Travel can take a toll on our bodies if we don’t keep up with our natural health practices.  Climate changes and different elevations can mess with the body’s natural rhythms.  We become exposed to a plethora of germs which means our immune system could be working overtime.  Depending on where you are traveling to, you may not have access to all the wonderful natural health remedies that are back in the comfort of your own home.  Below is my list of essential remedies that I take with me anytime I travel.  It is a great start to building your own natural travel kit!

1. Coconut oil:  It goes with me everywhere.  If I was stranded on a deserted island and could only bring 1 item with me, it would be my coconut oil.  When I travel, I scoop some out of my giant bulk container and put in a 4 oz. travel jar.  It is my hair de-frizzer, skin moisturizer, lip moisturizer, makeup remover.  I also use it as a an antibacterial “boo boo ointment” which is good for cuts, scratches and rashes.  
2. Natural hand sanitizer spray:  I make my own using antibacterial essential oils, witch hazel and distilled water.  Some of my favorite essential oils for this purpose are: clove, lemon, rosemary, tea tree, lavender, cinnamon, and basil.
3. Oregano oil:  This stuff will stop a cold right in its tracks.  It is my go-to first line of defense when I feel a cold coming on. You only need a couple of drops diluted in a full glass of water. This oil is very strong and powerful so please don’t give it to your little ones.  
4. Travel size shampoo bar:  This magical little foaming bar is a versatile travel companion that cleans your body, hands, face and hair. It is made from natural plant oils and does not contain glycerin so it won’t dry out your skin.  My favorite shampoo bar brand is J.R. Liggette’s Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar.
5. Peppermint essential oil:  A natural headache and sinus remedy, this oil can also help with nausea.  Inhale the aroma if you need a boost of natural energy or mental clarity.  This is also a useful oil to have on hand to help treat digestive issues.  
6. Eucalyptus essential oil: My husband has terrible allergies which can induce asthma so I always keep this in my travel bag in case he has an attack and does not have access to his conventional medicine.  I also use this oil to clear and cleanse a new space (like our hotel room) by putting 10 drops with distilled or filtered water in a small spray bottle to spray liberally.

Armed with these essential natural remedies I feel prepared to navigate any bumps in the road in my travels.  What’s in your natural travel kit?

5 Steps to Healthier Armpits

What is all this hoopla about antiperspirants being bad for your health?  Why the push to eliminate them?  The number 1 reason is aluminum.  Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants and is used to block sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin’s surface.  Aluminum is not only a problem because it clogs pores and inhibits a natural body response but it may also be linked to breast cancer and neurological diseases.  According to a reputable medical journal,   “Al (aluminum) is a recognized neurotoxin, and that it could cause cognitive deficiency and dementia….and may have various effects on CNS (central nervous system)”1  Any product containing aluminum is a dangerous choice for your health. .

Parabens are another reason to ditch the antiperspirants.  According to the Canadian Cancer Society, “research published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found an ingredient called parabens in 20 human breast tumours.  Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetic products (including antiperspirant).  The research stated that parabens have been known to act like estrogen, which can speed up the growth of breast cancer tumours.”2

But what about all that sweat?  Sweat is awesome!  Say it with me, “Sweat is awesome!”  It is a natural process of the body and serves a purpose.  Sweating is the body’s way of cooling down, regulating temperature and releasing toxins. It does not have an odor - it is not the culprit of smelly armpits.  The foul body odor you may smell when you sweat is caused by a buildup of bacteria. Did you hear that? It is BACTERIA that causes body odor and NOT the act of sweating.  So shouldn’t we be focusing on eliminating bacteria to treat body odor?

The answer is yes.  But how can we do this?  How can we treat bacteria that causes body odor?  There are several things we can do:

1. Nourish your body through proper diet.  Eat whole foods and reduce the amount of processed foods you eat.  
2. Drink water.  Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is an efficient way to ensure your body is eliminating waste regularly.
3. Cut back on red meat. Studies have shown that eating an abundance of red meat can lead to body odor.  
4. Put a lemon on it.  Lemon is antibacterial.  If you never want to buy another antiperspirant again, you can use a fresh lemon to treat body odor.
5. Use natural body products that do not contain aluminum, parabens or synthetics.  Lemon works great but you may want something less acidic for the underarms after using the razor.  Ouch!

Your body is a highly intelligent well oiled machine and every response has a purpose. Support your body.  Don’t block its natural balance.

www.MyRootElements.com

1 Masahiro Kawahara and Midori Kato-Negishi, “Link Between Aluminum and the Pathogensis of Alzheimer’s Disease: The Integration of the Aluminum and Amyloid Cascade Hypotheses”,International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease,  January 2011.

