Category Archives: Holistic healing

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Guest Post at The Balanced Platter: Holistic Healing for Hay Fever

Feel like hiding indoors at those first signs of spring?  You’re not alone.  If you suffer from hay fever you may very well dread this time of year and if you’re a nature lover, this is a difficult realization. 

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergies (or allergic rhinitis), is more than just a nuisance, it can lead to other concerning health conditions. For example, my son’s eczema is exacerbated by hay fever. Other conditions such as asthma can flare up in response to airborne allergens. And for some, hay fever can lead to an annoying sinus infection, affect immune function, cause fatigue, malaise, and headache.  All around, it can be a real bummer. 



What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergy to proteins in the pollen of trees, grasses, and some plants, or mold that affects the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, and air passages.


Symptoms
Itchy red eyes; watery discharge from the nose and eyes; sneezing; fatigue; and nervous irritability.

For some, over the counter medication can provide temporary relief from hay fever.  In addition to medication, there are a few extra steps that may provide added relief which can be used in conjunction with medication. 



Practical Tips and suggestions

1.  Try to avoid working in the yard.  If you must do so, try to get out there before 10:00 am.  If you do work outside, try wearing a nose/mouth mask and goggles to keep the pollen from getting into you eyes.  And mow your lawn before the grass flowers.  
2.  Keep windows and doors shut during your local blossoming season.  Use air conditioning if possible.  
3.  Keep your windows closed while driving.  Use the car air conditioner instead
4.  Shower thoroughly (wash hair), and change clothes after spending time outside.  This is especially important before bed.  Think of all that pollen stuck to your skin and hair…now on your cozy pillow – yuk!
5.  Avoid placing laundry outside to dry.
6.  Keep pets either inside or outside.  Their fur is excellent for attracting pollen.7.  Invest in a good-quality air purifier and filter in your home.  You can even purchase a little air purifier for around your neck (dress it up with a little bling and scarf and you’re good to go girlfriend).  8.  A neti pot may be used (sparingly) to flush out nasal mucus and debris. Use clean, filtered water.  Overuse is contraindicated and may exacerbate already irritated and inflamed nasal membranes.

*please see below for health disclaimer 



If you’re not keen on over the counter medication for hay fever relief, there are definitely some holistic options out there for you.  One key element to think about during allergy season is keeping your immune system super strong.  This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: changing your diet, using essential oils, taking immune boosting herbs and supplements, acupuncture, teas, and vitamins.  
*If you’re like me, holistic remedies are always an option.  But always used with caution.  If you are interested in incorporating herbs as a part of your healing regimen, please consult with a holistic practitioner or medical doctor, as herbs can possibly interfere with medications, and over the counter hay fever remedies.  



Herbs

1.  Alfalfa supplied chlorphhyll and vitamin K.  Use a liquid form.  Take 1 tablespoon in juice or water twice daily.
2.  For red, itchy eyes, place slices of cool cucumber over the eyes.  Rotate this treatment with steeped, cooled black tea bags placed directly on the eye lids.
3.  Eucalpyus oil can relive congestion if used in a steam inhalation or added to bath water.  Also mix with an oil (such as coconut or olive) and apply to chest or back at night. 
4.  Alcohol-free eyebright and lady’s mantel (yarrow) liquid extracts are good for relieving hay fever symptoms.  Use as directed on label.
5.  Horehound, mullen leaf, stinging nettle, and/or wild cherry bark help to ward off severe allergic reactions.
6.  Use tumeric to reduce inflammation.
7.  Nettle leaf is very good for all types of allergies.
8.  Noni juice aids in relieving symptoms of hay fever.9.  Bee pollen might be an option. 



Additional Recommendations 
1.  Eat more fruits (especially bananas), vegetables, raw nuts and seeds (and grains if tolerated).  A high fiber diet is helpful.
2.  Include homemade dairy free yogurt. 
3.  Refrain from eating cane-sugar, processes foods, chocolate, coffee, dairy products, soft drinks, white flour products, and using tobacco.


Important nutrients
1.  Coenzyme Q10 (30 mg twice daily) – improves oxygenation and immunity.
2.  Bromelain (1,000 mg 3 times daily b/t meals) – reduces inflammation associated with hay fever symptoms
3.  Vitamin B complex (as directed on label) – used for proper immune function.
4.  Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3,000 – 10,000 mg 3 times daily) – a potent immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory.  Use a buffered form.  I use this one.


Resources 
Know your pollen count.  
Enter in your zip code for your allergy forecast.I was pleasantly surprised to find that the weather channel (of all places) provides some great resources for hay fever (and some awesome alternative/holistic information) nice touch weather channel! 

Home page
Great natural relief suggestions 
Alternative therapies 
(A plant alternative to antihistamines) 
Effects of weather and sports on eczema 



Holistic remedies for children
Our local natural foods Co-op carries some great child-safe herbal tinctures that provide temporary relief from hay fever symptoms, as well as immune boosting formulas, and herbs in bulk.  My son really suffers from hay fever throughout the year, and my daughter develops have fever in the spring. I’ve used several holistic remedies for hay fever, bronchial congestion, and sinus congestion.  Here are some of my favorites. 
*Please consult with your children’s holistic practitioner or pediatrician before administering herbs, especially if they are taking other medications, other over the counter remedies, or if they have food allergies or an illness.  


Hay Fever Relief:
BioAllers Allergy Relief Pollen Hay Fever
Hyland’s Allergy Relief for Kids


Immune Boosting:
Children’s Winter Health 
Wellness Herbal Kids


Respiratory: 
Loquat Respiratory Syrup for Kids
Children’s Cough and Bronchial Syrup

  Child Friendly Herbs:
*Herb resources from here and here. 
  -Chamomile 
-Fenugreek seeds
-Nettles
-Elder Flowers
-Ribwort
-Red clover blossoms
(for congestion: mullein, hyssop, & thyme)

*

I would love to hear how you cope with seasonal allergies.

Do you use traditional or alternative remedies, or a combination of both?

How do you enjoy the outdoors during spring?

*

Content Reference

Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. (2010).  Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th Edition.  

Pengiun Group Inc: New York. 

(aforementioned content covering hay fever, recommendations, 
nutrients, practical suggestions, and herbs all gathered from above reference).  
Posted by Amber at 4:25 pm

Labels: have fever, Holistic healing.

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Homemade Coconut Shea Butter Lotion: for dry sky and eczema

After I made my first batch of lotion, I’ve been experimenting with different ingredients for different aliments.  For example, using colloidal oatmeal as an anti-itch relief.  It’s super fun and easy to make your own lotion.  It takes just a few minutes to mix the ingredients together and there you have it.  Today I’m sharing another variation for the dry/eczema prone skin.  I keep everything raw when making lotion.  I never heat the ingredients, which I feel is very important.  This batch includes shea butter as the base, with coconut oil, calendula oil, jojoba oil and a dash of eucalyptus (for its healing properties and fragrance).  Raw shea butter has a very interesting smell, almost smokey, and in the many batches I’ve purchased (on amazon) they have all varied in color and smell.  This is to be expected.  So have fun and experiment with essential oils!
Ingredients
-4.5 ounces organic, raw, unrefined shea butter
-1/4 cup raw, organic coconut oil
-3 tablespoons jojoba oil
-1 tablespoon calendula oil
-3/4 teaspoon eucalyptus oil*
How To
1.  Mix ingredients in bowl, initially by hand, then with electric mixer.
2.  Fill small glass jars and use within 2 months.
3.  Final product can be stored at room temperature during use, as it has great self life!  Store remaining unused shea butter in the refrigerator, or you could also store leftover lotion in the fridge if you won’t be using it right away (it will keep for months in the fridge).  This stuff is resilient and you’re good either way, no matter where you keep it.
Notes
*Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil that can help control eczema flare-ups.  Eucalyptus oil works by stimulating blood circulation and has a calming and cooling effect on irritated skin.  And like echinacea, eucalyptus also stimulates your immune function.  Before applying eucalyptus oil (or any essential oil) to the skin, the oil should be diluted in a carrier oil (i.e. sweet almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.) to avoid further irritation and burning.  Eucalyptus can be applied throughout the day as needed for itch relief.  Eucalyptus is also great for treating a baby eczema rash.
*
Use hand mixer OR food processor.  Both work well.  I tend to use a hand mixer with soft ingredients.  When I make lotion with cocoa butter, I always use a food processor.  It’s difficult to incorporate cocoa butter with a hand mixer.  Something else that’s important to consider is that the heat from the friction (from running the food processor a while) will help melt the small chunks of cocoa butter and incorporate all the ingredients nicely.
Additional Homemade Lotions from The Tasty Alternative
*
Shared on: Healthy Second Wednesday 
Posted by Amber at 8:23 pm

Labels: beauty, eczema, Holistic healing, homemade remedies, how to.

33 Comments

  • Vicky February 20, 2012 at 12:20 am

    If we could buy these ingredients easily and a bit cheaper in the UK I’d be whipping up a batch today! Sounds amazing!

    Reply
  • Amber February 21, 2012 at 2:05 am

    Hi There Vicki,

    I’ve also heard this from a few other readers. Too bad things are so expensive for you in the UK. I can imagine this is very frustrating!!

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Laura February 21, 2012 at 6:16 am

    Ahh Amber this lotion sounds heavenly! My hands get dry this time of year in the Rocky Mountains and this lotion sounds perfect for them. I love the combination of coconut and shea butter you used.

    Reply
    • Amber April 14, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks Laura!

      Reply
  • Tracy March 16, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Does the finished lotion need to be refrigerated? Or can it stay in my bathroom?

    Reply
  • Amber March 16, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Hi Tracy,

    Great question!

    This can stay out at room temp for weeks, perhaps months. It has a great shelf life. We keep a jar in my son’s room, one in our bedroom, some in my bag, and a jar in the kitchen.

