Welcome to our monthly newsletter where Dr. Ivy and her team share and spotlight their favorite tips & tricks for beauty, healthy living and optimal energy. 

March can be such a puzzle. How to prepare for a strong change in the seasons? It can be tempting to look ahead to the warmer, brighter days, but to live in the now is an important part of mindfulness. Make sure you thank yourself for getting through the dark cold days of Winter. The balance of here & now and there & then is what this lion/lamb month personifies. 

In this issue we will discuss the benefits of black castor oil, share our favorite immune boosting salad recipe, a DIY clarifying body scrub and highlight the benefits of sage leaf tea.

BEAUTY:

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT: Black Castor Oil

Black castor oil has been clinically shown to fight the hormone DHT which causes hair loss; leading to its highly praised ability to stimulate new hair growth. It's also rich in omega 3,6 & 9 fatty acids which promote overall skin, scalp and hair health.

As a studio of mostly curly haired folks, we find it best used to seal ends of hair or as a leave-in treatment on damp hair. Black Castor Oil is rather thick, so diluting it with a thinner oil, we reach for either avocado or jojoba, depending on what we have on hand. ½ teaspoon is usually enough to do the trick. Start small, you can always add more. Watch your hair grow.

SHOP: Black Castor Oil

FOOD + NUTRITION:

As we transition into the colder months before we turn the corner of Spring we often forget to eat raw and opt for warmer cooked vegetables. After a winter cold I felt my body needed to heal through food and enjoyed this delicious salad. 

IMMUNE BOOST SALAD

• 1/2 cup diced radish

• 1/2 cup  diced purple cabbage 

• 1/2 cup diced fennel

• 1 cup watercrest

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup diced cucumber

• 1 tbsp chopped scallion

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• 1 tsp chopped mint

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds

• dash of kosher salt (optional)

Directions: Combine all vegetables with mint in a bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil and salt (optional), then toss lightly to incorporate. Serve topped with roasted pumpkin seeds.

SUPPLEMENT HIGHLIGHT: Sage Leaf Tea

This caffeine-free tea is not only tasty, but it also has so many health benefits that have been recognized from ancient times right through to the present day. Sage tea is rich in nutrients such as vitamin K, zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron, as well as being a source of flavonoids and volatile oils. Unsurprisingly, this means that it has healthy properties that, when consumed daily, can give you a serious boost.

SHOP: Sage Leaf Tea

BODY:

During the winter months people often complain of dry skin. A good exfoliation during the winter months is a great way to prep your body to receive the moisturizer you are using. Below is an easy DIY body scrub with ingredients that are already in your kitchen cupboard.

LEMON ZEST + POPPY SUGAR POLISH

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 4 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Assembly: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and incorporate well with a fork. For the oil, we recommend Olive, Avocado or Grapeseed.

How To: Use in shower on damp skin after cleansing. Rinse scrub. Dry off. Follow with moisturizer.

SHOP RICA’s SCRUB: Clementine Body Polish