ABB Blogs

According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7) in any given year. Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. These are some pretty staggering statistics and warrants (in my humble opinion) solutions and options from as many schools of thought and perspectives as possible. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression;

o Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

o Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

o Withdrawn – no interests in social interactions with other people

o Crying (sobering) uncontrollably for no obvious reason

o Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

o Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

o Loss of energy or increased fatigue

o Increase in purposeless physical activity

o Feeling unworthy, worthless, shameful or guilty

o Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

o Constant thoughts of death or suicide

As I look back on my life from a much higher perspective, I am very clear on the reasons why depression fell upon me in the way it had, for years. After all, I was one who held within dark secrets in relation to years of systemic molestation and incestuous relations. I had internalized self hatred and shame from all of the negative input from the outside world regarding my innate mannerisms, race and sexual orientation (or lack thereof). In conjunction to the aforementioned, I was very detached and hurt due to being a product of an absentee father and all that comes along with being a social/cultural misfit. The rhetorical question is, how could one not be psychologically impacted in such negative way?

When I had gotten to the point of being tired of feeling and being in such a state - the very first thing I had to do was to go into those dark places and bring all of these internal towers and dismantle them, one piece at a time. I learned to forgive those who have hurt and offended me and honor the very things that others tried to shame and put me down for - the attributes and ingredients that made me uniquely ME.

In conjunction to the tips shared within my linked video - I suggest that we bring to the surface all of those things that caused hurt, shame and pain in your life and talk about them! I learned that by openly confessing and speaking about these matters with a friend, associate, therapist or relative who you can relate and trust; we free ourselves from the fear, shame and guilt that coincides with hiding and deeply impacting thoughts, feelings and events. In other words, you will begin taking control of the shame and pain and not allow them to control you. TAKE YOUR POWER BACK!

In closing, the traceable source of your depression may not be the same as mine but I strongly feel that should you take heed to the tips and advice and apply them to your life, you WILL overcome too!

Immeasurable love, always!

ABB a.k.a. Astralboobaby

Simple Alternative For The Control of Oily Skin, Acne, Blackheads and Blemishes!

All that is required for this healthier alternative in lieu of products filled with harsh chemicals would be a box of pure baking soda.

1. Simply tip a small amount of baking soda in the palm of your washed hands OR you may pour some on a napkin, towel or holder of your choice…

2. Take a cotton ball OR a clean make-up brush and dip into the baking soda and generously apply to face or where needed.

3. Gently brush off excess powder!

* Avoid getting baking soda in your eyes!

A Simple And Natural Alternative For Applying Eye-Lashes

Common glues that are used to apply false lashes can be toxic to skin, eyes and lashes but this natural alternative can save the day! Organic molasses!

What is needed for this tip is a glass or jar of black-strap or organic molasses. A very thin straw, clean brush or a tooth-pick

* If you choose to use a tooth pick; use at a 90 degree side-angle when applying molasses.

1. Simply pour a small amount of molasses on the back on your hand.

2. Take the straw, brush or tooth-pick and dip at a 90 degree angle the front end or tip of your respective tool to apply the molasses.

3. Apply a thin layer right on eye-lid, starting from the inner corner on out to the end of eye corner.

4. Fan eyes for a few seconds to make the application more sticky or tacky.

Gently apply lashes with fingers or tweezers. It is best to apply the lash from the corner of the eye but use your own way of applying. Once lashes are positioned the way you want them, gently apply pressure to secure lashes! Rinse remaining lashes off with clear water!

* Here’s the additional benefit of using molasses; your skin is absorbing the molasses on your lids and hand (even as you rinse them). As you beautify yourself naturally, your skin will absorb an extra boast of Calcium, Magnesium and Antioxidants, which molasses is very high in! 

EASY LEMON AND SUGAR FACIAL

For this regimen, you will need;

One lemon

Oraganic or Raw sugar

A small patter or any flat surfaced container

A knife

*If you have long hair, be sure to pull your hair up and away from your face!