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Tracy March 16, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Awesome! Thanks for such an awesome recipe! I have been using straight coconut oil on my skin, but wanted something more true to an actual lotion with the great benefits of coconut oil. I will be ordering some shea butter online soon! Any particular brand or site you recommend?

    Reply
  • Amber March 16, 2012 at 5:46 pm

    Hi Tracy,

    For sure, I ordered mine from Amazon. It’s a great price and goes a long way! You’ll get a TON of lotion. If you’re making just a little bit, purchase the smallest quantity you can. But this link will get you started and you can browse through different options.

    Have fun and play around with the ingredients. You might want to add in more shea, or more coconut, etc. Either way, this combination of ingredients is very healing and really helps my son’s skin!

    link: http://www.amazon.com/100%25-Organic-West-African-Butter/dp/B0009JQFF6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1331919531&sr=8-7

    Let me know how it goes for you.

    P.S. I just bought some raw cocoa butter (from amazon), oh my, it smells soooo good. I’m making some lotion with this next. Recipe coming soon! 🙂

    Reply
  • T. D. Mayers April 14, 2012 at 10:59 am

    I’m not a mixtress…yet, I guess. I’d usually see others mixing shea with just an EO. But never with coconut oil. The benefits for the skin are definitely increased. Great recipe. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Amber April 14, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      My pleasure!

      Reply
  • Anonymous June 30, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    It it oily on the skin? Does it absorb quickly?

    Reply
    • Amber June 30, 2012 at 7:49 pm

      Hello anonymous,

      Good question. I can tell you that this doesn’t stay oily. It does eventually soak in the skin. I would not use it as a facial lotion, however. 🙂

      Reply
  • Amber July 23, 2012 at 5:01 am

    A reader left me a comment on this post, and it came through my email, but it’s not showing up here? So here is the question:

    Hi Amber,
    Thanx for your wonderful recipe. One question.., should the lotion be stored in glass containers only?? If yes, why? –Anu

    My Answer:

    Good question, Anu. I firmly believe that glass containers are the best for oily and high fat ingredients (such as coconut oil and shea butter). Fats and oils leach out toxins in plastic, and you just don’t want to take the risk. This lotion can last months and months (very long shelf life) so I really recommend storing in a glass container. I use old glass bottles from the store (from previous lotions) or ask friends if they have any around. You can also find little glass lotion containers at most stores. Thanks, –Amber

    Reply
  • Anonymous July 23, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    Hi Amber,

    I saw this recipe and will try it tonight! I have eczema as well and have become more conscious of what I put on my skin. I’m crossing my fingers that this recipe will work for me! Have you ever experimented with Neem? I’ve done a little research and it seems that neem may be very beneficial for people with eczema. I might try adding a few drops of neem oil into your recipe and see how it works. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  • Amber July 23, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    Hello Anonymous,

    Thanks for your note.

    I just want to add a few things about healing and eczema. First, not every lotion is going to work and overtime they seem to sort of lose their benefit. I recommend making different lotions throughout the year and finding which ingredients(s) work the best (overall). It’s trial and error. For my husband, currently, the best combo for his eczema is shea butter, cocoa butter, vegetable glycerine, and coconut oil. I mix all three of these together and it heals the cracked, bleeding skin. It’s still red, but it’s getting better.

    In addition, and this is very important, I recommend modifying any diet with eczema. Food is a big trigger, so lotions aren’t going to work as well if skin is always contending with the aggravating affects of food. lastly, add in fish oils and other healing supplements to the diet.

    I truly believe a holistic approach to eating and remedies can dramatically improve eczema. It’s been 3 years, but for the FIRST time my son’s eczema is in remission! We never gave up on the diet, the supplements and lotions.

    Good luck to you on your healing journey.

    P.S. We’ve never tried Neem, but I certainly recommend this oil! Very healing and I’ve heard great things.

    Reply
    • Anonymous July 23, 2012 at 7:45 pm

      Hi Amber,

      Thank you for the response! I was actually just looking through your recipes. I’ve been trying to adjust my diet but it’s been harder than I thought. I think your recipes will give me a great selection to choose from and help with my attempt at a healthier diet.

      I’m so glad to hear that your son’s eczema is doing better! That’s really great. I hope the trend continues!

      Thanks again, reading your blog has been very inspiring!

      Reply
  • Amber July 27, 2012 at 5:31 am

    Thank you so much. It’s nice to see the inflammation finally under control.

    And thank you for your kind words.

    Good luck on your healing journey. Check back and let me know how you’re doing!

    Reply
  • Krista October 10, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    Thanks for posting this recipe. I’m hoping it will help my dry, peeling fingertips this winter. Question for you: I just made a batch of this for the first time and it is runny, not thick like the lotion looks in your pictures. Any ideas as to why, or how to get it to thicken? I tried putting it in the refrigerator but it just solidified and was hard to get out of the jar.

    Reply
  • Ramona November 29, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    Hi! I look forward to trying this recipe for winter/dry skin season. I made something similar as a diaper cream for my baby (only difference is it included corn starch and no calendula or eucalyptus oil) I am wondering why it must be used within 2 months. I have been using the same batch on my 5 month old baby since she was born…I am only now running out.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amber November 30, 2012 at 1:12 am

      Hi Ramona,

      Sounds great! Oh I’m sure this lasts forever. I use mine up in about 2 months, so I can’t speak for how it holds up after that. As a rule I only recommend what I experience, rather than assuming. So great to hear yours has lasted so long! Thanks for sharing. I’n sure this is helpful for others. 🙂

      Reply
  • Ramona November 29, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Also! Can I add 2 tsp. Of colloidal oatmeal to this recipe for the anti-itch healing factor?

    Reply
    • Amber November 30, 2012 at 1:15 am

      Hi Ramona,

      In my experience, too much is drying, so start by mixing just a small amount with another batch of the lotion (start with like 1 teaspoon). I believe very little is in the store bought variety and it seems to really help with the itching. I made a batch once with too much of the oatmeal and it was not very beneficial. You just need a touch of it in there for the anti-itch factor. Let me know how it works out and what ratios you found helpful. 🙂

      Thanks and have a great rest of your week.

      Reply
  • Jessica December 6, 2012 at 3:54 am

    Thanks so much for sharing your journey! I’ve read that putting handmade creams for eczema in jars that you put your hand into and apply to the skin and then put back into the container isn’t good as it reintroduces bacteria. Have you heard this? I’d like to try this recipe, but I’m wondering if it would be too thick to try with a pump in order to not be putting your hand into the cream.

    Reply
    • Amber December 25, 2012 at 11:57 pm

      Hi Jessica,

      Oh wow – I have never heard of this. I suggest to wash hands well before dipping into the jar if you’re worried about introducing bacteria. I’ve been making lotions for years and never encountered any bacterial problems. And yes, far too thick to add into a pump. The lotion turns very solid in cool temps. Good luck and let me know what you end up doing. Thanks.

      Reply
  • 100wui June 2, 2013 at 6:47 am

    Hi, thanks for sharing tips on making eczema friendly creams.
    I am about to start making some for my son and myself.
    I am planning to use unrefined coconut oil, jojoba oil according to the recipe.
    But I am wondering if I could add in evening primrose oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E as well in same recipe… Or do you think it is too much oil….
    let me know. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Amber June 2, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Hi There,

      I would stick with the almond oil, primrose, and vit. E. I don’t think it hurts to add in more oils, especially if they are beneficial. This will be mighty oily, so it’s good you have the shea butter as a base. Come on back and let us know how it all worked out for you.

      Thanks.

      Reply
    • 100wui August 5, 2013 at 8:58 am

      Hi Amber,

      I just tried it out with jojoba oil, coconut oil and sweet allmond oil. I stay in hot climate country. Maybe I added a bit too much coconut oil… It seems to be in liquid form. Do I need to put it in the fridge to make it solid?

      Reply
  • 100wui August 6, 2013 at 3:01 am

    Hi Amber,

    It solidifies itself overnight. Problem solved. Thanks.

    Reply
  • laurel August 31, 2014 at 4:58 am

    Hi,my baby doesn’t have eczema but I was thinking of using shea butter as her cream as I hear it’s good for the skin,what is your take on that?thanks

    Reply
  • Sind February 5, 2015 at 10:41 am

    Dear Amber,
    I have checked out your blogs/website and I simply love it. Thanks for the wonderful ideas/recipes.
    I have also been using Shea butter/coconut oil mix as moisturizer (by rubbing them both on my palms) for my 4 month old on his body except face. On face I am just applying Shea butter(rub it in my hands and apply). However I noticed that his skin is turning darker than his face. His face is very light but the rest of the body is darker than his face. I am using Organic Virgin coconut oil and Organic unrefined shea butter.

    Please advise if you have heard/come across any such case. Let me know if this is normal and DS can outgrow it soon.

    Reply
  • Sind February 5, 2015 at 10:58 am

    One more question. I am planning on adopting the above recipe. Is it ok if i skip the calendula oil?

    Reply
    • Amber June 24, 2015 at 7:31 pm

      Yes of course. Add in any oil of your choosing. 🙂

      Reply
  • V Val October 6, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Hello! I read your post about colloidal oatmeal and how you made a batch of eczema lotion containing it. So my question is, how much of colloidal oatmeal do you put in the lotion recipe. Thanks for your reply!

    Reply

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Friday, January 27, 2012

Know Your pH Balance

 An important part of holistic healing is knowing the pH balance of your body.  This sounds all very scientific, but luckily, it’s quite easy to check.  Any health food store, or drug store should carry pH test strips, such as this one:  
Okay, so why is it important to know your pH level and what does this mean for your health?  Great questions! Simply put, your pH level is an indicator of your overall health.  It’s important to know how acid (or overly alkaline) your body is running so you can bring it back to a slightly alkaline level.  Food plays a major role in this, as some foods increase acidity and some increase alkalinity.  

