>U Mom Knows Best: Essential oils
Showing posts with label Essential oils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essential oils. Show all posts

Natural Products That You Need For Cold & Flu Season

Be prepared for this cold and flu season with natural products. 

 Products mentioned were received as samples from companies that I met at Shiftcon and Wow Summit.

 The weather is starting to get chilly here and I am not happy about that. I hate it when I have to close the windows in my house and have to start wearing more clothes. I am a shorts and tank top kind of gal and hate when I have to start wearing pants. The other things that I dislike about the change of seasons are it gets dark way too early and the cold germs that my family is exposed to. So that means I have to make changes in my schedule, like running later in the day, as I hate running in the cold. Running in the cold affects my asthma and that makes me cough up a lung. The cold weather also means it is time to stock up on natural products that protect and help my family with cold and flu season.


Check out these 10 tips for exercising with asthma

My favorite cold and flu season products
 I have some favorite natural products that are always in my pantry and cabinets for cold and flu season. These are my go-to products that help keep my family healthy and some also help my kids with cold symptoms if they catch a cold. I would love to say my kids are never sick but unfortunately despite my best efforts, those germs still attack my family. My kids do have a few colds but I have discovered that eating healthy foods, exercising, and some natural supplements have helped them get well quicker. l also praise frequent handwashing to help keep the germs from attacking my kid's immune system. Since germs are also airborne, I also stock my fridge and medicine cabinet with natural products that help my kids feel better and get over their colds faster.

Teaching Kids About The Importance Of Hand Washing 

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Honey syrup
 When my boys are not feeling well and they have a sore throat or cough, I reach for a delicious-tasting soothing honey syrup to help my boys feel better. My boys like the taste of the Manuka honey syrup and it helps them feel better. As a parent, I know if the supplement does not taste good, they will not take it. So half the battle is always getting my boys to try the syrup. I recommend having your kids taste the natural product before they get sick that way they will cooperate better when they are sick. My boys gave 2 thumbs up to this grape and orange-flavored soothing syrups and they really enjoyed the soothing pops. I had to hide the honey soothing pops so I would have them on hand when my boys have a tickle in their throat from the common cold.


Cold & Flu Honey Lemon Ginger Tea

  My boys love drinking tea when the weather gets cold and I always stock my house with ingredients like lemon, honey, and ginger so I can make an amazing tea that has the healing powers to relieve cold symptoms. My Cold & Flu Honey Lemon Ginger Tea helps soothe a sore throat while also helping to clear the mucus gunk from the nose. This delicious tea also has ingredients in it to strengthen the immunity system so I encourage my boys to drink it daily. I keep a batch of premade Honey Lemon Ginger Tea in the fridge so my boys can drink it over ice or warm it up for a soothing warm drink that is great at night. I find that warm tea always helps my boys relax and that makes it easier for them to fall asleep. Did you know that Manuka Honey is known to support digestive and immune health? This delicious honey also helps to soothe coughs and sore throats so I encourage my boys to add honey to their tea and other things like yogurt and oatmeal.



Black Elderberry
 My boys love the taste of black elderberry and I encourage them to have black elderberry gummies daily before the head off to school. When I notice my boys coming down with the sniffles or coughing, I then give them black elderberry syrup to help their immune system get stronger so their cold does not last more than a couple of days. I also take black elderberry syrup when my boys are sick so I can strengthen my immune system. That way I don't become sick. I love that black elderberry comes in so many different formulas and is a natural supplement that helps the immune system. It is a homeopathic medicine that is safe to use with kids.


Vitamin C
 Vitamin C is always a good supplement for kids to have year-round. The best way for kids to get their daily C is from fresh or frozen fruit. So I encourage my boys to eat oranges and strawberries during cold and flu season to keep their immune system healthy. When my boys are not feeling well, I then use a high-dose vitamin C supplement to boost their immune system so it can fight off the germs better. My boys love the taste of this vitamin C supplement and say it tastes like orange creme soda.  Vitamin C has been thoroughly researched and shown to help support the immune system. This delicious supplement can be used from 6 months of age so it is a great way to keep kids healthy during the cold and flu season.


Prebiotics and Probiotics
 Probiotics are great for the immune system so I give them to my boys daily. Probiotics help the digestive system too and they say that a healthy gut affects your whole body. I like to give my boys a daily prebiotic fiber supplement to improve the growth of helpful bacteria and decrease the harmful bacteria in their gut. I like using Regular Girl as it is a tasteless powder that mixes well into oatmeal, yogurt, juice, and even chocolate milk. So my boys get good bacteria for their immune system and it also keeps them regular in the potty department. So my boys do not experience school-time bathroom problems. Regular Girl helps my boys get their #2 done before they head to school.


