“Ok, y’all. I’m going to hop up on my soapbox. Bless you for hanging with me. I just can’t abide the fact that we are being poisoned by our personal care products I will shout the dangers of artificial fragrances from the rooftops and tell anyone who will listen. I found this bottle of Bath & Body Works lotion in my office and read the label just for kicks. I already knew what I would find. It’s peppermint scented but do you see actual peppermint in the ingredients? Nope. Here’s what you DO see: 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐦 Petrolatum is derived from crude oil and is often not fully refined in the US. This means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A 2015 study found that those women with high levels of PAH had a 50 percent greater risk of breast cancer. No worries there.  𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞  The word fragrance on a label signifies a mix of potentially hundreds of ingredients, which are often “trade secrets”. Read also: they legally don’t have to tell you the ingredients thanks to FDA loopholes created in the 60’s and 70’s. We do know that phthalates, one class of chemicals typically found in fragrance, can disrupt hormones, leading to cancer, miscarriage and infertility. I’m a walking billboard for this one. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐬  “Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.” I’m entirely too familiar with with one as well. 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝟓 Studies have linked Yellow 5 (which is banned in Europe) to hyperactivity in children, DNA mutation and cancer. Seems ok, right? Let’s slather that all over ourselves and hope for the best. Let’s try this: if you’re considering purchasing a scented product, check the label. Do you see a natural ingredient with that scent? Yes? Then you’re on the right track. If the answer is “no”, then HARD PASS! ”
​
“Ok, y’all. I’m going to hop up on my soapbox. Bless you for hanging with me. I just can’t abide the fact that we are being poisoned by our personal care products I will shout the dangers of artificial fragrances from the rooftops and tell anyone who will listen. I found this bottle of Bath & Body Works lotion in my office and read the label just for kicks. I already knew what I would find. It’s peppermint scented but do you see actual peppermint in the ingredients? Nope. Here’s what you DO see: 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐦 Petrolatum is derived from crude oil and is often not fully refined in the US. This means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A 2015 study found that those women with high levels of PAH had a 50 percent greater risk of breast cancer. No worries there.  𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞  The word fragrance on a label signifies a mix of potentially hundreds of ingredients, which are often “trade secrets”. Read also: they legally don’t have to tell you the ingredients thanks to FDA loopholes created in the 60’s and 70’s. We do know that phthalates, one class of chemicals typically found in fragrance, can disrupt hormones, leading to cancer, miscarriage and infertility. I’m a walking billboard for this one. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐬  “Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.” I’m entirely too familiar with with one as well. 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝟓 Studies have linked Yellow 5 (which is banned in Europe) to hyperactivity in children, DNA mutation and cancer. Seems ok, right? Let’s slather that all over ourselves and hope for the best. Let’s try this: if you’re considering purchasing a scented product, check the label. Do you see a natural ingredient with that scent? Yes? Then you’re on the right track. If the answer is “no”, then HARD PASS! ”

It’s that time of year again! 
You guys. I can’t. Check out the differences in the ingredients of these two vapor rubs.

Vick’s: 
Fragrance: This is catch all term used by the chemical and pharma industries to hide what’s ACTUALLY in the products you’re buying. It could be any number of carcinogenic or endocrine disrupting chemicals. 
Turpentine: Y’all. For real? Are we thinning paint or trying to soothe a child’s cough? 
Thymol: This is a phenol extracted from Thyme. I’ll give them that one. 
Petrolatum: Read also: CRUDE OIL and KNOWN CARCINOGEN.  This is not accepted as an ingredient in personal products in the EU...but here in the US? Go right ahead. 
Do you see a pattern here? If you'd like a side of infertility and cancer to go with your cold, Vick's is the chest rub for you!

Ok, NOW on to my home made vapor balm. 

Vapor Balm:
Organic Coconut oil 
Raven essential oil 
Eucalyptus essential oil 
Orange essential oil

See the difference? I'll take the affordable DIY version made with essential oils and coconut oil any day! I would love to help you ditch the toxins and make this for yourself!

Here’s the winter wellness info I promised to follow up my previous flu vaccine education post. 
As a western trained nurse practitioner, I work day to day within the confines of hospital protocols. At home, I primarily use essential oils and homeopathy to keep my family well and address any issues that may occur. We have a wonderful pediatrician and obviously seek  care when needed but I have not needed a sick visit to our family physician in YEARS, y’all! YEARS! In fact, the office manager called to ask if we had changed practices because we had not been in for a while! This is a game changer! Money saved! Fewer missed work days! Better health! 
Prevention is KEY to 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐥𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. Over the years, I have learned how to take a natural, more holistic approach to our family's wellness in this toxic world we live in.
𝑶𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒐 𝑶𝒊𝒍 - This is a POWERFUL wellness oil. I use this oil in a viral bomb roller with several other oils. It’s like napalm for germs! I’ve used it repeatedly when I feel like I’m slipping below thew wellness line and it always works. Consistency is key! I will admit that I’m usually more focused on taking care of the kids and struggle to remember my own care. 
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑬𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑶𝒊𝒍 - The story and science of Thieves is brilliant. It is made of some of the plant oils used to stuff the beaks of plague doctors’ masks in the Middle Ages. This powerhouse cleans the air when diffused, makes a wonderful wellness tea, is used in our immune defense rollers and disinfects our entire house. A simple PubMed Health search of the oils in Thieves (lemon, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary) is enough to convince even the most ardent skeptic. If you’re still not sure, let’s chat about my family’s experiences. 
𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 - Most of our diets tend to lack fermented foods (aka good bacteria) which is important for gut health. Why so important? Well, since 80% of the immune system is located in your gut, it is critical to keeping you healthy! Life 9 probiotic has even supported the unsettled tummy I get in times of stress. 
𝑽𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝑪 - The difference in the Young Living one vs. other vitamin C supplements is the bioavailability. This means our bodies can use it more easily because it is created from a natural food source instead of ascorbic acid from a lab. 
𝑶𝒎𝒆𝒈𝒂𝑮𝒊𝒛𝒆 - OmegaGize is a fish oil supplement packed with vitamin D, omega fatty acids and CoQ10. This even allows me to eliminate one more pill from my daily supplements since I no longer need a separate CoQ10. Woot! Omega fatty acids are the biggest nutrient deficiency in North America! They interrupt the inflammatory cascade, aiding in healing and illness prevention. Omegagize contains German Chamomile EO which increases bioavailability by 15 times! Take note that YL sources from small fish for higher levels of Omega-3 and lower chances of contamination. That means the mercury levels are much lower than other supplements from the store. Remember that info I posted on mercury in my flu vaccine post? 
𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 - WASH YOUR HANDS! All the time! There is no better way to prevent the spread of germs friends.

