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Letha s Health Secrets Using Nature s Secrets to Look Great and Feel Terrific Blog About Books Teachings

Subscribe Appearances -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q & A: Herbal Side-effectsBird Flu Watch: 5/18/06 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pearls of Health and Beauty Published by Letha May 18th, 2006 in Foods for Health & Beauty. Beauty, like a pearl, is formed in layers caressed by time and the elements. Pea rls suggest enduring loveliness. It takes the oyster three years to make a pearl . When a grain of sand penetrates a mollusk shell, cells located inside the shel l mantle secrete concentric layers of mother of pearl around the particle, final ly creating the pearl. Pearls culled from depths of 48 to 120 feet are found in waters of the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mannar near Sri Lanka, Indonesia, island s in the South Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River. In China, pearling was known before 1000 BC. Powdered pearl, ingested as an anti-inflamma tory herbal medicine or applied to the skin as a beauty treatment was preferred by CiXi, the last Empress of China, during the Qing Dynasty. Her flawless comple xion was renowned. In Bernardo Bertolucci s epic film, The Last Emperor, a giant b lack pearl was placed in the Empress mouth the moment she died in homage to her as a precious jewel. In China traditional herbalists and medical research doctors work together in cl inics and hospitals. If you take a calcium supplement, Dr. Raymond Chang, a New York oncologist, recommends vitamin D3 to improve absorption of calcium and to h elp prevent cancer. Vitamin D3 breaks down cancer cells. Most people do not get enough vitamin D in their diet or from exposure to sunshine. They therefore cann ot absorb calcium adequately. Avoiding the sun, they more frequently develop bre ast and uterine cancers, while trying to reduce their chances of skin cancer. Pe arl may be one way to get your calcium and trace minerals. My favorite way to ta ke pearl powder internally is to blend one tiny tube of pearl powder with a tabl espoon of yogurt at bedtime. Pearl is also a complexion treatment for acne and tired skin. The chief ingredie nt of powdered pearl, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), can be absorbed through the ski n. Pearl powder, a powerful exfoliant, applied externally speeds the skin s natura l process of shedding dead cells and replacing them with new cells. Exfoliating treatments refine the skin s appearance. Pearl powder, used externally and also ta ken internally, both prevents and treats acne and other skin disorders, helping to heal blemishes and reduce redness. Pearl powder is sprinkled into wounds in C hinese hospitals because its antiseptic action speeds healing. Pearl powder also absorbs excess oil and moisture, and it is used in surgeon s gloves to keep their hands dry during operations. In China and Japan there is considerable ongoing scientific research into the pr operties of pearl and other traditional herbal remedies. Only some of the result s are available in articles published in English, usually on the Internet. Curre nt research does verify the pearl s health and beauty benefits. Pearl s nacre (mothe r of pearl) is made of aragonite (CaCO3) and a small amount of conchiolin, an or ganic albuminoid substance found in the mollusk s outer shell. While, in the Weste rn view, calcium carbonate is the sole active ingredient in pearl, natural produ cts should be used whole whenever possible because of the benefits of their trac e ingredients. PEARL FACIAL TREATMENTS Pearl is a class ingredient found in expensive complexion creams. If you are a s mart shopper, you will pay much less for the same quality. The simplest Chinese pearl creams contain lanolin, mineral oil, and beeswax along with pearl powder. They may feel heavy and waxy, but I like to smooth some around my eyes at night

