The Herbal Legacy: WILLOW BARK

How WILLOW BARK works:  

Willow bark has a natural content of salicylic acid, which removes old and dead skin cells from your face and body; it helps your body make way for new and fresh skin cells.  Willow bark also offers anti-inflammatory properties, helping your body relieve swelling and sensitivity.   Willow bark helps your body improve the following skin conditions: dry, dull or lacking moisture. 

WILLOW BARK Native Roots:

• Native Americans used several varieties of the willow; they wove baskets with willow, used willow for pain and reducing fever. 

• The white willow bark was chewed by Native Americans to reduce fevers and relieve headache, white willow bark contains tannins, which are actually good for the digestion.

• The framework of the vapor-bath or sweat-lodge of the Native Americans was made of willow poles, bent and tied with their bark.

• For some Native Americans the willow was mystically connected with the departure of the spirit from the body at death; willow twigs had certain uses in funeral rites.

A Native American Herbal Legacy:

 

Long ago, before medical technology was available, pioneer doctors relied on Native American knowledge of nature to treat illness. Our ancestors freely shared their healing knowledge of plants, roots and berries with early settlers. In fact, Native American herbal treatments were so effective; many have been refined into present day medicine for your health and wellness.  

WILLOW BARK is a Native American legacy herb that is widely used today for your health benefit.  You will find willow bark extract in Sister Sky's White Willow: lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. We hope you found this post an insightful blend of education and history.

Wishing you wellness.  -The Sisters of Sister Sky

 

The Herbal Legacy: YARROW

Our blog posts titled, "The Herbal Legacy" will highlight herbs that have long been recognized for their healing power.  In addition to explaining key health benefits of the herbs, we'll provide insight about the Native American history of using the herbs for health and wellness.

 

First up is YARROW.
 
How YARROW works:   Yarrow has powerful astringent (cleansing) effects. The plant is an antimicrobial, so it provides protection against infection.  Yarrow contains the following fatty and amino acids: isovaleric acid, salicylic acid, asparagin, sterols, flavonoids,  bitters, tannins, and coumarins.

• Fatty acids found in Yarrow boost the oxygen content in skin cells, aid cell membrane development, strength, and function. 
• Amino acids found in Yarrow provide the basic building blocks of proteins in the production of tissue thus skin has the ability to regenerate.
• Salicylic acid in Yarrow has analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. 
• Sterols and tannins in Yarrow have wound  healing and anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Flavonoids in Yarrow are vital antioxidants that protect against cell damaging free radicals.

 YARROW Native Roots: Native Americans  prepared Yarrow infusions to treat joint pain, eye infections, ear aches and as a cold remedy.

• Tribes from the Micmacs in the Maritimes to the Thompson Indians of British Columbia treated wounds, sores, and bruises with Yarrow.
• Utes pulverized the plant, Winnebagos used it in infusion, while others "prepared a powder for dusting on skin sores by roasting the leaves or stems until they were dry enough to be pulverized between stones." 
• Far to the north, Aleuts used the juice of yarrow leaves to stop bleeding.

A Native American Herbal Legacy: Long ago,  before medical technology was available, pioneer doctors relied on Native American knowledge of nature to treat illness. Our ancestors freely shared their healing knowledge of plants, roots and berries with early settlers. In fact, Native American herbal treatments were so effective, many have been refined into present day medicine.  

Yarrow is a Native American legacy herb that is widely used today for its health and wellness benefits.  We use Yarrow in Kevin's Cure Body Lotion and Body Wash. We hope you found this post an insightful blend of education and history.

Wishing you wellness.  -The Sisters of Sister Sky

EEEWW! Mosquitoes

Reprieve in Sister Sky Cedar Citrus Products 

Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. You can avoid being bitten by making sure you:  

1) Are using a repellent.

2) Aren't attracting the pesky insects and

3) Avoiding actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent. 

Mosquito Attractants:  

• Dark clothes and plant foliage are initial attractants. 

 

• In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets. 

 

• Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or standing water) will draw mosquitoes.  

Natural Repellents: 

Natural products will aide in repelling mosquitoes but they require frequent reapplication (at least every 1 hour).  Products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient.  For example:

Cedar Oil  

Cinnamon Oil                        

Rosemary Oil                        

Citronella Oil                         

Clove Oil  

 

Lemongrass Oil

 

Peppermint Oil   

 

Geranium Oil                     

*Put several drops of the oil(s) in with distilled water place in a glass spray bottle, shake and spray away! The 1 or 2 ounce spray bottles are perfect for personal use!  

