When I'm starting to feel sick...

...here are the preventative measures I take to keep a cold at bay. 

1.  Drink more fluids.  I try to drink more water, juice, and herbal tea.  I love this kid's Cold Care Tea - I use 2 bags per cup to make it a little stronger.
 
2.  Up my local honey intake.  Local honey is important because the bees have gathered pollen from all the plants indigenous to your area.  The allergens in honey are delivered to your body in manageable doses - helping you to build up an immunity to them.  I try to eat wild local honey once a day, but when I am starting to feel ill I up my intake.

3.  Netti Pot.  I've only recently started using this - at the recommendation of my sister.  It is very effective though - removing irritating allergens and soothing inflammation in your nasal passages. 

4.  Essential Oils:  I use my Adult Cold and Flu Rescue (which I finally listed in my Etsy shop). 

It has a combination of Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint essential oils.  These oils are antiviral, antimicrobial, decongestant, and anti-inflammatory.  I roll it on my lymph glands on my neck, and on my wrists 3x a day.  Inhaling deeply after application. 
So far, I don't feel any worse than yesterday(when my symptoms first presented) - hopefully that means this thing will be short-lived.  (although I do feel like I am writing this post in a fog - hope you can understand my watery-eyed, sleepy-brain self).  I'm off to take a nap.  Stay well and warm!
jessica

Cold and Flu Season

Today I would like to share some thoughts about preventing and treating colds and the flu.  You know this time of year cold and flu germs are abundant - in the grocery store, at the library, at preschool...and the list goes on and on.  The practice of aromatherapy offers many alternative methods for killing the cold/flu virus and for treating the symptoms.  I feel aromatherapy comes in handy most when treating young children.  Over-the-counter medications are simply not safe for infants and can leave young mothers feeling helpless.  Enter these three essential oils:  Lavender, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus.  They are all anti-viral, meaning they actually kill viruses (something antibiotics cannot do), and lavender and tea tree are anti-bacterial as well.  I use these oils in two ways:  to prevent colds/flu and to treat colds/flu
Preventative:
When we have been exposed to a lot of germs, especially during this time of year, I apply these oils when we get home.  This way they will kill any viruses floating around in our body, before they have a chance to grow.
Treatment:
As a treatment I apply these oils 3x a day to the chest and bottoms of the feet.  The eucalyptus will relieve congestion and the lavender has a calming effect - making it easier to sleep.  My husband and I use these oils too and our little family has been able to avoid antibiotics many times the past few years.  I used to run to the doctor as soon as I felt any symptoms - now I wait and try this first.  Most of the time they keep it manageable and I can avoid going to the Dr. I am not bashing doctors - they are very helpful and sometimes we do need antibiotics, but you can not only save money (office visits and prescriptions), but treat your body naturally with no side-effects.  The beautiful thing about essential oils is that your body only uses them if it needs them.  So you really can't go wrong trying them.
I will caution against using them every day.  Just like any form of medication, your body will become immune to the oils if you use them every day. 

I sell a great cold/flu treatment in my Etsy shop.  It is specially formulated for infants and children- and I put it in a spill-proof, roll-on bottle so it is easy to apply to their wiggly little feet.  Head on over and pick some up! 
Stay healthy,
jessica

Feminine Essential Oils

As women, we have our own special set of physical discomforts and emotional fluctuations.  Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite essential oils that aid in womanly discomfort.

Clary Sage - has a calming effect on the nervous system, lifts minor depression, and, as an anti-inflammatory, it eases the discomfort of premenstrual cramps.  You can add a few drops to a warm bath, or mix with a carrier oil and massage into your lower abdomen.

Rose Geranium - relieves mild depression and anxiety, and balances hormones.  It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.  This is the first oil I turn to when I am having PMS.  I usually put a drop on the inside of my wrist, rub my wrists together and inhale deeply.  This fragrance of rose geranium is quite strong, but the more you use it the more you will love it.

Rose Geranium and Lavender at the Keys Creek Lavender Farm which I visited in CA.