to hold in natural moisture. It softens wrinkles. Some of the Chinese pearl crea ms contain ginseng, sheep placenta used as a moisturizer, or an herbal combinati on called Pien Tse Huang, which helps fight blemishes. Chinese made Beanne Extra Pearl creams, one to remove wrinkles and one to lighten freckles, are yellow-co lored resurfacing creams with ingredients such as apple pectin for refining the skin. They can be irritating to delicate complexions and should be used sparingl y and with care. At Latin botanicas or anywhere products from Mexico and Spain are sold (includin g most Rite Aid pharmacies), you will find fine quality soaps and creams made wi th mother of pearl. The pearl s inner shell (the nacre) contains the same excellen t source of minerals as the pearl. In southern California I discovered Concha Na car De Perlop day cream distributed by Perlop Cosmetics in Santa Monica. Its mai n ingredients include water, glycerine, cetyl alcohol, castor oil, oyster shell powder, beeswax, lanolin, cocoa butter, natural color and fragrance. I find it a bit sticky-sweet. I prefer Mother of Pearl Cream with Concha Nacar made in Mexico by Grisi, which is light-weight and has a mild fragrance. In addition to mother of pearl, it con tains zinc, magnesium, ascorbic acid, and calcium carbonate; mineral oil and bee swax are used as a base. Apply it as a velvety moisturizer for the whole body. G risi also makes a Mother of Pearl soap (Jabon Madre Perla) that is very reasonab ly priced for a beauty bar. Aside from mother of pearl, it contains neutral soap , cold cream, lanolin and a fresh fragrance. Chinese herbalists believe that a pearl powder facial mask tones the skin, while adding vitality to the complexion. Pearl powder has cooling, disinfectant, and balancing properties for the skin. The pack should be applied to clean, dry skin and allowed to penetrate for about ten minutes, then washed off with warm water . Do this once weekly to help refine your complexion. A convenient time may be r ight after a shower. The pearl powder mask will tingle and feel warm as it remov es dead cells. Lie down and elevate your feet to enjoy the full benefits of faci al stimulation. To make a pearl mask: Mix one teaspoon of pure Chinese pearl powder with the juice of one lemon, one b eaten egg white, and one teaspoon of raw honey this will nourish and moisturize ag ing skin. Or, mix one teaspoon of pearl powder with sufficient extra virgin olive oil to m ake a paste this will revitalize dry, dull skin. Or, mix one teaspoon of pearl powder with sufficient whole milk to make a paste. This is also anti-aging and is said to reduce large skin pores. I prefer not to wear makeup immediately after using a pearl mask. The skin may f eel irritated or warm for a few minutes after removing the mask. Let your skin b reathe for as long as possible. If you spend much time in the sun, mix one teaspoon of pearl powder in an atomiz er containing freshly brewed and strained green tea. Add a drop or two of witch hazel extract and keep the liquid in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. This spray helps prevent sun damage because of the green tea s high antioxidant c ontent. PEARL POWDER REDUCES STRESS, BLEMISHES AND ODORS To clear and brighten complexion, Chinese herbalists recommend pills for interna l use, such as Margarite Acne Pills, which are made of 24% pearl powder combined w ith antiseptic herbs such as dandelion and honeysuckle flowers. I often recommen d a dandelion and honeysuckle flower tea (blood-cleansing and antibiotic) for ec zema. It is made by simmering one handful of each herb in a quart of spring wate r for twenty minutes. One or two cups daily works as a laxative. The addition of pearl, in the form of the above pills, is cooling to the skin and quieting to n

