Holistic Wellness | Exploring the Science & Metaphysics Of Health

Three time business founder, Crystal Vilkaitis, shares tips and  habits she's adopted for being less busy and more effective &  efficient.  We talk about ways to break your procrastination habit &  build your confidence so that you can be more effective and efficient  without being forever and always busy. Join us for this packed episode.

Did you know forest bathing has real physiological effects on your health?  The oldest health systems & philosophies in existence (we're talking Ayurveda and TCM here) hold the idea of life force as a central belief.  Life force is part of all living beings (some beliefs hold that it's also part of anything natural, like minerals and stones), and this idea so permeated culture that i...

Sarah Lopes embraces a different approach to consumerism, moving away  from mass produced to intentionally made and intentionally purchased.   Sarah launched The Safari Collective in 2016 to display her carefully  curated collection of unique and ethically made items created by small  businesses right here in America. Sarah invites you to find beauty in the mundane and elevate everyday  "chores" i...

Maria Uspenski shares her inspiration for starting The Tea Spot, a Colorado based tea company that offers (in my humble opinion) the best teas on the planet.  Maria talks eloquently about how the simple act of daily tea can elevate the day to day infusing wellness into your daily routine as well as your body.  We talk all about green tea, black tea, matcha, and adaptogenic and other herb...

20 years later, I can still see that day on replay in my mind.  The first plane crashing into the North Tower and everything that came after. We can't control the moments and the events that define our lives and our world views, and yet, we can find meaning even in the debris, even when the after doesn't look like the before.  Join me for a few moments as I reminisce over a day that larg...

If phytoestrogens mess with your estrogen levels are they also endocrine disruptors? And, if phytoestrogens are enodcrine disrupting, why aren't they bad for your health like synthetic endocrine disruptors? We'll answer those two questions in today's episode. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/are-phytoestrogens-endocrine-disruptors

Of the 16 sunscreen ingredients the FDA allows into sunscreens sold in America, the FDA is reclassifying 14 sunscreen ingredients.  Find out what prompted the FDA to make this bold move, when the proposed order goes into effect, and what that means for your summer in this episode. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/new-fda-sunscreen-regulations

We're talking about two common endocrine disruptors... one, almost all of us are exposed to on a daily basis, and the second... if you're a woman, chances are high this one's been in your medicine cabinet. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/endocrine-disruptor-the-birth-control-pill-and-your-liver

Whether natural or man-made, endocrine disruptors alter your normal hormones. We'll talk about why that's a good thing sometimes (using aromatherapy to reduce cortisol levels) and why it's so problematic at other times. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/what-are-endocrine-disruptors

Since the days of Cleopatra, aloe has been coveted for skincare.  Battles have been fought over aloe.  It's been so widely used by so many cultures that tracing its origin required DNA testing.  So, why is aloe so great for your skin?  And, why is it on the Prop 65 list in Cali?  We're diving into all those topics in today's episode.  So, strap in, and get ready for a...

What's the difference between a sunscreen and an antioxidant, and which one is better?  Plus, why don't skincare products containing antioxidants contain an SPF number on the label? Looking for more sunscreen episodes?  Check out these: Sunscreens and the FDA:  reclassifying safe Making Sense of Sunscreens Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/whats-...

What's the lymph system anyway and why's it important to encourage lymph flow (even if you're not sick right now)?  You'll also discover natural ways to quickly boost your lymph flow.

The exercises of Contrology, now known as Pilates, were born during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 to 1920.  The Spanish Flu ravaged the world in waves propelled by the massive movement of soldiers during World War I, killed people between the ages of 20 and 40 at alarming rates, and ultimately caused more deaths than the war itself.  Joseph Pilates refined his exercises while working...

Dr. Leslie Deems, DACM, shares how acupuncture can help play a key role in maintaining and restoring (& supporting) good health.  She also shares information on two types of cosmetic acupuncture, Mei Zen and microneedling and how these natural treatments can help encourage your body to build back collagen & revitalize your appearance. Lastly, we talk about how acupuncture can support...

Today we're talking all things aromatherapy... it's history, and why aromatherapy is so great for your body, mind, & soul.  Check out today's shownotes for a list of plants & essential oils recommended for a variety of conditions. Other episodes you might enjoy: What's the difference between floral waters and hydrosols? Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/po...

Have you ever wondered why rose water and rose hydrosol are different?  We're talking about essential oils, absolutes, floral waters, and floral hydrosols (hydrolats) today using rose as the example.  You'll learn how they're different, and which ones better for your skin and your hair. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/which-is-better-for-your-skin-r...

Which is more eco-friendly?  Oat milk or almond milk?  Grass fed beef or feed lot beef?  Is eating locally and in season really that effective at reducing your carbon footprint?  We're talking about each of these on today's episode of The Alchemy of Things. Do you want more on skin science, nature's rhythms, and living (w)holistically?  Subscribe to The Alchemy of Things p...

You've likely heard that phthalates are bad for your health, and in this episode, we're talking about why they're a health concern and how you can reduce your exposure to phthalates in your daily life.

In today's episode we're talking about why vitamin C is so great for your skin (hint: it's a multifunctional ingredient providing antioxidant protection, enabling collagen synthesis, and even helping to brighten your skin).  There are some formulation challenges around Vitamin C, so we'll talk about why you'll often find vitamin C derivatives in skincare products rather than ascorbic acid (th...

We're talking about reactive oxygen species and antioxidants (including one you may not be familiar with) in today's episode.  You'll learn why using antioxidants in your skincare is so important (in addition to including plenty of antioxidants in your diet). Find the shownotes here: https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/what-are-antioxidants-and-why-does-your-body-need-them

In today's episode we're taking a look at what your skin needs and how to meet those needs with your skincare in just 3 steps. Get ready to declutter your counter with a simpler routine. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/episdode-2-simplifying-your-skincare-routine

In this inaugural episode, we're talking about the layers of the epidermis, the Hayflick Limit, and cellular senescence. These concepts tie into skincare and set a solid foundation for future episodes.  We'll explore these together, so dive in with me. Find the shownotes here:   https://rainorganica.com/blogs/podcast/episode-1-how-cellular-turnover-depends-on-skins-structure-function