Hi Friends!
It's been a minute since this email should have hit your inbox, and for that I am sorry. Many of you know I was on vacation in Africa and while I was there, I really believed I would send you the next email in the series while on vacation. I did bring my laptop, but guess what?!?! Yep, you guessed it...I never opened it.
That being said, I find this a perfect time to share with you about the Maasai Tribe that lives in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and how they still, to this day, use plants and herbs for healing. Super cool, right?!?
This is me, my husband and Dr. Moinget Ole Coney. He is one of the 8 Maasai Chiefs of the more than 1 million Maasai people living in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. He is also one of only three Maasai to have ever earned a medical degree. He is incredibly knowledgeable and shared with us, the many plants that are found locally and used to TREAT and HEAL various medical issues like Malaria, stomach-upset, fever, and more
The various species of acacia trees (Pictured above with a zebra! So cool) that are of common association with the vast plains of East Africa are used by the Maasai to treat a number of ailments. Acacia Nilotica, sometimes called the Gum Arabic Tree, or the Egyptian Thorn tree, is sometimes used to aid stomach upset, diarrhea, and help to increase appetite, but way of distillation via boiling. The bark of the Acacia Mellifera, referred to sometimes as Blackthorn, is used to reduce nausea and aid indigestion, also via a distillation. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation so children learn distillation early. As cool as this is to me, I am grateful that all we need to do is open a bottle of Digize and have the same effect! Naturally easy!
There is also a toothbrush tree, or Salvadora Persica. It is a low growing evergreen shrub or sometimes a small tree that grows in dry bushland and wooded grasslands. The leaves can be eaten as a salad or also used as traditional medicine for coughs, asthma, rheumatism and other diseases. Flowers are used as a mild laxative and the fruit, although small, can be eaten fresh or dry. A decoction of the roots is taken as an antidote for gonorrhea, spleen pain and stomach aches while latex from the bark is used to treat skin sores.
Our guide told us that the juice you get after boiling the roots is also a good remedy for ‘cleaning your body’. He advised us if we ever take it we should sleep with only a blanket on because ‘everything comes out’!
The stem is what makes this tree famous, yielding the chewing sticks that contain an antibiotic that keeps your mouth clean and also prevents toothaches. It was also found to contain active compounds which reduce decay, gum disease and plaque. Our guide said it also keeps your teeth white as the snow on Kilimanjaro.
How good it is to see other people and countries, using what Mother Nature intended. When I got home, I started looking up medical studies and found this one from Pub Med, The National Library of Medicine and found many, but thought this one was interesting and there are many others at the bottom of the page, if you want to search around for yourself. Pubmed is one of my favorite go to sites for research.
I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit of information. Our trip to Africa was life changing. I am sure you will hear more about it in the future. If you ever have the opportunity to go, I highly advise it. It's incredible!
OK so let's get back to our 30 day change over to a more healthier lifestyle with the best natural products on the market that are EASY to use and you don't have to grow the plants yourself!
Here we go.......
22- Baby Products
Wipes, Diaper Rash creams, Baby wash and baby lotion are all commercially marketed and packaged to be “gentle,” “nourishing,” “natural,” and “organic.” Sadly, so many of the products contain artificial fragrance, parabens, and other toxic chemicals. Thankfully, many companies have removed their parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes from their lotions and soaps. Most announce this right on the front of their bottle. The biggest problem now in baby products is the synthetic fragrance. Synthetic fragrance – this can be over 3000 different chemicals and companies are not required by law to label what their fragrance is made up of. It’s their “trade secret.” Nor does the FDA require any testing of these chemicals or monitoring of their health effects. The only label on the product will say fragrance, perfume, or parfum. Synthetic fragrance is linked to allergies, skin irritation, eczema and can be toxic to various organs in the body.
Remember you can always scan the product on the Think Dirty App and it will tell you if it’s a synthetic fragrance.
Young Living’s plant-based Seedlings line is formulated specially for our little ones. There are diaper rash ointments, lotions, wipes, shampoo, and baby oil that are gentle on both the baby’s skin and their developing systems. All products in the seedlings line are 100% naturally derived ingredients and 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.
23- Hair Products
The truth is that a plethora of commercial brands use ingredients that make your hair glow, but which also damage it in the long-term, stripping it of vital proteins and moisture. Let’s take a look at some of the worst harmful chemicals you need to avoid.
- Coal Tar. Yes, seriously. Coal. Tar. Coal tar is found in numerous anti-dandruff shampoos, as well as dry skin treatments. Naturally, companies don’t list it on their packaging as “COAL TAR”, but instead they list it as a color + number.
- Lead is another known carcinogen that can cause cancer, and yet some hair care companies continue to use it in their products. You can find it in hair dye, as well as lipstick.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate comes under various names, including laureth sulfate and ammonium laurel sulfate. For this simple reason, it isn’t always easy to detect. It’s as though the hair care companies are deliberately trying to disguise it! You will find SLS in cleansing agents and industrial detergents, such as garage floor cleaners, but for one reason or another you may also find it in some of the world’s leading shampoos!!!
