Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil For Cold/Chest Congestion

I have a cold that has been going on for more than a week. It went through all the basic phases, and I was well on the way to recovery when some stressful events prevented the good rest and sleep required to nip the sucker in the bud. So it's lingering. And it's in my chest. I figured that in order to give my body the extra boost it needs to get on top of this thing, I'd look into essential oils for chest congestion. As I have read before for colds, I found that eucalyptus is recommended for chest congestion. I read that HERE.
I bought some recently, to use with the kids when they get sick. As suggested, I put 3 drops of eucalyptus globulus essential oil in a bowl, and poured some boiling water over it. I breathed in the steam for about two minutes (five minutes was recommended, but I have a 3-year-old) I am waiting to see how effective this is. I will do this again tonight, and will diffuse some in our bedroom before we go to sleep. It is supposed to loosen things up, but also help zap the bug that's causing it to begin with. I'll come back with my results.

Ok, it has been maybe 45 minutes, and my cough is much reduced. I can feel the eucalyptus in my chest. I have since looked up several more articles on chest congestion, and the majority of those recommended eucalyptus oil, among others. Peppermint e.o. is also frequently suggested. I have learned that the idea of steam inhalation with eucalyptus is that the steam helps to open the chest allowing the e.o.s to get in there and kill the virus/bacteria. So at this point I can say that the treatment is giving me some relief. Time will tell if it will actually help to end this cold/bug.

My sinuses started to bother me about 3.5 hours after my first eucalyptus treatment, so I just did another one. I felt pretty good for that amount of time, though. Not without a cough at all, but a less persistent and productive one. The trial continues...

Health Eating - Baked Chick Peas

Yesterday, while munching on chick peas from a can, I did a quick search on chick peas. I came across a recipe for baked chick peas. So I made a batch. I'm not sure what I think about them. I like that they're crunchy, but I have not seasoned them to my preference yet. But I'll keep trying to see if I can. Here's how to do it:

Rinse a can of chick peas, and coat them lightly in olive oil. Season however you like. Sugar and cinnamon, garlic, or any spice combo you'd like to try.

Preheat your oven to 400*. Spread the chick peas on a cookie sheet, and bake for about 40 minutes. Given them a stir every 10 minutes or so.

The first batch I made came out crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I used a glass pan, a little more olive oil than it took to coat, and left them in the pan to cool. The second batch came out crunchy. I used a metal cookie sheet (see photo,) olive oil just to coat, and I transferred the chick peas to a bowl right out of the oven. Though many use garlic powder, I tried cinnamon and (weird) salt the first time, and preferred that to the garlic powder and salt. I'm still playing with it, and will post with any winning combinations.

This website says this (and more) about the health benefits of chickpeas:

"Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) 
provide an excellent source of 
molybdenum.  They are a very 
good source of folic acid, fiber, 
and manganese.  They are also a 
good source of protein, as well 
as minerals such as iron, copper, 
zinc, and magnesium"


*They also discuss potentially harmful issues for those with gout and/or kidney stones.

Metamucil Can Cause Heartburn

I have been using Metamucil, about every other day or so, for months. Hubby and I started taking one glass of powder in water in the evening after he received some blood work indicating his lipid count was slightly high. Metamucil can help reduce cholesterol. (See my post Metamucil For Lowering Cholesterol)

For about a week, I have been getting heart burn nightly. I have had a few dietary changes over the last few weeks (see my posts on the Anti-Candida Diet) including a giant increase in my consumption of nuts and seeds, and lemon juice. I also take fish oil capsules, and have been told by one person that fish oil caused them to get heart burn. So basically, my thoughts were everywhere but on the Metamusil. By process of elimination, I got there. So this morning I decided to do a little internet searching just to eliminate the possibility. Bingo, I've found my source.

Here are a couple of places where others have indicated having the same issue:

Here

And here

Neither of these gives any explanation as to why this occurs in some people, but shows that others have experienced the same effects I am. I'll try to find something a little more scientific...

I have to add that after doing a bunch of reading, there are other side effects as well. Before taking Metamucil, do a little research. If you have a pre-existing condition for which you are taking Metamucil, or other fiber supplement, read what others with a similar condition have experienced. Some with ulcerative colitis or other conditions have had difficulty tolerating Metamucil. For some, it is a wonderful, side-effect-free experience with many bonuses. For others, not so much.

UPDATE: Since writing this, I have decided to try experimenting with flavorless Metamucil to see if made a difference in how well my belly tolerated it. I bought this:

I wanted to give it a few days to see if that made a difference. I have now taken this kind (description below) three times, in the evening.

