GO NATURAL: Top 5 natural gargle recipes & tips for a sore throat

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, used with permission from Viitor Technologies

 

When you battle a chronic illness every day, things like sore throats can be one of those “piling on” health problems. If you’re like me, you try not to add to the medications you’re already taking. Because of this, I use a lot of homeopathic remedies for issues like sore throats. Here are some recipes and tips for dealing with a sore throat. One caveat – you may have to gargle several times a day. Don’t get discouraged, just keep doing it.

Salt and turmeric:

 

Ginger and honey:

 

Honey and apple cider vinegar:

 

Clove tea:

 

Cayenne pepper:

Have you used any of these? Which have you found the most successful? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

 

GO NATURAL: 18 best essential oils for nerve pain

Aroma Utopia had an awesome infographic (see above) listing some essential oils you can use to deal with nerve pain. I wanted to highlight this information because, as you know if you a reader of this blog, I do everything I can to minimize drugs and other conventional treatments for my chronic illness. Essential oils are a huge part of my daily life, and the more things I can find to do with them, the better.

I’m going to borrow some of the background stuff they had along with the infographic, just so you can all understand nerve pain and how to treat it.

Symptoms of Nerve Pain

There are many symptoms of nerve pain, which might limit your ability to continue with normal daily activities. They include:

• Extreme sensitivity to touch.
• A sharp, burning sensation or stabbing pain.
• Muscle weakness.
• Numbness in the hands and legs.
• Lack of coordination and falling down.

Now for more on the essential oils:

Balsam Fir – Balsam Fir is often part of the quintessential Christmas tree. The Fir Needle is a natural analgesic and antispasmodic for relaxing muscle aches and pains. It is often used in the treatment of muscle recovery following exercise or a work out. It works by promoting more blood flow to the skin, which increases recovery.

Bergamot – Research studies conducted by the University of Calabria have reported that Bergamot essential oil modifies and inhibits the nociceptive behavioral effect. Another study showed that data gathered so far indicates that bergamot is endowed with anti-nociceptive effects.

Black Pepper – This essential oil is a known pain reliever by toning the muscles and use in sciatica. It acts as a tonic and analgesic for the nervous system and increases circulation. One study showed that black pepper essential oil possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties.

Roman Chamomile – This is an essential oil with anti-neuralgic properties. It helps to relieve the pain associated with nerve damage by constricting the blood vessels surrounding that particular nerve. In doing so, it reduces the built-up pressure and relieves the pain.

Peppermint – Peppermint is one of the most widely researched oils by the scientific community. It is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a pain reliever it provides nervous system support, improves respiration, controls muscle spasms and relieves gas and bloating.

Rosemary – This essential oil is a mild pain reliever that increases circulation, helps with sciatica and neuralgia. It helps to relax the muscle fibers and remove lactic acid. Being anti-rheumatic it can suppress muscle spasms and improve respiration.

Marjoram – This essential oil is another natural pain reliever that is effective in helping to manage nerve pain. It works as a tonic on the entire nervous system by strengthening the area where the nerve damage has occurred.

Black Spruce – This essential oil is a natural antiseptic, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It helps to relieve muscle spasms, promote muscle repair, improve circulation, help to stimulate the immune system and help to clear cell receptor sites. It is especially used for back pain, arthritis, and sciatica.

Lavender – Lavender has calming and stress relieving properties. It helps to relieve nervous tension and nerve pain. It has also been used and shown in some surgical procedures to reduce pain.

Helichrysum – Helichrysum is an anti-inflammatory antispasmodic naturally occurring nervine that strengthens and regenerates the nervous system. It helps to relieve nerve pain by reducing stress levels associated with it. It can also reduce inflammation for joint pain, acne and burns.

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is a must have oil for any household. Because it has antispasmodic, ant-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it has been recommended for relieving nerve pain, aches and muscle pain.  One of the best ways to apply is by massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin so it can help to relieve stress and pain.

Frankincense – The oil is known to transmit messages to the brain’s limbic system, which influences the nervous system. It stimulates the immune system, relaxes the muscles and works as an antiseptic.

Geranium – Geranium oil acts to reduce neuropathic pain, especially when applied to the skin. Studies have shown that it is effective in reducing pain after shingles.

Ylang Ylang – Among its many uses Ylang Ylang acts as a nervine and sedative. It repairs and reduces the stress of nerve damage.

Wintergreen – One of its main compounds is methyl salicylate, an organic ester which metabolizes in the body to salicylic acid, which has similar properties to cortisone, an NSAID. The oil therefore, has excellent properties for relieving nerve pain as a natural analgesic, anti-arthritic numbing agent.

