Being in the business of African Moringa—in its own way the ultimate natural treatment—I always try to keep an eye on what else is happening in this field, and pass that information along.

In that vein, I recently watched Jewels of the Jungle, a documentary about the work and life of Dr.Gary Strobel, a plant scientist helping design medicines of the future by looking to our past. Just as a work of inspiration, I recommend the film to everyone, but for me it has a personal resonance.

See;

http://o.snagfilms.com/film.swfWatch more free documentaries

I used to follow a similar approach in my day to day life—looking for natural alternatives whenever possible—but somewhere along the way I lost that mentality. Got a headache? There’s a painkiller in the medicine cabinet. Tummy hurting? Pop a pill, maybe two. This is the modern world, after all, and everything is FDA-approved, so just say yes to drugs.
But I’ve also been finding my way back. As a former bio-chemistry student and current entrepreneur, I’ve done extensive research into natural solutions. This is what led me to turn to yoga and meditation to relax, to eat more alkaline foods, to incorporate homeopathic treatments, get a massage whenever possible, and so on.
I am absolutely not urging anyone to avoid medicine—if you’re sick, go to the doctor and do what’s recommended. But I know from personal experience that too many of us turn to synthetic drugs when we really don’t need to, and far too many of us get addicted in the process. The insta-fix can be as dangerous as it is helpful.
In Jewels, it’s so inspiring to see science is getting a natural “make over” of sorts. I have complete faith that the merging of these two worlds will lead to much better things for all of us. Dr. Strobel’s discovery that some endophytes (the bacteria that live in plant cells) have a symbiotic relationship with the plant and protect the plant from fungi, ‘bad’ bacteria and even cancer is nothing short of astonishing. Many ancient cultures seem to have known about this, and some indigenous tribes were key contributors to Dr. Strobel’s research. They’ve always used the plants around them as medicine, and modern science—backed up by thorough research—is starting to agree.
The Smithsonian has a replica of the little red hat Dr. Strobel always wears (it doubles as a holder for his plant specimens) in honor of his achievements. Hats off to Dr. Gary Strobel—he’s showing us the way to a healthy future.

African Moringa products are now available at this fabulous store in Soho. We love Glittering Conscience and what they stand for. All the products they carry are socially responsible, giving back to the communities that produce them.
We are shelf-side along with quality brands like Ruff&Cut, NatureVsFuture and Kopali Organic Chocolates. The buy is simply exquisite and we love that it’s a store that gives a ‘group hug’ to our planet. From Mexico to Africa to the United States, Glittering Conscience is an umbrella for luxurious global community based products.

I got acquainted with UCPNYC this past spring when I attended their 9th annual “Women who Care Luncheon” hosted by disabilities rights activist Loreen Arbus. The event was magnificent with so many incredible people (see here: http://www.blacktiemagazine.com/society_2010_may/Women_Who_Care.htm

Edward Matthews, the wonderful CEO of UCPNYC asked me to co-host the United Cerebral Palsy of New York’s “Santa Project” Party at “The Famous Pink Tea Cup” with its owner Lawrence Page in New York City. The “Santa Project” provides families of children with disabilities with gift certificates to help during the holidays. Lawrence Page who revived “The Pink Tea Cup” donated 200 turkeys to the families of UCPNYC.

Fox News’ “Good Day New York” offered UCPNYC a spot to highlight the event and Camilla was given the opportunity to do the honor.

http://www.myfoxny.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=8705

Holiday Santa Project Party: MyFoxNY.com

African Moringa and Camilla Barungi are thankful to the amazing Edward Matthews (CEO of UCPNYC) for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing cause. Please visit www.ucpnyc.org and The “Santa Project” continues..
Please be a part of this truly wonderful organization and be a part of helping those that truly need our help.

We love it! Our oil is perfect for this summer. The summer heat and humidity leaves the pores wide open and African Moringa Miracle will protect the city dwellers from pollutants and all others from dirt and impurities. Your skin will tan evenly, giving you a natural, beautiful glow.

Moringa oil is an antipollutant. What is an antipollutant? This is an excerpt from Decleor’s description of their Hydra-Floral Masque:

“MORINGA SEED/(Mo-Rin-Ga Seed)/n./ 1. The seed of the Moringa oleifera tree, which is grown mainly in semi-arid tropical and subtropical areas and is native to southern India and northern Africa; /n./ 2. Used since ancient Egyptian times in skin preparations and ointments for its rich fatty acid content and high levels of vitamins A and C; /n./ 3. Possessing an ability to purify water and inhibit pollution particles from sticking to hair and skin, thus preventing damage, e.g., “Stay smog-free and keep your skin clear and your hair shiny with Moringa seed.”

Moringa oil is great for people living in highly polluted areas. What most people don’t realize is that pollution leaches minerals from the body and the skin. You know how people in the country always have such great skin than those of us that live in big cities. Well, you might want to know this little detail.

I read somewhere, that people that live in NYC must eat two green salads a day to combat the depleting effects of living in such a highly polluted area.  I am a huge advocate of adding “green foods” to the diet; be it salads, veggies or green superfoods like Algae, Spirulina and Moringa (0f course).