Are you wondering how it’s possible to survive without coffee?  

Perhaps you’ve been dragging since the time change. Or maybe you have a hard time getting going throughout the whole year without loads of coffee. You probably need another boost of caffeine to beat the afternoon slump. If all this is true, it’s likely you’ve also developed a coffee habit you can’t break without getting headaches or other withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re wanting to be your healthiest possible, it’s worthwhile getting to the root cause of your fatigue.   You can survive without coffee if you explore natural energy boosting solutions instead.

When we experience fatigue after a time change, or anytime really, what we really need is to go to bed early and get up early. This is easier said than done for most of us though. Look back on Natural Sleep Remedies, Part 1: Finding Your Rhythm to learn how to get your sleep back on track, especially for getting yourself to sleep early.

What I’m most interested in offering you here are ways to perk up your energy during the day without stimulants. Why the concern?

There are conflicting studies about the benefits of caffeine in coffee. Some say that it reduces your risk of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and heart disease. These diseases are also avoidable if you eat a balanced, organic whole food diet though, so I’m more concerned with the negative impacts of coffee and other stimulants on our health.

Everyone knows that we live in a stressful, fast-paced society. Stimulants activate the sympathetic nervous system and ask the body to secrete more cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones have a very negative impact on our health longterm by lowering immunity, creating internal inflammation, causing weight gain and creating depressed feelings.

Negative effects of coffee:

• Diuretic, dehydrates the body

• Can cause stomachache, GI issues

• Creates nervous energy, agitation

• Considered “hot” in Chinese Medicine, can create health imbalances over time

• Can cause insomnia

I know how it feels to be ruled by caffeine. There was a time when I needed it to get me to school in the morning and to function at work throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening.

This stimulant was covering up my main health issue though. I simply was not getting enough sleep and had disrupted my circadian rhythm severely. When I decided to wean off of it, it took awhile to readjust, but I managed. Now I just use natures cues and some healthy alternatives to help me greet the day instead.

Here are my suggestions on how to survive without coffee or other stimulants:

Get More Sunshine

Humans are diurnal creatures and we are ruled by the life-giving power of the sun. The sun naturally picks up our energy and brightens our mood. Also, when we receive sufficient sun exposure early in the day, our pineal gland secretes melatonin earlier at night, helping us to fall asleep easier, initiating a healthy circadian rhythm.

Exercise

Getting enough movement circulates your blood and energy, increases metabolism, and perks up your mood. Just be careful not to overdo it and create a stress response. If you exercise early in the morning in the sunshine, then you’re maximizing your ability to perk up during the day and reset your sleep clock at night.

Yogic Breathing

Everyone knows that the breathing practices in yoga can help one become calm and feel more embodied. Did you know that there are some breathing practices that are actually stimulating? Kapalabhati (skull shining) breath is the best option to try. I made a video of it a few years ago. You can view it here!

Essential oils

Diffusing essential oils, experiencing them aromatically, is the quickest way to effect your mood. Citrus and mint oils are especially effective in perking up your energy. There is a big difference in quality among brands though, and some are more effective than others. Please see my essential oil page for my suggestions and let me know if you need help deciding which oils are best for you.

Natural Herbs

There are several Western and Eastern herbs that improve your energy without stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and adding stress to the body. Look for adaptogens like cordyceps, American ginseng (more cooling than Eastern ginseng), and ashwaganda which actually help the body adapt to stress while improving cellular function. This herbal blend is my absolute favorite!

So say you just love the ritual of drinking coffee in the morning. What do you drink instead? You can try:

• Decaffeinated coffee (if you need coffee taste but no caffeine)

• Green tea (small amounts of caffeine unless you buy decaffeinated)

• Barley tea (be aware it contains gluten)

• Rooibos (my favorite with coconut milk)

• Kombucha (highly nutritious and feeds your cells, thereby picking up your energy!)

Experiment with these solutions over a relaxed weekend so you don’t have to worry about getting anywhere on-time. Remember, it’s important that you allow yourself to get tired at night and listen to it’s cues to fall asleep by 10pm. Eventually, you’ll find your natural rhythm that’s aligned with the movement of the sun.

Living in harmony with nature is the key to good health. You can survive without coffee!  I know it’s possible for you, if you try!