erves. Chinese herbalists believe that taken internally on a regular basis pearl powder can quiet nervousness and reduce fear or restlessness, improve vision, and redu ce a variety of inflammatory illnesses, including insomnia and hyperactivity. Pe arl powder is said to cool the blood. That means that pearl s anti-inflammatory acti on counters excess acid conditions. For treating anything from eczema and boils to high blood pressure, no traditional Chinese home would be without it. Pearl has a remarkable range of uses. The pure powder, when taken internally alo ng with a cleansing diet of fruits and vegetables, will help to clear and sooth irritated skin and scalp. Pearl is said to calm strong emotions and reduce unple asant body odors. You can use it as a powder to brush your teeth, and it is safe enough to swallow. Or sprinkle the powder into shoes to absorb odor and moistur e. Dosage for internal use: Mix one tiny tube of pearl powder to a dab of yogurt at bedtime. PEARL CALCIUM AND YOUR BONES Scientific studies from Japan, China, Denmark and the United States show that ca lcium carbonate from oyster shell and mother of pearl are effective in preventin g and repairing bone loss. One study published by the Calcium Research Institute of Osaka, Japan (April, 1958) was a randomized, double-blind test carried out t o compare the effects of oyster shell seaweed calcium (AAA Ca) and calcium carbo nate versus a placebo in 58 elderly, hospitalized women. Lumbar spine and radial bone mineral density were measured at three-month intervals. The results were t hat oyster shell calcium appears to be effective for increasing bone mineral den sity in elderly subjects. According to one study published in the December, 1988 issue of the Journal of T raditional Chinese Medicine, titled The Anti-aging Effect of Pearl Oyster Shell P owder, a combination of powdered sea pearl, mother of-pearl and freshwater pearl has been shown to have tonic and anti-aging actions. Based on Chinese pharmacolo gical studies, the positive effects of the sea pearl and mother-of-pearl powder is higher than that of freshwater pearl powder. This would indicate that the bes t quality of pearl powder for health and beauty originates from Japan and China, where they are highly prized. Pearl calcium (CaCO3) is absorbed in the large intestine. Absorption is enhanced by taking vitamin D3 at the same time. Women need to consume additional calcium before and during the menstrual period, and both men and women need more of it when under stress. According to one study done in Maine, the body uses more calc ium during winter s cold, dark months. Reduced calcium can result in weakness, poo r muscle tone and heart irregularities. We might feel nervous and drawn. Winter is a good time to drink orange juice (for absorption) with a dash of pearl powde r. And remember, a sunny disposition makes for a beautiful person. The traditional uses of pearl demonstrate how health and beauty are intertwined, and how body, mind, and spirit harmoniously create beauty. Improve your complex ion with pearl and you will feel like smiling. Another gift of pearl, that gem b orn as an irritant, which takes the oyster years to create, is the knowledge tha t we also are precious and rare. Pearls bring the calm assurance of the sea and the gentle flow of tides. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------53 Responses to Pearls of Health and Beauty Feed for this Entry Trackback Address 1 Dale Dec 13th, 2006 at 10:24 am Excellent article. I was searching google and have been reading several pages so

far. Your article is expansive in content and well researched. Thanks. 2 Letha Dec 15th, 2006 at 12:30 pm Thank you Dale. Best wishes for the holidays. Letha 3 majlinda Dec 23rd, 2006 at 11:56 am hello Madam! As i am studying about chinese perls benefits, it would be very helpful to me if y ou give me any pearl chinese cream company which produces those kinds of creams, in order to contact with them. Thank you Maja 4 Letha Dec 31st, 2006 at 6:07 pm Hello Beane Pearl cream is well known. They are made and sold throughout Asia. I am so rry I don t know of a special company other than them. Pearl creams are also made in mexico. In my book Healthy Beauty I mention ways to make your own pearl creams using Chi nese pearl powder. See your local Chinese herb shops and www.asiachi.com for ord ering pearl powder. You can mix it with millk, homey, or other mediums and apply it to the face. Be careful, pearl is full of minerals and is an exfolient - It takes off a layer of dead skin and can burn very sensitive skin if left too long . L . 5 Me Mar 1st, 2007 at 11:45 pm Thank you so much for you very informative article. My mother wants to try it an d I just wanted to make sure Concha Nacar face cream is safe. 6 Letha Mar 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 pm Concha Nacar is popular in south Florida and throughout Latin America. I have se en it in Asian health shops. If Mom has sensitive skin avoid all products that c ontain alcohol or fragrance - because they are preserved with alcohol. I try to avoid products with Parabins - methalparabin etc. because they can be risky. If you want something very safe, clean and easy to make, soak herbs - extra fine pearl powder or skin-beautifying natural remedies for a month in refrigerated c anola oil or olive oil. The oil will help the herbs, pearl powder to penetrate t he skin. L. 7 michelle Mar 29th, 2007 at 4:18 pm The article on concha nacar is very interesting. By the way, I have my own recip e of making a homade concha nacar mask. First, I apply lemon juice inside a conc ha nacar shell, then I applly 2 drops of vitamin E oil. Then I let it sit there for a few days until a white paste is formed, then I apply it on my face. The re

