Daily Diffuser Diary – March 10, 2017
Late yesterday I noticed a scratchy sensation growing in my upper chest. I have not, to my knowledge, had exposure to any illness this week and it may be allergy related but I initiated my resistance protocol last night. I slathered my chest rub blend on my chest and neck and enjoyed some Cedarwood and Thyme ct. linalool in my diffuser before bed last night. This morning it has not progressed but it is still present. Time to break out phase two of my resistance and fire up my diffuser in my office. Of course I will be eating wisely today and upping my vitamin C for the next few days to support my body in its war against what is most likely a virus.
Eucalyptus globulus
I would venture to guess that Eucalyptus would be the go to for most people when it comes to combating a respiratory invader! Eucalyptus is one of the most researched essential oils thus there is a vast amount of information available to support the decision to incorporate it in a blend intended to slow or cease the progression of a respiratory infection. High in the oxide 1,8 cineole syn. Eucalyptol this oil is an excellent choice for its mucolytic and secretolytic properties as well as its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and the expectorant qualities, which are thought to be a result of stimulation which increases the motility of the ciliated epithelium which lines the bronchial tree. This, in combination with the potential to increase secretions makes it easier for the body to expel the unwanted guests invading our lungs. Eucalyptus also uplifts the spirits and clears the mind which is beneficial when you are feeling down trodden as a result of being sick.
Ravensara aromatica
Another powerful oil that comes to mind when dealing with respiratory issues would be Ravensara. Anti-microbial, Anti-inflammatory, and expectorant qualities make this a good addition but it is the potential antispasmodic effect that makes it desirable for dealing with respiratory issues as well. It helps keep the nagging cough down to a minimum. Ravensara has a protective and cleansing nature which makes it ideal to diffuse when feeling sick to help clear the air. This oil is also high in 1,8 cineole backed up by monoterpenes which add to the therapeutics of this blend by opening up breathing space, promoting secretion movement, and fighting airborne microbials. Ravintsara would be an excellent choice here however Ravensara is the oil on hand at the moment.
Citrus limon
Rich in monoterpenes, particularly d-limonene lemon is an excellent choice for purifying the air. Strong anti-microbial action isn’t the only reason this was selected. I chose it to help elevate my energy level today as well. It has a fresh lively scent which uplifts and energizes well.
Melaleuca alternifolia
Again the selection of Tea Tree for the purpose of a respiratory illness, onset or prevention, should be easily recognized as common. This oil is replete with anti-microbial and anti-viral properties due to the monoterpene alcohol terpinen-4-ol. This oil also adds decongestive properties to the blend as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Emotionally Tea Tree is a protective oil that gives the recipient strength. Looking at working 24 out of the next 48 hours at the hospital I definitely need this benefit! Along with Lemon, Tea Tree is also a good air purifying agent.
Laurus nobilis
Laurel Leaf is a broad spectrum antimicrobial and a potent antiviral oil as well. Laurel Leaf Essential OIl is one of my favorite when dealing with respiratory infections of unknown etiology. Most likely this is a viral issue but in the event that it is bacterial I feel that I am covered with this blend. Laurel is a great stimulant for the lymphatic system as well and lymph movement is important when battling any infectious process in the body. It is the lymph system that removes the offending invaders from your body. In the chest rub blend I mentioned earlier Laurel Leaf is one of the ingredients for just this purpose.
Mentha piperita
Chosen in the blend for the refreshing and cooling sensation that only peppermint can deliver. Like being young and unwrapping a piece of Wrigley’s gum… remember? The shiny foil, which would inevitably be peeled away from the wax paper backing and then added to the adornments of your book cover or school desk. That fresh peppermint smell would waft up and you would start drooling in anticipation for the cool menthol rush you were about to experience. Yeah… like that. Opening up breathing space and cooling the growing and nagging fire in the depths of my throat peppermint brings comfort to this blend. Uplifting and invigorating and a good choice for a daytime diffuser blend to fight off a bug.
