Oh, honey, honey... (Part II) & Chron's Disease?

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to give some updates on my health that aren't so great, but it's pretty important in my life, and I just had to share. Plus, I know you female readers (and male readers in some cases) obsess over your skin... so here's some more amazing 100% natural recipes to help with acne, blemishes, scars, wrinkles... and... everything!

Health Update:

So lately I've been having some odd symptoms... skin rash, fever, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness and extreme extreme extreme migraines and fatigue. Now, these sound extreme, but from what you all know, I'm a tough cookie. So when something like this happens, I often blow it off. Thankfully, this time, I didn't.

It all started with severe headaches. I have always had daily headaches, but these were crazy and just out of control. I was literally on hands and knees crying in front of my father asking for PAIN KILLERS, which I never use. Then, the headaches started to team up with their best friends, nausea and vomiting, to make Mandy's life a living hell. About three days went by, and I was constantly nauseated and tired. I couldn't even get up the energy to pull out a paint brush and work on my art.

Even still, I blew these symptoms off, and life went on. A few carisoprodols and I was up and running again. But then... the rectal bleeding started. At first it was only a little bit of blood, so it was no biggie. Not to mention there was no pain associated with it as far as my abdominal and rectal area go. Then, halfway through the week the bleeding was in large quantity and I was becoming pale and I was near the point of fainting. I woke up several times and my world was literally spinning in front of me.

So this Friday, the abdominal pain started, and I had enough. I finally asked, and was taken to go to the ER. After about 10 different types of tests, a doctor visited me to talk about Chron's disease. He said he could not diagnose me right then and there, but he was experienced in this area and said he was "98% sure it was Chron's disease". One symptom after another fit directly with this condition. Even symptoms that I had overlooked from the last two years. One symptom, rectal discharge, described as "colon juice" or a water-like leakage, is virtually exclusively a symptom of Chron's Disease. All the while, I was thinking this was one of those rare side effects of my medications!

There I am, already dealing with a million conditions (exaggerated, of course... but you get the point) and they want to throw an actual "disease" in my bag? I guess so! Thankfully, I have good insurance under my mother for the next 4 years, and I have a very good team of doctors on my side. I see a specialist on Monday who can hopefully (not) diagnose whatever is wrong with me. I'm praying to God that this is just some sort of weird stomach virus, but who knows.

Talking to family members, I discovered that both of my grandmothers have had chronic rectal bleeding all their lives, so I feel a little screwed over... But let's hope for the best. That's all we can do! If any of you have or know someone with Chron's disease, please contact me because I would love to hear personal stories and opinions!

But enough of that! Let's talk about something really cool!

Oh, honey, honey...

If you haven't read this blog post, please check it out after you finish this one. In that post, I go over the amazing healing properties of honey for your skin. Honey is one of the most overlooked natural medicine for your skin, and other things such as allergies.

These next two skin care recipes' main ingredients are actually organic apple cider vinegar, however, honey is also used in one of them (facial scrub).

I don't have a whole two hours to blog right now, so to sum it up, apple cider vinegar has amazing properties. Apple cider vinegar contains beta carotene, which helps counter the damage that is done to our skin by free radicals. Click here to learn how your skin ages, and how free radicals play a role in skin damage.

The following skin mask and toner will provide the following benefits for your skin:
- Reduction in scar visibility
- Treats blemishes
- Pore refinement
- Firming of the skin
- Anti-aging
- Anti inflammatory
- Brightens your skin
- AMAZING skin detox
- Natural moisturizing benefits

These two recipes will leave your skin feeling naturally clean. Best of all, no need to worry about harsh chemicals because these recipes are 100% organic... so cheers to your health!

Refining face scrub/mask recipe:

This recipe is quite simple. Mix the following in a small jar, in the order as listed below. Mix after each ingredient is added. Be sure to use only cold green tea and vinegar, as hot green tea will dissolve your sugar!

1. 1 1/2 teaspoons organic apple cider vinegar

2. 2 1/2 teaspoons organic green tea

3. 6 teaspoons sugar (brown or regular work fine, but if you use brown sugar, you will need to use an extra teaspoon each time. regular sugar is recommended for skin in serious need of exfoliation.)

4. 2 teaspoons local, organic honey

5. 2 teaspoons sugar

One this recipe is mixed, it can be saved for up to two weeks in your fridge. This scrub is something you want to use every night. It wont smell too amazing, which is the main reason for doing so. To use this scrub, take about a teaspoon or two's worth of the mixture and pat all over your face. Once the scrub is covering your face, gently massage all over your face using your fingertips for about one minute. Let the scrub sit as a mask for 5-10 minutes, and gently wash either in the shower or by splashing water against your face. Then, gently pat dry with a soft towel.


Toner:

This is to be used directly after the scrub/mask. Once again, this smells absolutely gross, but you will see that this toner is worth it! The following recipe can be stored for 3 weeks in your fridge. This toner can also be used in the morning if you wish. The recipe is not using exact measurements, because you may wish to make more of less than the next person.

1/3 parts organic apple cider vinegar
2/3 parts green tea

Can also add:

3 drops per cup of toner:

Tea tree essential oil - for treatment of acne

Lavender essential oil - for treatment of acne or rash




1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - for treatment of acne and redness

1 teaspoon olive oil - for dryness (must be shaken before each use)

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I hope you guys will please try these recipes, they work absolutely amazing. I've tried them for the very first time today and in only one use I've seen a major reduction in the puffiness under my eyes, redness on my skin, and visibility of acne scars. Not to mention my skin feels amazingly clean for the first time in years!

God bless you all, and cheers to great health!
- Mandy Krzywonski