Lisa's Favorite Herb for 2020 - Mullein

Now is the time to harvest this fabulous herb! Mullein grows wild in Ohio and in many other states. I have seen it in Colorado and Utah. The first year it grows as a simple rosette of leaves, soft and fuzzy. The second year it sends up a stalk, anywhere from 2-8 feet tall. As a biennial it lives only two years, then it reseeds and the cycle begins anew. You will find it along roadsides, or building sites, where the earth has been disturbed. It loves poor soil, so will thrive just about anywhere. Try to harvest it in a location free of car exhaust fumes, fertilizers, or pesticides.

Each day I go out to my garden and harvest 4-5 yellow flower petals from each mullein stalk. It is a long process to fill a small bowl. These mullein flowers are like gold, very precious. They cannot be bought…only harvested by hand. The flowers are used to make the best earache oil.

Mullein & Garlic Ear Oil

In the top of a double boiler, place 1 Tbsp. each mullein flowers and chopped garlic. Cover them generously with olive oil, a little over 1 ounce. Fill the bottom half of the pot with water. Place oil half over the water half and simmer lightly for 15-20 minutes. Strain off oil and place into a bottle with a dropper. Use to soothe earaches. Place 3 drops in the ear, follow with a bit of cotton, 1-2 times daily as needed. This oil generally lasts for 6 months, so make a new batch each summer.

After the flowering is done, you can harvest the leaves. I lay the leaves flat to dry on a table. Or you can hang the whole stalk upside down to dry. Once the leaves are dry, I tear them into ½ inch pieces and store in a canning jar. Check the lid after about 3 days, if you find moisture, lay the leaf out to dry a bit longer. Then store it in a cool, dark place. Don’t forget to label your jar with herb name and date.

Dr.Christopher’s Lung & Bronchial Tincture

¾ cup mullein & ¼ cup lobelia

Place dried herbs in pint canning jar. Cover with vodka. Use a piece of plastic over the jar before using the metal lid. Let sit for 14 days, shaking daily. Then strain out herbs and discard. Place tincture in dropper bottles. Use one dropper as needed or 3-4 times a day, to help dispel mucus from the lungs and throat.

I allow the stalk to dry laying in the garden. Then in the fall, I will break up the flowering part to allow the seeds to fall and hopefully, give me mullein for the next year. I am always delighted to find those little fuzzy leaves in my garden. The little first year plants will tolerate being transplanted in the early spring, so you can place them where you want them.

I hope you enjoy making your own herbal medicine with this wonderful herb.

Mullein is my herb favorite for 2020! Have fun!

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

Lets Talk About Fevers

We are living thru a historic event. The coronavirus will be something our grandchildren learn about in history class. We want them to talk about how well we handled this. Right now, not a lot is being said about what to do if you think you have the virus. They are recommending that you STAY AT HOME. This is nothing new to those of us in Natural Medicine. A visit to the emergency room needs to be avoided if at all possible. If you go and you are not sick, you just exposed yourself and loved ones, because THAT is where the sick people are! If you are sick, you just exposed everyone you came into contact with on the way there. So, they are recommending that you CALL your doctor and stay home. This is very scary to a lot of people, because they don’t know what to do. How do I care for someone sick at home? Our grandmothers did it – and we can too! Knowledge is power, and I hope to share some old-fashioned knowledge that may help you, if you need to care for someone in your home.

Let’s Talk About Fevers

Why do you run a fever? Most fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections. When the body is infected, it responds by making more white blood cells and leukocytes that destroy viruses and bacteria. Fever increases the activity of these cells, a process called leucotaxis. A normal temperature is between 96.6 – 99.4. An infection may cause a fever of 105. Although a high fever is frightening, most of the time the body will work thru it without medical intervention. Remember this, FEVER IS YOUR FRIEND. It helps to burn out the virus or bacteria infection. Fever can help most viral infections go away more quickly than drugs. There is nothing the doctor can do to dispose of a viral infection any quicker than you can. In fact, medication often interferes with the bodies’ attempt to get well since it works to suppress the fever. If you lower your temperature by taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen, you simply hinder the process, not to mention damage to the liver, kidneys, or stomach lining.