Namaste,
Ida
Daily Diffuser Diary – March 9, 2017
Woke up early this morning with a distracted mind. Too much to do and unable to narrow it down to a starting point. Decided to make a diffuser blend to help me with this issue…
Citrus aurantium
One of the least used oils in my arsenal is Petitgrain. I admit it deserves more of the spotlight in my blending habits. This oil helps drive off negative thinking and promotes self-confidence. It is protective and offers a gentle guiding hand towards one’s higher self. It promotes optimism and boosts intellectual power. Gives the gift of self-acceptance and self-love while promoting concentration and a clear mind. A wonderful delicate aroma that packs a powerful punch.
Citrus sinensis
Of the scents that consistently bring about a happy joyous feeling orange is my favorite one. I really love the Dark Orange that I have and grab for it more often than the other orange varieties of essential oils in my collection. It is made with slightly overripe oranges giving it a much sweeter and deeper smell. Uplifting and pleasing I chose to add orange to compliment the Petitgrain’s efforts to drive off negative inner dialogue and promote positivity. Orange brings calmness to the soul and helps to distract me from obsessive thinking.
Juniperus communis
Bringing juniper into the mix adds a stimulating component to the blend. Juniper is stimulating to the body and the mind helping to boost mental function while the Petitgrain, Lemon and Orange Essential Oils steer my thinking in a positive direction. It is like the gas in the engine of this blend so to speak. On its own merit, Juniper is a powerful friend to have when you are feeling ‘dislodged’ from yourself so to speak as it promotes an inner consciousness and awareness of self. The slight peppery aroma complements the sweetness of the citrus. This little gem has an amazing history of use and is an oil worth learning about.
Citrus limon
I wanted to add a little of this to promote alertness and a bit of perk to the blend. Lemon is good at clearing up scattered thoughts and promoting direct and purposeful thinking.
Namaste,
Ida
Daily Diffuser Diary – March 7, 2017
Feeling overwhelmed by my To Do List today. Many things that I have put off for weeks and weeks are coming back to haunt me and I am determined to get ‘er done today. I wanted something to lift up my spirts a little so this is what I came up with. For some reason I have Dave Matthews’s ‘Everyday’ rolling through my head. So here is my Lift Me Up Love Blend.
Tangerine Essential Oil
With my brain going 90 to nothing today with the aforementioned ‘To Do List’ looming overhead I chose Tangerine to try to reel in my racing brain and bring about a calm and peaceful thought process. I didn’t want to ‘relax’ but I did want to cheerful and comforting. Tangerine has been coveted for 3 millennia in China for, among other things, digestive issues. Tangerine’s uplifting, fresh and soft citrus aroma, ability to ease the stomach and ease the mind makes it a must have oil. It is very loving for the skin and is one of the oils in our Baby Bump Balm recipe.
Balsam Fir Essential Oil
I am a bit of a sucker for conifers and anytime I can slip one in I try to. This was selected for the backup to the Tangerine. It has a propensity to energize and balance when inhaled and the added benefit of enhancing the breathing space and immune system. It is very windy and dry here and the weather has been too inviting not to have the windows open lately. I want to limit any allergy response I could have to the dust and pollen freely invading my lungs! An ounce of prevention kinda thing.
Peppermint Essential Oil
So bringing in the stimulating part I chose Peppermint. I need to be alert and focused so that I get this stuff done. Since I have had the legal limit of coffee this morning I will turn to this oil to give me a good healthy slap in the face!
Lemon Essential Oil
Much like Peppermint it was selected to add to the focus and energy needed. I thought of it as the kiss after the slap. Just sort of softens it a bit and complements the Tangerine quite nicely.
Namaste,
Ida
Daily Diffuser Diary – March 2, 2017
Pelargonium graveolens L. Essential Oil
Soothing to the mind, perks up the senses and eases nervous tension. Picked to address the slight agitated mood I am in today. Nothing in particular, I just have an overall impatient and frustrated irritated feeling. I wanted to ease the tension without knocking me out since it is early and I must do some writing today and need to be alert-ish. It connects to the feminine spirit and nourishes the inner child. Geranium opens the mind while offering protection from fears. The hope is that it provides me strength to give my thoughts, memories and emotions life through words.
