Fundamental Chemical-Free Organic Shampoo Review

I've just had the lovely opportunity to try a few products that are available at Earth Turns, who happen to be a very friendly company that carries a variety of really amazing quality products like supplements and natural or herbal products, and even a beauty department. All of the products Earth Turns carry are manufactured under Current Good Manufacturing Process Standards and are natural, safe and effective. I've recently been trying various samples of their product (like the "Relax Already that I recently reviewed) and this new, chemical-free shampoo. 

Before I get into the review for this interesting shampoo, I wanted to take a second to include that Earth Turns has an A+ BBB rating, and at the moment, they're doing free shipping for  US orders! You really can't beat free shipping these days.
 

Fundamental Shampoo is a chemical & SLS-free shampoo with organic ingredients designed to restore hair's shine and body. 

Obviously, as with any natural shampoo, you're going to experience little to no lather. This sometimes means you feel the need to use more product than normal, as I do, so when I dumped an entire hand-full of shampoo in my hair, I was shocked to learn that with the Fundamental Shampoo, that was not necessary! The stuff actually lathers as good as any typical shampoo! So, I kicked myself for wasting so much.

Something I love about Fundamental Shampoo is my hair always smells, feels and looks totally clean, even though I didn't use sulfates to clean it.  The shampoo has a minty scent that does not stay in hair.

 I once thought that natural shampoos that did not contain some sort of harsh sulfate couldn't truly clean my hair. I think we've all been kind of brainwashed as to what the real definition of clean is. It seems we've been thinking that "clean" means stripping all of our skin and hair of anything and everything. If any little natural oil was leftover (which cannot be seen when you first wash the hair with Fundamental Shampoo) is considered dirty.

In fact, my hair feels, looks and smells just as clean as when I use the average drug-store shampoo.

Another plus is that the scent of the Fundamental Shampoo is "acceptable" by either gender (male or female.)

After using the Fundamental Shampoo, my hair was different in texture and appearance. It had more fluff/volume than it normally does, which can be a great thing when hair is flat.

My ends, while they appeared a lot fuller than normal (plus!), they felt a tiny bit drier than they do when I use a good leave-in conditioner, but I made sure to use my leave-in the next night when washing my hair with Fundamental Shampoo  & that helped my ends a lot. I normally always use the leave-in since my ends have some damage, but I skipped when I used the shampoo for the first time because I wanted to be sure I could get the best idea of how this shampoo does. 

I do want to make it clear that I love this shampoo! I really do. My hair actually felt cleaner than it does with other shampoos, and I have been able to skip a day between washes (I normally do that) without my hair looking oily at all the last day. Very impressive.


Benefits of the Ingredients in Fundamental Shampoo
With ingredients like saponified olive oil and coconut oil, the Fundamental Shampoo is nicely moisturizing for hair, and will help with damage and promote shine.

Ginger extract is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, which makes it great for sensitive skin. Ginger extract may also be a useful remedy for hair loss and can make the hair stronger & healthier. Ginger plus olive oil makes a great dandruff remedy, so since the Fundamental Shampoo contains both, it'll be useful for that too. 

Honey, a natural anti-bacterial is an all-around amazing ingredient for health in general, which is why I try to consume pure, raw honey at least 5 times a week, daily when I can. As for hair, though, honey may be useful for preventing hair loss since it helps hair to retain moisture, and it's conditioning. It also makes hair shiny.

Comfrey Root Extract is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, too. It also prevents dryness, is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and may stimulate hair growth. The plant protein Mucilage in Comfrey is a foaming agent, which gives the Fundamental Shampoo a bit of sudsy-ness, it also softens hair.

Grape Seed Extract is an anti-septic and anti-inflammatory that may also be helpful for hair loss. GSE contains antioxidants, which help prevent damage and repair previous damage.

Rosemary Extract, an anti-microbial and anti-fungal with some scientific evidence showing that Rosemary oil may be able to help with hair growth. Rosemary extract will help soothe any scalp irritation and keep it clean while also preventing dandruff

Burdock Root Extract helps promote healthy scalp and hair. The Vitamin A, Mucilage and essential fatty acid content in Burdock helps nourish and strengthen skin and hair. It can also provide relief from itchy, inflamed and dry scalp problems.

What I Love About the Fundamental Shampoo:

• Cruelty Free. Fundamental Earth products have been approved by Leaping Bunny & PETA as cruelty free products.
•  The shampoo contains organic ingredients and vitamins.
•  Is nourishing to hair
• Won't damage hair at all as it's free of toxic chemicals, sulfates, parabens, etc.