So without getting to scientifc and geeky on you here, let’s break-it down.  First, it’s important to know the scale:
As you can see here, optimally, you want to be around at 7.3; this is an ideal state for your body.  I will share that I run at about 5.6 which is very acidic.  In fact, Crohn’s disease is listed as one of the aliments from running too acidic.  I also suffer from Lupus flares, another disease found in the “too acidic” department.  Go figure.    

What is the pH scale?
The pH scale is a system of describing acidity or alkalinity, ranging from pH 0 to pH 14, with pH 7 being neutral. Values lower than 7 indicate acidity; those higher than 7 indicate alkalinity. Each number on the pH scale represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity. Thus pH 5 is 10 times more acid than pH 6, and pH 4 is 100 times more acid than pH 6; pH 11 is 1,000 times more alkaline than pH 8. (Source: Wikipedia)

So here are two websites that provide a slew of information about pH balance and health:
1.  Balance pH Diet
2.  How to Boost Your Immune System
After you test your pH and read up on what this means for you, now what?  Let’s turn to food.*  Food plays an important role in bringing your body to an optimal pH balance.  Please see below and review these acid/alkaline food charts:

List of Acid / Alkaline Forming Foods
Acid / Alkaline Food Chart

*As always, please consult with a holistic practitioner or other medical professional before changing your diet or lifestyle.

Continue to test your pH balance throughout the month and while on a mindful alkaline diet.  Good luck on your healing journey.  This post is not exhaustive on the subject, but it is meant to be an impetus for you to look (perhaps more closely) into this component of healing.    

Posted by Amber at 5:01 am

Labels: Holistic healing.

2 Comments

  • Jen January 28, 2012 at 12:25 am

    Amber – such a great post! We ended up buying a water ionizer because, though our diets were already pretty alkaline, our nutritionist believed that our reverse osmosis water purifier was counter productive for our daughter’s IBD and causing even more inflammation. We tested our water and it registered a 3! Very acidic for a little girl with intestinal problems. Thanks so much for educating us on these important issues.

    Reply
  • Laura January 29, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    Great, informative post Amber. It reminded me that I need to eat more alkaline foods. I always found it interesting that citrus fruits were alkaline forming. I better go put some lemon in my glass of water!

    Reply

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Sunday, January 22, 2012

Chamomile + Honey = A Bowl of Soul

  The lovely and talented Maggie is hosting this month’s “Go Ahead Honey.”  When I saw her theme I thought, whoa, this is right up my alley.
One of my favorite herbs immediately came to mind: chamomile.  I will share for a moment that during both my pregnancies, chamomile somehow instantly calmed my painful Crohn’s flare-ups.  I love chamomile for so many reasons, I could go on and on, but let me just say that if you come over for a visit, I will offer you some chamomile tea and probably keep asking until you say yes. The next healing food that came to mind was honey.  I use honey all the time in baking, smoothies, homemade facial masks, and holistic healing remedies (such as cough syrup).  So below you will find the health benefits of chamomile and honey, as well as some easy, practical uses.  But first, how about a warm Bowl of Soul…
What’s that you ask?  Well it’s a fabulous, comforting warm drink made with chamomile and honey.  Years ago my friend, Heather, took me out for a birthday dinner.  And for a nightcap, a delicious drink she raved about from a local indie coffee house.  It was called A Bowl of Soul: chamomile steeped in warm soy milk and sweetened with honey.  It. Was. Delicious.  I don’t drink soy milk anymore, but I make my own version of Soul  here at home with homemade almond milk (or any nut milk).  And I wanted to share it with you today.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons loose-leaf chamomile
Honey to taste
 
How To
1.  In a small sauce pan over medium low heat, bring almond milk and chamomile to a gentle simmer.  Immediately remove from heat and cover for about 10 minutes.
2.  Strain milk into large cup through a nut milk bag.
3.  Add honey to taste.
4. Turn on some jazzy soul music and enjoy this warm, calming drink on a cold winter evening.
Notes:
*This is a great beverage for children in the evening (as a calming agent).  Chamomile naturally calms nerves and is super relaxing.  *You can use any dairy alternative milk, I happen to like the way almond milk works with the other flavors.  *Take care to not boil, burn, or scald the milk.
Chamomile Health Benefits
*Check out this study linking health benefits
*Chamomile can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:
  • -Insomnia and other sleep disorders
  • –Anxiety and Panic Attacks
  • -Muscle twitches
  • -Wounds, burns, and scrapes
  • -Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash
  • -Stomach problems such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu, and ulcers  *See more from this site
*Take caution with chamomile if you have an allergy to ragweed
{Please always consult before taking herbs if taking prescription medications.}
Some Practical Uses
*Chamomile can be used in baking, such as muffins, cookies or cakes.  Chamomile has a very pleasing taste/aroma and makes a wonderful tea (1 tbsp to 8 oz boiling water).
*Chamomile can also be used as an ingredient in beauty products, such as homemade lotion for dry skin/eczema, or as a facial toner.
*And here’s a fun idea, use it as a natural hair highlighter.
Honey Health Benefits
*Interesting reads: world of honey & this site.
*Honey can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:
    • -It may help fight cancer

 

  • -Used to heal minor cuts and burns
  • -Eases coughs
  • -May help with allergies
  • -Contains antioxidants
  • -Raw honey: anti bacterial, anti viral, anti fungal
  • -More easily assimilated by the body than refined cane-sugar

 

 

Some Practical Uses
*Honey is obviously a great substitute for refined cane-sugar in baking and cooking.  Please take caution if you have digestive issues, as raw honey is difficult to digest and may irritate the digestive tract.
*Honey is a great ingredient in homemade beauty products, such as facial masks, as a dry skin moisturizer, or for your hair!
*Due to its anti-bacterial properties, honey can be used as an acne remedy.

*I use honey as a cough syrup for my children (and often mix in herbs, such as thyme).

*
Salud – Be Well
*
Shared on: Traditional Tuesdays, Fat Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays & Allergy-Friendly Friday, & Whole Food Wednesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesdays,
Posted by Amber at 4:52 am

Labels: cane sugar free, dairy free, drinks, go ahead honey, Holistic healing.

16 Comments

  • gfe--gluten free easily January 23, 2012 at 1:44 am

    What a fabulous post, Amber! I love it and I’d love it even if I didn’t already love both chamomile and honey. I especially love how you keep asking folks if they want a cup of chamomile until they say yes! Hehe. Have I said love enough already? 😉 I didn’t know all the bennies of chamomile; I just know that it’s one of my favorites. I do have the inside scoop on honey though, of course. 😉 Thanks for the education! I can’t wait to make your Bowl of Soul, but I think all my chamomile is at work. Will be bringing that home so I can enjoy this delicious, healing concoction soon!

    xoxo,
    Shirley

    Reply
    • Amber January 24, 2012 at 11:04 pm

      Hello There Shirley,

      I’m loven’ all the love! You can never have enough. Thanks for your sweet comment. Please let me know how you like (or love) your Bowl of Soul. 🙂

      Hugs,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Laura January 23, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    This recipe really does equate to a bowl full of soul! I don’t drink chamomile tea nearly enough as I should. I usually drink a lot of peppermint tea. This drink looks amazing-nourishing, warming, perfectly sweetened and oh so calming! Us mothers can use all the calming natural remedies we can get our hands on, eh?!

    Reply
    • Amber January 24, 2012 at 10:38 pm

      Oh yes Laura, I hear you. It’s important to take some time to relax. Mommyhood is off the chart crazy busy. People just don’t tell you these things. But you’re so right, a special drink can be a real treat at the end of a long, busy day. 🙂

      Hugs,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • mjskit January 24, 2012 at 5:14 am

    I drink chamomile tea all of the time, but I’ve never brewed it with almond milk and honey. That sounds delicious and quite relaxing. Chamomile is my calming tea. I have found through personal experience that using only local honey has caused my allergies to disappear. Great post!

    Reply
    • Amber January 24, 2012 at 10:41 pm

      Hi Mjskit,

      I agree 100%. Local honey is the way to go. We are so lucky here in Northern California – so many options when it comes to honey. Love it all, and it really does help! Thanks for your comment. 🙂

      Be Well,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Vicky January 24, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    This is so informative yet fun to read! I’ve known about the benefits of chamomile for some time and I have tried on numerous occasions to drink chamomile tea BUT I just can’t like it at all. A colleague at work used to drink it every day! This post also reminded me of years ago when I was in my teens. I bought some dried chamomile flowers and I can remember stewing them in hot water. The smell was terrible! Anyway I used them to rinse my hair and I think I had to wash it all out because I hadn’t filtered the flowers properly! I don’t remember if it made my hair lighter but I do remember the smell! Since then I have used natural conditioners and shampoos with chamomile and they are very effective at lightening my hair! I will maybe try chamomile tea with honey and almond milk, it looks lush! Great photos BTW!

    Reply
    • Amber January 24, 2012 at 11:00 pm

      Hi Vicki,

      I did have some fun playing around with photography for this post. And thanks for sharing such great info on the hair lightening. So interesting. I’m now remembering that a few years ago we used chamomile to color eggs for spring. Powerful stuff!

      Oh Vicky, I feel the same exact way about licorice root. My husband LOVES it and I can’t stand it, not one bit! So funny. Well, let me know if you are able to drink chamomile mixed with some non-dairy milk and honey. You can always use green tea or another favorite tea. Your taste buds don’t seem too keen on chamomile, so maybe something else? Let me know!