Citrus bergamia Essential Oil
I selected this to also open and shed light on the darker recesses of my mind. With the feeling of safety from the Geranium Oil to quell my insecurities it is my hope that the Bergamot brings the emotions and thoughts to the surface, into the sunlight. I also do not want to dwell too deeply in the darker emotions while I am wading through my mind so Bergamot was selected to keep my mind elevated. It also gives energy which I need to work through my mid-morning mental slump.
Citrus aurantium Essential Oil
With the goal of achieving some writing milestones today I wanted something that would promote success and a sense of achievement. Neroli offers a sense of enlightenment as well as a connection to my higher self.
Namaste,
Ida
Conservation Conversation
Wisdom is not a single drop…
it is a pool of knowledge.
idaism
Conservation of water:
I just boiled some eggs to add to a monster salad I am planning on eating here in a few hours. I use my filtered water from my Berkey to boil the eggs in and left the lid off so that the moist warmth of the boiling process can help me on my constant quest for a little humidity in my home during the dry winter months.
This thought brought me around to an issue that I have found crossing my mind more than usual. Conservation of water. I am not going to get into a huge debate about Climate Change, not going to illicit fear, frustration or folly. I am going to take a common sense approach the issue. I will interject my stance on the matter, as it is my blog and I have an opinion… and here it is. Math. Do the math. Nuff said.
During any given day, I use a lot of water… at least to me it feels like a lot. Depending on the time of the year I can get the meter on my water monitor spinning at a healthy rate in order to feed my power spraying addiction. If you have not tried power spraying I highly suggest it to calm your mind and feed your soul.
I am now living alone so my consumption is without doubt far less. However, as I run the faucet full on while rinsing out a glass and perhaps turning to grab the towel while the water is still running…. Or when I am wanting hot water and just let the water run until it reaches the desired temperature…. I realize that I can do better! And that, for me, is what this journey is about. Doing better! Why? Because I am but one of 8 BILLION humans on this planet and although that is just a ‘drop in the bucket’, pardon the pun, it is important to turn that around and think about how significant a small ripple of change can be. I think about how you may, after reading this, find yourself thinking about it and implementing a small change in your routine that then feeds the idea of ‘doing better’… and then you share that energy and information and then one of your friends, co-workers, kids, whatever thinks ‘hey, great idea’ and implements it in their life and then… well hell! Before long that is a lot of drops going into that bucket of “doing better”. Be the ripple of change. I think I need a T-shirt with that on it. Be the Ripple! A new movement… I digress.
Perhaps I am an idealist, perhaps I just think too much, or maybe I am on to something here. Either way it makes me smile to conserve water, resources et al. That makes me feel better. That makes a difference in my world…which I just happen to be sharing with 8 Billion other souls.
So, the eggs finished boiling. I have mastered the art of hard boiled eggs without using any extra water and cooking them to perfection. I simply put the eggs in the cold water, bring it to a boil with the lid slightly ajar, then turn down the heat to medium and set the timer for 3 minutes. When the timer goes off I turn it off take off the lid and let the water cool to room temperature…with the eggs still in the water. They will finish cooking to perfection as the water cools and as they cool the shell will release from the cooked whites and peel easily without having to run them under yet more water! Boom! Water, now cooled, is then poured into a plant for a little mineral boost after I splash a bit into my dog’s water for the same reason. Egg shells are saved and crushed to add to dog food or added to my eggshell bag which I fill up all fall and winter in preparation for spring planting of the garden.
Nothing has gone to waste, nothing is unappreciated, nothing is underutilized.
This is just boiling eggs! One example of the millions of easy no frill ways you can make a difference through effortless changes.