• Maintains hair's pH balance.

• Doesn't dry out scalp

I can't say that I would actually go so far as to totally switch to this shampoo at this moment in my life. Mostly just because at $11 something for a full sized bottle, considering how much shampoo my hair uses, it just wouldn't be affordable right now. However, I have checked around and it appears that it's as much as $5 elsewhere online, so I certainly cannot complain about the $11 price for it at Earth Turns, especially with free shipping on top of it. I would certainly jump all over that offer when my usual budget allows just a bit extra spending, though.

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advise of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

Relax Already - Magnificent Herbal Sleep Aid from Earth Turns

I've had the lovely opportunity to try a few products that are available at Earth Turns, who happen to be a very friendly company that carries a variety of really amazing quality products like supplements and natural or herbal products, and even a beauty department. All of the products Earth Turns carry are manufactured under Current Good Manufacturing Process Standards and are natural, safe and effective. I've recently been trying samples of an herbal sleep aid they carry called "Relax Already." 

Before I get into the review for the Relax Already supplement (which I'm loving, by the way), I wanted to take a second to include that Earth Turns has an A+ BBB rating, and at the moment, they're doing free shipping for  US orders! You really can't beat free shipping these days.

Relax Already is a dietary supplement manufactured in America, by StoneAge Wellness and designed to not only help you sleep, but also to relax your muscles and relieve stress. If you've never used a natural or herbal based sleep product, then you'll be in for a big surprise because ingredients like Valerian root, passion flower and lemon balm are highly impressive sleep and relaxation aids. These ingredients also help relieve stress wonderfully and relax tense muscles.  What I love most about Relax Already is that I can take them and sleep amazingly well, but they don't leave me feeling out of my head or sluggish.  Also that they're so safe, natural and without negative side effects is a main reason I like them. Store-bought sleep aids have always left me feeling really out of it, and the effects leave me sluggish and irritable the next day. With such clean ingredients and effective herbs, Relax Already never leaves me feeling off or sluggish. In fact, I've woken up feeling better than I typically do. And you just can't beat the deep, relaxed sleep that comes about 40 minutes after taking it.

Taking only once capsule of Relax Already put me to sleep gently for about 6 hours before I ever woke up. After waking and having a snack, I went back to bed and read for a few minutes before falling back to sleep for another 4 hours. Waking up was easy and I felt wide awake once I'd slept off Relax Already's awesome effects. I didn't even remember dreaming for those first 6 hours. 

What Makes Relax Already so Effective:
Relax Already contains 100 milligrams of magnesium per serving. Magnesium itself is helpful for getting sleep since it relaxes the muscles.

A serving of Relax Already contains 1150 milligrams of ValFlora, StoneAge Wellness' proprietary blend of Valerian Root, Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile & Cramp Bark.  This kind of blend is sure to relax and promote sleep due to Valerian Root being an anti-anxiety herb as well as a centuries old sleep remedy.

Lemon Balm also has anti-anxiety properties and reduces stress, improves appetite, eases pain and discomfort, promotes sleep, eases bloating, gas and indigestion. When combined with herbs like Chamomile and Valerian (just like in the Relax Already supplement), Lemon Balm is soothing, calming and promotes relaxation.  Lemon Balm also has antibacterial properties. It also may improve cognitive function and help with Alzheimer's symptoms.

Passion Flower has a calming effect and has been used as an aid for insomnia and anxiety.

Chamomile, with its mild sedative like effects have also been used for centuries to promote calming, help sleep and reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Cramp Bark  is a muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic Cramp Bark, interestingly enough, also relieves uterine cramping.

Note: Many of the herbs in this product are helpful for digestive pains and discomforts, too.

The rest of the ingredients:
Vegetable cellulose (capsules), rice flour, vegetable stearate.

What I Love About Relax Already:

• No artificial ingredients.
• Safe and impressively effective.
• Vegetarian, and the capsules are made of vegetable cellulose.
• Free of wheat, dairy, soy, corn, sugar and yeast.

•  Earth Turns' Price for the product. It's rare to see a supplement with these ingredients for such a decent price. At the moment, a bottle of 60 capsules is available on Earth Turns for only $11.49. That's coming from me, a big tight-wad.

• The manufacturer of Relax Already, StoneAge Wellness uses tested ingredients for purity and ingredient potency.

•  Relax Already is manufactured to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing) standards. You can read more about what that means here.

