The Dirt on Spring Cleaning + Products

The Dirt on Spring Cleaning + Products
WHAT ARE YOU CLEANING WITH?

Ahhh! Open those windows and breathe in that fresh spring air! Spring is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about our spring cleaning checklists. There’s just something about the nice weather that brings on motivation for a fresh start. So let’s get to it! But wait, before you reach for those cleaners and get to work, let’s do a little digging into those ingredients, shall we?

Did you know? In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, 120,434 exposures involved children under six who can swallow or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home. With no federal regulations on ingredients in household products, the only way we can protect our families is to learn how to read labels ourselves.

Let’s take a look at the top 4 ingredients to avoid and why.

UP FIRST, AND THE BIG ONE, FRAGRANCE!
This first ingredient is a BIG ONE, but it is in just about every household product that we use daily. Synthetic scents or “fragrances” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients, including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as candles, air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.

Let’s talk about fragrance, or parfum or perfume or a million other names ;) This Article shares the dangers of Fragrance. "Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.

In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that companies could use to form a product’s scent. According to the online “Transparency List” put out by the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group. It may seem unbelievable, but the FDA does not even require fragrance and cosmetic makers to disclose exactly what they are using to scent products. If companies are using truly natural ingredients, then why be shy? Many will say that their formulas are proprietary, and they don’t want other companies copying them. The FDA website also states how the agency cannot legally require companies to warn about allergens in cosmetics like they do with food.

Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Synthetic scents can be extremely cheap to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent doesn’t mean it’s good for you." Source - https://draxe.com/health/dangers-synthetic-scents/

PARABENS/PHTHALATES
Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen. Found in many cosmetics & personal care items. When combined with heregulin, a growth-promoting substance normally found in breast tissue, the effects are multiplied by 100x, contributing to breast cancer, tumor growth &"moobs" (man boobs). Phthalates are a low-cost endocrine-disrupting chemical that in lab studies has shown to interfere with hormone production in rats and mimic estrogen in human studies. Found in: plastic food packaging, lotions, skin moisturizers, fragrance, cleaners, glues, and nail polish.

SLS - SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE
This chemical is used to de-grease car engines. It is also added to some toothpaste, soaps, detergent, skin products... it's in just about everything. It damages the kidneys/liver, teeth, endocrine system, causes hair loss, cataracts, ulcers, major toxicity, headaches, nausea, coughing, congestion, and more.

TRICLOSAN
An antibacterial agent registered as a pesticide by the EPA. Topical absorption has shown disturbances to the endocrine system and is believed to lead to birth defects and uncontrollable cell growth. Found in: soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, shave gel, first aid spray, kitchenware, and toys.

While there are many, many other ingredients that you will want to know about, these are my "TOP OFFENDERS." As you go further on this low tox living journey, you will learn about so many more. Remember, "Rome Wasn't Built In A Day," and your journey of learning is just that, a journey.

I have a FUN Spring Cleaning Challenge starting in April! 7 Challenges in 10 Days with FANTASTIC info on why you should do them, all for FREEEE and with accountability! Are you ready to join in??? Let’s DO IT!!! We start Monday, April 5th but you are welcome to join at your convenience. 

Join here and scroll to the bottom to enter! 

Itchy Scalp...

Itchy Scalp...

The last blog entry led to more questions about tools that can be used to struggling with an itchy scalp. 

There are so many factors to consider when dealing with an itchy scalp. Is it dry? Is it dermatitis? Is it stress related? There are somethings you can be doing to help maintain a healthy scalp that can help with all the above. 

From the inside: 

Again, check your diet. If it is high in sugar, this could lead to imbalance in pH and the good bacteria your skin needs to thrive and be healthy. Once more, a quality probiotic, such as Life 9, can support this. Not only, can you take it as directed BUT you can open a capsule up and add it to your shampoo from time to time to support your scalp with some healthy bacteria. 