      Reply
  • Anonymous January 24, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    Hello! Thank you for linking this post to SSGF. It’s bee a rough few weeks as I’ve been flaring with Crohns in my first much-anticipated pregancy. Reading at the top what you said in your situation made me cry (which is happening alot lately) and was also encouraging. I intend to give this a try, as soon as I am able to get some cammomile buds.
    Chrystal in Canada

    Reply
  • Amber January 24, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Hello Chrystal,

    Oh my goodness, I can feel your pain and sadness! Please do try the chamomile (it’s considered a very safe herb while pregnant, in moderation of course). I hope it helps for you too. I would also take 2 fish oils each day during your flare and try to follow the SCD. I have some recipes here on my blog, but please also note the other wonderful SCD blogs in my right side bar. Please let me know how you’re feeling and if anything works to calm your flare! I wish you well dear Chrystal!

    Warmly,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Michelle @ The Willing Cook January 26, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    This is great! I’m going to have to try it. Where do you buy your chamomile? Whole Foods, maybe, or online?

    Reply
  • Amber January 26, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    Hi There Michelle,

    Thanks!

    Well, I’m lucky in that I have an awesome Natural Foods Coop right down the street, and also in the next town. Both Coops have wonderful, huge bulk sections. So I find my loose chamomile in these bulk section. You might want to try a Whole Foods. You can always use a chamomile tea bag if you can’t find it loose, but the flavor will be a little different (loose-leaf is wonderfully strong and fragrant).

    Hugs,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Maggie January 30, 2012 at 1:54 am

    I love chamomile tea and will definitely be trying this bowl of soul 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up to Go Ahead Honey. This is the perfect post for this month’s theme 🙂

    Reply
  • Amber January 30, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Thanks Maggie!

    Reply
  • Barbie March 12, 2016 at 6:38 am

    Hello! I just discovered your wonderful website. I’m your newest fan! Thank you for all you do. I was looking at the lovely lotion recipes you have. Do you have one specifically for the face? I’m looking for a good facial moisturizer recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amber April 3, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      Thank you so much. What a nice comment! 🙂

      For my face in the morning I use Argan oil.

      At night I use any of my homemade lotions. Currently I am using the shea butter + mango butter recipe. I slather it all over to replenish and moisturize.

      I have to say, my skin looks amazing for *cough* almost 40 *cough*. I credit staying out of the sun and using these amazing oils and lotions.

      Good luck!!

      Reply

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Healthy Green Drink (bulk) Recipe

I now present you with a fantastic bulk green drink recipe, sure to help you get your green-drink-on all month long.  This green drink is the answer for those who cannot, for various reasons, digest large amounts of high fibrous foods (I’m raising my hand here).  I happen to love all greens and could eat them everyday, unfortunately, this isn’t the best choice for intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s.  Eating too many raw vegetables and leafy greens can really wreak havoc on sensitive intestines.  In an effort to get my greens, I created this bulk green drink.  Partly out of necessity and partly out of laziness (I greatly dislike cleaning my juicer – why does it have 500 parts?).
 

 

Green Drink (bulk) Recipe.
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 3½ pounds carrots, washed and tips chopped off
  • 8 oranges, peeled
  • 3 large cucumbers (about 2 pounds) washed
  • 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into long chunks
  • 10 ounces of spinach, washed
  • 1½ pounds kale, washed
  • Optional: 4 apples
Instructions
  1. Juice all the veggies (FYI: the veggie pulp makes a delicious vegetable stock)
  2. Juice the orange and pineapple
  3. Mix together in a large pot
  4. Pour into favorite storage containers and place in freezer.
  5. Defrost what you need, when you need it, and enjoy a green drink all month long!

 

 

Share on: Healthy Vegan Friday 
Posted by Amber at 12:48 pm

Labels: better digestion tips, digestion, drinks, green drinks, Holistic healing, vegan, vegetarian.

18 Comments

  • Maggie January 14, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    I love love love this post Amber. It’s right up my alley and so complementary with my studies right now. Thank you so much for doing an amazing post for our launch. I’m so happy The Balanced Platter brought us together!

    Reply
    • Amber January 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm

      Good Morning Maggie,

      Thank you so much! It was fun writing this post and I hope the information is helpful to others. Thanks again for this opportunity!

      Good luck with your studies. 🙂

      Hugs,
      –Amber 🙂

      Reply
  • Vicky January 14, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Great advice Amber and the drink looks lovely! I see you are a fan of St Dalfour jams too!

    Reply
    • Amber January 14, 2012 at 5:43 pm

      Hi There Vicky,

      Thanks so much! Oh yes, we love this special Jelly! I have about 1,000 jars and they always come in handy.

      Hugs,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Amber January 14, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    A reader just left a great question on my Facebook page. She asked what to use instead of oranges and pineapple. Apples would do a great job giving this green drink a little sweet! Seasonal fruits such as strawberries, grapes and peaches would also be lovely. But we have to wait until these become available. Apples are my first suggestion for winter juicing if you can’t have citrus!

    Reply
  • Amy @ Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free January 14, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    What an incredible, informative post! I love greens, too. They’re delicious in a juice, and your addition of fruit will balance out any bitterness from the kale. Honestly, I don’t mind it at all but someone new to green juice might. :)Your storage tips are so helpful. Hate to admit it but I throw out the St. Dalfour jars. I am a little obsessive and like all my jars to match so I buy canning jars and use those. Not frugal or as green as I should be but that’s how I like it.

    Thanks so much for your support of TBP! We are so grateful to have your support.

    Hugs,
    Amy

    Reply
    • Amber January 14, 2012 at 10:14 pm

      Hi There Amy,

      Thank you.

      My philosophy on life is to do what works best for you and to do what makes you feel comfortable and happy. Doing things to simply please others will only drain the spirit. 🙂

      Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of TBP’s launch.

      Have a beautiful, restful weekend.
      –Amber

      Reply
  • melissa @ glutenfreeforgood January 14, 2012 at 8:40 pm

    What a great post! I love the image of the guy eating, drinking, talking on the phone — all while driving his car! So common in this rushed era we live in. YES, yoga is so good for digestion. I have to get some of those BPA free plastic baby food containers. You’ve reminded and inspired me to do so. Wonderful post. Very thorough.
    Melissa

    Reply
    • Amber January 14, 2012 at 10:19 pm

      Hi There Melissa,

      I agree, that guy is all too familiar…and so funny. Glad I was able to offer some inspiration today!

      Be Well,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Adrienne @ Whole New Mom January 14, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    Great post, Amber. I will say that I just recently dove into essential oils and i can’t believe how well the peppermint works! It’s really amazing. I personally tried Young Living – I am not sure if others are able to be taken orally, but I suspect very few are. Anyway, I have been unable to sleep on occasions and after taking about 5 drops I have been able to sleep.

    My husband used to chew on fennel seeds after every meal.

    Take care!

    Reply
    • Amber January 14, 2012 at 10:32 pm

      Hi Adrienne,

      I agree 100%, peppermint is amazing. It has really come through for me time and again, and I don’t know if you’ve also experienced this, but it works instantly. I relied on peppermint and chamomile tea while I was pregnant. I was medication free (for Crohn’s) during both my pregnancies, and these herbs alone would calm my painful flare-ups. Incredible! Great advice about the sleeping aid (Geez, I could use this). So great to find a safe, holistic remedy. Good for you!

      Love fennel seeds as well.

      Have a great weekend Adrienne.
      Hugs,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Laura January 15, 2012 at 4:44 am

    This green drink sounds delicious Amber. I love the combination of carrots, cucumber and super greens you used. I am going to make this for my four year old tomorrow!

    Reply
  • Amber January 15, 2012 at 5:24 am

    Hi There Laura,

    Thanks so much! I have to say, I was surprised by how much my kids loved it. And the fruit doesn’t totally mask the greens. You still get a taste of the greens, but they aren’t as bitter, and there’s just enough sweet. It’s a nice combo. In the morning I’ve been throwing in a couple of cubes with 1 cup of dairy free milk and a banana for a quick “pre” breakfast before I take my daughter to school. It feels good to get that burst of nutrients in the morning!

    Reply
  • gfe--gluten free easily January 15, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    Outstanding post, Amber! Every single person can love green juice combos … they just need to try them. 😉 Good recipes like yours will really help bring new folks into the fold. I just had a green smoothie for lunch, but often juice is just perfect in its lightness, but super nutrition. I love that it yields enough for a whole month, too! 🙂

    xo,
    Shirley

    Reply
  • Amber January 15, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    Hi Shirley,

    You’re so right. Drinking kale might not sound very appealing, but a little fruit in there makes it taste great and very “drinkable.” When my kids like something it’s the best seal of approval for me. 🙂 You have a wonderful rest of your weekend Shirley.

    Reply
  • Jeanette January 15, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    I just pulled out my juicer last week and started making green juice with fruit. Love how clean it tastes even though I have to say the color is not all that appealing.

    Reply
  • Amber January 15, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Jeanette,

    You’re so funny. I know what you mean. It’s such a pleasant surprise when you take that first sip. 🙂

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Yakult Girl March 18, 2013 at 7:17 am

    Hi Amber! Extremely informative post thanks for sharing. Drinking Yakult also gives you more of the good bacteria that may help balance your digestive system.

    Reply

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Holistic Healing for The Common Cold

Information in this post was complied from a 
popular Holistic Healing Reference Book:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing (5th edition 2010)
This post is for informational purposes only. 
 
The Common Cold
The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus.  Cold weather does not cause colds, although most colds are caught in the fall and winter.  This is because cold viruses thrive better in colder temperatures, when there is less humidity in the atmosphere.
There are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold, but the most common ones are rhinoviruses.  The well-known symptoms include head congestion, nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes.  Children may develop a low grade fever, but this is rare in adults.
Colds usually strike eighteen to twenty-four hours after the virus enters the body.  Most colds clear up on their own in a week to ten days, but occasionally a cold can lead to a more serious illness, such as bronchitis, a middle ear infection, or sinus infection.  It is estimated that healthy adults get an average of two colds per year.  Children generally get many more because their immune systems are immature and they have not yet developed immunity to many of the viruses that cause colds.  
 
*Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults.  For a child between the ages of 12 – 17, reduce the dose to three-quarters of the recommended amount.  For a child between 6-12, use one-half of the recommended dose, and for a child under the age of 6, use one-quarter of the recommended amount.  


Nutrients ~ Essential 

 1.  A supplement blend of A, C, E, plus the minerals selenium and Zinc (If looking for an allergy friendly brand (including wheat and dairy free) try ACES + Zn from Carlson Labs).  Use as directed on label.

2.  Vitamin A plus carotenoid complex (betatene).  Helps inflamed mucus membranes and strengthens the immune system.  15, 000 IU daily, DO NOT exceed 10,000 IU if pregnant.  

3.  Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (5,000 – 20,000 mg daily in divided doses).  Fights cold viruses.  For children use buffered vitamin C or calcium ascorbate.

Nutrients ~ Important 

1.  Free Form amino acid plus N-acetylcysteine.  (use as directed on label).  To supply needed protein for healing.  The N-acetylcysteine is a powerful antioxidant. 

2.  Garlic capsules.  Kyolic is a great brand.  Check your local natural foods store.  (Use as directed on label).  A natural antibiotic and immune system enhancer. 

3.  L-lysine.  500 mg daily on an empty stomach, take with water or juice.  Do not take with milk.  Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption.  Aids in destroying viruses and preventing cold sores.  Caution: do not take lysine for longer than 6 months at at time.
 
 Nutrients ~ Helpful

1.  Multi-Vitamin: (dosage: as directed on label)

All nutrients are necessary in balance: use an iron free, wheat-free, yeast-free, dairy free product only.
2.   Kyo-Dophilus from Wakunaga (dosage: as directed on label)
A dairy-free and yeast free probiotic formula.  Or use probiotic of your choice. 

3.  Olive leaf extract.  (dosage: as directed on label)

Supplements with antibiotic and antiviral properties. 

Recommendations

1.  Sip hot liquids such as turkey, chicken or vegetable broth.  Drink potato peel broth twice a day – make it fresh daily.  You can add a carrot, celery, garlic and/or onions.  

2.  Remain as active as possible.  Not only is staying in bed for ordinary sniffles unnecessary, but it will probably make you feel worse; moving around helps loosen built-up phlegm.  If you have a fever, do not engage in excess activity or exercise.  

3.  Wash your hands often & flush facial tissues.  Remove aggravating food from your diet, such as dairy, wheat, sugar, and alcohol.  Increase healing foods such as fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.  Include these in smoothies.  

Helpful Herbs

1.  Elderberry is recommended for upper respiratory tract infections and headaches associated with colds.  It promotes sweating and can help to break a fever.  Research has found that elderberry is effective against colds because it contains antioxidant flavonoids that protect cell walls against foreign substances.

2.  Eucalyptus oil is helpful for relieving congestion.  Put 5 drops in a hot bath or put 6 drops in 2 cups boiling water and inhale the stream.  Add 3 drops of oil to lotion and rub on chest and back before bed.  

3.  For sore throat add 3 – 6 drops of pure tea tree oil to water and gargle.  Repeat this up to three times per day.  Take up to 2 tea tree oil lozenges and allow them to dissolve slowly in your mouth.  

4.  Ginger, pau d’arco, slippery elm, and yarrow tea can calm the common cold.  Hyssop an evergreen that can be taken as tea, acts as an expectorant and has antiviral properties.  Mullein is useful for coughs and congestion.  Red clover helps clear accumulated toxins in the lymphatic system that may cause congestion and inflammation.  (For making a tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried herb to 8 oz boiling water).

Cautions

1.  Do not take sage if you suffer from any type of seizure disorder or pregnant/nursing.  

2.  Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time.  Do not use during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding, use with caution if you are allergic to rageweed.  If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a doctor’s supervision.  

3.  Talk with your holistic healer or medical doctor before taking ANY herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding.  Some can be very dangerous to your baby! 

Conclusions

1. Colds are inconvenient, but with healing foods, herbs, and positive energy, you can kick the virus sooner than later and be back to your active self.    

2.  Love your body – cherish yourself and treat your body and health as you would if you were taking care of another.  Respect your body and provide nurturing, healing foods, be empathetic and refrain from directing anger and negative energy within.  Stress, anxiety and negative energy will only break down your body, destroy your healing anddamage your immune system.  Work with your body, love your body…it’s the only one you’ve got!

Shared on: Traditional Tuesdays, Healthy Second Wednesday

Posted by Amber at 6:00 pm

Labels: Holistic healing.

2 Comments

  • Carrie - young living oil lady February 1, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    Love your blog!! I have shared a few DF recipes. I look forward to revisiting your site! Living healthy, naturally, is the way to go. Blessings to you!

    Reply
  • Amber February 17, 2012 at 3:59 am

    Hi There Carrie,

    Thank you for your kind words! I agree with you 100%.

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply

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Friday, December 9, 2011

Garlic: Why it’s a Powerful Immune Booster.

Hello.
My name is Amber.
And I’m a garliholic.
Okay, got that out there.  I’m a true garlic lover.  I love garlic like my sweet husband loves chocolate, and that’s saying something!  The words crave and satisfy come to mind.
Let me give you an example.
If given the choice between a jar of chocolate covered nuts and a jar of marinated garlic cloves…fuggedaboutit!  Pass me the stinking rose please. Think I’ve made my point here.
What makes garlic so powerful anyway?  So health-full…so immune boosting?  Well, if you lu-uv garlic like me and eat it all the time, there are a few things you should know.
#1
Garlic’s powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-biotic properties are found in the sulfur compound: Allicin.
Allicin is released from garlic when cut, chopped, crushed, etc.
#2
Allicin immediately starts to break down after it’s produced.  Heat causes additional breakdown and microwaving garlic completely eliminates allicin.
#3
To receive the health-full benefits garlic has to offer, add raw chopped garlic to cooked food and mix well.  This method protects the fragile allicin by reducing contact with direct heat, and may even slightly decrease the spiciness.
#4

Garlic also comes with precautions, and these should be considered in full if you’re a frequent garlic user.
Safety First(Ahem…body odor and bad breath do not count as cautions in my opinion).

*Garlic may interact with some prescription medications.  For example, take great caution in consuming large amounts of garlic if taking prescription blood thinners. Please consult your doctor or holistic practitioner before taking garlic supplements or eating garlic on a daily basis. 

*Believe it or not, garlic allergies do exist (oh boy, I would take my peanut allergy over a garlic allergy any day).  
Symptoms may include: skin rashes, mild fever, nausea, vomiting and headaches.  Consult your doctor or holistic practitioner if you suspect a garlic allergy.

*Garlic can irritate your digestive tract and cause some disruption in digestive function.  One key symptom is nausea.  Other symptoms may include loose stools or diarrhea, even vomiting if you consume too much.
   
*I eat raw garlic when I feel a cold coming on and consume in small amounts until I start to feel better.  However, I also eat roasted garlic quite regularly, so feeling sick or not, I usually have some on hand in the fridge.  I smear it on gluten free bread, add it to soup, hummus, eggs.  It’s such an easy way to get that delicious garlic flavor and without the very intense spiciness of garlic.


How To Roast Garlic

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2.  Cut head of garlic in half
3.  Add a bit of oil and salt to your preferred roasting pan and place garlic face down in pan
4.  Roast for 20-30 minutes; check at 20 and if garlic is tender and sizzling then remove.
*Another popular method is to wrap a cut head of garlic (with salt and oil) with parchment paper.  Secure with oven-proof string or make a little parchment-pouch.  I prefer creating less waste and using a glass pan.  But do whatever works for you.  
This is what you will remove from the oven…deliciousness!
Allow garlic to cool before handling
It’s pretty fun to pop out those little cloves
Mash Mash
Add some oil to support your mashing efforts
Mash until your desired consistency
I like mine just like this:
Salud.
Garlic breath and all!

Shared on:
Wellness Weekend over at Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Posted by Amber at 5:33 am

Labels: Holistic healing, how to, spreads.

4 Comments

  • Laura December 11, 2011 at 1:27 am

    Thanks for this wonderful post. I too LOVE garlic and cook with it every chance I can.

    Reply
  • Amber December 12, 2011 at 1:31 am

    Thanks Laura!

    Reply
  • Mrs. Ed December 19, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    I love roasted garlic. Reading this post has me wanting that wonderful aroma in my house. The smell of garlic makes me hungry.

    Reply
  • Amber December 19, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Hi There

    Thank you for your comment. I do believe garlic roasting in the oven is my very favorite smell ever! It brings back such wonderful memories of my beloved Gramie. Stay turned for my SCD friendly lentil & roasted garlic hummus! 🙂

    Happy Holidays to you!
    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply

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Monday, December 5, 2011

What is Colloidal Oatmeal? And How Does it Help Eczema?

Please read my disclaimer before you continue reading.  
Thank you!

Simply speaking, colloidal oatmeal is very finely ground oatmeal.  Pretty easy explanation right!  

So what in the world is this stuff used for? 

First let me tell you that I ran across colloidal oatmeal from reading the ingredients off a bottle of Eucerin.  I’ve never purchased Eucerin, but I was curious why it is so popular and why so many people recommend it for my son’s eczema and dry skin.  First, check out the ingredients in Eucerin.  I’ve linked research and information to some of the concerning ingredients from The Skin Deep Database: 

Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Mineral Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Dimethicone, PEG – 40 Stearate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phexoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantion, Iodopropynyl, Butylcarbarmate.

I was very curious about this oatmeal so I did some research.

I ran across this great site dedicated to colloidal oatmeal.  I recommend checking it out, but I will also share information from this site here.  All quotes are from site link.

So back to the original question: 
What in the world is this stuff used for?