2”Antiperspirants, Parabens and Breast Cancer”, Canadian Cancer Society, ttp://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/cancer-myths-and-controversies/antiperspirants-parabens-and-breast-cancer/?region=on

How to Reconnect

In this wonderfully advancing technological world, we have more information and connectivity at our fingertips than ever before! Remember the days of looking up answers in the encyclopedia or the dictionary?  So much time was spent flipping through pages of volumes and stacks of thick and heavy hard covered books.  Tablets of information for learning and finding the answers took up an entire wall in our homes.  But now, all we need to know is how to turn on a computer or pick up a phone and find Google.  Google knows everything.

It is really amazing how fast we can access information.  It is truly a wonder how connected we can be to someone who is on the other side of the world.  But I can't help to wonder is all this technological connectivity taking us out of the present moment so often that we are missing out on the life right in front of us?

So how do we truly shut off and reconnect with the present moment?

1.  Spend time in nature.  Take a walk, go for a hike, go camping, walk barefoot in the grass, stick your feet in a lake.

2.  Create a 'no device time' each day.  Turn off the computers, put your phones on silent, turn off the TV.  Experience life without being tethered to one of your devices and without looking at a screen.

3.  Take a bath or a long shower.  This is a great time to really connect with yourself.  You can finally use those bath salts or body scrub that has been sitting in your bathroom closet.

4.  Go on a date with your partner or spouse.  Make a rule that you will leave your phones in the car.  If you have kids, leave the phone number at the restaurant or venue you plan to be at so you can be in reached in case of emergency.

5.  Take deep belly breaths.  Your breath is the simplest way to unite your wandering mind and your body to connect to the present moment.

6.  Hugs hugs hugs! A good friend once told me that everyday when she comes home from her busy day at work she embraces her husband for 15 seconds to reconnect to the love and support that is in her life.  This practice is a beautiful way to reconnect to what is truly important.

Flower Power

Hibiscus is an edible tropical flower that reminds me fondly of my time spent on the magical islands of Hawaii.  Not only because it is the state’s flower but also because the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most beautiful and sacred healing places in the world.

The medicinal properties in this elegant flower are contained its leaves, flowers, seeds and stems.  It has been traditionally used for centuries in folk medicine to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and tone the digestive tract.  Studies have shown this magical plant may help with diabetes, lowers cholesterol and can aid in the treatment of hypertension.  Hibiscus is contraindicated for pregnancy and should not be consumed if you think you may be pregnant.   It also contains an abundance of antioxidants which makes it an optimal choice for natural skin and beauty care. This medicinal flower encourages hair growth and softens hair follicles which makes it a great ingredient for a natural hair conditioner or infused into a hair oil.  

According to Gaia Herbs, people around the globe have been using hibiscus medicine to treat many ailments.

• “In Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus is used to help maintain a normal body temperature, support heart health, and encourage fluid balance.
• North Africans have used hibiscus internally for supporting upper respiratory health including the throat and also use it topically to support skin health.
• In Europe, hibiscus has been employed to support upper respiratory health, alleviate occasional constipation,  and promote proper circulation.  It is commonly used in combination with lemon balm and St. John’s Wort for restlessness and occasional difficulty falling asleep.
• Hibiscus is traditionally used for supporting normal blood pressure maintenance in Iran - a use that has been validated in several recent studies.” *

*Gaia Herbs

Hibiscus Recipes

HIBISCUS MINT ICED TEA:

Ingredients:

• 4 hibiscus tea tags
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• 4 cups boiling water
• 2 cups apple juice
• Ice cubes for serving

Directions:

In a large heatproof pitcher, combine tea bags, mint leaves and boiling water; steep 10 minutes.  Discard tea bags and mint.  Add apple juice; refrigerate until cold.  Serve over ice and enjoy!

NATURAL RED HAIR TINT:

• Brew 5 tea bags or 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers in 2 cups of water
• Steep for 15 - 20 minutes
• Strain and cool tea
• Put in a spray container or mason jar
• After shampooing and conditioning your hair, spray or pour tea liberally on your hair
• Comb thoroughly
• Leave on for at least 1 hour
• Rinse out and style as usual
• Store rest of mixture in an airtight container

To get the best results, repeat this process daily until you reach your desired red tint.