Ginger – Ginger consists of sesquiterpenes, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other analgesic properties. One study identified Ginger essential oil as possessing antioxidant activity as well as significant anti-nociceptive properties.

Clary Sage – One of its best uses is for soothing nervous tension. It can also be helpful for stomach pains, kidney problems, and tumors when applied to the skin.

Clove – Clove oil is high in antioxidants. One of its current applications is in toothpaste as it has the same analgesic effect as benzocaine, a topical agent also used for ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, tooth pain and sunburn. It works by blocking the nerve signals.

Now that you know WHICH oils to use, here’s some information on HOW to use them:

How to use Essential Oils for Nerve Pain

There are many other ways that you can administer essential oils to your body. Some of them are listed below:

Creams and Lotions – There are creams and lotions available that contain the essential oils you need. You can also make your own cream and lotions by buying a blank lotion or cream and adding the essential oils to it.

Aromatherapy Bath – You can use essential oils in aromatherapy baths. Add a few drops of the essential oil directly to the bath water and then add some Epsom salt to allow the oil to blend with the water and enhance the effect. This will prevent it from floating on top of the water.

Essential Oil Massage – You can massage essential oils into the areas affected by pain. If you are making your own massaging oil, apply by blending with carrier oils.

Diffusing – One of the most common ways to apply essential oils is aromatically by using an essential oil diffuser. There are several types ranging in the way the oils are dispersed. Please check out our infographic.

Reflex Points – Applying essential oils to known reflex points can have many benefits, especially if you know what each point is used for.

Pre-Made Synergy Blends – Many of the major essential oil companies now sell synergic blends of different essential oils for a particular ailment or purpose e.g. “Anxiety Ease”, so it is useful to look out for them if you didn’t want the hassle of creating your own recipe or blend.

 

Which oils do you use for nerve pain? Tell me in the comments!

GO NATURAL: DIY Insect Repellant

NOTE: This recipe is adapted from one featured on MightyNest. I love this website, with all the natural products and informative articles, but didn’t want to pay for their insect blend when I could make my own. I looked up a bunch of others online, too, and incorporated pieces of some of those into this formulation.

MightyNest has a totally awesome program called MightyFix. It’s a monthly delivery of something eco-friendly, from wool dryer balls to dishtowels to glass containers. For me, it’s an easy way to remove more harmful stuff from my house while not spending a fortune all at once, and I love it! If you want to find out more, go here.

Back to today’s post…

Recipe for DIY Insect Repellant

In a small spray bottle (glass is best but BPA-free plastic is okay too), combine:

2 oz of water – tap is fine

2 oz of rubbing alcohol or vodka (vodka is preferred since it absorbs better)

10 drops EACH of Citronella (this link goes to a blend of Citronella, Lemongrass, and Grapefruit), Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, Tea Tree, Vanilla, Grapefruit, and Patchouli oils.

This oil can be diffused indoors – just scale the recipe down to fit into your diffuser. To use outdoors, make into the spray indicated above and use just as you would any other insect repellant. It can also be placed in an oil burner around a picnic area or patio. If using directly on the skin, it’s advised to dilute with a carrier oil like almond or grapeseed. About 2 oz should be sufficient if using the recipe above.

I hope this recipe works as well for you as it does for me! If you use a different combination or have any comments about natural insect repelling, tell me below in the comments section!

GO NATURAL: 10 harmful products to replace with castile soap

Photo courtesy of Natural Living Ideas

I got some information about Castile Soap from a wonderful website called The Kitchn. Yes, that’s the right name – I didn’t misspell it, though I had to check twice to make sure. See the things I do for you people?

Once you better understand what Castile Soap is and how it cleans, we can talk about how using it can replace a whole bunch of harmful chemicals you might currently be using.

What Is Castile Soap?

Named after the olive oil-based soaps originating in Castile, Spain, Castile soap can come in liquid or bar form, but it is made only from vegetable oils — i.e., no animal fats. Dr. Bronner’s, one of the most popular brands of Castile soap, is primarily made of coconut, olive, and hemp oils, but other oils like avocado, almond, and walnut can also be used.

Like most soaps, which are on the more basic or alkaline side of the pH scale, Castile soap registers at about 8.9 on the pH scale. This is around the same level as baking soda and slightly more alkaline than mild dish soap, although less alkaline than bleach or corrosive tile cleaners.