sults are brighter, clearer skin. 8 Letha Mar 30th, 2007 at 2:46 pm That sounds very interesting! thanks, L. 9 Iman Apr 15th, 2007 at 1:34 pm Hello guys, Thanx for the very informative blog!!!! I ve been looking for something just like it!!! I ve been kinda interested in using pearl powder latley but wasn t sure how .this article answered a lot of questions but I still have a few more .lol!!! I heard tha t you can just mix some pearl powder straight in to your favorite moisturizer an d use that but you said that pearl powder s pretty sensative if left on skin. Do y ou think that if I mixed some in my daily (Face & Body) moisturizer that it will irritate my skin?? If not how much pearl powder do you think I need to add into a 4 oz. bottle of moisturizer to get the benefits of the pearls?? (can pearl pow der be used on skin everyday??? if not how often???) Second q .I also heard that y ou can also just sprinkle some straight into your bath .what s your opinion on that? ?? (again how much would you guys recommend in a tub of water???) Also about the pearl mask recipes posted how often should it be used??? Thanx so much for readin g guys!!!! How else do you guys use pearl powder??? plz share!!! lol!!! bye!!! P.S.: What do you guys think about adding it to body powder for a shimmer??? Pea rl powder is edible right?? ( I was thinking of adding into my fav homemade edib le body powder ) if so how much pearl powder for an ounce of body powder??? Thanx so much for your time!!!!! 10 Letha Apr 15th, 2007 at 3:33 pm Hi Iman Pearl is used in beauty products in Latin America and Asia, but I think you will have to get an extremely fine powder in order to mix it with lotions. I would n ot add it into something that you would leave on for a long time because it may irritate the skin over time. If you want to use it and never have, try one of my ideas for a facial pack and see how it feels after 15 minutes. If it does not irritate the skin too much (pe arl is used to exfoliate remove dead skin ) then you might use it once a week for no rmal skin and less frequently for sensitive skin. If you have very sensitive skin it will feel too warm and turn too pink if you u se it for too long. I do not know if it will mix with water in a bath. Besided you would have to use too much and it might settle like sand at the bottom of your tub - ouch! For minerals, I add goat s milk (powdered or concentrated) into my bath. Very good mix of minerals in it. The pearl powder you buy from chinatowns is meant for consumption. You might add it to a tsp. of yogurt. When I have tried to swallow it as is, it just gets stu ck in the throat. Edible face and body powder? I am not a manufacturer so experiment with quantities. Do you make beauty products? Please see my book Health Beauty (iUniverse.com) for more beauty tips.

all best, Letha Hadady 11 Lyna L May 15th, 2007 at 11:01 am I am trying Margarita Pills and the Concha Nacar for the first time. From this w ell-researched article and your feedbacks, I hope, all the regimens you recommen ded will bring out good results on my skin. I am sick of trying all antibiotics and topicals to cure my adult acne. 12 Letha May 15th, 2007 at 9:04 pm Hi Lyna Also see the chapter on beautiful complexion that I wrote in my book Healthy Bea uty available at iUniverse.com all the best for your natural health and beauty, L. 13 John Jun 19th, 2007 at 12:48 am Hello Letha, I would like to appreciate your very informative website, great work! I have a question, I want to go for oral consumption of pearl powder as I mostly believe in its skin beauty effective through blood stream, are you with me on t his? and please lemme know if it is ok to buy natural pearls and have them groun d into a powder at home and consume daily? and how much gr daily and at what tim e? do I also mix it with something for better digestive of it? I wanna go like this form! btw I order my chinese herbs directly from china from a big chinese herbal shop, company,hospital,college and thier site is: www.tcmtreatment.com Regards 14 John Jun 19th, 2007 at 12:55 am I forgot to mention why I go like this form, because I have less faith in differ ent manufactured pearls powder and as usual like to consume herbs in thier origi nal herbal form! thank you! 15 Letha Jun 22nd, 2007 at 10:23 pm Hi John Chinese herbalists have used powdered pure pearl since the Emperors to clear acn e, fever, and hypertension. You cannot grind them up at home - too uneven in qua lity and too rough to swallow. You can find good quality pearl powder for intern al use from Chinese herb shops. I have bought my tiny tubes of pure powdered pea rl from Lin Sisters in New York. See my list of links on the home page for their website. I add the powder to water at bedtime or cook some with other herbs whe n making water extracts for blood deficiency. The calcium carbonate in pearl com bines will with moistening blood-enhancing herbs. best, L. 16 Erin Jul 1st, 2007 at 3:53 am Hi Letha, I was prescribed Margarite Pills by my acupuncturist and it seemed very strange to be consuming ground pearls. I still have to get used to the idea! I wanted to see if it was safe and now that I ve come across your website, I have more peace of mind. One thing my acupuncturist didn t tell me was how long I should take it f

