Super Tonic Recipe

The children are back to school and already we are seeing more people coming in for cold and flu products.

Super Tonic is one of my family's favorite remedies. I make it every fall and keep it in the refrigerator for the winter cold and flu season. We like to keep the pulp in the tincture and just take a spoonful whenever you feel a bit off. Chase the heat with a slice of apple. This also makes a great seasoning for chicken. I love to add it to my homemade hummus, yum!

Super Tonic Recipe

1/2 cup each chopped:  onion, garlic, habenero or cayenne peppers, ginger root, and 1 jar of prepared horseradish root  (or 1/2 cup fresh)

Place in blender and cover with Apple Cider Vinegar, puree. Keep refrigerated for up to six months. (You may strain after two weeks if desired, discarding the pulp.) Take 1 tsp. three or four times a day, as needed.

DIY Elderberry Syrup

DIY Elderberry Syrup

Lisa Purdy ND, MH

Elderberries are back! Available and in stock, now is the time to make your elderberry syrup to have on hand for the winter cold & flu season.

Why elderberry? Because it is an immunomodulator! It helps the body adjust its immune level, without sending it into overdrive. Considered to be anti-viral, elderberry can sometimes disarm a virus and flush it out of the body before it has a chance to duplicate itself and set up housekeeping. The herb contains compounds that are active against flu viruses and has historically been used to treat epidemics. Elderberry is useful for nerve problems, back pain, and inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder. Drink as a tea to soothe a sore throat and ease respiratory distress. Elderberries are safe for all ages and children love the taste!

Cautions: Raw berries have laxative and diuretic actions and please note that ALL green parts of the tree are poisonous! Hence the reason for making them into a cooked syrup. Please also note that diabetics need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels while using elderberries, to prevent low blood sugar. Elderberries work in the same way as blueberries and green beans, by sensitizing the body’s insulin receptors so that more of the insulin produced by the body can be used.

Lisa’s Elderberry Syrup

½ cup dried elderberries (or 1 cup fresh – freeze berries first to make it easier to pick out ALL of the green stems)

1 cinnamon stick                                                    5 cloves

1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated                                2 cups water

Simmer about 20 minutes in a stainless steel pan, reduce liquid by half.

Strain, squashing berries.

Add 1 cup honey to liquid. Store in refrigerator.

Suggested dose is 1 tsp. every two hours, up to 3 Tbsp. a day for active symptoms. 1 tsp. daily for prevention. Children ½ dose…not for use with infants, because of honey.

Make Your Own Healing Wound Paste

Healing Wound Paste

Mix together - 1 Tbsp. of each herb in powder form: comfrey root, slippery elm, myrrh, ½ Tbsp. bayberry root, and ¼ Tbsp. garlic

Store powder in a tightly covered jar. This is a perfect addition to your first aid kit.

When you have a wound, let it bleed a bit, that will help to clean it out. Don’t panic. Remember that facial wounds may bleed profusely. I usually will wash off the wound with running water and use colloidal silver on it to disinfect the wound. Then pour on a bit of the healing wound powder right into the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Sometimes I will add silver to the powder and apply the paste into the wound. Add more powder as needed and then bandage to keep clean.

The next day add more powder if you need to and put on a clean bandage, but do NOT clean out the wound again. Keep an eye on it, looking for infection. The wound will heal from the inside out. The powder will help to stop the bleeding, and act a bit like stitches to hold the wound together, allowing it to heal from the inside out. Never put the powder on an old or infected wound, as it may actually seal the infection inside the tissue causing a deeper problem. I have used this wound paste many times with my family and seen wonderful healing, many times leaving no scars.

Now is a good time to gather the things you might need for those summer activities with your family. Be prepared with your natural first aid kit!

Have a happy and safe summer!

A Personal Note From Lisa

Hello friends,

Well, now it has happened…Our “stay at home” order has been extended for another month. We all groan, take a deep breath, and dig in to find the strength to get through. Today, I want to share a few thoughts from a natural health perspective.

First, All classes are postponed until late May or June. The Annual Plant Sale in May is cancelled. After this is ALL OVER, I anticipate that we will want to get together, share our experiences, and learn how to take better care of ourselves and our families. So we will have the “Be Your Own Doctor” class series to look forward to in June. Check our website (www.healthylife-solutions.com) for exact dates and more information.

