Melaleuca

What’s in your Natural Toolbox?

ClareWilliamson Leave a comment

As a mum it is great to feel empowered to know what to reach for when your kids get sick, so that you can soothe their discomfort and suffering immediately and naturally and feel confident that you are making the right choices.

I know as mums we question every day whether those choices we make are the right ones and we always have questions!  Rest assured this is a good thing.  As we ask questions we learn and grow.  We will make mistakes along the way, but instead of feeling guilty about these we must acknowledge the good we do every day also!

jade-2 Post probiotics “whoopsie” with my youngest!  She sneezed….!

For today’s blog I thought it would be helpful to share what is in my Natural Toolbox and my ‘go-to’ uses.  This information forms part of the ‘My Family Remedies Course’ I offer to mums.  I know they find the course really useful.  It is quite an in depth discovery of the primary uses for essential oils in common childhood illnesses.

The oils I take you through are doTERRA’s Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Melaleuca, Oregano, Frankincense, Deep Blue®, Breathe, DigestZen®, and On Guard™.  Alongside these in my Natural Toolbox I keep Vitamin C, Fermented Apple Cider Vinegar, Arnica, Colloidal silver and Chamomilla.

However, the oils I find I reach for most, and those I will introduce in this blog are Melaleuca, Lavender and On Guard™.  At the hint of a cold or the flu I start with Vitamin C straight away and get On Guard™ in the diffuser.  I then apply 1 drop each of Lavender and Melaleuca mixed with 2 tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut oil to the bottoms of the feet every couple of hours. To really open up the airways I use lemon in babies and Breathe in children,  but the Melaleuca and On Guard will suffice on the feet to help kill viruses and bacteria.  Rollerballs are really handy for this.  It’s also important to know how to dilute essential oils appropriately for babies and children though.  I will be going through this in detail at my Essential Oils Basics Workshop on October 12th.  This is an entry by koha workshop that I really recommend to mums as a starting point with Essential Oils.

Another thing we go through with babies and young children often is ear aches and infections.  You can use Melaleuca and Lavender in this instance too.  Just dilute 1-2 drops of Melaleuca and/or Lavender and apply around the ear (NOT inside the ear) and along the back of the cheek bone down & around behind the ear. You can also add Basil to help with the pain.  Did you know that about 70 percent of children get better on their own within two or three days of an ear infection, and about 80 percent are better within a week to 10 days, without antibiotics?

Melaleuca and Lavender can also be used in cases of stings, burns, cuts, scrapes, chickenpox, measles and Hand Foot and Mouth.

However, prevention is better than a cure in the case of these latter illnesses and this is where On Guard® comes in really handy.  Our littlies encounter germs every day, however hard we try to protect them from them.  They bring these germs home on their shoes, hands, clothes!  We can’t protect them all the while they are out, and encountering these germs and bacteria is necessary for building strong immune systems, but it is nice to think we can keep our homes relatively germ free without heavy chemicals.  This is why I use doTERRA’s OnGuard® range around my home to kill germs and as an immunity booster.

If you are interested in learning Essential Oil Basics and are local to Auckland, please come along to my next workshop on October 12th!  Just click here and complete the contact form to book your space.

Happy kids = Happy Mum!

jade kids-happy-and-healthy

Much Love x x

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Common Myth that Essential Oils are Expensive BUSTED!

ClareWilliamson Leave a comment

Yes, good quality, pure essential oils will cost you money outright (read about why here), but all the other stuff you are buying when you could be buying essential oils is more expensive in the long run!

The quality of the essential oils you use and thus their potency, means that the quantity you use each time is MINIMAL.

I’ll give you an example.  My 19 week old baby came down with a cold yesterday.  In addition to breastmilk and some vitamin c, I used 1 drop of Melaleuca (0.01c/drop*), 1 drop of Lemon (0.07c/drop*) and 1 drop of Frankincense (0.46c/drop*) in 3 tablespoons of fractionated oil ($1.50) in a roller bottle ($1.45) that is probably going to last me 6 months (and cost me $3.49).  Let’s call this List 1.

Let’s compare that to what I would have spent at the pharmacy, pre-essential oils…  This is List 2!

Nasal Aspirator to suck out the snot – NZ$24.95

Vicks – NZ$12.50 – to clear her airways

Pamol – $12 – to relieve her pain and help her settle.

