Sweeten with honey or other sweeteners (optional) 6. Enjoy your Elderberry Tea! Tasting Notes: Elderberry Tea is a deep purple hue with a tart, sweet taste. Elderberries provide subtle notes of raspberry and honey which combine to make an exquisite cup of tea. Caffeine Level: Elderberry Tea is naturally caffeine free, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a relaxing drink. Conclusion This tea has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and promote overall health and It is simple to make and can be enjoyed in many different recipes. Elderberry Tea is also naturally caffeine-free, providing a great alternative to coffee or energy drinks if you are looking for something calming yet refreshing! However, Elderberries should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications, it is always recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before consuming.

The Benefits of Water Fasting Mary and I started a tradition within our marriage to start the year off with a water fast.  We do this for a variety of reasons.  We fast for the spiritual benefits, to seek the face of God as we begin a new year.  It can bring mental clarity, illuminating insights that might be otherwise overlooked.  There's also the health benefits.  After a holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings, we consume foods that are delicious and satisfying, but by New Year, we try to reign in our eating.  There are many more benefits to water fasting, and we want to share them with you. Water fasting is a healthy habit Drinking water is necessary to keep bodily functions running smoothly, while water fasting promotes certain benefits for our organism. To enjoy these advantages, all you need to do is drink water before eating anything in the morning (at least the first of the 8 glasses of water that are recommended every day). If you wait a bit to eat or drink anything else, then you’ll be water fasting and enjoying every benefit it provides. Water fasting activates the metabolism and gets it ready for the rest of the day. Having access to a source of water to drink first thing in the morning and during the rest of the day will guarantee a correct hydration. Some of the benefits of water fasting that can be listed include: Provides oxygen to every organ Our organs use water to function. Correct hydration guarantees that the brain get access to the oxygen it needs to perform its functions through blood currents.  Cleans kidneys Thanks to water, kidneys are able to perform the diuresis process that produces urine. This secretion is possible thanks to water reaching the kidneys, thus eliminating toxines and other unnecessary substances.  Helps absorbing the right nutrients In order to absorb nutrients and for them to be transported from blood to cells, water must act as a dissolution.  Helps you get healthier skin Water fasting will get you healthier skin, as it improves its hydration and elasticity. You’ll notice how it becomes smoother and more elastic! Protects muscles and joints Muscles and joints also get access to the benefits of water fasting because of the protection they provide. Don’t wait to drink water until you’re thirsty, which is a feeling that gets less reliable as we get older. While water and its secretion helps us get rid of toxins, excessive drinking can also cause the contrary: mineral salts that are needed for our vital functions can be dissolved by unrestrained water drinking. So remember to keep the balance! It’s a good idea to always carry water with you. Having access to this invaluable liquid is the way to make sure you stay hydrated, both for water fasting and the rest of the day. Water dispensers are strongly advised so that workers improve their well-being and, as a consequence, their productivity.

At Hello To Natural, we love tea! We drink it regularly because we love the taste and its health benefits. Mary shares with us her own recipe for one of our favorites, and that is the Matcha Green Tea Latte. Matcha Green Tea is a type of green tea made from whole, powdered tea leaves. It’s cultivated from plants that have a very precise and regimented growing process, and is made from Camellia sinensis, the same plant as white, green, black and oolong teas. Being shade-grown gives it a balance of flavor between catechins, the compound that gives matcha its bitterness and astringency, and the sweet amino acid L-Theanine. Amino acids are the molecules that form the basis of proteins and are essential for proper functioning of the body. It also allows these beneficial elements to concentrate within the leaf, and since the whole leaf is consumed—rather than just a decoction like many other teas—it’s much more robust. HOW TO MAKE MATCHA GREEN TEA Make this simple tea in minutes whenever you feel like your immune system can use a boost. Combine: Add matcha powder, in a small saucepan of warm water or milk of your preference and stir well. Boil: Heat on high just until the tea starts to boil. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Rest: Let the tea cool in the pot for 5 minutes. Add: Coconut oil, coconut milk and any sweetener of your choice and enjoy. Check out this video of the Matcha Green Tea Latte! 

Parabens, like sulfates, elicit somewhat impassioned responses. From the mouths of cosmetic chemists, parabens are safe, but more and more niche brands are claiming “paraben-free,” touting it with natural and organic, creating an aura of a cleaner, healthier product.The chemical realm of cosmetics can be messy and complicated to the consumer when unpronounceable ingredients pile up. So, what to believe? And more importantly, what to buy? Before we get too heated here, let's get the definitions out of the way. Parabens, in the simplest terms, are preservatives. They're the stuff that keeps your makeup fresh and free from having to keep a mini fridge just for your foundations. Essentially, anywhere there’s water, you’ll likely find a paraben, said Perry Romanowski, an independent cosmetic chemist formerly with Alberto Culver (manufacturer of products such as Nexxus, St. Ives, Simple, Noxema, and Trésemme). “I would say that cosmetic products are all prone to be contaminated with microbes like bacteria, mold, and fungi that can cause diseases,” Romanowski said. “To make sure products stay fresh, we need to include preservatives to kill them. One of the more effective types of preservatives, particularly against bacteria and mold, are parabens.” There’s a common misconception among consumers that the umbrella term “paraben” is one ingredient, when, really, there's a list of parabens. The most commonly found in cosmetics include methyl- and propylparabels. More than a decade ago, a study was published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology claiming a link between parabens and breast tumors, due to estrogen-like properties attributed to parabens. But not everyone was convinced. “The impact of the study was way overblown,” Romanowski said. “The study was not done in a scientifically rigorous way in that did not have a control group in it. They found parabens in non-cancerous breast tissue, too. Really, what that study said was that there should be more studies done.” In turn, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an independent panel of cosmetic chemists, and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products reinvestigated parabens but found no harm or cause for alarm. Though it is notable that some countries in the EU have placed restrictions on some parabens, to which Romanowski had to add: “Butylparabens and isopropylparabens have demonstrated greater safety risks, but again, these are not commonly used parabens.” The most commonly used variations, methylparaben and propylparaben, have no restrictions on them at the moment and are deemed as safe for use in ingredients up to 25 percent—though concentrations are often as low as 0.01 to 0.3 percent. While realized for their efficacy in preserving and keeping products safe, the one issue specific people might have with parabens lies in irritation. Ginger King, cosmetic chemist and founder of Grace Kingdom Beauty in New York, says avoidance of parabens should be contingent on your skin type. Similar to allergy tests, King said “stinging tests” are performed in Asia, testing parabens for intense stinging effects. “Asian skin, in general, is more sensitive,” King said. “For a lot of big brands, their people cannot use their products because of parabens, namely methylparabens.” Removing parabens from formulae entirely can help brands reach a wider audience. For brand loyalists, King said parabens aren’t an issue—so, if you haven't had any adverse reactions lately, keep on keepin' on. But there's also no harm in springing for paraben-free products, if that's your bag—your skin, your choice. This article is from Into The Gloss.