Have you ever been diligent with your water intake yet still feel a lack of hydration? There might be other factors working against you.
One of those factors could be stress.
When you experience stress, your adrenal glands produce extra cortisol, the stress hormone, and under chronic stress, your adrenal glands can become exhausted, resulting in lower electrolyte levels.
Low electrolyte levels means your body is not efficiently maintaining and regulating the correct amount of fluid in the body which leads to dehydration.
Dehydration zaps your brain’s energy, impedes serotonin production, increases stress in the body and can even elevate the recurrence of anxiety and panic attacks.
So you can see, it’s a vicious cycle of dehydration causing stress and stress causing dehydration.
SUPPORT THE KIDNEYS
Some studies have shown that frequent dehydration, even if it’s mild, may lead to permanent kidney damage. So the sooner we make hydration and support of the kidneys a priority, the better.
Here are some of the ways we can support them..
Drink more water – aim for light yellow/colourless urine
Keep active and fit
Avoid processed meats and high sodium foods
Avoid common non-prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs)
Reduce stress and maintain healthy blood pressure
Increase intake of dark leafy greens, apples and berries
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Detox from heavy metals
Eat probiotic rich foods and supplement
Boost immune system
HERBS FOR ADRENAL SUPPORT
Ashwagandha – helps regulate stress, improves sleep and energy. Schisandra – tones the kidneys RhodiolaRosea- supports healthy cortisol levels HolyBasil – maintains equilibrium with the stress system in the body Eleuthero – increases the ability to withstand stress
Vytalyte Drops – ionic trace minerals and salts to improve electrolyte balance
Essential Oils – bergamot, black spruce, cardamom, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, peppermint, pine, rosemary and vetiver.
Dilute your favourite combo and apply topically to the kidney/adrenal area.
For an all natural and healthy electrolyte drink that you can make from home and have on hand when you need some extra hydration.. check out this post:
Electrolytes are minerals that are needed by the body to perform basic life function processes. Two of these functions in particular is to maintain electrical neutrality in the cells and to generate and conduct action potentials in the nerves and muscles.
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE
When electrolyte levels in the blood become too high or too low, it can cause an imbalance, which in turn can lead to issues such as:
irregular heartbeat
muscle weakness or spasms
bone disorders
convulsions and/or seizures
confusion
numbness
excessive tiredness
nervous system disorders
change in blood pressure
CAUSES OF IMBALANCE
poor diet and severe dehydration
prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea
loss of electrolytes and hydration after exercise
acidosis/alkalosis (imbalance of blood pH)
diuretics and other drugs
congestive heart failure
cancer treatment
ELECTROLYTE DRINKS
Most electrolyte drinks that you will find on supermarket shelves (and even some from healthy places like sports nutrition stores) contain ingredients that are far from being beneficial to the body. High levels of sugar, sodium, food dyes, chemical sweeteners and other additives found in these drinks contribute to health problems. Many popular electrolyte drinks, when consumed regularly, have the potential to lead to diabetes, kidney damage, tooth enamel erosion and weight gain.
Clearly it’s best to avoid this ‘health’ drink and stick to a natural source of rehydration of electrolytes.
HOMEMADE AND HEALTHY ELECTROLYTE DRINK RECIPE
1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
2 cups of raw coconut water
2 tbl organic raw honey or organic maple syrup
2 pinches of Himalayan salt
METHOD
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
Bottle in glass and refrigerate.
Best served on ice.
For a nice change, substitute the orange juice for 1/4 cup of lime juice!
Ever been stuck in a funk that you just can’t seem to shift?
Try one of these 10 restorative and uplifting essential oils to rebalance and improve the mood and get you moving in the right direction.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint essential oil has a sharp, stimulating aroma that can feel like an energetic slap in the face. Breathe it in to increase vitality and motivation, especially if you are feeling disconnected with your surroundings and what you’re doing in this life. Peppermint helps us to refocus on who we are and what we want to achieve. It brings wisdom, alertness and spiritual awareness.
BASIL
Basil essential oil has a warm, peppery, aniseed-like aroma that is stimulating to the mind and emotions. Breathe it in to encourage positivity and creativity and help you to tap in to your true desires and purpose. Basil is a great oil to use when you need to make big decisions as it ‘switches’ on the mind while cleansing any lingering thoughts away that no longer serve you.
