What is Colloidal Silver?

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Colloidal silver is a solution that contains tiny silver particles in a liquid form that care used in a variety of different ways. It can be taken orally as a dietary supplement, applied to the skin, or maybe injected in veins. It is also an antibacterial agent that is commonly used as a wound dressing. The particles in colloidal silver are extremely small; they are about 100nm in size, and cannot be seen by our naked eyes.

Types of Colloidal Silver Products

• Ionic Silver Solutions – these solutions are clear like water, and some have a slight yellow tint. In ionic silver solutions, 90% is in the form of ionic silver, while 10% is silver particles. These may also be described as “dissolved silver.”

• Silver Protein (a/k/a Mild Silver Protein) – these products are the second most common type of colloidal silver that is available on the market. This product normally has large silver particles. Amongst the three types of colloidal silver, silver protein has the lowest particle surface area, making silver inaccessible for safe human intake.

• True Colloidal Silver – this is the least common type of colloidal silver that is available in the market due to its high cost of production, or we can say rare to find. It has the majority of the silver content, and it’s in the form of silver particles.

Forms of Colloidal Silver

• Colloidal silver in the form of gel or cream – commonly use and apply to skin infections to heal and treat burns and fight wound infections by applying the gel in a bandage and wound dressings. It is also used to cure fungal infections to humans.

• Colloidal silver in a solution – the most common form, and according to researchers, when colloidal silver is taken orally, it brings substantial antibacterial effects, and some people claim can heal other illnesses as well.  

Benefits and Uses of Colloidal Silver

Below are some of the mentioned benefits.

• Contains antimicrobial properties or germ-fighting agents

• Help heal skin wounds

• Treats fungal infections

• Treatment for acne

• Improve skin health

• Aid in conjunctivitis

• Cleanse the gut

• Boost immune system

Risks of Colloidal Silver

There are some studies that state colloidal silver has no guarantee to cure illnesses and could cause some side effects.

• Argyria - causes a person’s skin or eyes to turn a permanent silver-blue tone or bluish-gray leaving a permanent discoloration of the skin. The first one to be affected is the gums and followed by skin, eyes, nails, and deeper tissue layers.

• It reduced the ability to absorb medications like antibiotics and thyroxin.

• Headache and fatigue are also symptoms.

Pro Tip: If you would like to try colloidal silver, make sure you ask guidance from any healthcare professional first to make sure it will not affect or interact with prescriptions that you’re taking. If you experience any side effects, stop using it immediately.

I have found colloidal silver to be very helpful with overall immunity, healing wounds, and I like to have it on hand in case I feel like I a coming down with a cold or other bugs. It’s one of those tools I like to have on hand, just in case. I recommend experimenting with different brands; below are a few that I have used.

Premium Colloidal Silver

Make sure you check the following list before purchasing colloidal silver as you will want the best quality for you and your beloved ones. The higher the concentration, the more effective the product. The finer the particles, the better the results.

Advanced Healing Skin Cream

Helps to protect and beautify skin and to promote natural healing. Leaves skin feeling silky smooth, smoothes and softens calluses, and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Safe for Children: Perfect for dry/damaged skin. pH balanced, moisturizes, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy. No BPA, parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors, phthalates, or harmful sulfates

Colloidal Silver 550 PPM

Silver Wings Colloidal Silver can be safe for the whole family. It’s used topically for moisturizing areas of the skin, and has more beneficial organic herbs than any other silver topical product on the market. Natural Path Silver Wings provides immune support for the whole family.

Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol

First Aid Gel – Homeopathic Medicine

Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol has represents the ultimate refinement of colloidal silver. Due to its extraordinary finesse and energy, Sovereign Silver may be your most effective tool to maintain, sustain, and support your immune system in an ever-challenging and changing environment.

Promotes skin healing, fights minor skin infections, reduces topical pain & calms skin irritation. Provides relief from minor wounds, burns, bruises, sunburn, scrapes, blisters, bug bites, & acne. Naturally reduces pain, inflammation, swelling, redness & heat to promote enhanced wound healing

Sources:

Healthline: All About Colloidal Silver

Healthline: Colloidal Silver

Mayoclinic: Expert Answers Colloidal Silver

Medical News Today: Colloidal Silver, does it Work, and is it safe?

NIH: Colloidal Silver

PPT Health: Types Of Colloidal Silver

Very Well Health: Colloidal Siver – What You Need To Know

3 Ways Angels Can Help Your Life Blossom

Ever since organized religion grew into one of the most widely used spiritual systems in human culture, people have been turning to the heavens for guidance, advice, wisdom, and healing. While most people think of angels as nothing more than messengers from above, they also serve another purpose - to provide healing energy to those in need. People often wonder what exactly angels are even made of. They’re clearly not from this material world, so then what are they made of? You might be surprised to learn that angels radiate pure energy and light, and they exist on an entirely different spectrum than us humans. This means that angels exist purely as one of the most powerful healing energies in the world - light. This also means that angels have the potential to be able to help you get your spiritual, emotional, and physical strength back (i.e. heal you via their energy). While angels are most commonly used for spiritual healing purposes, you can also call on them for help with nearly all types of worldly situations. Whether that be issues of the heart (i.e. love/relationship problems), physical problems (e.g. an injury), or whatever other types of problems you might be facing - you can be rest assured that angels are there to help. Remember, angels are heavenly beings that have existed for countless millennia, they exist to help us. Don’t be shy to call angels with healing powers for help when you need it the most.

Angel Healing Doesn’t Come With Limits

Don’t think that angels can only be used to deliver messages from above. These heavenly beings are made of pure light and can deliver numerous kinds of healing (e.g. physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.). Being made of 100% light makes them able to quickly deliver all sorts of healing to us humans, they face zero restraints because of their light energy (i.e. the universe is composed of light, and angels are essentially using the fabric of the universe to heal us). Angels are similar to other types of spirits/guides, in that they will never do anything that goes against our free will. The only thing that is required of us by them is for us to ask for their assistance. For example, let us say that you’ve injured yourself, and you call on an angel for healing. You might notice a slightly warm, tingling sensation in the pain area. This is the angel at work, healing your body through their light power.

Guidance From Above

Angels have been used by humans for tens of thousands of years, for everything from guidance, to healing, to delivering messages to the gods and goddesses of above. Fast forward to today, and people are still calling on angels for their heavenly guidance. Angels are not restricted to the laws of the universe like us humans are, which means that they’re able to have a much higher level of understanding and knowledge. If you’re looking for guidance on a troubling matter in your life, you should consider calling on the angels for their expert guidance. Angels will be able to help steer you in the right direction by giving gentle, loving advice. There’s a reason why humans have always looked to the stars for wisdom - it’s because deep down we know that the angels can provide a massive help to us (and our understanding of the universe).

Angels Have the Ability to Heal Us While We Sleep

One of the most unknown facts about angel healing is that it can occur when we’re asleep. Did you know that the mind is a lot more open to new experiences/ideas while we’re asleep? It’s true. The same goes for your soul as well, which makes receiving guidance and/or healing from angels a lot more intuitive (while we’re asleep). One of the best ways that angels utilize this form of healing is by dealing with emotional-related pains. Many humans face trauma in their lives and bury it deep within their minds to protect themselves from experiencing that pain again. Angels can effectively get rid of this trauma for us, and allow us to be more open to emotional healing. If you need help dealing with a certain type of emotion, you can also call on the angels for their help and/or guidance. Many times this type of problem is the result of one or more blocked chakras. The angels can help you deal with these common issues by unblocking your chakras, or dealing with your trauma.

Channeled Message from Jophiel

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Dear one,

I am writing to say how wonderful and beautiful you are inside and out. Too often, you feel you are only valuable for what you do or create in the physical world. But your heart and your soul is the most beautiful part of you and it is eternal! As you expand your love, your beauty grows as well. The most powerful form of beauty is the internal kind. Think of those whose hearts are so pure, you can only see the beauty within.

