Pure Thai Naturals

Children and Phthalates - What's the Big Deal ?

by Marike van Breugel

We want our children to grow safely in a world without asthma, obesity, childhood cancers and a future of reproductive issues and impaired fertility.  And that does start with us.  Awareness of phthalates and their effect on child development and health are essential to minimizing harm and a beginning to finding alternatives.

Posted in clean beauty, conscious consumer, detox, environment, ethical beauty, fragrance, less plastic, parenting, phthalates, synthetic fragrance

Small, Daily Changes for Better Health and More Energy

by Marike van Breugel
Small, Daily Changes for Better Health and More Energy
New Year makes us think about changes we want to make.  We are taught to always look for and strive for the BIG things - losing ALL of those extra ...
Posted in dry skin, essential oil, lip balm, lip product, magnesium, magnesium chloride, moisturizer, muscle recovery, natural face, sensitive skin, skin care, skin health, skin renewal, sleep, stress

Our Insect Repellent Backstory

by Marike van Breugel
Our Insect Repellent Backstory
Each year in July-August, I hear the Dengue Fever drums start beating around the town (and around all of Asia) and I'm immediately, emotionally I'm BACK THERE - to my daughter's bedside as I sit anxiously, alone, praying she will make it through without organ damage.  I wouldn't wish that on anyone. 
Posted in insect bites, Insect repellent, mosquito, mosquito bites, mosquito repellent, neem

The Amazing Healing Power of Raw Cacao: Natural Healing, Inside and Out

by Marike van Breugel
The Amazing Healing Power of Raw Cacao: Natural Healing, Inside and Out
Chocolate has been vilified in western culture as "naughty", "fattening" and "junk food", which really is a very long way from its beginn...
Posted in antioxidant, body scrub, cacao, chocolate, clay mask, clean beauty, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, ethical beauty, face mask, face scrub, natural beauty, natural face, natural skincare, problem skin, raw cacao, skin, skin care, skin health, skin renewal

From Sandalwood to Vetiver: Our Ethos & Backstory

by Marike van Breugel
From Sandalwood to Vetiver: Our Ethos & Backstory
Sandalwood essential oil had always been crazy expensive.  As it should be.  It can take up to 60 years for a sandalwood tree to fully mature.  And the tree needs to be cut for the oil extraction.  I remember distinctly questioning the ever-increasing price one day with our supplier, and her answer.  "I can get for you, from Laos.  Much cheaper price. "  And I bought it. Once.  It smelled amazing.  But something in me wasn't comfortable.  And so I started researching about illegal logging and the black market trade in exotic forest timbers.
Posted in environment, forest timbers, Laos, sandalwood, sustainable, Thailand, vetiver

The Dirt on Bentonite Clay: A Natural Marvel for Skin Health

by Marike van Breugel
The Dirt on Bentonite Clay: A Natural Marvel for Skin Health
Formed through geological processes literally millennia ago, bentonite clay offers numerous benefits for skin health and natural skin care. The primary minerals - montmorillonite, quartz and feldspar - are what contribute to bentonite’s remarkable skin healing properties. Understanding the differences between food grade and industrial grade bentonite clay allows consumers to make informed choices based on their specific health needs, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Posted in bentonite, blemished skin, clay, clay mask, face mask, natural beauty, natural face, natural skincare, problem skin, sensitive skin, skin, skin care, skin health

Unraveling the Buzz: Natural and Farmed Beeswax Compared

by Marike van Breugel
Unraveling the Buzz: Natural and Farmed Beeswax Compared
We talk about "beeswax", and see it listed it as a product ingredient, as if it is a standard, homogenous, always-the-same product.  Beeswax, with ...
Posted in bees, beeswax, clean beauty, ethical beauty, greenwashing, natural beauty, natural health

Thanaka - Unique Tradition for Skin Health, Identity and Mindfulness

by Marike van Breugel
Thanaka - Unique Tradition for Skin Health, Identity and Mindfulness
The use of thanaka in Burmese and Karen culture is deeply ingrained, and it is considered a symbol of national identity. Women and children, in particular, use it to enhance their complexion, protect their skin from the harsh sun, and keep their skin soft and supple. Moreover, thanaka is often applied to the face and body in decorative patterns during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.
Posted in acne, antibacterial, burma, face mask, herbal, herbs, myanmar, natural beauty, natural face, natural skincare, natural sunscreen, skin, skin care, skin health, thanaka

Moringa Leaves to Boost Collagen & Improve the Look Of Your Skin

by Marike van Breugel
Moringa Leaves to Boost Collagen & Improve the Look Of Your Skin
One of the key benefits of moringa leaves is their ability to promote collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its elasticity and helps to keep it firm and smooth. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Moringa leaves contain high levels of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. By promoting collagen production, moringa leaves can help to improve the visible appearance of the skin.
Posted in body scrub, face mask, face scrub, mature skin, moringa, moringa oleifera, sensitive skin, skin, skin care, skin health, skin renewal

Hangovers: A Natural Relief & Recovery Option

by Marike van Breugel
Hangovers: A Natural Relief & Recovery Option

Remedies for hangovers probably started the day after someone discovered the drinking of alcohol for pleasure and escape.  Many of them have some pharmacological merit, but few really stand up to the rigors of modern science.  One remedy that has gained clinical attention in recent years is the use of transdermal magnesium oil, which contains magnesium chloride.  And science is giving this a tentative tick.

Posted in hangover, headache, magnesium, magnesium chloride, natural remedy

Kaffir Lime - Fragrant & Healing

by Marike van Breugel
Kaffir Lime - Fragrant & Healing
Kaffir lime essential oil is derived from the leaves of the kaffir lime plant, which is commonly found in Southeast Asia. Kaffir lime is also known...
Posted in antibacterial, body oil, hair regrowth, herbal, herbs, kaffir lime, makrut, skin, skin care, skin health, thai herb

Topical Magnesium Chloride for Hair Growth

by Marike van Breugel
Topical Magnesium Chloride for Hair Growth

One study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that a solution containing magnesium chloride and other minerals improved hair growth in participants with alopecia. The study involved 38 participants who were treated with the solution for three months. The researchers found that the solution significantly improved hair density, thickness, and overall growth.

Posted in baldness, hair, hair growth, hair regrowth, hair treatment, magnesium, magnesium chloride, scalp, scalp treatment, thin hair