Tag Archives: medication

Hair Loss Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Ahmed Carter Jan2021

Hair Loss Alopecia Areata
distressing you?

Alternative methods to encourage
resolution & get your confidence back.

Image courtesy Unsplash: Ahmed Carter

QR BLOGJAN21

 

Have you ever seen a clump of your hair falling out, especially whilst in the shower?

There’s nothing more distressing, when bunches of your hair is seen clumped at the drain of the shower.Often this happens as part of pregnancy or post delivery and breast feeding.
Women in particular, just have to ride the anguish of hair-loss, combined with waiting for our hormones to rebalance, and the pre-pregnancy normality to return.For men, it can also cause a lot of distress, though shaving the hair off completely can be one way of solving the embarrassment of hair loss.

But what if your hair is not only falling out, but leaving bald patches all over your scalp?This kind of loss in patches is otherwise known as Alopecia Areata. The immune system’s white blood cells which usually protect us from free radicals, viruses and bacteria, turns and fights against our healthy hair follicles instead.These become smaller, whilst the production of hair slows down drastically.

It sadly doesn’t have a cure, but we usually have to wait patiently for our hair to grow back in its own time. Alopecia Areata can be treated with various kinds of prescribed medications, consisting of Immuno-suppressants, Minoxidil, Corticosteroids, Anthralin or Diphencyprone. However, taking these for longer periods of time can have side effects, consisting of leaving the skin looking lighter in colour or discoloured, causing reactions or irritations, to stomach aches, nausea and tiredness.

Gallery of Images from Unsplash Chrissie Kremer, Ahmed Carter & Mixed Herbs including Rosemary.

Dealing with hair loss can be extremely stressful, especially if constantly monitoring the patches or how much has fallen.It can make us feel insecure, anxious and irritable.For those that want to try an alternative and more healthy option for boosting hair growth, consider these:

Probiotic Supplements – Adding these to your diet can assist your digestive system’s health, aiding and treating various autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata. Improving the condition of your immune system prevents your body from reacting to threats which can cause inflammation and reactions.The kinds of foods to eat include cultured vegetables, yoghurt, kefir, kombucha and apple cider vinegar.

Zinc – Is a vital mineral which supports hair follicles. Taking a supplement can aid boosting your immune system, whilst repairing your gut’s health, making it more responsive to the threat of free radicals.Not only will the supplements provide therapeutic benefits, it can work as a natural treatment for alopecia areata.Foods which are high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef and lamb, spinach, cashews, chickpeas and yoghurt.

Ginseng – can be taken in either powdered, dried or tablet form. It works by reducing inflammation and boosting our immune functionality and homeostasis: (any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability).Alopecia areata can be treated naturally by including the consumption of red ginseng.

Consuming Anti-Inflammatory Foods – these will naturally benefit our digestive tract as they provide nutrition as well as a calming effect on our system.Often those suffering from Alopecia Areata are deficient of certain nutrients.Start by avoiding foods which are highly processed and contain loads of sugar.Instead, include foods like beets, broccoli, nuts, seeds, spices like ginger and turmeric, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, coconut oil, bone broth and wild-caught salmon to your list for consumption, which are high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and necessary minerals. Changing up your diet can aid how you feel as well as restore autoimmune problems shown in our bodies.

Stress Reduction – can have amazing effects on our body.Often stress can cause all sorts of ailments from skin conditions like Eczema, sleep deprivation, anxiety and hair loss.Participating in activities that encourage blood circulation can assist with relieving stress levels.These include meditation, spending time outdoors, scrapbooking or keeping a journal. You can also join support groups with those dealing with alopecia, as well as surrounding yourself with family and friends who are supportive and encouraging.

Acupuncture – Can be a natural treatment to consider not only for increasing blood circulation, but for dealing with depression and anxiety.Acupuncture works by stimulating and releasing the flow of energy in the body’s pressure points whilst reducing inflammation.It can also assist with minimisingT1 cells that attack hair follicles which cause hair loss, like alopecia areata.

Quercetin – is a plant pigment (flavonoid) antioxidant which aids in reducing inflammation and fighting damage caused by free radicals.It is often used to treat autoimmune disorders, as it has a strong effect on the bodys’ immunity.Quercetin is found in red wine, onions, berries, apples, green tea, buckwheat tea, Ginkgo biloba, St John’s wort and American elder.Adding it to your diet can stimulate hair regrowth due to quercetin’s anti-inflammatory properties.Supplements and creams can be purchased at your health food stores, but ensure that Quercetin is the main ingredient, or that bromelain, another anti-inflammatory enzyme is included.