Much darkness in this world comes through situations that are physically beautiful but energetically very ugly. There are many beautiful places filled with suffering or people who offer you something that looks beautiful (an opportunity, a gift, or a relationship) that only causes you pain. This is why it's so important to use your intuition to look past what is shown to you. Is what you are seeing really beautiful on the inside? Or is it a beautiful veneer that covers something deeply disturbing and ugly inside? The more you learn to look past what is shown and see the true nature of people and situations, the less suffering you will have.

I support you in this and am always here to give you guidance and love. True beauty is eternal and you will not need to suffer for it. When people offer you beautiful things with strings attached, the energy beneath is full of ugliness and deceit. Beware the gifts with strings, you do not need to suffer to receive. The more people develop this understanding, the better everything will go for all humanity.

Also, if you are prized for your beauty alone, your soul will mourn for your soul understands that only a small part of you is being loved. Learn to embrace and love those who truly love and care for you inside and out. That is the purest form of love.

It is important to care for your body and practice self-care for our body is the wonderful vessel for our soul and carries the often difficult task of holding space for us in our lessons. It is important to care for and acknowledge our body and what it is telling us but it should not be the entire focus or we are missing our true identity. As you love yourself, inside and out, you will attract others who do as well. Any time you have thoughts about yourself or others that you will be good or worthy once you fix or shift certain things, that is coming from a place of judgment and not love. Send loving energy to yourself and others and when you feel judgment, ask the angels to help you release it and any messages that you are not loveable as you are.

This is particularly hard on women as they are taught that their value is mostly based on their appearance and serving others. This is not true, you are a divine being of light who is worthy and wonderful, no matter how you appear and no matter what you do for others. You are worthy, beautiful, and filled with creative, divine energy. You are so loved by us on the other side. Whenever you feel alone or unloved, remember to call on us for love and support.

Yours forever,

Jophiel

Tips to Stay Healthy When Outside of the Home

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

When you are traveling, there is the potential to be exposed to more pathogens than when you are home. Since the outbreak of coronavirus is worldwide, we need to be extra aware. CDC recommends postponing nonessential travel on countries like China and Iran in particular.

Here are some travel tips that I recommend:

• Washing your hands with soap and water. You probably hear it a lot of times, but as you know, many people do not wash their hands correctly. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or long enough as you sing “Happy Birthday” twice and make sure to include the areas like your thumb, between your fingers, and the back of your hands.

• Use hand sanitizer. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer products that have at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your face. We all know this is very hard because sometimes you are not aware that you are touching it. The viruses could spread on your mouth, eyes, and nose so as much as possible, keep your hands away from your T-zone.

• Wiping down your tray table in planes or trains. Yes, it would not hurt if you clean it since you are still in a public space where viruses and germs can be there for a long time.

• If you feel you are getting sick, infrared sauna and blankets can help fighting illness. Infrared sauna can strengthen your immune system because it flushes out the toxins in your body through sweating. Remember that you need to drink plenty of fluids and make yourself hydrated. I also recommend using Clove essential oil in the bottom of your feet.

• Use a surgical mask only if you’re sick. Now that the demand for surgical masks is increasing due to the outbreak, it is recommended to only use a surgical mask if you’re sick so you could avoid spreading the virus from saliva and coughing. Wearing a mask without being sick will cause your hands to touch your face more often just to keep them adjusted.

Lastly, do not panic and stay calm and grounded. I find meditation helps with this. Reducing stress will strengthen your immunity so not only will you feel calmer but it will reduce the likelihood of getting sick. Studies actually show that meditation impacts gene expression that leads to illness! I recommend the free app Insight Timer for lots of free and easy meditations.

Remember the coronavirus will pass but all these tips will help you with your health and wellness even after its long gone.

Happy and safe travels!

Sources:

Forbes: New Clues into How Meditation Can Boost The Immune System.

Mirror: 7 Ways To Improve Your Immune System

NYTimes:  Airplane Flying Coronavirus Spread

ProPublica: Coronavirus Hand Sanitizers CDC Recommended Alcohol

Washington Post: Everything You Should And Shouldn’t Do To Stay Healthy on a Plane

Angel Card Basics and How They’re Different From Tarot Cards

While angel cards might seem similar to tarot cards at first glance, take a look at Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning: Love, Reversed & More on Terravara here, the two are actually very different from one another. The primary difference between the two is that angel card readings aren’t used to predict the future (like tarot cards). Instead, angel cards are used to provide heavenly guidance and encouragement.

Angel card reading might not be as widely known in pop culture as tarot is, but in the spiritual world angel cards have seen a huge increase in popularity (thanks to the growth of the internet). Millions of people are turning to the heavens for guidance, wisdom, and insight into their lives.

Angel Cards 101

The main purpose of an angel card reading is to receive nurturing guidance from the angelic realm. With angel card readings you can find out more about your current life situation, and receive encouraging wisdom from above.

Angel card readings aren’t used to predict the future (unlike tarot card readings). Yes, angel cards and tarot cards share some similarities (e.g. they’re both used by mediums, they’re both performed using cards, etc.), however, those examples are where the similarities end.

Angel Card Readings

What happens at an angel card reading? Well, the most common methodology that’s used involves the recipient asking a question about a certain part of their life. Romance, work, and personal issues are some of the most common things that are asked about.

After a topic has been established, the reader will use their skills to pull certain cards (and then interpret the specific meanings behind those cards). Angel card reading isn’t used to answer basic questions, but they’re more used for providing general guidance. People use angel cards for support (not for direct answers about the future).

How to Do an Angel Card Reading

Whether you don’t have immediate access to someone qualified to give angel readings, or you want to try to do your own reading, the steps outlined below detail how angel readings are typically done.

Find the Right Cards

Choosing a deck of angel cards is the obvious first step. Before you can even think about performing a reading, you need to get your hands on some cards! Many online stores sell their own decks, all of which have different images, symbols, or words.

What to Do Before Starting the Reading Process

Most people who perform angel readings need to be calm, cool and collected before starting the process. The best way to achieve this state of mind is by going to a quiet place and becoming centered.

This can be done via meditation, adjusting your vibrations/frequencies, or doing whatever practice aligns you to be more spiritually open. The point of doing this before attempting a reading is to try and attune yourself to the higher frequencies found in the angelic realm(s).

Look to the Heavens for Guidance

After you’ve acquired some cards, the next step is to bless them and ask for the heavens for some angelic guidance. Most healers/readers will take the deck of cards, hold them close, and ask for a quick blessing (before actually starting the reading process).

Shuffle the Cards and Ask Your Questions

Touching the cards imparts your energy onto them, which is an important part of the process. Shuffling them is an easy way to do this (and also gets them functioning on your same vibrational level).

After you’ve touched the cards and given them a shuffle, the next step is to ask a question. Simply ask the angels for their guidance, and then say the question out loud. When the question has been asked, you’ll need to reshuffle the cards. When you feel the need to stop on a certain card, stop, and then pull that card from the deck.

Interpreting the Message

Different decks of cards have different symbols, meanings, and interpretations. Readers can also provide their own interpretations as well, which can further complicate things.

While doing a reading on your own can provide some insight into your life, unless you’re spiritually experienced, it’s typically recommended to get you angel card reading done by a professional.

Some people like to use different types of crystals to help them read angel cards. Specifically, different types of quartz crystal stones are used by many psychics and readers to enhance their abilities. If you’re struggling to accurately interpret the cards you pull, then you should consider using quartz (to assist you during your readings).

The Best Angel Custom Gift Recommendations

Choose your favorite elements from angel cards and more to customize inspired lapel pins. Unleash your inner mojo by drawing inspiration from the more supernatural side of life with these fun lapel pins. GS-JJ.com provides free and professional team design services to help you create and produce your own badges. Wearing custom badges with unique angel brand elements can bring you different good luck. A special message and gift are included in this unique gift, Customize Now.

