Hand, Foot and O-M-G Disease!

There are certain illnesses you never hear anything about until you have children. Some are not so bad. Others? Absolutely frightening! Recovering Germophobe that I am, Hand Foot & Mouth Disease was one of them. Sores? Blisters? (cue the Psycho shower scene music)

With it's undetermined incubation period being approximately 3-6 days, this virus is highly contagious and often lies dormant for many days without any symptoms at all. The perfect recipe for causing a down right pandemic (at least in my germophobic eyes).

Well, this week my two boys met their match. Not much can knock the wind out of their sails, but this sure did. They suffered with high fevers, massive headaches, extremely sore throats, tummy aches, intense itching and burning of feet and palms and of course those lovely red sores on their feet, hands and bottom.

Side Note: NEVER Google this virus and look at the images tab, just DON'T.

Now, I like to think that when I was in my twenties I was mature and compassionate. Not like the cruel twenty something pharmacist I encountered at my local drug store who told my son he should stop crying because; "crying isn't allowed in here." Knowing full-well what he was battling, she still turned to her colleague and said (openly) "I just hate the sound of a crying baby." I can only hope that one day when she is knee deep in Calamine lotion and hauling two screaming kids to the store because she ran out of supplies mid day, that someone will be kind enough to just show her where the darn Elderberry is. Either that, or she be blessed with the fertility of  Michelle Duggar so that she can understand that crying is not a nuisance, it's communication. (couldn't help myself)

On that note, with so many of the home remedies swirling around the internet I decided to add one more. I'm sharing what did work for us during our time of need fighting the effects of this ugly virus who takes no prisoners. Since there is a good chance this is being read by some poor mother desperate to relieve her child at 3am, I'm going to get right to it.

Elderberry Syrup:

Since this is in fact a virus, the more you can do to strengthen the immune system the faster it will move through. I've always kept this on hand so it was easy to break out at the onset of symptoms.

In an effort to support their immune system I also diffused the following essential oils recipe:

2 drops Rosemary

2 drops Clove

2 drops Eucalyptus

2 drops Cinnamon

2 drops Wild Orange

Topically I would apply the "Anti-Viral Blend" throughout the day, it consists of the following oils:

45 drops of Fractionated Coconut Oil

15 drops of Oregano

12 drops of Melaleuca

12 drops of Lemon

10 drops of Peppermint

Again, the stronger the immune system, the faster this virus can go on about its business.

Unfortunately once the itching starts, there isn't much you can do. Buckle in it's going to be a loooooong night. Few things are tougher than watching your child, or any child for that matter, suffer. This recipe for a homemade oatmeal bath is helps soothe some of the itching / burning for a little while. I would use this on my boys throughout the day, and once more just before bed to give them a better chance at falling into a deep sleep. It's pretty tough to fall asleep when you feel like your hands and feet are on fire.

Homemade Oatmeal Bath Recipe

3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tbsp of Baking Soda

2 Tbsp of Old Fashioned Oatmeal 

(blended down to powder form, you can use either your blender, food processor or coffee grinder)

2-3 drops Lavender Oil

2-3 drops Frankincense Oil

I would mix this together as a paste and massage on the itchy areas, then mix in the bath water and let them sit submerged in the water for about fifteen minutes.

This would provide comfort for a short period of time, usually long enough for them to take a nap or fall asleep at night.

Cold Compress:

When all else fails and itching is at it's peak, the only relief at times would come with an old fashioned cold compress. We keep a few "Boo Boo Buddies" in the freezer at all times, so it was easy to give to them as needed. Plus it helps that they can hold it themselves and use Elmo to make their boo boo better. Not at night though, in the middle of the night Elmo may fly across the room in a fit of itchy rage, you've been warned.

Popsicles can also help with the sore throat during this time. My boys didn't experience the difficulty swallowing and never lost their appetite (they rarely do), but some homemade smoothie popsicles are great for an irritated throat. It's important to keep them hydrated throughout all of this, appetite loss is common, but hydration is key to staying healthy and fighting this off.

Once the red spots make their long awaited appearance, its time for damage control. Each child experiences this virus differently. Some are riddled with blisters all over hands, feet, mouth and buttocks. Others may only have slight red spots on their feet and hands. To speed the healing of these uncomfortable spots, I used Purify Oil. My boys never developed blisters, just red patches. I'm not sure if it's because I applied this oil immediately, or if that's just how they experienced this virus. They did get some rash-like bumps on their buttocks, coincidentally the only area I wasn't treating with Purify Oil. Once I applied the bumps were flat in 24 hours, and gone in 48 hours.