Lavender Essential Oil – An all-round ingredient to keep in one’s medicinal cabinet, Lavender finds another place for aiding our health.It is a powerful antioxidant which reduces inflammation, and can assist with the production and thickening of dermal layers, improving the health and depth of hair follicles.

Rosemary Essential Oil – is used to enhance the growth and thickness of hair, by increasing the metabolism of cells.It can be as effective as the prescribed drug, ‘Minoxidil’ which is used for treating alopecia areata.Rosemary oil can also be used to treat dry scalp and treat dandruff.

Gallery: Oasis Balm & Serum.

Oasis Serum & Balm

In case you missed the previous blogs and their benefits, here are some oils related to encouraging hair growth:

Products for Hair related concerns from the Essentially Lili Range is Oasis Serum.This all-natural product includes the following healing, soothing, stimulating, antioxidant Ingredients:- Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Wheatgerm (Triticum Vulgare), Black Seed (Nigella sativa), Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis, Soyabean (Glicine max) Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) & Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum) with Essential Oils: Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) Patchouli (Pogostemum Patchouli), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis), Rose (Rosa Centifolia), Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) & Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) & Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Black Seed Oil which soothes an inflamed, flaky, itchy and sensitive scalp.Black Seed Oil can assist with regrowth to thinning out areas on the scalp whilst aiding conditions like Psoriasis. Applying the Oasis Serum blend twice daily can improve the condition of the hair follicles whilst treating the irritated skin condition.

Pumpkin Seeds are extremely rich in zinc, antioxidants, omega-3 & 6 essential fatty acids and Vitamin E.These aid with fighting free radicals, maintaining our youthful appearance, whilst the zinc levels help balance hormone levels, benefiting hair re-growth and reversing loss.

Kiwi Fruit Oil can be used to treat your hair, as it promotes elasticity, bounce and averts the loss of moisture from the scalp.

To read more about the benefits of these other components contained in the Oasis Serum, please check out the Ingredients.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Have you been suffering for conditions like Alopecia Areata?
  • If so, how long has it been a concern?
  • Have you tried using supplements or natural oils to encourage hair regrowth?
  • Would you consider using the Oasis Serum to aid the condition?
  • “About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

    About Lili Essentially Lili  – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, and a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine.  I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

    My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email  should you need further assistance.

    At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products which are available on the webpage.

    Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.   We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

    See the Blog Library for previous writings.  These include topics like Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body.  Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

    Always love hearing from you, your feedback and reviews.  With Love Essentially Lili.

Road to Recovery

Road to Recovery

Road to Recovery

After taking time out &
getting back on track.

Thanks for my gorgeous flowers &
visiting me in hospital Kaori x

QR BLOGNOV18

Following on from the last blog about ‘Taking Time out’. Whilst recently being in Hospital recovering from the Hernia Operation, I had plenty of time to think, rest, and study again. I don’t really have a high pain threshold which made my recovery seem to take longer than planned.

I remember waking up and feeling groggy and hearing numbers being called out in German. They were calling out my low blood pressure numbers, but I was too late to tell the staff it was normal for me!! They had already given me a shot of morphine!! The other painkillers were being fed by drip – gosh for someone who rarely takes even Ibuprofen for the occasional headache, this was mega.

Unable to move around, or change my positions freely, I felt quite restricted despite being in good spirits. You don’t even realise how much you need your stomach or core muscles until you are unable to use them. Coughing, laughing, and sneezing was so difficult to do whilst I was bandaged and recovering. I’m glad to say that 2 weeks post-operation, I seem to be back to normal, except I am not able to lift heavy items for a few more weeks. My kids are so happy as they look for any excuses not to help around anymore!! That’s so Not cool.

With the excuse that I couldn’t do much, I took the time complete my Reflexology case studies and submit my final exam. It was one of those courses that needed a lot of motivation to study, write, and understand. I’m glad that I persevered and completed it.I’m happy to say that I received my Reflexology Diploma with Distinction to add to the other 5 completed courses.

Choosing my Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Holistic Skincare Products, and Reflexology were so I could assist with a holistic approach to well-being when trying to help my customers. The one currently being studied is Holistic Pain Management. There is so much to grasp – not only how the Mind, Body and Spirit work together, but how there are so many alternative health solutions too. It’s ironic that whilst I was in so much pain and discomfort, I had to commence studying this subject.I look forward to helping my customers with alternative solutions instead of seeking drugs as the only option.

In my youth when I was unwell, I had the pleasure of trying all sorts of alternative options. I tried the Herbalist, Chinese Medicine person with the brutal massage techniques and suction cups, the Reflexology, the Acupuncturist as well as the Dermatologist. I believe all of these experiences helped me comprehend what they do and how they can assist in bringing about well-being.Sometimes we should try another avenue to see if it works for us.These other options helped me so much in my quest to find my own well-being, irrespective of whether or not they worked for me.It’s only when you have boiled and drank a cup full of ‘secret herbs and barks’ from the Chinese Medicine person that you will ever understand the benefits and the hideous tastes at the same time!

My tummy was so bloated from the medication that I stopped taking them altogether.Imagine what happens to your intestinal tract if you’re taking medications all the time? My elderly Italian neighbour gave me some dry figs and other fruits to help me.

What also helped was increasing my water and herbal tea intake. I took Aloe Vera cleanser as well as make a Himalayan Sea Salt Water wash to drink. I tried not to use medicated options for helping my tummy as I wanted my Intestinal tract to flush out any build-up or irritations caused by the medications as quickly as possible. This also helps keep your skin healthy and clear.

Gallery:  Body & Feet Products, Recovering, Time Out London, Flowers.

Then I taught my husband how to make an Italian Minestrone so that I could eat well without having to feel so ill. The recipe is below:

MINESTRONE: Cut all sorts of veggies into chunks including Onion, carrots, cabbage, celery, mushrooms, spinach, long green beans cut smaller, potatoes for thickening the soup. You can also add peas and silver beat (or Swiss Chard). Salt, pepper, Italian Herbs, veggie stock and cover them with water.Then add a can of chopped up tomatoes, season to taste again.   Add a little sugar to remove the acidity of the tomatoes. Cook until soft, squash the potatoes down to thicken and eat!

For assisting the healing of my wounds, I mentioned in the last blog the benefits of Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera) which comes from the seeds of grapes, a by-product of making wine.It contains Omega-3 fatty acids with the highest levels of Omega-6 Fatty Acids, compared to other Vegetable Oils. I made sure I had my Essentially Lili Products with me in hospital and at home.

The one I have been applying to my wounds is Mint Body Butter whilst others have been using the to prevent any scarring post-operation. I look forward to hearing the progress updates from the other operation buddies.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Have you ever tried these alternative therapies?
  • Have you found the one that supported and helped you back to health?

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management. I’m a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine. I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.  We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body.

Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.  We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili x

How Perseverance is Key

Perseverance is Key

How Perseverance is Key

To Getting Your Glow,
Confidence, Health & Wellness back.

QR BLOGAPR18

How Perseverance Is Key to Getting Your Glow, Confidence & Wellness back

What I love to do is to share my personal About Me story with with those who ask about the Essentially Lili All-Natural Skincare products. The reason I started making the Range and sharing the products with others IS because of my personal journey. The battle I had with Eczema as a Kid and Teenager and into adulthood, combined with the various types of medications I was given made my whole body a mess from inside-out.

The frustration of looking at myself in the mirror, being covered in red blotches, patches, bleeding scratches that were also weeping clear liquid was beyond painful and awful.  It made me feel self-conscious, hideous, lacking confidence and extremely isolated.

At 19, when my journey to wellness began, I remember being in a very dark and lonely space, away from everyone outside.   I only left the house to see my Naturopath who helped me get out of this medically created mess.  My skin was the worst he had ever seen. To make me feel more disheartened was getting worse at the beginning when I started my detoxification process.  However, the anguish I was going through was enough to keep me persevering, following his instructions with determination to get the results I desperately wanted.

How many of you have been ill or felt yuk and all you wanted to do was hide away from the world?

I know what it’s like.  I didn’t go anywhere in my state.  This was happening during my 3rd year of University and so I just stopped attending everything for 2 months – lectures, tutorials and social events.  I returned to sit my exams though it was no surprise I failed some that semester. I had to do an extra year of University, graduating the following year with my Bachelor of Business (Accounting) Degree.

Sometimes in life, things just go from bad to worse. They make us feel frustrated, angry, stressed out, anxious and willing to chuck in the towel.  But what if you took a different approach?  What if you just took some time out, to reflect, to write down what’s bothering you, change your strategy and do something different.  What if the results you are looking for are right in front of you?