To use as an ADDITIONAL natural repellent try:   

Sister Sky Cedar Citrus products offered in: lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

Enjoy the Summer Fun! 

For Real Sisters?

ARE THEY REALLY SISTERS?

Yes.  We really are (for 100% sure) true sisters.  We grew-up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, attended elementary and high school at a near by school district - a few miles off the reservation.  Upon graduation (not the same year of course) we each attended University.  Completed college degrees and returned back to our Spokane Tribal historical grounds - which is the City of Spokane, Washington.

Our Beloved Mother:

Our mother comes from the First Nations Pauquachin Band, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  From which our lineage on her side hails from a long line of highly respected Tribal Chiefs and Women of Medicine, who carried the wisdom of plants, flowers and roots, which they used to aid in helping the ill become well.  Although we did not grow-up on our mother's First Nations Reserve, each summer we would cross-the-big-water to spend time with our most beloved family from Pauquachin.  Our mother moved back to her home (literally the home she grew up in) to aide her aging mother.  Our mother still resides at Pauquachin.   

Our Beloved Father:

Our father comes from the (Spa-Keen) Spokane Tribe, Washington, State.  From which our lineage on his side hails from a long line of highly respected Men of Medicine and Spiritual Songs.  Also from his side of our family comes resourceful entrepreneurs; individuals who thought of creative ways to make-ends-meet and individuals who were able to "move-in-both-worlds" by leaving the reservation to acquire paying jobs while simultaneously staying very much connected and proud of lineage, tradition and heritage.  The land which our father lives (which we grew up) is land his mother (and her four sisters) timber cleared with two-man saws. 

As Sisters:
We consider ourselves BLESSED to have each other during our journeys in life.  We pray daily the Creator help us be the best people we can be, with the intention of being giving, humble, positive people who are capable of "being a blessing to others". 

During our life journey (together ) we have experienced many varied seasons.   Some seasons filled with bright warm comforting sunshine - complete with birds singing beautiful songs and rainbows glowing over head, some of our seasons have been filled with blistering cold and uneasy darkness with no sounds of comfort for the ears, only the deafening silence of uncertainty. 

Thru our life seasons, we continue to CHOOSE and HONOR the Creators sacred gift of sisterhood, we choose to "stick-together", my silly sis always likes to call us "Thelma & Louise", which every time she says it, I laugh really big!  Definition of Sister: A girl or woman who shares a common ancestry, allegiance, character, or purpose with another or others.   Yup.  That's us.   
 

WHO IS SISTER SKY? 

A Native American owned company commited to creating products which embrace the beauty of indigeonous cultures for the purpose of sharing herbal wisdom. 

 

www.sistersky.com

 

 

Embrace Sisterhood Today!  ~ Marina

Summer Co-Washing. Give It a Try, You Only Have Moisture to Gain

Summer Co-Washing

Co-wash simply means to cleanse the hair and scalp by using a rinse-out conditioner instead of a traditional shampoo.  

I know what you are thinking, "Ewww!  You don't use shampoo?!"   Well, it's not as weird as it sounds.  Co-washing can become a girl's best friend, especially during summer fun activities which can steal moisture from your lovely locks.  Read on to find out how and why to try ‘summertime’ co-washing.

Why Co-Wash Hair

Your body needs moisture during hot summer months, so do your beautiful locks.  Traditional shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the ingredient used to make all those scrubbing bubbles, when used excessively SLS can strip hair of natural oils required for moisture.  Excessive harsh shampoo usage can also leave hair feeling dry, brittle, promote breakage and create a frizzy halo – ugh!

Silicone Free Co-Washing

 

Why silicone free?  Silicones are the secret weapon in most hair smoothing products (often disguised as the scientific ingredient name: dimethicone).  Like a raincoat for your hair, silicone coats each strand to seal out humidity.  Slippery and silky from the silicone polish, hair is less tangled and looks shinier and healthier—at first.  The problem is the coating: "Too much silicone prevents oils and moisture from penetrating into the hair," explains celebrity stylist Leonard Manetti, owner of the ION Studio salon, New York City. "Eventually, hair will be drier and look more damaged," he adds.

 

How to Co-Wash

 

Co-washing is all about scalp and follicle massage to help break up and loosen the dirt and oils on your head so they will easily rinse away. Take a small amount of conditioner and massage it into a small area of your scalp, follow this process for your entire head.  Make sure to work some conditioner into your hair down to its ends (this would be a good time to detangle with a wide tooth comb), once you have done all of that, rinse out your hair. Once you have rinsed out your hair completely, work a small amount of conditioner into your hair in its length and at the ends and then squeeze the excess conditioner out.  Adding a bit of conditioner in final process will assist in detangling and frizz control.  Preferably towel or air-dry your hair, and there you go!  Co-washed hair.