How to use Relax Already:

The packet says to take 2 capsules about 30 minutes before bedtime. I find that I only need one capsule to get the job done.

 Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advise of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

My Pearl Of The Day : Menstrex natural menstrual relief

Menstrex is for women with higher levels of discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Menstrex is a softgel that contains beneficial essential oils.

Enteric coated softgels, which has a special coating to people who are sensitive to essential oils. The softgel will dissolve in the intestines rather than the stomach, eliminating aftertaste.

Relieves:  menstrual cramps, bloating, nausea, headache.

Menstrex is a great supplement for females who experience discomfort during their menstrual cycle. The reason I love the stuff is because the company Natural Miracles gave people (like me!) a safe, natural remedy to relieve the painful symptoms that come with menstrual cycles. Not only that, but I love that they  use effective and beneficial ingredients from the earth, not chemicals and other ingredients that you see in commercial menstrual-relief products that have devastating effects on our health. These days, I’m always looking for natural remedies to any health issue or problem I encounter because in my experiences (as I’ve shared many times with you guys), natural remedies are what have worked, when dr prescribed medication didn’t come close. 

The box of Menstrex supplements come with 20 softgels, which is great because that’s enough to last most of us through more than just one or two bad menstrual cycles, so having 20 per box means you have quite a bit to keep on-hand for when the ugly menstrual monster strikes.

“Our unique patented formula for women who experience higher levels of discomfort during Their Menstrual Cycle and would prefer to take an Enteric Coated Formula. Menstrex® is Menstrual Magic® Advanced which has been enteric coated.  It takes only a few minutes longer to dissolve because it is released in the intestines rather than the stomach.  We created this enteric coated formula for women who desire a product that can be taken without food, and also for those not accustomed to taking natural herbal supplements.”

As the back of the box says,“If you are one of the 40 million women in America who suffer with menstrual symptoms, Menstrex is for you.”

Other amazing things to take note of :

-          Menstrex is an enteric-coated formula.

-          Is easy to digest and swallow.

-          Provides natural relief that is long-lasting.

-          No aspirin or caffeine.

-          Made in U.S.A.

-          Is free of wheat, gluten, dairy, soybeans, egg, shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts.

Take note of those things above – many people will be happy to know that Menstrex does not contain wheat, gluten, dairy, and the other things listed. I particularly and happy about it being free of gluten and wheat. As for those with dairy allergies/sensitivities, you’ll be happy that it doesn’t contain dairy. Those with peanut/tree nut allergies will be as well. The makers of Menstrex (Natural Miracles) really thought of everyone when they created this product.

I took the Menstrex as directed (2 softgels) to help with cramps, headache and other stomach discomfort. After about 15 minutes, I burbed and was kind of surprised because it tasted like lemons big time! I thought "did I eat anything with lemons?" I didn't, but interesting enough, I actually liked that lemon taste! After about 30 minutes, I burped again, but this time it tasted like lemon and mint. It's pretty tasty, I must admit. These lemony-mint burps keep coming and I also noticed a cool sensation in my esophagus  and stomach for about 30 minutes. It was neat because it was like a relieving sensation and a coolness in my stomach. Note: the cooling sensation I feel from Menstrex is nothing like a burning sensation from being hungry or taking aspirin type products. That's a painful burn. Menstrex just feels like I ate a lemon and peppermint, only a real peppermint that actually has the real peppermint in it, not the fake sugar candies. That was a neat and fun side-effect, but more importantly, my stomach is trucking through this week just fine! Not a single cramp since the day I took the last Menstrex, which was three days ago & strangely and rarely enough, I've not had any problems to have to take more yet. Usually, I'll experience a week long of stomach pain and intense bloating/discomfort. Pains that sometimes have me doubled-over, clasping whatever's nearby me and holding my breath (partly due to endometriosis) and I've managed with no cramps or stomach pain in the slightest since I took the Menstrex! Amazing!

I also have migraines, especially during my week-long menstrual cycle. This is that week and I suffered very badly three days ago. I did notice the pain let up some when I took the Menstrex, but it was a full-blown migraine by the time I took the Menstrex, so I wasn't able to fully get rid of it until I took a nasty ol' BC Powder. It seemed that combined with the Menstrex, that really did the trick. Then, last night and tonight I had a headache come on -- no migraines though, thank God.

Menstrex and other Natural Miracles products come with a paper in the box that gives you a lot of nice info about the product as well as a questionnaire you can fill out with your feedback and send back to them.

