This is a little long, so I apologize, but hopefully insightful...
Although I don't like "resolutions", I did try to come up with some goals for the new year. One of them, and probably the most important is to "get healthy". None of this "diet" stuff, more about taking care of myself inside and out. (Being more dilligent to eat and cook better, is part of this goal though.)
One of the main ways I wanted to accomplish this goal is to eliminate the need for OTC medicines for all of us. It seems like when fall hits, we're either taking some sort of allergy medicine, cold medicine, congestion medicine or something of the like. Hubby also suffers from a bad back, I have PCOS (which equals lots of pain throughout the month) and we both get headaches periodically. In addition to that, little miss has had issues getting to sleep, teething pain, growing pains, etc. Needless to say, we have our fair share of medications in our cabinet.
In trying to find a solution to our daughter's sleeping issues, we discovered essential oils. They made a world of difference! We were finally able to get some sleep! I also found a couple of natural remedies, like a burn medicine, with the same essential oils that were used to help her sleep.
Which led me to research other natural remedies using essential oils. Ya'll, there's TONS of them. If you use Pinterest, just search "essential oils" or Google the same thing. And prepare to be overwhelmed.
Now, before you run away screaming and thinking we're hippies, let me start by saying I'm not here to convince you to use essential oils. I realize they're not for everyone or for every ailment (although it would seem based on one of the books I got, there really is an essential oil you can at least try!). And I think, more than anything, that's what I would encourage you to do. Just try them. They don't carry the side-affects all these other medications do and they've been around since Jesus' time.
If you research essential oils very long, you'll soon discover there are also lots of brands to choose from. Now, another thing I'm not here to convince you of, is using one brand over another. I've personally ordered Young Living (their premium starter kit), Eden's Garden and Plant Therapy. After doing quite a bit of research, I'm less inclined to promote those companies that are direct-sale. They are both (there are 2 specific ones I'm talking about - Young Living and doTERRA) a LOT more expensive than others. Yes, they both give you the ability to make money by selling them to others, but if you're sitting here reading this and you don't have a TON of extra money to spend, the other 2 brands I mentioned are very comparable. (And typically about 1/3 of the price.) The main reason I ordered YL's starter kit is because I got 11 oils and a diffuser, and the lady I signed up through was giving away a $25 Amazon gift card along with a reference guide (worth $15!) all for FREE! It just made more sense to do it that way. But since then, I've ordered carrier oils and other essential oils from the other 2 brands I mentioned.
I know there are circumstances that warrent using prescription medications, but I think as a nation we've come to rely on them too much. At the first sneeze, many run to their doctor to get some medicine. Or if your child is suffering from constipation, many go get a prescription medication to help. But what if we started using Rx meds as a last resort, instead of the first one? Have you ever wondered what those medicines are doing to your body, in addition to treating the symptoms you have?
Let me insert here, I am not a doctor, a nurse or anything pertaining to the medicine field. Again, I know sometimes Rx meds are needed and necessary. Talk to your doctor. And if they tell you you're crazy for wanting to try them, try a different doctor. Find one willing to work with you as you explore all your options.
If you need to be on a prescription medication, try adding a good probiotic to the mix. Or eat some good, healthy yogurt every day. At least replace the good bacteria in your gut that the medication is removing. We are all taking a probiotic now and we try to eat yogurt at least a few times a week. (Regardless of whether we are taking any medicine.)
As a momma, I think we should use our God-given momma-intuition more. (Yes, I truly believe there is such a thing.) I am very blessed to be a stay-at-home mom right now, which gives me the unique ability to see my daughter all day, every day. I can tell if she's starting to come down with something or if something just seems off with her. This is when I would use essential oils. To stave off something. Or to help her through something like growing pains.
Maybe your little one has ezcema, or cradle cap, or baby acne (or maybe you struggle with this!), or teething pains, or growing pains...these are all minimal issues where you could try out some essential oils. These things that, if left untreated, won't land your child in the hospital. (And I know when it comes to your kids, it's scary when they're sick!) Or maybe she has a low-grade fever, instead of using Tylenol or Ibuprofin, use peppermint oil. And again, you know best. For our daughter, we try to give her 2 days to get better on her own before seeking medical intervention. This also allows her body to build up some immunities. And with the addition of essential oils, hopefully the number of times we have to go to the doctor will decrease.
I've enjoyed experimenting with different blends and diffusing them in our house. I've also been diffusing them at night in our daughter's room. In addition, I've made a couple blends to apply topically. I'll keep you updated as we go. :) I'm very excited about this and I'm really hoping it helps our whole family!
What about you? What were some of your goals? Have you tried essential oils? What oil(s) do you use?
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