Total – $49.45

Now let’s look at why you might want to be avoiding those things in List 2…

  • The nasal aspirator:  Look how delicate your baby is on the outside.  I don’t even want to hazard a guess at how delicate they are on the inside, especially in places like the nasal lining.  Plus, my daughter always found nasal aspiration traumatising!
  • Vicks VapoRub:  I could write an essay on why I wouldn’t put this on my babies’ skins, even with a barge pole!  I won’t.  I will let you do your own research.  Have a look at the recommendations about dose and age first off.  Firstly, many parents don’t realize that most doctors do not recommend the use of Vicks for children under 2. One reason is because it contains camphor, which is linked to causing seizures.  Also, swallowing just a few teaspoons of camphor (we all know what toddlers are like) — one of the main ingredients in VapoRub — can cause fatal poisoning in toddlers. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic and another study found the ointment to cause inflammation in young children, as well as increase mucus!  Next just have a wee investigation into the ingredients, which are seemingly natural on the surface.  However, there are some worrying reports around some of the ingredients, like petrolatum (Petrolatum Health Report):  “Among the studies linking the petrolatum impurity PAHs [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons] to breast cancer is a Columbia University study in which researchers found that the breast tissue of women with breast cancer was 2.6 times more likely to contain elevated levels of PAHs bound to DNA (called DNA adducts) than the breast tissue of women without breast cancer (Rundle et al. 2000). Serious questions need to be answered over the safety of petrolatum or petroleum jelly as it is more commonly known.”  Skin Deep Report on Petrolatum (from the Environmental Working Group’s website):  “Breast cancer and impurities. EWG’s [Environmental Working Group’s] assessment of product ingredient labels and data on cancer-causing chemicals identified three common impurities in personal care products that are linked to mammary tumors in animal studies — ethylene oxide, PAHs [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons], and 1,3-butadiene. The ingredients for which these impurities are of concern are used in one of every four personal care products on the market.”  Finally, check out this groovy fact!  “Some of the ingredients in Vicks, notably the menthol, trick the brain into thinking that it is easier to breathe by triggering a cold sensation, which is processed as indicating more airflow,” he said. “Vicks may make you feel better but it can’t help you breathe better”(CBS).“”This may be of little physiologic consequence in older children and adults, but in infants and small children, this potentially can lead to respiratory distress,” the study’s authors concluded” (CBS). 
  • Pamol:  Again, I could write an essay and it’s a topic that gets peoples’ backs up so I won’t!  But, I will say to once again look at the ingredients (if you can find a full ingredients list.  Google it.  It’s hard to find info outside of the active ingredient, but basically Pamol contains e-numbers and an artificial sweetener that may act as a possible carcinogen and needs to be further investigated for its potential effect on an increase in the incidence of cancer.)  Also, paracetomol is hugely liver toxic, even in adults and is the number 1 cause of liver failure in the UK, and the number 2 cause in the US (of cases requiring liver transplantation).  It is more common than viral hepatitis leading to acute (sudden) liver failure.  So, in small children, an accidental overdose can lead to liver failure.  Accidental overdose is easier than you think when you look at how many combination products include paracetomol, including over the counter cough syrups, Nyquil, pain formulas and more.

So finally, let’s look at the benefits of going with List 1 and the multitude of other things you can use these powerful essential oils for, increasing your bang for your buck!

  • Lemon Essential Oil is great for the respiratory system, but will also boost your energy and clean your whole house!
  • Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca) has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties, so will fight those bugs and has been used for centuries to soothe and help heal damaged skin. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, so is great in the cleaning and first aid box too!
  • Frankincense Essential Oil is a must for physical and emotional wellbeing.  It increases ability to focus, grounds, de-stresses and calms the nervous system.  It supports the respiratory tract and can support the body’s ability to keep existing cells and tissues healthy and promote healthy cell regeneration.  It is also an astringent to strengthen gums and hair roots, stop wounds from bleeding and speed up the healing of cuts, acne, insect bites, and boils!  Pure Frankincense is very gentle; even more so than Lavender. It has no known adverse effects yet it’s an essential oil that stands out above all others for it’s regenerative properties on a cellular level. Frankincense has antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, analgesic (weak, but better than pamol for me anyway), and expectorant properties.

“But I wouldn’t know where to start using my oils to get my value for money!”

