GHS Natural Health Blog

Every now and then a product comes along that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it! Enter Miracell, an amazing combination of oils, vitamins and herbs that provides nutritive support for your skin.
 
Many of us are afflicted with dry, rough and scaly skin conditions or stretch marks and scarring, that we want to treat. If you are concerned about what you put on your skin and the cocktail of chemicals some products contain, it makes sense to take a more natural approach. Even if you are fortunate enough not to suffer from any of these conditions, you’d still probably prefer to use natural, nurturing products on your skin.
 
What is Miracell?
 
Miracell is a unique blend of the finest quality botanical extracts, including apricot kernel oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, squalene (from olive oil), jojoba oil, aloe vera oil and camellia kissi oil, each of which plays a role in sustaining skin function. Of particular interest is apricot kernel oil, which has been used for centuries by the Hunza men and women of the Himalayan Mountains who are renowned for remaining vigorous and vital into old age. Their remarkably smooth, unlined and youthful-looking complexions are attributed to their daily use of this oil extracted from the kernel of the apricot seed. They rub it into their faces, throats and hands each day as protection from the ravages of the sun, wind, rain and snow. Miracell is ideal for all skin types and people of all ages. It is easy to use, gentle and most definitely effective!
 
The top 10 uses for Miracell
 
1. Moisturises and nourishes your skin, keeping it healthy and free from skin problems.
 
2. Night-time repair treatment. Apply two drops under your usual eye cream for soothing support for mature skin. You can also apply it to the delicate skin around your mouth and throat to prevent wrinkled or ageing skin.
 
3. A nourishing lip balm.
 
4. Eye make-up remover. Apply one drop to each eye, then use a warm, wet face cloth to gently remove stubborn make-up.
 
5. Men’s and women’s before and after shave oil to help prevent skin rashes.
 
6. Remedy for slow-healing wounds or scars, particularly useful for speeding up the healing of acne scars. Depending on the wound area, apply several drops.
 
7. Nail and cuticle treatment. Massage in and around the nail area for a revitalizing hand treatment.
 
8. Bites, stings and sunburn remedy. Soothes painful, burning and itching sensations.
 
9. Cradle cap treatment. Helps to loosen and remove dry skin. Apply to affected area and rub in gently.
 
10. Chaffed ears. Apply to the outer part of the ear to relieve discomfort caused by hearing aids.
 
Testimonies
 
Miracell has helped hundreds of thousands of people who’ve suffered from a variety of skin conditions. Here’s what some had to say:

‘I used Acutane and Retin A for three years, along with many other products, to try and improve my acne and my acne scarring. In just three months Miracell did more for my skin than anything else I tried. It softened the scarring and my skin now looks much better.’ Debbie W.

‘I used to experience a constant lumpy rash from shaving, which was unsightly and itchy. I decided to try Miracell and the rash disappeared – what a relief! I apply it prior to shaving underneath my regular shaving cream, then after shaving to soothe my skin. I’m definitely going to use it every day.’ Simon R.
 
In a world where most skin products are made from synthetic and petrochemical ingredients, Miracell stands apart as being an effective, natural blend of botanical extracts. Miracell is available in bottles of 14.75 ml or 58 ml.

So, what can you do with it?

• Don’t think of it as a replacement for extra virgin olive oil, but rather as a new oil, a new flavour, to introduce to food. Use it in place of other oils, or as a blend with olive oil.
• It will heighten the flavour of any dish that features avocados. Stir it into avocado dips, guacamole and avocado soup, for example.
• Drizzle it over a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad. Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a few squirts of lemon. You could also add some plump Spanish or Italian green olives to this. Basil, lemon and lime basil will also add an extra complementary flavour.
• Make a New World gazpacho with avocado oil in place of olive oil and garnish the chilled soup with finely diced avocado carefully tossed with avocado oil, chopped fresh red chilli and chopped coriander.
• Make a bulky gazpacho (use very little liquid) and strew the top with garlicky prawns seared in avocado oil.
• Sear fresh scallops in very hot avocado oil, grind over some black pepper and sprinkle with chopped coriander.
• Drizzle over a salad of cos lettuce, goats’ cheese, snipped chives, lemon or lime segments and serve with crispy chunks of garlic or walnut bread.
• Make a tapas of fat green Spanish olives with a few strips of orange peel, a few cloves of smashed garlic, a sprig of oregano or marjoram and freshly ground black pepper and drizzle with avocado oil.
• Drizzle it over cooked seafood, mixing in crushed garlic and chopped Italian parsley, or crushed garlic and a little finely chopped fresh red chilli.
• Mix it with ground pink peppercorns and drizzle it over salmon steaks before grilling them.
• Marinate seafood in avocado oil and lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper, before pan-frying, grilling or barbecuing.
• Use it in a fruity smoked chicken salad that includes cubed rock or honeydew melon.
• Dress fresh steamed artichokes with avocado oil mixed with lemon juice, salt, pepper, crushed garlic and crushed mint leaves

Healthy oils are essential for the health and wellbeing of our bodies. Here are a variety of nutritious oils and their possible uses:

Avocado oil

Cold pressed from the flesh of the avocado fruit, this oil is rich in Vitamins, A, B & D and lecithin. Possessing a mild nutty flavour. Avocado oil is a tasty and healthy choice when used as a base for salad dressings and oil marinades. When cooking, avocado oil must never be heated as bitter flavours will develop. Avocado Oil readily penetrates the skin and its extremely high vitamin and mineral content nourish dry climate-abused or aging skin. To nourish the skin, massage a portion of avocado oil into the skin using a warm face cloth to remove excess oil.

Safflower oil

Low in saturated fats and has a neutral flavor that is perfect for salad dressings, dips, mayonnaise and low temperature baking. Safflower oil, with a fatty acid profile of 79 percent polyunsaturates, 13 percent monounsaturates and just 8 percent saturated fats, is the most highly polyunsaturated vegetable oil available.

Sesame oil

Suitable for salads, sautés and frying. Sesame oil can make a wonderful moisturiser for the skin. This light yellow oil is distinctively sweet and nutty in aroma. Excellent stability and resistance to oxidation due to natural sesamol content.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is light in taste and appearance and supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. It is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels. The versatility of this healthy oil is recognized by cooks internationally. Sunflower oil is valued for its light taste, frying performance and health benefits. Great for cooking, salads and dressings.

Soybean oil

Soybean oil is cheap, healthful and has a high smoke point. Soybean oil’s clean, natural taste and nearly imperceptible odor support and enhance the natural flavors of prepared foods. This versatile oil is great for salad dressings, sandwich spreads, margarine, bread, mayonnaise, non-dairy coffee creamers and snack foods. The high smoke point of soybean oil allows it to be used as frying oil.

Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a delicious tasting nutritional oil, that keeps better than flax seed oil and very rarely goes rancid. Pumpkin seed oil offers the good fats  for smooth skin, increased energy, maintenance and improvement of sexual health and optimum brain function. Pumpkin seed oil is known to prevent and alleviate bladder and prostate problems. Pumpkin seed oil is typically used as a salad dressing combined with apple cider vinegar and salt. Additionally, it can be used in cooking and baking as an ingredient in sauces and cakes.

Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil is light in color and flavor, with a hint of nuttiness. It has a very high smoking point, so many people use grapeseed oil to fry foods. Grapeseed oil can also be included in dressings and sauces. Culinary grapeseed oil can also be flavored with the addition of things like peppers, truffle shavings, and herbs. Grapeseed Oil is full of antioxidants and moisturising properties helpful in restoring damaged done by the elements. It has mild astringent qualities which may help to tighten and tone the skin. Some cosmetic grapeseed oils are stabilized with chemicals which could be harmful to consume. Like other oils, grapeseed oil should be stored in a cool dark place until it is used.

Flax Seed oil

Flaxseed oil can be used in salad dressings, over toast as a substitute for butter or even added to protein shakes. Some people enjoy its buttery, nutty taste, but others find it unpleasant. Flaxseed is used for a variety of medicinal purposed, most commonly constipation and other conditions requiring high fiber. It is also said to be good for arthritis, heart disease, cancer, depression, Crohn’s disease, and much more.