Castile soap and water can be used to clean counters, sinks, bathtubs, floors, or toilets; it can get rid of insects that infest houseplants and can even replace laundry detergent.

Because Castile soap is biodegradable and nontoxic, it’s safe to use on pets and around kids. You can even clean vegetables with it, so long as it’s diluted enough.

 Unscented
Peppermint

Eucalyptus

Lavender

 Citrus

Almond

Bar version

So there you have it! Do you use Castile Soap for other purposes? Tell me in the comments!

GO NATURAL: 5 reasons to switch deodorants right now

If you look at the top five toxic ingredients in your deodorant, you’re probably wondering why this industry isn’t better regulated. I know I did. But personal care manufacturers have tons of toxic stuff in their products and the FDA just looks away whistling, so it’s up to us as health-conscious consumers to figure out what to do.

Luckily we have websites like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and another website they operate called Skin Deep. Skin Deep is a database devoted to health and beauty products, and subsequently the pros and cons of each brand. Want to see where your deodorant stacks up? Do a search in that group.

But to make it easier for you, I’ve excerpted parts of their website for you. Thanks to Why Don’t You Try This for condensing the info!

Here’s what Skin Deep (and their parent EWG) says about their mission:

“Skin Deep pairs ingredients in more than 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind.Why did a small nonprofit take on such a big project? Because the FDA doesn’t require companies to test their own products for safety.”… Read More: http://www.whydontyoutrythis.com/2013/02/how-safe-is-your-deodorant.html?m=1

Let’s look at some of your best choices:

Deodorant with a score of 0 having a “low hazard”:

Crystal deodorant stick, roll-on, and spray

Deodorant with a score of 1 having a “low hazard” (the chemical after the name indicates that the product DOES have that one in its formulation):

CVS Ultra Dry Anti-Perspirant Roll-On Unscented – Aluminum Chloride

Ban Antiperspirant & Deodorant Original Roll-On Unscented – Aluminum Chlorohydrate Ban Classic Original Antiperspirant & Deodorant Original Roll-On Unscented – Aluminum Chlorohydrate

Almay Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Clear Gel; Fragrance Free – Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Gylcerin, Diproplyene Glycol

Almay Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Clear Gel – Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Gylcerin, Diproplyene Glycol

Almay Antiperspirant & Deodorant Fragrance Free (Powder Fresh and Soothing Aloe) – Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Gylcerin, Diproplyene Glycol

Lady Mitchum Clear Gel Antiperspirant & Deodorant Unscented – Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Diproplyene Glycol

Mitchum Antiperspirant & Deodorant Clear Gel – Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Diproplyene Glycol

Almay Stay Dry Hydro Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Fragrance Free – 1 PEG-14 Dimethicone, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Diproplyene Glycol

And here are some products you should avoid:

Deodorant with a score of 7 having a “high hazard”:

Right Guard Sport Deodorant – fragrance, Triclosan, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denatured

Right Guard Sport Deodorant

Aerosole, Original – fragrance, Triclosan, Propylene Glycol, Butane and Propane

Dry Idea Antiperspirant Clear Gel Powder Fresh – fragrance, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denatured

Dry Idea Antiperspirant & Deodorant Clear Gel Powder Fresh – fragrance, PEG/PPG – 18/18 Dimethicone, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denatured

FDS Feminine Deodorant Spray White Blossom and Baby Powder – fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol

Propylene Glycol Deodorant with a score of 8 having a “high hazard”:

Secret Platinum Antiperspirant & Deodorant Invisible Gel Powder Fresh Scent – fragrance, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denatured

Dove Invisible Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Powder Fresh – fragrance, Silica, PEG-8 Distearate, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine, Propylene Glycol

YIKES!

Naturally, I looked up the two I use. The first, a product from Tom’s of Maine, was not in the database, but I bought it originally because it was aluminum free. I just looked at the ingredient list, and it all checks out except propylene glycol, which appears to be nearly impossible to exclude from deodorant ingredients, based on what I’ve seen.

The second, a crystal deodorant (which is almost always a good choice) called Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal is aluminum, paraben, and fragrance free, so that strikes off two of the five bad ingredients right off the bat. But where did it rate? It gets a 3, but when I compared the ingredients list on my package with the one EWG/Skin Deep had, I found that their main concern was not part of the formulation I was using. Maybe they took it out when they found out it was harmful. Anyway, without that ingredient this deodorant should score a 0 or 1.

I hope you’ve found this post informative. The way I look at it, there are easy things you can change and more difficult things. This is one of the easy choices. Now I challenge you to not check all your products through that database! Good luck!