If these were the words on the tip of your tongue and I just beat you to saying them, don’t fret!  If you buy from me you get all the support you need and more.  I have a newsletter, blog and offer one-to-one support.  For example, read my recent (and timely) blog post here about the oils that I recommend for colds and flus.

Have I got your attention yet?

Essential Oils will save you money and improve your health.

If you want to give them a try and are a mum, like me, you need to get your hands on this starter kit of 10 essential oils in 5ml bottles that you will use every day! Screen Shot 2015-01-13 at 3.23.23 PM

The FAMILY PHYSICIAN KIT includes:

– Lavender: For sleeping, calming, sunburns, bites, anxiety, PMS, inflammation and more!

– Peppermint: For headaches, IBS, cold + flu, memory, athletic performance and more!

– On Guard: To protect against sickness, get over cold/flu quicker and cleaning

– Breathe: For asthma, croup (amazing for this), coughs/colds, snoring

– Lemon: For sore throats, energy, wellness, heartburn, cleaning and more!

– Melaleuca: For spots, flakey scalp, healing skin issues, allergies, first aid, cleaning and more!

– Oregano: For infections, allergies, pneumonia, warts and more

– Frankincense: Where do I start?  It’s liquid gold.  Read my blog post here!

– Deep blue: For aches, pains, injuries

– Digest Zen: For tummy aches, gas, bloating, any stomach issues

– On Guard and Peppermint beadlets – same uses as above but for on the go

– A 1 year membership with doTERRA to get your essential oils and other wellness products at a 25% discount*

* If you are interested in getting started with oils without a kit like this, but with this awesome discount, you can do so by signing up for your wholesale account here.  You just have to pay the US$35 membership fee, which is waived with a starter kit.

Click “wholesale prices”, enter your information and either build your first order by selecting Introductory Packet or collect your custom kit! The best value is to either buy the family physician kit or the family wellness kit. Both of these include major discounts on the oils and your US$35 wholesale membership fee is FREE.

** ALSO, if you sign up by April 30th 2016 with a kit, you will get a FREE ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL  to fight those winter bugs!

Please comment below with questions or feel free to email me at nzessentialmum@gmail.com. 

Much love x x

10 Must Haves to Survive & Thrive this Winter!

ClareWilliamson 3 Comments

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Great for the whole family and a multitude of uses Lavender essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties, but it is gentle enough for use with children.  So this should be a go to for our littlies to fight illness and boost the immune system.  If your littlie is struggling to get to sleep at night because of feeling yucky, place 2 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of roman chamomile essential oil in the diffuser and run at 18 minute intervals through the night.

2. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is great for the respiratory system, but will also boost energy when that fatigue of fighting illness sets in.  Diffuse 3 drops of lemon with 3 drops of peppermint for relief with a boost.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil

As well as clearing your nasal passages like a gush of arctic air, peppermint essential oil is an immune stimulant.   Immune stimulants can strengthen the immune system by directly inhibiting the micro-organisms, or by stimulating the immune system. Lavender and lemon also work in the same way.   Peppermint can also lower a fever if you want/need to do this.  Dilute in a carrier oil and apply to the feet.  Or inhale from the bottle to clear your nose.  Avoid using with children under 6 years old.

4. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Used in a diffuser or within a carrier oil in the bath, tea tree oil is a great alternative for littlies under 6 to help fight the congestion and the resulting discomfort caused by the cold or the flu.

5. Oregano Essential Oil

Known as “nature’s antibiotic” this is a “hot” and powerful essential oil that must be diluted and used with care.  It will work to rid your body of the nasties making you feel unwell.  I use this as my last resort if other remedies haven’t worked because like an antibiotic it can affect your gut flora, although certainly not so badly as a pharmaceutical antibiotic and you only want to be using it for a few days.  Take 3-4 drops 2-3 times daily for up to 3 days.  I place in a capsule with Frankincense, Melaleuca, Lemon and On Guard (read more on this magical blend next!)

6.  On Guard Essential Oil

on guard meme

I love this blend of oils.  It is known as doTERRA’s Protective Blend because the mix of oils strengthen the immune system and work with each other to create a powerful blend gentle enough for your kids.

When I feel any illness coming on, when I notice symptoms in my girls or if there is lots of illness around I start applying On Guard to the soles of the feet in a carrier oil.  If this doesn’t work I go to the Frankincense, Melaleuca, Lemon and On Guard mix in a capsule 3 times a day (without the oregano) and then the oregano is my final step if this still doesn’t work.  Believe me, if you get onto using On Guard fast enough, 9 times out of 10 it will work!  doTERRA also do this blend as a handy (excuse the pun) foaming handwash to kill germs, a cleaner concentrate, a toothpaste and beadlets for on the go!