The popular use for colloidal oatmeal is in the bath.  
I have used this with my son.  I grind 2 cups of oatmeal in a coffee grinder and add it to his bath water.  Works great.  Please use oatmeal with caution if you have issues with gluten (or even if you aren’t sure).  It’s best to purchase certified gluten-free oats to avoid any averse reactions.  Please discuss the use of oatmeal as a means for holistic healing with a medical professional or holistic practitioner before using.     

“Colloidal oatmeal has properties that comfort itching, so it is a good choice for relieving the pains of eczema. Simply run your bath with lukewarm water, and while the tub is filling, add a packet (two to three cups) of colloidal oatmeal under the faucet to help disperse the oatmeal. Soak in the bath for ten to fifteen minutes. When you are ready to get out of the bath, Be Careful. The bathtub will be slick from the oatmeal. When drying, don’t rub your skin since this can irritate the sore areas. Instead, pat yourself dry with a clean towel. This treatment can be taken up to three times daily to help ease the dry, itchy skin of eczema”


What a great holistic remedy for children and babies suffering from eczema (or adults for that matter).  My son’s skin looks awful in the bath (like burns all over his legs) and so this is a great addition to bath time.  Wish I had this information when he was 6 months old with weepy eczema patches all over his body.  

How does it work?
“Colloidal oatmeal is simply oats ground into an extremely fine powder. When added to bathwater, it creates a milky dispersion that prevents the oatmeal from settling rapidly. So the oatmeal stays in the water and doesn’t just sink to the bottom of the bath. When you get into the tub, the colloidal oatmeal feels silky, as it coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin.”

How do I use it?
“Run your bath with lukewarm water, and while the tub is filling, add a packet (two to three cups) of colloidal oatmeal under the faucet to help disperse the oatmeal. You may have the urge to take a hot bath, but this will only irritate the skin and remove moisture from your body, so a warm bath is preferable. Soak in the bath for ten to fifteen minutes. When you are ready to get out of the bath, BE CAREFUL. The bathtub will be slick from the oatmeal. When drying, don’t rub your skin since this can irritate the sore areas. Instead, pat yourself dry with a clean towel.”

I added colloidal oatmeal to my latest homemade eczema lotion (recipe coming soon) as a dry-skin remedy this winter.  

Check this out if you are interested in making large amounts of colloidal oatmeal.  But a coffee grinder or other blender will suffice.  

Colloidal oatmeal is also used for:
Poison Ivy
Chickenpox
Diaper Rash
Pets
Insect Bites

picture credit
Shared on: Homestead Barn Hop & Traditional Tuesdays
Posted by Amber at 5:17 am

Labels: eczema, Holistic healing, homemade remedies.

18 Comments

  • gfe--gluten free easily January 2, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    Just found this in my In Box, Amber. Colloidal oatmeal can indeed be helpful to some, but for those with gluten issues (and often folks don’t know they have them) it can do more harm than good. Certified gluten-free oats should be used when making colloidal oatmeal to comfort anyone with gluten issues, and some folks can’t even do certified gluten-free oats–ingested or topically. Don’t mean to be a party pooper, but felt the need to point that out.

    Hope you are having a splendid new year, dear! xo,
    Shirley

    Reply
  • Amber January 2, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    Hi There Shirley. You’re so funny, you’re not a party pooper at all! I appreciate the comment. I did make a note in the post about the gluten-free factor. Thanks!

    You make an excellent point and I could not agree more! I use only certified gluten-free oats when making colloidal oatmeal for my son (although he is not gluten intolerant, I still prefer this version of oats). I also use the certified gluten free oats in his (and our) itch-relief lotion. I just like the fact that certified gluten free is available, and you’re so right, colloidal oatmeal is so wonderful for those with eczema and such a nice alternative to the steroids that are offered. The colloidal oatmeal lotion I made this winter has saved my sons’s skin (and my husbands’s poor hands). An alternative diet along with holistic remedies (such as these) has put my son’t eczema into a nice state of remission. It flares from time to time with certain foods, or certain times of the year, but overall, I’m so glad my little guy is doing better!

    Thanks again Shirley for your wise insights! They are always appreciated on this end. 🙂

    Hugs to you,
    –Amber

    Reply
    • Yogita October 4, 2016 at 1:10 am

      Hi Amber. Could you please give me the ingredients for homemade moisturiser. I have used most of the moisturiser for my 5 month old baby. But could not get satisfactory result.. I would be grateful if you could provide me the ingredients thank you

      Reply
  • Jennifer May 8, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Lots of great info! My 6 month old has awful eczema. I would love to know your colloidal oatmeal recipe if you’re willing to share. I’ve been using calendula oil which is helpful but gets a bit pricey.

    Reply
    • Amber June 15, 2012 at 4:04 am

      Hi Jennifer,

      Great question. colloidal oatmeal can be added to any cream. Just a few teaspoons. It works for anti-itch relief, but too much can also dry out the skin (so be careful). If you’re looking for an anti-itch relief cream, you can make your own by adding to homemade lotions. See my homemade link above. For every 8 ounces of lotion, add 2 teaspoons oatmeal. 🙂

      I hope this helps.

      Reply
    • Anonymous July 6, 2013 at 2:37 pm

      Do you have any colloidal oatmeal bathoil recipe? Thank you very much

      -danica

      Reply
  • Anonymous November 14, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    My hands flare up in the winter and I have found vitamen e oil to be one of the only things that doesn’t make things worse.

    Reply
  • Anonymous February 13, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    Hi, I got one question for the oatmeal bath. Will the grounded oatmeal clog the drainage system? I do not have a bath tub and plan to soak myself in the small baby bath tub I use when I was younger but I am worried that after I soaked it and pour away, it will clog the bathroom.

    Also,do you have any other remedies for eczema? I am suffering from severe eczema when I turn 18 and have visited expensive skin centre, applied steroid creams for over 3 years, tried expensive pills with severe side effects and photo therapy but nothing works.

    Reply
  • Amber February 13, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    Hi There,

    I can’t say for sure if the oatmeal will clog your drainage. You only put in a small amount. It’ meant to stop severe itching. It will have drying affect on the skin. I would start by just adding in 1/4 cup. See how that goes for you. If you feel no difference, try more next time and keep an eye out on your drainage.

    As for eczema remedies. I can’t stress how important it is to change your diet (remove refined sugar, and cut down on other sugars such as fruit sugars or honey/maple syrup, remove dairy and perhaps soy). You have to know your food triggers. you might want to try an elimination diet. For example, eggs and citrus triggered my son’s eczema at one time. Chocolate was triggering my husbands. But when we removed gluten and dairy from his diet, his eczema dramatically improved.

    Weather and climate also trigger symptoms. My husband and son cannot live in a very dry climate. My father-in-law lives my the coast here in California for his skin, and the humidity help it very much.

    I would also add in some pro-biotics, fish oils, and other healthy oils (such as coconut if you can eat it).

    Some research strongly suggests that skin conditions such as eczema is a response from an unhealthy gut. So focus should be on healing the gut, eating very healthy, managing stress (which can affect your immune system, and thus trigger an response).

    Lastly, you will want to use healing lotions (as a last remedy in your healing).

    visit this link to my website for a few different homemade lotions:
    https://thetastyalternative.com/p/homemade.html

    I hope this information was helpful. Let me know how it works for you.

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Anonymous April 25, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    My son will be two in June and has eczema since he was three months I have tried everything including the oatmeal bath it helps! At bed time he does nothing but scratch we can we do at bed time to prevent him from itching so bad??

    Reply
    • Amber June 5, 2013 at 12:34 am

      Hi Anonymous,

      I’m sorry to hear that your son is in such agony. My son did not itch like that before bed. We did not bathe him every night, kept his nails short, and extremely lathered up with lotion. We also used lanolin. It’s a great barrier. But I cannot offer you any other advice. I’m not a doctor and cannot legally tell you to do anything. I can only suggest what’s helped for our son and that’s about it. I would speak to a holistic doctor about his skin condition. Good luck!

      Reply
    • Eva March 11, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      My mother actually used to put cotton gloves on my hands at bedtime (and tie them at my wrists) when I was little so I wouldn’t scratch my eczema at night. Also keep the bedroom at a cool temperature as warmth makes the itching worse.

      Reply
  • Stephanie September 7, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    Hi great info here! I tried making an “eczema body butter” but it’s very grainy, is it always like that, or is there a way to make the powered even finer? I used my Vitamix so it’s very fine powdered but once mixed with other stuff it makes it grainy. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  • Maggie May 30, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    Yes, for someone without gluten issues, oatmeal can be great for skin! Personally, I use ground oats mixed with a little water for my facial cleanser – I’ve been doing this for over 6 months, and my sensitive, break-out prone skin loves it!

    Reply
    • ChanningM. June 28, 2014 at 11:00 pm

      How often do you use the facial cleanser?

      Reply
      • Amber June 24, 2015 at 7:50 pm

        Once or twice a week.

        Reply
  • Jules humphries July 11, 2016 at 12:37 am

    My mum used to cut the end off a piece of stocking and fill it with oatmeal and that’s what i used in place of soap when my excema was bad… I just tried this before with the blended oatmeal and doubled the stocking over and it works well… Also a good way of mixing it thru the water.

    Reply

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Skin Deep Cosmetic Database

Ever feel curious about what’s in your lotion, shampoo, lipstick, foot scrub, toothpaste, eye shadow, dish soap, gel?  
I sure do.

A few years ago I came across the greatest website on the planet for the curious, health-conscience mind.  If you’re not sure about an ingredient but really want to know what it is, research results, and how toxic it is (on a scale from 1 – 10) well then look no further.  

The website is
The Skin Deep Cosmetic Database
Start here to get to know the site and how to use it.
Also a good read: the myth about cosmetic safety

This site is SO user friendly, by the way.  You simply type in the ingredient (or just copy and paste from the internet) and you will instantly receive valuale information on its level of toxicity. 
An essential element in any holistic healing routine or holistic lifestyle is knowing exactly what you are putting on your skin and exactly what you are bringing into your home.  This is also so very important for children’s products.  Say NO to chemicals in your products, polluting our bodies and earth.  
Have peace of mind and take control with knowledge. 