GO NATURAL: Indoor plants that clean your air

I’ve recently put a bunch of plants around my house. During the first few months post-fibro diagnosis, most of mine died. Being the natural researcher I am, I looked up what plants would be best for my condition. NASA seemed like a reliable source, so I checked out this article. Obviously you’ll notice below there’s information on more than 10 houseplants but it seemed silly to insert more than one graphic. Not all of these are NASA-approved, but they are proven to improve indoor air quality.

Heart Leaf Philodendron

The Heart Leaf Philodendron is a climbing vine that is often best for homes without small pets or children. If eaten, the plant is toxic. However, it is an excellent choice for removing formaldehyde like what is commonly found in particle board. They are relatively easy to care for but again, should be kept high enough that pets and small children cannot access them.

Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus plant has been used for centuries for all types of ailments. It can be a bit difficult to find in houseplant form but if you can find one, definitely consider adding it to your home. The leaves of the Eucalyptus plant are filled with tannins which can raise healthy fluids in the body’s air passages. Just breathing in the scent of these plants can help to lower congestion problems and ward off colds.

African Violets

African Violets are purple in color which is a health benefit in itself. Gazing at the plant can help to stimulate adrenaline release and can increase the flow of oxygen to the brain which can help you to relax. The plants are small and easy to care for, although they do prefer indirect sunlight. They grow very well in artificial light so they are perfect for those who do not have access to direct sunlight.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is very easy to care for and can help to rid your home of a number of air pollutants. It produces tiny red berries that are lovely to look at and can help to remove toxins from the air that are commonly found in chemical based household cleaners. The longer you have the plant, the more toxins it will remove so plan on keeping your Chinese Evergreen for many years for optimal benefits.

Aloe Vera

Many people have Aloe Vera in their homes because of its healing ability. The gel inside the leaves is excellent for helping to heal burns and cuts. Aloe Vera however, is also a great plant to improve your indoor air quality. It is easy to grow (and hard to kill for those of you who do not possess a green thumb) and it helps to keep your home free from benzene which is commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners.

Aloe vera is widely known for its healing property, but it is also considered the most effective plant in terms of filtering out hazardous chemicals and toxins in the air. It lets out oxygen during nighttime, something which is not typical for plants, hence leaving you with a fresher and cleaner air for a more restful sleep. It also produces volatile which provides a positive effect on your immune system. By having an aloe vera inside your bedroom, you can expect a good night sleep.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is a beautiful plant and one that can improve your indoor air quality by as much as 60 percent. It helps to reduce the levels of mold spores that grow in the home by absorbing those spores through its leaves and them circulating them to the plant’s roots where they are used as food. In bathrooms, the Peace Lily can help to keep shower tiles and curtains free from mildew and the plant can absorb harmful vapors from alcohol and acetone. The peace lily plant has an ability to filter harmful toxins from the air. Apart from it looking exceptional, it also helps in getting rid of any impurities and airborne microbes that could disturb your sleep.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is a commonly found houseplant and is one that is really easy to grow. Within just two days, this plant can remove up to 90 percent of the formaldehyde in your indoor air. The leaves grow quickly and help to absorb harmful substances like mold and other allergens so it is the perfect plant for those who have common dust allergies. Other than formaldehyde, they are also capable of filtering benzene, xylene, and carbon monoxide.

English Ivy

The English Ivy plant is perfect for those who have pets in the home as it can reduce the amount of airborne fecal matter. It can also absorb formaldehyde which is commonly found in some household cleaning products and furniture or carpeting treatments. Studies show that keeping an English Ivy plant on your desk will help to give you better focus because it can also absorb trace amounts of benzene which is a chemical commonly found in office equipment.

The English ivy plant is a leader when it comes to purifying air, it is also a very hardy plant and thrive in shade. All this makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms. Also, it is discovered to help those who suffer from allergy by purifying the air in its surroundings. With the air effectively purified, you are guaranteed to have a more restful sleep.

Boston Fern

Ferns are very popular houseplants and the Boston Fern is one that offers beauty and healthy benefits. These plants act as humidifiers and can help to restore moisture in the air so they are perfect for those who suffer from dry skin and other cold weather problems. They can also help to eliminate traces of formaldehyde and they look beautiful hanging from baskets all around the home. Remember to keep your Boston Fern in direct sunlight and mist the leaves with water regularly.

Rubber Tree

This great low-maintenance plant thrives in dimmer light, and has a nice dark green leaf. Besides the ornamental aspect, rubber tree is considered as an air purifying plant. It’s proved that growing rubber tree indoors is beneficial as it cleanses the formaldehyde.