7. Frankincense Essential Oil

I’ve already mentioned use of Frankincense as part of my capsule mix when illness hits.  This is because Frankincense supports the respiratory tract and calms the mind while the immune system fights viruses.

Pure Frankincense is very gentle; even more so than Lavender. It has no known adverse effects yet it’s an essential oil that stands out above all others for it’s regenerative properties on a cellular level. Frankincense has antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, analgesic (weak), and expectorant properties, so is great to calm a cough.

For children under 6, Lavender & Frankincense  together, on bottoms of feet or along the spine is a also a great mix to keep a child calm and relaxed during illness and discomfort.

8. Deep Blue Essential Oil

You know those aches and pains you get with the flu?  Well, long and short is you won’t with this blend.  Unfortunately the Deep Blue blend should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding, which is a shame as there are many aches and pains associated with these conditions too!  Also avoid using with children under 6.

9. Breathe Essential Oil

Another amazing proprietary blend from doTERRA.  Breathe includes Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Melissa, and Cardamom and will help to maintains clear airways and support breathing when congestion hits and support overall respiratory health.

10. Digestzen Essential Oil

Flus don’t just hit your respiratory system.  When you or the children get the dreaded stomach flu it can really suck!  (And we don’t need any more detail than that …)

In partnership with On Guard to kill germs, rub the DigestZen blend (already diluted in coconut oil) on the abdomen.  It’s a blend of ginger, peppermint, tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise, each with properties specifically aimed at stomach/digestive upset.

Where to Buy Your Essential Oils to Stock up your Natural Medicine Cabinet for Winter!

This is one of the most vital things you must know about essential oils… Not all essential oils are created equally. Many are filled with chemical nasties and will not work therapeutically at all, so when buying, make sure you are buying therapeutic grade from a reputable supplier. If you want to order from the doTERRA range click here.  If you want to read about you can get hold of these oils at a huge discount by ordering them as part of a kit, click here.  As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me!

Have I missed anything?  Do you have an essential oil or other natural medicine recommendation for cold and flu?  If so, comment below!

Much love x x

My Family Remedies

ClareWilliamson Leave a comment

For some, the thought of getting started with essential oils is a bit terrifying. Dip into Google for some guidance and you’ll find countless different oils recommended for different things and countless brands recommended too!

So, where do you start?

My Family Remedies Course is a practical class aimed at empowering you with information, recipes and advice to know how to use essential oils in times of illness and minor injuries (especially common childhood ailments) and where you can replace other not so natural solutions in your life to limit you and your family’s exposure to toxins.

The class centres around just 10 oils, so as not to overwhelm.  Essential oils are fairly simple to use, but there are important considerations like dilution, especially for children and dose, but also which essential oils we choose to use, as not all essential oils on the market are good for us!

The My Family Remedies Course takes the guess work out of essential oils, so you feel confident about what to use and when. We’ll also go through how to use for best effect as well because you can apply oils to the skin, put in a diffuser and even ingest some of them so we’ll talk about what works best for each complaint.

At $25 for an hour and a half this course is really good value. The next course is taking place at the wonderful My Remedy Clinic, in Milford on the North Shore of Auckland on March 31st.

Get your tickets here

 

Using Essential Oils for Eczema… What’s at the root of that itch?

ClareWilliamson 1 Comment

Eczema is a word I have heard a lot recently. It affects adults and children alike and can cause almost unbearable discomfort. Eden suffered as a really young baby, before I discovered dairy was a problem for her, coming through my breastmilk. When I researched these irritated, inflamed red patches I learned that eczema is a general term used to describe varying skin conditions that result in inflamed and discolored skin; but what could I do?

It didn’t take long once we figured out the problems related to dairy that it wasn’t actually the eczema that needed treating, but her gut. However, in the meantime her upsetting symptoms did need relief. She did not seem to scratch, but the skin was sore and really inflamed and angry.

Bergamot is an essential oil that has balancing qualities related to both the digestive system and emotional healing, as well as properties to heal the skin.

Bergamot supports building confidence and enhancing mood. It is also used to kill bacteria, heal scars and minimize marks on the skin.