- Isopropyl alcohol is found in numerous hair gels and hairsprays because it is able to hold together a hairstyle’s look. But it also risks snapping your tresses right off. So each time you apply a hair gel, you’re giving this nasty chemical the opportunity to snap away like a pair of barber’s scissors
Who wants an all natural DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe?? Did you know that excess use of dry shampoos that contain alcohol can lead to long-term hair and scalp damage. When dry shampoo is used too often, it can cause dandruff, dryness and blocked pores. No good. We have this great alternative for you!
Do you find your hair feels dry and lacks lustre after blow-drying? Are your curls not lasting as long as they used to? One of the main reasons why this would happen is simple: your hair is most likely damaged. To prevent this from happening, it’s so important to use heat protectant spray on your hair before applying heat. And the essential oils will support your hair!!
What you'll need:
- 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
- 2 teaspoons conditioner of choice
- 1 cup distilled water
- 10 drops essential oils
- Spray bottle
- Funnel
Chose essential oils that are beneficial for hair growth. I like Lavender and Clary Sage. These oils are great for hair growth and estrogen balance in the membrane tissue around the hair follicle. They also serve to balance testosterone levels and to prevent the thickening of the tissue around the follicle that results in hair loss.
- Add all the ingredients to a spray bottle.
- Secure the spray nozzle and shake well to combine all ingredients.
- Shake before each use
- Spray on damp hair before blow-drying. You can also mist hair lightly a second time before heat styling
24- perfume
Cottage garden: geranium, lavender
Flawless: geranium, patchouli, frankincense
Peachy: orange, valor, cedarwood
Angelic: white angelica, frankincense
25- Flame Retardants
I met a woman at a play date and we started talking. She had recently written an article about toxic things in our home. I asked her what the the number one thing was and she said flame retardants in your mattress or mattress pad (remember when they made flame-retardant pajamas) Flame retardants use polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEsfor short. Two forms of PBDEs were phased out of use in manufacturing in the United States in 2004 because of related health threats, but the products containing them linger on. Studies have linked PBDEs to learning and memory problems and other health issues. Good idea to check your mattress label! And check before you purchase a mattress cover. I found a non-toxic mattress protector when Orae switched to his big-boy bed
26- Artificially Sweetened Drinks
We seem to have an over-abundance of sugary and artificially sweetened drink options available. We all know that water is really the best option for our bodies.. but let’s face it, sometimes you want something more. Especially something caffeinated to help get through the afternoons or wake you up in the morning. I probably don’t need to go into the countless reasons why artificially sweetened drinks (and their overly sugary counterparts) aren’t good for you. We all know it! I think many continue to drink them because they don’t have a good substitute.
Water is ALWAYS best!!! I do like to drink a probiotic drink when I want to reach for a sweet drink or something “fun”! Or a Ningxia below…
Young Living Option to Support Immune System and have something sweet- Ningxia Red and Ningxia ZYNG. Yes, Ningxia samples come in your Young Living Starter Kit! That is usually NOT the reason why most people buy the starter kit. But maybe it should be! Did you know how Ningxia was created? Gary Young found a small city in China where the people were living full and healthy lives WELL INTO THEIR hundreds! He knew that there must be some secret, so he traveled there and discovered that a big staple of their diets was the Wolfberry, which grew there, plentifully. He took some wolfberries back and studied them and discovered that they are crazy high in anti-oxidants and brain-nourishing nutrients, (among other things). Ningxia Red has become a staple in our home. I love to mix 2 ounces with ice and a sparkling water in the afternoon for a pick me up! Orae loves it too!
27- Hand Soap
Think about how often you and your loved ones wash your hands in a day. I have counted for our family, and I figure that it is at least 25 uses! Hand soap is something to SERIOUSLY consider when focusing on a nontoxic lifestyle.
DIY Hand Soap
- 15-20 drops total Favorite Combo of Oils (Rosemary and Lemon, Lavender, Theives and Orange.. endless options)
- 2-3 tbs Castile Soap
- 1-2 tsp Vitamin E Oil
- Distilled Water to the top.
Young Living- Thieves Foaming Hand Soap (Item Number 3674). We love to buy this as the big REFILL (Item Number 3594) and use our cute foaming jar dispensers. 
28- Makeup Remover or wipe
It is SO important to remove your makeup DAILY. Makeup Wipes are convenient and cut down on laundry (who doesn’t love that), but I have found that the majority are toxic and full of fragrance (not to mention wasteful). I opt to buy dark colored washcloths and jojoba oil to remove your makeup. Jojoba oil doesn’t clog pores and is really effective in removing mascara!