Occasionally, for night time relief we would have to use a dosage of Children's Benadryl and Motrin recommended by our pediatrician. I'm all for taking the natural route as much as possible, although I do respect the opinion of my pediatrician. In order for them to get a good amount of rest to fight the HFMD battle the next day, these remedies helped us.

Support:

I'm lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community at Sunflower Creative Arts, support was key in knowing we weren't alone in our struggle. If you know anyone who is battling this virus, support comes in many different ways. You can offer to drop off some food at their front door, pick up some supplies while your at the grocery store or even some words of encouragement in their time of restless need. 

Of course the best prevention is caution, if you've read my post on "Germ Sharing" then you already know how I feel about this situation. With such a varied incubation period, Hand Foot & Mouth Disease can go undetected for up to 6 days without any symptoms. It can be contagious for up to 6 days beyond the onset of any symptoms. The bacteria itself can only live on a surface for about 24-48 hours, but can remain in saliva and bodily fluids for 3-6 weeks. If you hear of anyone being exposed to this virus it's best to keep away from other children. As I said before not all children experience this virus the same way, and some can still be carriers without any symptoms at all. Better to err on the side of caution and stay away from very public places such as; parks, schools, parties, etc..

Hope this helps any moms in need, it sure worked for us!

But remember, the best medicine when battling Hand Foot and Mouth disease is Love. If there is a positive spin on this experience, it's all the cuddles and down time we had together. I thoroughly enjoyed being couch potatoes and snuggling all day.

Essential Oils: Healthy Hair Tips

After the birth of my second son, to say I had experienced a bit of hair loss is the understatement of the year. My hair line receded two full inches and it would not stop falling out! I even experienced thinning eyelashes. It's a tough balance, trying to enjoy your new bundle of joy, yet wondering when your hair is going to stop falling out so you can put away the baseball caps. I was afraid to even brush my hair at times, the amount that would fall out was alarming to say the least. I've had some success with essential oils (shocker), so I decided to share what worked for me.

Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary oil has a reputation for stimulating hair growth and has been used for centuries by many cultures for this very purpose. Adding Rosemairy Oil to your shampoo bottle can improve hair growth, add to thicker fuller hair. It can be helpful in hindering hair loss, a few drops inside my shampoo bottle helped bring back my thick locks. You can also add a few drops to your tube of mascara for thicker, fuller lashes.

Melaleuca Essential Oil: Also known as Tea tree oil, Melaleuca has many uses. I use it in my Homemade Toilet Cleaner. It's all natural anti-fungal properties can help with a dry, itchy scalp. In order to promote healthy hair growth you need to get your scalp in good shape. There are many shampoos with tons of chemicals claiming to have tea tree oil in them. Why not go to the source? I add ten to twenty drops in my shampoo bottle depending on ow serious the condition. This can help relieve the side effects of dandruff or psoriasis of the scalp.

You can find out more about these essential oils here.

If you are interested in an Essential Oil Education class, you can attend our online class this Thursday February 26th at 2pm. You can sign on to the webinar by clicking on this link. Hope to see you there!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Spotlight On: Stumpy Brothers

This week's spotlight is on Stumpy Brothers! An Etsy shop I stumbled upon recently and fell in love. Stumpy Brothers offers fine hand crafted wood products perfect as corporate or personalized gifts.

So Cute!

Of course you know I was was interested in their wooden essential oil key chain diffuser! This is perfect on-the-go Aromatherapy for you avid oil users like myself.

It provides just the right amount of Aromatherapy to get me through the day. I especially enjoy diffusing in the car while driving. I use a mixture of Balance and Bergamot oil (both grounding oils) to help me work through whatever road rage I may be experiencing. It's easy to use and effective!

So Easy!

It's simple yet classic look is timeless and it fits easily on my key chain. They offer a wide range of premium quality gifts that can suit all your needs. You can check out their Etsy shop here.

Guess what?

Stumpy Brothers was kind enough to offer a FREE key chain diffuser to one of my oil junkies! If you aren't an oil addict (like myself), then you will be with this awesome diffuser! I will personally include a free bottle of essential oil in case the winner doesn't have one to start with.