HIBISCUS SYRUP:

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup dried hibiscus leaves
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 inch section fresh ginger, crushed
• 2 whole star anise
• peel from 1 lemon, removed in strips using a sharp peeler
• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan set over high heat. Bring to a boil, then drop heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2. Remove saucepan from heat, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes.  Place a fine-meshed sieve over a large measuring cup or bowl with a pour spout and pour syrup through.  Let drain completely and discard flowers and spices.
3. Pour the syrup into a clean, dry 32-ounce ball jar with lid, cover, and let cool.  Store syrup in refrigerator for up to a year.

 Recipe courtesy of FoodRepublic.com

www.MyRootElements.com

Wisdom in Words

A brilliant quote from the late, great Maya Angelou.  What is your favorite quote?

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DIY Recipes for a Clean Home

I get a lot of inquiries about what I use to clean my home, so here are some simple recipes that I use regularly.  These recipes have been effective at getting the job done while keeping my home toxic free and safe for my family and pets.  

DIY FLOOR AND TILE CLEANER

Since I am wary of bringing toxic chemicals into my home,  I am constantly experimenting with concocting natural alternatives to clean my house. After much tweaking, I came up with a great recipe to clean my floors, counters, shower and toilets.  

White Vinegar:  2 Tablespoons

Castile Soap:  1 teaspoon

Water:   2 cups

Lemon Essential Oil:  10 drops

Clove Essential Oil:  5 drops

Peppermint Essential Oil:  5 drops

Gently stir ingredients in a bucket and use with a cloth rag or your household mop.  If you need more scrubbing power, sprinkle some baking soda on the surface that needs it!

DIY GLASS CLEANER

This is a great alternative to the blue liquid often used to clean windows and mirrors in your home and doesn’t leave behind streaks.  

White Vinegar: 2 Tablespoons

Water: 2 cups

Lemon Essential Oil: 5 drops (optional)

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before using

DIY CARPET DEODORIZER

My carpet gets its fair share of abuse from my toddler boy and two very hairy and playful dogs.  Our backyard dirt seems to latch onto our shoes and always finds its way inside our home.  I formulated an effective and easy DIY recipe to deodorize your carpet and also make the house smell like a fresh blooming garden in the springtime.  

Baking Soda:  1 cup

Dried Lavender flowers:  2 Tablespoons  

Dried Calendula flowers:  2 Tablespoons

Dried Rose petals:  1 Tablespoon

I use my Magic Bullet to to grind up all the dried flowers into a powder.  Then I add baking soda and gently mix up.  Sprinkle on the carpet and leave on for 5-10 minutes before vacuuming.

www.MyRootElements.com

What are your favorite DIY home recipes?

Unique Gift Ideas For Mom

Moms are always so good at putting everyone else’s needs before their own.  Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity to let them know how much they are appreciated and loved. Here is a list of some creative gift ideas to give to mom this year:

1.  A flower arrangement with flowers that are her favorite color. Picking different types of flowers in the same color shows mom how much you truly care!

2.  A personal coupon to her favorite coffee shop or restaurant that includes her favorite companion - you!

3.  Make your own scented bath salts so she can relax when she needs to the most.  To put this thoughtful gift together you will need a jar with a lid, epsom salt and essential oil (lavender for relaxation, citrus for uplifting and peppermint for energizing).  Mix the salt and oil together and scoop into the jar.  You can put a personalized note on the lid!

4.  A gift certificate for a unique spa treatment.  Pick the non traditional route and get your mom a thai foot massage, reiki treatment, raindrop therapy or reflexology session.

5.  Take her to her favorite play or to see that movie she has been meaning to see.

6.  A coupon for house cleaning! Nothing says, “I love you, Mom” like taking her daily duties off of her plate for a little while.  

7.  Spend time with her!  Your mom loves you and the thing she wants most in this world is just to be with you.  If you don’t live in the same city as her, make some time to video chat.  

Yay for Moms!

www.MyRootElements.com

Poo Free and Proud

I have been Poo Free for 2 years. This may sound odd to most of you.  “What is she talking about?”  I know where your mind is going, and that is NOT what I am talking about.  Let me clarify.  I am shamPOO free and have been for 2 years.  I realize that sounds strange to most of you, but this choice has simplified my life and has given me the opportunity to commit to this journey of detoxifying my body and home.  

“So, you haven't washed you in 2 years?”

I wash my hair.  I just don’t use mainstream shampoo products to do it.  I started this process by washing my hair with baking soda and water, until the natural oils of my scalp found their balance again.  Now I use a bar that consists of olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, herbs and essential oils.  

“Isn’t your hair greasy all the time?”