DIY Makeup Remover Wipes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp. Witch Hazel
- 1 tsp. Jojoba Oil
- 1/4 tsp. Vitamin E oil
- Cotton rounds
- Distilled water
- Mason Jar with lid
- 5 drops Frankincense Essential Oils
- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops Geranium Essential Oil
- 1 Tbs. Castile Soap Unscented
Add Witch hazel, jojoba oil, vitamin E, Castile soap, and essential oils into the mason jar. Then add distilled water until the jar is 3/4 of the way full. Screw on mason jar lid and shake till combined…not too aggressive or too much, you don’t want the mixture too sudsy. Add cotton rounds by a small handful at a time. You want to do this gradually to avoid overflow and allow the cotton to absorb the liquid. Really pack those cotton rounds in there.
And just like that you made your own facial cleansing wipes! I use this cleanser at night as a makeup remover before bed. It’s up to you if you want to rinse it off, I don’t. I simply pat dry with a clean soft towel
Alright! There you have it! 7 more days and 7 more ways to remove toxins from your home. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this email, as I enjoyed writing it and sharing what I learned from the Maasai Tribe.
The one thing that stuck with me, and I have said it before, but hearing natural remedies from the tribe has made a larger impact on me. Every time I look at this picture I am reminded of what they live by, and that is, "Your health is your wealth."
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about Young Living, Africa, or if you just want to chat. I am only an email or text away!
In good health,
Jess and Your Friends In the Oiler Room
Hello Again!
Can you believe another week has passed? Have you made a change with one or more personal care products or cleaners? If you have, "Excellent!! Good for you!" Taking a step, even a small step, into a healthier lifestyle is a step in the right direction! If you have not, is there any way that I can help you? Maybe a starting point (think your most used product) or maybe you need help with figuring out pricing (I recommend getting on the Loyalty Rewards Program in order to get the deepest discounts and earn points back for product you can buy for FREE!) or maybe you just feel overwhelmed and have analysis paralysis (I was there once myself). Whatever you need, we are here to help and would love to chat with you! Just hit reply and drop us a line!
Before we move ahead, I forgot to give you the easy button on the Bug Repellent! Not everyone loves a good DIY, so it's great to have Young Livings Insect Repellent available! Our Insect Repellent is a natural alternative that has clinically proven to prevent mosquito, flea and tick bites. Click here to learn more.
Alright, are you ready to make a difference in our lives? Days 15-21....Let's do this!
15- Lotion
What is the climate like where you live? Colorado is very dry and we need to apply lotion on the daily! When we visit family in California, it's fairly humid and we don’t find ourselves needing lotion everyday. When deciding on which lotion or body butter to use, watch for fragrance, parabens and any petroleum-based products. These can upset your endocrine system and mess with your hormones.
DIY Whipped Butter Recipe
“This body butter melts on the skin, a little goes a long way!”
- 1/2 cup Shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (hard at room temp)
- 1/4 Carrier oil of choice (fractionated coconut oil, Young Living's V6, almond oil, jojoba)
- 45 drops of essential oil (I like a combination of 3 oils at 15 drops each)
- Micha powder for pigment if you'd like color (I leave it out)
In a double boiler melt together Shea butter, coconut oil and Young Living V6, stirring constantly. Put immediately in the fridge to set up. Once opaque and cooled, use a hand mixer to whip it up. This part takes about ten minutes. Halfway through whipping, add the oils and optional Micah powder for pigment.
Not a DIYer? Try Young Living's Lavender hand and body lotion (item # 5201), the Coconut-Lime Body Butter (Item #20225) or my favorite Sensation Hand & Body Lotion. I buy 3 at a time because I am always worried it will sell out. Not familiar with the Sensation oil blend? Read the suggested uses HERE to figure out why I love it so much!
16- Supplements
This one may seem counter-intuitive, but some of the supplements available are full of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and chemicals. I love to drink a post-workout drink, and I have fallen in love with AminoWise (item #20083) from young Living. It is a smooth taste and plant-based! It helps to rebuild the cellular breakdown that occurs during workouts and can shorten recovery time. BOOM!
Another supplement that I would recommend adding to your routine is MultiGreens (item #3248). Packed with spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, bee pollen and more, this supplement helps glandular, nervous system and Circulatory function.
17- Medicine Cabinet
Today is the day to take a look into those bins and cabinets where you keep your medicine. Not only do medications lose their efficacy as they pass their expiration date, unused prescriptions create other risks for kids and teenagers. Being responsible about your medicine cabinet is a simple way to reduce toxins in your home.
- Check for any expired medications
- Get rid of any prescription that is not currently being used
18- Makeup
Put your best face forward when putting on your makeup! This was something that I was slower to swap out. I was worried about the wear ability of natural makeup . Some things that you should watch out for in make up that could be toxic to your system are parabens, fragrance, talc, bismuth, phthalates, petrochemicals, or synthetic colorants.