All you have to do is enter the raffle below, a winner will be announced Thursday, February 19th. Enter Now!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Essentially Yours,

Erika

All Natural Essential Skin Care

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? Like anything else it needs love and attention, all natural preferably. Organic, natural living doesn't stop in the kitchen. When we decided to rid our home / bodies from chemicals it included our skin care regimen. Did you know that anything your skin absorbs goes directly into your blood stream? What difference does it make watching what were eating if we put poison on our face? Not only do I want to be able to pronounce all the ingredients in my food, but I'd like to be be able to understand everything I put on my skin as well.

I get a lot of questions about all natural skin care tips, so I decided to put together a list of all of the "products" I use / make for my face. We all know I love a reason to make homemade ANYTHING!

Tip #1: Utilize Nature's Gift!

Seriously, I use coconut oil for EVERYTHING! Coconut oil is not only healthy for cooking, its possibilities are endless. You can use it in your hair as a conditioning treatment (I do it overnight), it's great for oral health (oil pulling), skin care is no exception. I start with coconut oil as my all natural make-up remover (yup, even eye make-up). A teaspoon will usually do the trick. I rub it all over my face and concentrate on the eyes, then wipe with a warm wash cloth and watch in amazement. Eyes are clean and most importantly hydrated! I also use this as my night time moisturizer with a drop of Frankincense essential oil. Frankincense has long been known as a healing oil, I add this as a scar / wrinkle reducer. My skin looks refreshed, and I'm glowing in the morning.

Tip #2: Exfoliation is Key

Baking soda is so versatile, I use it in my homemade air freshener and mattress cleaner as well as an all natural face scrub. I create a paste using only baking soda and water until its the perfect consistency for exfoliating my skin. Then I add a drop of Geranium essential oil, but only one drop as geranium is very strong. This is great at absorbing any oils. Rub in circular motions until you've covered your entire face and rinse thoroughly with warm water. For problematic skin that may need a deeper scrub you can make the Himalayan salt scrub. Mix together grated Pink Himalayan salt with equal parts coconut oil with a few drops of geranium essential oil. Use the same application process.

Tip #3: Pores are not your Friend

Astringent's are known for being filled with harsh chemicals that can strip your face of natural oils it may need. Witch Hazel is an excellent natural alternative to astringent, you can find some at your local whole foods. You can also make your own astringent using equal parts Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and water, then spray onto a cotton ball and wipe thoroughly. I also add Lavender essential oil to for its soothing effects and to hide the smell of the vinegar (it works). Follow up with moisturizer.

These three steps can help keep your skin looking fresh and clean as naturally as possible.

Share your favorite homemade skin care remedy!


Essentially Yours,


Erika

Essential Oils: Slap a Cold, Kick a Fever!

It's that time of year, everywhere you look.. You can't seem to get away from it, no matter how hard you try. It's cold & flu season, and if you refuse to get a flu shot like me then you are washing your hands nonstop and avoiding anyone who dares to clear an itch in their throat within a five mile radius. These days I'm avoiding human contact with anyone who shows any signs of sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head or fever.

Moms don't get days off, especially Mom Bloggers!

I often get asked what I use on my kids when they do come across the occasional cold. So I'm sharing it all with you! Now, I usually diffuse Onguard essential oil in my boys room at night whenever they are in contact with a lot of children (which is weekly), I also apply to the bottoms of their feet. Usually if one of my little guys shows any sign of a sniffle I will apply diluted Onguard and rub on the Thymus for some added immune support (many times this is enough to cut whatever it was off at the pass). This, along with tons of hand washing are pretty good at keeping everyone generally healthy for the most part.

Occasionally (much less frequently since I started using essential oils as a means of preventative maintenance), they will come across something that they have to work through and in this case I use an arsenal of essential oils until I see symptoms subside. I keep the following in my medicine cabinet at all times.

• Onguard Essential Oil Blend
• Breathe Essential Oil Blend
• Lemon Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Breathe Throat Drops
• Onguard SoftGels

In case of fever I would also add Lavender or Peppermint oil to the mix. 

The Onguard blend as I mentioned before is great as added immune support, I diffuse this as well as rub it on their feet and/or chest (Thymus). This is in addition to anything else I am using to treat symptoms.

If there is a lot of chest congestion and sinus pressure I apply a diluted Breathe blend on the chest as well as the feet. This usually helps to make breathing a bit easier, clears your sinuses right up (even if only for a little while). When I notice they start to struggle with breathing again I reapply, these blends won't completely erase the cold but it will help make us more comfortable throughout and it seems shorten the length of the cold.