If you're feeling frisky, check out some research studies on some of the oils I mentioned. Go on. I dare you!
​
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28296357/?i=2&from=eucalyptus%20essential%20oil%20antiviral

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28407719/?i=1&from=clove%20essential%20oil%20antiviral

https://www.tandfonline.com/.../10.../10412905.1998.9700958
 

​To vax or not to vax...that is the question, especially during flu season. Let’s talk real numbers.

“Recent studies by CDC researchers and other researchers suggest that flu vaccination usually reduces the risk of influenza illness by 40% to 60% among the overall population when the vaccine viruses are like the ones spreading in the community.” In the last 15 years, efficacy has ranged from 10% (2004-2005) to 60% (2010-2011). 

The vaccine is developed prior to flu season based on speculation of which viruses will circulate each year. 
The 2018-2019 flu vaccines were 29% effective. Statistics are not yet available for the 2019-2020 season, for obvious reasons.

Flumist (live attenuated virus) was previously removed from the market due to poor performance, with 3% effectiveness. It should also not be given to children with a history of asthma or wheezing and can increase the risk of hospitalization in those patients. Flumist is available in limited quantities this year. 

There are NINE different injectable flu vaccines on the market this year. All of the injectable formulations are available in prefilled single dose syringes. THIS IS YOUR BEST OPTION if you choose to or are required to receive a flu vaccine! 

Single dose preparations of the flu vaccines either do not contain Thimerosal or it has been filtered out. Multidose vials contain 25 mcg of Mercury per 0.5 ml dose.  Wonder why mercury matters?

I always encourage my clients and patients’ parents to learn their available flu vaccine options and read the vaccine insert. See below. Informed consent, anyone? 

FluMist vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/83072/download
Afluria vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/117022/download
Fluad vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/94583/download
Fluarix vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/79278/download
Flublok (egg free) vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/123144/download
Flucelvax vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/115862/download
FluLaval vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/115785/download
Fluzone vaccine insert:
https://www.fda.gov/media/119856/download

Have you heard the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Stay tuned for my natural winter wellness regimen! Helping my tribe ditch toxins and remain above the wellness line is my passion! 
 

I can’t tell you how empowering it is to know that I am able to make something to support the health of my family and community this Fall and Winter. Did you know that research has shown that elderberry reduces the length and severity of respiratory illness? I also decided (after much consideration) to include Echinacea in my elderberry syrup this year because #2020. I’m not just a hippie, y’all! I’m a nurse practitioner who loves to see HOW and WHY things work. I enjoy some light reading of Elderberry and Echinacea research!
Order your jars of plant magic for local pick up or I can ship elderberry syrup starter kits directly to you! I would love to help you take back your wellness with natural remedies! 

Vitamin D is one of the unsung heroes of our immune systems. We know that Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and is needed for bone health in both children and adults. It also has other roles in the body, including normal cell proliferation, IMMUNE FUNCTION, and reduction of INFLAMMATION. Vitamin D may also influence mood and energy. Pretty important stuff, right?! Vitamin D is found in very few foods including oily fish, liver, cheese and egg yolks.    You can see how it may be difficult to take in enough Vitamin D from dietary sources. 

Sunshine is by far the best source of vitamin D because it helps your body produce Vitamin D naturally. With our indoor society, especially now, nearly
half of Americans are vitamin D deficient.  Considering the vital immune functions of Vitamin D, this is a topic worth exploring! 

Vitamin D supplements have traditionally been produced from yeast and lanolin, which is made from the sebaceous glands of wooly animals.  Neither of those sound good to me but I have been dependent on prescription Vitamin D supplementation
for nearly seven years of pregnancy and breastfeeding.  I was recently able to switch from my long time prescription Vitamin D supplement to a CLEAN Vitamin D that is non-GMO and made exclusively from plant sources!  Two tablets deliver 2000 IU of Vitamin D so I was able to easily switch from my previous prescription. If you’re doing the math to transition between Vitamin D supplements, 1 mcg = 40 IU. If you need help with the conversion math, I’m here for it! You should always consult your healthcare provider regarding changes to your medications but know that there is now a better option if you require Vitamin D supplementation. ​

I regularly help my clients build registries and online orders for the necessities of life with a newborn. These tasks can seem daunting to new parents and that is where I come in! With over a fifteen years of experience caring for mothers and infants, I can guide families in these decisions with my first hand knowledge.

​Here you will find recommendations for pregnancy, lactation and newborn products to guide you in your choices.

Rest easy in the knowledge that these are products I have used myself and with my patients!

See my list of recommended products here.