For me, I took one month of totally detoxing my body, changing what and how I ate to bring the results I needed. It was not an easy path, but I persisted, persevered and was patient with my body’s recovery.

When I ask Customers to keep an eye on what they’re eating, wearing, touching and if their environment has changed, it’s not because I want to criticise or judge you. It may be that these factors are triggering the reactions in your body. They could be the reason for the breakouts in your skin, giving you cramps, headaches or causing you to feel irritable and cranky. By changing something, we can help speed up the process of getting well again and preventing those issues reoccurring on a frequent basis.

I really want to encourage you that Perseverance, Persistence and Patience are Key to getting your glow, your confidence and your Mojo back.  We would all love to have the overnight success, though it doesn’t always happen. Can you imagine if we only needed to go to the gym once to have an awesome Shaun T BeachBody Six Pack?   Can you imagine if you went on a diet and the next day could fit into size 8?   We can all dream of those moments, but the reality is that a lot of time, effort and persistence went into achieving these goals.

Gallery: New Labels; Lili March no makeup; Samples offered at Event;  Before & After photos Eczema;Goodbye Beauty Case Contents.

A quick summary for Getting Your Glow:
* Do not cleanse in the mornings as you could remove any new cells that were generated whilst you were getting your beauty sleep!
* Cleansing only at night time to remove any dirt and pollution from your skin.
* Some Serums & Balms contain Essential Oils that will make your skin sensitive to the sun.These should only be applied at night time.
* Applying a little of the balms as often as needed helps prevent your skin from drying out and cracking.
* Depending on the age of the child, sometimes we need to be clever and apply products on their nearby toys.
* Don’t be afraid to get rid of products that contain parabens & other nasty ingredients, no matter how much they cost.
* I recently cleared a Beauty Case full of Expensive well-known brands worth a lot of money, many of which were new & unused.I also threw out all my emergency stashes of Cortisone that were always in my drawers – just in case.
* In all things, apply common sense – drink water, wear sun hats, sun block, if something doesn’t agree with you, stop eating /drinking it, and find an alternative!
* Perseverance, Persistence & Patience are the Key to get your Glow, your confidence, your health, that job and the success you’re after.

I want to encourage you to NOT GIVE UP in your pursuits.   I too had many moments when I wanted to chuck in the towel with frustration. But instead, I want to inspire you to keep striving, persisting, pushing, reaching, changing, pursuing and wanting to go ahead.I have been encouraged by others to be myself and with that, I say the same to you:   Be patience, be kind to yourself, be genuine with those you deal with, love what you do, be honest but not a pushover and let those around you help (if they can).  And if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again!

The 7th of April marks the 3rd birthday & anniversary of when Essentially Lili took a plunge to make sample products and distribute them at a Women’s Breakfast in Zurich.Some of you have had the most amazing results with the Essentially Lili ProductsI love making these Fresh, with Love, without any fake ingredients, all Vegan/Vegetarian and suitable for many ages.

Your feedback allows me to improve & sometimes re-tweak the ratio of ingredients or the application of the products, especially when it comes to Kids. Your Reviews are the best way to celebrate your success with the products you have chosen. It helps others feel encouraged by your journey and assists them to choose what they need for themselves and loved ones.

If you want to be featured on the Happy Customers on our webpage’s Testimonials, please send me a recent picture of yourself without makeup with your testimonial.

You can also request to join the various groups I have set up: Essentially Lili Skincare Q&A and Essentially Lili Nutrition & Well Being Here you can ask your questions for conversation and resolution.I share not only what I have studied with the school in London about Nutrition and the Body, but what the other experts write too.You can also check out the previous Blogs  regarding the Products, Essential Oils, their Benefits, Managing Stress, Raiding Your Fridge and the funny Pedicure one too.

If you are looking to fast forward your journey to recovery, you can book your Consult Therapist.  I will help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey; who has endured & persisted; has had high and low moments; who can empathise, sympathise and encourage you along your path. Check out the variety of Help Skin Assistance products available on the webpage.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Have you had a similar bad experience with Medication which reacted on your skin?
  • What has helped you get well again?
  • What products have helped you on your journey?
  • Should you wish to contact us for more information about our All-Natural Products, please send me an email info@essentiallylili.com

    You can read more About Lili here, see the range of Products on offer at Shop Categories or refer to our Blog Library for more topics covered.

    Kind Regards Lili @ Essentially Lili