Another way to get that scalp exposed to healthy bacteria, is with an apple cider vinegar rinse.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE

Supplement the conditioning benefits of our hot oil treatment with our clarifying apple cider vinegar rinse. If built-up product has left you in a hairy situation, use this recipe to help untangle the mess. After you rinse away the excess weight from dead skin cells, pool chemicals, saltwater, shampoo, and conditioner, you’ll notice more bounce and volume to your hair.

In addition to helping, you nail the perfect hair flip, our apple cider vinegar rinse also soothes the scalp and adds luster to your locks.

What you need:

YL tip: For dry hair, use 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; for normal to oily hair, use 1/2 cup.

How to make it:

1. Mix all ingredients together in the spray bottle.

2. Spray mixture all over hair, focusing on the scalp and roots. Lift hair in sections to make sure you completely saturate your hair—your hair should be thoroughly damp, but not dripping.

3. Massage into scalp with fingertips to stimulate the scalp and increase circulation.

4. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes.

5. Rinse, then shampoo and condition hair as normal.

6. Use once per week.

 Check out this Lavender Life blog entry for more recipes that support a healthy head of hair.


See the above link for more hair recipes from Young Living.  



Now, let’s chat supporting those over symptoms of an irritated scalp. There is nothing worse than an uncontrollable itch on your head and a pile of flakes on your shoulder. Over time, I have seen really great results using Young Living’s Voluminous Lavender Shampoo (remember, it contains MSM!! 😊) and the addition of some of my favorite oils. 

My favorite blend of essential oils to add to my Lavender shampoo are Melrose (blend), Cedarwood, and Peppermint. Now, you do not want to overdo this and walk away with an oily head of hair. I recommend starting with 1 drop of essential oil per ounce of shampoo. If you need to add more, you can always do so. If you add too much, then you are going to struggle. If your bottle is 8 ounces, add 2 drops Melrose, 3 drops of Cedarwood, and 2 drops of Peppermint. 

Take to topical application up a notch post-shower! Create a scalp mist to spritz on your scalp before drying. See the recipe below: 

4 ounce spray bottle

2 ounces distilled water

2 ounces alcohol-free witch hazel

2 drops Melrose

2 drops Lavender

2 drops Cedarwood

2 drops Peppermint 

Spritz scalp and massage mixture into the root of your hair. Blow-dry as usual! 

If you are interested in trying these recipes and do not have all these oils on hand. Do not hesitate to reach out for assistance with substitutions. 

Here is to a healthy head of hair!


Three Ways to Use your Thieves Oil

Three Ways to Use your Thieves Oil
Well, I don't know about you but that warm and cozy aroma of Thieves has been making a daily appearance in this house. Tis' the season for supporting your immune system and Thieves oil is one of the tools we like to keep on hand. Lucky for us, the aroma of Thieves is warm and cozy with a little bit of spice. Perfect for the fall and winter months! While it stands alone quite nicely, it also pairs well with citrus oils, tree oils, herbs/spices, and some of our floral favorites. 

If you are looking to step up your Thieves game this season, here are three simple ways to work this oil into your routine. 

It is that time of year when you come home from work and start brewing a cup of Thieves tea:)

This was the first thing my dad asked for when he arrived at my house. This could be a daily drink to support the immune system or a drink you take when you are feeling run down! It is VERY popular with the men in my life 

Here is the recipe:
1-2 drops Thieves- immune support
3 drops Lemon-  immune support
1 TBSP honey
8 ounces of warm water

Optional 1-2 tsp. ACV to support a healthy gut

Who loves their Thieves Tea?!? 



If tea isn't your thing, surely making the house smell heavenly will peak your interest! We LOVE our Thieves for the aroma BUT it can be a great tool in the diffuser when we are looking for an extra tool to help us through the germy months. Try the above diffuser blends! 

Last, make a wellness roller! My kids love this addition to their nightly routine. Ratios may vary based on age. I will give you the ratios for an adult. I cut this recipe in half my kiddos. We roll this concoction on the feet and down the spine before bed. If one of us does get sick, we roll ever two hours and may add some extra oils based on our symptoms. Again, oils are a tool. Always consult your doctor when needed! Here is my favorite wellness roller recipe (adult version). 