ORANGE
Orange essential oil has a fruity, fresh aroma that imbues the essence of creativity and childhood. Breathe it in to uplift the mood and create a space of lightheartedness and regeneration of spirit. Orange encourages feelings of positivity, joy and magnificence, while allowing the body and mind to let go of past experiences that may be keeping you feeling stuck.
BAY LAUREL
Bay laurel essential oil has a spicy, sweet, fresh fragrance that has traditionally been used as a symbol of victory. Breathe it in to encourage confidence and fortitude when planning and reaching for your goals. It’s also a useful oil for those times when the way ahead seems uncertain or when you need a little extra courage. Bay Laurel provides inspiration, protection and a sense of direction.
YLANG YLANG
Ylang Ylang essential oil has an intensely sweet, floral aroma that increases self-esteem and confidence. Breathe it in to uplift the mood and to awaken a feeling of enthusiasm for life. Ylang ylang helps you to forgive yourself and others and has the ability to dissipate anger. It’s calming, yet joyful, playful energy reminds you of all the beauty and wonder in the world and that you equally are a part of it.
MELISSA
Melissa essential oil has a light, fresh and somewhat citrus aroma that brings understanding and a feeling of strength. It’s a useful oil when dealing with negative and repetitive emotions as it helps us to break through these limitations and rise above what we once thought we couldn’t. Melissa brings a sense of peace and protection as you take steps forward to improve your life.
LEMONGRASS
Lemongrass essential oil has a grassy, lemony, citrus aroma that not only cleanses the physical body but also the spiritual. Use this oil to help clear negative experiences such as shame, regret and unforgiveness to encourage feelings of positivity, upliftment and progression. Lemongrass helps us to become clear with our thoughts and reminds us that all outcomes are based on the choices we make.
CARDAMOM
Cardamom essential oil has a spicy, green and sweet aroma that enlivens the spirit and increases feelings of abundance and prosperity. It can be used to clear the senses, stimulate creativity and help motivate you to reach for your heart’s desire. Cardamom helps us to connect to our higher purpose, especially during times of overwhelm and stress and can improve feelings of gratitude.
CISTUS
Cistus essential oil has a musky, sweet balsamic aroma that has traditionally been known to soothe the heart. It is a useful choice when feeling disconnected from your spirituality and life purpose. Cistus can be used to help shift from a place of fear, to a place of unconditional love and acceptance. Use it during times of loneliness, isolation and grief or when you just need some more harmony and balance in your life.
FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense essential oil has a warm, sweet and spicy, balsamic aroma that has been traditionally used in spiritual practice for thousands of years. Breathe it in to help you stay connected to spirit and help induce feelings of emotional stability and a sense of unity. Frankincense gives courage in hard times as it calms the emotions and helps you to feel grounded and secure. The ultimate comforter and protector.
So that’s my Top 10 essential oils to help you out of a funk.
Which one have you tried or which one would you like to add to your emotional home wellness kit?
Sometimes when we think of the word detox we immediately think it involves drinking some horrible concoction to get our bowels moving.
A colon cleanse can be useful to help the body detox from toxins, however it is not the only way!
These 5 detox smoothie recipes are not only delicious but they use wholefoods that nourish your body while gently supporting your detoxification pathways at the same time.
Simply blend up all ingredients and enjoy!
THE SKIN SMOOTHIE
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 tbl acai berry powder
1 tbl hemp seeds
250 mL coconut milk
250 mL almond milk
1 tsp coconut syrup
splash pure vanilla extract
THE LUNG SMOOTHIE
1 cup chopped pineapple
1 granny smith apple
1 handful baby spinach
1 Lebanese cucumber
1 lime (skin on for extra anti-inflammatory benefits)
2 cm piece ginger
handful of mint leaves
1 cup coconut water
THE KIDNEY SMOOTHIE
2 carrots
1 grapefruit
1 lemon
2 cm piece ginger
1 – 2 cm piece turmeric
pinch cayenne pepper
THE LIVER SMOOTHIE
2 lemons
1 grapefruit
1 green apple
1 cup chopped pineapple
2 sticks celery
1 carrot
chopped parsley (to taste)
THE COLON SMOOTHIE
1 beetroot
1 red apple
1 pear
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup chopped lettuce
Adding lettuce provides beneficial fiber and other benefits to the smoothie but mixing green with red fruit and veg can make the end result brown. Which doesn’t look all that appetising!
If you’d prefer to keep your smoothie nice and red, just skip the lettuce and pop it in your salad instead!
Does the idea of growing your own medicine seem exciting to you?