Posted by Amber at 4:50 am

Labels: beauty, Holistic healing.

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Friday, October 21, 2011

Homemade Jojoba Shea Butter Lotion: for dry skin and eczema

When my son Ethan was 5 months old he developed eczema all over his body.  It wasn’t entirely a surprise.  My husband develops terrible eczema on his hands during the summer/winter months.  So when it started showing up on Ethan it was all about holistic healing and comfort…and time.   
 
I started with food. I was nursing Ethan so I would systematically cut out foods from my diet that I suspected might be aggravating his skin.  Food didn’t seem to change his skin much.  Already 100% dairy free, sugar free, soy free, etc, I cut out eggs for a while.  I also experimented with wheat and nuts.  We noticed that during the cold months his skin was dry and susceptible and during the hot months his skin was dry and susceptible.  I would say that staying on a allergy free diet helped his skin from becoming worse than it already was, and allowed time and other natural remedies to work and heal the inflammation. 
 
Our pediatrician, like most pediatricians, suggested the steroid cream.  Scott never had much success with this sort of cream and he also didn’t particularly like the ingredients – very intense stuff.  So we both knew this just wasn’t an option…or for us a very last resort option.  For the most part Ethan was smiley, happy and easy going.  He appeared comfortable.  He wasn’t distressed or preoccupied with itching his skin.  So that being said, we continued with holistic/homeopathic remedies including:
 
1.  Keeping his nails trimmed 
2.  Always covering the weepy patches of skin, but also allowing the skin time to breathe now and then
3.  Dressing in only 100% cotton or organic cotton clothes
4.  Gentle soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) to wash his clothes
5.  We did not bathe him every night
6.  During baths I would often put chamomile tea in with his bath water (steap about 8 cups of water with 8 tablespoons loose chamomile flowers )
7.  Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize!  We kept his skin very lubricated, especially during the winter months.
Side note: I’m not kidding when I tell you we used just about every organic, natural cream on the market.  We found these at our local Coop and I also found products on-line from small organic companies (this is a great blog for such a purpose).  I was very picky about what I put on his skin, obviously.  We did not use lotions filled with preservatives, parabens, SLS, phthalates, glycols, petroleum, artificial fragrances, PEGS, PGG, MEA, TEA, DEA, etc…the list goes on and on…and so the list of what you can use gets smaller and smaller.
 
I didn’t think about making my own lotion at the time.  I wish I had because we all know those organic creams are EXPENSIVE!  
In time his eczema decreased, starting with his face.  By his first birthday his face looked great.  Next his arms improved to zero areas of inflammation much like his face, his back and stomach followed.  His legs improved greatly but this is still the area of concern.
 
Last summer I purchased my last store-bought cream/oil.  I was determined to make my own dry skin/eczema remedy and found three ingredients that target inflammation 
(and ingredients I frequently saw in the store-bought brands):
1.  Jojoba Oil
2.  Chamomile Flowers
3.  Organic Raw Shea Butter
So here is what I did…
 
1: Purchased 16 oz. of raw, organic shea butter ($10).
2: Purchased 8 oz. of organic jojoba oil 
(from bulk at our Coop – $5)
 
3: Purchased 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers 
(from bulk at our Coop – $1.50)
 
4: Infused jojoba with chamomile for 2 weeks
5: Strained through cheese cloth and TADA…chamomile infused jojoba oil! 
6: Raw shea butter is super hard so I placed it in a glass bowl and let it sit in the sun for a few hours to soften.  Worked great.  Above picture is a few hand stirs with a spoon after the sun bath
 
7: I added the strained oil to the shea butter and whipped with a hand mixer until well incorporated
Notes:
1.  This lotion is oily.  Take caution when applying it around fabric you love, as oil may transfer
2.  It soaks into skin after a bit and should be noted it’s much less oily than just applying straight oil
2.  This would be a terrific hand treatment at night with cotton gloves
3.  Apply immediately after shower/bath to affected areas
4.  This mixture of ingredients has a fantastic shelf life
5.  Experiment with other healing herbs/oil 
 
Here are some pictures of Ethan’s skin.  I never took any of his body because it was usually covered.  I look back at these and smile ear to ear.  He was such a chubby little thing! To give you an idea, he weighed 17 lbs. at 4 months old! And I’m not kidding when I tell you he was a happy little thing too – always a smile on that red little face.  Mommy kept him very comfortable!
Overall, his legs were the worst.  He had many patches of skin that were weepy, he also had these patches on his arms.  Keeping these patches covered prevented itching and aided in healing.
And, here he is in 2010:
This face looks so much better.  His cheeks healed with time, as did his arms, back and stomach.  We are happy about declining the steroid cream.  This this was a personal choice and every parent should decide what will be best for their child and what they are comfortable administering.  I would say he outgrew the worst of it. Keeping him on an allergy-free diet is very important despite the little change we noticed in his symptoms early on.  He is currently dairy free, gluten free, sugar free, soy free, chocolate free and nightshade free.  And we keep that skin super-duper moisturized with our awesome new lotion.  


Still a very smiley little guy!!  

See HERE for a list of all my homemade lotions 
Posted by Amber at 10:48 pm

Labels: beauty, eczema, Holistic healing, homemade remedies, how to.

26 Comments

  • Tessa October 27, 2011 at 3:41 am

    My son too has struggled with eczema…and I have figured out several of the triggers. One thing I learned from a holistic nutritionist, after his eczema started getting better around 9 months is that babies are born with very porous intestines to allow the to digest the large protein found in breastmilk. At around 8 or 9 months, as their bodies ready for weaning, the gut begins to close those gaps, thus making them less reactive to everything. It is such a long and arduous journey as a mommy trying to figure it all though, isn’t it!!?? I am happy your son is doing better!

    Tessa@TessaDomesticDiva.blogpot.com

    Reply
  • Amber October 27, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Hi There Tessa~

    Thank you for this holistic wisdom! I love that you have a holistic healer. How wonderful. That makes total sense about the intestines because his face was very clear at 1 year, with flare-ups here and there – weather and food induced of course.

    This month I noticed that oranges really aggravated his skin.

    speaking of food and eczema, my husband had some chocolate last week (he’s a total chocoholic, but has toned it down drastically over these past few months). Anyway, he had just a little bit of dark chocolate and his hands were a mess in the morning. He was so surprised to see this connection loud and clear. Amazing how food can have such a tangible affect on our bodies.

    Thanks again for your comment. It’s comforting to know others have gone through similar issues with their children.

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Tessa October 28, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Of course! We are STILL dealing with it! We had a major reaction yesterday, poor little guy was screeching and writhing in pain from what looked like 2nd degree burns on his bum. The only new food was a bit of egg in some grain-free mini muffins we made, he had one! hopefully we can figure out how to truly heal his little gut so he can tolerate more foods, because as of now, it is a very frustrating journey. To make it worse, lots of people look at you like you have two heads when you mention food sensitivities or try to explain why your child won’t be having those Goldfish crackers or that cupcake with the rest of the class!

    Reply
  • Amber October 30, 2011 at 4:54 am

    Hi There Tessa~

    Oh, I hear you with the goldfish crackers! And it is hard to explain why you are saying no. With Ethan though, people take one look at his legs and they can see his condition and why I have him on an allergy free diet. It’s definitely a struggle and difficult for parents. One never wants to see their child suffering! You just want to make it all go away.

    Ethan’s legs look terrible, not like they did when he was an infant, but they are very red, blotchy and look sunburned (mostly on he back). It’s curious why the inflammation is isolated to his legs? I do see a huge connection with eggs. Luckily he doesn’t seem distressed by the flare up.

    Good luck to you on this healing journey. Stayed tuned. I will be posting about holistic healing for eczema very soon.

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Anonymous November 16, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    This is great! I felt so sad looking at his little red face as all three of my kids had that same little red face (and red bodies) when they were small. My other two seem to have outgrown it, my littest still struggles. We have discovered gluten and sugar are triggers for her but even then it’s not perfect. Waiting until after the holidays to make any more major dietary changes since it’s at least manageable. We always took eczema as just this “thing” that happened and you medicate it. I look at things very differently now and I see it as definite sign of what is going on in the body so we are doing good probiotics, healthy fats, etc. to help as well. Anyhow, my husband also has eczema and I’ll definitely be making this cream for both! Thanks!
    P.S. I have two kids with food allergies and I hear you about the treats in class. Makes things very difficult all around, and it always amazes me that in a day where there’s so much more talk about food allergies, people still seem to glaze over and look at you like you’re crazy or a mean mom for depriving your kid!

    Reply
  • Amber November 16, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Hello There A,

    Thank you so much for your comment.
    First, I could not agree more with you about the perceived judgement from others. I’m constantly saying “no” to foods people hand my 2 year old son. But then I quickly pull out a healthy homemade treat and all is good, but you can’t help but feel bad (and judged). Sometimes I show people Ethan’s legs and share that foods trigger inflammation/eczema and we take it very seriously, and thank you for understanding. Birthday parties are hard right now, as I’m sure you can empathize.

    I have to say, this cream is great! But please stay tuned. As we speak I am making a new lotion that includes these original ingredients and two new healing properties: coconut oil and colloidal oatmeal. I should have this up by next week.

    Good for you for including probiotics. I started Ethan on fish oils a while back and I believe it has really helped! Ah, there is so much to think about. You just take it day by day and keep experimenting. Good luck on your healing journey. I appreciate your attitude about starting a diet change when it feels right…and perhaps more likely to work. The Holidays can be very tricky.

    Thanks again for sharing your story!