CLICK HERE 
To Save Save 10% on Regular Girl with my coupon code MOMKNOBEST10

Regular Girl contains 5 grams of clinically proven prebiotic fiber (Sunfiber®), a perfect food source for the good bacteria in your gut. It moves through your system at just the right pace without the drag of creating excess gas or bloating. Regular Girl contains 8 billion active and clinically proven probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis) that work in harmony with our Prebiotic Fiber, forming a union that maintains regularity and promotes wonderfully balanced intestinal health.

 Essential Oil Care
  I love using essential oils during cold and flu season. My favorite way to use essential oils with my boys is with an essential oil roll-on. My favorite cold & cough product naturally soothes coughing and provides a clearing aroma with a blend of essential oils. The essential oil formula contains 100% pure essential oils like Eucalyptus Oil and Tea Tree Oil and has a pleasant scent. This essential oil roll-on is easy to take on the go and I have used it while traveling. When I am having an asthma attack, I find that breathing in the aroma of the essential oils helps me to get some deep cleansing breaths in so I can clear the mucus from my lungs.


The power of echinacea
The use of echinacea for children has been researched for its ability to boost and support a healthy immune system. My boys enjoy the flavor of this easy-to-use echinacea supplement as it is flavored with a natural, sweet, orange essential oil. This delicious supplement can be used from 6 months of age so it is a great way to keep kids healthy during the cold and flu season.


Get Well Shots
 Most people have never heard of Moringa but it is a main ingredient in a delicious caffeine-free wellness supplement. The Get Well Shots contain the green superfood Moringa and a super berry called camu camu that is loaded with vitamin C and known to help strengthen the immune system. This small bottle packs some powerful immunity support and is so easy for kids to drink when they are not feeling well or on a daily basis to keep their immune systems strong. This dietary supplement is one of four plant-based supplements of the brand-new line of Green Tea Energy Plus+ wellness shots from Kuli Kuli!


Daily Immune Support Super Shots
   The power of elderberry is combined with pomegranate and beneficial cayenne in a caffeine-free tea base to give you a delicious daily super shot that will boost your immune system. I love that these super shots are packaged in eco-friendly glass bottles, making them great for the environment. This pretty purple shot is one of five different nutrient-dense wellness shots from Numi Organics that have functional ingredients in them. They are a convenient way to support your body during the cold and flu season.


Homemade Elderberry Syrup In The Pressure Cooker
 If you have the time and want to make your own elderberry syrup, you need to check out my DIY homemade Elderberry syrup recipe. This elderberry syrup is made from dried elderberries in a pressure cooker or instant pot. This recipe allows you to always have the immune support of elderberry on hand so you can keep your kids well during the winter season.



Elderberry Cold & Flu Fighting Gummies

 Elderberries naturally contain A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. These dried berries are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds that are specifically shown to help beat the cold and flu more quickly. So after you make your homemade elderberry syrup, turn the purple syrup into delicious Elderberry Cold & Flu Fighting Gummies. These delicious purple gummies will make it super easy to get your kids to take their immune supplements so their bodies can be prepared to fight off the germs that kids come in contact with. Your kids will think the elderberry gummies are a treat but you will know that they are a great supplement for the cold and flu season.


 These supplements are always in my pantry so I can make sure that my family is prepared daily to go out into a world that is loaded with germs. Other things that I do during cold and flu season is to make sure my kids wash their hands, eat healthy foods, get plenty of exercise, and get the proper amount of sleep. As a mom, I want to make sure that my boys can stay well during the winter and these health supplements have helped me do just that.

Twelve Tips To Get A Better Night Of Sleep



Guru Nanda Room Sprays Keep My House Fresh The Natural Way

The natural way to add scent to your home



  I am always looking for easy ways to make my house smell good and I want products that are natural so they do not trigger an allergic reaction or asthma attack. So I like using essential oils in my home for aromatherapy. Most times I add a couple of drops of my favorite essential oil to my essential oil diffuser. I find that certain essential oils like peppermint and citrus energize me so it helps me to get my writing done. While lavender oil is my favorite for sleeping. I even use natural essential oils in the bathroom to help with potty odors with some amazing natural room sprays that use 100% pure and natural essential oils. The problem with these different aromatherapies is they are not portable so I can't take my aroma products traveling.