Lavender -  of course.  Lavender heals all.  If you never know what to use or if you have never used essential oils before, start with lavender.  It is safe for all ages and produces feelings of peace and calm - aiding in balancing those dreadful mood swings.  I like to put a drop on the outside of my eye mask, pull it down over my eyes and go to sleep.

So those are my top 3 essential oils for women.  Just a note - if you have never smelled essential oils before, they can seem very strong and some people think they are downright stinky.  Unfortunately we are used to more synthetic fragrances (dish soaps, lotions, shower gels, shampoos).  Essential oils are in their pure state and can be very overwhelming.  I want to encourage you to keep trying them anyway.  The more you use them, the more you will come to appreciate the potency - and certain oils will become your favorites.  If you have any questions about this post, or about essential oils in general, check the Contact Me section for my email or leave a comment on this post.  Have an aromatic day!
jessica

p.s. A good place to purchase quality essential oils is Floracopeia.

Treating Insect Stings

Some of you already know that last week sweet little Charlotte was attacked by yellow jackets.  She was stung about 10 times, which is painful for anyone, especially a little one.  After she was stung, I jumped online to find any remedies that I could apply right away, while Ryan went to the store to buy Children's Benadryl.  Here are some things I found that could apply to any insect sting.

• Remove the stinger - using tweezers, grasp the stinger right next to the skin.  Do not pull by the end of the stinger - it can squeeze more venom into the skin.  Another method is to scrape a credit card along the skin where the stinger is - this should pop it out.
• Baking Soda paste - make a paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water - apply this to every sting.  It will neutralize the venom.  Apparently plain toothpaste will do this too (i think because it has baking soda in it).
• Lavender essential oil - it eases the stinging and itching sensation, as well as kills any bacteria , preventing infection.  Inhaling the aroma also produces a calming effect.
• Ice - the cold restricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and easing pain.
• Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy - the cream will disinfect and reduce swelling - the liquid if taken internally - will calm your adrenal system (four drops under the tongue)
• Of course, Benadryl, the obvious option is very helpful in counteracting the histamines - reducing itching and negative reactions.
• Fluids - drinking lots of fluids not only helps your body heal, it flushes the venom out of your system.

I hope that was helpful, and you can reference here if you are ever stung.  Do you have any more suggestions?

Headache Pain Management

Image from Scientificamerican.com

Many, many people suffer from headaches - tension, hormonal, sinus, migraine...sometimes I feel like I get in a rut where I am popping ibuprofen every afternoon.  I don't like doing that.  If you feel the same way, here are some simple, natural ways to ease headache pain, and ward off daily headaches. 
Yes, it means we have to be a little more responsible - but wouldn't you rather be responsible than be in pain? (some people actually answer No to that question - if that is you, this won't help you.)
We'll start with pain management:

• Aromatherapy:  These oils can ease the pain of headaches.  Peppermint, Lavender, Pink Grapefruit.  You can apply one or two drops to the inside of your wrists, rub together, and inhale deeply.  You can even use them all together if you like!  Just mix about 1 drop peppermint, 3 drops lavender, and 2 drops p.grapefruit in 2 Tablespoons of a carrier oil - massage this on your temples, and your neck/shoulders (better yet, have your hubby do that for you).     ***peppermint oil should NOT be used on pregnant/nursing women or children under 2***
• Ice:  This can be one of the most effective ways to treat any kind of pain.  Ice numbs the nerves and causes them to STOP sending pain signals to the brain.  This breaks the pain cycle.  Often when I have a headache, I put an icepack at the base of my neck and it really helps.  Just last night, I had a sinus headache, and the ice pack felt better on my forehead, so that's where it sat as I fell asleep.  Ice also reduces inflammation, which can be a major cause of headaches.
• Shunt:  This involves both ice and heat.  Run a footbath, or a regular tub, with hot water.  Place your feet in the water.  Place an icepack on your head.  This will draw the blood away from your head, to your feet and should ease some of the discomfort.