When I want hot water out of my tap I grab an empty gallon milk jug or mason jar or cup or whatever and run the water into that until it is the desired temperature. This water can fill up your pet bowl, water a plant, be thrown into your water filter system or put on the stove in a kettle until you are ready to make your next spot of tea. For me the hot water out of my tap doesn’t take long. My water heater is directly below my kitchen, a very wise thinking process my sister employed when remodeling her house, which is now my house! She went from having a water heater in the opposite corner of the basement, as far as you can get from the kitchen and downstairs bathroom, to moving it directly under this area. This helps considerably with the amount of water that would otherwise be wasted as the hot water traveled a couple dozen feet or more across a cold pipe in a cold basement to reach the faucet! It is the little things!
It doesn’t matter really what your take on the issue of Climate Change is. What your beliefs are, your political leanings, your skin color, your nationality whatever labels used to keep us divide. It just takes little effort and a little thoughtfulness to consider making small changes which can impact the whole. It doesn’t put anyone out of a job that I don’t waste water while making my boiled eggs. It isn’t pledging allegiance to one ideology or another for me to just use my head and not be wasteful. It is just leaving as little harm in my wake as I travel through my life.
That brings us to the challenge I present to you today. Share with me what you do, have done, think about doing, will do… to make a little difference. I know there are a million ways I can learn to change habits for the ‘better’ and am eager to learn some from you!!
Learning, Living, Laughing and Loving,
Ida
Tiger Rub
Everyone is familiar with Tiger Balm and the amazing relief it provides sore tired muscles. Tiger balm has been around for well over a century having been invented by a herbalist by the name of Aw Chu Kin in Rangoon, Burma in 1870. It was named after his son whose name was Aw Boon Haw which means Gentle Tiger.
After a 12 hour shift my body is killing me! The worse pain is from my feet and knees…the consequences of working as a floor nurse for 20 years. In the last year I have tried several times to come up with a ‘Tiger Balm’ recipe that gives the instant relief that my sore feet and muscles crave. I also wanted it to have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling, to increase circulation which helps reduce swelling, and have antispasmodic elements to help with the muscle cramps. Finally I have perfected the recipe and love how it instantly relieves my cramping sore feet and aching back.
The base of Tiger Rub is a combination of Plantain infused Organic Coconut Oil and Comfrey infused Organic Olive Oil. Added to that is Menthol Crystals and Camphor Crystals, both organic and not the synthetic type. These help with that Icy / Hot numbing sensation that provides instant relief. Cajeput Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Oregano Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Wintergreen Essential Oil and Clove Essential Oil are added for their analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon Essential Oil is added to promote circulation as is Thyme Essential Oil, which also acts as a diuretic to alleviate swelling. Lavender Essential Oil is added to help relax the muscles and temper the strong menthol scent a bit. And of course Vitamin E oil to act as a preservative.
At my house a tin of this doesn’t last longer than a month or two because I use this frequently! After a day on my feet I simply apply this and slip some socks on. Within minutes my feet are no longer aching and cramping. This keeps my feet soft and nourished as well. An interesting side effect of this preparation is that it has all the same ingredients that I use for my clients who have Athletes foot! Bonus! Kill two birds with one salve sorta thing!
My Tiger Rub comes in several forms for you to pick the one that works the best:
- 3 oz Tin (the good old fashioned way) $15.00
- 5 oz Lotion Bar (larger size and the convenience of a bar) $20.00
- 2.5 oz Deodorant Stick (I love this because I can apply it to my shoulders and lower back myself. I also use this when I crawl in bed at night and can put it on my feet without having to go wash my hands afterwards!) $12.00
Check out the Off The Market…Market for pricing and ordering, or just send me an email or pm to request your Tiger Rub! As always save your containers, clean them and return them and you get $2 bucks off your refill!
Namaste
Ida
No Bones about it…
Bone broth is the BOMB.
I have been making bone broth for years now. First learning about it when I was looking for ways to start turning the titanic of my over stressed, adrenal fatigued, tired body. We all should know by now that the gut is the center of our health universe. Seriously can’t make this any more dramatic than that… it is that huge. There are exceptional books based on amazing research that I have read on the subject and it resonates strongly with my instincts. Essentially that is what this journey is all about. Not what this expert or that expert says but rather what I think about what is best for my body. There are books, videos, documentaries, and articles abound on any technique or protocol that may or may not work. It does take time to do the research but then what are we talking about here? Our bodies! Our existence! So I take the time, chew on information, and come up with my own personal idea of how to take care of myself. I hope you do the same!