TIP- try changing out your mascara wand with a wand you loved before switching to toxic-free
My go to make up right now is still Young Living Liquid Foundation. Savvy Minerals is the NEW Standard in Clean Beauty. which means no sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic dyes. Our make up brushes are also amazing, last forever and worth every penny! I've had mine for 4 years and I have yet to lose a bristle! See brushes & tools here.
19- Household Cleaner
This one seems obvious. I do use vinegar and water in our home, but I'm not a fan of the smell. Making sure your household cleaner is non-toxic can be hard. Especially with Green Washing. Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate is our preferred cleaner! We use it on everything from our counters, to tubs, to floors! I LOVE the aroma and it's safe to use around your pets and kiddos!
I even use a cap of Thieves as my spot cleaner! Or I will mix one cap of Thieves Concentrate with 16 oz of water and spray it directly on a stain. It has worked every time to get a stain out! Remember, our household cleaner is not diluted. You do this at home, so you can make roughly 30 bottles of cleaner with one bottle of Thieves Cleaner! This frugal momma loves that! Here's a link to 25 DIY cleaners you can make with your bottle of Thieves Cleaner!
20- Laundry Soap
Laundry is actually a REALLY good place to start when examining the toxins in your life. Clothing, sheets, and towels that you wash at home come in direct and constant contact with your skin which is the largest organ in your body. The chemicals from the detergent you use pass right through your skin and into your bloodstream without any filter. Laundry Detergents contain hormone-disrupting fragrance and fragrance binders (to make that scent last and last) that wreck havoc on your cellular makeup and confuse your endocrine system. Some important things to avoid: If your laundry comes out smelling like ANYTHING, there is a fragrance binder in the detergent. All scent can be added in the dryer. We love Thieves Laundry Soap!
21- Fabric Softener
Softeners work by coating your clothes with a thin layer of potentially toxic chemicals, such as quantenary ammonium salts. These can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and headaches. Did you know that most dryer sheets sold today contain Chloroform? It is on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list as a Neurotoxic and carcinogenic. As an alternative and honestly more cost effective, I use New Zealand wool dryer balls from Amazon and drop one or two drops of Purification oil on the ball. My laundry smells fresh, has no static and no toxins.
A friend told me that you can use white vinegar in the Laundry room as a natural fabric softener. … A half-cup of white vinegar when added to the final rinse, on the other hand, will soften fabrics and leave no residue at all. I have been adding vinegar to my towels when I wash them and it works great!
Fun Fact: If you are trying to keep mice away, dryer sheets placed around the home or RV keeps them away!
Ok there you have it. Another week of cleaning out toxicity in your home! I appreciate you coming along and learning why it is important to read the labels of the products in your home! Please reach out if you have any questions. We are here to help you on your path to wellness.
Wishing you health and laughter!
Your friends in the Oiler Room
Hi Friend!
How was your week? Mine went by super fast! Did you have a chance to look at your personal care products to see what ingredients may be hiding in them? Did you venture to the store and notice all of the Green Washing? Maybe you were only able to get the laundry done, or maybe you got caught up on sleep. However your week went, I wish for you all the goodness this new week brings!
Last week we went over 7 ways to make your life healthier by swapping out products. Today we will go over 7 more. Ready? Let's go!
8- Face Cleanser
You’ve likely heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” And the same theory holds true for your skin: What you apply to your skin is absorbed directly into your body. Considering that the skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s crucial to know what you’re putting into your system.
But if you’ve ever turned over the packaging of your favorite facial cleanser, you noticed a long list of ingredients you didn’t recognize?
Top 5 ingredients I suggest you avoid:
1. Sodium lauryl sulfate
1. Sodium lauryl sulfate
2. Fragrance
3. Propylene Glycol- sometimes just called “oils” but not what you want. Instead it would say- pure essential oils
4. Parabens
5. Alcohols
Young Living Option- This one is simple. If you want a super easy swap out, grab the Young Living Charcoal Bar Soap! Many Young Living leaders us it not only on their bodies, but their faces! Keep it by your sink in a soap dish and just use a washcloth to get some suds going and wash your face. It is simple and effective. This routine paired with the glow moisturizer has truly transformed the skin of many people! Cruelty Free, Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly, you just can't beat it! Read more about the Charcoal Bar Soap here. Glow Serum Recipe below.
9- Face Moisturizer
Parabens. You've heard the word, but do you REALLY know what they are? They are one of the most common cosmetic ingredients mainly used as preservatives in makeup products that stop bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing. This ingredient has another side to it; it can mimic estrogen (female sex hormone) very well. Due to this, it is believed to be the cause of breast cancer in many women. Parabens easily get absorbed in the body and are detected in many breast cancer tissues. Click Here to read more evidence about Parabens from the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners Website. Did that just make your stomach sick? It did for me. PLEASE! Stop using toxic products!
Parabens are found in makeup products, body washes, deodorants, shampoos, facial cleansers and more!