  So I love that my favorite essential oil company developed a go-everywhere Aromatherapy Room Sprays that I can take anywhere, even in my carry-on bag as they are two-ounce bottles. The brand Guru Nanda even selected my two favorite essential oils for these room sprays: peppermint and lavender. The bottles may be small but they contain a whole lot of natural scent that is free of nasty toxins and chemicals. So I don't have to worry about an asthma attack when I spray the scents into the air. My lungs are sensitive to chemical sprays and cleaners. I can't even walk down the detergent aisle without coughing up a lung.

The reason these oils are called “essential” is that they capture the essence of the plant or flower they were extracted from, but there’s a lot more to essential oils than pleasant scents. 

 These natural room sprays are made with premium quality essential oils and are excellent stand-ins for an essential oil diffuser. I love that they can be used for multiple purposes. I can use them in the bathroom, on my pillow, in the car, or even as a body spray. Yes, on my body, as the ingredients are safe and natural. The essential oils are in a base of ionized water with natural citric acid. My favorite way to use these essential oil sprays is to just spray it into the air for a quick energy pick-up. It is amazing how the smell of peppermint energizes me.



 Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are extracted from fruits, leaves, roots, flowers, and other parts of the plant.



 The lavender room spray stays on my bedside table so I can quickly spray the soothing scent on my sheets and pillows before bed. I find that the smell of lavender helps me to relax at night so I am able to fall asleep quicker. The bottles are travel-friendly so I can bring the scent of lavender with me when I travel. The familiar scent helps the hotel bed feel more like home.

Check out these Ten Tips To Get A Better Night Of Sleep
https://www.momknowsbest.net/2017/03/ten-tips-to-get-better-night-of-sleep.html


 These 100% natural essential oil room sprays are great to use to energize or stress relieve the body and mind. It always amazes me the different uses for essential oils. I, for the most part, use essential oils for aromatherapy but I am learning about how the oils can be applied topically with carrier oils for other uses. These wonderfully smelling room and body sprays are available at Walmart stores and online at Guru Nanda.

What is your favorite essential oil scent?





Six Mother's Day Gifts for Health-Conscious Moms

Check out these gifts for a mom who cares about her health.
 Buying a gift for mom for Mother's Day doesn't have to be complicated as you should know what mom likes. Most moms would love to have the day off from having to clean and cook but of course, mom would also love a gift as we all love gifts. We, moms, love gifts that are items that we would not normally by for ourselves. Our favorite gifts are the ones that came from our kid's heart and is filled with love. I think my favorite mothers day gift ever was when my kids cleaned the house while I was out shopping. It was so awesome to come home to a clean house. So if you are going to make mom breakfast in bed, make sure to clean up the kitchen. Better yet, skip the breakfast in bed this year and buy mom a health-inspired gift. The following is a list of health-inspired treats that she likely wouldn't buy for herself.


Moms love flowers


 You can never go wrong with flowers, unless mom has allergies, as a beautiful bouquet of flowers is so special to mom. Flowers are a great option whether you live near or far to mom. Getting a floral delivery will really make mom smile. Teleflora is my favorite floral service that delivers beautiful made-by-hand bouquets directly to your door. Teleflora has so many floral arrangements to choose from. From classic arrangements bursting with bright colors to subtle stylish touches, there is something beautifully unique for every mom. Make sure to spend the extra money on a pretty flower vase so mom does not have to search for one on her day off. Teleflora has stunning keepsake containers that mom will love to reuse for many many different things. I love using my floral vases in the bathroom and the kitchen to hold items like makeup and utensils.


Support breast cancer research with a healthy gift for mom

#goaluminumfree 

   Give mom the gift of health with a natural deodorant that is free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol. SmartyPits is a natural deodorant that works and comes in awesome scents. My favorite scent Lemongrass Patchouli. This bright and clean scented deodorant wakes up my senses in the morning and keeps me smelling fresh all day, even after I visit the gym. Mom will love that cruelty free product donates a portion of their sales to breast cancer research and survivor support, as well as donating free deodorant to oncology centers and survivor support groups around the country. SmartyPits goes on smooth and controls odor all day. This amazing non-toxic deodorant comes in different strengths and scents so I am sure there is a scent or two that mom will love. So keep mom aluminum free as research has linked aluminum to things like breast cancer and Alzheimer's. If mom has never used a natural deodorant, then she may need an armpit detox to help her body get used to a chemical free deodorant.


