Dating even further back than Cleopatra, organic healthcare products have been around for thousands of years. Nowadays there's a little bit of something for everyone. It's what's in those healthcare products that bothers me...

You already know that cosmetics, soaps and shampoos come in all different sizes, shapes and uses. What you may not know is that many of your modern, non- organic healthcare products contain synthetic chemical ingredients. Chemical ingredients that are being connected by scientists and reseachers to a whole shopping list of diseases.

For instance, many deodorant products and bodywash products contain an ingredient listed as "fragrance." It's not the kind of fragrance you're thinking of, believe me. Fragrance has been identified as a human immune system toxicant. It lowers your resistance to illnesses. (Source: SCCNFP - The Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers, 1999). And it's used in almost every body, hair and skin healthcare product on the market.

"Major gaps in public health laws allow cosmetics companies to use almost any ingredient they choose — even lead, mercury, and placenta." (Source: Environmental Working Group)

Considering what's been learned over the past 3 decades or so about mercury being damaging to brain function at low levels, it's incomprehensible to me-- as an organic products specialist-- that it's still being used in some cosmetics.

But it is. It's in Paula Dorf's mascara, for one. Disquised as thimerosal, a mercury preservative. Incidentally--thimerosal is used as a preservative in the H1N1 virus antibiotic. If you get mascara in your eyes or on your face when it clumps or as you wash it off, you may also be getting a little dose of mercury poisoning.

Are you feeling ill yet? I hope so.

Don't worry though. Organic healthcare knowledge is a powerful cure...

Here's a real tongue-twister for you: Methylparaben. It's in most hair care products. Laboratory studies have shown that this synthetic chemical causes brain and nervous system disorders at moderate doses. It's also been connected to several types of cancer.

(Source: RTECS®- Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2002).

The disturbing thing about this chemical is that it's also used to preserve some foods. What? In food products? When I think of preservatives, I remember my biology labs and the jars of specimens preserved in formaldehyde.

Do you really want to continue washing your hair with a shampoo that contains a toxic preservative? Your kids' hair? Or even your dog or cat's fur? I don't think so.

Natural, organic preserves such as strawberry or grape jam are as close to preserves as I want to get. Even then, only if they're homemade. Organic healthcare products such as shampoos, cosmetics, and body washes are out there. You just need to know where to look.

Whether it be cosmetics or body washes, hand soaps or shampoos, there are online resources for all of them. Here are good places for you to begin an organic healthcare products adventure:

Miessence Certified Organics - The world's finest certified 100% organic personal and health care products.

Biogreen Majic - Home of the Go-Majic Pro series of 100% carcinogen-free and 100% biodegradable cleaning and plant-wash solutions utilizing nanotechnology for absolutely amazing results

Organic Childcare Products - Childhood stages shouldn't be toxic

Organic Cosmetics Guide - A simple guide to safe, organic cosmetics

Organic Deodorant Products - Your underarms need organic TLC, too

Organic Bodywash Products - How taking a shower can affect your health

Organic Aromatherapy Products - Just follow your senses

Organic Diet Products - Even dieting requires attention to the organics

Read moreby clicking on the links in the navigation bar to the left.