Instead ditch those toxic ingredients and make your own so you know exactly what is in it!!!! Here's an EASY recipe for the DIYers!
Glow Moisturizer- this is the ONLY moisturizer I use. You can mix up the combos based on what your skin specifically needs. I love frankincense to help with fine lines and wrinkles, geranium for brightenintg, copaiba to soothe any inflammation and healing. Here is the basic recipe:
- 4 tbs Jojoba Oil (I use jojoba because it closely matches the oil naturally produced by the skin and won’t clog pores)
- 10 drops Frankincense
- 5 drops Geranium
- 5 Drops Copaiba
(I also love adding patchouli, purification, rose or blue tansy as well).
Mix in a 2 ounce dropper bottle and apply by putting it in the palm of your hand and rubbing on like lotion. Don’t forget your neck and chest!
Now listen, I don't always have time for a DIY, and you may not either. That is OK! With Young Living, you can use the EASY button and order the skin care you want! We have 3 different skin care lines, depending on the type of skin you have. That being said, I personally use the Bloom Line. It is made for aging skin, to brighten with a more youthful glow!
10- Shower Curtain
Phthalates are sometimes used to soften the plastic that goes in shower curtains. Phthalates has been associated with causing harmful effects in children. Opt for a shower curtain that is phthalate-free. I use a CLOTH fabric liner and curtain! So easy, non-toxic and I wash it every two weeks. I got mine from Target.
11- Body Wash
The debate continues between body wash and bar soap! No matter which way you lean, it is important that you choose a clean option for getting clean! Additives like fragrance, parabens, and other chemicals should be avoided.
Cosmetic companies have been using fragrances in their products for a very long time. According to research conducted by Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrances are moderately high in terms of overall hazards and have a high chance of causing allergies and immunotoxicity. They are associated with respiratory distress and potential unwanted effects on the reproductive system.
Young Living Option- We love the Bath and Shower Gel base (item# 3751) from Young Living to mix in our own oils. We also really love using the Morning Start bar soap (item #3676) and the Lemon Sandalwood (Item# 3675).
12- Air Freshener
Like cleaning products, air fresheners help keep our homes nice, but a study by the University of California at Berkeley found that when used excessively or in unventilated area they release toxic levels of pollutants. Go through your home and ditch those toxic air fresheners. Or Febreeze.
We actually make our own! Click this link DIY Room Spray to get 7 scentsational recipes! This room spray can also be used for your fabrics to replace things like fabreeze. Freshen up the air, linens, and upholstery with one DIY!
And if you need one for the bathroom, send a reply to this message and I will share with you the EASIEST DIY PooPouri spray!
13- Sunscreen
I would avoid these ingredients after searching online- oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxateI. Similar toxins in fragrances. My two favorite go to sunscreens are Young Living Mineral Sunscreen (Item #24137) and Supergoop Sunscreen.
14- Insect Repellent
Bug killers should be avoided inside (and ideally outside) of your house, as researchers have linked the insecticides to neurological damage in children. Scary!! For outdoors I try to just use citronella in a diffuser, non-toxic and free of D.E.E.T or petroleum. I also make my own bug-off spray! Here's the recipe:
BUG OFF SPRAY
2 ml spray bottle
1 oz of witch hazel
3-5 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and lavender (Young Living of Course)
Fill the rest up with distilled water
2 ml spray bottle
1 oz of witch hazel
3-5 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and lavender (Young Living of Course)
Fill the rest up with distilled water
And there you have it! 7 more ways to remove toxic ingredients from your life!
If you have any questions about any information in the email, Young Living products, or even if you just want to say, "Hi"... reply to this email! We'd love to hear from you!
Always remember, it is easier to stay well, than to get well!
Your Friends in the Oiler Room
Happy Sunday, Friend!
Recently I was sharing with a friend how I got started with Young Living 9 years ago. I think they were shocked to find out that I didn't always lead a healthier lifestyle. It made me remember how overwhelmed I was at the many different synthetic chemicals I was allowing in and around my body and the bodies of my family. I remember wanting to change so many things ASAP, but the cost was daunting. My friend told me to try and substitute one to three things a month, to order onYoung Living's Loyalty Program for the best pricing and to earn points back to be used on future items I wanted to try.
Since then, I have learned about "Green Washing" and the many products I thought were clean and green, were not actually. I was angry because I was spending more for those products and they were not actually any better than what has been marketed to us over the years. Remember the Palmolive commercial with Madge the Manicurist? You're Soaking In It
My friend shared with me, so now it's my turn, as your friend, to share with you why it is important to take charge of your household and remove the risky synthetics that can make you unwell. Each week you will get an email from me describing 7 switches you can make, why it's important to think about and then make the switch if you feel it to be necessary.
Let's start with Green Washing...
I hope this challenge will help you stop putting off what you have been wanting to do in your home!