Are you trying to break your coffee habit?  Why, and what’s working for you?  Please let us know in the comments!

My body was put to the test last week when I pulled a calf muscle in tennis class that left me unable to walk normally for several days. Even though it was extremely painful, I knew that it wasn’t serious enough to see a doctor and that I had everything I needed to heal myself. One of the greatest tools I used in my natural health arsenal was application of therapeutic-grade essential oils 2-3 times a day in the form of a healing salve. It’s been a week and my calf is already operating at ~ 90%!

Salves can be infused with dried or fresh herbs. Or you can use essential oils, which are much quicker and easier to incorporate! Salves are especially soothing because nourishing carrier oils are used to keep the herbs on the skin longer so the plant medicine can penetrate through.

I suggest using beeswax pellets, which are less complicated to measure than the block beeswax I used for this recipe. If you must use beeswax blocks, you may want to use a cheese grater to shave it off in smaller pieces since cutting the block with a knife is very difficult and you risk hurting yourself (and your knife!)

Listed below are some of the best essential oils for your healing salve (choose 1-4 for this recipe). I would suggest you combine them based on function, not necessary how well they smell together! Only use therapeutic grade oils. See my essential oil website page for more information about the brand of oils I stand by.

Essential Oils That Support Healing

• Lemongrass – muscle tension relief & repair
• Marjoram – muscle tension relief, soothes nerves, promotes relaxation
• Copaiba – calms nervous system, powerful antioxidant, supports a healthy inflammatory response (contains betacaryophyllene which binds directly to CB2 receptors like CBD oil but without the psychoactive properties).
• Peppermint – helps resolve pain
• Lavender – one of the most versatile oils, helps relax muscles, supports healthy inflammatory response & tissue repair.
• Helichrysum – supports the body with blood clotting and tissue repair
• Myrrh – soothing for the skin, an ancient health aid
• Cypress – increases circulation of blood & energy

Basic Healing Salve Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cold-pressed organic coconut oil
• 1 oz. beeswax (pellets are best)
• 1/8 tsp. vitamin E (optional)
• 40 drops therapeutic-grade essential oils (I used 10 drops each of Lemongrass, Marjoram, Peppermint, and Copaiba)
• 8 oz. glass jar

Instructions:

Place coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler and melt completely under low heat. Remove from heat and add vitamin E (if using) and the essential oils. Immediately pour into the glass jar. Allow it to cool completely before putting on the lid. Store in a cool location, where it should last 1-3 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voila! It’s that easy. You will be so grateful that you took the 10 minutes to make this salve! I’m eager to hear how it works for you. Please let us all know in the comments! Well wishes to you all…

Essential oils have been used all over the world for thousands of years, though not as much in the United States.  Fortunately, we’re now starting to see them increase in popularity.  This is mainly because essential oils have strong emotional health benefits and are safer alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs.

I love teaching others about the emotional benefits of the oils because there’s usually an emotional and energetic imbalance at the root of most health challenges.  For example, emotions can severely affect gut health and immunity (see graphic below for details).

From Essentialemotions.org – how emotions affect your body

Essential oils do not remove negative emotions and imbalances. However, they do give is one space and perspective to shift emotions.

“Stagnant anger, sadness, grief, judgement, and low self-worth cannot exist in the environment of balance and peace which essential oils help to create.”

(Emotions & Essential Oils: A Modern Resource for Healing 4th ed.)

Each person can perceive essential oils differently. Even so, based on chemistry, the feelings in the image below can be evoked most of the time:

In my experience, the essential oils listed below seem to have the greatest power to transform our emotional lives.

How to Use Essential Oils for Emotional Health

Apply 1 drop over the heart area, inside the wrists, or behind the ear. Make sure you dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil first for children or people with sensitive skin. (Scroll to bottom of article for appropriate dilution ratio).

Essential Oils for Emotional Well-Being

1. Arborvitae – The Oil Of Divine Grace

Arborvitae (the “tree of life”) has long been used for meditation and spiritual connection. It’s name actually means “to sacrifice”. Likewise, this oil encourages one to surrender to the natural flow of the universe, live with grace, and trust that everything will work out as it should.