Diffenbachia

This plant is noteworthy for its very long leaves and tropical looking appearance. Diffenbachia can grow very large, even up to 5-6 feet high, making it a great addition to  any room décor.  This plant is poisonous if eaten so please keep away from children and pets.

Pathos, including golden

Everyone should take particular notice of this houseplant as it not only removes toxins found in the air we are breathing, but can also pull out toxins such as formaldehyde from soft materials in the home such as couches and carpets. As most houseplants do well in pots, Golden Pathos stands apart as a beautiful hanging plant with leaves and stems that grow down in vines.  Just keep in mind that this houseplants enjoys cooler temperatures and low levels of sun.

Snake Plant

This is a great houseplant that requires very little maintenance and low levels of water to thrive. According to NASA, the snake plant is among the 10 best houseplants that help filter the air. It absorbs carbon dioxide while at the same time releases oxygen during nighttime, hence allowing you to achieve deep sleep. Through this process, you can expect a naturally clean and fresh air inside your bedroom.

Jade Plant

This plant has a beautiful look of a succulent plant and is very easy to care for.  It is a very slow growing plant that can live with proper care for many years.  It does thrive in bright sunny areas.

Red-edged Dracena

If you are looking for a little bit of color in your houseplant, then Red-edged Dracena is just what you want!  It is important to keep in mind that this plant can commonly grow up to 15 feet tall so make sure to provide plenty of open space to grow into.

Jasmine

The jasmine plant features lovely little white flowers and a warm intense scent known to induce relaxing qualities ever since the ancient times. Studies have found that Jasmine has sedative properties and can significantly reduce anxiety levels, thus giving a positive impact on sleep quality.

Gardenia

Like the jasmine, gardenia features big white flowers and an intoxicating fragrance that is incomparable– not to mention it also comes with a sedative effect. A study conducted in 2010 has shown that the sweet smell of gardenia flowers has the same effectiveness as that of valium in relaxing the body and brain. So instead of relying on sleeping pills, keeping a gardenia in your bedroom or outside your bedroom window could help you sleep more effectively.

Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm is great for removing trichloroethylene and benzene, two chemicals which are known to induce respiratory problems, thus a great air purifying plant. With the plant’s excellent filtering property, you can expect a restful sleep when keeping it in your bedroom. It has been awarded a high purifying score of 8.4 in a study conducted by NASA.

Tips to consider when introducing plants in your room

• Check if they are toxic to the kids and pets inside of your house.
• Wipe the leaves once a week to make sure the plants can perform their best.
• Mix your plants with the ones that purify air and the ones that induce deep sleep through their scents.
• NASA recommends keeping between 15 to 18 air purifying plants in an 1800 sq. ft house, with only a few of them in each bedroom.

 

 

GO NATURAL: How to improve your garden soil

Gardening time is either here or soon to be in your area, so I thought now would be a good time to talk about how to get the best soil for your garden. I know many of us are working with a limited budget but want the best soil we can get. The cheap and easy way to improve your soil is through common kitchen products. I used a wonderful article on Whole Food Home as background research.

3 KITCHEN INGREDIENTS THAT IMPROVE YOUR GARDEN SOIL

EGG SHELLS

• Rinse out any egg shells you have and allow them to dry for a few days in a bowl on a sunny window sill or by a radiator. When they are dry they crush very easily. This will help them to break down quickly when added to the soil.
• Crushed eggshells improve drainage and the addition of  the calcium is excellent for promoting plant growth and preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and squash plants. If you have an old coffee grinder or food processor this will make short work of it.
• They are also a good deterrent for slugs and snails.  Scatter a generous barrier around any young seedlings to keep the pesky molluscs away. Apparently this is the human equivalent of walking barefoot on broken glass.

COFFEE GROUNDS

• Coffee grounds can also be added directly to the soil. They act as a general fertiliser, adding organic matter, improving drainage, water retention and soil aeration. As they break down they will continue to add nitrogen which is so good for plant growth.
• Used coffee grounds will not affect the PH level of your soil unless used in very concentrated amounts. However unused coffee grounds or leftover coffee is always such a wonderful pick-me-up for acid loving plants.
• Coffee grounds also work very well as a mulch around plants. This keeps earthworms very happy as they seem partial to a little caffeine hit too!
• Don’t worry if they look a bit mouldy, this is just part of the natural breaking down process and a sign that it’s working.
• If you’re not a coffee drinker, tea bags are good for the soil too – check out this post!