Channeled Message from Galadriel

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Greetings sweet one,

I am so happy to speak with you today. I have been wanting to talk with you for quite some time. I am here to tell you how loved and supported you are. If you knew how much support you had in the spiritual realm, you would realize how much you are capable of. There is very little that is not possible for you! Most people are living in a very dim version of reality where there is very little light and the possibilities seem limited but nothing could be further from the truth. The first thing that starts to break down these walls of illusion of limitation is faith. I know it can be hard to have faith when it seems there is little hope for it, but I want you to know that when it seems the least likely that in fact the biggest change is possible. For each and every terrible situation or circumstance that you find yourself in, there is an equally good positive outcome that can result. The silver lining as you often call it. So, if you find yourself in a very bad situation, just know you can have something equally good or even better that can result.

Do not look in the rearview mirror to determine what is coming to you. The climb is not after all uphill all the time. I am here specifically for when the journey seems hard and when you feel like giving up. That is when you are the closest to a breakthrough of some kind. Call on me for help with faith and courage when you feel like giving up and for clarity with your breakthrough. So many of you have given up out of frustration when you are 99 percent there. That is when you will feel the strongest urge to give up and your faith will be called into question. That is when I am there for you the most, boosting your faith in the toughest times.

When you have learned this pattern, that the darkest is before the light, the world will open up for you. The hardest part of the darkness after all is thinking that is will go on forever. If you know that the light is coming, it will be so much easier for you. Know that the light is always comes after darkness. It is inevitable and once you understand that, everything changes and you can move forward without fear. That is what I want for you, to move forward on your path without fear. The fear is not yours on a true soul level though it certainly will feel like it when you experience it. Once you stop identifying the fear with your identity and taking ownership of it, faith becomes ever easier. In that sense, faith and fear are opposites. So, when you find yourself in fear, ask the angels to clear your fear, and replace it with faith. That is one of the most powerful prayers of all as ill-placed fear is the enemy of success.

What do you dream for yourself? What kind of life would you lead if you truly believed that anything is possible for you? I want you to know you can have what you dream. With faith, and a little time, anything is possible. You can move mountains if your faith is strong enough. Do not listen to those who tell you when something is not possible if you feel in your soul it can be yours. When something brings up strong emotion, that is often when we know we are connecting with something our soul wants. Pay attention to jealousy as well, it is often a strong indicator of what we want but think we can’t have. What we are jealous of, is most often a barometer of our truest desire. Rather that experience bitterness at not receiving what you desire. Turn your determination, focus, and faith towards your deep desire. Those who are successful, are able to turn their focus away from jealousy and bitterness towards positivity and focus. Every time you feel bitter, or hopeless, open to the possibility that this is not your true emotion, but a part of the darkness that you are moving through. When you do not allow these emotions to take hold in you, you move through the darkness more quickly.

I close with the final message that you will be successful, it is just a matter of time. But with faith and knowledge of the support you have, it come to you so quickly. Ask for help spiritually and know that there is a whole army of helpers at your disposal. Though you may feel alone, you never truly are. When you ask for all your spiritual helpers, the physical sources of help will come into your life as well, the realm of spirit always comes first. Call on your spiritual team so that your physical team will materialize. You are supported in every way. Though you may feel small, your soul is large and so powerful you probably would have a hard time believing it and when you harness the will of your own soul and receive the spiritual help available to you, you will experience miracles beyond your wildest dreams.

Yours truly,

Galadriel

P.S. When you do have your success, and I know you will, I ask that you help others who are in the same position as you have been. Tell them what you have learned and help them move through their own dark night of the soul. 

Celestial Highlights for 2020

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

The ‘Solstice Ring Of Fire Eclipse’ – You don’t want to miss this solar eclipse that will happen on June 21, 2020. Although, you must be in Ethiopia, Oman and Tibet in order to witness this super shot eclipse that will only last for 23 seconds.

Nature’s grandest spectacle: total solar eclipse – Mark your calendar on December 14, 2020, for this one of a kind beautiful display of nature called “hole in the sky.” It has assumed that it will take 2 minutes and 9 seconds to experience the total solar eclipse.

Penumbral lunar eclipses this year.

• June 5, 2020: Strawberry Moon Eclipse (Asia, Africa and Australia). The eclipse will be hard to see as the 57% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s penumbra.

• July 5, 2020: Thunder Moon Eclipse (South America, North America, and Africa). It’s impossible to observe as the 35% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s penumbra.

• November 29-30, 2020: Frosty Moon Eclipse (North and South America, Australia and East Asia). The 83% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s penumbra.

Two Supermoons and a Blue Moon - This year is worth marking down on your calendar as Supermoon will happen on March 9 and April 7, 2020. A supermoon is a full moon when their orbits move closest to the earth and look 14% bigger and 30% brighter compare to the normal or usual moons. Also, a very rare blue moon will happen also on the Halloween this year. People might not to miss that as the next blue moon Halloween will take place on 2039.

‘Giant planet week’ – Imagine the Earth as the inner planet gets between the sun and another planet, and you will see that on July 14, Jupiter will be at opposition and by July 20, it’s Saturn’s at the opposition so you don’t want to miss this one as well.

Meteor Showers – We may not see a good shooting start last year but for 2020, it gets better. Here are the three happenings to wait for:

• Lyrids meteor shower: April 21-22

• Leonids meteor shower: November 16-17

• Geminids meteor shower: December 13-14

Great Solstice Appulse – On December 21, Saturn and Jupiter will appear close together. They have every 20 years of conjunction and this won’t happen again until 2040 so you don’t want to this as well.

Mercury Retrograde Dates in 2020

• February 17 to March 10

• June 18 to July 12

• October 14 to November 3

Next Full Moon Dates:

• January 10th

• February 9th

• March 9th

• April 7th

• May 7th

• June 5th

• July 5th

• August 3rd

• September 2nd

• October 1st

• October 31st

• November 15th

• December 14th

Next New Moon Dates:

• January 24th

• February 23rd

• March 24th

• April 23rd

• May 22nd

• June 21st

• July 20th

• August 19th

• September 17th

• October 16th

• November 30th

• December 29th

Sources:

Farmers Almanac: Full Moon Dates and Times

Forever Conscious: Intuitive Astrology

Forbes: A Skywatcher’s Guide to 2020

Moon Giant: Full moons

NJ News: 13 full moons, including 2 supermoons and a blue moon, will be shining in 2020

How Your Shoes Impact Your Manifesting

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

I recently wrote a Facebook post about how much shoes impact our manifesting and I got a huge response so I decided to write a blog post about it! Here is the post itself:

“Quick manifesting tip: if you want to increase your income and ability to receive, taking stock of your shoes, socks, and other footwear can be very helpful! The feet and ankles are associated with our root chakras and blockages in the root chakra are very connected with financial fears and blocks. Getting rid of shoes that are ill-fitting, worn out, and don’t suit your taste or style will help you shift this chakra and these blocks as our feet connect us with the earth, source, and our ability to ground and release. If you have footwear that isn’t ideal, it will block all of those things! The new year is a great time to take stock and get rid of shoes that don’t fit you and don’t make you feel good (physically and aesthetically). Cheers and happy purging! 👏✨💫”

Our Feet and the Root Chakra

Our feet and ankles are associated with the root chakra so what we wear on our feet has a huge impact with how we connect with the earth and our ability to channel, root, and receive. By upgrading out shoes and purging footwear that isn’t aligned or ideal for us (painful, ill-fitting, worn out, or unattractive shoes) we can improve the energy flow to the root chakra and thereby release financial blocks and open up abundance channels. So, if you are feeling blocked financially or feeling insecure about your future, or even if you simply want to experience more abundance and trust in your life, purging old shoes can be a great step!