Here is some of the important tips that are on the paper:

Menstrual cramps  are caused by a natural substance called prostaglandins that are produced by cells in the uterine lining. These prostaglandins are responsible for the normal contractions that occur at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. For some, prostaglandins are produced in excess. When this happens, normal uterine contractions can become unpleasant cramps. Women with menstrual cramps have significantly higher levels of prostaglandins than other women.

More on the product Menstrex:

Natural Miracles uses  pharmaceutical grade essential oils that are safe and very effective.

Select species of Wild Greek Sage, Spanish Oregano, Peppermint, Fennel and Cumin are hand-picked and processed using centuries-old methods along with state of the art technology to preserve maximum therapeutic properties.

How Menstrex works to bring relief:

Independent laboratory analysis and toxicity testing is performed on eac h species of oil twice for efficacy and safety – once after distillation and once after combining in a softgel. These herbs are rich sources of anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic compounds. They work by helping  lower prostaglandin levels  and relax the smooth muscles of the wall, so your cramps are relieved for hours.

The awesome ingredients in Menstrex:

Greek Sage : Greek Sage has been used to treat a lot of problems. Like most herbs, Greek Sage has more than just a few uses/benefits. One of the popular uses for Greek Sage is as a tea, to treat inflammation of the mouth (sores and sore throats), respiratory infection and headaches. In the 4^th century, Sage was prescribed for gynecological issues.

 In the 1^st Century, sage was used as a diuretic, to inhibit external bleeding and promote menstrual discharge.  Sage was used by Medieval Europeans to promote wisdom and improve memory.  In the middle ages, it was used against cholera, epilepsy and fever. 

Sage has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. 

Spanish Thyme : Spanish Thyme  is a diuretic, tonic, stimulant, etc. It contains forskolin, which has been used to help with respiratory issues, lung disease, glaucoma. Spanish Thyme tea is used for its effectiveness to help with inflammation, its laxative effects and to help with digestive problems. The juice of the leaves are also used to treat asthma, heart/stomach pain, coughs, bronchitis, problems that affect the bladder, kidneys, urinary diseases, to remove poisons from the body, colic, vaginal discharge, menstruation, scurvy, expels gas from stomach and bowels relieves sour stomach.  

 The leaves are also used externally to help with common insect bites, stings and more. 

Peppermint Leaf :  Peppermint Leaf has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Peppermint leaf is resistant to fungus and work to prevent fungal spores. Contains flavonoids and antioxidants. It has been used as a pain reliever. In animals, peppermint has shown to be protect the liver against certain toxins. Peppermint has been used, and said to have good results in helping IBS (I’ve dealt with severe IBS for years, which I’ve only recently gotten under control). Peppermint has a relaxing effect on muscle tissue, so it could also be good for spasms – such as bowel spasms in people with IBS. Some studies make the suggestion that is even has anticarcinogenic effects. Peppermint supports liver function, digestion.

Peppermint contains vitamin A and C, potassium, iron, and fiber.

Fennel Seed :  Fennel Seed is an effective remedy for coughs and bronchitis as it loosens mucus in the chest/lungs.  It relieves abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, it helps with digestion and to turn food into energy rather than fat. It’s very helpful for menstrual problems as well as menopause due to Fennel’s estrogenic properties. It helps balance the female reproductive system and can also help improve mental clarity. 

Cumin Seed :  Cumin Seed has benefits for the digestive system and has the ability to stimulate pancreatic enzymes . It may have anticarcinogenic effects, helps detoxify the liver.  Cumin contains a high amount of iron and manganese, and also contains calcium and magnesium.

Suggested use:

Take two or three softgels, 1-3 times per day. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal with only a small amount of water. Do not exceed 8 softgels per day.

Supplement Facts

Serving size: 2 softgels.

Servings per container : 10.

Calories (per serving) : 5.6

Total carbs : 0.092 grams

Sugars : 0.092 grams.

Proprietary blend of essential oils of : 140 mg.

Greek Sage (leaf) :   + Daily Value not established.

Spanish thyme (leaf) : + Daily Value not established.

Peppermint (leaf ) :  +Daily Value not established.

Fennel (seed) :  +Daily Value not established

Cumin (seed) : +Daily Value not established

Other ingredients:  medium  chain tryglycerides (MCT oil) , extra virgin olive oil, gelatin, lemon oil, glycerin, purified water and enteric coating.

