11JAN15 - Gold

Gold has always been an attractive metal to humans. Since the dawn of age, people have regard it as a precious metal and a display of wealth.

It is no surprise that gold symbolizes wealth used wisely, but it is also the symbol of good health. People who favor the color gold are optimistic.

      An affordable yet elegant gold filled bracelet.

Gold Energy
The Tibetan Buddhist believes in 5 sacred stones: the crystal for light, turquoise for infinity of sea and sky, coral for life and form, gold for the golden ray of the sun, silver for the light of the moon. Gold is intimately linked with Divinity and those gods associated with the Sun. It symbolizes wealth and success.
It protects and opens you up to wisdom, prosperity, and all round success. Gold inspires virtue, moral excellence and nobility of the mind. Gold also lends a cheering influence to the wearer and promotes positive thinking/attitudes.
The Chinese also believe in wearing gold to 'increase' one's bazhi (a birth date formula), so it will help luck and health.

31Mar14 - Sugilite

Recently one of my friend recommended this beautiful crystal to me. 
She said after wearing them she felt energized and less lethargic, and able to accomplish
more in the day.

Sugilite range from purple to violet and blue, mostly opaque, rarely with translucency.
It is considered as one of the most important love stone, It represents spiritual love and wisdom - opening and aligning all the chakras to love with its beautiful purple rays 

Sugilite brings love and light to the darkest situation, protects you from trauma and shock, and aids forgiveness. You should wear it when you feel tired, stressful, seek forgiveness from the past. They can also help reduce body pain as they can adsorb biological waste energies.

Sugilite can also help clears toxic from environmental chemicals. We face many different
type of chemicals in our daily lives and Sugilite is able to help clear these toxic energies from our aura, so our bodies are able to find new ways to release those chemicals before they affect us. 

To cleanse and rejuvenate this hardworking crystal, you can rinse it in running water once a day. Use a mild soap to remove any dirt or body oil on the surface. Do not scrub them.
Pad dry with towel and let them dry completely.

Do not put them under the sun as they will adsorb the solar radiation and destroy the abilities of this crystal.

Sugilite might not be for everyone as it can be too intense. It is advisable to start wearing it for one or two hours a days, and slowly increasing the duration. Feels how it affect you mentally and physically, It might initiate the release of toxic so much that you will feel fatigue and tired. As it is a crystal of many powers, you need it find out how it works best for you, such as boosting your energies, healing your emotion or detoxifying your body.

Good health and good luck my readers!

08Mar14 - Haze is back!

Looks like the haze is back again!
If you are looking for an app to check out the PSI reading, you can get it 
here http://hosaystudios.com/?app=hazesg

It is important to take extra care of our eyes, throat and respiratory system as the haze
will cost discomfort and itchiness.

Food such as honey and lemon can help sooth dry and sore throat, while chrysanthemum, white fungus, pear can nourish the lungs.

Do try to stay indoor and wear a mask if the haze gets really bad!

Take care!

    

01Nov13 - Himalayan Sea Salt

Himalayan sea salt

A form of rock salt, It is mined in the Khewra Salt Mines, the second largest salt mine in the world, located in Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan, about 300 km from the Himalayas, about 160 kilometres from Islamabad, and 260 kilometres from Lahore, and in the foothills of the Salt Range. The salt sometimes comes out in a reddish or pink color, with some crystals having an off-white to transparent color.

    Sea Salt lamps in various shapes and sizes

   Its also often used in cooking for the extra nice flavor. 

Health Benefits when consumed
-Sharpens vital brain functions, improves mental clarity
-Anti-aging; rids the body of acidic wastes that cause degeneration
-Peaceful, relaxed quality of energy, better moods, positive thoughts
-Ease cramps, constipation, digestive disorders
-Regulates and purifies critical body fluid levels
-Purifying, detoxifying to the blood
-Essential minerals replenishes vital electrolytes
-Nutrients are absorbed more efficiently by the body.
-Foods cooked with Himalayan Salt taste better, and their nutrients are absorbed better by the body.

-It's also good for your pet.

Salt Lamp Benefits

-Emissions of negative ions by continuous interplay of water attraction and evaporation.

-Neutralize and improve air quality.

-Increase alertness.

-Helpful in overcoming stress and increase concentration.

-Reduce susceptibility to colds and flus

-Reduces the number of air borne bacteria indoors

Where to use Salt Lamp

- In the house, bedroom, living room or hall way to the keep the air fresh, and to create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

-Office, to reduce stress and neutralize unhealthy emissions from electrical equipments.

-Fengshui, in Feng-shui, its suggested to put the lamp at the wealth corner as salt represents money in the past and it will emits good energy vibes too.

*The nutrition value and benefits have not been scientifically tested and not a form of alternative medication.   

19Sept13 - Agarwood

Agarwood

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Agarwood, also known as oud, oodh or agar, is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees (large evergreens native to southeast Asia) when they become infected with a type of mould. Prior to infection, the heartwood is relatively light and pale coloured; however, as the infection progresses, the tree produces a dark aromatic resin in response to the attack, which results in a very dense, dark, resin embedded heartwood. The resin embedded wood is commonly called gaharu, jinko, aloeswood, agarwood, or oud (not to be confused with 'Bakhoor') and is valued in many cultures for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfume. 

    Left showing the mould infecting the tree, resulting in a dark resin core

One of the main reasons for the relative rarity and high cost of agarwood is the depletion of the wild resource. Since 1995 Aquilaria malaccensis, the primary source, has been listed in Appendix II (potentially threatened species) by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

 In 2004 all Aquilaria species were listed in Appendix II; however, a number of countries have outstanding reservations regarding that listing.