2. Bergamot – The Oil of Self-Acceptance

Bergamot challenges unhelpful core beliefs. It can lift individuals out of despair, self-judgement, and hopelessness. As a result, it provides optimism, confidence, and encourages self-love.

3. Cilantro – The Oil of Releasing Control

Cilantro is great at detoxifying the physical body. It also detoxifies harsh emotions as well. Cilantro clears what no longer serves them, creating ease as heavy burdens are lifted.

4. Cypress – The Oil of Motion & Flow

Cypress creates more flexibility in the heart and mind. Also, it promotes trust, adaptability, and emotional growth. This helps one move beyond fear and apprehension.

5. Geranium – The Oil of Love & Trust

Geranium addresses a huge spectrum of emotional issues that can arise from difficult life circumstances. It teaches about the innate goodness in others, helps breed positivity and restore trust in the world. Moreover, it nourishes our inner child, connecting to unconditional self-love.

6. Helichrysum – The Oil for Pain

Helichrysum heals wounds and is a powerful first aid agent. Similar to Geranium, it can help with emotional wounds too like difficult life circumstances, addiction, and abuse. Also, it helps the heart heal, and one feels more courageous, hopeful, and determined.

7. Lavender – The Oil of Communication

Lavender encourages us to express our emotions in an open and honest way. It fosters respectful relationships with others, satisfying our need to be heard.

8. Lime – The Oil of Zest for Life

We’ve all experienced the uplifting fragrance of Lime! This is the strongest oil for dealing with feelings of apathy, grief, and discouragement. Lime can help one feel grateful for life.

9. Myrrh – The Oil of Mother Earth

Myrrh helps one to feel safe in the world and form healthy attachments. Thereby, it fosters a deeper connection with one’s mother, helps women grow into the role of a mother, and to love others deeply.

10. Thyme – The Oil of Releasing & Forgiving

Thyme vents suppressed, trapped feelings. It helps one process hate, rage, anger, and resentment. As a result, there’s more space for forgiveness, tolerance, patience, and understanding.

In conclusion, there are several essential oils that can help you, or someone you care about, deal with emotional challenges. Thankfully, the Earth provides us with these safe and effective tools! We can rely on them without having to worry about damaging side effects and addiction, as we do with pharmaceutical drugs.

Know that essential oils brands are not all the same! Certainly, use Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils which have undergone rigorous testing. These brands guarantee purity and potency. You get the desired effect and your money’s worth. You can visit my Essential Oil website page for my recommendations.

Do you use essential oils for emotional balance? Which oils work best for you? Let’s hear about it in the comments! If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends!

As the weather begins to warm, cute fluffy animals are not the only forest inhabitants to awaken, but also the disgust-provoking ticks that like to feed off of them. People fear ticks not just for their blood-sucking nature, but also because they can occasionally transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Fever.  It’s best to prepare yourself with these natural tick repellents to help avoid these pesky parasites and the diseases they carry.

You don’t need to boycott nature just to avoid ticks. Your heart and soul would be very deprived, as nature is so healing! It’s best to just be prepared. You can repel them safely and effectively with therapeutic grade essential oils. Yes, there are heavy-duty N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET)-containing tick repellents on the market. However, families like you are becoming more concerned about the side effects of these poisons not just on our health, but on the environment too. Even the Center for Disease Control acknowledges the reluctance to use pesticides in this article, and suggests using these essential oils as alternatives to repel ticks effectively:

CDC recommended essential oils to prevent ticks bites.

 

Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for you, as you will learn from my mistake), I was not prepared with my essential oil blend this weekend when my son and I spent a weekend in the wild. You can hear about our story in the video below. It was horrifying, but I’m glad that it prompted me to write this post so others can benefit.

There are many natural tick sprays you can get from your local health food store. I prefer this blend which uses high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils that are sustainably sourced.

If you’d prefer to DIY, here’s a quick and easy recipe you can use when threatened by ticks:

Tick Repellent Spray

• ~ 2 ounces Fractionated coconut oil (a lovely carrier oil because it’s not greasy!)
• 20-40 drops (total) essential oils from this group, use single oils or in combination: Geranium, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Thyme, or Rosemary.

Add essential oils to a 2 oz. spray bottle and top off with fractionated coconut oil. Shake gently to mix. If you store it in a cool, dark area when not in use, it should last 2-3 months.