Next, I plan to BE OPEN, Tuesday – Saturday, 11-2 for as long as possible or until family needs arise. We will continue to offer curbside service, so you can get what you need with as little contact with others as possible.

So, What Do You Need?

Let me first express that nothing I share should be considered a claim to cure the coronavirus, or anything for that matter. I am NOT a doctor. I am sharing things with you that I have heard or read. The virus simply must run its course. All we can do is try to provide natural health support for ourselves and our families.

1.     Immune Support – I just got in a few bottles of Elderberry syrup (first come/first serve and limit one per customer). Other products to consider: Wellness Formula (chewable too), Echinacea Wellness, Vira-Bac-YST (great immune combo!), Astragalus, Olive Leaf, Oregano oil, Grapeseed extract, Vitamin C & D, and Zinc, to name a few.

2.     Sinus & Allergy Support – I love SinuCare (essential oil blend in a softgel). It clears the sinuses without over drying or raising blood pressure. Also ALJ, recently changed its name to Allergy Remedy, this contains Mullein, which I believe to be one of the BEST herbs we could be taking right now. I also have Quercetin & Nettles, both in Histablock, which is helpful to calm down inflammation. I also have Sinus Relief, which is a colloidal silver nose spray – I use this often when out around people, to help kill bugs I might pick up. Essential Oil blends are a must to help you breathe and clean up the air. Use them in a diffuser and topically on your chest, neck, and bottoms of the feet.

3.     Headache & Fever – Don’t use typical over the counter NSAIDS! Even the traditional medical doctors are saying this. I have heard that coronavirus headache and fever is NO FUN, but try natural methods for relief, which won’t interfere with a fever’s work in the body. I would use Relief Formula from Nature’s Sunshine, Formula 303, and also magnesium to help be more comfortable. Peppermint essential oil always helps my headaches, rub lightly on the forehead. STAY HYDRATED! Electrolytes are good to have too: Ionic minerals or Cell Food. See my website blog about fevers https://www.healthylife-solutions.com/blog/2020/4/1/lets-talk-about-fevers

Everything I have read, says that it is very important to try to help your body fight the virus while it is in the Head…Sinuses and Throat. Once it gets down into the lungs, the virus is very difficult to fight. So PAY ATTENTION to that sinus, allergy, sore throat, headache, & FEVER! This is the early stage – fight HARD. What if it isn’t the virus? Just allergies or a cold? So what…it won’t hurt to fight it hard just in case it is the virus. Why do you think they have us staying home? Because early symptoms don’t seem that bad, and we would go out and infect everyone else. So take care of yourself and don’t let it progress down into the lungs!

1.     Sore Throat & Cough – Now you need to really PAY ATTENTION! The body is fighting hard, do everything you can to support the fight. I have several homeopathic cough formulas that might bring relief. Remember, you want the body to cough up the phlegm, not to let it stay inside those lungs. Mullein, fenugreek, fennel, marshmallow and lobelia are a few helpful herbs to consider. I love to use Tei-Fu essential oil blend. It feels so good rubbed on the chest, neck, and glands. It seems to help you breathe, and I use it at night any time that I am fighting a respiratory sickness. You can gargle with warm salt water and colloidal silver. Don’t worry about food if you are not hungry, maybe just some chicken broth. Consider eliminating dairy or wheat, anything that causes more mucous. Do worry about drinking lots of warm liquids, stay hydrated!

2.     Lung Support – This seems to be our last line of defense and prevention. Our goal is to prevent it from infecting the lungs! Personally, I would start on a lung support formula whenever the cough begins. No messing around! Herbs work best if used early on in a sickness. I have found four formulas to help: Lung Support (a Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine formula), BosMed + Frankincense Oil, Dr. Christopher’s Lung & Bronchial, and Lung Cleanse & Defend formula. These are on order and should be coming in this week…get them early, so you are prepared.

Remember, that not everyone who gets the virus, ends up in the hospital. They will really be encouraging us to fight it at home – So, Be Prepared and have some tools in your box to fight with. Most of these herbs and supplements may be taken along with anything your doctor might prescribe by phone, so don’t be afraid to fight this virus with everything you’ve got.

Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Lisa Purdy, ND, MH

Healthy Life Solutions

A Tale of Two Moms

As mothers we try to do the best we can for our children. It is always a challenge, and there are many times that we doubt ourselves. We wonder if we are making the right decisions or we try to live up to an ideal that doesn’t exist. I raised six children and I know that I made mistakes, but I also know that I made decisions out of a deep love for them. There is no one right way to raise children. Each parent and each child is different, so we have to be flexible. That said, let me tell you a story…the tale of two moms.

Traditional mom wakes up earlier than usual to her child crying. He seems hot and fussy, and has a very smelly, runny diaper. Shortly after nursing or a bottle, the vomiting begins. Alternating changing diapers and changing clothes and bedding all day. The thermometer confirms that his temp is higher than normal. She tries soft food, but nothing is staying down. Lots of fussing and crying, mom is getting tired. Finally, feeling panic after a long sleepless night, mom and child head to the emergency room. After hours of waiting, with a very fussy child, in the midst of a coughing feverish crowd, they finally get to see a doctor. The doctor confirms that the child is indeed sick, but since it is likely a virus, there is nothing they can do. Take the child home and keep him hydrated, and let the sickness run its course.

Natural mom wakes up earlier than usual to her child crying. He seems hot and fussy, and has a very smelly, runny diaper. Shortly after nursing, the vomiting begins. Seeing what is happening, natural mom makes a cup of blackberry or raspberry tea, and begins to give the child a small spoonful every hour, to help with the diarrhea and fever. She knows that it isn’t necessary for him to eat, so skips meals, thwarting some of the bouts of vomiting. Instead, she opts for small doses of elderberry syrup, to help with virus. She also sneaks in some bioplasma homeopathic tablets, which dissolve instantly in his mouth, and provide necessary minerals. The biggest danger for a child with a fever, diarrhea, and vomiting is dehydration. So mom runs a warm bath and allows the child to soak in the liquid through the skin, while making sure he is nursing, and drinking small spoons of water or herbal tea often. After his bath, he sleeps awhile, and mom takes a nap too. Although mom is tired, she is at peace, knowing that her child will be fine, after the virus has run its course.

The biggest difference between traditional mom and natural mom is knowledge. Knowing what to do brings peace instead of panic. She is able to rely confidently on herself and not depend on an expert to tell her what to do. Sickness is never fun, but it can be a peaceful cuddly time, rather than a stressful emergency room visit. The key is to be prepared with knowledge, and with a few simple natural herbs and supplements on your shelf. Am I saying that you never need the expert opinion? No, sometimes you do. But for simple, everyday childhood sicknesses, you can be prepared to be a natural mom.

As a natural mom of six children, now a grandmother, a traditional naturopath, and a master herbalist, it would be my joy to help you be a prepared natural mom. Join us for classes or make an appointment for a consultation. I have office hours on Tuesdays and I am only a phone call away. It is my passion to help you find knowledge and the confidence to help your family be naturally healthy.

DIY Beard Oil

Looking for something special to make as a gift for Father’s Day? Try putting together this beard oil. Enjoy the aroma and softness as you go in for a hug or kiss. So you both benefit!

C-4 Beard Oil

In a 1 oz tincture bottle add 4 drops of each essential oil:

Cedarwood – promotes hair growth

Cypress – promotes follicle stimulation

Copaiba – promotes stress relief

Coffee – promotes energy and is invigorating

Fill the rest of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil – antibacterial, antifungal.

Put a few drops on your hands and rub into the beard after your daily shower.

Summer Time Fun + Sun Without Damage: DIY Recipes!

Summer Time Fun & Sun without Damage

Enjoy the sun, but prevent damage to your skin and hair with these DIY recipes! We have the supplies you need to make them, come on by the shop!

OUCH! After Sun Spray

In a 4 oz spray bottle add 5 drops of each essential oil:

Lavender – cell renewal for burns, first aid for insect bites, skin conditions

Peppermint – soothe and cool skin, relieve itchy skin, regenerate nerves

Frankincense – reduces inflammation, prevents scarring, antiseptic, anti-infection

Fill the rest of the bottle with aloe vera juice – cooling and healing to the skin – you might even want to keep a bottle ready in the refrigerator/ice chest for a quick cooling mist. Use After Sun Spray as often as you like to relieve the effects of too much sun.