BANANA SKINS 

• Adding banana skins is another excellent way to improve your garden soil. They can also be added directly to the ground as long as they are cut up into very small pieces. They’ll break down faster and offer all the micro-organisms in the soil lots more surface area to work their magic.
• This creates plenty of new organic matter resulting in a light, well drained soil which is full of lovely earthworms. Once the banana skins have broken down they will add a powerful cocktail of nutrients; calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphates, potassium and sodium, all of which help plants to grow well and develop their fruit.

GO NATURAL: What the heck do you use essential oils for?

I could put up more of these, but I don’t want to overwhelm anyone, so let’s start small. The information about the benefits of these oils was found on the DoTerra website.

People often ask me which company or companies I use for essential oils. I don’t specifically endorse either company, since I can get in legal trouble for that, but I buy most of my oils from either DoTerra or Young Living. I bought my diffuser on Amazon. I’ve also bought almond, avocado, and grapeseed carrier oils, a set of funnels, roller bottle parts – bottle, roller, top, labels – both for the oils themselves and for the roller bottles after I create my blends, a wooden storage box, and a tool to open an essential oil bottle. It’s not as easy as it looks. 😉

STRESS

Any chronic illness warrior has stress, and that makes our conditions worse. What’s a warrior to do? Besides all the other things we’ve already covered, you can use essential oils to lower your stress.

Rosemary

Primary Benefits

• Supports healthy digestion
• Supports healthy respiratory function
• Helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue

Frankincense

Primary Benefits

• Supports healthy cellular function
• Promotes feelings of relaxation
• Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections

Lemon

Primary Benefits

• Cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces
• Naturally cleanses the body and aids in digestion
• Supports healthy respiratory function
• Promotes a positive mood

Ylang Ylang

Primary Benefits

• Provides antioxidant support
• Promotes appearance of healthy skin and hair
• Lifts mood while having a calming effect

Cedarwood

Primary Benefits

• Naturally repels insects
• Promotes relaxation

Lavender

Primary Benefits

• Soothes occasional skin irritations
• Taken internally, Lavender reduces anxious feelings and promotes peaceful sleep
• Helps ease feelings of tension

Sandalwood

Primary Benefits

• Promotes healthy looking, smooth skin
• Reduces the appearance of scars and skin imperfections
• Enhances mood
• Frequently used in meditation for its grounding and uplifting properties

Chamomile

Primary Benefits

• Has a calming effect on the skin, mind, and body
• Soothes the systems of the body
• May help support healthy immune system function

SLEEP

Ugh, sleep. An albatross around the neck of everyone battling a chronic illness. We don’t sleep well, we don’t nap well. We’re really, really tired all the time.

Eucalyptus

Primary Benefits

• Helps to clear the mind
• Promotes feelings of relaxation
• Promotes feelings of clear breathing

Chamomile

Primary Benefits

• Has a calming effect on the skin, mind, and body
• Soothes the systems of the body
• May help support healthy immune system function

Lavender

(see above)

WELLNESS

Another huge, all-encompassing topic. The way I look at it, many of these oils we’re discussing today are an overall benefit for those battling chronic illness.

Oh, what a topic.

Eucalyptus

(see above)

Peppermint

Primary Benefits

• Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing
• Promotes digestive health
• Repels bugs naturally

Clove

Primary Benefits

• Powerful antioxidant properties
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Helps clean teeth and gums

RELAXATION

I’d like more relaxation. I think we all do. There are many things a person can do to try to increase relaxation, but essential oils are one of the easiest, least obstrusive methods. I like cheap (relatively), easy, and unobtrusive. What about you?

Eucalyptus

(see above)

Basil

Primary Benefits

• Acts as a cooling agent for the skin
• Promotes mental alertness and lessens anxious feelings when diffused
• May help to ease monthly feminine discomfort

Clove

(see above)

Geranium

Primary Benefits

• Promotes the appearance of clear, healthy skin
• Naturally repels insects
• Gives hair a vibrant, healthy glow

Mint

(see peppermint, benefits of mint are all similar even with different types)

Orange

Primary Benefits

• Powerful cleanser and purifying agent
• Protects against seasonal and environmental threats
• Provides antioxidants, which are essential to overall health
• Uplifting to the mind and body

Bergamot

Primary Benefits

• Calming and soothing aroma
• Provides skin purifying benefits
• Frequently used in massage therapy for its calming benefits

Lavender

(see above)

Lemongrass

Primary Benefits

• Supports healthy digestion when taken in a capsule
• Combine with a carrier oil for soothing massage
• Apply diluted after a long run for a refreshing feeling

ENERGY

Oh no, the energy problem! We don’t have enough. Even people who don’t battle chronic illness find themselves looking everywhere for solutions. But for us, it’s crucial to do everything we can to increase our energy levels.