Try Sister Sky silicone-free gentle conditioners for your summer co-washing hair care.  Visit us at www.sistersky.com

Go forth, co-wash and enjoy summer! 

Monitor Hair Moisture

Wheat Protein

Water soluble protein derived from whole wheat, it penetrates the cortex of each hair strand. Wheat protein strengthens and moisturizes hair, increasing the ability for hair to receive and maintain moisture.

Hair Composition

Natural hair is made up of tough fibrous proteins called keratin.  Hair is composed of approximately 91% protein, which is made up of long chain amino acids. The amino acids are made up of: sulfur, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon; these building blocks are then joined together by peptide bonds. It is very important for hair to have a healthy combination of protein and moisture. 

Hair Care with Wheat Protein

Wheat Protein greatly increases the hair’s ability to retain moisture, while increasing the appearance of shine and gloss.  Due to its low molecular weight, it easily penetrates the hair shaft adding protein, reduces porosity, and improves hair manageability, while creating luster and smoothness.   

Summer Hair Care

By using Sister Sky Indian Hyacinth Shampoo, with WHEAT PROTEIN, you will be adding protein to your hair while reducing porosity, improving manageability and creating luster and smoothness.   Order a bottle today.  

Enjoy Summer !   The Sisters ~

Hair Car Tip:  DO NOT shampoo hair every day (unless your hair is extremely oily), rest hair a day or two between shampoo washes.  Lathering up daily strips hair of important, healthy oils causing hair to break-off over time.  Between shampoo washes rinse hair with warm water, apply a conditioner to hair, leave in a few minutes, comb hair beginning at bottom working upwards with a wide-tooth comb, then rinse out.  Try-it! 

Beware Summer Hair

SUMMER Hair Care

 

The stuff which makes summer fun – the sun and water - is hard on your hair. Dry hair, fizzy hair and even "green" hair can result from summer damage.  Take charge - it doesn't have to be that way!  

 Be proactive in your summer hair care regime by using Sister Sky Indian Hyacinth Conditioner, containing the protective ingredient Pro-Vitamin B5.  

Hair which is healthy moisturized and in good condition is less prone to breakage and heat damage.  Pro Vitamin B5 functions as a Humectant which increases the water content of hair improving elasticity while decreasing breakage.  

 Whether you'll be at the beach in the salt air, taking a dip in the pool or just sitting around the campfire, Sister Sky can help protect your beautiful locks against the summer sun with Indian Hyacinth Conditioner containing Pro Vitamin B5.  

Hair Tip:  wet hair before going into the water, apply Indian Hyacinth Conditioner containing Pro Vitamin B5 as a leave-in-conditioner until you are done with your daily summer fun!  

 

Enjoy Summer Fun!  - The Sisters

Indian Hyacinth

Lewis and Clark wrote elegantly about the Blue Camas Flower

The beautiful - Blue Camas

on their return journey home, as they camp at Weippe Prairie, Idaho, on Jim Ford Creek near the Clearwater River, Idaho.


See quote below from William Clark, circa 1806.  






"... the quawmash is now in blume at a Short distance it resemhles a lake of fine clear water, So complete is this deseption that on first Sight I could have Sworn it was water. ..."
[Clark, June 12, 1806, at Weippe Prairie, Idaho]


 

Sister Sky Indian Hyacinth honoring Blue Camas

 

Enjoy Sister Sky Indian Hyacinth products with 25 % discount on all products in the month of February. 

"The Indian Hyacinth is a crisp bright fragrance that reminds us Spring is just around the corner!"   - Marina

Soft, Silky Hair is What I Want!

Buy products online at: http://www.sistersky.com/category_s/1846.htm

Benefits of Hibiscus Extract

Sister Sky's Indian Hyacinth with Hibiscus Extract is February's featured collection.  Receive a 25% discount off body lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.  No coupon code needed.   Buy online at: http://www.sistersky.com/category_s/1846.htm

Read more about the hair and skin benefits of Hibiscus Extract at:
http://soni2006.hubpages.com/hub/medicinal-benefits-of-hibiscus-where-to-buy-hibiscus-extract-online

Indian Hyacinth 25% OFF all Month

Click on the link below to purchase products at sistersky.com

http://www.sistersky.com/category_s/1846.htm