or? A week, a month, a year? Also I ve stopped breastfeeding for 5 months now and it seems my hormones have bee n irregular. Motherhood seemed to zap me of any beauty I had. I break out, my sk in is dull and so is my hair. Is there anything I can take for that? It s so hard to feel normal again. Thanks, Erin 17 Letha Jul 3rd, 2007 at 10:37 pm Hi Erin You can take the Margarite pills for as long as you have red, inflamed blemishes . That is what the pearl does - it reduces inflammation. You need to supplement your diet and vitamins and minerals as you breast feed. Y our body is drained of nutrition during pregnancy and for quite a while afterwar ds. Another safer alternative to Margarite pills is Skin Balance pills from Health COncerns in Calif. It is for acne and dry dull complexion. To order it call 1 800 233 9355 and use my name LETHA as a password. Remember this summer to eat lots of berries and black cherries - a good source o f minerals especially iron. Hair and skin need protein, zinc and iron for beauty. all best, L. 18 nina Jul 4th, 2007 at 10:36 pm does the pearl powder help with scars? thanks 19 Letha Jul 5th, 2007 at 8:29 pm HI PEARL powder is an exfolient that removes the dead dried skin from the top layer s of skin. It turns the skin pink when mixed with honey and left on the skin for 15 min. You might try it for a very superficial scar that is not too deep or da rk or old. It is mainly used to refine skin texture not big irregularities. There are scar creams in pharmacies. One has onion extract an irritant as an ing redient. Pearl sounds more appealing than onion. 20 myrna Jul 6th, 2007 at 5:55 pm do you know if grisi s concha nacar cream is used for hyperpigmentation/melasma pr oblems? does it have natural sunscreen in it? 21 Letha Jul 7th, 2007 at 6:37 am No sunscreen in it that I know of. It reduces the signs of hyperpigmentation - not the cause. It exfoliates - reduc es dry flaky skin. 22 Meg Jul 17th, 2007 at 8:35 pm I want to know what are the effects of Pearl Powder in pregnancy??? Is it safe t o use by pregnant women such as me? should I be worried of side effects to my ba by? 23 Letha

Jul 18th, 2007 at 5:09 pm Hi Meg Congratulations on becoming a parent. How lucky. Pearl powder should be safe during pregnancy because it is not laxative. It is a ntiinflammatory for skin blemishes or fevers. Avoid it if it makes you feel too rel axed and chilled. It is a source of calcium. However, With all the worry about products from china, I would take a homeopathic remedy such as Bioplasma - a source of 12 essential minerals including several forms of calcium instead of pearl powder. I cannot vouch for its purity. Homeopathic minerals are safer also because you c an take a dose that you need. You could add the homeopathic minerals to water an d sip it between meals. It would be very strengthening. all best, Letha 24 Ro Jul 21st, 2007 at 9:53 pm Hi, Letha. I was surfing the net and ran into your website. I enjoyed reading all of the gr eat tips that you provide to your readers. We really need your help. I am a pare nt who so desperately wants her 17-year-old son to have a clear complexion. This young adult has tried everything the market has to offer it seems like and noth ing has worked for him. Not to long ago, he used Proactive that sent him to the ER after 2 days of usage. He had a horrible reaction to the product. Just a week or so ago, it seems that God sent an angel to us. Out of nowhere, he came up to us an asked if we had ever used a cream by the name of concha naca. I let him k now that I had heard of it; however, our son had not tried this. He suggested th at he use it to clear up his young adult acne. I sure would like to get your fee dback. What concha naca is best to purchase? We are looking for something that w ill not burn his skin. He is trying to clear up the acne + the scarring he has. He is tall, dark and handsome. It s just the acne that is getting in the way. Plea se HELP us. Thank you! 25 Letha Jul 22nd, 2007 at 9:22 am I recommend my book Healthy Beauty for you and son. Diet and herbs mentioned in that book will greatly help. Applying a cream cannot clear complexion. Impuritie s from the blood have to be eliminated and nerves quieted. A good way to start is Skin Balance (herbal pills from Health Concerns in Oaklan d, Ca. They combine cleansing herbs that treat acne, etc. and dry skin. all best, Letha 26 Nancy Nov 14th, 2007 at 6:55 pm Awesome information. I was searching for re confirmation on benefits for sea she ll powder. Your article has confirmed more than enough information. I am current ly using the Mexican Product Concha Naca and I would have to say, is working on my skin. Is helping acne go away, I feel it fresher, smoother and clearing pores, etc. Thanks again for all the great information. Nancy 27 Nancy