Here are 10 plants that you can easily grow in your garden that have medicinal benefits.
COMFREY
Comfrey prefers moist soil in a sunny or partially shaded site. The leaves and flowering tops are gathered in Summer and the roots in Autumn. Wear gloves!
Due to comfrey’s rapid healing potential, use on clean wounds only.
useful in First Aid
known as ‘knitbone’
useful for sprains, strains, bruises, aches and pains, arthritis and ulcers
speeds up the healing of bones and tissues
useful expectorant
reduces gastrointestinal and bronchial inflammation
applied topically as a poultice, cream or macerated oil
Avoid during pregnancy. Not to be taken internally.
ECHINACEA (coneflowers)
Echinacea prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. The leaves can be gathered anytime during the growing season and the roots can be dug out in Autumn after flowering.
Echinacea is best taken as a tincture and combines well with elderberry for respiratory conditions.
Dilute and use as a lotion for wounds and bites.
natural antibiotic
immune booster
shortens the duration of colds and flu
useful for coughs, colds, earache, viral infections and sore throats
joint and cartilage healer
spider and snake bites
insect sting
may help prevent severe infection
Avoid high doses which may occasionally cause nausea and dizziness.
CHAMOMILE
Both German and Roman Chamomile prefer a sunny position in the garden with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The flowers are gathered in Summer.
Chamomile is best known as a calming tea but when cooled can also act as a soothing lotion to relieve hot, irritated or inflamed skin.
helps to relieve eczema, skin rashes, sunburn and hives
calms digestive system and feelings of nausea
relieves indigestion and gastrointestinal spasms
helps with feelings of nervousness
reduces stress and insomnia
may relieve menstrual cramps due to antispasmodic nature
reduces itchiness
reduces fever
soothes the nerves
Chamomile may cause contact dermatitis. Avoid if allergic to the Compositae family.
CRAMP BARK
Cramp bark prefers to grow in moist, well drained soil in sun or in dappled shade. Collect the inner bark in Spring and Summer while the plant is in flower.
It’s no surprises how this amazing plant can help you. Just look at the name!
Best used as a tincture.
relaxes the muscles
antispasmodic
useful for menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding
reduces backache and muscular spasms
Avoid during pregnancy.
CAYENNE
Cayenne (or chile pepper) loves to grow in pots with loads of good quality compost. Gather in Summer when the fruit is ripe and dry in the shade.
Cayenne is most often used in cooking but has traditionally been used as a warming remedy. Use the powder or fresh fruit (including the seeds) to make a macerated oil or tincture.
Can be used in warm water too.
stimulates the circulatory system
regulates blood flow
helps to maintain healthy blood pressure
strengthens the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves
may arrest internal and external bleeding
clears phlegm from the lungs
reduces sinus congestion
Excessive use of cayenne pepper can lead to gastric irritation. Avoid touching the eyes when handling.
YARROW
Yarrow prefers full sun and well drained soil. Flowers can be gathered as soon as they appear and the leaves and other aerial parts in Summer.
Yarrow was traditionally used to treat wounds however it is also beneficial to both the urinary and respiratory systems.
combine with lime blossoms and hawthorn for healthy blood pressure
may assist with arteriosclerosis
soaked cotton balls in tincture for nosebleed
assists with fever, promotes sweating
boosts immunity
tones blood vessels
stimulates digestion
urinary antiseptic
assists with cystitis
wound healing
reduces menstrual cramps
reduces colds and flu
yarrow root for dental pain
Avoid in pregnancy.
GRINDELIA (gumweed)
Grindelia prefers light to medium sandy soil and full sun. Collect the aerial parts as soon as the flower buds open and dry in the sun.
Traditionally Grindelia was used to treat dermatitis caused by poison ivy.
assists with asthmatic and bronchial conditions
relaxes smooth muscles and heart muscles
helps to reduce catarrh and upper respiratory congestion
useful in treating cystitis and bladder infections
may help to reduce blood pressure
may increase heart rate to assist with healing
useful expectorant
antispasmodic
antimicrobial
Grindelia is not recommended for those with heart or kidney conditions.
CALENDULA (marigold)
Calendula prefers to grow in well drained soil in full sun but will also tolerate some shade. Collect the flowers in Summer and take care when drying to prevent discolouration.