Disclaimer- I created this 30 day toxic-free challenge for my essential oil members (meaning they bought a starter kit from me or one of my members). It is a guide for those who want to replace everyday toxic items with their essential oils and essential oil infused products. Hopefully it is a great resource for you! Or for those that are curious about essential oils this post might be enlightening for you!
The EPA reported this year, “a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities indoor air in your home to be polluted? It can range from radon to mold to improper ventilation to lead in paint, to just the fumes and fragrance from things like kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, laundry soap, dishwashing detergent, air fresheners, plug ins, etc.
Products we buy to clean our homes with, is a great place to reduce the indoor air pollutants. And the things we are using to make our home “Smell good” are polluting our indoor air!
Swap out harsh, chemical-laden products with these solutions made with naturally derived ingredients. Many of the personal care products you use daily could also have hidden chemicals or harsh dyes and fragrances. Read the labels on everything to see where you can make improvements.
1- Candles
Why are candles toxic?
Anything that releases smoke decreases the air quality around it.
Fragrance candles are the worst because of the nasty extra ingredients added. Particulate matter released from candles is so tiny that the particles can get deep into your lungs and cause respiratory problems.
“ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, HALF OF DEATHS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD RELATED TO LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS CAN BE DIRECTLY LINKED TO ‘PARTICULATE MATTER’ PRESENT IN INDOOR AIR POLLUTION.”
If you MUST use a candle, look for a beeswax candle without lead in the wick. However, one important point to remember: while beeswax and soy candles release fewer volatile organic compounds than paraffin candles, burning them still releases particulate matter. Because of this, you should still keep in mind that they aren’t completely free from impacting your indoor air.
Instead of lighting a candle- Diffuse essential oils! Diffusing has totally replaced candles for me. And I like diffusing SO MUCH MORE!!!! Worried you are going to miss out on the yummy fall smells? Nope. You will not. We have amazing blends that smell better than a candle and will not give you a headache, they will actually support your immune system.
2- Dish Soap
This one came as a shock to me. There are 8 toxic chemicals that are commonly foundin your conventional dish soap. They include: Phosphates, Triclosan, SLS (sodium Lauryl sulfate/SLES (sodium laureth sulfate). Fragrance, DEA, MEA, TEA, Chlorine, Formaldehyde, Ammonia. IN YOUR DISH SOAP!! You eat off of that! 10 Dishwashing Products to Avoid
I personally like Thieves Dish Soap. Did you know that the label on Thieves Dish Soap says “if consumed, drink water?” No toxins here! Just plant-based and effective dish washing! This is FOOD GRADE cleaner… doesn’t that make so much sense? Here are some tricks to get more out of your bottle:
First: put a pump on it! You will be able to better regulate the amount dispersed. You can use the pump from the hand purifier if you need one!
Second: All of Young Living products are ultra concentrated. Try using your ONE $14 bottle of Dish Soap and divide it into thirds. Pour 2/3 of the bottle into a air tight mason jar or storage container. Then add 1 tsp baking soda (wonderful for cleaning), and then fill to the top with water.
3- Plastic Food Containers, water bottles and wrap
Many plastic containers are made from chemicals such as phthalates, which can interfere with the body’s endocrine system to produce adverse developmental, reproductive and neurological effects in humans and since the plastic breaks down over time it can cause the release of these dangerous chemicals into your food.
4- DishwasHER Soap or Powder
Along the same lines as the dish soap, the dishwashing powder or liquid that we are adding to our machines can have the same toxic effects on the dishes and silverware we are eating off of! Have you ever washed your dishes and tasted the soap residue in your cups?? Yes, unfortunately soap residue does happen. Did you know some of those same chemicals left on your dishes are inhalant toxins?
Some ingredients to avoid in dishwasher detergent:
+ Diethanolamine, according to the CDC, this is known to cause cancer, have moderate allergic reactions, and contribute to kidney damage.
+ Formaldehyde – the IARC states this as a know human carcinogen.
+ Phthalates- these are found in the fragrance and are not listed on the label. According to the IFRA, there are 3,059 materials that are used in fragrance. Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors by the EWG.
+ Benzene – according to the EPA and EWG, it is linked to cancer, developmental problems, and endocrine disruption.
+ Formaldehyde – the IARC states this as a know human carcinogen.
+ Phthalates- these are found in the fragrance and are not listed on the label. According to the IFRA, there are 3,059 materials that are used in fragrance. Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors by the EWG.
+ Benzene – according to the EPA and EWG, it is linked to cancer, developmental problems, and endocrine disruption.
Young Living Option– Here is a hack to get double the amount of Dishwashing Detergent from your Thieves Dishwasher Powder...
Use 1/2 scoop Thieves powder and 1/2 scoop baking soda mixed well and add to the dishwasher.
5- Frying Pans
Did you know that the most popular cookware are non-stick pans and the are also the most controversial? According to the Environmental Working Group, nonstick coatings can “reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 3-5 minutes, releasing 15 toxic gases and chemicals, including two carcinogens.” There are non-stick pans that ARE non-toxic you just have to do your research. I found that a Cast Iron pan to be the most “green or non-toxic” so we use cast iron or Caraway.