More information from the box of Menstrex:

The back is very informative, which I appreciate because I like to know as much as possible about a supplement I might take. The back gives you a lot of information about the Menstrex, lists what it does, how to use it and even the ingredients! I’ll include everything on the box below:

“Doctor recommended Menstrex is a special blend of essential oils formulated in enteric-coated, easy to swallow softgels that help relieve cramps, bloating, nausea, headache and other symptoms associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle. “

Essential oils in a softgel. 

Natural Miracles, Inc. developed this natural formula based on centuries old Mediterranean tradition. 

Using state of the art technology, we capture essential oils known for their therapeutic properties and combine them to create this natural exclusive formula to help alleviate menstrual symptoms. 

And then there’s the pregnancy disclaimer: “if you are pregnant or nursing, considering pregnancy or have a medical condition, consult your health care practitioner before using. Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Keep out of reach of children. 

Store Menstrex in a cool, dry place. 

Studies

Also included on the informative paper:  “An independent study revealed that the essential oil blend in Menstrex had a dose dependent positive effect on the inhibition of prostaglandins. The results revealed 77.4++ 1/8% inhibition of PGF2a (prostaglandins). Another independent laboratory study was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of our pharmaceutical grade essential oils.”

Natural Miracles has another softgel that's designed to help with menstrual symptoms. It's very  similar to the Menstrex and is called Menstrual Magic. Menstrual Magic, I find, is about equally as effective as Menstrex. The only difference between the tow is Menstrex contains Fennel and Menstrual Magic does not.

Menstrual Magic sample packet

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Another product that I feel is going to be just as appreciated as Menstrex and Menstrual Magic is Menopause Magic. I personally can't say a whole lot about how exactly it does help Menopause as I've not gone through it. However, my mom has and she was impressed. She said she had better sleep when she took it and felt more comfortable -- night sweats can be real uncomfortable when you're trying to sleep! I can attest to that just due to having the flu once.

"Menopause Magic^® is a natural essential oil blend combined with other natural herbal ingredients to help relieve a woman’s menopause symptoms.  If you suffer with hot flashes, night sweats, headache, backache, joint discomfort, low libido, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with menopause including reduced bone density, then Menopause Magic^® is for you!  Just two softgels per day will support menopausal change."

Menopause Magic is similar to both Menstual Magic and Menstrex -- there is a difference in ingredients though, and after looking at them, I got the feeling that Menopause Magic would also benefit menstrual symptoms too! So if you happen to be out of the Menstrex or Menstrual Magic, I do think Menopause Magic would be useful. Let's take a look at the ingredients and supplement facts, though since they do vary more than a bit from the other two products...

Menopause Magic's Ingredients

Evening Primrose Oil  (140 mg)
Black Cohosh Standardized Extract (35 mg)
Calcium (25 mg)
Proprietary blend (87.5 mg)

Essential oils of:
Greek Sage (leaf)
Spanish Thyme (leaf)
Peppermint (leaf)
Fennel (seed)
Cumin (seed)
Anise (seed)

Supplement Facts:
 Calories : 3.00 (amount per serving)
 Total Fat : 0.20 g
 Total Carbs : 0.6 g
 Protein : 0.12

Serving size is 1 softgel.


 Notice that the Menopause Magic contains Evening Primrose Oil, which has an amazing reputation for being a very helpful herb for menstrual problems as well as menopause and even more. Menopause Magic also contains calcium, Anise and Black Cohosh Standardized Extract. I'll go into detail about their benefits. If you're interested in the others, just look above as they've been mentioned in this post.

 I don't have menopause, but my grandmother tried the Menopause Magic, and my mom too & my grandmother said it worked significantly well to improve symptoms of menopause. I asked if it helped with all the symptoms and she said yes, absolutely. As for my mom, she'd only taken it a couple times & said she slept better and noticed improvement, but didn't elaborate. So, for those who are curious about the Menopause Magic, I can say two of my family members have had great benefits.

Evening Primrose Oil: Benefits include pain relief since EPO contains a compound called phenylalanine that's known to relieve pain. It's used to relieve headaches and menstrual/menopausal and endometriosis symptoms and pains. It's even known to help with mood problems. It's an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and more.

The fatty acid in EPO is the reason for its healing properties. It's helps with joint pain, memory deficiencies and even nourishes nails and hair!

Black Cohosh Standardized Extract: Helps balance the reproductive hormones. Helpful for hot-flashes, night sweats, PMS pains. BCSE is a muscle relaxer, so it can also aid in muscle spasms.


Anise: Treats gastrointestinal problems like indigestion and heartburn, nausea and flatulence, hormonal imbalance and even respiratory problems. It's also helpful for insomnia and parasitic infections, reduces PMS symptoms and more.