I have also found that when I do a lot of shifting energetically, suddenly my old shoes just don’t seem like they suit me anymore. Even if there is nothing wrong with them per se, it can be helpful to release them (give them to a friend, donation center, or if they are in really bad shape, toss them).

From a health perspective, we have a lot of pressure points in the feet (think acupressure and reflexology) so there are also direct health implications to wearing shoes that do not properly support you or shoes that are old and have lots of bacteria. If they smell, just get rid of them period. Think of your shoes, socks, and other footwear as setting the tone for the rest of you and how you show up in the world. If your feet feel squeezed, less-than-fresh, or unsupported then so will you!

This is a great time of year so purge anything that isn’t aligned with how you want to show up in the world for 2020 and beyond!

PS I had several people comment on my post about how they had released old shoes and then booked new clients, had windfalls, or other good things in terms of income – it really works!!

Probiotics and the Connection to our Digestive and Mental Health

By Esteban Tovar: blogger, podcaster and energy healer

Probiotics have become very popular in recent years. The global market for probiotics is at 15 billion USD per year and growing at a yearly rate of 7%. This could be related to the growing research that has begun to show the importance of probiotics and how they can affect our health in a positive way.

What are Probiotics?

We all have bacteria that are beneficial to us. These good bacteria are all over our bodies. They can be found on our skin, inside our mouths and even lining our organs. Probiotics are the name for the good bacteria that are in our gut. These good bacteria live in a mutual beneficial relationship with us. We can get probiotics from foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, and kimchi. There are also many forms of probiotic supplements, such as probiotic pills, drinks and even chewing gum. However, if you do decide to take probiotic supplements it might be good to take probiotics with the genera lactobacillus and bifidobacteria as they are well researched and show many benefits that aid in digestion, mood, and immunity.

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a connection between the central nervous system (brain and spine) and the enteric nervous system (gut). There are other indirect systems that include additional nerves and hormones that connect the gut-brain axis. The entire microbiota (bacteria) in the gut are also a part of the gut-brain axis.

The gut and brain connection for mental health has been studied in mice. Mice that are bred germ-free and lack intestinal microbes are not able to recognize other mice when they interact with them. Mice who have intestinal microbes, but their population is later disrupted, begin to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. In some cases, scientists can later restore the mice to more normal behavior by treating them with probiotics. Probiotics that can aid in reducing anxiety and depression are sometimes referred to as psychobiotics. These are probiotics that are specifically connected to mental health and mood.

Probiotics and Immunity

80% percent of our immune cells are found in our gut. This means that probiotics can play a large role in regulating our immune system. This can be done through the interchanging of gut flora. Probiotics compete with the bad bacteria in our gut, releasing by-products that are harmful to the bad bacteria—destroying them. This makes more room for the good bacteria to grow. The harmful effects of bad bacteria are thus reduced, and the effects of good bacteria are increased. Probiotics can also increase our gut health by strengthening the cells that line the intestine. They can also promote cell longevity and increase the immune response of the cells that line the intestinal tract.

Probiotics and Stomach Ulcers

Most stomach ulcers are caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria do not cause symptoms in most people, but when they do it can lead to ulcers from the acid released by the H. pylori that get through the stomach lining. A study from 2004 showed that by giving the participants yogurt with lactobacillus and bifidobacteria increased the rate of H. Pylori inhibition, which can speed up the healing process of ulcers.

Conclusion

The growing knowledge of probiotics has increased. Researchers have found that the bacteria in our gut play a large role in how our physical and mental health is affected. It appears that Probiotics will only increase in popularity with growing research.

Sources:

Future-Science: Probiotics: current landscape and future horizons

PMC: Allergy and the gastrointestinal system

PubMed: Effects of ingesting Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt in subjects

PubMed: Growing up in a Bubble

PubMed: Microbiome, Probiotics and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Psychscenehub: The Simplified Guide to the Gut-Brain Axis

Scientific American: Mental Health May Depend on Creatures in the Gut

Web MD: What is Pylori?

Benefits of Zinc

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Lately, I have been experiencing the powerful benefits of zinc. As we are entering into cold and flu season, zinc has been shown to shorten the duration of colds in multiple studies. It has also helps prevent sunburn, it can help heal acne, and minimize the appearance of pores. It’s a wonderful tool for beauty and immunity. A little of zinc goes a long way so whether you are using it topically or ingesting it, take it in small doses to avoid things like stomach upset.

Healing Benefits of Zinc

Zinc is a mineral and essential nutrient that plays a very important role in our body. It helps or keeps our immune system to be strong, supports normal growth, and also helps fight bacteria and viruses. The human body cannot naturally produce Zinc so we must obtain it through food or supplements.

Below are the lists of the food that are high in Zinc:

• Shellfish: Oysters, crab, mussels, lobster, and clams

• Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, and bison

• Poultry: Turkey and chicken

• Fish: Flounder, sardines, salmon, and sole

• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans, etc.

• Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, cashews, hemp seeds, etc.

• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt and cheese

• Eggs

• Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, etc.

• Certain vegetables: Mushrooms, kale, peas, asparagus, and beet greens

Skin Benefits of Zinc

- Works as an antioxidant

- Heal and rejuvenate the skin

- Effective sunscreen

- Removes dandruff and relieve itchy scalp

- Heal rashes and sores

- Fights acne

Types of Zinc Supplements:

- Zinc gluconate: Used in cold remedies that you can buy over the counter. Known examples are nasal sprays and lozenges.

- Zinc acetate: It speeds up the recovery rate and reduces symptoms when added in lozenges.

- Zinc sulfate: Cures acne and reduce its severity.

- Zinc picolinate: The zinc salt of picolinic acid and used as a dietary supplement.

- Zinc orotate: Mostly seen on supplements and available on the market.

- Zinc citrate: It’s the zinc salt of citric acid and used as dietary supplements.

Zinc Oxide is widely used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It can be used in ointments and lotions to protect our skin against harmful UV rays.

Benefits of Zinc Oxide

UV Protection – protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

Skin Healing – helps to repair your skin by keeping your skin clean and supplying the needed zinc to your skin for faster healing.

Skin Astringent – zinc works as an astringent or creams in your skin that prevents oil formation. It revives your skin by minimizing large pores and also helps to conceal your damaged skin.

Treats Acne – fights irritation of the skin and inflammation, and also has antibacterial properties

Prevent bacterial infection – Since it fights bacteria and repair tissue, it reduces the chance of infection on your skin.

In summary, Zinc had a whole host of benefits and is an economical supplement that has benefits for skin, immunity, and health. Just make sure to take an appropriate dose to avoid stomach upset.

Sources:

Alyaka: Ultimate Guide Zinc Oxide

Canyonranch: The Skin Benefits of Zinc

Healthline: Zinc Toxicity and Dosage

Mayoclinic: Drugs Supplements Zinc

National Institutes of Health: Zinc Consumer

WebMD: Zinc May Prevent and Shorten Cold

Healthline: Zinc Supplements

Mars in Libra Transit and What it Means for You

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

The “warrior planet” Mars enters Libra on October 4 where it will remain there until November 19. Mars is in a Libra for about 6 weeks so it’s a good amount of time for the transit.

The planets and What They Represent

Mars is the planet of energy, combat, aggression, competition, and force. This planet is associated with action, motivation, and drive.

Libra is the sign of justice, balance, working together, and harmony. It’s a sign that cannot be alone, and it balanced and rules our 1-on-1 partnerships.

What the Transit Means?

Anger and arguments may be lessened during this transit. We may also feel overwhelmed by indecision or have a difficult time moving forward because Mars wants to act while Libra wants to move slowly to make sure it’s the best decision.

During Mars in Libra, there will be more innovation and new alliances will be created. Mars in Libra creates a motivation to find a win-win situation for all. It’s a time of strategy: a time to build bridges a time to strengthen existing ones. It’s a great time to find the support we need to accomplish our goals, and it’s an opportune time to look for jobs and start new projects. That said, during this transit, mercury in retrograde starts October 31 and goes until November 20 so during the second half of Mars in Libra, that changes this energy.