6- Toothpaste
WHAT? There are TOXIC ingredients in our toothpaste? That just doesn’t seem right. But it’s true.
Avoid- Titanium Dioxide, Triclosan, Flouride, SLS, Parabens, Abrasive ingredients, Artifical coloring, DEA, etc are all commonly found in commercial toothpastes.
You may be thinking.. Well I need that flouride.. or is it really that bad if we aren’t swallowing it? Your mouth is lined with mucous membranes designed to help your body absorb nutrients from your food! There is a powerful mouth-body connection and it is really one of the best places to start when ditching toxins! learn more here
Young Living Option- Thieves Toothpaste is free from all of the above listed additives and is, again, plant-based and entirely nontoxic!
I have loved the new Whitening option. Thieves Whitening Toothpaste gently removes stains without damaging tooth enamel with a combination of effective and gentle ingredients one of which is calcium hydroxyapatite. This ingredient closely mimics thetooth’s enamel, making it ideal for maximum cleaning and stain removal with minimal abrasion.
*You can add a drop of orange essential oil to naturally whiten teeth!
7- Antiperspirants
One of the ingredients found in a lot of deodorants is aluminum. Food and Drug Administration does require a warning label on all antiperspirants. Questions have been raised about aluminum in deodorants if they contribute to breast cancer (studies are in-conclusive). But that is enough of a reason for me to look for all natural deodorant.
Sweat is not the enemy – it’s a healthy, necessary function to detoxify and keep our body balanced. Instead of blocking pores to prevent sweating (like an antiperspirant) with harmful chemicals (like aluminum), natural deodorant allows skin to breathe, rids the body of toxic buildup + regulates its internal temperature.
Although you will sweat when you first switch to natural deodorant (and you may even be extra sweaty as your body begins to purge itself of toxins from chemical-filled conventional deodorants), your body will normalize soon after and you’ll find you sweat even less! So the more you use it, the better it works.
- Pit tip: If your body odor continues to linger, you may want to take a deeper look at your diet + lifestyle choices. Eliminating processed and refined foods, eating lots of leafy green vegetables and getting regular exercise can help support the detoxification process and promote balanced pits – and better B.O.!
- Pit tip: When you allow your body to detox through sweat, you’ll be less likely to detox through your skin (aka breakouts + blemishes). Get active, move your body and make the switch to a natural deodorant that doesn’t prevent perspiration.
Young Living Option– A favorite natural deodorant are Young Living’s options. They have CinnaFresh, CitraGuard, Medow Mist and Mountain Mist Deodorant options and we have tried and like.
*I have used others and like them, but I prefer to just buy Young Living, because is infused with essential oils and I also get 20% back in reward points since I buy it on Essential Rewards! Before you buy another brand, try Young Living! And also check EWG to see the rating of a deodorant before you buy it. Native, Acure, Toms all show a 1 rating. (Schmidts gave me a bad rash)
And there you have it. The first 7 suggestions for change to a healthier you. Because YOU are the gatekeeper of your home and YOU have the ability to make a difference.
As your Healthier Lifestyle Mentor, I want to see you succeed with your lifestyle changes. But I can't help you if you don't ask questions. So remember, please reach out to me, or the person that introduced you to Young Living, if you have any questions.
In good health,
Your Friends in the Oiler Room
P.S.
Feel free to share this with your friends and family that may want to make the switch and make sure we are friends on Facebook and Instagram
themorrisonshow on Instagram
Cheers!
Jess
If it's not yet spring where you live, it will be soon! This month we are focusing on Spring Cleaning and a favorite recipe to keep the pollen side effects away!
Are the spring blooms doing battle with your sinuses? Does your chest feel a little tight these days? Do you feel like you just need a deep, deep breath? Let's start there!
As someone who has used many OTC remedies to fight the season change in Colorado (message me if you want to hear about the time I almost divorced my husband for opening windows in Spring) this is my favorite, works like a charm and SO much faster than those over-the-counter "solutions”... not to mention it’s a whole lot safer.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to order to get April's Gifts with Purchase, I’ve got some great spring ideas that will help you with both!
1. Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint 15ml is the “seasonal trio” and will help you as you navigate those seasonal issues – let me know if you want more info on how to use these effectively all spring long!
2. Thieves Household Cleaner! There are SO many ways you can use this to help with your spring cleaning. Pinterest is your friend for helpful recipe ideas or you can ask me!
4. R.C. 15ml A must have for easy breathing when the season really gets a grip on your household.
5. Cool Azul Pain Cream. Better weather means working in the garden, and just being more active in general. But those muscles we haven’t been using will need a little soothing. Our pain cream is perfect for muscle and joint discomfort and pain!
I have a ton more ideas if you need them, but those should really help this spring, especially the Thieves cleaning products and the Seasonal Trio! Always a must have in our home!