Use knife to dip out about the desired amount of sugar (use your own discernment as to how much sugar will be needed to cover your entire face and/or neck.

Cut lemon in half.

1. Take one-half of the lemon and place over the sugar and press firmly to collect the sugar to the lemon.

2. Take the lemon and sugar and press against the face as you gently squeeze the lemon to force out more lemon juice.

4. Repeat steps 1 and 2; apply it to forehead, cheeks, chin and both side and middle of neck (if desired).

5. Once you’ve applied the lemon and sugar in all desired areas, you are now ready to massage skin! Rub lemon and sugar all over the face (and neck) in a counter clock like fashion as you simultaneously squeeze the lemon to release more lemon juice.

6. Massage entire face and neck in this fashion for 3 to 4 minutes, rinse with clear water and pat dry! You will notice a difference in skin tone and texture right away!

*Side bar; this regimen can be used on hands, feet and wherever else you would like! Use your own discernment!

People lie all the time, but depending on how skilled they are, it can be difficult to determine when someone is lying to you. Do you know how to recognize the signs that someone is lying to you? Some of the signs are obvious while others are more subliminal, but there are ways to catch someone in a lie, you just need to know what they are. Here are some easy ways to recognize liars and catch lies:

1. A person who is lying to you won’t make eye contact with you or they make too much eye contact. If a person is lying they may feel you are scrutinizing them and they will look down at the floor or away from your eyes. Some people try to stare you in the face in a deliberate way because they feel like making eye contact will make what they are saying more believable.

2. Liars avoid using contractions…. “I did NOT have sexual intercourse with at woman”. This is an attempt by the liar to be absolutely clear what they mean but it ends up making the story a lot less believable. Stalling tactics are also common. The liar may ask you a question like “where did you get that information?” while they try to back peddle and come up with an explanation for your question.

3. Weird Body Language. Liars often fidget, turn away from the person to whom they are speaking, blink rapidly, smile less and have pitch changes in their tone of voice. They may cross their arms which is a sign of being “closed” or trying not to reveal too much information. Sometimes people fidget excessively when they are lying. They could fidget with a part of their body or touch parts of their face, an ear or a nose or play with keys or another item that they have in their hand.

4. Liars provide additional information without being asked for it. They seem to think that by embellishing their story you will find it more believable. What happens is they tend to make the story more complicated and less believable. The more elaborate the story, the more likely that it is a fabrication and nothing near the truth.

5. A person who is telling a lie will get defensive. They will do everything in their power to deflect your attention away from themselves and will get angry that you are questioning their innocence. People who are telling the truth tend to go the opposite way and go on the offense. This will become obvious to you when you are trying to have a conversation with a person and they try to change the subject or move the conversation in a different direction.

6. If a person is lying they tend to over-embellish insignificant details while avoiding important ones. Exaggerated details make the liar feel better, but the person who is hearing the lie will start to get the feeling that something is definitely amiss. This can make it easier to catch a person in a lie because you can jot down details of the story that you are being told and then ask questions about those details later to see if they are still the same.

7. Watch the eye movements of the person. If a person is remembering something they tend to move their eyes up and in a left direction if they are right handed. If they are making something up, their eyes wil move up and to the right. Left handed people do similar movements but in the opposite direction. People blink rapidly (“eye flutter” when they lie or they may rub their eyes. Eyelids also tend to close a little bit longer than a normal blink if a person hears something or sees something they they do ont like. Hand movements towards the eyes can be a further indication of “blocking out” the truth.

8. Some people sweat more when they are telling a lie. Measuring perspiration is one of the markers of a polygraph test but is not an indication on its own of a person telling a lie. Some people sweat more when they are nervous or if they are shy. Sweating together with blushing, trembling and difficulty swallowing can be a clear better indication that someone that is lying to you.

