RA stories

2020 has been a lot of things... tough, sad, stressful, weird, and challenging are things to come to mind. Businesses have failed, and people have gotten sick, lost jobs, or lost loved ones. 

With all of the stress and uncertainty that has come with this year, many of us have packed on the Quarantine 15 (or more)! If this is you, don't fret. There are safe, healthy ways to get these extra pounds off. 

We had the opportunity to interview Rhya Pachin, one of the experts in functional nutrition here in Charlotte. You may remember her from earlier in the year when she talked with us about the gut microbiome and the importance of using food and nutrition to heal the body. 

Today, she is going to talk to us more about that pesky "Quarantine 15" and how we can make a few simple lifestyle changes to get that off, and keep it off.

Sugar is in everything. I am sure you know that things like cupcakes and candy are loaded with sugar, but you may be surprised about the sugar content hiding in some foods that may seem otherwise innocent. Would you have thought that your baked beans, spaghetti sauce, ketchup and low-fat yogurt can actually be packed with more sugar than your dessert?

Today, I am interviewing Jacqueline Bourne, who has taken the plunge into sugar free living. You may remember her from a previous interview interview where we talked about getting your best internal and external glow. Her website is full of helpful resources, so make sure to check that out.

In this interview, you'll learn more about how Jacqueline was able to transition her family away from sugars and the incredible transformation this has had on their health and lives. She even gives recommendations for sugar substitutions as well as a delicious recipe!

Honey has been a prized ingredient for thousands of years. It seems there is a good reason why. Raw honey is packed with many amazing properties that are so good for your body and your skin. Read more to learn about how truly amazing raw honey is.

Shea butter is packed with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and healing properties. But what exactly is shea butter? And why should you put it into your daily skincare routine? Learn all about this wonderful ingredient and how we use it here at Roses and Azalea. 

Ever wonder what natural remedies you can use for sensitive skin, dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis?

With both Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, I definitely suffer from dry skin, swelling, redness, and inflammation.  I have found many skin care products to exasperate my skin conditions.

Check the back labels of products!  Avoid certain ingredients like parabens, sulfates, dyes, and fragrances as well as alcohol-based cleansers and products - they can dry and irritate skin further.  Not all moisturizers are created equal, so choosing the wrong moisturizer can also make dry skin and certain skin conditions worse.  Hydration is key, and using sun protection is very important. 

Learn more about the list of a few natural remedies that help with certain health and skin conditions.

Recently the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic.  And with all the difference information, media, and opinions portrayed on social media by the general public, confusion and misleading information can cause mass panic.

As someone who is at high risk with asthma and autoimmune disease, I don't take things lightly.  I've heard from many different perspectives including medical professionals.  There's charts floating around comparing the flu with COVID-19.  Pictures of how there's no toilet paper (and other resources) have dominated my Facebook feed.

No matter how things turn out with a severe flu season, rise of Coronavirus cases, and other illnesses, it is important to boost your immune system and to prevent from getting sick when possible.  The best thing you can do for yourself and your family members is to remain calm and carry out your life normally, to start making healthy lifestyle changes, and to practice good hand hygiene.

Not sure where to start?  I have written about 10 ways to boost your immune system and to reduce the risk of infection!  All facts, no opinions.  Read this very important information now.

Spring starts in March, and the transition from winter to spring can be a difficult one if you aren't prepared - especially if you have autoimmune disease and other health concerns.

Going from cold and flu season to seasonal allergies, you may just not be able to avoid the congestion, runny nose, itchy and irritated eyes.  Spring is beautiful, and we all enjoy Mother Nature and the beautiful flowers and plants around us.  If we can just enjoy this beauty without having to dose up on so much medication...

Well, may we could!  There are quite a few natural remedies that you can try.  If you didn't know this but our allergy relief balm (soon to be "breathe easy balm") helps open up airways.  Today, I want to talk more about other natural remedies like elderberry syrup.  This interview of Meg Lowery is about elderberry syrup for your overall wellness.  

Meg is the founder and owner of Honest Elderberry Co., which originated after her daughter's middle name, Honesty.  Her hope and mission is to instill into her daughter that one of the most honorable things is to build a life on integrity and that begins with honesty.  Her company is no different - it is built on that foundation of integrity through ingredients and the entire process.