Wheatgerm oil

Wheatgerm oil is a very sensitive oil, therefore must be used cautiously. It tends to degrade in quality, when exposed to high temperatures. It is usually dark in color and also has a heavy smell. Wheatgerm oil is a good source of fatty acids that are very vital for the healthy growth of the body. Wheatgerm oil supports the skins natural process of regeneration. Good for stretch marks, scar tissue, and for dry rough skin. Wheat Germ Oil can be taken alone, drizzled on top of salads, vegetables, pasta, pesto, or other meals. Wheat Germ Oil should not be heated.

Oil has long been thought as an evil part of the diet – something to avoid at all costs, but did you know that there are some healthy oils that are good to include in your diet?  These are polyunsaturated oils that are high in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and have a range of health benefits.

Some of these oils include:

• avocado oil
• safflower oil
• sesame oil
• sunflower oil
• soybean oil
• pumpkin seed oil
• grapeseed oil
• flaxseed oil
• wheatgerm oil
• fish oil
• olive oil
• canola oil
• corn oil
• evening primrose oil

How to Use Healthy Oils

Even though these oils are significantly better for your health than saturated fats and other hydrogenated oils, remember that they are still a liquid fat.  Use the oils sparingly so that you do not overindulge and possibly suffer from weight gain.

Oils need to be stored in dark bottles as clear glass or plastic bottles allow light to penetrate into the oil and oxidise the fatty acids.  Contact with air will also affect the oil so be sure to keep the lid on tightly.  Be aware that the healthier the oil is, the more quickly it will spoil.  Many healthy oils will need to be stored in the refrigerator.  Olive oil is an exception however as it is high in oleic acid and contains antioxidants that slow spoiling. 

The more omega 3 fatty acids that are in the oil, the less suitable it is for cooking.  High temperatures can damage many oils as the heat not only damages the fatty acids, it can also make them harmful.  Where possible, use the healthy oils at room temperature, such as in salad dressings.  Olive oils are the best for cooking.

How Often Should I Eat These Oils?

Essential fatty acids are important for the diet and should be eaten on a regular basis.  You should consume a source of omega 3 or 6 essential fatty acids three to five times a week.  Where possible, consume them in a food form such as fish or flaxseed oil, rather than in a supplement form, as fresh is always better.

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Q. I’ve just recovered from chicken pox and had spots on my face and body. I am in my mid-20s and am anxious in getting rid of the spots, as it would affect my performance in my daily life. I am a performing art student. What creams and vitamins would you recommend me?
 
A. With regard to blemishes that may leave marks there are many products that may help. These include:

Rosehip Oil – moisturising, emollient, high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and vitamin C.

Aloe Vera – healing and soothing agent for damaged skin contains B complex, folic acid, C and carotene (a precursor of vitamin A).

Avocado oil – nourishing and anti-inflammatory, rich in Linoleic acid and Oleic acid. Vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, Protein & Lecithin.

Sunflower oil – contains useful amounts of essential fatty acids and a high amount of vitamin E.

Shea butter – protects against inflammation, minimizes scarring, and enhances cell regeneration and capillary circulation.

Chamomile oil – anti- inflammatory properties.

Calendula (calendula officinalis) – rich in carotenoids/Vit. A which help the skin regenerate itself.

Grapefruit seed extract – rich in vitamin A which helps heal the skin.

Lecithin – helps to repair the collagen and restore the elasticity of skin, contains essential fats,

Linolenic acid and Linoleic acid – essential fatty acids which improve skin texture and reduce water loss.

Rose Geranium – anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory making it useful for the treatment of broken capillaries.

Lavender Oil – promotes growth of new skin cells.

Vitamin E Cream – antioxidant moisturizer.

Botani Olive Repair Cream – moisturising repair cream, formulated using 100% premium botanicals, plant oils, vitamins and antioxidants. Echinacea, olive leaf extract, chamomile and calendula are used to soothe and calm the skin; lecithin, plant squalene and jojoba oil provide optimum hydration, protection and suppleness. Non-clogging, non-greasy, and extremely gentle for even the most sensitive skins (including babies).