Nov 14th, 2007 at 6:59 pm Oh, one more thing.. As far as making your own cream w/ sea shell powder, how lo ng should I leave the cream on? Thanks, Nancy 28 Letha Nov 15th, 2007 at 6:06 pm Hi Nancy If you are using Chinese powdered pearl, mix it with honey or yogurt. It might f eel warm. That s ok but do not let it get uncomfortable. I would wash it off after 15 min. for rough skin and 5 minutes for very sensitive skin. My current favorite complexion exfoliant is real papaya enzyme powder. (It is wh ite and smells slightly of sulphur not at all sweet.) I bought it online from a s upplier. Google it to find sources. I mix about 1 tsp. or less with a mild liqui d soap and leave it on 5 or less minutes until it dries. I put it on face, neck and chest. Warm and invigorating. It leaves skin soft and smooth and bright. L. 29 Kathy Dec 8th, 2007 at 3:43 pm I love the Perlop Concha Bleaching creme. I have been purchasing it at Walmart f or approx. 4 years. It is very inexpensive and I was surprised to notice THAT IT WORKS!! The Walmart that I purchase it at no longer carries it and I can t find a secure location on the internet in order to purchase it. Help! I would recommend this to EVERYONE. 30 Letha Dec 9th, 2007 at 11:36 pm I believe I have seen that pearl bleach cream at the natural products sections o f some RiteAids but it varies. Here is a website that sells it www.beautyofnewyork .com 31 Gurjit Jan 19th, 2008 at 4:15 pm hi, I m looking to use pearl powder and if I mix it with water and apply on face a fter shower usinf a body wash sponge, how long should I leave it on the face? an d do i then wash it off with water or leave it on? 32 Gurjit Jan 21st, 2008 at 3:21 pm Of the following which one is recommended or proven to be more effective: Pearl Powder (Zhen Zhu Mo) OR Zhuji Xishi Brand Pearl Powder 33 kittykat87 Feb 4th, 2008 at 9:20 am i ve been using PERLOP S CONCHA NACAR for two days..i haven t really seen any results yet but i use it with Dickinson s witch hazel toner..PM AM respectively..the only thing i ve noticed so far is how fast my large acne dry up..i hope i see more pro mising results soon..i ve tried so many OTC acne meds..and dermatologists too..i h ope this works..my self esteem has been affected.. 34 Letha Feb 5th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

Hi Kittykat87 I do not think cream are effective for acne. Most cannot penetrate enough. They cannot clear the skin because they do not affect the blood like diet and herbs c an. I recommend more vegetables and water, reduced fat, meat, sweets, and caffeine. For herbs, Health Concerns makes Skin Balance pills 1 800 233 9355, Use LETHA as a password Or over the counter chinese patent remedy Lien Chiao Pai Tu Pien. See my book Healthy Beauty for more advice. best, L. 35 Letha Feb 5th, 2008 at 5:43 pm Hello Gurgit I do not know which of the two brands of pearl powder are more effective. Try to get something pure - food grade that might be used internally. Mix it with hone y and apply for up to 5 min. It depends on your skin. Some people with sensitive skin will find that it burns and becomes pink That is temporary. No more than 3 - 5 min. the first time and then use according ly. If your husband as a beard his kiss my scratch you. Your skin will feel more sen sitive and smooth. 36 JOi Feb 11th, 2008 at 3:50 pm Hi, I have a mild case of cystic acne and it s been plaguing me for a few years. I see that your recommendations are geared towards internal treatment rather than ext ernal treatment. I would like some suggestions to help manage this and I would a lso like some suggestions with dealing with the scarring that the acne leaves be hind. I am dark skinned African American woman and nothing is really helping wit h the acne or it s scarring. I am open to suggestions. Help 37 Letha Feb 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am DEAR Joi Thanks for your comment. My preferred herbal pill for acne, itchy skin and allergic conditions and dry sk in is SKIN BALANCE by Health Concerns call 1 800 233 9355 use my name LETHA as a password to order. Otherwise, they se ll only to health food stores or acupuncturists. It contains safe chinese herbs, made in Calif. for these conditions. Externally I prefer using pure pepain papaya enzyme powder - that I ordered onlin e. American distributors sell it (originally from India) I add it to a mild glycerine soap to make a paste and apply it as an exfoliant t o the skin for up to 5 minutes. It leave skin smooth and exfoliated. If skin is tender, use it for a shorter period of time. all best, L. 38 Gurjit Feb 14th, 2008 at 11:42 am Letha, for the actual facial mask itself, which one do we use or do you recommen d? thanks