Isn’t a high fever dangerous? The main danger to be aware of with a high fever is DEHYDRATION. You must keep the body moist. Remember this: Dry heat kills – Moist heat heals! A small child (20-30 lbs.) needs to drink at least 1-2 oz every hour, a 40 lb. child needs 3 oz every hour, a medium size child (85 lbs) needs 6 oz. every hour and an adult needs 12 oz or more. It really works best to use a cup that you can mark the measurement and keep track of what they are drinking. Taking a nice warm ginger bath is another way to get fluid into the body. The only time to be really worried about a high fever is after a head injury, poisoning, or heat exposure, otherwise in most cases, the body knows when to shut it off – your body is smart!

Won’t a high fever cause convulsions? No, it really is the rapid rise in fever that might cause them. So if the fever is rising fast, you might try to slow it down a little. Some people have used a cloth dipped in apple cider vinegar and then gently wiping the arms and legs down. It smells, but as it evaporates, it helps the body to cool down a bit. Yet, doesn’t interfere with the job a fever needs to accomplish.

If you feel the need to reduce a fever, you may make a tea/infusion, of elder flowers and peppermint leaves, steep 15 minutes, strain and sweeten. Another great herbal tea to use with children is red raspberry leaves; it has a lot of minerals/electrolytes which help balance the body and are lost during a high fever. Natural electrolyte supplements are also available. I like EmergenC pkts, Cell Food, Ionic Minerals, and Liquid Chlorophyll. Electrolytes are also lost during diarrhea, so if you have that plus the fever, you need to be doubly sure to STAY HYDRATED!

What does dehydration look like? A dehydrated person will be listless, pale, and his skin is looser and kind of floppy. Check him in a plump area, like the forearm or legs, by pinching the skin to see if it is loose or normal. If you are not able to keep them HYDRATED, you must get medical help! We are so used to going to the hospital for an IV, but if you keep on TOP of it, you can prevent dehydration and stay safely at home.

I hope this helps you to understand the work of a fever in your body. There is no need to “shut it off”. Let it run its course. It is very important to STAY HYDRATED! Remember, FEVER IS YOUR FRIEND, helping you to fight off the virus or bacterial infection.

Herbs for Anxious Times

Good Morning, Sunshine! During this anxious time of waiting, the sunshine does make everything feel better. Please do get outside, even if just for a minute, and soak it in. I was able to do a bit of yard work yesterday. It is so therapeutic to get your hands into the dirt in the springtime, raking leaves, listening to the birds singing – spring is here! I think the idea of spring bringing us new life will have a deeper meaning this year, as we consider all for which we are grateful.

Yesterday, my son was in my thoughts. He lives in California, in the epicenter of this epidemic. He has been on “safe at home” lockdown for 3 weeks now. I hadn’t heard from him for a while and the wheels of worry started turning in my mind. I texted, no response. Again, another text, more insistent this time, “I am worried, contact me”. A call within minutes! Yes, he is safe, just busy working from home. Such relief!

I imagine situations like this are happening for you too. Our minds can run away from us, we have to reign them in, and remain calm. For many of us this is a good time to renew a spiritual practice, remember our faith, trust, and gratitude.

Today, I want to share some of the herbal supplements that we can use to help us, when those anxious thoughts are too much. Please don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, we need each other more than ever just now. Herbs can provide gentle, non-addictive help, so you can handle life with more confidence and joy.

My favorite right now is AnxioCalm, from Terry Naturally. It is made from a special strain of Echinacea found in Europe. We think of Echinacea for immune support, and it usually is, but this extract helps us to manage anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and restless sleep. I take two tablets under my tongue and feel relief within 10 minutes! I also like that you don’t have to take it all the time, only when you need it. Echinacea does have a distinctive quality of a numbing sensation in the mouth, so don’t be surprised by it. A quick drink of water takes that away. This product is safe for children and pets as well, so a good choice for the whole family.

Chamomile and Valerian root are well-known herbs, used to help calm and relax us during times of stress. These are commonly taken in teas and can be helpful to drink before going to bed. One of my favorites is Cup of Calm, from Traditional Medicinals.