I recall a day at the hospital when a co-worker was talking to a physician about a family members stomach issues. I mentioned bone broth as the physician was writing out a prescription for some medication to help. I endured a good 10 minutes of ridicule as the physician asked if a dead chicken hung upside down in the corner of the kitchen was necessary for the magic to work. A few points come to mind here. The first issue I have is the knee jerk prescription writing. Problem = Prescription. The side effect of this medication included Aluminum toxicity (each dose has 200mg of Aluminum in it), hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, decreases the absorption of thyroxine, as well as the standard side effects of most medications such as diarrhea, bone pain, abdominal pain, rash, dizziness, headache…the list goes on. Not a question or hesitation in either the prescribing it, or the accepting it. Bone Broth has zero side effects, none toxic, and needs no prescription…oh and it tastes amazing. I have read hundreds of stories of people who enjoyed relief from a multitude of gastric issues when consuming bone broth. Worst case scenario from trying it? There isn’t one! Unless you drink it too hot and burn the roof of your mouth! Second issue is that my suggestion was received as if I had asked that they make a voodoo doll and draw a smiley face on the stomach to fix the problem! That is a pretty typical situation when you are an old rebel nurse/natural health care proponent in today’s dysfunctional heath care environment.
You may or may not have heard about Bone Broth, I hope you have. Bone broth is simply that, a broth made with bones. I was skeptical at first that it would just be a watery weak broth but that couldn’t be further from the end product. It is an amazing rich broth that will warm you through and through on a cold winter night, or morning! I once read a blog of a man who said he had a bit of a love affair going on with Bone Broth and he was actually replacing his morning coffee with it. I confess to having done the same, on this very morning in fact.
Making bone broth is a very simple process. A few pointers from my successes and failures…
- Bone selection is very important in this process. I have, fortunately, researched the supplier that is offered at a local market and find their bones to fit the bill. I encourage you to do the same before you begin making your own bone broth. Due to the diet and conditions of many animals it is paramount that you get healthy bones. The beef bones should have a solid marrow core and be sliced into 1-inch-thick sections. If your bones aren’t excellent your broth just won’t feel or smell right. I once bought some very expensive bones from a local farmer who produces grass fed natural and humanely treated animals and they made a very unsatisfying broth that had an unpleasant aroma to it.
- Chicken bones should be from wisely raised chickens as well. With chicken broth I generally freeze the bones of a baked chicken until I get enough to make a pot of broth with. Some people add chicken feet for additional collagen and gelatin, I have not done this as of this writing but it is on the radar to try.
- The water you use is equally important. If possible you should always cook with filtered water. That is a blog post in itself. The second 24 hours starts with the addition of celery, carrots, and onions. Again choice vegetables that are organically grown is the wise choice since the point of this broth is healing and nourishing the body.
- Don’t rush it… it takes time.
- I make a large batch when I am making it… my 5-gallon pot is 2/3 full and this yields about 15 – 20 pint jars full. I freeze them and when I need a broth to drink, or some for a recipe it is easy to thaw for use. For smaller batches it is easy to throw a couple pounds of bones (8 – 10) in the crock pot with water. (A note on freezing…respect the fact that water expands when frozen. Fill the jars 2/3 full to avoid broken jars in your freezer. Cooling the broth on the counter then placing it in the fridge until cold before the freezer makes it expand a little less dramatically.)
- Some people add Apple Cider Vinegar to their bone broth to help extract the minerals from the bones. I have made it both ways, with and without. The presence of the ACV doesn’t go unnoticed as it adds a little twang to the final product. I have played around with the amount and really don’t mind the taste, but without it the broth tastes much better. I alternate using it and not using it depending on if I am using it medicinally or for maintenance/culinary reasons…you decide which you prefer.