In traditional Chinese medicine, bergamot is used to help with the flow of vital energy so the digestive system can work properly. It’s also used to soothe indigestion and gas. So for Eden this was a GREAT choice of oil and I made her up a blend with Lavender, Melaleuca, Roman Chamomile, Oregano and jojoba oil.

Oils, however, are very subjective, what works for one person may not work for next, depending on what the person’s body really needs to heal.

So, with this blog I thought I would go through the best oils to alleviate the symptoms of eczema (inflammation, dryness, itching, etc.) while healing damaged skin and restoring general moisture in the affected areas if necessary.

  1. Melaleuca Essential Oil

It seems whatever I am writing about (skin, hair, cleaning) that Melaleuca is at the top of my list! It is a strong oil though, so it’s not for everyone and it needs to be very heavily diluted for very small babies.

This oil is the one to choose if the eczema is ‘angry’, appears infected or again, you think the eczema is related to an imbalance in the gut; specifically an overgrowth in Candida Albicans.

Melaleuca is better known as tea tree oil and it has been used for centuries to soothe and help heal damaged skin. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties to help heal the skin.

The ancient aborigines of Australia bathed in Melaleuca to help heal their skin and ailments.  The lakes were known as golden, with mystical powers, which were later realised to be from the leaves of the tea tree oil plant, the Melaleuca Alternofolia, which had fallen into the water and mud, giving the lake its mystical healing power.

2. Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is great for rehydrating dry skin, so if your skin is really dry and chapped, this is a great choice.

Geranium essential oil is taken from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant loved for its pink and red flowers. It is very balancing and nurturing and suits almost all skin types. It kills bacteria and other skin germs, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is often recommended for aging skin, as well as eczema, but can also help heal burns and clear head lice. It is a good essential oil for reducing cellulite. I wouldn’t be without geranium in my Essential Oil box and like other floral oils it is considered emotionally uplifting, so I use it a lot in my diffuser or in homemade perfume.

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3. Lavender Essential Oil

I would choose this essential oil first and always include it in a blend for something skin related. Lavender is a powerful healer because it has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, calming, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. If applying lavender at night it really supports sleep.

Lavender essential oil comes from the steam distillation of the flowering tops of the plant.  dōTERRA’s Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is indigenous to the Provence region of France. The high altitudes at which lavender is grown results in the plant having higher ester and sesquiterpene alcohol content, thereby increasing its therapeutic benefits.

The oil suits most skin types. You can use it for acne, athlete’s foot, dermititis, burns, psoriasis, ringworm, stings and insect bites, as well as eczema. It is one of the few essential oils that is so gentle it can be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. So it is a great choice for children. Still dilute it for them though! Using lavender will reduce the potential of eczema to scar.

4. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli essential oil comes from a herbal shrub that grows in the East. It is mainly produced in India, China, Malaysia and South America. It has a distinct earthy sweet smell that became popular in America in the 60’s and is often associated with the age of Aquarius and the hippie revolution! Many women and men would wear it as a perfume on its own.

Patchouli is really good for those eczema sufferers whose skin is actually predisposed to being oily. It won’t over hydrate your skin leaving it greasy or block up pores.

You can also use patchouli to heal burns and eliminate dandruff.

5. Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil comes from the sap (or tears) of the branches and wood of myrrh. The oil is mainly produced in Africa, India, and the Middle East. It is a versatile oil – good for dry/chapped skin and oily skin and can help reduce the look of wrinkles. It is also heals scars and wounds. Use myrrh for weeping eczema.

Apply a few times a day until healed.

6. Frankincense Essential Oil

If your eczema is very inflamed this anti-inflammatory essential oil is a great one to use. It also increases the potency of the other essential oils if you use it in a blend.

7. Helichrysum Essential Oil

This is a very effective essential oil for itching and pain. It is also anti-inflammatory and promotes skin renewal. Use it when eczema strikes acutely with severe discomfort. Add to blends for longer term use to encourage cell growth.

8. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Finally, this is another good oil to reduce inflammation and soothe dry, itchy skin. It’s a great choice (diluted) for babies and children because it also encourages sleep! I tend to add this oil to most blends I make for eczema.

If you would like a blend made up for your skin issue, please contact me nzessentialmum@gmail.com

You can source your doTERRA oils to get some relief from you eczema woes here!

I hope this blog has been helpful!

Don’t forget to share your successes in the comments!

Much love x x