Actually, no - it tends to be on the drier side.  You see, when you are consistently stripping your scalp and skin of its natural oils the body creates more and more to make up for its lack of them. This is why when you are in the habit of using shampoo and then don’t use it for a couple of days your hair feels very greasy.  But it is not because you NEED shampoo for your hair and scalp to be healthy and clean.  It is because the body is seeking to regain balance and creates more oil than necessary.  If you give your body enough time to figure this out, balance will be restored.

“What about conditioner?”

I ditched my conditioner when I ditched my shampoo.  Now I use an apple cider vinegar rinse which is a natural detangler, so brushing my long and wavy hair is never an issue.  Apple cider vinegar balances the PH in your hair which gives it everything it needs to feel soft, look shiny and be totally manageable.  Sometimes I add a drop of lavender or rosemary essential oil when I want to enrich my experience.  

“How does your hair look?”

I’ll be honest.  It took about a month for my hair to figure out what the heck was going on.  But I think about how long I had been inhibiting its natural process with putting products all over it, and a month doesn’t seem so long to get back to its natural state.  During that time it kept swinging from feeling dry and frizzy to feeling extra greasy.  When it was feeling dry, I added a little coconut oil to the ends to help with those frizzies.  When it was greasy, I wore a scarf as a headband to cover up.  And then one magical day, sort of out of the blue, my hair finally felt awesome.  It looked healthy, soft and my waves were prettier than they have ever been.  I felt like I met my hair in its natural state for the first time.  

So there you have it.  My experience with the No Poo Method.  It has been working great for me and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to take that step in the direction of simplifying the products in your life.  

5 Natural Alternatives to Common Household Products

So, you are ready to start simplifying your life and want to cut out the toxic products in your home.  But what should you replace them with?  I have found 5 simple ingredients that can easily be swapped out for ALL your home care products.  

Vinegar (white)

You can switch out every single toxic cleaning product in your home for white vinegar.  It is an inexpensive and a powerful cleanser.  I use it to clean my kitchen counters, tile floors, bathroom counters and bathtub.  For extra scrubbing power sprinkle baking soda onto vinegar covered surface and let it soak together for 10 minutes before wiping off. For super disinfectant power, spray hydrogen peroxide on surface after vinegar has been used (do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together).  Vinegar also makes a great glass cleaner!

Coconut Oil

This super oil is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants which make it an extremely healthy choice to add to your diet.  It is a great oil to cook with due to its high temperature resistance.  Coconut oil is also a useful home body product alternative! I use it as a skin moisturizer, in my hair for an oil treatment and as a natural diaper rash ointment for my baby (I have never had to use another product to treat his diaper rash).

Baking Soda

This simple kitchen ingredient is a natural deodorizer and cleaner!  Put a box in the fridge or cupboard to help absorb odors, sprinkle on your carpet before vacuuming to freshen up your carpet, and add to your kitchen sinks and bathtubs for extra scrubbing and cleaning power.  Baking soda can also be used  for brushing your teeth by mixing it with water until you form a paste.  I have also used baking soda to clean my hair and scalp in lieu of shampoo.  

Hydrogen Peroxide

A staple in everyone’s home, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover and disinfectant that has many uses.  Add a cup to your laundry instead of bleach to fight stains.  Most people don’t realize that hydrogen peroxide makes a very effective and inexpensive mouthwash.  It fights germs and bacteria.  That is why it is also a great natural choice for wound care!  Hydrogen peroxide has super hero sanitizing powers which makes it a great tool for disinfecting bathroom counters, toilets, floors and tubs.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Oh, the many benefits and uses of apple cider vinegar!  It can be used as a natural heartburn remedy due to its enzyme packed properties which also help to balance out candida in the body.  It has been known to aid in detoxifying the body which comes in handy when feeling ill and trying to lose weight.   It also makes a great natural conditioner and hair detangler since it naturally balances the PH in your skin and hair.  This is my #1 choice for an all natural hair conditioner.  I dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with approximately one cup of water to use as my conditioning rinse.  My hair comes out soft, manageable and shiny!

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It is important to educate yourself on the ingredients that you bring into your home.  Think about the goal you are seeking for each product you choose.  Do you want to moisturize your skin? Are you trying to heal a skin ailment?   If you are purchasing a petroleum, lanolin, or mineral oil based moisturizer or salve, you may have trouble reaching these goals.  Although these ingredients can be helpful in other ways, they create a barrier on your skin which inhibits proper absorption.  If you are purchasing a product that contains calendula because you have read that it is good for the skin, make sure it is made with ingredients that won’t prohibit absorption.  Otherwise, what is the point?  If your skin is unable to absorb that wonderful herb,  then you may not be getting the benefits that you seek.