I also apply diluted Lemon Essential Oil along the spine to help cut some of the congestion. For myself and my husband I will just add some Lemon Oil to a glass of water and it really helps ease coughing and break through some of the congestion. Children are not supposed to ingest any essential oil before the age of six so for now I just apply on their spine and I notice the runny nose takes a break for a few hours.

In order to bypass those night time interruptions due to sinus pressure/ congestion/ or constant coughing I diffuse  Eucalyptus Oil. I usually double the dosage when they are really stuffed up, this helps us all get a lot more rest (sleep is essential for a speedy recovery). This, along with a healthy diet, plenty of fluids, my "magic soup" and lots of mommy cuddles will usually do the trick. Before you know it they are up and running ready to drive me crazy keep me going.

If there is a problem with fevers then some Lavender Oil on the temples and forehead should do the trick. For a high fever that wont quit or keeps spiking I add some Peppermint Oil to the temples and/or feet, this usually brings it back down pretty quickly. To be clear, if the fever is scary high or persists, this warrants a trip to the pediatrician. I'm all for taking the natural route as much as possible, but I am not wreckless with my children. I also highly respect the opinion of my pediatrician, which is why I have chosen him. I mean, I was able to reach this man on Christmas Eve at 9pm when I was a new mom dealing with an infant who had severe acid reflux. Let's just say I'm a believer!

Now, during all of this "mommy-care" I have to be responsible and be sure to take care of mommy as well, otherwise I'm no good to anyone. So to help me stay healthy while caring for everyone else I make sure and stay on top of my vitamins, food and water intake, sleep schedule (ha, ha), AND I make sure and take my Onguard SoftGels. Moms need all the added immune support they can get when dealing with a germ filled household.

If I start to get that "scratchy throat" that usually warns me a cold is on its way, then I will start using the Breathe Throat Drops. These are very soothing and help feel as though they open up your airways and take away that tight / dry feeling in the throat. This along with the SoftGels and a little Onguard oil to the throat usually help fight off anything that was trying to form. If not, then I just follow the same protocol listed above with a lighter adult dilution.

That pretty much wraps up my cold care remedies. I love having natural options for my family. If you'd like to learn more about the essential oils mentioned above just click here. If you are in the Delray Beach area come join us for free Essential Oil Education classes offered monthly at The Salt Suite. The next class is scheduled for January 29th at 6pm. You can RSVP for the class at EssentiallyErika@gmail.com.

If you would like to learn about other all natural options that are available over the counter, you can check out my previous post on Kids Relief Homeopathic Medicine.


Essentially Yours,


Erika

Spotlight On Noni's Eclectic Shop

Today's Etsy small business spotlight is on Noni's Eclectic Shop. I first fell in love with this shop for their beautiful aromatherapy diffuser earrings. These beautiful handmade coppertone bead and clay earrings are great at carrying just enough of my favorite scent on the go all day long while staying fashionable.

I loved them so much I wore them in my family photo shoot!

There is so much more to this shop though, it is truly an artist's dream! No shortage of creativity here, there is plenty to keep my hippie soul mesmerized, from paintings to jewelry. She has an awesome collection of aromatherapy diffuser necklaces and bracelets for children as well! This is perfect for the cold / flu season, I plan on adding OnGuard for my little guys to help keep their immune system nice and strong this year.

How cute are these??

Cheryl Ward, the Visual Artist behind this creative space has been gracious enough to extend a coupon to all of my readers. Enter code ERIKA10 at checkout for 10% off any order. That's not all! Cheryl has also provided a beautiful pair of purple HEARTS & ANGEL Aromatherapy diffuser earrings as a giveaway to one lucky winner. The raffle will begin today and end on Friday, December 19th. This makes a wonderful Christmas gift for the aromatherapy lover in your life!

Good Luck!

You can also find Noni's Eclectic Shop on Facebook  and on Pinterest, you should definitely go check it out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Spotlight On Lebanon Woodworking

With my essential oil obsession at an all time high, I'm starting to venture deeper into the "oil community" and learn more about this lifestyle. I came across this great woodworking shop by the name of Lebanon Woodworking on Etsy recently and fell in love the essential oil display shelves.

I love my oils and all that they add to the quality of our family life, I've felt for some time now that I would like to display them differently at home and during essential oil classes and booths. I teach a monthly Essential Oils Education 101 class at The Salt Suite Delray, and it can get a little "busy" with oils spread across the product table. Our next class is January 29th and I can't wait to show off this quality display case!