Headache Prevention:

• Hydration:  I will confess, I am the worst at this one.  I like to drink coffee - not water.  But I do feel  better when i drink water - and dehydration has been proven to be a major cause of headaches (especially ones that occur at the end of the day).
• Exercise:  Doesn't it seem like this is the remedy for everything?  Why can't we just be lazy....I guess we can and that's why we're in pain.  As you probably know, exercise increases endorphins (natural pain killers), it increases circulation, and does a myriad of other important things. (blah blah blah just go exercise.)

• Massage Therapy:  Especially useful for tension headaches, or stress-induced headaches.  Your L.M.T. can release the tension in your muscles, reducing the constraint on your nerves.  This does not have to be painful "deep tissue" massage.  Just a simple, slow massage can melt away many layers of tension.  A light scalp massage can be helpful too - this is a good one to use on your kids.

So there you have it - a few simple tips to headache pain management.  Let's try to be responsible for our health.  Those things I have mentioned are a lot cheaper than Dr. visits and OTC medication.  It IS easier to pop a pill, but is it better?  I don't think so.  It's also very empowering to know that you eased your family's pain.  YOU can change your circumstances.  We do need Dr.s for some things, yes, but let's try to be a bit more responsible in our health care (I'm speaking to myself here too).  I wish you good health today.
jessica

Chamomile

Whether you drink the tea or use the essential oil, Chamomile is a very useful healing herb.  It is a digestive tonic and a soporific (there's a word for you - it means sleep-inducing). 

My favorite Chamomile Tea:

(mainly because it's Zhena's GYPSY tea)

Herbal Tea Uses:
-aids in digestion (neutralizes excess stomach acid)
-relieves headaches (especially those with nausea)
-aids in relieving insomnia

       For Babies and Mommies: 

- safe to use with children over one year of age - 

steep a tea bag and let it cool.  Pour half of the tea into a cup 

and fill it the rest of the way with juice or water.  

This will help your little one's tummy aches, it will soothe teething pain, 

and help them rest.

- safe to use when you are pregnant - 

it will relieve nausea, and provides valuable 

calcium phosphates to help you and your baby grow healthy bones.

Essential oil uses:
*NOTE* the oil is MUCH stronger than the tea.  It takes 25 tea bags to equal 1 drop of essential oil.

-aids in relieving insomnia - I like to put a drop or two on the bottom of my feet, massage in, and then slip on socks.  Very cozy.
-great in a bath to relieve stress
-anti-inflammatory and a sedative
-mild anti-depressant
-relieves the itching of insect bites
Remember to use a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sunflower, or olive (use 1-2 drops per Tablespoon of oil).
If you have any questions, feel free to email me (it's in the contact me section).  Have a lovely day!
jessica

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Good Morning!  I haven't done a post on essential oils in a while, so I figured it was time.

Last time I spoke with you about Lavender, which is the most versatile oil to own.  Next to it would probably be Tea Tree.

Grown primarily in Australia, it has been used for 1000s of years by the aboriginal people.  It is a very strong healing oil, because it is active against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.  It also has a very strong odor - kind of like hay.  You can buy some online here.  They also probably have it at your local health foods store.


How to use it:

I use tea tree oil when it seems one of us is getting sick.  Like any other natural remedy, it is important to use it as soon as you feel symptoms.  You can add 3-4 drops of tea tree to about a Tablespoon of carrier oil.  Massage this on your chest and neck - especially around the glands under your jaw bone.  Do this three times a day, when you feel you are getting sick.

My second favorite way to use tea tree is on the skin.  It is very effective in killing minor infections (like around your finger/toe nails), and also in reducing breakouts on your face (which we know are caused by bacteria, which it kills).  To treat these symptoms,  you can get a q-tip and put a drop or two on the tip - apply directly to your skin at the site of infection/blemish.

For more information I suggest this book:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism
For more information online you can go here.
Have a naturally healthy day!
jessica