Oud oil can be distilled from agarwood using steam, the total yield of agarwood (Oud) oil for 70 kg of wood will not exceed 20 ml.

    Workers extracting agarwood oil from the wood.

Usages and benefits
-Calms the mind and promotes good sleep
-For mediation and relaxation of the mind
-Improves mental clarity
-Remove bad chi in fengshui

    Agarwood essence oil and bracelets

06Sept13 - Strawberries!

10 Health Benefits of Strawberries

1. Helps burn stored fat
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)

2. Boost short term memoryThe anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)

3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber
One cup contains only 54 calories.

4. Ease Inflammation
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)

    Yup a straw to remove the core of your strawberries ^^

5. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.

6. Promote bone health
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.

7. Prevent oesophageal cancer
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.

8. Anti-aging properties
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. 

9. Good for weight loss
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.

10. Promote eye health
Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)

Read more:(source)

    Strawberries do not store well, so consume them soon!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

JJ

14Jul13 - Crystal Essence

Yesterday I made a crystal essence with my rose quartz, will use it to spray around the house to
bless it with love.

The basic principle behind the use of gem essences is the interaction of water and sunlight with the essential energy of crystals charges the water in which crystals are placed with their subtle energy. When you drink this water, that energy works to dissolve the blockages which promote the persistence of painful emotions and prevent personal and spiritual growth. 

19Jun13 - Return of the Haze

The haze from our neighboring country is back again and this time is it getting more serious.
Till tonight, the psi level is 290, which is almost hazardous (already very hazardous I feel)

 PSI reading and the health effects

It is generally advised to stay indoor and in air-conditioned room, prevent labor work and exercise. But not all of us are that lucky, for those who still have to go out to work and make
a living, you have to take extra care by wearing a mask, drinking more water and avoid smoking ( its already so smoky!)

    A little reminder to remind us to stop and take a rest

If you experience any breathing difficulty or short of breath, headache, sore throat or itchy eyes,
you should consult a doctor. Drink more water and cooling drinks like barley, honey, chrysanthemum and american ginseng.

Take care and  Bo-bi!
JJ


P/S: Found  this app that let you check the psi reading on your phone
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hosay.hazesg

16Apr13 - Quench Your Thirst!

Everyday is spring here in Singapore!
Get cool and hydrated with these  8 home made vitamin water recipes,
to help you keep the water flowing!

As a rule, you should try to avoid as much as possible industrial food and beverages.
(Unless they want to advertise on my blog.. *ahem...*)

                             Oh.... So pretty.......  

1) The classical : lemon/cucumber:
Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 1 cucumber and a lemon, thinly sliced + 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf + 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving. 

17Mar13 - WuLou

Wu Lou (bottle gourd) originates from a fruit.
When dried, it is very durable and its shape render it useful as a receptacle for medicine.

The Wulou was often carried by aged people as a charm of longevity and a charm to dissipate or ward off pernicious influences. The Wulou, like baguas and windchimes, is one of the most significant tools to cure many bad situations and enhance our Feng Shui. It is the powerful symbol of health and longevity.

Many deities like the Sau Sing Kung (in 3 Lucky Stars Fuk Luk Sau), Li Tieh Kuai (in 8 Immortals) and Mad Monk God (Chai Kung) carry this excellent item with them to resemble their blessings to cure difficult ailment. 

Some said the shape of the wulou is also a wonderful integration of heaven, earth and mankind. Deities and taoist monks even use the Wu Lou to absorb bad evil spirits into it for imprisonment. Therefore Wu Lou has the potency to absorb bad chi and negative energy.

Wu Lou in its natural form is better than imitations from other materials. Unless it is made by potent material like metal or crystal which plays a significant role in maneuvering chi of our surrounding. To activate a wulou for feng shui purposes, it is essential to tie either a red thread or red ribbon around its "valley". Some natural wulou is even painted gold or added with special coins to absorb wealth luck. It becomes even more powerful when tied with red string and Chinese coin around it. What is more, some taoist masters write talisman and bagua onto the wulou for added protection and attracting some special luck.

    The shape of wulou also resemble the number 8.

Wu Lou has many uses as cure and enhancer: 

1. Display a wu lou in any part of your homes (as many as you can afford) to create good health and bring in good fortune and dissolving negative energy (chi). 

2. Display or hang two wu lous (either in its natural form or made from metal) on both sides of the bed to heal ailments/sickness and rejuvanate the energy of sick people to quicken recovery

. 
3. Display or hang a wu lou in the bedroom (or by the bed) to ensure any health problems is prevented. Prevention is better than cure! 

4. Display a wu lou in the kitchen to activate health luck for the family as it ensures only healthy food is produced in our kitchens which is the source of health for the family. 

5. Display the wu lou in the east sector of our living rooms, family rooms and dining for good health of the entire family. 

6. Wu Lou (crystal or brass) is an excellent gift for old people during their birthdays to wish them long life, good health and longevity.

 
7. Displaying a wu lou on the desk or at your workplace ensures bad chi which could harm you be dissolved. 

8. Hang a wu lou in your car to prevent accidents and absorb any poison and killing chi. It prevents dirty energy from sticking to your car or follow you home too. 

9. Display a wu lou at where you spend most of your time if there is a series of bad luck exerted on you. It will absorb bad energy (chi) and turn it into good fortune to you.

Check out some of the wulou items we have

http://benecrystalshop.blogspot.sg/2013/03/6-coins-with-obsidian-wulou-charm.html

http://benecrystalshop.blogspot.sg/2013/03/clear-quartz-wulou.html

Cheers

JJ