Calendula is a popular plant that is prized for its versatility. Best used as an infusion, tincture, cream or macerated oil.
stimulates healing and is soothing to the skin
useful for abrasions, rashes, eczema, ulcers and wounds
antiseptic, great for first aid
reduces inflammation on the skin
may be useful for wound healing and external bleeding
helpful when used on bruises and strains
useful cleansing agent and healing cream
apply to minor burns and scalds
use the macerated oil to prevent stretch marks
helps regulate healthy menstrual flow
helpful for digestive conditions like gastric and duodenal ulcers
Avoid if allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigold, or plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
MALLOW (common mallow)
Mallow loves well drained soil and prefers full sun, however it will tolerate dappled shade as well. Collect the flowers and leaves in Summer.
The entire plant is edible and is commonly used as a compress, tincture or infusion.
useful for bladder infections
helps to recover from gastritis and stomach ulcers
helps to treat bronchial inflammation, laryngitis and pharyngitis
aids respiratory health and reduces catarrh
used topically against abscesses, boils and minor burns
soothing to the throat due to mucilage content
soothing to wounds, rashes and insect bites
may act as a gentle laxative
relieves anxiety and nervousness
Mallow is a safe, edible plant when harvested in proper locations and not contaminated. You might even find it in your own backyard!
PLANTAIN
Plaintain enjoys moist, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade and can often be found growing in hedges, pavement cracks and grassy areas. Gather the leaves in Summer from unpolluted areas.
Plantain is a common weed that is traditionally used in first aid. Use topically in the form of a poultice or ingest as a syrup, infusion, tincture or juice!
natural antihistamine action
useful for venomous bites and stings
soothes irritation from rashes
combine with calendula to treat cuts and abrasions
treats bladder infections
reduces excess fluid in the body
useful for coughs and mild bronchitis
naturally astringent and antiseptic
supports tissue regeneration
helps in cases of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids
All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.
Linen sprays are designed to freshen up sheets and sometimes clothing between washes.
You might be thinking you don’t really need one because your fabric softener leaves a pretty smell on your clothes and bed linen, but I’m here to let you know that those aromas are doing more harm then good!
I talk a bit more about it over here on this post, but any ‘fragrance’ you come across these days is more likely to be a cocktail of hundreds of synthetic ingredients that are linked to all kinds of illness and disease.
Not too long ago, all fragrances came from pure extracts of plants, aka essential oils. For most big companies, it’s a lot cheaper to fabricate scent in a laboratory.
I don’t know about you, but I’m all about quality and not compromising my health.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils have become quite popular these days but they really aren’t a new thing.
Their use dates back to thousands of years ago where they were used not only to heal and nurture the body, but to anoint it in spiritual practice, embalm the deceased, protect from illness and disease and to simply fragrance the environment and home.
Because of their comeback, many companies have jumped on the ‘oily’ bandwagon purely for profit and so there are a lot of ‘essential oils’ out there that simply are not true, authentic extracts from the plant.
Then there is the issue of how they are farmed, distilled and tested..
but that’s another story for another day!
Essential oils, if pure and unadulterated can bring a lot of joy and healing to your life. Plus they are really handy for all your DIY creations.
Here’s a very simple linen spray that you can use to freshen up your towels and sheets.
WHAT YOU NEED
10 – 20 drops of essential oil
70 mL distilled or filtered water
30 mL vodka
100 mL glass spray bottle
METHOD
Add essential oils to 100 mL glass spray bottle.
Add water and vodka.
Gently invert to mix.
Lightly spray from a distance on sheets and other household linen.
Fragrances to try:
Bergamot, Lavender, Geranium (fresh floral and citrus scent)
Lavender, Cedarwood, Frankincense (great for sleep)
Orange, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang (sensual and intimate)
NEW TO OILS?
I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!
I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.
Living a low tox life means avoiding as many toxins as possible in our household and personal care products and one of the places we need to evaluate is our laundry.
I always say, you are the gatekeeper in your home. That means you get to choose what products you use and what products you feel comfortable allowing into your home.
Many products out there that are designed to whiten and brighten, contain ingredients that ‘trick the eye’ into thinking they look cleaner and some whiteners can cause developmental and reproductive effects.
Sadly, most products on the market contain synthetic and harmful ingredients that pose a risk to you and your family’s health and have no place in a healthy home.
Well, you can spend some time looking for a company/brand that is committed to only using safe, beneficial ingredients or you can make your own.
I tend to do a mix of both.
There are some things that I love making myself and there are other things that I leave up to the experts and buy from my favourite online brand.