Metamucil, Clear and Natural, Clear-Mixing Powder. Flavor-free and taste-free, this one is made from 100% inulin, natural vegetable fiber. This kind calls for one TEAspoon per 8+ ounces of water. (The orange flavor kind calls for one TABLEspoon per 8+ ounces of water.

I have had no heartburn at all with this product. It is quite different from the orange flavored kind. It stirs clear in the water, and you cannot tell it's in there when you drink it. Very different from the orange kind, which is very obvious in the water (despite the flavor) as it is very thick. The longer it sits in the water, the thicker it becomes. If you don't stir as you drink, you can end up with a sludge at the bottom of the glass. It's a very different experience, and so far, a better one for me. For those with physical reactions to the other kind, it's definitely worth a try. And who needs the flavor, really. And who needs the sugar?? I'm glad to have found an alternative. 

Candida Diet

This is my second post about my recent issue with a very bloated belly. I've bonded with the idea of it being caused by a yeast imbalance. This is because I have a history of yeast infections not caused by any of the "typical" issues. It's also because I did some online searching on my symptoms, and that was one of the possibilities. It just makes sense to me, I guess.

Anyhow, the cure is a diet....not my forte! But my current bout with belly bloat happened to coincide with a visit from family, one of whom has dietary restrictions of her own. She also happens to be very confident about food choices, and enjoys meal planning and preparing. Hurrah! She shopped and came home with an abundance of foods that are on the "ok" list for a candida diet. Left to my own devices, I would certainly have waited at least until Christmas was over to face the burden of eating a yeast starving diet.

So here on the eve of Christmas day, I am feeling a bit better. My belly had an episode after eating rice cakes with guacamole (???) but otherwise I have been feeling fairly well. I screw up here and there, such as serving myself and eating one bite of cranberry sauce before catching myself, and eating an entire serving of mashed potatoes and serving myself a second before being reminded that potatoes are not on my list. Argh!! But the same family member gently reminds me that eating is good, and that I shouldn't feel bad for doing so. How I wish I was surrounded by that kind of reassurance all the time. Hubby confronted me last night about how difficult it is to cook around dietary restrictions - sigh! I want my mommy! Anyhow, I will do the best that I can do, and try to heal myself. I will hate it, but perhaps it will help some other things along the way. If I can get two weeks under my belt, I am hoping the changes will provide the continued motivation.

Guessing Game (parenting)

Something is going on with my little boy. He wouldn't let me go out to dinner last night, even though his grandmother was here, and he is very comfortable with her. He couldn't fall asleep last night. He was up at least an hour later than usual and said he wasn't tired. He finally went to sleep when I went with him. Then he was up before 5 a.m. today. And when a child is off, the entire family is off. What could be going on?

The obvious first thought is illness. Poor goob. It's possible. Seems as if he was fighting something last week. But I guess it is that time of year for all sorts of bugs to come home with DD from school and with DH from work. But he doesn't have any of the usual symptoms, like runny nose. Still possible and most likely.

It could be tension. Could it? I don't know, but I believe that stress plays a bit part in how smoothly the routine goes in life and at home. Two weeks ago I took him to school. He was very excited about it. Too excited. He did great, but after a short time became overwhelmed and too tired to continue. He was encouraged to continue anyway, and he was in total meltdown mode when we left. His second day of school was similar. He did great for about an hour and a half, then was completely done. Once again the pressure was put on him to continue, and that was too much. Another total meltdown as we got ready to leave. After that he didn't want any part of school, even though the majority of the experience was positive. I took him out, making the decision that he simply wasn't ready yet. I was hoping that I got him out before the anxiety became a lasting thing, but I'm not sure I made it. He seems to have a school hang-over, at the tender age of 2. Darn it.

Then sometimes there's a little tension at home. DS had agreed to let us go out last night, but once we were in the car, he became very upset. Grandma grabbed him, and that made things worse. He entered panic mode, which is where he was when I got to him. DH was very frustrated that we couldn't go out, something he looked forward to very much. So he was upset, and felt angry at DS. Then DD, who battles with pretty intense anxiety, waffled about whether she was comfortable with us going out or not. (I honestly thought she would be the one to get in the way of the outing, not DS) So she went back and forth between starting to cry at the prospect of us going out and the prospect of us NOT going out. By the time we were in the driveway, she almost needed us to go out. She had simply gotten her head around that plan, and had worked hard to get herself to that place. And then there's me, monkey in the middle. All the time. I understand DD. I understand DH. I also understand grandma with her gentle urging to go despite the kids' upset. (just not the way I work) And I empathize with DS. I know that there is something wrong, and if all was well, he wouldn't be acting and feeling this way. Instinct says to hug him rather than push him into this situation.

So who knows? Instinct is a strong thing, and I'm following mine. That's all I can do.

Coconut Oil

Two nights ago I purchased this jar of coconut oil. It seems that coconut oil was popping up everywhere: on my Facebook Eczema page, and in searches for holistic-minded natural remedies and such. I saw it again and again. So I did some brief online research. Why had I thought that coconut was not a good idea? Here is some of what I learned: LINK


Now of course there are resources on the internet that claim this is all hooey, and that movie theaters and food manufacturers stopped using coconut oil in their products because it was shown to be bad for you. I guess you have to read the research and decide for yourself. 


I have decided to put it through its paces. 


There are many ways in which people use coconut oil:

Food. People use it in place of other oils in such foods as popcorn. I used it to make a grilled cheese sandwichs this morning. It was easy to cook with, made delicious (and yes, reminiscent of movie theater popcorn smells) popcorn, toasted bread well for the sandwichs, etc. And it did not take a lot of the stuff. I will note that coconut oil burns easily at higher cooking temperatures, so keep the temperatures down. 


Hand/Skin Lotion: I have been using the oil in place of my usual hand lotion (another oil) and it has worked fine. It does not seem to irritate my sensitive (eczema) skin, it absorbs easily and is not greasy feeling after being rubbed in. 


Hair: I haven't tried this one, but apparently people use coconut oil in their hair, and it supposed to make the hair super soft. I am dying to try it. Being a non-shampoo user at the moment due to a rashy scalp, I am looking for ways to keep my hair clean and conditioned that are all natural and not too irritating. I'll report back on my trials with that! Here is what I learned at eHow: LINK Sounds like work, but once in a while... Anyhow, I'll give it a try.


Pets: I have read that coconut oil can be helpful in pets with various conditions, including constipation and hair balls. You can read more about that here: LINK You can actually buy cans of the stuff that are marketed for pets. (A funny aside is that the can I saw for pets on Amazon.com was much more expensive per ounce than what I bought for myself!)


Some information I have learned along the way: Coconut oil melts at 76*F. It is a solid at room temperature in cooler areas. It burns easily at high temperatures, so keep your temperatures down when cooking with it. 


As always, I'd love to hear from anyone with experience!

Natural Yeast Infection Remedies

I recently gave a shout out to the Holistic Moms Network email loop regarding natural remedies and comfort measures for feminine yeast issues. As is always the case, I was and am overwhelmed and thrilled with the number and depth of the replies I have received. I know that many out there could benefit from this information, so I would like to share it. This is information only. I have yet to try most of them out.

+ Yogurt. Several replies I received from the group suggested plain yogurt containing live cultures as a cure and soothing measure. Use as a "wash." Can combine with baking soda. Here's one source of info: LINK

+Take Probiotics. Mentioned several times. High quality probiotic recommended. If taking one and getting infections, try changing to a different probiotic. One suggested a more "potent" brand with more "strains."

+ Baking Soda. Unclear as to how this is used. Can be drying - use sparingly. Can combine with yogurt for external wash.

+ Vinegar. Mentioned a couple of times. Dilute as it can sting. One suggested apple cider vinegar specifically. This is allegedly helpful if the issue is bacterial. Can be used in the bath.

+ Alkaline Water. (Water with lemon) Aren't lemons acidic?? Anyhow, this was suggested. I also read that keeping the body slightly alkaline helps, as acidity can cause all sorts of issues. I would suggest doing an internet search on ways to achieve this. There are diets out there that promote this concept.

+ Hydrogen Peroxide. Dilute as it can sting. Increase H2o2 as conditions improve. Use internally.

+Stay Away From: Simple sugars (mentioned by several people) and citrus. White sugar, flour, rice, any refined sugars.

+ Body Ecology Diet. Suggested if the issue is ongoing. Internet search will bring up info. on this diet. I have read some about it.

+ Understand What You Are Dealing With. Is it bacteria or yeast? They can present in the same way.

+ Sachromyces. Apparently this is a yeast that eats other yeasts. It came highly recommended by one person, who says it can be bought in health food stores. I will do more research on this and report back.

+ Tea Tree Essential Oil. I have read different accounts of how to use tea tree. Some say a few drops on a tampon works. Others say it must be diluted with a carrier oil first, then applied to the tampon. One woman from the list says that tea tree worked for her again and again, but then she developed tea tree resistant strains.

+ Diva Cup. Yeast infections are allegedly a common issue with users of the Diva Cup.

+ Vitamin D. One woman suggested that deficiency in vitamin D can contribute to yeast infections.

+ Men. Men can get yeast infections also. If a woman is getting them, her man may be, too.

+ Garlic. I've read accounts of it being used both on the inside and eaten for benefits. On the inside, either place a clove whole or minced into some cheese cloth and insert. I'll need to look up the length of time it stays. I don't recall. But one person suggested overnight. Don't forget some dental floss or something to tie it and for easy removal.

+ Milk Thistle Glycerite/ Dandelion Glycerite. I have no idea, at this point, what these are, but they are allegedly good liver support. It seems that conventional medications for yeast infections can be hard on the liver.

+ Honey. Messy, this one! Plan to bathe afterwards. External.

I will be doing some more research in this area, but this is what I have at this point. I hope it's helpful. If any of you would like more info in any particular area, let me know. I'm happy to start there. Here is a neat website with a number of different  natural approaches to curing/managing yeast infections: LINK

Metamucil For Lowering Cholesterol

Recently my husband had a physical, which included blood work. He was informed that his lipids are "slightly elevated." He wasn't given medication. He was thrown a bit by this news because he is careful about what he eats and has started exercising pretty regularly. I read about it online, and discovered that a tendency toward high blood cholesterol/lipids is inherited. Though this probably brought hubby some relief, it didn't change the fact, and so he/we are on a mission to change it. The first thing I did, of course, was to look into natural remedies. I turned to the Holistic Moms Network. (for more info. on HMN, see the button/link on my blog) I immediately started to receive responses from people around the country. The one that stuck out to me was a woman who said that taking Metamucil reduced her cholesterol by around 40 points in about 3 months. Wow! I went online and did a little research on this. The information was there and very available. The National Fiber Council has a neat section called "What Fiber Does For You." which includes the statement, Fiber can help lower cholesterol by absorbing fat and cholesterol from food. (Pat Baird, registered dietitian and NFC Vice-chair)" 


I told hubby about this, and bought some right away. Right on the front of the can it reads, "Helps Lower Cholesterol!" Metamucil is known for its other popular use, which is to assist with bowel functioning. But it obviously has a pretty great secondary (or is is primary?) use. So we're using it. We took some last night. The can I got is orange flavor, and I liken it to drinking apricot nectar. It wasn't bad. 


*Note: Although the information on the can recommends taking one heaping tablespoon in at least 8 oz of water THREE times a day, it also recommends starting off using it ONCE per day, and building up to three times a day. It stresses that it is important to add the powder to at LEAST 8 oz of water. The stuff is kinda thick, and can be hard to swallow if not diluted well. 


**Another note: It is (hopefully obviously) most important to eat a diet that is high in vegetables and fruits, low in meats and dairy, and low in fried foods and junk. Exercise is key too. And know your history. If your folks have or had high lipids/cholesterol, you are more likely to develop this issue also. 


Update: Please read my 1/21/11 post on Metamucil and Heartburn

Essential Oils For Eczema IN CHILDREN

I recently posted about my success with using bergamot oil for eczema for myself. I have received a few replies from folks who have kids with eczema. I appeal to you with children. Essential oils are great for kids! But not ALL essential oils. In fact there are a number of EOs that are NOT recommended for use on children.

After receiving those messages, I referred to the book Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child by Valerie Ann Worwood. She has a few recommendations, which include soothing oat baths, a calamine lotion mix, a vegetable oil bath, an anxiety relieving bath and an oil mix. Bergamot is part of the oil mix, but it is a small part. I am happy to share more information on any of the above. For single essential oils, she recommends the following:

Camomile German (which I have used with good results)
Yarrow
Lavender*
 Elemi
Ho-wood
Palmarosa

*Please note. Lavender essential oil has been linked to hormone disruption in boys. (I don't have the link handy, but a Google search would bring it up) It is an issue with daily use (from shampoo, etc.) I use it occasionally in the bath, and I'm not overly concerned about it. But do your homework just so you know the facts. Basically the two boys with the symptoms had enlarged breasts due to chronic exposure, and in both cases the condition resolved itself with the removal of the oil.

NRT - Blocking and Switching

I am waiting for some information on blocking and switching from the Clinical Nutritionist I am seeing. After getting belly aches several times over the last week or so, she told me to discontinue taking all supplements. She claims that my belly issues may be due to "blocking and switching." I went ahead and did a google search. This website seems to explain it pretty well. It actually explains a few things the CN has done with me that has otherwise not been explained. Like the red light for scars thing. Hm.

Interesting Update On NRT/Natural Health Stuff

For those following my trials with the Natural Health Improvement Center, you might find this interesting. A few days ago I had a belly-ache. I didn't think to much about it. Then yesterday I got another one. Being fairly unusual for me to get stomach-related issues, I was now wondering what was going on. I had recently starting adding Detoxosode chemicals to my water bottle each day, as directed by the Clinical Nutritionist I'm seeing. I thought that perhaps this was causing my issues. If you've read my past posts on all this stuff, you'll remember that when I first started taking the probiotic supplements my CN suggested for me, I was also taking one on my own, and the two of them together caused some gut upheaval for me. I emailed the CN, and let her know what was happening. She wrote back instructing me to discontinue the chemicals for the weekend (I emailed her Thursday afternoon.) I immediately rinsed out my water bottle and having been drinking plain water ever since. Some time this morning I realized I had forgotten to take my morning supplements. This is the first time I've forgotten the morning pills. Even after giving myself a mental reminder to take them when I got home form taking DD to school, I forgot again. I'm sure this is my brain telling me that something I'm taking is causing my issues. Anyhow, despite all this, this afternoon my belly started acting up again. I figured that maybe it takes a day or two to get the chemical stuff out of me, but either way, I again emailed the CN to give her an update. (As she had requested) She emailed back telling me to stop the supplements. I emailed for clarification, as there are a few things I take on my own: vitamins, vitamin D, calcium and fish oil. She confirmed that I am to stop taking everything. She claims that I am either "blocked" or "switched." She says she will send me information tomorrow regarding what all of this means. So I'll discontinue it all. It isn't without some reservation, because I know the vitamin D and the other stuff is important. But as I keep saying, if this is going to have any chance of working, I have to follow the program. So, that's the deal. My belly mellowed out in the evening, and I feel fine now. I have had no problem eating, or had any related issues, just a belly that feels unhappy with what's in it. So we'll see. I will update as things transpire.

NRT Visit # Uh...um...er...

Well, you can see that NRT is not helping with my memory at all. But that's not why I go.

Today's visit actually seemed like a visit. That is to say that the Clinical Nutritionist I see actually spent some time with me today. As usual, she asked me how things are going. This question is so general I never know how to answer. I said, "I'm plugging along." "So what's hard?" she asks. As she did last time. Uhhhhhh.... I dunno. I told her that I was doing better with our diets, but that it's a process...blabla...... She asked about my skin, and I informed her that my skin has not been happy this week. I also mentioned that I haven't used my steroid cream in 3 weeks. (I think?) She said that it is not surprising to see a bit of a relapse. Now that I'm not "masking" the issue with the cream, she will be able to see what the underlying issues are. Hang in there. Ok. A reasonable response. Possibly even true. Hm. Anyhow, I'm still skeptical. After all, I've lived with my skin for a long time, and the issue ebbs and flows. But, I am going to give this my all (not just all my $$...) so... She asked about our water. If it's town or well water. (well) Where did I grow up? What kind of water there? Do we have hard water? (Think so....) Do we use a softener? (No) I asked if a filtering shower head was a good idea. Yes. She said tht the water is treated with chlorine. So next came my newest supplement! This one is allegedly going to push the chlorine out of my body. It's a liquid, and it gets added to my water bottle each day. One capful. It's called "Detoxosode", and it's made by Standard Process. She "tested" DS too to see if he can handle it. (He's still nursing) She rounded the visit out by telling me that I'm doing better with our diets. =) I knew that, but it's nice to hear, anyhow. I'm scheduled to go back next  week. While I do sort of enjoy my weekly "assignments" I look forward to being able to put a little space between visits.

12 Pills

I realized the other day that I take 12 pills a day. Twelve pills every day! How did I get to this point? Well....

Vitamins - I take them, as many do, to supplement what I eat, for good health.

Calcium - I read, more than a decade ago, about how taking calcium supplements can help women reduce bone loss as they age. Many women suffer from osteoporosis and related issues after menopause due to bone loss/reduced calcium absorption. I've been taking it ever since. I used to take one tablet a day until my dear midwives suggested I increase it to two per day. I did so about six years ago.

Vitamin D - At a recent visit with my midwife (for general woman care) she suggested I increase my intake of vitamin D. I take one a day.

Fish oil - I have thought for some time that I should take fish oil for the coveted omega-3 fatty acids. I don't eat fish (tuna once in a while...) so I started to take these recently. When I found out that most fish oil supplements contain PCBs, I stopped. I found some the other day at Whole Foods which claim to be PCB-free, so I got them. The bottle suggests two capsules a day, so that is what I take.

Lact-Enz - A probiotic recommended for me by the Clinical Nutritionist I see at the Natural Health Improvement Center. I take 3 a day.

Dermatrophin - Another supplement recently added by the Clinical Nutritionist at the NHIC. She told me that this one is to repair my skin (I see her for eczema/skin issues) I take two a day.

Wheat Germ Oil - Also recommended by the CN at the NHIC, this one gets squirted into my belly button. I know, I know, I think it's weird, too!! I do this once a day.

Yeah, it's crazy. Cave people did not do this. And every time I do any research on foods and health I get another person or group's opinion as to how to eat to treat yourself the best way you can, and they all disagree with each other. So is the best thing to do to eat everything in moderation? To cut out sugar? Fat? Carbs? What? I have no idea. But I'm giving the NHIC a chance to prove, or disprove, their take on things. But it is sort of funny. Hubby jokes that with all of these pills, I shouldn't need to eat!

Whole Foods (the store)

There is no Whole Foods market near where I live. But there IS one near where my father lives. So every time we visit, we make a trip to Whole Foods. And drop a BUNCH of money. Every time I get a new "assignment" from the Natural Health Improvement Center, it means a trip to a store which sells natural supplements and the like. We have one near us, but it's just fun to go to Whole Foods. They have everything you could possibly want for getting healthy, and stuff you didn't even know you wanted until you saw it.

This morning, we went. Oh my. $140.00 later, we came home with two bags of stuff, including a bottle of PCB-free fish oil supplements ($30.00), organic flax seed oil, which was recommended by the Clinical Nutritionist I'm seeing ($6.50), a 14.6 oz. bag (not big!) bag of protein powder, also recommended by the CN, (!!$22.00!!), Topelo honey, recommended to replace sugar in coffee/tea, ($9.00) and so forth. Yow! The protein powder really through me for a loop. I thought it was expensive simply trying to buy organic produce. The healthier I try to be, the more broke we get. Yeesh. And this is all on top of the supplements I purchase directly from the Natural Health Improvement Center. And the essential oils. I hope it's all worth it.

 

I think it is.....

Eczema and Essential Oils - Trial Phase

Today is am trying essential oils on my skin, and DS's skin, for the first time. I read on this website that camomile essential oil could be used on kids, so I mixed two drops of Camomile German EO into about two tablespoons of Sweet Almond carrier oil. I applied it a few minutes ago. It's hard to judge what works with eczema because there are so many variables, but I will report how our skin is doing over the next few days. The website lists many EOs that can be used for eczema care, so if you're limited with what oils you have or have access to, there will likely be something for you on this list.

July 14th, 2010: I've got to remember to update these posts once in a while. =) It has been almost 4 months since I started using the oils on my skin, and I have not used my steroid cream a single time since then. (yeah!!) I use sweet almond oil in place of lotion, and sweet almond with Bergamot on my eczema patches. As time has gone along, I have needed the Bergamot blend less and less often. My skin is doing incredibly well. It is gradually improving on a consistent basis. I have made a couple of other changes as well, which I'm sure are contributing factors. I take fish oil supplements two times every day, and I take a probiotic once a day. I just switched (maybe three days ago) to a high-potency probiotic that is supposed to help keep the body's yeast in balance (another issue I was dealing with...see my post on Natural Yeast Infection Remedies.) Anyhow, things are moving in a very good direction for me. I hope it can work for you, too!

NRT - Appointment #3 and "Food Demystified" talk

Visit #3 at the Natural Health Improvement Center was last Thursday evening. I decided this time to make my appointment at a time when hubby could watch our son. I wanted to see how the clinical nutritionist responded to me when I didn't have a child with me. She did appear to be more relaxed. I'm sure I was, too. As directed, this time I had brought with me all all of the supplements I was taking. These included multi-vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, a probiotic (Jarro-Dophillus,) and the supplement she had recommended (Lact-Enz.) I informed her of my gut issues over the preceding week. She tested me (one arm out, the other hand holding each bottle/box in turn) and agreed with my theory that the two probiotics (Jarro and Lact-Enz) were causing my intestinal issues. There was no shock when she told me to discontinue the probiotic I had bought for myself and continue the one she had recommended! She did tell me to cut back from taking 4 each day to taking 3. (I implemented this plan 7 days ago, and I have had no further issues.) She took a look at my food diary, which admittedly was kind of sad. (Goofy grin) I had given up on the dairy and gluten thing when she did not give me much direction with it. She advised me to try making one meal each day dairy-free, gluten-free, and without any processed foods. Ok, now that is a plan I can work with! What else did she say......? Hm. Oh yes. She told me to up my vegetable intake. No problem. Though I can't say I've done a great job of that, but today I shopped and bought a bunch of stuff. So was that it? Oh, she also tested me (arm out and so forth) to see if the one eczema spot she's sort of focused on (I have many) has improved. Her report? Yes, I have improved. (I haven't) She presses my out-stretched arm, starting at the wrist and heading up toward my elbow. She told me that there are 10 steps. If 10 is reached, that area is healthy. I went from a zero to a two on that rashy spot. Hm. Not sure about that. But if I'm going to see this through, I have to follow what she says, and so. Oh, and she asked me how the wheat germ in the belly button was going. I informed her that I never received wheat germ. I did this time! And I've been doing it. Voo-doo. We'll see.

Also that evening at the Center, a talk was given by a young woman called Food Demystified. I missed some of the talk due to my appointment, but caught some. She had given a hand-out which included such things as a Good Foods List. She went through this with the group. (I can elaborate if there's interest - I could even photograph the page. Let me know.) The packet includes a small list of foods to avoid, including fairly obvious things such as fast foods, sugars and junk food. There were also suggested meal ideas and menus. (Which I especially appreciated!) I felt the talk was good, and I felt that it helped me to begin to get my $'s worth out of this whole ordeal, ya know? I will attempt to attend all such talks as I'm able. They are free. They strongly request that members bring friends, as this brings them business, of course. They give members incentive - each referred person results in the referring member receiving a free office visit. And so forth. Anyhow, I was glad I went. I did, in fact bring a friend, who says she enjoyed the talk. Cool.

I have mellowed myself into the idea of gradual change. I find that the easiest way to help myself make dietary changes is when I'm shopping. If I buy healthier items, that's what we have here to eat. I have bought some foods that were recommended by the CN at the Center, including Chobani yogurt. DS just devoured a container of it. I tasted it, expecting it to taste terrible, but it didn't. It was good. And not very expensive. Ok, cool. I also bought a package of red quinoa. I don't like quinoa, but I am going to try it again, and try it on the family. Why not?

Next appointment, Thursday eve.

Essential Oils - Peppermint For Sinusitis

I have been suffering from daily sinus pressure for a number of weeks now. It's worst when I've been home a lot. I am reacting to something in the house. In the last couple of days some other symptoms have added themselves to this: exhaustion, scratchy throat, sneezing. Well, sneezing isn't new. But anyhow, I caught DD's slight upper respiratory infection. So I decided to pull out the oils.

My little pamphlet from Young Living states "Topical Use - (dilution may be required) - Rub 1 drop on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (avoid contact with eyes), and on the back of the neck to help soothe head pressure."

Good enough. I tried it. Neat. Wow! It's like putting Ben-Gay on sore muscles. You definitely feel it. I don't know how to explain the sensation, but it feels almost cold. Whether or not it aids in the sinus (or other head) pressure, it certainly distracted me from that discomfort, and in a good way. It did not last for a long time, but for an hour anyhow. I have used it twice more so far. I will say that putting peppermint oil near the eyes can cause your eyes to water. It's strong stuff! You may want to dilute it (almond oil, or another carrier oil) to put it on your face.

It's been hours since I started with this experiment. Maybe 9? I've applied it three times today. I no longer feel the pressure in my sinuses. I have also been away from home since this morning, which may be helping, too.  But I would definitely use it again for sinus pressure.

*Update... ok, it's nearly 10pm, and I have reapplied the peppermint oil a couple more times. I have gotten braver about spreading it around more, and wow, what a difference it is making! Previous times I had forgotten to put the oil on my forehead. The last couple of times I did. And I spread it a little further around the back of my neck. I am cautious on my sinuses because the oil is strong, and it does create a vapor that I don't want in my eyes. But man, I love the over all effect this has! It does need to be reapplied every couple of hours, but it feels great and seems to work well. I can definitely tell when it's wearing off. But I'm officially recommending it. Give it a try!

>Just a quick note...I would recommend washing your hands after applying the oil - this one or any one. You don't want to accidentally get these oils in the wrong place. They are super concentrated, and they're strong!

NRT - Interesting Pricing Info.

The first person to tell me about muscle testing informed me that she had paid $45.00 for her initial visit. I paid $125.00 (for me, and again for DS.) I emailed the practitioner I had seen to ask her about this. This resulted in our receiving our next appointment free of charge. 

Today I received a letter from the Center in the mail. It was basically a welcome letter, but mainly encouraged me to talk others into going to their practice which is quite busy, so I'd better encourage them asap. (yeah, right) Anyhow, I was sent two cards with which to refer my friends. If said friends make their appointment within one week of the date on the card, they receive a 65% discount on their first visit. This means they pay FORTY-FIVE dollars. The letter also suggested that every person is referred by another person. It was true that the staff asked me again and again how I found them. So because I found the place on my own, I paid a great deal more than if someone had told me about it. Does that seem right?? I mean, I can see benefiting the person who did the referring.... Anyhow, just thought I'd share! 

If anyone locally decides to look into this, FIND someone who goes there already! It's worth the search. And the referring person gets a coupon for one free office visit, which is worth $35.00. 

I'm not sure where their priorities are, but at the moment it seems to be financial............

