Let’s talk about skin, the largest of our living breathing organs. This time of year it’s prone to more than a few discomforts; drying, cracking, flaking, itching. Sound familiar?

Dec 2

Nourishing our skin, starts with staying hydrated (herbal teas and bone broths are great) and incorporating plenty of antioxidant rich spices and herbs into beverages and meals (rose hips, garlic, turmeric, rosemary, parsley, and sage). Also, don’t forget to “Move That Body” Ha! 90’s techno said it best! Whatever your jam, movement helps circulate fresh oxygenated blood throughout the system which stimulates the lymph, improves overall cell function and complexion all in one!

Topical Nourishment

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know I love to encourage making products at home. When we do this, it cuts costs as well as the harmful and toxic chemicals while allowing for personalized touches while promoting sustainability nourishment. Heck, it’s even a little ego boost to say, “I made that”!

Hazards we avoid exposure to by making our own products:

1)Methylisothiazolinone aka (MIT) for those of us that don’t want to have to say that more than once ;)

A biocide used to control microbial growth- shown to be a neurotoxin and inflammatory. No thanks!

2) Parabens

Synthetic preservative to extend shelf life- shown to disrupt hormones by way of mimicking estrogen in the body often associated with breast cancers. No thanks!

3) Artificial Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances (dozens of chemicals aka known carcinigens) can promote cancers, trigger allergies, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity and dermatitis. Worse yet the FDA allows up to a certain amount of these chemicals in products WITHOUT having to even name it on the product label.

4) Artificial Dye

What?!? Why?!? No, I don’t need blue lotion. Need I say more?

5) Mineral Oil

Derived from petroleum- kills microbiome (good bacteria), suffocates skin, known carcinogen, clogs pores…

Nourishment starts with everyday kitchen ingredients already on hand

A few favorites:

1) Raw Honey

Humectant (keeps things moist) antimicrobial, antioxidant, unclogs pores, fades scars/discoloration, used in hydrating soothing masks

2) Shea Butter

Emollient (skin softening) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, great for lotions, creams or balms

3) Sesame Oil

Antioxidant rich base oil loaded with vitamins A, E and protein also has a low natural SPF and penetrates the skin nicely. *Don’t use toasted for skin care unless you want to remind people of Asian stir fry! Made that mistake once ;)

Here’s a seasonally appropriate favorite from Stephanie Tourles “Organic Body Care Recipes” a great book that I continue to use for inspiration.

Sesame and Shea Buttery Body Oil:

5 T sesame base oil

3 T shea butter

10 drops each of cardamom, ginger and sweet orange

In a small sauce pan over low heat or in a double boiler warm sesame oil and shea butter until just melted. Remove from heat and gently stir for 1 min then allow to cool to body temp before adding essential oils and stirring again to combine. Pour into your favorite glass container on hand and viola!

*Shea butter takes a while to completely set, about 24 hours. It will be thick with a pale creamy yellow color. No refrigeration required but recommended to use up within 6-12 months.

Additional References:

Swann G. The skin is the body's largest organ. J Vis Commun Med. 2010 Dec;33(4):148-9. doi: 10.3109/17453054.2010.525439. PMID: 21087182.

Burlando B, Cornara L. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013 Dec;12(4):306-13. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12058. PMID: 24305429.

Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1):70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070. PMID: 29280987; PMCID: PMC5796020.

Amber Barone

Amber is a Holistic RN and Functional Medicine Practitioner who supports whole body integrative health and uses primarily diet changes, whole foods, herbs along with lifestyle tools and supplements to help clients restore balance and align with their highest sense of well being.

Amber started her nursing career in the clinic setting where she built a solid understanding of disease progression and contributing factors along with pathophysiology, biochemistry, psychological and trauma aspects. From there she became a travel nurse, working in various settings including cardiac rehab, med surg, psych, long term care, ICU’s and ER’s. These ever changing environments satisfied her ferocious appetite to learn and grow through challenging and inspiring case loads in diverse settings. It was through all of this that she realized her true passion and where she could serve at her highest capacity was working with patients on how to prevent and reverse chronic disease.

As a functional medicine, holistic RN Amber strives to bring in the best evidence based tools and resources from both conventional and alternative schools of thought. She is dedicated to continuing her learning to stay up to speed with the latest research and trends and has built her practice around educating and empowering patients to be proactive with their health.

Most patients come to Amber through a referral network of practitioners in various medical and alternative settings including MD’s, FNP’s, Acupuncturists, Dentists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists and Yoga Teachers… who wish to support their patients in this way but don’t have the time, education or resources to do this effectively.

The functional medicine addition to client care seems to be the missing piece of a true wellness model. It becomes a collaborative movement too, working together to promote wellness in our respective communities. It expedites healing through deep understanding and promotes life long transformation. Win! Win!

Functional medicine is a deep dive into root cause correlations contributing to one’s current state, it views each patient as unique and in so doing, more fully supports patients on their road to wellness by nourishing unique pathways effecting body systems, organs and glands. Much like regenerative farming and soil health, our bodies are designed to be resilient they just need the right inputs and tools to mitigate cumulative stress, toxins and burdens of our time. Feeling empowered with your health starts here.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

BS Nursing Montana State University-Registered Nurse

BA Psychology and Sociology University of Montana

Equine Veterinarian Technician-Penn Foster

Clinicians Mastermind Circle a one-year Functional Medicine Intensive

Functional Nutrition Alliance 10-month Full Body Systems Immersion

Yoga Motion 240 hour RYS teacher training

http://www.bar1wellness.com

Let’s talk about skin, the largest of our living breathing organs. This time of year it’s prone to more than a few discomforts; drying, cracking, flaking, itching. Sound familiar?

Topical Nourishment

Sesame and Shea Buttery Body Oil:

Let’s Talk!

Hours:

Let’s talk about skin, the largest of our living breathing organs. This time of year it’s prone to more than a few discomforts; drying, cracking, flaking, itching. Sound familiar?

Topical Nourishment

Sesame and Shea Buttery Body Oil:

Brain health, something we often don’t start thinking about until we’ve forgotten where we put our keys for the third time in a week!

Hibiscus Tea for Health! With it’s brilliant red color it also becomes a festive beverage for the holidays.

Let’s Talk!

Hours: