All Natural Aches and Pains Blend Salve

I have been trying to find something to handle the pain I have in my back, neck and shoulders for years. I've tried lots of name brand stuff and haven't been happy for several reasons. The smell is strong and hard to tolerate, especially if I want to use the ointment during the day. Nothing says sexy like smelling like a 101 year old woman in a nursing home. I also disliked that the ointment didn't provide relief for more than a few hours, or less in most cases.

So, I went looking for an all natural alternative and found it! In essential oils! OH YES! Rebecca at Camp Wander created the Aches and Pains Blend Salve. It's recipe is nearly the same as the All Natural Healing Salve I wrote about earlier this month. The only difference being the essential oil combination. Now, I was skeptical at first but that soon went away when I reflected on it a bit. So many of folks think all natural treatments are nothing but hippie quackery. I use to think that too. Even about the generic brands at the drug store. It was always, "No no, get the name brand stuff. It works better." Pshhh, not so much. I kept buying it even though it didn't really work that great. Why? Because we are all convinced that chemically developed medicine is the ONLY way to get rid of illness. This is NOT true. I firmly believe that many cures for common ailments are available to us right here on our Earth. Climbing down from my soap box now....

I made 5 jars of the Aches and Pains Blend Salve and started using one of the jars every morning and before bed. I wanted to be able to tell people about how great it works by using it myself; another thing I firmly believe in! So here is my testimonial for the Aches and Pains Blend Salve.

The Aches and Pains Blend Salve, developed by Camp Wander, is amazing! The blend contains several essential oils that are known for their all natural healing properties, and work together to make each other more powerful healers. I know it sounds crazy to think that birch, white fir and frankincense essential oils can have a better effect on healing aches and pains then the common muscle ointment (Icy Hot, Bengay...etc.), but it works! The scent is soft, with just a hint of birch essential oil (a wintergreen scent). I usually put the salve on my mid and lower back, as well as my hips. I have also started putting it on my shoulder blades and neck. The best part, I don't stink! And it don't get that terrible burn and cold feeling like most other creams provide. Not to mention, it lasts all day! ALL DAY! WHAT!? I know, right? It's great!

So, I hope this article helps anyone considering trying the Aches and Pains Blend Salve to manage their own pain, like I have mine.

Camp Wander's All Natural Aches and Pains Salve Recipe:

1 Cup Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Tablespoons Organic Beeswax Pastilles
1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil (optional)

Fills a total of 5, 4oz glass mason jars.

Add these essential oils to the 5, 4 oz. mason jars BEFORE filling with the salve mixture.
30 drops of Birch
10 drops of Frankincense
10 drops of White Fir


Coconut oils is a natural moisturizer as well as antibacterial. Olive Oil has lots of antioxidants, including Hydroxytyrosol as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Now that Birch EO, the most powerful essential oil for pain relief with aspirin like qualities is available from Spark Naturals, the ability to make your own powerful Icy Hot - like pain reliever is a reality. PURE Birch essential oil is hard to come by and in high demand for a reason - natural pain relief.  Combine Birch for pain, White Fir EO for inflammation and Frankincense EO to further enhance the properties of all three EOs, driving them deeper into the affected tissue.  

 

Melt the coconut, olive oil and beeswax in a warm bath, stirring with a knife every few minutes until melted.
This will take at least 15 min, you want a slow melt.

Add the EOs to the empty jars and pour into glass jars of your choice and let cool.
Put a paper towel over the jars while cooling and wait to cover with lids until completely cooled down.  Shelf life is approximately 8 months.

As always, I highly recommend Spark Naturals Essential Oils. Purchase the required essential oils HERE.

Use coupon code CURLY to save 10% on your purchase 
with Spark Naturals.

Allergy Sufferers UNITE! L.L.P. to the Rescue!

I don't know about you, but my  allergies have been kicking my buttocks for a few weeks now. Seems like spring and early fall are the worst. I tend to have the most trouble with my nose and sinuses. Congestion, and pressure. NO THANK YOU!

Every four hours, I take an over the counter anti-inflammatory for nasal swelling. At night, I take a generic allergy medicine that is "suppose" to last 24 hours. Yeah...okay. ::::insert eye roll here::::

So, I started looking around for what else I could try. I am a huge follower of Camp Wander and One Good Thing By Jillee; both blogs have an abundance of information related to essential oils, crafts, DIY and other goodies. I love these blogs! They have changed my life for the better, both health wise and financially.




Both Jill (One Good Thing By Jillee) and Rebecca (Camp Wander) STRONGLY recommend Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend. This blend is an equal combination of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint essential oils. It can be applied topically to your feet or taken internally (in a shot glass of water twice a day or in a veggie capsule twice a day). Pretty cool, huh!? This combination is an awesome anti-histamine that can help all allergy suffers! So, (everyone scream) ALLERGY SUFFERERS UNITE! Say "goodbye" to the yucky chemically designed pills we are all filling our bodies with and "hello" to more effective, all natural alternatives!




Read One Good Thing By Jillee's Post About Allergies HERE.
Read Camp Wander's Post About Allergies HERE.

Here's what to do:

Antihistamine Protocol in a Capsule:
Purchase Spark Naturals Veggie Capsules. They are inexpensive and a great way to take the L.L.P. internally. Simply fill a capsule with 9 drops of Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend, and then close it up. Take 1 capsule, two times per day. THAT'S IT! EASY!

Antihistamine Protocol in Water Shots:
This is my choice way of taking my Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend. I notice relief from my allergies right away and it seems to last longer than taking the blend via capsule. So, what you do is fill a GLASS (not plastic) shot glass with cold tap water. Add 3 drops of Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend to the water. Drink it in one gulp. Swoosh your mouth out with water if you like. That's it! Do this two-three times a day.

That's it my dears! When I started taking my Spark Naturals L.L.P. Allergy Blend, I overlapped with my over the counter drugs. I would take my standard dose of my over the counter allergy meds, as well as my shot glass of water and L.L.P Allergy Blend. I did this for about a week before stopping the over the counter meds all together. I haven't touched an over the counter allergy med in over a year....I couldn't be happier! Remember, consistancy is KEY when it comes to essential oils.
 

And, as always, use coupon code CURLY to save 10% on all your purchase from www.sparknaturals.com

Take Care of Fatigue and Insomnia with Essential Oils

 

 

 

 

Fatigue, sleepy, exhausted…whatever you call it, they are all disgusting words. Besides taking multiple pills to receive some sort of restful sleep, what else can be done to either stay alert during the day or to help get some good sleep!? I think this has been the number one question I have been asked since I started spreading the word about essential oils.  

So, I started looking more into this and wanted to put together a super juicy blog post to help out all the heavy eyed people out there.

In my research, I have found a few all natural things that have worked for others that I completely support. It just depends on what method of delivery you want.  I’m going to break this down a bit more than usual so I can help those who have trouble falling asleep and help those who have issues with fatigue during the day.

 

Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep

 WHAT I RECOMMEND…

Bliss Blend from Spark Naturals (Purchase HERE)

·         Bliss is a special blend of lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla.

·         Bliss can be used throughout the day to combat stress and anxiety. Then diffuse or apply to the bottom of your feet at bedtime to assist in peaceful, resting sleep.

o   Put Bliss in a roller bottle (50/50 blend of Bliss and Fractionated Coconut Oil). Roll on the bottom of your feet and on your wrists before bed time.

o   Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the evening and while sleeping. This is a great way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE.

 

OR...THESE WILL WORK TOO… 

Sandalwood Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Known to stimulate a gland in your brain that produces melatonin. The melatonin then provides your body with natural sleep. Sandalwood is a great essential oil to use instead of melatonin tablets.

·         Historically, it has been used to assist in meditation because of its ability to relax and focus an individual. 

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles and wrists before bed.

o   Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the evening and while sleeping. This is an AWESOME way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE.

 

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·      Roman Chamomile is known for its relaxation properties. It is wonderful for those suffering from insomnia, anxiety, PMS, digestive issues and to calm the nervous system.

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles and wrists before bed.

o   Diffuse (see explanation under sandalwood)

 

Vetiver Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Vetiver EO is perfect for anyone who suffers from insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, mental fatigue and postpartum depression.

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles and wrists before bed.

o   Diffuse (see explanation under sandalwood)

 

Overcoming Fatigue During the Day

 

WHAT I RECOMMEND…

Lemongrass Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Known to energize, relieve fatigue and lethargic feelings.

o   Diffuse! Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the day. This is a great way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE. Be sure to stop diffusing the essential oil 2 hours prior to bedtime.

 

OR...THESE WILL WORK, TOO… 

Grapefruit Essential Oil (Purchase HERE)

·         Known to help with hangovers, mental fatigue and headaches.

o   Add 3-6 drops of grapefruit EO to a 8oz glass of water and consume rapidly 1 hour before bed.

o   Diffuse! Diffuse the EO in an essential oil diffuser throughout the day. This is a great way to get all the same benefits of essential oils without having to smear yourself in them. Spark Naturals has two AMAZING diffusers that can be purchased HERE. Be sure to stop diffusing the essential oil 2 hours prior to bedtime.

o   Apply several drops (2-4) to temples, ankles, and wrists before bed. (Do not dilute with fractionated coconut oil. In other words, apply NEAT.)

 

 

 

And, as always....

Save 10% on all your purchases from www.sparknaturals.com

with coupon code CURLY

The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Essential Oil Water

Lemon Water is Good For You!

Do you know about the benefits of putting lemon essential oil in your water? I didn't, until about a year ago. I was reading online about how amazing lemon essential oil really is!

Drinking lemon essential oil in water, on a regular basis, is highly beneficial. This is a powerful, internal body cleanser that brings noticeable improvements to the skin. Lemon essential oil is exceptional for the lymph system, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. It is also a great way to prevent kidney stones! OUCH! Not to mention these other benefits: detoxification, strengthens nails, helps digestive problems, soothes sore throats, rids bad breath, helps ease cold and flu symptoms, great for allergies, and a natural stress reliever. OOF-DA! That's quite the power house essential oil!

So, are you convinced that drinking 8 cups of water a day with 2-6 drops of Spark Naturals Lemon Essential Oil is a good idea? Huh? Do ya, Do ya?! Well it is!

Wondering what it tastes like? Well, when you add the lemon EO to your water bottle (WARNING: ONLY use steel or glass water bottles with lemon EO), it will smell like fresh squeezed lemonade, but when you take a sip, it will taste like water with a lemon wedge squeezed into it. It's very subtle and yummy. I drink it every day, all day.

Are you ready for it? Here it comes.....

THE INSTRUCTIONS

Okay, that wasn't very exciting....

  

Step One: Purchase or use a steel or glass water bottle you are comfortable using all day long.  I bought a glass one made by ZULU at Target not too long ago. It was only $14.99 and is excellent quality. Here's what it looks like....mine is a cool hot pinkish/purple color. Pretty jazzy! For a water bottle....

Step Two: I have also heard great things about the steel HydroFlask bottles. They are a little pricey but they will keep your hots hot, and colds cold for 24 hours.

Step Three: Next, buy PURE Lemon Essential Oil. DO NOT BUY THE CHEAP CRAP FROM THE GROCERY STORE! Spark Naturals Lemon Essential Oil is high quality, therapeutic grade and safe for internal consumption. Buy it by CLICKING HERE. I recommend the 15mL bottle because you will be going through this quickly if you are drinking it all day every day...YEP! Good thing its cheap! ;)

Plus, use coupon code CURLY at checkout to get 10% off!

Step Four: Finally.....DRINK UP, BUTTER CUP! 8 cups of water a day is best. Fill up your tall water bottle 3 times a day and you'll be set! Easy Peezy...LEMON SQUEEZY! hehehe get it? get it!?

 The End :)



Top 10 Uses of Birch Essential Oils

10% off your Spark Naturals orders when you use coupon code CURLY

Birch Essential Oil is back in stock at Spark Naturals! Spark Naturals offers 100% PURE, all natural, therapeutic grade essential oils at low prices. If you can relate to any of the issues listed below, do not hesitate to order!

Top 10 Uses for Birch Essential Oil

Birch EO (essential oil) is an amazing oil, IF you buy it PURE. Only a few companies have birch EO available in pure forms, because it is so hard to find! One of these companies is Spark Naturals! So, I've put together several ways to use birch EO for all my followers so you can purchase your own birch EO to use at home! Trust me, it's WORTH IT!!

1. Pew! Brush your teeth! Add one drop to your toothbrush before adding your toothpaste and brush like usual. This helps strengthen your teeth! My dentist grandpa would be proud :)
2. Arthritis Pain:  Birch essential oil contains methyl salicylate, a natural cortisone, which is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Add a drop or two to a teaspoon of carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut Oil) and rub on where you are experiencing pain.
3. Achy bones: Apply a drop to the bottom of the feet and toes once or twice a day. Birch EO has the same "frequency" as bone so it works wonderfully. Especially if you have brittle bones from aging.
4. Birch EO is a diuretic! It helps reduce swelling and water retention. Apply 2-3 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut Oil) to the abdomen to help with PMS symptoms. Goodbye cramps!
5. Reduce swelling and bruising from injuries. Add 1-2 drops of birch EO to a teaspoon of carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut Oil) and apply to the injured area.
6. Back pain be gone! Birch EO is amazing for back! It helps clear debris out of the spinal column, helps strengthen the vertebrae and reduces inflammation. If your back hurts, have someone apply 5-7 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil to the back, then follow it up with a warm, damp towel covered with a dry towel to keep your chair or bed dry. Leave the towel on until it feels cold. Rinse or wipe off the back after removing the towel.
7. Bone spurs or areas of calcium buildup: Birch EO helps reduce the pain and inflammation and if used consistently, will break down the calcium buildup or bone spur. Apply a drop to the problem spot 2-5 times a day, diluting with carrier oil if needed.
8. Birch EO has a numbing effect! This will help ease the pain of problem areas quickly. Try it on a toothache! Just put a drop right on the tooth and get relief right away!
9. GOODBYE CELLULITE! Add a couple drops of birch EO to a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub on the area after showering. Good to go!
10. Planters fasciitis be gone! Mix 3-4 drops of birch EO to a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub on the bottom of the feet before bed. You will notice relief the next morning!

One of the best ways to apply birch essential oil is in a salve or roller bottle. Here are the items I recommend for making your easy to use roller bottle application of birch essential oil. This makes it so much easier and cleaner then mixing it up in your hands all the time. What a pain! Go with the roller bottle mixture. It's the best thing EVERRRRRRR!







Step 1: 10mL roll on bottle. Perfect and cheap! Can't beat that. Get the one pictured HERE

Step 2: Fill 10mL roll on bottle with half fractionated coconut oil. Get the one pictured HERE











Step 3: Add 30 drops of Birch Essential Oil to the 10mL roll on bottle. Shake it like a Polaroid picture! Get the 5 mL birch essential oil HERE and the 15mL birch essential oil HERE






And one last thing! When you order, be sure to use coupon code CURLY at check-out to get 10% off your whole purchase! You're welcome ;o) Now...take care of yourself!

Struggle with Anxiety? Me too!

I have always struggled with anxiety. Even in childhood, I was deemed a "worry wart" long before I knew what that was. I can remember being so scared to go to school, I would cry and cry until my mom could talk me down from my anxiety filled moment. In first grade, I would bring a photo of my mom, my stuffed Ernie doll and my two baby blankets (people blanket and lion blanket) to school with me every day. They helped me get by. Luckily, I had a very understanding 1st grade teacher (Mrs. Goldner).

But, now that I'm an adult, it's not so easy, or accepted, to carry around a picture of my mom, Ernie doll and baby blanket. Yah know? I have always taken a lot on at one time. For instance, right now, I have a full time job, I'm taking 4 college courses, I make and sell jewelry on Etsy (www.etsy.com/shop/CurlysOwlParliament), I operate this blog, and I have a husband and son to care for. Things are always very busy for me! But, I like it that way.




Anxiety comes in many forms. For me, its the feeling of being overwhelmed. I get shaky and feel like I'm about to erupt with tears. I feel like I am on this huge adrenaline rush that won't end. What's helped me emencly is HerbaLife's 'Relax Now' supplement. It's an all natural, high quality supplement that can be taken once or twice a day to, well...RELAX! I take one each morning. I have noticed a HUGE difference in my mood. Sure, I still feel anxious, but it's tolerable now. I also discovered a Spark Naturals blend called "Jeddy's Blend." This blend was specifically designed for people with ADD, ADHD and/or Anxiety. Ding Ding Ding! I had to try it!


Because I love a deal....who doesn't right? I bought the Back to School Kit that Spark Naturals is offering right now HERE.

I got a 5mL bottle of both Jeddy's Blend and Shield (which I talk about in the Down with the Sickness post from a few days ago. The kit also came with 2 roller bottles for easy application and a really nice carrying case! Pretty slick and a GREAT DEAL! (Plus, use coupon code CURLY to save an extra 10%!!)

Order SOON! Spark Naturals discontinued selling this on September 1st but brought it back for a VERY LIMITED time due to high demand! Buy this before it's gone!!! It's a $42.00 value for just $33!! (Less than $30 if you use coupon code CURLY to save 10%!!)

Get one before it's gone! GET IT by CLICKING HERE

I thought I would try it on both Jamie (that's my son) and myself to see what sort of results we both had. My son Jamie has high functioning autism. You would never know it if you met him on the street but he has a few things that he needs some help with, like behavior and concentration.

HELLOOOOO JEDDY'S BLEND! PERFECT!

So, each morning, I roll on a 50/50 mixture of Jeddy's Blend and Fractionated Coconut Oil onto Jamie's feet bottoms, toe bottoms, wrists and neck to help him concentrate (I do the same to myself). It took a few days (the second day I tried Jeddy's Blend on him, he had a huge out burst at school), but he has had PERFECT days since then. Last year, we were struggling with behavior issues at school nearly EVERY DAY. Even if Jeddy's Blend helps Jamie get a few good days in each week, I'm happy! More importantly, so is he :)

I have also experienced some help with "turning off" at night by applying Jeddy's Blend before I jump into bed. Sometimes I keep myself awake with thinking about or worrying about what's coming up the next day. Jeddy's is helping me, too! YES! Plus, Jamie and I smell fantastic! It has a cologne type smell too it, sort of "woodsy." LOVE!

You can also buy Jeddy's Blend individually from Spark Naturals HERE. (Pssst, it a better deal to buy the Back to School Kit while it's still available.... just sayin').
Be sure to use coupon code CURLY so save 10%!

So, to conclude my story.....TRY JEDDY'S BLEND if you suffer from anxiety. It WILL help!

Spark Naturals Affiliate!! YEAH

Alright, I am so excited to announce that I am OFFICIALLY a Spark Naturals Affiliate! In plain terms, that means that all of my friends (and myself) can use my very own 10% off coupon code to save on all of their purchases from www.sparknaturals.com! WOOP WOOP! High quality, and affordable essential oils for everyone! Yes, I'm excited!

You have been reading all my posts on Facebook and on this blog about how much I love Spark Naturals and how their essential oils have changed my life and my family's lives. Now it's your turn!

Every time you order from Spark Naturals, apply this coupon code to get 10% off: CURLY

It's really that easy! Man, I love the people at Spark Naturals!

To get you started, I wanted to recommend something for those of you trying to start the essential oil journey. It's called "Oil of the Month Club." It's just $15.99 per month for a 15mL bottle of the oil selected by Spark Naturals as the oil of the month. Each month, you will receive a new oil to add to your collection. It's quite the deal! All of these oils are valued at or above $15.99 so you are saving big money! No kidding! Here's what each month's oil is:

January – Cassia
February – Peppermint
March – Bergamot
April – Oregano
May – Lavender
June – Geranium
July – Basil
August – Shield
September – Melaleuca
October – White Fir
November – Coriander
December – Respire

This month, being September, you would receive a 15mL bottle of Melaleuca. ONE OF MY FAVORITE ESSENTIAL OILS OF ALL FRIGGIN' TIME! I used it in the healing salves I made, I put it on cuts, bee stings, zits! YES ZITS! It's amazing. Some of you may be wondering what Melaleuca is. It's another word for tea tree. Most of us have used shampoo with tea tree oil in it at one point. It has a cooling effect and leaves your scalp feeling a little tingly. LOVE! Add a couple drops of melaleuca oil to any shampoo and get the same effect. NICE!


Order online with Spark Naturals. CLICK HERE
Be sure to use coupon code CURLY to save 10%!

Down with the sickness....Nope!

Yesterday, at work, I gave a 2 hour training in front of a group of 80 co-workers. I then went to the computer lab to help set up 15 staff on email and teach them how to do a timesheet on the computer....then it hit me. I felt tired, a little congested and had that tell tale burn in my sinus cavity. I told my colleague, "I think I'm getting sick!" The first thing I thought of was a recent post I saw from Rebecca at Camp Wander's Facebook page about how she started feeling this same way and took a potent blend of Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar along with a couple drops of Spark Naturals Shield blend. I happen to have both of these items on hand at home, so I figured it was worth a shot.

Now, some of you know that I tend to get sinus infections several times a year. I don't know why, but I do. They suck! It is so painful to breathe, cough and feel the horrible pressure in my head. Rebecca warned of the crazy bad taste of this cold/flu blend but, I didn't give a crap! I can't afford to be sick with my schedule! Can I get an AMEN!? So, I poured a shot glass full of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar and added two drops of Spark Naturals Shield Blend to it. Open the hatch, past the gums, look out stomach! Here it COMES! OH MY GOD! It was sooooooo strong. I couldn't catch my breathe afterwards. I was not expecting the Shield to be so damn strong. I immediately rinsed out my mouth over and over again with water until the strong scent and taste went away. Apparently, this is normal according to all the comments from other Camp Wander Facebook page readers. So I wasn't too worried.

Today, I feel great! I still have a little drainage and keep having to blow my nose (which is normal for me). But, no coughing, no feeling tired and no burning in my sinus! WOO-HOO! Just to be safe, I took a shot glass of this stuff again this afternoon just to help keep the crud away. I just asked Burty what I should call this mixture. He suggested "moose piss." :) This is why I married him.

Here is the recipe:

"Cold Killer" Shot



 

2 drops of Spark Naturals Shield Blend

                                                  Available HERE (Use coupon code CURLY to save 10%!)

 

A standard size shot glass

 

 

Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother)

Available in the organic section at most grocery stores

I buy mine at Cub Foods in Minnesota

 

 

Fill the shot glass with the Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Add 2 drops of Shield.

Gently mix.

Now, plug your nose and drink it FAST. DO NOT SIP!

*This mixture is VERY strong. Feel free to swoosh your mouth with water or milk. Drink a little bit of water too if that helps get the taste to go away.

*Repeat every 24 hours until the symptoms of an approaching cold, sinus infection or flu go away.

 

 

ENJOY!

 



 

Headaches SUCK!

Headaches suck! Plain and simple. I have been suffering from horrible cluster headaches for several years now and have only found relief with traditional Rx drugs. The headaches seem to be brought on by the horrible daily pain I have in my neck. I would love to go to a chiropractor, but the cost is just out of my reach. So I've settled for the muscle relaxer that I can only take at night because of how tired it makes me and the anti-inflammatory to help relieve the pressure and swelling in my neck. Both of these help greatly, but during the day, when I suffer the most, I can't take a muscle relaxer. I can't function on those things! Who can?! So I find myself taking Tylenol at least once a day, every day....on really bad days (the days I've been sitting at my desk or in training for several hours) I may take Tylenol 2 or 3 times a day. That's between 3 to 9 Tylenols a day. I wonder what that's doing to my liver! Not good!

Lately, I've been looking around for some natural remedies that may be helpful. I found one that I want to make and try. It's called "The Headache Buster Blend!" OOOOOOHHHH-AHHHHHH! It's a mixture of peppermint essential oil (EO), lavender, EO, frankincense EO, wintergreen EO, birch EO and fractionated coconut oil (FCO); all contained in a cute little roller bottle. You just simply roll it onto your temples, top of your forehead and brain stem (top of neck closest to skull base).

I've been reading about the amazing effects these EOs have when blended together to offer relief for people who suffer from regular headaches. So, I think I'm going to give it a shot. If it works for me, then I'll recommend it to you and maybe even make some for anyone interested! If it doesn't work, we'll keep searching for another all natural solution.

Spark Naturals Affiliate??

Today I signed up to be a Spark Naturals Affiliate! I'm hoping my application is approved! This would mean, I would be given a code to share with all my BLOGGER buddies to save them 10% on every order they place with Spark Naturals.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post. I have fallen in love with essential oils. Well, not just essential oils, but Spark Naturals essential oils. They have an amazing variety, great prices and are FAST! I like ordering something and getting it within 3 days! That's crazy fast in the world of internet shopping, don't you think?

I'm so happy I have developed this outlet to share my love for all things natural, including essential oils. I have seen great success in using them and hope to spread the word further, plus save all my pals some cash. It feels so good to hear people are reading my blog and share the same problems and want results naturally, like I do. I am happy to help! Thank you for reading and please keep spreading the word! :)

Take Care of Lactose Intolerance "Issues" with Essential Oils

Alright, so lactose intolerance is something I struggle with. I LOVE MILK, so not drinking it is really tough for me. So, at least once a week, I drink a humungous glass of milk with my dinner and then....wait. I wait for the horrid sweat, stomach cramps, nausea, gas and then, the mother of all BMs. I know how disgusting this sounds, but for all of you that suffer from lactose intolerance, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout.

 

 

How about some fun facts about lactose intolerance? Did you know:

• If you're American or European it's hard to realize this, but being able to digest milk as an adult is one weird genetic adaptation.
• It's not normal. Somewhat less than 40% of people in the world retain the ability to digest lactose after childhood. The numbers are often given as close to 0% of Native Americans, 5% of Asians, 25% of African and Caribbean peoples, 50% of Mediterranean peoples and 90% of northern Europeans. Sweden has one of the world's highest percentages of lactase tolerant people. (Lactase tolerant means you are NOT lactose intolerant).

So, today when I came home from work, I was looking for a little snack to tide me over until dinner. I found some yummy potato crisps (like potato chips but baked) and some Bermuda onion dip (like French onion dip but onionier (again, not a word but let's make up our own rules here). Being that I was so hungry, I ate, ohhhhh about 1/4 of the container of dip. Good times. Then, about 10 minutes later, "it" arrived in the form of a food baby stomach (bloated), and stomach cramps. Then the toots. Don't judge me....

So, as I'm sitting in my garage (where I hide out until the toots go away), I started looking up what I can do with essential oils to take care of this little ::::ah-um:::: "problem." I found some amazing information on several pages and thought I'd put it all together here for us to utilize.

There are several different things a person can do. Choose one and give it a shot. ONE! Don't try all of these at once. Okay!? PROMISE!

So, Here's a list. Aren't lists great. Ahhhhh, yes:

1.) Add 1-2 drops lemon EO (essential oil) or 1-2 drops peppermint EO to 8-12oz. of cold water throughout the day. I do this already for the natural "cleansing" affect and the yummy taste.

2.) For immediate relief of symptoms, take 2-3 drops of lemon EO into your mouth and swoosh like mouth wash for about 1 minute, then swallow it. The lemon EO will help neutralize the stomach acids and relieve the horrid pain.

3.) Rub 3-4 drops of peppermint EO on your abdomen and bottoms of your feet.

4.) Take 2-3 drops of coriander EO into your mouth and swallow. This will relieve muscle spasms, diarrhea and bloating. YEAH!

5.) Add 2-3 drops of lemongrass EO to a teaspoon of honey and eat it! Mmmm, this one sounds good!

Give it a shot! What do you have to loose besides the obvious, right?

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