I'm absolutely in love with the workmanship! It's incredibly sturdy, there are no rough edges and its so lightweight and easy to manage. Gong vertical on my product table allows for more space and less clutter. Daniel Pawlak, the talent behind this premium woodwork is a formally trained architect and in his own words: "Enjoys translating ideas into constructed objects." Daniel, a family man who first made each product offered in his shop for his family first, is no stranger to custom fitting a shelf to suit your personal needs. His shop is unique, he offers products that "grow with his family."

Rumor has it, he's begun offering some Waldorf inspired wooden toys in his shop, I can't wait to check them out! Daniel's experience is extensive and has created beds, tables, baby toys and much more. Daniel has been kind enough to offer all of my readers a $5 off code for any $40 purchase in his Etsy shop with coupon code OILSHELF5.

I am definitely a fan! I look forward to following his shop and watching it evolve!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Spotlight on Seed Essentials!

Photo credit: Seed Essentials

With my busy schedule I need all the calming and soothing effects that come with essential oils this season. I carry my oils with me in custom oil carriers, but I've recently discovered essential oil infused jewelry. The clouds parted and the Aromatherapy Gods gifted us with this lovely invention!

Enter Seed Essentials! 

This online Etsy shop has an array of beautifully crafted bracelets that include a personal "on the go" handmade white porcelain bead diffuser. She had me at hello.

These handmade bracelets are created with the finest crystals and made to order. They even come with a complimentary sample of essential oil. Rebeccah, a stay at home mom and the creative wonder behind these beauties has been gracious enough to offer a discount code to all of my readers! Enter coupon code ESSENTIALLY15 for 15% off any item in her shop through December 15th. She is seriously talented, there are some beautiful pieces on there. I plan on ordering a few for some of the oil lovers in my life this holiday season.

If you'd like to learn more about Seed Essentials you can visit their Facebook Page or check them out on Instagram to follow all of their awesome deals!

I am loving their "Color Outside the Lines" bracelet, it goes with everything! It also just happens to compliment the rest of my jewelry. I just love the soothing aromatherapy it provides me on the go!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Everybody Loves A Good Yard Sale!!!

I'm a self-professed #ThriftyMom, if there's a deal within fifty feet I can find it!

The Boca Raton Children's Museum is hosting it's yearly community Yard Sale and yours truly will be there talking oils! 

Come support this wonderful local museum and bring the kids along for some fun!

Pssst... There may or may not be a free giveaway!

Hope to see you there!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Big Announcement - Essential Oils at The Salt Suite!

The rumors are true! Essentially Erika is bringing Essential Oils to The Salt Suite!

Our newest collaboration is so exciting I couldn't wait to share with you! My obsession with essential oils is well documented, along with my obsession for anything all natural or organic. What could be more natural than SALT? We currently use salt lamps in our boy's room as their night light (It's known to reduce allergens, moisture, pollutants and emitting negative ions), and also Pink Himalayan salt for seasoning.

Let's talk Dead Sea Salt people... It's found at the bottom of a deep valley in between Israel and Jordan 1300 feet below sea level. It's long been considered a healing place, historians dating back 2000 years made notes about the special properties contained in the water. The unique, un-polluted air and warm climate providing a healing environment unlike any other in the world. For years visitors would bottle some up and take it home with them.

According to The Salt Suite, modern science has proven the therapeutic and rejuvenating characteristics of Dead Sea salt with its unique composition of minerals. Dead Sea Salts contain 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. These essential minerals are lost throughout the day and as they naturally occur in our bodies they must be replenished.  These minerals are known to treat, detoxify, and cleanse our bodies. To learn more about the contents of dead sea salt and its benefits visit The Salt Suite.


The Salt Suite opened its doors this year in both Delray Beach and Lake Worth bringing those healing properties to you fine folks. If you haven't been there yet you need to book a session, the first one is FREE! Owner, and new friend Jessica Helmer has even been featured as a Mompreneur on our fellow bloggin' mama's site  Modern Boca Mom.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Once a month Essentially Erika will be bringing essential oils to The Salt Suite and teaching essential oil education classes! We will be breaking down the components of essential oils, where they come from, how they are processed and how they can help you! We will be covering all types of uses for essential oils in your home and how to incorporate them into your life. Classes offered will be:

• Medicine Cabinet Makeover

• Pregnancy & Childbirth

• Essential Oils for Babies

• Kids Health & Wellness

• "Make & Take" classes

And More...