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • Wendi and Matt December 11, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    I just found your site. Love it!!!
    If I don’t have jojoba I can use olive oil right?? I’m thinking yes but want to make sure 🙂

    Reply
  • Amber December 12, 2011 at 1:06 am

    Hello There Wendi and Matt~

    Thanks!!

    Absolutely. Any oil you can find or have on hand that’s good for problem skin will work great.

    I also recommend coconut oil or calendula if you can’t find jojoba. 🙂

    Happy Holidays.

    Be Well,
    –Amber

    Reply
  • itchylittleworld December 30, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    Hi Amber –

    So glad you found my site and now I’m happy to have found yours! Our stories sound really similar. I wound up making my own eczema salve as well, but had terrible trouble with it ruining all my son’s clothes and he also developed an allergy to it over time. Thankfully he is free of eczema, most days, because we identified food allergies as his triggers, as well as heat. I’m happy to see that you have found relief for your son as well!

    Have a great holiday!

    Reply
  • Kristina May 17, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    My son looks almost identical to your son (his main eczema problem is face and right behind one knee) I too only use handmade lotions (chamomile is a fav of ours too) and they work so much better than any of the conventional stuff. Your son’s face gives me hope as my little guy’s face is still very red and itchy. Glad he’s better!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Amber May 17, 2012 at 8:18 pm

      Hi Kristina,

      I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s eczema. Us mommies need to stick together and exchange ideas and resources! I do hope your son’s skin improves over time.

      My son turned three on Tuesday, and while his legs are still covered with dry skin that flares up from time to time, I’m convinced a healthy, allergy-free diet, homemade lotions, healthy fats, fish oils, probiotics, and time have all helped his skin from getting worse. But I just can’t compete with seasonal allergies. They really spark his skin flares.

      You have a great rest of your week Kristina.

      Be Well,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Teri Magaruh June 21, 2012 at 12:44 am

    Hi Amber,
    Thank you so much for this information. My son is 25 and still has problems with eczema. He is currently living on his own and really broken out and itchy (especially his legs and feet). So which of these creams you have listed, is the most effective? Currently I have on hand and ready to use: shea butter, cocoa butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil,calendula oil and avocado oil. Should I order the eucalyptus as well? Thanks! Teri

    Reply
    • Amber June 21, 2012 at 3:17 am

      Hi Teri,

      Thanks for your email. I’m sorry your son suffers from this skin condition!! My husband (who is 36) still gets eczema flares on his hands (and really bad)! My lotions really help, better than anything from the store.

      So, it sounds like you have some great stuff on hand there. Here are a few combinations:

      -shea butter
      -cocoa butter
      -calendula oil
      -jojoba oil

      -shea butter
      -almond oil
      -avocado oil

      -cocoa butter
      -apricot oil
      -calendula oil

      -shea butter
      -cocoa butter
      -avocado oil

      (get some coconut oil if you can…another great healing oil for eczema).

      The combinations are really endless. For each lotion I try and stick with two oils and one or two base creams for each batch (and so in your case those would be the shea and cocoa).

      The thing about thesevlotions are they all help my son, but I found that rotating the lotions works best. So, when I run out of one, I make a new one with different ingredients. I’ve heard this from other mothers too. Their child will get sort of desensitized to one. I think this is pretty typical with skin.

      And no, the eucalyptus is not necessary. I used it for a bit of scent, but found that it was also okay, beneficial even, for eczema (in small diluted amounts.

      Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Glad to help anyway I can 🙂

      Be Well,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • vini August 8, 2012 at 6:19 am

    Hi Please try using 100% pure unrefined coconut oil
    It heals skin like magic.
    Hope it helps 🙂
    What an adorable little boy

    Vinitha

    Reply
  • Amber August 8, 2012 at 6:42 am

    Hi Vini,

    Thank you!

    I do use raw organic unrefined coconut oil in one of my lotions that works really well for my son and husband.
    You can see the recipe here:
    https://thetastyalternative.com/2012/02/homemade-coconut-shea-butter-lotion-for.html

    Reply
  • Edna November 25, 2012 at 6:35 am

    Thanks for telling the recipe! Going to do that for myself.
    The moisturisers on the market usually contain petroleum and those organic ones are so ex.
    Do more of this!!!! Haha

    Reply
  • Tanya Otero November 30, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    I have been searching for homemade lotion recipes specifically for eczema on hands. I found many for toddlers but not for adults, and wasn’t sure if the severity or type of eczema was different. Thank you for mentioning your husband’s hand eczema, it sounds exactly like what I have. The tips on diet are very true, I’ve cut out dairy and noticed that new flare ups have completely stopped. I have found sweets to also be a trigger.
    A homeopath recommended I take Omega 3 and 6 oils, as a deficiency in those essential fatty acids apparently can also be a cause. Just a suggestion for anyone who is searching for anything other than a steroid cream that will prevent eczema, rather than act as a temporary fix.

    Reply
    • Amber December 3, 2012 at 5:44 am

      Hello Tanya,

      Thank you so much for stopping by and for your insights. They are much appreciated. 🙂

      Sugar really does trigger my husband’s eczema, but I think weather is the worst. When we are in dry climates his hands will become red and cracked within a few hours (for example, when we drive to the mountains to go snowboarding).

      I do believe citrus triggers my son’s eczema. I’ve been giving him fish oils and this seems to help his skin during the dry winter months.

      It’s all so individual. Crazy! We do what we can to try and figure out the triggers (foods, stress, weather, etc).

      Good luck on your healing journey. And thanks again for stopping by.

      Be Well,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Anonymous February 20, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    My little 5 month old daughter has severe to moderate eczema. For someone who ate healthy, organic whole foods, I am @ my wits ends trying to figure this out. The hubs does have chronic eczema.so I am really worried. I dont know what it feels like, but my daughter went from being the perfect baby to screaming and itching right around 4 months when I went back to work.
    I have been so stressed about her condition and feel awful putting steroidal creams on her which just subsides the condition. It does not cure it. It treats the symptoms in other words not the cause.
    My older son had no such condition so this was a surprise.
    thank you Amber for the posts, I have been reading and am going to trying holistic approach to this.

    Mom to R&R

    Reply
    • Amber March 5, 2013 at 11:39 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter. I remember when my son’s skin flared around that time.

      I’m no expert when it comes to eczema, but I can tell you that my son’s is nearly GONE. But it did take time, and he will be 4 in May. He’s been on a gluten, dairy, cane/refined sugar free, soy free diet all his life. When he was old enough, I started introducing probiotics and fish oils. I also feel it helped to nurse him as long as possible to help colonize his gut and digestive system (so I nursed him for 2 years and followed the same diet as mentioned above). Homemade creams have been such a great defense. Also look into lanolin. It’s such a great barrier and will prevent water from drying out those nearly weepy patches (my son had a TON of pus and weepy patches all over). If the itch is out of control, grind up some oatmeal into a powder and add a few tablespoons to warm bath water. This may help the itching a bit, and always follow up with lotion right out of the bath. There are so many thing to think about, and when they are young it’s a little more difficult. Comfort measures are most important at the 5 month age. I’m glad you are looking into more of the cause, rather than just masking symptoms. And I’m glad these posts are helpful for you. You’re not alone. Good luck to you and your baby’s healing.

      Be Well,
      –Amber

      Reply
  • Anonymous March 7, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    I know this is random but can you post a link to where you bought your carafe? I love it!

    Thank you 🙂

    Tricia

    Reply
    • Amber March 7, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      Not random at all. I found it at Ross Department store in the kitchen section. 🙂

      Reply
  • M. Inez March 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Hi there. I just stumbled upon your blog while searching for body butter recipes. I’ve recently started making my own after about a year of paying $15 each for 8 oz of body butter. My great niece and a few people at my church suffer from eczema. I will definitely be making this for my niece and sharing the recipe with others. Thanks so much for sharing your journey.

    Reply
  • Anonymous May 16, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    THANK YOU!

    My daughter is almost 8 and really struggles with eczema… not on her face, but pretty much everywhere else. Like your son, the heat/extreme dry cold/seasonal allergies really get her going.

    We were keeping Eucerin in business and slathering her with cream twice and day, and I started suspecting that it was causing issues of its own. I’ve switched her to all natural emollients over the past 3 weeks or so and even though she’s still a mess, the oils/butters we’ve used are a relief to her. The eucerin would cause a round of itching/burning despite how well it moisturizes and we were just going backwards. Not so with almond oil/cocoa butter.

    I’m just really tired of steroids and immunosuppressants and chemicals/preservatives! I can’t help but worry about the long term consequences.

    I’m going to get brave and take it a step further upon finding your site, and try to make a batch of body butter tonight. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Anonymous May 17, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    Hi Amber!
    I’m the anonymous from yesterday, just wanted to report back that I followed through and made my food processor super oily last night and gave it a try. I feel like I’ve finally got it right… The cocoa butter and almond oil were both working well for her, but oily on their own. Thanks to your suggestions I think we’ve found a mixture that’ll really do some good. Can’t wait to see how she feels/looks in a few weeks. She rode her bike outside in the heat for 3 hours last night, and then came in for a shower… normally she’d be a MESS after that. But we covered her in her new homemade cream and she looked amazing at bedtime.
    I used 4 oz. cocoa butter, 7 oz. shea butter, and about 5 T. sweet almond oil. Good, good stuff!
    Thanks.

    Reply
  • jmneuge May 24, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    Your recipes for lotions and sprays are awesome! I stumbled upon your website while looking for a simple trellis for my bean plants. Thanks for sharing all your amazing ideas!

    One tip I can share to your readers in return, for dry skin I swear by lanolin! We live in Utah where it is very dry year round, but especially in the winter. Before bed I slather my kids up in lanolin, especially their cheeks, and their skin looks great in the morning. This helped a lot when they were babies and their skin was irritated from drool and spit up. But be careful lanolin definitely will stain fabrics.

    Cheers!

    Judith

    Reply

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