9. Watch for micro expressions. The true measure of a person’s emotions will quickly flash across their face at the beginning of a conversation. It could be a half smile that lasts for five seconds or a worried look that lasts the same amount of time. These micro expressions are sometimes noticed by people subconsciously and they tend to know right away that a person is lying, although they do not know how they know this. A lot of people tend to feel a “gut instinct” about something such as a person who is lying, and this is usually as a result of seeing a micro-expression during a conversation. The micro expression is quick but if you watch for it you can see it.

10. Ask the liar to repeat their story again. If the story is fabricated it can be very difficult to remember all of the details that they gave to you the first time around. You may notice that the person looks very uncomfortable and worried about what they are going to say to you when you ask them to repeat details that they clearly made up the first time around. Most of the time it is easy to tell when someone is lying to you because you feel it and you know that the person is not being one hundred per cent truthful. If you start to look more closely at the person’s behavior and movements, you will start to notice a lot more things more easily. At first you may have chalked these things up to a gut feeling, but soon you will see that you are more observant than you had originally thought. Liars are easy to spot when you follow some main guidelines and start to be more observant of the person that you are talking to.

Source: “10 Easy Ways To Recognize Liars,” from lifespan.com

Read more at http://www.the-open-mind.com/10-easy-ways-to-recognize-liars/#kVSsZDJcxpAC3UGR.99

No matter how well we eat, we are all susceptible to toxins due to the air we breathe; chemicals and additives that are added to the foods we eat and so on. Therefore, it is very important that we give ourselves periodic full body detoxification. A good full body detox will not only purify, cleanse and balance our bodies but they will help us to maintain good health and help to raise our vibrations in the process. With that said, I would like to share another simple detoxification mix that I have been using for awhile now. It has helped me and I am sure that if applied, it can and will help you too!

Here are the ingredients you will need;

Lemons

1 bottle of grounded cayenne pepper

1 Jar or container of pure molasses

Fresh Clean Water

Baking Soda

INSTRUCTIONS -

1. Pour Spring or fresh clean water into an 8 oz. glass

2. Cut 1 lemon in half and wrap up the other half to use for later

3. Squeeze all of the juice and as much of the pulp out of the lemon into the glass of water

4. Add 1 tablespoon of molasses

5. Add a half of teaspoon of cayenne pepper

6. Add a pinch of baking soda to balance alkaline levels

Vigorously stir and drink on an empty ‘morning’ stomach and repeat the process in the afternoon. During your detoxification, do not eat anything in between the morning and afternoon. For maximum detoxification results, you may want to commit to this process and system for an entire week.

For good measure, I have listed the health benefits of each main ingredient;

LEMONS

1. Lemons are alkalizing for the body: Lemons are acidic to begin with but they are alkaline-forming on body fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.

2. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work against infections like the flu and colds.

3. Your liver loves lemons: “The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, liquefies the bile,” says Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.

4. Cleans your bowels: Lemons increase peristalsis in the bowels, helping to create a bowel movement thus eliminating waste and helping with regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.

5. Scurvy is treated by giving one to two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours. In 1747, a naval surgeon named James Lind cured scurvy with fresh lemons. To this day, the British Navy requires ships to carry enough lemons so that every sailor could have one ounce of juice a day. In the past, lemons were replaced with limes; this is where the English got their nickname “limeys.” Watch this video: “Scurvy Pirates and the Lemon of Love”

6. The citric acid in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.

7. Vitamin C in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.

8. The lemon peel contains the potent phytonutrient tangeretin, which has been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

9. In India, Ayurveda medicine values the lemon as a fruit and for its properties. It is sour, warm, promoter of gastric fire, light, good for vision, pungent and astringent.

10. It destroys intestinal worms.

11. When there is insufficient oxygen and difficulty in breathing (such as when mountain climbing) lemons are very helpful. The first man to reach the top of Mt. Everest, Edmund Hillary, said that his success on Mt. Everest was greatly due to lemons.

12. Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties; experiments have found the juice of lemons destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.

13. Blood vessels are strengthened by the vitamin P (bioflavinoids) in lemon thus prevents internal hemorrhage. Also, making it useful in treating high blood pressure.

14. The symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy have been shown in research to improve due to the rutin, found in lemons.

15. Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including naturally occurring limonene; oil which slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals and flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.

16. According to The Reams Biological Ionization Theory (RBTI), the lemon is the ONLY food in the world that is anionic (an ion with a negative charge). All other foods are cationic (the ion has a positive charge.) This makes it extremely useful to health as it is the interaction between anions and cations that ultimately provides all cell energy.

CAYENNE PEPPER

1. Anti-Irritant Properties

Cayenne has the ability to ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats, spasmodic and irritating coughs, and diarrhea

2. Anti-Cold and Flu Agent

Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus begins to leave the body, relief from flu symptoms generally follows.

3. Anti-Fungal Properties

The results of one study indicated that cayenne pepper could effectively prevent the formation of the fungal pathogens phomopsis and collectotrichum [1].

4. Migraine Headache Prevention

This may be related to the pepper’s ability to stimulate a pain response in a different area of the body, thus reverting the brain’s attention to the new site. Following this initial pain reaction, the nerve fibers have a depleted substance P (the nerve’s pain chemical), and the perception of pain is lessened.

5. Anti-Allergen

Cayenne is an anti- agent and may even help relieve allergies.

6. Digestive Aid

Cayenne is a well-known digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. This aids the body’s ability to metabolize food (and toxins). Cayenne pepper is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion, aiding in both assimilation and elimination.

7. Anti-Redness Properties

Cayenne’s properties makes it a great herb for many chronic and degenerative conditions.

8. Helps Produce Saliva

Cayenne stimulates the production of saliva, an important key to excellent digestion and maintaining optimal oral health.

9. Useful for Blood Clots

Cayenne pepper also helps reduce atherosclerosis, encourages fibrinolytic activity and prevents factors that lead to the formation of blood clots, all of which can help reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke.

10. Detox Support

Cayenne is a known circulatory stimulant. It also increases the pulse of our lymphatic and digestive rhythms. By heating the body, the natural process of detoxification is streamlined. Cayenne also causes us to sweat, another important process of detoxification. Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for total body detox.

11. Joint-Pain Reliever

Extremely high in a substance called capsaicin, cayenne pepper acts to cause temporary pain on the skin, which sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for joint pain.

12. Anti-Bacterial Properties

Cayenne is an excellent preservative and has been used traditionally to prevent food contamination from bacteria.

13. Possible Anti-Cancer Agent

Studies done at the Loma Linda University in California found that cayenne pepper may help prevent lung cancer in smokers [2]. This may be again related to cayenne’s high quantity of capsaicin, a substance that might help stop the formation of tobacco-induced lung tumors. Other studies have also shown a similar reaction in cayenne’s resistance to liver tumors.

14. Supports Weight Loss

Scientists at the Laval University in Quebec found that participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast were found to have less appetite, leading to less caloric intake throughout the day. Cayenne is also a great metabolic-booster, aiding the body in burning excess amounts of fats.

15. Promotes Heart-Health

Cayenne helps to keep blood pressure levels normalized. It also balances the body of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

16. Remedy for Toothache

Cayenne is an excellent agent against tooth and gum diseases.

17. Topical Remedy

As a poultice, cayenne has been used to treat snake bites, rheumatism, sores, wounds and lumbago.

MOLASSES

1. Cancer Prevention

Anecdotal evidence and numerous testimonials suggest that blackstrap molasses may play a role in cancer prevention and the treatment of certain types of cancer. Its dense nutritional profile supports these claims, however scientific research and clinical trials are not available to confirm. The high calcium content of blackstrap suggests that it may be useful in preventing and treating colon cancer. It has also been associated with shrinking cancerous tumors.