Passionflower is another favorite nervine herb. It is in Herbal Sleep, from Nature’s Sunshine. Passionflower relaxes the muscles and the mind. It helps with those thoughts that “go around and around” and just won’t shut up. Passionflower has a tonic quality on your nerves, so that the longer you take it, the better you can handle things. So, it is one to take on a regular basis for best results.

The last remedy, I want to share today is Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic preparation of five flowers, created by Nelson Bach. Rescue Remedy works quickly to give you immediate relief. It is excellent for disaster situations, accidents, or for feelings of panic. Read more here - https://www.healthylife-solutions.com/blog/2017/2/9/anxious-try-rescue-remedy

My dear friend, please don’t hesitate to call if you are feeling overwhelmed. We have many tools in our tool box, and I would be happy to help you find the right one for you.

Virus Worries???

Virus Worries???

Me too. As a mother and grandmother I have a lot of people to worry about. It is in times like these that I remember Joyce Meyer’s story of worry being like a rocking chair - there may be a lot of movement, but it isn’t going anywhere! So instead of worry or even panic, I suggest we pray & prepare.

If you wait until an epidemic is upon us, you may not find the remedies you will need to help your family. I suggest a bit of stocking up ahead of time. No, we don’t have to turn into “end of the world preppers”, but we don’t have to stick our heads in the sand and do nothing either. How much food and medicine do you have in your house right now? How long would it take for all the shelves in local stores to be empty if people panicked? It isn’t crazy to have a bit stashed ahead in case of any disaster. You want to be able to help your family, friends, and community if possible.

This year has held a lot of sickness: flu, coughs, pneumonia. In the shop the immune system shelves were looking empty, so I have ordered in new stock to make sure we are prepared. Please stop in and pick up a little extra, just in case. Here are some ideas of products to always have on hand to boost your immune system.

Vitamin C – researchers found that an intake of 200 mg or greater, reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. In extreme physical stress, such as experienced by marathon runners and skiers, vitamin C reduced the common cold risk by half.

Elderberry– one of the best antivirals that I know. I take Elderberry D3fense every day. It has 2000mg of vitamin D3 in each capsule, plus the elderberry. Vitamin D also helps to boost the immune system, so it is important to get enough in the dreary winter months. We have elderberry syrup, tea, chewable, capsule, and tincture. So it is available to everyone. If you want to learn how to make your own elderberry syrup, make sure to sign up for our Be Your Own Doctor Class, and we will show you how.

Echinacea – boosts the immune system! I like the Echinacea angustofolia, which is the white coneflower. It has more antibacterial qualities than other varieties, so it is the best for medicine. Also, look for the root, as that has the strongest medicinal qualities. You can easily grow and harvest your own Echinacea for herbal medicine – join our classes to learn how. My personal product favorite is Echinacea Wellness, which is a great combination of herbs to help boost immunity and keep you healthy. This is always in my cupboard.

Oscillococcinum– it took me a month to learn how to pronounce that word! But this is my GO TO for FLU and respiratory illness. It is a homeopathic made from water fowl, so it works on the wet and mucousy types of sickness. It works best at the very beginning of an illness, as does Echinacea. So take it at the first hint of being unwell, and sometimes that one dose is all you need. If you wait until you are really sick, this doesn’t work as well, so make sure you have this on hand for those early stages and fight it off quickly.

Oregano Essential Oil – antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic to the respiratory system, antiviral, and immune stimulant. Oregano oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the FDA. Dilute 1 drop oil in 1 tsp. honey or in ½ cup of beverage. Not for children under 6 years old, and use with caution and greater dilution with children over age 6. Please use only oregano essential oils that are prepared in a pure form for internal consumption.