With all of this passive energy, it may be easier to ignore underlying issues. We may he feel pressure to act that everything is fine while Mars is in Libra, but the underlying energy may be showing the opposite. When big issues are highlighted or brought to your attention, take note. You may see more passive-aggressiveness than usual under this transit.

Tips for Handling the Transit

The stress levels can rise in relationships while Mars tours Libra. Act with love, intention, and fairness to ensure the right moves but make sure you are loving towards yourself and not accepting unacceptable behavior. Mars will not visit Libra again for another 2 years so it’s great time to leave toxic people and places behind; leave them and don’t look back.

Sources:

Astrology Planet: Mars in Libra

Astroyogalove: Mars in Libra

Cafe Astrology: Mars in Signs

Dr Standley: Mars in Libra

Horoscopes Guru: Mercury Retrograde 2019

Mars in Libra: Understanding, Loving, and Fair

Saint Germain Channeled Message

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Hello darling, you have been working so hard. Just here to let you know that so many of the things you’ve dreamed of are coming your way. I also want to tell you that the fears and doubts that come up are not yours. That when you have strong or even just persistent negative thoughts, those are not yours and can be cleared away. Imagine them like cobwebs that you can clear out of your mind and your space. It’s normal to have them but the more you clear them away, the less likely these pesky thoughts are likely to show up for you. You have gotten so much better about clearing them so now you have much less worry and it will get easier, and easier for you.

Much of your fear is based on a belief that you can’t have so much goodness in your life. This is simply not true! You have been taught this by society and family, and people who have been taught the same thing. You are starting to realize that you don’t need to be limited in this way and just because others feel this way and live their life on those principles, doesn’t mean that you have to.

Imagine these sticky cobwebs holding you and keeping you in unhealthy situations and patterns. Keep clearing them away and eventually, there will be less and less of them that leave you feeling trapped. Eventually, you will be rising up so quickly that these old cobweb-like beliefs will not be able to attach to you at all. Then your life will really change.

You have often limited your dreams and beliefs base on what others thought was possible. You don’t need to do this. What is possible for each of us is different based on our life lessons and soul missions but mostly, it is based on what we believe is possible. More is possible for you than you have dared to dream. You are starting to see what you can have and the more you have and experience, the more you have to give the world and the world has much need for what you can offer. Be as big, and shiny, and bright as you can be. And know that when people tell you not to be so big, or bold, or beautiful or whatever they are telling you, its because those cobwebs of fear on holding them in place. Do not let their fears and reality be yours.

Focus on your light and rather than helping people directly, sometimes the best way to help others is to show them how to do it. Model it for them.

You are so loved by all of us on the other side. You ask for help but not as much as you can. The more help you get, the more you receive, and the better the world gets. The more people do this, the more the light expands until there is this amazing explosion of light and creativity and so much of the darkness just melts away.

You are a superstar, and don’t you forget it. No matter how small your body is, you have the ability to light up the entire universe. Let your light shine – I know you will!

PS Sometimes when you are so bright, it hurts others to look at you who are used to seeing things in the dark. You might feel like you are being rejected when this happens but that isn’t what is happening at all. It hurts them at first to look at your until their eyes adjust to the level of light. Give them time and don’t take in personally.

PPS Pursue your passion and vision for your life and light up the night sky and the universe. You can burn so bright that people see you from millions of miles away – that is how powerful you are.

Ever at your service,

Saint Germain

Toxins to Avoid in Cleaning Products

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

According to EWG’s scientific findings 53% of cleaning products contains ingredients known to harm the lungs and about 22% contains chemical that caused asthma to develop in healthy individuals.

Check your list of your cleaning product ingredients. If you spot any of the following chemicals in your cleaning products, please be aware of the products that are danger to humans.

What’s Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?

1. Phthalates: Known as endocrine disruptors, and exposures in humans linked to changes in sex hormone levels, low sperm count and quality and altered development of genitals. Companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, and you won’t find phthalates on the label. Once you see the word “fragrance” on a label, there’s a chance that phthalates are present in there.

Found in: laundry detergents, fabric softeners, deodorizers, glass cleanser, floor polishes, air fresheners

2. Perchloroethylene: Also known as PERC, inhalation to tetrachloroethylene vapors can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, and kidney dysfunction. Neurological effects, such as behavioral changes, headache, impairment of coordination, dizziness, sleepiness, and unconciousness.

Found in: spot removers, dry-cleaning solutions and upholstery cleaners.

3. Triclosan: A synthetic antibacterial that is toxic and interfere the function of hormones and usually used as an antimicrobial in cleaning products. Exposures by absorption through the skin or through the lining of the mouth can result in contact dermatitis, or skin irritation, and an increase in allergic reactions, especially in children.

Found in: dish soaps, disinfectants, hand washes, wipes, dental care, toys, etc.

Tip: Avoid antibacterial products with triclosan for homes use instead use simple detergents and soaps with short ingredient. For hand sanitizer, you can choose the one that is alcohol-based and without triclosan.

4. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”: Usually labeled “antibacterial” which designed to kill germs and used as disinfectants and surfactants in home and medical settings but the side effect could cause you asthma.

Found in: bathroom cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners, fabric softeners, and degreasers.

Tip: You can mix a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a germ killing all-purpose cleaner. Also, you can add drops of lavender essential oil for the scent.

5. 2-Butoxyethanol: It is a solvent used to remove dirt. Exposure to high doses of 2-BE could cause reproductive problems. There are some reports on irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a metallic taste, or vomiting

Found in: glass cleaners, laundry stain removers, carpet cleaners, automobile cleaners, windshield wiper fluid, degreasers, oven cleaners, and rust removers.

Tip: You can clean mirrors and windows with used newspaper and diluted vinegar as an alternative. While for other kitchen tasks, use the simple cleaning compounds like Bon Ami powder that is made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda. You can also make your own formulas with baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.

6. Ammonia: A cleaning solution used for household and industrial cleaning products. This is a powerful irritant and it’s going to affect you right away. With high concentrations in air causes burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract that can result in blindness, lung damage or death. It can also create a poisonous gas if mixed with bleach.

Found in: window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, stainless-steel cleaners, car polish, and all-purpose cleaners.

Tip: Vodka is a good alternative and will produce a reflective shine on any metal or mirrored surface. You can also use toothpaste as silver polish.

7. Chlorine: A chemical element that present in many bleach compounds. Chlorine is the chemical used to clean pool water. Prolonged exposure can disrupt thyroid function, cause chronic dryness and can irritate skin.

Found in: Toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, scouring powders, laundry whiteners, household tap water.

Tip: Toilet bowls can be cleaned with vinegar. Borax powder and vinegar both work well for to whiten clothes. For scrubbing: Use baking soda. You can also install filters on kitchen sink and shower to reduce the exposure of chlorine through tap water.

8. Sodium Hydroxide: It is known as lye which is extremely corrosive: It can cause severe burns if it touches your skin or gets in your eyes. Also, inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for days.

Found in: oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners, disinfectants, drain openers, and toilet bowl cleaners

Sources:

8 Hidden Toxins: What’s Lurking In Your Cleaning Products

AlphaZelle: Harmful Ingredients in Household Cleaning Products

Avomeen: What Chemicals Should Be Avoided in Cleaning Products?

EWG: Household Cleaner Ratings and Ingredients

Healthista: Chemicals In Cleaning Products

Hookah: The Hidden Risks

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Recently I have started reacting very poorly when around Hookah smoke so this got me to a little research and I was shocked at just how toxic and dangerous smoking in this way is.

Hookah, also called Shisha, is water pipe smoking. This is a unique method of smoking tobacco that allows a person to smoke tobacco, and combining it with flavors like apple, coconut, chocolate, cappuccino, and watermelon. These flavorings sweetened the taste and aroma of the tobacco and making it appealing to young people.