So what does it do? Bone broth is reported to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous and amino acids such as proline and glycine. You can spend time learning about the importance of these constituents, and I encourage you to do this. However, make a pot of this very ancient broth and get a feel for how healthy it is for you. We have very deep ingrained instincts about survival and our body draws us towards what it needs, much like a cat or dog with an upset stomach will search through the yard looking for the right plant to eat. It is no different for us if we just pay attention. There is actually some fantastic studies done concerning inherent inclination of living organisms. Basically genetic information that doesn’t have a physical attribute but rather a behavioral one. WOW! Love that idea. Be aware of what resonates with you while you are on your path to be as healthy as you can be.
I enjoy adding to the medicinal value by adding herbs and spices to my cup of broth. It is a blank canvas…color it. I add turmeric and black pepper with a gentle kiss of cayenne pepper. (Always use black pepper when using turmeric as the curcumin in turmeric is more readily absorbed in the presence of pepperine) I have added dehydrated powdered nettle from my garden during allergy season. Adding dehydrated veggies is a fast and nutritious meal. I love making a creamy mushroom soup out if it. It is so simple, just sauté up a bunch of shitakes, oysters, and portabellas with onion and garlic, in coconut oil of course. (Use whatever mushrooms you enjoy research them and find out what each one can do for your body) I divide this up and freeze it in 1 cup portions. When I feel a craving for it I grab a jar of frozen bone broth, a package of the shrooms, some spices and cream. Warm up the broth and mushrooms, pop it in my vitamix with some herbs. Blend it and then add some cream and voila. It is worthy of a fine restaurant in less than 5 minutes.
When I am done making the broth I have some fantastic dog and cat food. My animals hover when they know I am straining and bottling bone broth. My dogs get the bones, which are soft enough for them to chew on without me worrying that they will break a tooth on it. Chicken bones, when your broth is done, should crumble in your fingers and won’t choke your animals. (Always crumble chicken bones up before adding to pet food.) The veggies and the marrow that has migrated out of most of the bones is laden with fat and nutrients. I mush it up and mix it with their grain free kibble and they are in heaven. I usually have enough to freeze for several meals. Nothing goes to waste!
Now this next thing is a bit odd you may think at first…but think about it…it makes sense. When I make bone broth there is clearly an inch of fat resting on the top of the broth. I want that in each and every serving but there is usually enough for me to skim off a 1/4 or more cup of this for one more amazing healthy purpose. I strain it well and apply it to my freshly exfoliated and washed body. I add a few essential oils such as carrot seed oil, frankincense, myrrh, and lavender to it and it is an amazing experience. My skin is so soft and healthy feeling for days afterward. Once you get past the eww factor think about it logically. This was the salve base for thousands of years. Tallow from animals mixed with herbs was used to heal wounds for millennia prior to petroleum based antibiotic creams. I like the feel, the idea of it, and the benefits of it. It is like a personal treat for the cook with each batch.
The uses for bone broth are limitless…let your imagination run wild. As I type this I have the crock pot full of white beans in bone broth for a white bean chili for dinner. Anywhere you would use bullion or broth you can use bone broth. Interesting aside is that there are few gourmet restaurants that don’t have a stock pot full of simmering bone broth to add richness to many dishes!
Note I did not go into ‘how to make bone broth’. I did this for a reason…there are so many great, and not so great, YouTube videos out there as well as numerous web pages describing the process. The basics are fairly simple for anyone who can boil water. Don’t be intimidated a 5-year-old could make this stuff! I didn’t feel the need to spend the time on the how to but hope that I have created interest with the why!
Namaste
Ida M. Garrett
Baby’s Bum Balm
Excited to begin putting my products up online and share with you! The process is slow, since I am all about researching and making these products and not so much about the ‘technical’ side of getting them online. Life is all about striking a balance though and with a little down time to take pics and get it online I am really proud to offer Baby’s Bum Balm. This is an incredible blend of herbs and oils designed to help heal the uncomfortable rash caused by moisture, yeast, and bacteria… ie diaper rash. It is very important to me that every ingredient in my products is organic and in there for a reason. Which means there will not be any un-natural colorants, perfumes or scents in any of them. The color of this is a light green with a soft lavender and chamomile smell. It has a low melting point which makes it easy to warm up in your hands and easily spread over the tender skin.