39 Letha Feb 20th, 2008 at 9:38 am Hello Gurjit I no longer use pearl powder as a facial mask. I use pure powdered pepain - papa ya enzyme that I ordered online. The source is India, but the distributor is in Calif. You can see several good brands and compare prices. I had to buy a pound of papain powder. I mix it with a couple of drops of castile soup and apply to e xfolliate the complexion. You can also add the powder to bath, but do not keep i t or apply it near very sensitive areas it can burn. 40 Suj Feb 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm Hi Letha, for serious acne/spots, what would you recommend? Is pearl powder ok f or this or do u recommend anything else? 41 Letha Feb 23rd, 2008 at 6:54 pm Hi Suj I think you mean to ask about bleaching or lessening the spots, yes? Pearl creams and powders can help remove dead skin. So can pepain powder - pure organic papaya enzyme powder. The latter may be easier to order and use. Please see my other comments above. best, L. 42 JERNEI Feb 26th, 2008 at 7:36 pm Hi Letha, Thank you for all your advise, it s very very helpful. I have some questions though. My mom bought me some Pearl Powder from Taiwan fro m her vacation, and she mentioned that this Pearl powder is very expensive from the top mountain in taiwan (she spent about USD800 for 3 small bottles pearl pow der). The reason I am asking because I didnt see you mentioning Pearl powder fro m Taiwan. Could it be fake? Also, I am planning to have kids(I AM NOW 31yrs old) ,would this pearl powder be harmful to my body and effect my baby when I become pregnant later this year? Please let me know Thanks 43 JERNEI Feb 26th, 2008 at 7:42 pm Sorry, the reason I wanted to take the pearl powder (with water) because I have freckles on my right face that and chin (only right side). I went to doctors and skin clinics and they said the the freckles are not from the sun, they are from the inside of my body. And some said that freckles are from my liver Again, please advise what I can do with pearl powder to lighten my freckles but save to have kids Thanks 44 Letha Mar 5th, 2008 at 1:10 pm Hello Jernei The best thing for you to do to get yourself in shape to have a child, clear you r complexion, and calm nerves would be to consult a Chinese or other herbalist p rivately.