Silver Shield – Silver nanoparticles exhibit strong antimicrobial activity and have been shown to be non-toxic and virtually free of any side effects. This product poses no risk of heavy metal contamination as the nanoparticles are eliminated from the body within 48 hours. Silver is increasingly being used for medical purposes and is registered as a biocidal material since 1954. It has been used for public health hygiene, to purify water, and to combat a broad range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Silver is currently used in dental device coatings, stents, catheters, wound dressings, bone prostheses, cardiac devices and surgical fabrics. Numerous studies have shown positive results in using silver with Staph, Streph, MRSA, pneumonia, candida, H1N1, HIV, and HPV, just to name a few. Be prepared with silver shield (liquid & gel) in your medicine cabinet. Just a note – silver is great for pets too, ask me how I use it with my dog, Mozart.

I could continue writing about more wonderful immune system products, but our time is short. So stop into the shop and I will help you to pick out exactly which products meet your needs. Remember, let’s not panic, just pray & prepare!

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.

Fireworks and Pets Don't Mix

Has it begun at your house yet? You know, the loud noise of fireworks going off at all times of the night! I love to watch them on the 4th, but the rest of the week, not so much, as the noise just gets annoying. But my pets really don’t like them at all! The cat hides in the basement, and my dog goes under the bed. Pets can show stress in different ways. Some dogs quietly shake or pant, but chewing, barking, or defecating indoors can also be signs of distress.

We have 3 products at the store which can help your pets be a little less anxious, during this frightening time.

Rescue Remedy  – is a combination of 5 flower remedies which work quickly to help in anxious situations. It is wonderful to use in any first aid, accident, injury, or disaster situation. Rescue Remedy has formulas specifically labeled for adults, children, or pets. Safe, with no interactions, or side effects. It has been useful for pets who have been rescued, to help calm and soothe them. I use a dropper in my pet’s water daily, for the whole week around the 4thof July. You can also place 4 drops in the mouth or on a treat to have a more direct effect.

Calming Formula,Terry Naturally– helps dogs manage stress. Whether it is a trip to the vet or groomer, separation, loud noises, kenneling, or a change to the daily routine, Calming formula is a solution to help keep your dog calm and relaxed. Calming Formula features a specific species of Echinacea, which contains key compounds for mood and relaxation, in a chewable tablet form.

PetRelaxant, NOW products – is formulated to promote relaxation and contentment during changes to your pet’s daily routine, which can include separation, travel, motion sickness or tension. The labeling is not as specific to loud noises, but I give it daily during this “fireworks” week, just to help take the edge off. I always leave this supplement with my dog’s caretaker, whenever I go out of town for a few days. It is a chewable tablet with a meaty flavor that my dog enjoys like a treat, so it is easy to drop it right into his food dish.

  If your pet suffers a lot of anxiety symptoms, I might even use all three products! Daily Rescue Remedy in the water dish, daily Pet Relaxant for overall calming, and then Calming Formula for those specific times when the fireworks are going to be happening.

 Be prepared with something to help the pet you love!

Happy 4th of July!!!

*Please note that the store will be CLOSED on the 4th to celebrate with friends and family.

"Grandma, Why Do You Move So Slow?"

“Grandma, why do you move so slow?”

This was the question my 4 year old granddaughter asked me a few weeks ago. Funny, I didn’t even realize that I was moving slow. In fact, as she brought it to my attention, I realized that I was in pain. Sometimes, as we get older, we just tolerate the aches and pains, perhaps incorrectly thinking that there is nothing we can do about it. Is pain just part of getting older? I refuse to accept that idea! In fact, I have found curcumin to be one of the BEST solutions to this problem. I take curcumin EVERY day and if I could afford only one supplement, it would be curcumin!

Not all curcumin is created equal, some brands work better than others. Curcumin comes from Turmeric Root, and is a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Over 10,000 clinical studies have been done on curcumin. The company that I love and trust is Terry Naturally. I use their CuraMed 750mg every day. One of these soft gels is equivalent to 500 Turmeric capsules!!! It has a special molecular structure, called BCM-95, which allows it to be absorbed better. They also add Turmeric essential oil, to add to its absorbability.

Then if I have done too much in the garden, or I have rearranged the furniture, and find I am in pain, I take 2-3 Curamin tablets, extra strength. These provide quick pain relief, in 20 minutes! Terry Naturally Curamin contains the same curcumin we talked about above. Also, Boswellia, an Ayurvedic herb great for inflammation and DLPA (DL-phenylalaninine), which works in the brain. Curamin is safe, effective, and non-addictive. I love pain relief without side effects!