Classes are FREE and will be held monthly in the Yoga Room at The Salt Suite, our very first class is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th at 6pm. To register for the class you can call (954) 770-0861 or RSVP via email at EssentiallyErika@gmail.com. Classes will be interactive and there will be products there for you to try and sample.

Registration for classes will include a brief tour of The Salt Suite where you can get more info and even maybe a quick salt session! (wink, wink)

Hope to see you there soon!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Essential Oils: Threads On My Legs!

I carry my essential oils with me all the time. You never know when there may be a scraped knee, an upset tummy or even just a tantrum that I can help soothe with any one of my oils. For this reason I create on-the-go blends that I can just roll on when needed. This is much easier than breaking out three to four different oils that I may need to mix for a blend (such as the "Owie Blend" you can find here).

I usually use 5ml or 10ml roller bottles that can be purchased from AromaTools, and premix all of my go-to blends beforehand. This makes for much easier application in a hurry (mom code for a screaming toddler). They are very affordable and make life much easier, especially during nighttime routines with wiggly boys.

When I first saw roller bottle carriers from Threads On My Legs shop on Etsy I knew I had to have one( Etsy is great for any custom items or party ideas for all you crafty people)! I'd never seen a carrier devoted only to roller bottles, how clever! This roller blend carrier can hold up to 8-10 roller bottles. Plus the designs are adorable and extremely well made. I decided to take mine for a spin last week and I absolutely loved it. I like keeping my roller blends separate from my other traveling oils, it kept me much more organized (hey, it's the little things people).

There are plenty of adorable handmade custom bags you can check out in her shop. You can keep up with  Threads On My Legs on their Facebook page or on Instagram. Word on the street is the shop owner Angela, may be designing a new blend bag that can hold up to 18 roller top bottles! I can't wait to check that out!

In the meantime, Angela has been kind enough to provide 25% off for any of my readers who are interested in purchasing a bag from her online shop. Just enter coupon code ESSENTIAL25 at checkout for your discount!

I hope you enjoy them as much as I'm enjoying mine!


Essentially Yours,


Erika

Essential Oils: No More Black & Deep Blues!

Bruises, who needs 'em?

Aside from their obvious discomfort, they can look a lot worse than they feel.

In this case however, it felt just as bad as it looked.

My poor husband had an unfortunate accident at work and his foot took the worst of the beating.

As soon as he returned home and took off his shoe, we elevated his foot and applied an ice pack for the swelling. Getting a closer look at it, I could tell it was going to need a bit more attention. My first thought was an X-ray for sure, which of course he protested.

So off to my trusty oil case I went!

I applied the Deep Blue oil first to relieve the pain and help limit the bruising. I then added some Helichrysum to help speed the healing.

I could tell by the swelling that the bruising was going to be pretty bad, so I reapplied frequently throughout the day.

The next morning I couldn't believe my eyes! I knew Deep Blue was supposed to limit bruising but this was incredible!

Unable to see all the areas that were effected initially I had only rubbed the Deep Blue on the site of the blow which was the center of the foot. The rest of the foot (mostly the toes and the side of the foot) were completely bruised! Applying more ice compresses and elevating it as much as possible helped reduce the swelling. I also kept applying the Deep Blue for pain and alternated between Helichrysum to speed healing and Lemongrass to assist in repairing any tissue. The results were great in just a few days!

I couldn't believe it! I thought for sure his entire foot would be black for weeks!

I must add that unfortunately he did not take a break from walking or working, yet still the results were astounding.

I did however finally convince my husband to go get an X-ray just to be sure there weren't any fractures, lo and behold his foot was in perfect health. Luckily it was just a bad contusion that we were able to treat at home. 

Just another reason I love being able to assist my family in all natural health alternatives without medical intervention unless absolutely necessary.

Another win for #DrMom!

You can purchase or find out more about these essential oils here.

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Essential Oils: Free Bag Giveaway!!

Hello my name is Erika, and I love essential oils.

My love of essential oils and how they've improved my life are no secret on this blog.

What do I love about essential oils?

• I love being able to provide safe and natural healing for my family, instead of relying on over the counter pharmaceuticals with ingredients I couldn't begin to pronounce let alone understand any long-term effects they may have.

