Gator Balm February 15, 2011

If you follow my blog, you already know that I’m always keeping an eye out for a holistic remedy or a natural way of healing or something of the sort.  Sometimes I torture myself (like with the Harataki).  But in those times, it’s worth the torture (they say pain is beauty, right?).  So, guess what it is this week?!  GATOR BALM (by African Formula)!  (No torture here!) 

When I first heard the name, my initial thought went to the Lubriderm commercial with the alligator slithering through a white-walled room with a woman laying on a white lounge.  I wondered could these two be similar in any way.  Nevetheless, I then began my research.

I was introduced to this balm by a naturopath who told a young girl (having had a pretty severe case of acne and hyperpigmentation resulting from the acne) to apply the gator balm to her face and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then wipe off with an astringent or witch hazel (note: this is different from toner).  I have not seen the girl since she has started this regimen, but she has attested to great results and improvements.  There’s not much research online that has shown much other than testimonials and hearsay, so I wanted to see if any of my followers had any insight on this product.  It is supposed to be great for eczema, dry itchy skin,  and even Psoriasis.  Consisting of all pure products, I can see why this would be a great product to keep in your arsenal, however up to this point in my research, nothing in it made me think it would be a great remedy for acne, in particular, outside of the “healing” properties. 

However, the one thing that stood out to me was that it contains goldenseal, which was torture to me as a kid.  My mom used to get goldenseal from this guy named Honey (he owned a record shop – I think off of Georgia Avenue).  She made me and my brother take a teaspoon of goldenseal to make sure we did not get sick.  Until now, I never knew that this product was used topically as an antimicrobial.  Ah-ha!  Here it is!  This must be why she is seeing improvement!  Along with an antimicrobial ingredient, the product contains soothing and healing agents such as Comfrey Root and Vitamins A, D, and E.  I will be ordering this and sharing my results.  Until then, have any of you tried this or heard good things?  Please share.

Eagle Eyes Follow Up April 12, 2010

I can’t believe I let a month go by without following up about the wonders of the “one-fruit wonder”, called Harataki.  Well, that’s probably because I’m just as torn as when I began the trial.  So I forced myself to drink and eat this horribly tasting fruit drink and fruit every day for, what initially started out to only be a week.  Two weeks went by and I DID notice a difference in my sight!  Believe it or not!  It was not a decrease in my prescription (well, I haven’t been to the eye doctor) as I expected (seems to work more for those who wear reading glasses).  But I did notice a clarity.  It was almost as if a lens was lifted that added clarity to the world.  Typically, night driving is a little more difficult and I have to concentrate a bit more than in the day.  I did not have this problem.  Sooooo….the Harataki, although disgusting is worth a 30 day trial period if not only for your health improvements (refer to the previous list), for your eyesight improvement and even skin.  Yes, I did see a difference in my skin. 

During the month of March, I drank the Harataki (and ate the fruit after my liter was gone) and used Neem oil.  Both of these seem to be GREAT for the skin because I was receiving compliments that I had not heard in a while.  Between the two, I believe I got a glow back to my face that I had been missing since childhood (when I received tons of compliments on my skin). 

All-in-all, if you’re up for the 30 day challenge, make sure to contact Dr. Patterson to inquire about the Harataki.  One bag is only $5!!!  You can’t beat this price for something that will increase your health in one way or another.  Did I mention, you don’t have to eat the fruit?  Just drink the water for 30 days.  I challenge all of you….and please leave your feedback! 

Dr. Winston Kokayi Patterson

240-744-2256

wpkokayil@yahoo.com

(located in Silver Spring, MD – by appointment)

The one-fruit wonder March 4, 2010

Have you heard of Harataki?  and no, it is not a japanese fighter.  Harataki is a fruit from India.  It was introduced to me by a friend who was still high on excitement after meeting and speaking with a holistic doctor and acupuncturist, Dr. Winston Kokayi Patterson.  He began telling her of all of the medicinal uses of the Harataki fruit.  She sent me to Dr. Patterson’s office in Silver Spring to pick up a bag of, what looked to be peach seeds.  I was told to put about 2 to 3 of the fruit into a glass bottle or jar (the doctor’s bottle was a quart in size), let it sit for about an hour, until the water turns a little yellow, and then drink the water throughout the day.  He also said to eat the fruit when you finish the water. 

WELL…..yesterday I finally mustered up the courage to eat the fruit for the first time.  I was forewarned that it was bitter and had a taste similar to the bitterness you may experience when you eat a walnut (the most bitter part).  Although I like walnuts, I was still scared because they both (the doctor and my friend) informed me that the fruit did not have a good taste.  I placed it in my mouth hesitantly, and took about two chews and I immediately spit it out!  I cannot even begin to describe this bitter, pungent taste.  It is really something you just have to experience.  I was called all types of names for not being able to handle the taste, so I put it back in my mouth reluctantly.   It took all my might to finish that fruit!  Once you get through the bitterness in the beginning, it’s not so bad.  But all through the night, I have been dreading that time of day that I will have to experience that again.

You may be asking why I am torturing myself – just knowing all of the benefits that the research has shown.  I was never skeptical because I trust my friend and the doctor didn’t come off to be a quack, but I also know that different things benefit people in different ways.  The doctor told me that he had not worn his glasses since eating and drinking the Harataki.  Well when my friend came to me and told me the same, I said I have to try it.  Not only that but her skin was beginning to glow – and this was all five days into eating and drinking the fruit. 

Nevertheless, I am on day two.  It’s 9:00 AM and I am not even halfway through the water (by the way, the water is HARDLY as bitter as the fruit).  I will update in a week – hoping I can stick it out that long.  In the meantime, I can’t finish without sharing some of the benefits:

1. Removes obstructions from channels and pathways of body
2. Promotes fearlessness
3. Nervine tonic, promotes brain functioning and intelligence
4. Preserves vital force in body
5. Promotes longevity and youthfulness
6. Rejuvenating
7. Relieves and corrects gastrointestinal ailments
8. Detoxifies body
9. Aids in elimination and colon health
10. Strengthens sense organs
11. Treats internal and external diseases of eye
12. Nourishes all tissues
13. Nourishes the heart, liver, spleen
14. Improves memory
15. Improves urinary health
16. Normalizes excess body fat
17. Corrects flatulence
18. Nourishes blood

OH – Be warned….I found this out yesterday from a friend who I somehow convinced to try the fruit as well….it is also noted to be a mild laxative.  I’m not sure how, but this is one amazing fruit;  almost a one-fruit wonder.  All I know is the Harataki fruit contains a substance which has antibacterial and anti fungal properties. This substance inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi such as E. coli.  With this known, there can only be good things that come out of this.

Are you still wondering why I blogged about this and what it has to do with my skincare blog?  Well, if I didn’t mention it before, it is known to help with skin and hair health.  Can you imagine if it detoxifies the body in so many ways, how your health will begin to appear through your skin?!