Give mom the gift of flawless skin


Being a mom is a non-stop job and moms tend to have little time to themselves. Mom deserves to look beautiful and would love a dual purpose product that makes her skin healthy and beautiful. This gentle foundation by Oxygenetix helps mom treat acne while making her face flawless. I love that Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation contains Aloe Vera Barbadensis gel and no added water so it stays on for hours, even in humid conditions. This foundation comes in many shades and features maximum strength time released 2% salicylic acid along with a super-charged oxygen peptide to help support the skins collagen cell production and connective tissue growth. Not sure which shade to get mom, don't worry as Oxygenetix has gift certificates so mom can choose the shade she desires. This foundation blends nicely on my face and does a great job of covering up those imperfections.


The best aromatherapy + diffuser combo for mom


I love my aromatherapy diffusers and essential oils. I have many types of essential oil diffusers throughout my house as I love the wellness benefits that I get from aromatherapy. These wonderfully scented oils help me to concentrate during the day and also help me to relax at night so I can sleep better. Mom will love a GuruNanda Honeycomb Diffuser and a sample set Guru Nanda’s Top 6 Essential Oil blends. These six blends are made from 100% pure and natural, therapeutic grade oils and will help mom create a spa day at home while she is discovering the different therapeutic benefits offered by each blend. The essential oil blends are packaged in a sturdy reusable box that keeps the oils organized. My favorite essential oil blend is the Harmony blend as I love all the citrus scents in it. The Breathe Easy blend helps on days that my nose is suffering from allergies as the Eucalyptus and Peppermint in the blend helps with respiratory Function. The beautiful looking diffuser will help mom relax at night as it provides a soothing light show in seven different colors. My favorite color of the light show is purple. Check out the aromatherapy oil blends and head over to the GuruNanda's website to what oils are in each blend.

Includes / Benefits:
Breathe Easy: Improve Respiratory Function
Calming Sleep: Promote Sleep
Tranquility: Calm Body and Mind
Thrive: Promote Immunity
Harmony: Achieve Internal Balance
Relaxation: Relax Body and Mind


Gourmet coffee with a beauty booster


 Does mom love coffee? Then treat her to a delicious gourmet coffee that is infused with superfoods to help support her hair, nails, and skin. Tell mom that she is beautiful and you want to keep it that way with her morning coffee. Moms are busy so make it easy for her to take care of her skin through her cup of coffee. VitaCup’s Beauty Blend is a smooth, satisfying medium roast made with 100% Arabica beans from Mexico and Brazil and infused with collagen types I + 3, biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cinnamon. 


This beautiful beverage makes taking collagen so easy. I love that the coffee comes in recyclable Keurig® compatible pods or bags so mom has options on how she can brew her coffee. The coffee is expertly infused with ingredients selected for the health of skin, hair, and nails. Beauty starts from within so moms enjoyable cup of coffee can help her keep glowing. Just look at how the superfoods ingredients and their benefits:
 Collagen Type I + 3 
Master no-makeup mornings with your skin's new BFF.  This powerhouse protein is crucial for skin's elasticity, keeping it supple, taut and radiant.
 Biotin (B7) + Folic Acid (B9)
Killer B's, each an all-star in the beauty community! These vital nutrients are key in helping our bodies to maintain envious hair and nails. 
Cinnamon
Sweet and powerful, this super-spice delivers beloved antioxidants, which support in the fight against free radicals

VitaCup has many other delicious blends of coffee that are infused with other health benefits for mom. Mom will enjoy this smart blend as it was designed to help your morning lightbulb turn on, with ingredients to boost energy, focus, and even metabolism! It has an amazing taste with a hint of cinnamon.


Chocolate with benefits


I do love chocolate and it is my favorite gift from my kids. Give mom a Sexy Swiss Chocolate that is functional. Gutsii is packed with prebiotics and is an excellent source of dietary fiber so mom will have a healthy gut. This guilt-free chocolate is made with only 6 natural ingredients and is vegan, gluten-free, low carb and keto friendly. The flavors are Raspberry Rhapsody, Pinksalt Floyd Rocks and  Mint Puffdaddii. All the flavors are so yummy but the Raspberry one is my favorite. I love that this chocolate is dairy-free so I can enjoy it.


  Check out my Ten Tips To Get A Better Night Of Sleep

Which gift would you or your mom like the best?











Can Essential Oils Be Harmful to Pets?



 Essential oil diffusers are becoming a common household item. Since essential oils are natural, many people don’t think much of using the diffusers in their home. In fact, many people use essential oils to help them manage a variety of ailments such as colds and flu.