Let’s break it down…
I can’t tell you how amazing and beautiful German Chamomile and Rose Petals are when suspended in oil. It was mesmerizing to watch, like a snow globe. I am so pleased with this infusion! I used the long slow infusion method (8 weeks) using sunshine, positive intention, and daily mixing to achieve a lightly scented, powerfully healing base oil to add to my products. German Chamomile is the Matriarch of skin care herbs as its Latin name indicates Matricaria Chamomilla. The use of this herb dates back thousands of years before it was a popular medicine and skin care herb in Ancient Egypt, where it was considered a gift from the Sun God Ra. Chamomile has numerous uses, but for the Baby’s Bum Balm it is the anti-inflammatory effect that stands out. German Chamomile owes it’s powerful anti-inflammatory effect to the presence of a compound called Azulene. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis Nobilis) is added in a small amount that complies with the dilution ratio suggested for babies. It is an important component by contributing additional anti-inflammatory effect, anti-bacterial/anti-septic properties, and an analgesic soothing effect to the end product. Rose petals and hips bring Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and anti-oxidants to the oil. Rose oil, like Rose water is excellent at calming skin irritations.
The next champion of herbs in this mix is the infusion of Plantain Leaf (Plantago major). Anyone who knows me has heard me talk about Plantain. It is one of the first herbs I turn to for just about everything from skin problems to systemic infections. It is an amazing herb and one of the most widespread ones. In fact this year, after 10 years of zero chemicals being sprayed on my property, I finally have some coming up in my yard. When I was a child it was prolific in everyone’s yard however since it is considered a weed to the unenlightened it has been nearly eradicated in the highly treated lawns of the city. Step outside the city and you find it everywhere! This particular infusion of Plantain oil was also infused slow method using organic grape seed and coconut oil as the base. This is where the balm gets its earthy green tint. Wow is all I can say about this batch of Plantain oil. I have used it in several preparations and just can’t tell you how incredible the results have been. It is added to Baby’s Bum Balm because of it’s effect of cooling and soothing as well as cleaning a wound. Historically there is so much rich information about Plantain’s use. Alexander the great used it for headaches in 350ish B.C. Certainly it is a good feeling to know that information… from Alexander the Great’s headaches to your baby’s butt! Ok, I have to share one more then I will move on… Pliny the Roman (23 A.D. – 79 A.D.) commented that “…on high authority, [that if] it be put into a pot where many pieces of flesh are boiling, it will sodden them together.” I am not sure about that but from Dioscordies to Chaucer, to Shakespeare… Plantain has not gone unnoticed, certainly not by me.
Calendula Calendula Calendula. If German Chamomile is the Matriarch of skin care herbs…well Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) is most certainly the Goddess. Better known as Pot Marigold, Calendula is best known for its ability to sooth, soften, and calm subborn wounds, ulcers, and skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, and other healing properties make it ideal for this preparation. The color of this infusion is a rich orange-yellow with an organic olive oil as the base. There are multiple studies done using Calendula on burn victims and patients with radiation related skin issues from radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
Lastly we have Organic Lavender Essential Oil, again added in appropriate dilution for your baby’s skin. Lavender is a natural pain reliever and it’s soothing properties shine in this product. Lavender helps bring improved circulation to the area which promotes speedy healing. The soothing smell is a tonic to frazzled nerves and lets face it… if your bum is red and irritated your nerves are frazzled! One of the common things I hear is how well the baby slept after just one application. Lavender provides the relief from the burning and discomfort. Lavender also has a strong and proven history of being a valuable weapon in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
The carrier oils used shouldn’t be overlooked for their contribution to this balm. Coconut, Olive, and Grape Seed oil are all well known for their skin loving properties. When you combine that with the value of beeswax in protecting the skin from further damage associated with continuous moisture…well you have an amazing product that is clean, pure, and non-toxic. It is also versatile since it is packed with such incredible ingredients with a wide range of healing properties it can be used for more than just the Bum. It can be used as a healing balm for Mum and Da too!