What should you be looking for on your skin care labels?  Keep your eyes open for ingredients that are easily absorbable by the skin.  Natural butters (shea, cocoa, mango, etc.) and natural oils (jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, etc) have a symbiotic relationship with your body and are easily absorbable through your pores.  These ingredients are also packed with vitamins and minerals which benefit your body greatly.  As always, consult a doctor if you are pregnant or have medical conditions before using a new product.  

Want to know more about the potential dangers of mainstream cosmetic and skin care products?  The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization committed to independent health research in order to inform and educate.  

To see their research, visit:  http://www.ewg.org/search/site/1%2C4-dioxane%20is%20fairly%20widespread%20among%20cosmetic%20products.

~Abby

Lavender For Life

Aaaaaah….Lavender!  It always provides that calm sense of reassurance that everything is alright.  The scent immediately penetrates my mind with the wise words of Bob Marley, “Don’t worry, about a thing.  Because every little thing, is ‘gonna’ be alright!”  Lavender essential oil is usually the gateway for most people into the powerful world of essential oils.  It is gentle yet effective and has one of the most diverse uses for your physical, mental and emotional states.  It is the most versatile natural essential oil that benefits your health and home.

LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR BODY

Studies have shown that lavender has powerful antibacterial, antibiotic and antiseptic properties.  It is great for the skin and can help many ailments.   It may be used to soothe and cleanse cuts and scrapes, and other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and burns.  I use lavender oil on many of my massage clients, since it does not contain much of an allergen effect.  I find that it helps to ease muscle tension and sore muscles.  It also has been effective in soothing mild headaches.  

LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR MIND

In my experience, lavender oil tends to create a general feeling of balance and relaxation.  It calms the mind and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.  I often put a few drops in my toddler’s night time bath to help ease him into a relaxed state of mind which makes bedtime a smoother transition for him.  

LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR EMOTIONS

It has been suggested that Lavender may help with depression, since it improves your mood and may reduce feelings of anxiety.  It can have a very gentle and subtle effect on the nervous system and can facilitate feelings of calmness and balance.  I really enjoy diffusing lavender oil when I am practicing restorative yoga, or taking an epsom salt bath!

Although I have read about the benefits of taking lavender oil internally, I only use it topically, in a diffuser, or diluted in a bath.  When choosing your own essential oils, be sure to choose one that is 100% pure therapeutic grade.  As always, if you are pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician before introducing something new to your body.

www.MyRootElements.com

4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Health

A new year is upon us and with it comes inner reflection and an opportunity to set clear goals for the year.  My focus this year is on my health, which also includes the health of my family.  I am letting go of the reckless eating habits that the holidays tend to bring.  My pants are starting to tighten around my waist which is quite reminiscent of my growing pregnancy belly (except this time around, I am not ‘with child’ - I am with ‘sugary treats').  So before my buddha belly gets out of control, I am cutting back on the junk, and sticking to what has worked for me in the past.  It boils down to a just a few changes, to see some great results.

1. DRINK WATER!  This is the simplest and best thing you can do for your body.  Drink water as soon as you wake up in the morning - before coffee, tea, orange juice and breakfast.  Drink a full glass of water!  Water gets your body systems moving and processing.  It kick starts your metabolic process in the morning, and helps with eliminating toxins throughout your day.  Add a little squeeze of fresh lemon for added benefit.

2.  GET ENOUGH SLEEP! We underestimate the importance of rest in our society.  A full deep, restful sleep works wonders for your health.  This is the time when your mind shuts down and allows the parasympathetic nervous system to kick on.  Deep, relaxing sleep is where all the magic happens. This is when your body stops doing and starts healing.  When you wake up the next morning refreshed, and ready for the day, your body will thank you!

3. GET UP AND MOVE! In today’s day of computers, cubicles, cars and tvs, it is easy to forget that we need to move.  Movement is how we allow our body to stretch and digest.  It gets the juices flowing so that our joints can stay healthy, and our muscles can stay in shape.  Don’t have time for exercise?  A mindful practice of making new choices is all you need. Choose the stairs, choose to take your dog for a walk, choose to park further away from the building, and choose to take 2 minutes to do 10 jumping jacks. Choose to move!

4. RELEASE STRESS! Science shows us that stress constricts the body, restricts our breathing, and causes a whole bunch of health problems.  Figure out the best way you can release the stress you feel, and do it every single day.  Close your eyes and focus on your breathing, count to 10, take a yoga class, sip herbal tea, take a bath, sit in nature, take a hot shower with essential oils.  There are many ways to release stress. What can you do to feel more relaxed and centered?

www.MyRootElements.com