Peppermint

(see above)

Lime

Primary Benefits

• Supports healthy immune function
• Positively affects mood with stimulating and refreshing properties
• Used as an aromatic, topical, and internal cleanser
• Promotes emotional balance and well-being

Orange

(see above)

Ginger

Primary Benefits

• May help to support healthy digestion
• May help to reduce bloating, gas, and occasional indigestion
• May help reduce occasional nausea

Rosemary

(see above)

Lemon

(see above)

 

GO NATURAL: How to Balance Your pH to Heal Your Body

Information courtesy of MindBodyGreen

One of the things I keep hearing about regarding chronic illness is how necessary it is to balance your pH. But why? I did some research, and here’s what I found:

1. Digestive System – Most digestive disorders, such as indigestion, nausea, bloating, gastric reflux, are symptoms caused by excess acid in the gastric region and not enough alkaline minerals in the intestinal tract. If the alkaline minerals from enzyme rich foods are missing then the pancreas will become exhausted, and once the pancreas is exhausted, it loses the ability to decode the food and tell the body what to do with it. This will lead to a degenerative spiral of entropy where organs become confused and inflamed.

2. Circulatory System – Acidity is the principal cause of heart disease. It is well established that many fats are extremely important and essential for cardiovascular health. Good fats can actually help heal the inflammation that underlies arteriosclerosis. When the arteries thicken with plague it is not as a response to good fats, it is inflammation created by the internal acidic environment. The body responds to the acidity by lining the vessels with fatty plaques to prevent life-threatening leaks, which arrest imminent death, but strain the heart because the aperture for the blood to flow through is narrower. When the heart becomes completely exhausted, this is known as a heart attack.

3. Immune System – Acidic environments are breeding grounds for anaerobic pathogens whereas the high levels hydrogen of rich body fluids keep bad bacteria inactive. As the great scientist, Antoine Béchamp famously observed ‘The germ is nothing, the terrain is everything.’ Whether bad bacteria and pathogens incubate or remain dormant, all depends on the ratio of cellular pH. The germ theory is a narrow view that has been adopted by the current medical establishment, which conveniently relies on a profitable cut, burn, and poison approach to sickness. Surgery, radiation, and pharmaceutical drugs are an invasive approach that is ineffective because they works against the body’s natural functions to heal itself, and it fails to address the underlying cause and only treats the symptoms.

4. Respiratory System – When the tissues and organs are overloaded by acidity the transport of oxygen is strangled. This suffocation means the cells cannot breathe properly. Every cell in our body needs to breathe new oxygen and to clear acidic carbon dioxide to function correctly. When the ratio of acidity is too high then wastes in the form of mucus and infections and viruses build up in our lungs, which leads to colds, bronchitis, asthma, etc.

5. Skeletal System – Arthritis is one of the most disabling diseases in developed countries. The word arthritis means “inflammation of the joint” and is used to describe pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The two main form of arthritis are Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. Both forms are related to pH imbalance and accumulation of acid deposits in the joints and wrists. It is this accumulated acid that damages cartilage. When the cells that produce the lubricating synovial fluids and bursa fluids are acidic, this condition causes a dryness that irritates and swells the joints. When uric acid builds up it tends to deposit in the form of crystals, like broken glass in the feet, hands, knees and back.

6. Integumentary System – Commonly know as the skin. When the body’s pH is out of balance then the buildup of acid causes inflammation and the skin is less able to function as a natural barrier against infection. As a result, the skin tends to develop lesions and sores open to the surface of the body, and the formation of skin eruptions occur like pimples or rashes.

7. Nervous System – Acidity weakens the nervous system by depriving it of energy. This is also known as ‘devitalizing’ or ‘enervation’. It makes the physical, mental, and emotional body weak.

8. Excretory System – This is also known as the urinary system. It is made up of multiple organs, the main one being the kidneys. The kidneys perform the task of filtering fluids and purifying our blood. If the body is overwhelmed by excess acids, compensatory mechanisms spring into action, one of them is the pulling of alkaline minerals from your bones and dumping them in the blood. If this occurs frequently enough, the minerals build up in the kidneys in the form of painful kidney stones.