Some health officials are weary of molasses for cancer treatment due to its high iron and sugar content, which is believed to enable cancer proliferation. Some testimonials have suggested combining blackstrap molasses with baking soda for cancer to good effect.

2. Antioxidant Protection

Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of the antioxidant manganese, providing about 27.5% the DV per tablespoon. Manganese helps the body fight free radical damage to cells and DNA. Foods with great antioxidant protection are believed to help prevent cancer and heart disease and may also slow the effects of aging.

3. Energy Production

Blackstrap molasses can offer a temporary energy boost by providing carbohydrates that are quickly converted into energy in the body. More importantly, it can aid energy production because it helps replenish the body's storage of iron. Iron plays a vital role in energy production, transporting oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue and energy hindering conditions like anemia, which seriously inhibit energy levels. Blackstrap molasses also provides vitamin B6, which plays a key role in energy production.

4. Bone Health

Blackstrap molasses provides many of the daily nutrients needed to help keep the bones healthy and strong, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper. Maintaining a recommended daily allowance of these minerals can greatly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other diseases of the bone.

5. Heart Health

Blackstrap molasses provides many of the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. These include manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium and vitamin B6. Together these nutrients can help treat blood clotting, reducing the risk of stroke, lower blood pressure and fight oxidative stress and inflammation to the cardiovascular system.

6. Colon Health

Blackstrap molasses is a very good source of calcium, which helps cleanse the colon of toxins. Calcium is often associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

7. High In Iron

Just one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides nearly 20% of the DV of iron. Iron deficiency is associated with many different conditions, including dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, irritability and anemia. Iron is particularly important for women during menstruation. Iron plays a critical role in blood and cell function and is essential to energy production. It also helps the body fight off infections, supports brain and muscle function and help improves immunity.

8. Very Good Source of Potassium

One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides about 14.5% the DV of potassium. Potassium is essential to maintaining good cardiovascular health and improving bone density. It can help keep blood pressure low, supports proper carbohydrate metabolism and can help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and osteoporosis. Potassium deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of arthritis.

9. Very Good Source of Calcium

Calcium is not only essential to maintaining healthy bones and teeth, but plays a vital role in colon health, heart health, blood clotting, brain nerve activity and muscle function. Just one tablespoon will provide over 17% the DV of calcium.

10. Good Source of Selenium

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of selenium, providing about 5% of the DV per tablespoon. Selenium plays a key role in thyroid function, antioxidant protection, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Selenium deficiency can lead to these and other health conditions.

11. Good Source of Vitamin B6

One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 7.5% the DV of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is needed for the immunity, the nervous system, cell formation, blood health and energy production. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

12. Alternative Sweetener

Blackstrap molasses can sweeten food without many of the negative side effects of regular sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is very low on the glycemic index and appears to be a healthier option for diabetic and pre-diabetic people, requiring very little insulin production and altering blood sugar levels far less than regular cane sugar. It is also rich with vital nutrients, where cane sugar offers only fattening carbohydrates.

13. Weight Loss

Blackstrap molasses provides many vitamins and minerals and boosts energy while containing zero fat and very few calories. This makes it a healthy alternative to sugar and a good addition to an active, low fat weight loss program.

14. Stomach & Digestive Problems

Anecdotal evidence suggests that blackstrap molasses may help with stomach and digestive problems. Testimonials claim that it can help to soothe stomach aches, help to cure stomach ulcers and may be useful in treating irritable bowel and other digestive conditions, including constipation and diarrhea.

15. Skin Health

Testimonials claim that blackstrap molasses is great for skin health and may help to cure eczema, psoriasis, acne and other skin conditions. Blackstrap molasses contains powerful antioxidants, which are believed to contribute to good skin health and lower the risk of lines, wrinkles and other skin conditions associated with premature aging.