FOR THE LOVE OF LEMONS –LIMITED TIME OFFER:
Young Living has a fresh offer for all of us, existing members and new members! They’ve taken an old favorite starter bundle and freshened it up with a 3-pack of a fan favorite foaming hand soap. The “For the Love of Lemons” starter bundle is back for a limited time and now instead of one Lushious Lemon Foaming Hand Soap, we get THREE! That’s right, a diffuser, three incredible oils, and a three pack of the Lushious Lemon Foaming Hand Soap, all for a great priceand while supplies last! Oh yeah, I mentioned that this is for new and existing members, which means that we can get it through a Shop order or Loyalty Order, and new members can enroll with it on Shop or Loyalty Rewards!
So if you know someone who wants to join us onthis oily journey and wants to dive right into a fresh, bright, spring-like bundle, this is the one!
Curious about what’s inside?
Diffuse the crisp, happy, citrusy aroma of Lushious Lemon essential oil blend in your Macaron Diffuser to freshen your home! The Luscious Lemon blend features bright, uplifting oils - Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang and Spearmint - in a perfect combination that brings a bit of sunshine to your day while neutralizing any unwanted odors at the same time!
Brighten up your cleaning sprees with the fresh, uplifting aroma of Jade Lemon essential oil.
Infuse your day with softness by blending Vanilla oleoresin with your favorite Young Living essential oils to create your own personal fragrance.
Lushious Lemon Foaming Hand Soap’s invigorating fragrance uplifts the spirit, while our trusted plant-based formula leaves your hands feeling soft and refreshed.
Get the For the Love of Lemons Starter Bundle while you can! I love Jade Lemon. So unique and fresh. It’s amazing in the diffuser! And who doesn't need another diffuser?
Health and wellness is on the rise. Many products are being advertised as “safe” and
“all-natural”, but are they really all that safe? The packages are pretty and the labels
are clever, but the more you dig, the more you find out. Formaldehyde, Phthalates, VOCs, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, and TEA), Triclosan and Fragrance are just a FEW of the ingredients you want to avoid when bringing products into
your home. But my oh my! Doesn’t that sound exhausting to have to read label after
label, wondering if what you’re using is safe?
Well, I’ve got good news! You don’t have to. You won’t find ANY of those ingredients in
Young Living products! You can trust that what you’re purchasing is truly a SAFE product. Young Living never uses any artificial dyes, harsh chemicals, or synthetic fragrances. How wonderful is that?!
And the best part… it all comes directly to your door. Easy peasy!
Keep it clean, green and healthy from kitchen to bath and everything in between with the power of Thieves. Natural cleaning options don't have to mean options that are less effective or unsafe for kids or pets. These plant-powered favorites are safe and effective for the whole house!
These products are some of our most used and are such a huge jump start on a low-tox home. This is your easy button when it comes to all natural, plant-based cleaning.
When it comes to cleaning products for our homes and families, we want to make sure we have effective but non-toxic options, and the Thieves home line from YL is our go-to for all our cleaning needs. For dishwashing (and other great cleaning!) Thieves Dish Soap is tough on the grease and grime, gentle on our hands, and has a fresh, citrus scent - it's the perfect kitchen sink companion!
Thieves Kitchen and Bath Scrub is the perfect naturally derived cleaner: tough on messes and safe for your family! You get the power of a surface scrub without all of the harmful chemical smells and residue in conventional options
Thieves Household Cleaner is the perfect, versatile go-to for all your cleaning needs for a happy, healthy home. This fan favorite includes only plant-based and naturally derived ingredients to effectively clean your home without taking synthetic shortcuts or using potentially harsh ingredients.
If you like making life EASIER, SAVING MONEY, GETTING FREE PRODUCTS and a GOOD DISCOUNT, then this is for you! You will want to order your YL favorites via the Loyalty Rewards program so you can earn reward points, gain access to exclusive oils, save money and have it all show up at your doorstep.
Q: How do I enroll in the Loyalty Rewards program?
A: It' simple!
Step 1: Add products to your cart using the Add to Cart button on the product pages.
Step 2: During checkout, you’ll see an option that says, “Would you like to make this your first loyalty order?” Select “Yes” and all items in your cart will process today for loyalty points, and any Loyalty Rewards-eligible items will appear in your My Loyalty Order tab once your order processes. There is no minimum PV required, but at least one item that is eligible for Loyalty Rewards must be in your cart in order to enroll.
Step 3: Manage your items in your My Loyalty Order tab for next month by adding, deleting, or moving items into Save for Later before your next process date.
WONDERING WHAT THIS MONTH'S GIFTS WITH PURCHASE ARE?
As always, please remember ALL of us in The Oiler Room want to see you succeed in switching to a healthier lifestyle! Please reach out if you have questions or need help with something specific. We are here to help you!
Your Friends in The Oiler Room