Here’s a super simple stain stick recipe that has worked for me.
It uses a combo of basic raw ingredients with things I always have at home.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
2 drops Thieves Dish Soap
5 drops Lemon essential oil
Hydrogen Peroxide
METHOD
Add the dish soap and essential oil to a 10 – 15 mL glass roller bottle.
Top up with hydrogen peroxide.
Apply to stains before washing.
SUPPLIES
The hydrogen peroxide you can usually find at your local health food shop or discount chemist.
I order my essential oils from Young Living as they work well, are the best value and are free from contaminants and adulteration. (I’ve spent years researching and trying loads of brands)
The Thieves dish soap I get from Young Living too because again, no nasties or hidden ingredients.
Use my referral number as a discount code if you’d like to try these too!
Did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic household products you can have in your home?
Apart from crazy ingredients like methylisothiazolinone , a potent skin allergen and glutaral, known to trigger asthma and skin allergies, they also contain synthetic fragrances.
Synthetic fragrances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions and they are in almost everything you can think of!
READ YOUR LABELS
When you start to look around your house and read the labels of your favourite products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of chemical nasties, but do not fear. I always encourage people to take one step at a time.
Choose one room, one cupboard or one product, and switch it out for a safe, all natural product instead. Just be on the look out for greenwashing!!
The beauty of making your own products is that usually they are very cost effective PLUS you know exactly what is in there. No hidden nasties.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
1 tbl of your favourite organic/chemical free conditioner
10 – 20 drops of essential oil of your choice
1 cup of distilled vinegar
1 cup of warm water
METHOD
Add all ingredients to a 500 mL glass jar or bottle and mix gently.
Add a small amount to your wash as you normally would to soften clothes, towels and sheets.
DON’T HAVE TIME FOR DIY?
Here’s where I shop for all my family’s favourite personal care and household cleaning products. I’ve read the labels and they are 100% safe, effective and the company aligns with my values.
They also deliver to my door!
Use my referral code (1706951) for a 24% discount and go here if you want to learn more about how essential oils can bring so much beauty and good health to your life.
“Greenwashing, also called “green sheen”, is a form of marketing spin in which green PR and green marketing are deceptively used to persuade the public that an organization’s products, aims and policies are environmentally friendly.“
Yikes! Thanks Wikepedia.
I wish I knew about this 25 years ago when I had my first baby.
I eventually figured it out, but it wasn’t because somebody told me.
So here I am today to let you know, just in case you’ve never heard of it!
GREENWASHING
Greenwashing has been around probably as long as we’ve had people waking up and realising that the products they were putting on their family weren’t really that nice.
Companies recognised a trend that mummas and care-givers were looking for natural solutions and environmentally friendly products, especially those with little ones that were struggling with conditions like asthma and eczema. So they rebranded their products, or came up with some new ones, that would be more appealing and sell well in the market.
Sadly, greenwashing is a ploy to make you think you’re doing the right thing, using “natural” products, but when you dig a little deeper and research the ingredient list, you find out that what you thought you were putting on your brand new baby, isn’t “organic” at all and it’s actually really bad for the environment.
Yep, that was me. I trusted the company and brand because the label said things like “100% pure” and “organic”. It had a pretty picture of a cute baby and a serene earth and I thought, this HAS to be natural.
I was horrified to discover that what I was putting on my little one had ingredients that were linked to infertility, hormone disruption, asthma, neurological problems and skin allergies.
From that moment on I decided to always look closer and make sure the company truly delivers a product that is safe and beneficial to me, my family and the planet.
Strawberries are such a delightful fruit and homegrown, oh my goodness, there is nothing that beats that sweet, juicy taste. We love them in smoothies, as a topper for acai bowls, yoghurt and granola and even just on their own!
Remember to wash thoroughly if you are not buying organic or growing your own. Unfortunately, strawberries are one of the most heavily sprayed fruits in commercial growing.
And here are some of the amazing health benefits of strawberries..
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against free-radical damage and it helps form and maintain bones, skin, and blood vessels.
MANGANESE
Manganese helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones. It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is also necessary for normal brain and nerve function.
FOLATE
Folate is an essential B vitamin that is necessary for the production of red and white blood cells in bone marrow, producing DNA and RNA and transforming carbohydrates into energy.
POTASSIUM
Potassium helps the body maintain normal levels of intracellular fluid and it also helps muscles to contract, supporting normal blood pressure.