10 Reasons to Use Curcumin Every Day

(Information taken from a brochure from Terry Naturally *These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.)

1. Healthy Inflammation Response

Curcumin supports a healthy inflammation response through multiple pathways in the body, providing remarkable health benefits.

2. Cellular Health

Multiple scientific studies have highlighted curcumin’s ability to support cellular health, protect DNA and RNA from oxidative stress, and support multiple cellular processes.

3. Mood

Curcumin supports healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, key neurotransmitters for optimal mental health. Clinical studies show curcumin’s effectiveness for enhancing mood and well-being.

4. Kidney Support

Supports healthy kidney function.

5. Joint Health

Curcumin maintains flexibility and comfort in joints while supporting cartilage structure.

6. Brain Health

Curcumin helps maintain focus and concentration while protecting brain cells from oxidative stress. The intelligent choice for cognitive health!

7. Intestinal Health

Curcumin supports healthy bile secretion, bowel motility, and fermentation processes while supporting the gut mucosal lining.

8. Liver Detoxification

Research suggests that curcumin promotes healthy levels of the body’s own detoxifiers, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.

9. Cardiovascular Healthy

Scientific studies have indicated that curcumin supports vascular integrity and healthy cholesterol balance and supports heart function.

10.Antioxidant

Curcumin powerfully protects the body from damaging oxidative stress. ORAC value 1,500,000

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.

Sore Muscles, Headaches, Anxiousness, and Sleeplessness

What do these things have in common? Lack of magnesium. Symptoms of magnesium depletion include stress, fatigue, low energy, inability to sleep, muscle tension, spasms and cramps, anxiousness and nervousness, irritability, headaches, weakness, PMS, hormone imbalances, weakening bones, abnormal heart rhythm, and constipation. If you suffer from several of these, you might want to consider a daily magnesium supplement.

Most magnesium is stored in your cells, not in your blood, so blood tests aren’t really a helpful measure for this deficiency. I am sure you have experienced doing hard work and then feeling the achy muscles that follow. Some of that is caused by the body using up that stored magnesium in those muscles. Stress also will burn up a lot of magnesium from the body’s stores, so make sure to supplement more magnesium during times of stress or intense labor/work out.

Heart palpitations may also be caused by lack of magnesium, the heart is a muscle after all and the body likes to store magnesium in the muscles. One of the first things they will give you in the emergency room with heart palpitations is an IV of magnesium. Been working out in the hot sun and now feeling weak? Electrolytes including magnesium and minerals are important to be replenished to keep the body balanced.

One of my favorite forms of magnesium is CALM by Natural Vitality. It is a powder, which is mixed into water and then will fizz up. Best taken about an hour before bed, this will help with sleep. Magnesium relaxes the muscles and the mind from thinking too much. Ah yes…relax and be calm! This same company has come out with CALM Gummies that are delicious and wonderful for children too. I also like the CALM Magnesium Cream to rub directly on those hurting muscles. My daughter used this cream to relieve the horrible backache she had after her open heart surgery. The cream is another great thing to use with kids, try it for those “growing pains” or terrible leg/foot cramps.

Many people like the “glycinate” form of magnesium. It works well and is recommended often by doctors for women’s cramping and PMS issues. The glycinate form is a bit easier on the bowels and so can be taken in higher doses. Typically magnesium oxide is helpful for constipation, but some forms may be too harsh for those prone to diarrhea or IBS. Glycinate or malate forms may be helpful in these situations.

Another product which includes magnesium that I always keep in my purse is Formula 303. It is a homeopathic preparation which means that it has very little chance of side effects or interactions with medications. Formula 303 contains magnesium, valerian, and passion flower. I use it for headaches, achy muscles, or to help me relax when stressed and to help me sleep. This one I always take with me when I travel.

Stop by the store to try a sample and to discuss with me which product might be the best for your needs. Too much yard work or exercise? We have safe options for pain relief!

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!