Meghan’s Summer Hair Care Lotion

In a double boiler, gently melt 1 cup Shea Butter. Move to a bowl and use a mixer to blend it with 2 Tbsp Almond Oil. Will need to mix it about 10 minutes until it becomes a lotion. Then gently mix in 5 drops of each of the essential oils:

Melaleuca (Tea Tree) – a strong antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal

Lavender – promotes balance in the body, antiseptic, useful with burns or injury

Rosemary – promotes hair growth, antibacterial, and antifungal

Cedarwood – antiseptic, astringent, reduces oily secretions, psoriasis, calming

Store in a glass jar. Apply the hair care lotion to the ends of hair daily, or apply to the scalp weekly for a deep conditioning treatment. Promotes growth and a healthy glow for your hair. May also be used on psoriasis, eczema, or dry skin.

Make Your Own Essential Oil First Aid Kit

I finally did it! You know how you sometimes have something on your to do list forever? Yep, that was me. I have intended to make an essential oil first aid kit for over a year. I even purchased all the oils and a cute little pouch to carry them in, but I just didn’t take the time to put it together.

We went on a little excursion last week and I needed my oils! One person had a headache, one a nasty bug bite, and one a sunburn…if I only had my oils with me. Sometimes we just need extra motivation. I hope you don’t wait as long as I did to make a kit to carry with you.

Here are a few suggestions for essential oils to include in a first aid kit, and ways you can use them. The oils I put into my kit are fractionated Coconut oil for a carrier, Frankincense, lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree/Melaleuca, Peppermint, Breathe, Deep Blue, and On Guard (blends from doTerra).

* Aches/pain – Deep Blue, Frankincense

* Allergies/antihistamine – Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint (work great together)

* Breath freshener – Peppermint

* Bug bites –, Lavender, Melaleuca, Frankincense

* Burns – Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense, Melaleuca

* Cuts/bruises – On Guard, Melaleuca, Lavender, Frankincense

* Digestion/upset stomach – Peppermint

* Energy - Lemon

* Hand sanitizer – On Guard, Melaleuca

* Headaches – Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense

* Sinus inhaler – Breathe

* Sore throat/colds – On Guard

* Stress/sleep – Lavender, Breathe

* Water purification – Lemon

I hope you find this quick reference helpful in using your essential oils on the go. I have a small book called, the Portable Essential Oils, by Anne Kennedy, which would be easy to pack into a suitcase or first aid kit for camping or travel.

Stop by the shop and I can help you put together your first aid kit. My daughter is making one to take on her mission trip this summer. I would be happy to order the cute keychain pouch from doTerra that we are using for you also, just give me a call. Essential Oil First Aid Kit - Don’t leave home without it!

Make Your Own Coffee Scrub

Make Your Own Coffee Scrub 

½ cup coffee grounds

½ cup sea salt

¾ cup fractionated coconut oil – enough to cover

20 drops coffee essential oil

Mix together and use to rub on non-sensitive areas of the body in a circular motion, and then rinse off in the shower. Excellent for areas of cellulite, stored fat, dry skin, and on sore muscles or joints. May be stored in a jar for up to a month.

I love to use this scrub in the shower. It makes you feel vibrant and ready for the day. I find it improves the look of my skin, reducing cellulite, wrinkles, and age spots. It is excellent for sore muscles and aching joints, increasing circulation to the area.

Sea salt is very healing and cleansing. It helps to rid you of negative energy that you may have picked up during the day. So it is useful for those who work with the general public, or do hands-on therapy.

Wonderfully moisturizing for the skin, coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal.

 Coffee essential oil reduces free radical damage, improves mood, reduces fever, stimulates appetite, protects the immune system, aids respiratory health, has anti-aging qualities, reduces nausea, stimulates relaxation, reduces inflammation, and soothes allergic reactions. Coffee essential oil is abundant with antioxidants which help to reduce oxidative stress in the skin, increasing blood flow to those cells. It can help to prevent infections, the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and blemishes, while improving the elasticity of the skin. In addition, coffee oil contains concentrations of both linoleic and oleic acid, which lower your risk of cancer. 

*Cautions – Do not use if you are allergic to coffee, coconut oil, or salt. It is not recommended during pregnancy or for use with small children, due to its stimulating qualities.

We have all of the ingredients you need to make this scrub at Healthy Life Solutions.

Stop by and see us! 740-689-1111