• I love that they work with my family's body in healing whatever everyday (sometimes not-so-everyday) ailments they have, instead of introducing chemicals that are foreign to the body therefore creating other issues that need to be addressed.

• I love that essential oils has somewhat put a bit more control of this area of my life back into my hands, instead of the hands of people who profit more from my family's sickness than their  wellness.

There's nothing worse than having to rush your child to the doctor only to hear that it's some sort of virus and you will just have to sit idly by and wait it out while they suffer. Not anymore!

Don't get me wrong, I respect modern medicine and the contributions its made to society. However, not all issues are cause for prescription medication. I can't tell you how many times I have seen experiences with doctors who prescribe medication for a symptom (treating the symptom instead of the patient), which then causes a side effect that now requires another medication. Pretty soon you are taking three medications for that one initial ailment and it all snowballs out of control. No wonder we are a "script happy" nation with an insane addiction rate. Like everything in life I believe there is a balance, take care of what you can at home (like people have done for centuries) and save the medicine for the really serious stuff and respect the opinions of trained professionals.

Which brings me to my point! Yes I have one...

There are an arsenal of different oils I carry with me daily. Not just in my handy-dandy key chain that you can purchase here. I also carry oils for everyday battles like scraped knees, headaches, tummy aches, etc.. Up until now I've just been carrying it in an old cosmetic case or pencil case. I dropped the chic and went straight for shabby!

Enter Honeybees Boutiques! This awesome Etsy shop makes the cutest specialty essential oil bags that can hold up to eleven 15ml essential oil bottles! Color me happy (Fun fact: Etsy is my go-to for any custom items I need, or party planning ideas)! Both functional and stylish, I no longer have to worry about whipping out my worn ol' cosmetic case (may she R.I.P.) every time I need an oil. Who says "Crunchy" can't be cute?

Oil bags aren't the only items in the shop, there are a bunch of cute custom items for purchase.  Renee, the creative wonder behind this adorable shop was kind enough to host a giveaway! All you need to do to be eligible for the raffle is click on the link below, and Like our Essentially Erika Facebook Fan Page starting now! Click here to submit on your mobile app. You have until Sunday, September 28th. I will announce the winner on Monday, September 29th. Good Luck oil lovers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don't win no worries, I take care of all of my readers! Just visit Honeybees Boutique on Etsy and enter coupon code ESSENTIALOILS10 at checkout for 10% off!

For any info on Essential Oil Education Classes, please e-mail EssentiallyErika@gmail.com.

If you'd like to check out any of the essential oils pictured above, click here.

Essential Oils: I Am Woman!! Must I Roar?

Soooooo... There are days I just want to curl up in a ball with my "magic blanket" and disappear from the world into my deep dark cave -- at least that's how it feels. But not before growling at my husband and then asking him where he's going, "come back and hug me".These are the days when I hear him whisper to the kids, "Be nice to mommy boys!" while running walking out the door to work. This.. I can only assume is guy code for "just smile and nod and everyone makes it out alive".

In times like these I learn to empathize a little more with my toddlers. They aren't the only ones at home who wants to throw a tantrum because they're overwhelmed with tons of emotions they can't explain. After of course, not during. It's all I can do to keep from wandering off into the woods to die slowly (how mammalian of me).

So of course I was searching for the most natural of ways to handle the cramping and crazy totally normal hormonal outbursts episodes. Battling endometriosis for so long I'm used to dealing with pain each month, but hated having to succumb to modern medicine (Naproxen) all the time. Sad as it may seem, when I was struggling with this sort of pain in the past I actually had a doctor offer to prescribe me monthly doses of narcotics!

Naturally, I turn to my trusty essential oils first. DoTerra makes an awesome blend for women called Clary Calm. 

It temporarily relieves cramps, nausea, hot flashes, fatigue, and emotional swings (ahem) associated with PMS or Menopause. This, mixed with the Deep Blue Rub for my killer back pain takes care of all my monthly woes! I'm so happy to have found a natural alternative to dealing with common everyday symptoms.

This blend is most certainly #HusbandApproved and #ToddlerApproved! In fact, it may be #WorldPeaceApproved

If you would like more information on all of DoTerra's blends you can check it out here.


Essentially Yours,

Erika

Essential Oils: Ah, Ah, Ah....Allergies???

Gesundheit!