Hope you learned a little and smiled a little today. That is the sign of a good day!
Peace out,
Ida
Ohhh Oregano
Last night I felt the tale tale tingles in the recesses of my sinuses that announces a potential upper respiratory infection is knocking on the door, wanting to visit me for a few days! I immediately went into defense mode and made a steaming cup of Lemon Balm and Peppermint tea, generously flavored with some local Wild Flower Honey and organic lemon. Went to bed and put some Thyme Essential Oil under my nose. This morning the tingles were still there and a feeling of fullness in my sinuses was present. Nothing daunted I went to work arming myself and my home against the siege. First order of business was to start the diffuser.
Sinus Blend (I use a 70ml diffuser, adjust appropriately)
3 drops Rosemary
3 drops Thieves Oil Blend (I make my own blend which is cheaper and better quality)
2 drops Cypress
2 drops Thyme
This has an amazing ‘walk in the forest on a wet morning’ smell to it, which blended well with the damp fall weather outside.
Once I had this going I grabbed my Oregano Essential Oil and some hot filtered water. Steam Inhalation is an excellent way to get relief from congestion, although I haven’t reached that point where you say “Ok I am sick!”… I know it will come if I do nothing. I have used this method to help clients with allergies, completely clogged sinuses and for migraine headaches. It is immediate relief and, in the situation I face today, a good defense against the condition worsening. For the purpose of opening up and preventing an infection I chose Oregano Oil and after a 5 minute steam treatment my sinuses ceased tingling and the pressure in my head went from a 5/10 to about a 2/10. This process will be repeated 3 – 4 times throughout the day.
Throughout the day I will be drinking teas such as Green Tea, Ginger Tea, and some more Lemon Balm and Peppermint. Right before bed the plan is to chew a clove of Garlic with a spoonful of Wild Flower Honey (local of course). Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential to keep the membranes in the sinuses from drying and cracking allowing the virus or bacterium to enter into the tissues and set up camp. (This is why I never recommend taking an OTC medication which is designed to dry up your sinuses…it actually potentates the problem!) I have already had a bowl of homemade Split Pea Soup (recipe will be posted soon) and am avoiding dairy in an attempt to limit mucous production that sometimes accompanies dairy consumption.
I will post as the day and week goes on, I am interested to see if I can keep from succumbing to this bug with my potions and notions.
Namaste
Update 11/5/2015
Woke up this morning with no signs of a cold, no tingling, no stuffy head! Battle against this cold won! I love that I have the learned the way to help my body fight off illness.
Update 11/6/2015
Still no sign of impending illness. Feel great! Continuing to diffuse oils to decontaminate the house, drinking my home made Kombucha, and eating light and healthy. Ready for my work week(end)!
A perfect morning…
Amazing morning in the Ozarks. My garden has been put to rest for the season, the leaves are falling and my house smells like a walk in the forest. I needed to get some inspiration and mental clarity today, as I have scheduled this day to work on the web page and on writing. I decided to diffuse some essential oils to help bring a little of the outside in and to focus my scattered thoughts a bit. There is no way to describe the aroma of this blend better than the picture I have put with it. Imagine being in the forest, the smell of the damp wood, the trace of summer left in the leaves as they fall to the ground, and the warm spicy smell of rosemary mixed in.
Inspiring Autumn Blend
3 drops Basil Essential Oil
6 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
6 drops Cypress Essential Oil
I have a 70ml diffuser, adjust accordingly for the water capacity of your diffuser and, as always, use filtered unadulterated water. If you do not have a diffuser you can mix the above and add 15ml of a carrier oil, use a few drops of the mixture on your wrists and center of chest.
Namaste
Ida
Recent Comments