It has several universal components, including a water bowl, metal body, a head with holes in the bottom, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece.

Listed below are some of the potential health effects of hookah smoke:

-          Herpes

-          Tuberculosis

-          Hepatitis C

-          Heart Disease

-          Lung Cancer – 90% of lung cancer cases are due to smoking.

-          Cancer of the lips, mouth, and throat.

-          Asthma

-          Wrinkles and premature aging

-          Infertility

-          Gum disease

-          Stroke

Toxins in Hookah

Hookah smoke contains many harmful chemicals like to the traditional cigarette smoke, including:

·       Carbon monoxide

·       Tar

·       Arsenic

·       Chromium

·       Cobalt

·       Cadmium

·       Nickel

·       Formaldehyde

·       Acetaldehyde

·       Acrolein

·       Lead

·       Polonium 210, a radioactive isotope

What you didn’t know about hookah smoking:

-          Hookah smoke contains 36 times more tar, 15 times carbon monoxide and 70% more nicotine than cigarette.

-          Water does not purify hookah smoke and doesn’t filter out cancer causing carcinogens.

-          60 minutes of hookah is equal to smoking 40-400 cigarettes.

-          Sharing of hookah pipes results transmission of serious infections including tuberculosis and hepatitis C virus and herpes!

I feel that most people wouldn’t smoke hookah if they knew just how toxic and dangerous it is so I am trying to spread the word. Please share with others and listen to your body, if you feel sick from something, even if it is presented as safe, its important to listen to your body.

Sources:

American Thoracic Society: Hookah Pipes

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hookahs

Hookah Smoking and It’s Risks

Medical News Today: What are the health risks of hookah smoking?

Upcoming Eclipses and What They Mean For You

 Spiritual Meaning of An Eclipse

 By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

In many ways, a solar eclipse is like an extra powerful new moon and a lunar eclipse is like a super powerful full moon except that is more disruptive energy in each case. Important truths are revealed and its common for things to come up seemingly out of left field that bring about major changes. 

You will be guided to step more fully into your power and authority and leave behind anything that is out of alignment. Total solar eclipses are an incredible visual spectacle and like doors or gateways that support us in entering into a higher dimension of being.⠀

In astrology, eclipses are like a portal for exponential growth. Specifically, a time of rapid change either from internal or external circumstances. 

July 2: Total Solar Eclipse

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is when the moon blocks the entire view of the sun (100%) and visible to those viewing from Earth.

This July 2, 2019, the moon will block the sun and most of this eclipse will be happening over the Pacific Ocean where the partial eclipse starts at 12:55 PM EDT. The other parts of South America will be able to see the partial eclipse so people in Chile and Argentina will be able to witness the total solar eclipse before the sunset.

The solar eclipse will have a longer duration compare to last year's total solar eclipse. It will last up to 4-5 minutes. However, the maximum duration may be visible only to observers on a few boats and airplanes, since it will be happening over the Pacific Ocean.

According to NASA, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century was recorded in July 2009 that last about 6 minutes and 39 seconds. This was mostly visible on Southeast Asia.

Set your intentions for powerful manifesting and realignment!

Tips on how to view the sun safely

Looking directly at the sun can lead to blindness and other forms of eye damage if you aren’t wearing any eye protection. You need a special eclipse glasses or special protective eyewear to safely observe the sun. The basic sunglasses, even with those UV protections are not sufficient to protect your eyes.

By using a pinhole camera, you can observe an eclipse in a safest way that you can make easily at home.

July 16: Partial Lunar Eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon. The moon falls partially into Earth’s shadow leaving only a portion of it visible.

On July 16, a partial lunar eclipse will happen and people in much of Europe and Asia, as well as parts of North and South America can witness the partial lunar eclipse.  July’s partial lunar eclipse will be the last until November 2021.

This day is extremely powerful for clearing and releasing anything that is not in complete alignment for who you want to be and where you want to go. You can think of it as a powerful time to clean house emotionally and spiritually. Do not be surprised if you feel really triggered on this day.

The next total solar eclipse in the USA on April 8, 2024.

The next total solar eclipse comes in the Americas on April 8, 2024. First touches Mexico, enters the US at Texas, cuts a diagonal to Maine, and visits the provinces of Canada.

Although, it’s been a long 38 years since the last total solar eclipse in the U.S. before 2017 perhaps we should call this the Great North American Eclipse.

If you would like help and support with guidance to make the most of the eclipses, feel free to reach out to Laura for a session or guidance. More information on working with Laura is on the services page.

Sources:

Solar Eclipse Guide 2019: When, Where & How to See Them

When Are All Of The Solar And Lunar Eclipses in 2019?

Total Solar Eclipse in South America – July 2019

Total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024

What Does The Solar Eclipse Mean Spiritually?

Favorite Skin Care Products

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Egyptian Magic

I recently discovered this cream and love the natural ingredients, and that you can use it all over your skins, body, and hair. It left my skin soft, and moisturized and had a pleasant, natural scent. I love bringing it with me in the plane to help with dry plane air. I also love the story of the product, the creator is said to have gotten the recipe from am Egyptian tomb and created it using that recipe today

Buy here!

Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream is a multipurpose cream that hydrates and repairs skin from head to toe due to its mixture of all natural ingredients from living plants and organisms. You can use it as a moisturizer for acne treatment, eye cream, lip balm and also works on eczema and skin irritations.

 This product has been on the market since August 1991 with a good track record and twice the healing power for half the price of conventional skin creams.

Thayers

This is a great product for toning the skin and it’s a wonderful natural and gentle eye makeup remover as well. I use it to take off eyeliner, mascara, and even eyelash glue effectively and then I use it to tone my skin after washing. It smells great too.

Buy here!

A natural botanical skin toner that cleanses, tones and moisturize with soft rose fragrance that will make your skin bloom. It is made with rose-petal water and Witch Hazel extract.

he rose petals are full of natural oils and sugars that help restore dehydrated skin and bring out a natural, dewy, glowing complexion. The natural astringent tightens pores, controlling oil production,  and keeping free radicals out. 

Evolve Daily Renew Facial Cream

This is a great daily use skin cream. It’s moisturizing but not oily. It’s a go to product for me. I like that it has clean ingredients, soaks in fast, and makes my skin hydrated without being greasy.

Buy here!

A luxurious moisturizer that restores normal to dry skin with a blend of pure organic oils. It contains Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce wrinkles, making the skin look younger and has more effective hydrating properties. It also increases the production of collagen.

Khroma Banja Balm

I love this balm for help with minor skin irritations and muscle pain. It’s great for soothing mosquito or other insect bites as well! The ingredients and pure and I love the principles of the company as a whole. They organize service trips using some of the proceeds from their company.

Buy here

BANJA BALM is 100% vegan and organic with no artificial ingredients. It’s highly concentrated and extremely potent with advanced formula that absorbs well into your skin and does not stain or leave a residue. It penetrates into your body to help to heal damaged tissues as well as providing pain relief and helping to repair sore joints and muscles

Eir NYC Tough Love

I generally don’t like cuticle creams but that is primarily how I use this. After trying this one of my Petit Vour subscription boxes, I fell in love. PS I love these boxes! You can get yours at (please add this code “powers” on checkout to enjoy the 50% off).  This is cuticle cream has a subtle but pleasant scent, soaks in quickly and does make a different Ruth my cuticles. I have found it can also work as a lip balm and keep it in my purse at times.

Buy here!

The Neem oil used in the Tough Love softening salve is known to have antifungal and antiseptic properties. It improves elasticity for rough skin, feet, elbows, and cuticles that need some extra love.

Eir NYC is a unisex skin care line crafted in Brooklyn for active types. Use this multitasking balm on dry spots like elbows, cuticles and feet.

Pro tip: Try it under ski or snowboarding gloves in the winter for a moisture-locking effect.

Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

This is a no frills daily face wash that smells nice and is not irritating. In a pinch when traveling I will sometimes use it as a body wash as well.

Buy here!

Clean skin is one of the best defenses against aging. This is for all skin types with advanced marine phytonutrients that gently remove makeup, oil and impurities with this foaming, sulfate-free cleanser for balanced, refreshed and absolutely luminous skin at any age. It infused with coconut water and sea vegetables. 

100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Marley Marie Naturals Aromatherapy Nail Polish Remover

I love my natural products but I am also a glamour girl so was so happy to discover that there are some great organic nail polish removers out there. This is one of them and it helps me to feel girly and glamorous without toxins typically associated with nail polish and nail polish remover.

Buy here!

Non-toxic, Natural, Aromatherapy Nail Polish Remover - Eucalyptus Spearmint (Stress Relief) 4 oz. bottle. This nail polish remover is natural, non-toxic, acetone/alcohol free which makes the product kid and pet friendly and headache free! It is infused with essential oils which have aromatherapy benefits that you can choose from our 5 scents. It strengthen and moisturize the nail, it also strengthens and moisturizes the skin and cuticle eliminating the need for cuticle oil. Biodegradable, gluten free, and 100% recyclable.

Ella+Mila Drippin' Gold

This is a go to polish when I need a little bling in my life.

Buy here!

This Nail Polish Collection from ella+mila has rich color and a smooth finish that gives your fingernails a beautiful look. It’s vegan and animal cruelty-free.

Let your fingers do the talking!

Mighty Patch Original

Hydrocolloid patches are my new best friend. They pull out dirt and oil and help your skin heal. These things are tiny miracle workers!

Buy here!

The Hydrocolloid acne stickers protect blemishes for faster healing overnight. It helps to absorb fluids from your pimples and leaves your skin clear and protected from picking and touching. This works on all skin types, vegan and cruelty free that speeds up the healing.

Marula Oil by Acure Organics

This is a great oil for use on face, hands, cuticles, and any rough spots. It’s moisturizing without being oily and soaks in to the skin quickly. I use it after moisturizing before bed time or before putting on foundation for smoother application.

Buy here!

It helps soften, moisturize and repair your skin. This will also improve skin elasticity, may help reduence the appearances of fine lines, scars, wrinkles, stretch marks and sun damage. This is suitable for all skin types, fast-absorbing, light and non-greasy.

Talcum Powder May Not Be Safe – The Alternatives

Some recent, big lawsuits have been making news lately because they are over an ordinary hygiene product that many of us use: baby powder. The cases are over whether or not companies like Johnson & Johnson knew that their talcum powder products could cause cancer with regular use. Much of the evidence indicates that these products can contribute to cancer, especially after decades of using it.

Regular Talcum Powder Use Increases Risk for Ovarian Cancer

Thousands of people, mostly women, have started lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over cancer. Most often the cases involve ovarian cancer. Some women who used baby powder regularly, often for decades, on their genital area, developed this kind of cancer.

Companies, like Johnson & Johnson, that make talcum powder products have insisted that they are safe and there is no connection to cancer, but the evidence says otherwise. One study, for example, looked at thousands of women and found that those who used baby powder regularly had a 30 percent increased chance of developing ovarian cancer. Other studies have actually found particles of talc in the ovarian tumors of women who died from this cancer.

In one lawsuit, in which the jury awarded the plaintiff $72 million, her lawyers presented evidence to back up concerns about ovarian cancer. The evidence came from internal memos that showed Johnson & Johnson executives knew that their talcum powder was contaminated with asbestos.

Your Baby Powder May Contain Asbestos

Talcum powder is made from the mineral talc, which is usually mined. It then gets ground down into a fine powder that is useful for preventing friction and absorbing moisture. The talc itself is largely harmless, although inhaling the small particles may cause some respiratory irritation.

What is in talcum powder that may be the culprit in contributing to cancer is asbestos. Also a mineral, asbestos can be found in natural talc deposits. In the 1970s the Personal Care Products Council stated that all hygiene products made with talc should be asbestos-free.

Unfortunately there aren’t actually any laws or regulations that force companies that make these products to assure they are free of asbestos. Studies have found that randomly-tested talcum powder products do often contain at least trace amounts of this harmful mineral.

Asbestos is a mineral that is known to cause cancer in some people exposed to it. It is most often associated with mesothelioma, a rare cancer that most often develops in people who worked around asbestos for years. However, the presence of asbestos in baby powder may explain why some people get diagnosed with any type of cancer, including ovarian cancer, after years of use.

Safer Alternatives to Talcum Powder

Women who have used talcum powder for years could be at risk for cancer, but another concern is for babies. Baby powder is a common way to prevent rashes and keep babies comfortable. But, the risks may be too high for some parents to accept. Some less risky alternatives for anyone, babies and adults, include corn starch, tapioca starch, baking soda, oat flour, arrowroot starch, kaolin clay, and rice starch. You can also find commercial baby powders that do not use talc.

The risk of developing cancer from using talcum powder is alarming. There is real, solid evidence that talc can contain asbestos and that it contributes to the development of ovarian cancer. This is reason enough to try something different. Safer alternatives absorb moisture and reduce friction, just like talcum powder.

Toxins in Fragrance

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Even if you are not using perfumes and fragrances, chances are you exposed to dozens of them every day! Fragrances are added to all kinds of personal products, candles, air freshener, and even products you might not expect like lip gloss and eye makeup. This is an issue because fragrance manufacturers can list fragrance and then not have to specify the components in the fragrance in the ingredients and a lot of these ingredients are quite toxic!

Types of hazardous chemicals detected:

• Respiratory toxicants and chemicals linked to asthma.

• Chemicals linked to breast cancer including benzene and 1,4-dioxane, which have been linked to mammary tumors.

• Hormone-disrupting compounds are linked to breast cancer: oxybenzone, propylparaben, and two phthalates (DEHP and DEP).

• Other chemicals linked to skin irritation and neurotoxicity.

Studies show that there are about 38 chemicals that are not listed on the labels in 17 branded fragrances like Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Bath & Body Works, Old Spice, Calvin Klein, and more) The average fragrance product contains 14 chemicals that were not disclosed on the label. Most commonly, fragrances contain phthalates, parabens and synthetic musks that may cause reproductive problems, hormone disruption, and possibly cancer. The exact ingredients in synthetic fragrances are protected as “trade secrets” and therefore, are not disclosed on the label.

Here are a few reasons why added fragrances are damaging to your health:

Mystery Ingredients

When it comes to scented products, consumers have no idea what's inside in the bottle. Fragrance manufacturers are allowed to hide behind ‘trade secret' to protect their concoctions, and leave consumers in the dark about the allergens, irritants, and toxins. The products may contain known allergens, and you will use them without it.

Toxic Ingredients

What fragrance can do for you? Most chemicals exposed can trigger allergies, migraines, kidney and liver problems, to name a few. There’s also evidence that some of the toxins found in fragrances may also contribute to neurological degeneration.

You Might as Well Be Smoking

A recent study showed that using air fresheners in the house is the equivalent health-wise to smoking 20 cigarettes a day! There are also lots of healthier options like essential oil diffusers or natural air fresheners (I like these by Attitude).

Additional Reasons to avoid toxic fragrances.

1. Fragrance can mean a cocktail of up to 3,000 different ingredients and most have NOT been tested for safety.

2. Many of these unlisted ingredients are irritants and can trigger allergies (runny nose, watery eyes, itching skin), migraines, and asthma symptoms.

3. Perfumes can trigger an asthma attack.

4. Based on lab experiments, individual fragrance ingredients have been associated with cancer and neurotoxicity.

5. They are linked to early puberty in girls.

6. They are linked to reduced sperm count in men and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus.

7. They are associated with obesity and insulin resistance in men.

8. Exposure to phthalates may cause liver and kidney failure in young children when products containing phthalates are chewed for extended periods.