 Essential oils have been used by people as far back as recorded history goes, but the resurgence in their popularity is very recent. Over the past few years, more and more essential oil diffusers have been making their way into homes. According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Essential Oil Market is accounted for $5.91 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $12.85 billion by 2023 growing at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period

 Originally used for fragrance or to enhance food, essential oils are now used as insecticides, antibacterials, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and liquid potpourri. Since essential oils are used in so many applications, it is time to start thinking about how they can affect our pets.

 Often, holistic medications are considered harmless, but they can be dangerous at times. In fact, essential oils should be used with caution around pets. As essential oils become more popular, many people are using them in diffusers in their homes. Dogs and cats have a much better sense of smell than humans, and these fragrances may be overwhelming for your pet.

 On a more serious note, pets metabolize substances differently than humans. Cats, for example, are unable to metabolize some of the compounds in essential oils, which makes them more susceptible to toxic poisoning. These oils can be absorbed into your pet’s system very quickly through the mouth, nose, or skin. Exposure can lead to symptoms in your pet, and the higher the concentration of the oil, the great the risks.




Top Four Essential Oils That Are Popular and Poisons

1. Tea tree oil - is especially dangerous for our pets. While tea tree oil helps fight infections and skin conditions for humans, it can be very toxic for our pets. When owners want to take a more holistic approach to veterinary care, sometimes they use tea tree oil to treat external parasites, fleas, or skin conditions. However, just because something is okay for humans doesn’t mean it is okay for our pets. Tea tree oil can be absorbed into your pet’s body via their mouth and skin, which can lead to depression, paralysis, vomiting, ataxia, hypothermia, or skin irritation. Even with the most aggressive treatment options, these symptoms can last for several days after the initial exposure.

2. Pennyroyal - is another oil that is commonly used on pets to get rid of external parasites. Pennyroyal contains Mentha Pulegium. Unfortunately, this oil can cause hepatic necrosis and liver failure when ingested or when it seeps into the skin. Pennyroyal should be completely avoided for pets, but if your pet does get into this toxic oil, he or she will need aggressive treatment from a veterinarian right away.



3. Wintergreen - oil is typically used as a topical pain reliever, fragrance, and flavoring. It is often used around the holidays. However, wintergreen contains methyl salicylates, or aspirin compounds, that pets are unable to metabolize the way humans do. Methyl salicylates can lead to toxicity in pets that causes liver and kidney damage.

4. Pine-Sol - is a common household cleaner that has been used in homes for many years. Pine-Sol contains pine oils. In general, pine oils are considered to be a natural disinfectant and cleaner. Pine oils can also be used for massage oils. For pets, however, when pine oils are absorbed through the skin, dogs and cats can suffer from gastrointestinal irritation, skin irritation, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and ataxia.

 The previously mentioned oils are some of the most commonly encountered toxic oils for our pets according to Pet Poison Helpline. Other oils that are known to be toxic to pets include sweet birch, citrus, Ylang Ylang, peppermint, clove, cinnamon, and eucalyptus oils. Pet owners also need to remember that pets can react differently to essential oils than human do. As essential oils are becoming more frequently used in homes, veterinarians are continuing to learn how pet respond to them.

  As essential oil diffusers become more and more popular, veterinarians are starting to become concerned with aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in addition to the oral and dermal exposures. Active diffusers emit particles of oil into the air. These microdroplets are viscous. Inhaling tiny particles of oil could cause irritation, inflammation, and resultant pneumonia in pets. Another worry for vets is that pets could ingest these oils, vomit them up due to gastrointestinal irritation, and then aspirate on the vomit with the oil, which will get the oil into the lungs.



 While health problems are the main issue with essential oils, they can also cause discomfort for pets. The incredible sense of smell that pets have can be a disadvantage when essential oils are used in the home. These oils can overwhelm the senses, which can cause watery eyes, drooling, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. Cats with a pre-existing respiratory disease are at a higher risk for respiratory irritation from essential oils.

 Prevention is the best solution to essential oil toxicity in pets. Unfortunately, many of the essential oil poisonings that veterinarians see stem from well-meaning pet owners who have used essential oils on themselves or have read about the benefits of essential oils online. However, it is important that we know about the potential side effects and dangers that these oils can cause. Contact your veterinarian before using essential oils in your home or on your pet to learn about the potential for toxicity. Anything that is deemed toxic should be avoided or kept away from your pet at all times.

 If your pet has ingested an essential oil or gotten any on the skin, you will need to get them emergency medical care. Find an emergency veterinarian in your area for help with potential essential oil poisonings. To learn more about the types of poisonous substances that can harm your pets please visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.



data-matched-content-rows-num="2" data-matched-content-columns-num="2"