9. Muscular System – When acidity increases in the muscle cells, it disrupts the metabolism breakdown of glucose and oxygen to energy. This means muscles perform poorly in an acidic environment. An alkaline system on the other hand allows for much better aerobic metabolism and energy for the body’s recovery from strenuous exercise. I can often observe when someone is acidic from their breathing because they take large gulping inhales while doing the simplest tasks like walking and talking, which suggests their body finds it difficult to adequately deliver oxygen into the cells – a symptom of acidosis.

10. Reproductive System – Still much research is being done to discover the exact link between sexual dysfunction and acidity and also infertility and acidity.

There are many more diseases and disorders that are associated with an acidic condition – cataracts, osteoporosis, gout, cancer, migraines, constipation, morning sickness, stroke, allergies, diabetes, obesity, etc. With this awareness of how acidity affects us, we can all choose to make informed and empowered healthy decisions for wellness.

Now, you might be wondering how these items relate to chronic illness. I think it mostly comes down to inflammation, and how it can exacerbate any chronic illness, but since I’m not a doctor, that might be oversimplifying matters. In any case, keeping your pH in balance seems to be an important part of battling any chronic illness.

I use strips to test my pH level. They can be found here if you’re interested.

GO NATURAL: 11 detoxifying foods

Infographic courtesy of The Idea Room

Anyone looking to help flush out the bad stuff out of their bodies needs to read this post. Obviously there are more than 11 detoxifying foods, but these are a good place to start.

1. Green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants, which help fight the free radicals in your bloodstream that are responsible for some of the effects of aging, as well as being linked to certain kinds of cancer and heart disease. It also seems to amplify other detoxification methods.
2. Garlic: Garlic contains high amounts of vitamin C, which supports your immune system and your liver. It’s loaded with sulfur, a mineral that helps rid the body of toxins. Garlic has also been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and has been used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other illnesses. Keep in mind, heating destroys many of the beneficial properties of garlic. If you can’t stomach raw garlic, you can find it in capsule form in most grocery or health food stores.
3. Onions: Onions have antihistamine effects due to quercetin, an antioxidant that acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory agent. Onions can also help reduce cancer risk when combined with turmeric. The essential oil of an onion lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of free insulin that is available. Onions are involved in maintaining good blood pressure, inhibit hardening of the arteries, and keep the arteries elastic. And while this doesn’t sound appetizing, chewing a raw onion can strengthen teeth and eliminate bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
4. Ginger: Ginger is thought to cleanse the body by stimulating digestion, circulation, and sweating. Its digestive actions may serve to cleanse the build-up of waste and toxins in the colon, liver, and other organs.
5. Lemons: Lemons are loaded with healthy benefits, and particularly, they’re a great vitamin C food source. Lemon juice also offers up a healthy serving of potassium, magnesium and copper. Because lemon juice’s atomic structure is similar to the digestive juices found in the stomach, it tricks the liver into producing bile, which helps keep food moving through your body and gastrointestinal tract smoothly. Lemon water also helps relieve indigestion or ease an upset stomach.
6. Apples: The soluble fiber in apples, pectin, helps prevent plaque buildup in blood vessels while the insoluble fiber, cellulose, helps the digestive system move waste quickly through the intestinal tract by adding bulk. Apples are rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium, as well as B-complex folates and vitamins A and C.
7. Grapefruit: Grapefruit contains high amounts of vitamins A and C (are you sensing a pattern here?). The red and pink varieties are especially packed with bioflavonoids and provide you with an extra immunity boost. It can also be used to help treat brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
8. Pineapple: In addition to being a diuretic and detoxifying fruit, pineapple is characterized by its content of vitamin C, B1, B6, folic acid, and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron. A large part of the composition of pineapple is water and it also has an important amount of fiber.
9. Kale: Kale is high in fiber and iron, as well as vitamin K and a bunch of powerful antioxidants. It’s also noted for its anti-inflammatory properties, and helps lower cholesterol. Lastly, like many of the other foods here, is high in vitamins A and C.
10. Asparagus: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. It can even help fight cancer, since it’s packed with antioxidants. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12—found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy—to help prevent cognitive impairment.
11. Beets: Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support detoxification through an important phase 2 detox step in the liver. Additionally, beet greens are strongly anti-inflammatory, and have been shown to be much more powerful than almonds and carrots in that capacity. Beets are high in calcium and vitamin K, and are the best plant source for betaine, a compound which lowers C-reactive protein levels, a marker of heart disease and chronic inflammation.

In a series of future posts, I’ll give you all some recipes using these foods. Good luck, and happy detoxifying!