Sources:

3 Reasons Perfume Stinks for Your Health

Air Fresheners Cause Lung Cancer

Does your perfume Include Toxic Chemicals?

Natural Beauty Tip: 11 reasons to avoid toxic perfume & cologne

Right to know: Exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care, and cleaning products

What I Learned About Parenting From Interviewing Hundreds Of Children (Yes, Hundreds)

By Emma Farr Rawling, Ph.D.

As parents, most of us are in a constant state of fear and anxiety when it comes to our children: Will the world be cruel to them? Will they find their meaning or purpose on this massive earth? How can we protect them from the evils that are out there?

Over the years I've committed a great deal of time to interviewing hundreds of children—spanning all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and nationalities—for my book, The Divine Child. And what was most shocking about the hundreds of interviews I conducted was unearthing the universal truths that were born with all the children I interviewed. What I discovered is that children know a great deal more than we give them credit for.

In hindsight, hearing what these children had to say made me a better parent to my son. I knew that he had a vision and direction for the person he wanted to become, and during those moments of growth I stepped back and gave him the freedom to forge his own path. Instead of being quick to write off a statement or belief of his as naive, I listened to him and sought value in everything he had to share. As a former psychotherapist, I can't even count the number of times I heard, "My parents won't listen to me" when speaking to kids. So often we forget that our children have a voice.

Was I a perfect parent? Far from it. But having this experience gave me an enlightened model for my journey through parenthood. I hope the truths I uncovered will help you do the same with your children.

1. Children are born with an innate wisdom.

I'm sure you've witnessed this in your own children: their ability to hit the nail right on the head when it comes to some of the deepest and most monumental subject matters. As mini humans, they have an innate knowledge of when their world is off-kilter (for example, Mom and Dad are angry with each other; Uncle Tom is sad; Grandma is not feeling well). My advice to you as a parent? Acknowledge this wisdom. Ask them how they're feeling about the situation, or see if they'd like to talk things through. Just because they're young doesn't mean they're unaware of the shifts in life taking place around them.

2. They're born with a spirituality that may or may not dissipate when they grow into adults.

Some of my favorite conversations with the children I interviewed were about their thoughts and ideas about where they were before life and where they would go after life. What was even more fascinating was the similarities I found in their responses. The question, "Where were you before you were in Mommy's tummy," was met with some variation of "I was in the air." When asked what would happen when they left earth, many children answered with some form of a reincarnation story, without being fully aware of the term or what it is.

Some of these children were as young as 5 years old, too young to grasp a full understanding of the concepts of conception and death, yet they were able to answer these complex questions freely. How can we encourage and accept this spirituality our children are born with? Try to allow your children to think freely, particularly when it comes to these spiritual thoughts and realizations. Who knows? They may instill some greater beliefs in you.

3. Children have a sense of purpose.

While the responses varied, a shared truth ran through, and that was each child's sense of purpose. Whether it was a desire to be a nurse, firefighter, policeman, or doctor, the majority of children I spoke with had a clear vision of what they would be as an adult. And if it wasn't what they would be, then it was a clarity on what they would do, which leads me to my next point.

4. Children have a desire to do good.

"If you had a magic wand and could do anything you wanted to change the world, what would you do?" No, it wasn't a wish to have more chocolate ice cream or toys in the world—although even as an adult I think I'd like that too! The answers I received were much deeper and more thoughtful than that. The children I spoke with wanted to end all wars and violence and treat our earth better in an effort to create a healthier, cleaner planet. Some held a desire to protect animals and keep them safe. I was amazed at the sheer goodness I encountered with these children. They want to do good, and they have smart ideas about how to do so. Ask them about it, and you'll see!

5. The younger the child, the more knowledge they shared about their experience in the womb.

This shouldn't be that much of a surprise to you, as the research has been around for decades. By weeks 25/26, a baby is able to respondto noise and voices while in the womb. The younger children I interviewed (ages 5 and 6) gave me precise descriptors when I asked what it was like in their mother's stomach. "Warm," "dark," and "lonely" were a few of the replies I received. Some children told me they kicked and kicked to get out. Others told me they felt warm and safe and wanted to stay forever. For any soon-to-be moms, this is an exciting thing to experience. Talk to your baby; play nice music—while they won't remember the specifics, a subconscious part of them may remember the overall experience!

Of course, this article won't solve all your parenting woes or prevent you from encountering challenges as your kids grow. What I hope is that it will inspire you to listen to your children and respect what they're saying. Don't overlook their thoughts and ideas as the "musings of a child." My mind was blown countless times over the years I spent interviewing children, and if you give in and allow for it, perhaps yours will be too.

Sources

Why We Should Listen To Our Children More?

January Eclipse Lowdown

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

What Eclipses Mean for Us

In short, eclipses are like uber new moons and uber full moons. They always fall in conjunction with new moons and full moons and comes in pairs or groups. We will have one set early in the year and another set in the summer or early fall every year. Eclipses bring in changes and help us shift and make big life changes, often in unexpected ways. Eclipses can act like a wild card and illuminate aspects of our life that need attention. Eclipses will often bring about rapid and unexpected though ultimately beneficial changes in our lives. All eclipses bring significant endings and significant beginnings into our lives, often in unexpected ways.

In simple terms, a solar eclipse is when the moon stands between the earth and the sun, and a lunar eclipse is when the earth blocks the light from the sun to the moon. Since the moon creates no light or her own, she will appear dark when this happens. Lunar eclipses, in particular, help us quickly release situations that are no longer aligned or serving us and solar eclipses help us launch and grow new areas and help us grow.

The grouping of eclipses is significant as well. They come in pairs or groups in signs that are across from each other on the astrological wheel and therefore will help us work on and resolve issues relating to those signs. This particular set of eclipses will impact us until the next set that starts in July. So, while a new moon or a full moon’s impacts are felt for approximately a month, eclipses impact us until the next set of eclipses in six months.

January 5-6 Partial Solar Eclipse

This is generally a positive astrological alignment in Capricorn. The energy of this new moon asks us to look at how we structure our life, our work, and how we can create a supportive structure for ourselves. How what are your dreams and what can you build to support them? Since Capricorn deals with long-term commitments, whatever we create in our lives on the new moon is far very likely to have long-term impacts. Due to a positive aspect with Neptune, it is a great time for starting new artistic endeavors and creative projects. There is also a conjunct with the star Vega which bodes well for business. Good outcomes can occur business-wise if you approach things from an ethical place.

This eclipse was visible in the east in Asia and the Pacific, and its impacts will be stronger there.

January 20, Total Lunar Eclipse

Will be visible from North and South America and part of Europe. This eclipse is in Leo and affected by the planet Uranus which means that you may feel rash and moody. You will not respond well to ultimatums or external pressures. You will likely feel unsettled, and there will be a lot of purging and releasing happening on this eclipse!  It will start at 9:42 and end at 10: 12 pm Denver (mountain time). I recommend for people to be doing something mellow and not making major decisions during the eclipse since it will be bringing up a lot of stuff. Don’t be surprised if you are very emotional or experience emotional outbursts from others. Not being reactive is advised during this time. It’s also not a good time to make major decisions around the time of the eclipse. It is a good thing to let the dust from the eclipse settle before making big decisions, moves or changes. If you experience blockages or problems (breakdowns, delays, etc.) remember it will pass.

I recommend marking your calendars for the next set of eclipses that start July 2. 2019.  Knowing they are coming in advance can help you plan activities and plans that are aligned with the activities of each eclipse.

You can subscribe to the newsletter with astro updates so you have a heads up by emailing bookings@laurapowers.net with the subject lines “subscribe.”

Sources

Astrology King: Solar Eclipse January 2019

Astrology Zone: All About Eclipses

Explore Deeply: Spiritual Significance of the Lunar Eclipse

Space.com: Solar Eclipse January 2019

The Moon Woman: Astro Forecast

Time and Date: January 6