I hear it day and night, allergies are in an uproar this whole season and it seems its worse for everyone!
Either everyone I know who have always had allergies has it worse this year, or people who have never had this problem suddenly develop it well into adulthood. Is it a coincidence that allergies are strongest now more than ever and as a society we are riddled with chemicals now more than ever? Don't get me started

As always I like to find a natural alternative to deal with these kinds of issues and cut them off at the pass if at all possible.

Soooo... Here are some allergy fighting alternatives to over the counter antihistamines:

Purify, definitely one of my favorite oil blends! It's anti-bacterial pathogen killing properties make it perfect for fighting off all sorts of things. I use it in my homemade lysol spray (if sprayed on baseboards in your home can also be used as a natural pesticide, great for picnics!), in my homemade laundry detergent, I even pour a couple of drops on our a/c filters at home for cleaner air.

By applying a few drops of Purify topically, not only will you keep the bugs away but it can also help to protect you from unwanted reaction associated with seasonal allergies!


Wait! There's more...

Another popular line of defense in the oil community is what I like to call the "trifecta". A blend of three powerful go-to oils: Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint. Combining these three oils can help to bring down inflammation from your's body's allergic response, they are great for airborne allergies. There are a few ways you could use this oil blend, I've broken them down into three different methods:

Ingredients:

2-4 drops Lavender
2-4 drops Lemon
2-4 drops Peppermint

Method #1: Place all the oils in a glass with water or juice. Gargle, then drink.

Method #2: Place all the oils in a veggie capsule and swallow.

Method #3: Place all the oils in a spoonful of raw honey and swallow. (Excellent way to administer to children, especially since local honey is great for seasonal allergies)

For really young children and toddlers, you can blend all three oils and rub on the bottom of their feet and along their spine.

Breathe is another one of DoTerra's awesome blends that is wonderful to diffuse at night for added respiratory relief.

Side Note: DoTerra's oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is labeled as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration. The same cannot be said for all oils. There are different grade oils and I only trust DoTerra for this reason.

These three oils together and separate are so powerful they are even offered in an "Intro Kit" by Doterra, you can find out more about this kit and all of their oils at: www.mydoterra.com/erikasessentials.

The new Tri-Ease Seasonal Blend Softgels are also a wonderful way to fend of seasonal allergies, this can also be found at the above mentioned website. The blending work has pretty much been done for you with equal parts distributed in each softgel if your looking for a shortcut.

As always, if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at: EssentiallyErika@gmail.com!


Essentially Yours,


Erika

Stain, Stain, Go Away!

Stains. They are inevitable! Especially with two boys under the age of four. Around here, they are unfortunately a constant occurrence (insert my mother shrieking here). 

Refusing to use any laundry products with chemicals, I've somewhat backed myself into a corner where I'm either in denial about these stains or I've accepted them as the newest member to our family. Either way, I was in trouble. 

Until now!!!

I'm amazed at the power of essential oils and all they can do for my life! When I first started this blog I didn't intend on promoting any oils, but the change they've made in my day to day life is worth mentioning. The name I chose for this blog was actually just "catchy" and at the end of the day I'm essentially just me. I digress...

I introduce to you essentially the easiest stain remover recipe EVER! 

This concoction only has two ingredients!

You will need:

1/2 cup of vinegar

20 drops of Therapeutic Grade Lemon Essential Oil 

(For more info on different grades of essential oils you can visit:http://www.modernwellness.com/webinar-makeover-your-medicine-cabinet/, this webinar is lengthy but so worth it!)

That's it! 

Add to a glass spray bottle and spray those stains away.

Now, I'm always down on myself for not catching before and after pics for all my oil miracles. I'm still new to this blogger mentality and often race straight into "mommy mode" to fix an issue. But not this time! 

I finally snapped a quick before shot for you fine folks!

It seems my little guy is an artist like his father, I can't keep the crayons, paint brushes or markers out of his hands. It's amazing to watch his natural talent unfold as he tries to color inside the lines and watch his strokes, he's only two! That is until it's on my sofa, then it's no longer miraculous and now it's just inconvenient (ha, ha still cute though). Here is his latest masterpiece..

I've been looking to throw a pop of color in my living area, this wasn't what I had in mind...

A few sprays and a little scrubbing from my newest concoction and here you have it:

Back in action! We live to fight another stain!! 

To purchase doTerra's lemon essential oil, or any of their fabulous oils you can go to: www.mydoterra.com/erikasessentials

In my research I found tons of advice on how to remove crayon stains, some were quite "crafty", what's your all natural go-to stain remover?


Essentially Yours,


Erika