pearl powder probably very high quality from Taiwan but I do not know is recommende d for nervous insomnia, hypertension, and blemishes. Taken regularly it is not e nough to remove freckles. There is a capsule called patch removing pills available in some chinese herb sh ops. It contains blood enhancing herbs including rehmannia. That is a useful her b except for people with herpes. It tends to bring out such rashes. Some women need to take herbs to enhance blood production to insure fertility be cause they have hormone irregularities or nervous inflammation leading to proble ms when trying to conceive. Others need herbs that enhance energy so they do not miscarry. Best for you to find out what you need most. Get on a good regime of diet and exercise, reduce stress naturally and give up b ad habits. That can improve complexion and fertility. best, L. 45 Mary Mar 16th, 2008 at 10:33 pm Hi Letha, Thank you very much for your dedication in helping others. I feel very lucky to have come across your book, Asian Health Secrets, and now I just found this website! Awesome. It is a gift. My question is, can you reccomend which pa paya enzyme powder to purchase? I googled it, but am hesitant as to which one to select, as they all sound alike, and I want to ensure good quality. You have in spired me to live healthy , so thanks again, Mary 46 Ashley Mar 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am Hi Letha, I ve recently discovered a website which sells skin brightening pills. T he main ingredient is Pearl Calcium. I did a search on Pearl Calcium and came ac ross your website which helped build my confidence towards it. But before i buy it i would like it if you would visit the website and tell me if you recommend i t. the website is: http://www.skinbleaching.net/ Have you ever wondered how comes so many Black, Asian and Indian celebrities are all very light skinned? Have you wondered why early c hildhood photos of many top celebs show a much darker skin colour than they have now? The official research program for Whitening Pills was launched on 7 august 1961by a group of specialized clinical researchers headed by a leading figure in the d ermatology research field in Japan. Research for Skin Whitening was undertaken wit h the aim of creating a product that would help dark-skinned individuals to atta in a lighter and fairer complexion tone, without using any chemical bleaching ag ents such as Hydroquinone, which may cause skin irritations that might result in edema, erythema and desquamation. Indications: Slows down the production of melanocytes which is responsible for t he production of melanin pigments giving us skin color.Benefits: Whitens overall complexion evenly including dark underarms and bikini line area. It is also very good for acne and clears away all pigment marks. Thank you for your time. Ashley 47 ying Mar 26th, 2008 at 10:47 pm Hi Letha, Can i consume my baby pearl powder in her milk? Will it cause any chemical reaction?

48 Ashley Mar 28th, 2008 at 12:19 pm Hi Letha, I m still waiting for a reply. Would be grateful if you would respond as soon as you can. Much appreciated. Ashley 49 Letha Mar 29th, 2008 at 7:16 pm Dear Ashley and Ying It is interesting that you should both be asking about pearl powder for such dif ferent reasons. In china a very pure fine grade pearl powder sold in herb shops is used internal ly for fevers, insomnia and sometimes rashes. For a baby I could not recommend using pearl powder because there are better thi ngs to use for fever or fussy insomnia. For example for babies cutting teeth or with colic, try homeopathic chamomile instead. The dose is easier to use and pre dict good results. With pearl you take the chance of using too much and overseda ting the baby. Besides, I do recommend herbs for such small kids. They may be to o strong. For Ashley I do not sell products. I report on them as I can. I would have to know the ingr edients of the skin whitening treatment. Pearl does not lighten the skin. Some s ort of bleach is being used in the formula. The pearl quiets the nervous system to ease nervousness. 50 Letha Mar 29th, 2008 at 7:32 pm Hi Mary I don t know if there is a better brand of papain enzyme. The source is India. I o rdered online from a company in Calif. Starwest botanicals. But You have to buy it by the pound. 51 reina sanjurjo May 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm Hi Letha, You mention that conch nacar has calcium carbonate but i heard that its better to consume calcium citrate instead of calcium carbonate? what do you reccommend? Thank you, Reina 52 Letha May 5th, 2008 at 9:58 pm Since I wrote about pearl as a source of calcium - I have reconsidered the sourc e - polluted oceans. The best sources of calcium are no longer shells or dolomite a rock. Consider a mixed mineral supplement from a good company such as puritan pride, vitamin shop pe, or twin labs. The important thing to remember about minerals aside from purity and cost is to use a combination that supports absorption. You will also need mag nesium, potassium and other trace minerals to best use any calcium source. 53 Gurjit May 11th, 2008 at 2:50 am If we use honey, just wondering is it best to use processed honey or unprocessed

honey? Which is best to use when using with pearl powder? Posting Your Comment Please Wait Leave a Reply Name Mail (will not be published) Website

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Letha Hadady is one of the nation s leading experts on natural Chinese remedies an d author of books on health and beauty. TV Appearances Categories Foods for Health & Beauty Protect Yourself & Family Teaching The Loving Home Weightloss the Asian Way Blogroll Feng Shui Seminars New Living Magazine Environmental-action.org Support Alternative Energy GREENPEACE Life Script Curing Herbs Feed Your Tiger Diamond Way Ayurveda Face It 55-alive Save The Children mommywood.com Body Care Kits Heal India health portal and magazine

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