15 drops Thieves
15 drops Frank
15 drops Lemon
Drop into a 10 mL roller bottle. Top with liquid carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or Young Living's V-6 oil. 

Using your oils doesn't have to be overwhelming. The above three recipes are perfect to incorporate into a self-care routine for yourself and your family!

Immune Support: A Basic Approach

Immune Support: A Basic Approach
Well, it is officially November! Is anyone else trying to be more on top of vitamin intake, cleanliness, and all the extra Thieves?
 Immune support has been on everyone's radar more this year than ever. Now that we are in the middle of fall and approaching winter, we are definitely on high alert. As busy as life is, we want to make sure we are keeping our routine simple, yet highly effective. Consistent use of high quality products and oils is key. 
I say this every year, and I am going to say it again. Just because you are using essential oils, doesn't mean you will not get sick. Essential oils and high quality supplements are tools that can be incorporated into your immune system support. My family has notice that if we do get sick,  we don't get hit has hard, symptoms don't linger, and in the cases that we do require medication, our oils come in handy to help our overt symptoms while the medication does it's work! 

We want a strong immune system to help prevent frequent illness and to make sure our body is strong and ready to fight when we do encounter a bug. Today, I am going to break some simple routines down for you. You will see a routine for the adults, the kiddos, and the babes! You can most definitely do more than what I list, but these are tools you may want to take a peek at if you are looking at simple routines. 

THE ADULTS
A healthy gut does a lot for someone's immune system. This time of year, our gut needs all the help it can get as we overindulge and probably consume more sugar that we usually do. Life 9 Probiotic is the PERFECT addition to your bedtime routine. It contains 17 billion live cultures for 9 beneficial bacteria strains. Replenishing the good bacteria after a long day is critical in your daily immune boosting routine. 


I could tell you to beef up on Vitamin C, and D...and so on...OR I can tell you to save your money on the individual supplements and support your body with a FANTASTIC full-spectrum multi-vitamin such as MASTER FORMULA. Initially, I turned my head at the price BUT after adding up the individual bottles of vitamins I was purchasing, this was saving me money and I was get so much more! Master formula contains your prebiotics, 100 % of your daily Vitamin C and D3. Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Thiamin from B1, Niacin ( B3), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Panthothenic Acid (B5), Iron, Magnesium, Zinc (100%) , Manganese, Copper, Selenium, Molybdenum, Kelp....I could go ON and ON but it would be easier for you to check out the ingredients and daily values, here. 

Master Formula with Life 9 is gold! I forgot to mention that Master Formula contains prebiotics. Those are a perfect match for Life 9. That routine can get delivered to your doorstep at the same time every month for free now! Use rewards points to cash in for some oils :) 

Inner Defense is pretty much your immunity roller in a capsule! If you aren't one to roll oils on your feet and down your spine, this is for you! You can take this as a daily immune boosting supplement OR take as needed when you are feeling under the weather. If you are not well, you can take up to five in a day but please make sure you are taking your probiotic at night to replenish all that good bacteria. We always go into the season with a bottle or two of Inner Defense on hand.

So, what do you think? Is that basic enough for ya? I also recommend Ningxia Red for an extra shot of antioxidants. We all could use an extra dose of that these days. 

Below, you will find a simple routine you can incorporate into your routine for the kiddos! Some of my favorite recipes are included. 
Ningxia Red and MightyPro Pre+Probiotic are key in my kid's routine. I like to make sure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they could be missing in their diet and maintain a healthy gut with MightyPro at night. 

While we use caution with babies and essential oils, when the appropriate dilution ratios and safety is taken into consideration, they can gradually be worked into a routine for our little ones. 

Keeping the routines basic and simple, make it easier on yourself to be consistent in supporting your family's immunity. I hope you found the above information helpful!