NRT - The Follow-Up Appointment

Today DS and I went to the Natural Health Improvement Center for our follow-up appointment. We met with woman A who went over the findings report with me. This report basically informs you if you are or are not a good candidate for NRT (I am.) It then identifies the "Nutrition Response Reflex Points." For me, those are "blocked/scars" and "skin/hand/feet." It lists my "Clinical Nutrition Supplements Needed" as "wheat germ oil" and "Lactenz." The report goes on to explain the steps toward achieving health through this system. The are "Fine Tuning Your Program," "Natural Healing and Observation Period" and "Maintenance Phase." It was explained to me that the first phase involves weekly visits for 3-6 weeks, the second takes about 12 weeks, and the third involves months visits for about 4-6 months, with follow-up visits every few months as needed. A fee schedule and review of a "family plan" follows. The final page is a print out from my first visit, and I don't much understand it except that it reports that my fitness level is pretty poor. (How they determined that, I can't imagine...) It says I'm in the green, or normal level, but I'm much closer to the yellow, or below normal than I am to the blue, or athletic zone. I have to chuckle at this! I did no fitness test of any kind while there. Interesting. Anyhow, the rest of the visit...

We were then seen by woman B, the Clinical Nutritionist who saw us last time. She did a shortened version of the test she did last time, with the wheat germ oil bottle in my hand, and pushing down on my other arm. She briefly tested DS the same way as last time, with me holding him. She gave me a metal "flashlight" for lack of a better word, and instructed me to shine in into my belly button for 4 minutes. (If I wasn't so incredibly under control at all times, I would have cracked up....ok I'm not that in control, but I didn't laugh out loud.) She informed me that I would need to prick a wheat germ oil capsule every day and rub the oil on my belly button. (oooooohhhhkaaaaaaayy) She had me hold one, then two, then three, etc up to five tablets which I presume were the lactenz tablets, and by pushing on my arm with each "dose" she was able to tell how many my body needs. She informed me that I need to take 4 every day, divided up with my meals. (2 at dinner, the biggest meal) She tested Sean to see if this amount in me would also work for him, with positive results. I asked her about our diets, because I've kept us off of dairy and gluten for 1.5 weeks now. She didn't give me any direction with that, so I said that I might as well drop the diet. Then she told me not to do that, but to gradually turn the kitchen into a healthier one. She did tell me to reduce our sugar intake.

On the way out, we were given, to the tune of $39.00, a bottle of lactenz supplements. No wheat germ oil, but I didn't think at the time to ask for it. They gave me the appointment free, as I had emailed to say that I was surprised at the cost of the initial visit, and asked if the follow-up was included. So yay me.

I told them that I wasn't sure I was going to continue to have DS as a patient, as I feel that he'll benefit from whatever changes I make. They didn't disagree with this, but will see him again in a month for a couple of months. Fair enough. I go back in a week.

Supplement one taken with lunch today. I added slightly less sugar to my afternoon cup of coffee. ;)

All Natural Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

I wasn't sure I wanted to post about this, but I feel that it goes along with my journey in general, and others may want to know about this stuff. I will share my experiences in this area without sharing too much! ;)

Cloth Menstrual Pads:

About half a year ago I switched completely from using disposable feminine hygiene products to using cloth menstrual pads. I can't imagine going back. The reasons are many. They are more comfortable (nothing on them to stick to your clothes....or you,) they snap on so they don't shift around, much less expensive over time (usu. about $4/pad, but that varies, plus I am able to make my own, which reduced the cost even more,) more interesting to look at as you can use or buy whatever fabric prints you want, etcetc. They are as easy to care for as your regular laundry, and are discreet between washes as you just fold them up on themselves and snap them closed. Easy.

For those interested, check Etsy out. Lots of folks make them for very reasonable prices. (http://www.etsy.com) Check out also Glad Rags. I'm sure there are loads of other places. Do a search online. I've never seen them anywhere but online, but those on the other coast may have....

Sea Sponge Tampons

I haven't had any interest in trying any of the internal feminine hygiene products as they just seem weird. People swear by them (testimonials I have read online, I don't know anyone personally who has shared that kind of information with me) including the Diva Cup (popular with folks on the Holistic Moms Network) and sea sponge tampons. I believe there are other options as well, but I just don't know. So a few days ago when my daughter started pestering me to go swimming, I simply said that I couldn't at the moment. Does a 5-year-old give up that easily? Anyone who has one or has had one knows the answer is NO! Anyhow the long and the short of it is that I went to our local natural food store and inquired, and was given Sea Pearls Sea Sponge tampons. Here is some info about them. This was taken from the brochure enclosed with the tampons:

I don't know if this is readable, but I'm happy to share any information I have.

Although I don't really feel like drawing out the details of my experience with these tampons to share with all the world, I will say that I today I had a very positive experience with them. They're easy to use, easy to care for, and all natural, biodegradable, reusable, and come from a renewable source. I will answer any questions anyone has about my experience, and I will share another blog post I found on these tampons which helped ease my mind before using them myself: LINK This person is not as shy as I!