Read on for more inspirational and natural eco content!

It's known as black cumin, black caraway, Roman coriander, the blessed seed (or seed of blessing) - and occasionally, even "a remedy for everything except death"! Since ancient times, black cumin has been regarded worldwide as a "super seed" with amazing healing properties. Black seed extract is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antifungal AND anti-inflammatory - in short, PRO-health and wellbeing. If you haven't heard of precious black cumin, it's high time you did - so here's a look at what it is, where it comes from, what it does and how to use it.

The festive season means fun, sun, braais, pool parties, beach days, office celebrations, family dinners and more! And while this time of year tends to bring out the party animal in many of us, it's important to remember that it can take a lot out of you too. From festive snacks to fizzy cocktails, long days to late nights, your festive season habits tend to take their toll on your liver in particular; and that's a big health risk we all need to watch out for. Here's a look at the amazing job your liver does for you, why it's so important to look after it, and which natural supplements will do the trick.

essential-oils-summer

The gorgeous scent of fresh flowers and herbs is synonymous with summer, as the plants around us burst into bloom. And what better way to harness the power of these beautiful botanicals, than with a selection of organic essential oils made from the purest plant essences? Essential oils are a joy to use, and can be added to your daily routine in so many ways this summer. Whether you're looking to keep mosquitoes and other nasty bugs at bay; to soothe and hydrate your skin after a day in the sun; keep your family healthy and happy on holiday travels; or simply add an amazing natural scent to your living space; these little beauties have got the answer. It's time to get inspired folks! Here's a look at some of our favourite essential oils for the summer season - plus some great ways to use them for summertime health and beauty. 

Our green team is passionate about natural healing, and we're always looking to our loyal customers for inspiration on how we can offer you the best possible natural wellbeing solutions. So when we received an email from a customer asking about the best ways to combat acid reflux, we thought it was a great opportunity to put together some essential, need-to-know facts for you on acidity, acid reflux and balancing your body's pH. As you can see we've also had our green thinking caps on, and created a pH balancing product pack to help you heal and prevent the health issues associated with over-acidity.

Nothing beats stepping out to the beach, braai or summer's night party feeling confident and gorgeous in your skin. And after a long winter spent in jerseys and jeans, you'll want to add a little summer glow to your limbs. Now we all know that getting a little sun can work wonders for wintery skin, but it's almost impossible to get the tan you want while staying safe in the sun. And while many people find tanning beds to be a summer colour "quick fix", sunbeds pose the same risks to your skin as unprotected sun exposure does.

Self-tanning lotions and oils on the other hand, are an excellent way to show your skin some TLC and enjoy a beautiful sun-kissed glow - without any exposure to UV rays. Until now however, most popular self-tan brands were loaded with harsh chemicals... that's why we're so excited to announcce the latest addition to our body care range. TanOrganic is the world's FIRST eco-certified self-tan brand, designed to make your summer beauty regime easier - and safer - than ever before.

teacher-kindergarten Teachers are some of the most influential people in your little ones’ lives; and their job is one that can’t be done without real passion. Now as the school year draws to a close, it’s time to show these classroom-dwelling superheroes just how much you appreciate the work they do and the care they show. The Faithful to Nature team has put together a fantastic selection of thank-you gifts for teachers, and each one is made with care and respect for our planet too. These green goodies can be packaged for you in a choice of beautiful ways; in a gift box lined with natural raffia and tissue paper, or in a stylish reusable hessian bag. Browse our online gifting selection and gift accessories to create your own special hamper, or choose from one of our ready-made gift sets.
Nothing beats the sizzle of a summertime braai in South Africa! It's all about the sunshine, the chill-time and of course, a stack of delicious food! Now, for the vegetarians and vegans among us - as well as those entertaining veggie guests - braais can sometimes be a little tricky to navigate. After all, meat is considered the staple of any traditional braai or barbecue. Luckily, there's no shortage of sumptuous, satisfying veggie-friendly meals that can easily be added to your next braai. Check out these fun and delicious recipes that take the "vleis" out of "braaivleis" - and enjoy a healthier summer with a heaping helping of wholesome vegetables. These goodies are also sure to tempt even the most committed carnivore...

Whether it's the heart of winter or you're getting beach ready, treat your skin to something special - an all-natural toning and hydrating lotion that will smooth away unwanted wrinkles and dimples, leaving you with a smoother, softer and more supple skin you can't wait to show off. This body lotion is easy to make at home, and of course its free of harsh chemical additives, artificial colours and fake flowery fragrances. With shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax, this is just what every organic goddesses' skin craves!

Note that this recipe will give you a rich moisturising and toning lotion with a thick creamy texture. It will probably feel too "heavy" for daytime use, but it's perfect for the evenings when you've just stepped out of a bath or shower. Massage it into your skin before bed, so you can soak up all that goodness while you sleep!