To use, spray directly on skin before going outdoors.

 

Having this blend handy may have helped us avoid taking home 3 ticks from our weekend away. It would also have been wise to check ourselves before getting in the car and then showering right away when we got home (to make sure they’re not in your hair).

You should know that ticks usually need to be attached to the skin for 36-48 hours in order to pass on diseases (symptoms then show up within a week of infection). We knew that the ticks on my son had just attached, so weren’t worried about disease. However, I was sure to treat the wounds with lavender essential oil to speed up the recovery.

I hope you find these natural tick repellents useful so you can enjoy your time outdoors to the fullest!  Please let us know if you have any questions or important information to share in the comments!  If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.  Well wishes to you…

Taking care of kids in this day and age can be tough, especially when it comes to healthy eating! If we didn’t grow up eating wholesome food, we may not know where to start. However, it is possible to learn the basics of holistic nutrition, even if you were raised on processed food (as I was). In this article, I offer you some practical dietary advice for healthy kids.

My son admiring our home-grown kombucha!

Everyone desires beautiful skin!  Few have escaped the embarrassment of acne and blemishes. Many moms have experienced concern for their kids with rashes and eczema. As we age, and particularly in Autumn & Winter, we experience more dry, wrinkle-prone skin.   I’ve experienced and overcome all of those conditions.  I’m thrilled to share my natural secrets for clear skin with you, while boosting your health & confidence!

Plump, moist skin is reflective of hydrated cells.  You’ll want to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, which should total half your body weight in ounces (eg. if you’re 160 lbs, you’ll drink 80 oz. of water).  Try to have much of it first things in the morning upon waking, so you’ll prime your digestion and hopefully poop.

Sweat to Detox

Toxins are released from the body through the pores of our skin as we sweat.  This is best done with exercise so you’re benefiting the lungs too with the exertion.  You only need to do enough to break a sweat, as you don’t want it pouring out, dehydrating you!  

Sweating in saunas and hot baths can also help free the body and benefit the skin.  Just be sure to have clean skin before you sweat.  If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, they can clog your pores, reducing the potential of detoxing through the skin.

Heal the Gut

Also, many of these same substances (including stress and too much sugar!) can damage beneficial bacteria in the gut. Without their defense, “bad” bacteria take over, making it more difficult to digest your favorite foods and causing inflammation. This inflammation vents to the skin.I always suggest doing an elimination diet which will help you identify any food intolerances and will also give you time to detox. If you follow this diet for 90 days, you’ll be giving your gut ample time to turnover damaged cells for healthy ones which may be enough to heal the intolerance.

Read these posts to learn more about how gut health is impaired and how to improve it:

Improve Your Family’s Gut Health, part 1

Improve Your Family’s Gut Health, part 2

I suggest this program when embarking on an elimination diet. I’ve done it a few times with great success:

The Elimination Diet

If you need even more structure, I recommend this program from Standard Process which includes some whole food supplements and a shake. If you’re interested, contact me for a consultation and I can help you get it:

Standard Process Purification Program

Essential Oils & Natural Products for Beautiful Skin

Cleansing the skin is still important on the outside, but we need to be careful because there are beneficial bacteria on the surface of the skin as well. I suggest always opting for natural products that can improve skin tone without stripping the skin of this important defense.

I am very particular about the essential oils I use.  I’ve aligned with one company because of their commitment to quality and purity. They are also making a huge impact in integrating and improving health care in this country while supporting global communities where these oils are sourced.

Best Essential Oils for Skin:

Melaleuca

Lavender

Frankincense

Myrrh

Yarrow/POM

My Favorite Products:

HD Clear (great for teens!)

Verage skin care

Detoxifying mud mask

Hydrating Cream

I hope you’re feeling hopeful and inspired to treat your skin issues with a natural, inside-out approach. Once you have, I’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below.

Managing stress is also key to keeping the gut healthy and well. Download this guide to get on your way: Stress-Relieving Acupressure Guide for Moms. Well wishes!

Summer is a favorite season for many people, but it comes with certain challenges. Longer stretches of powerful sunlight, warm-weather pests, and eating unhealthy foods on family vacations are just some of things that can dampen one’s enthusiasm for summer fun. Be prepared with these essential oils for summer challenges to keep your family naturally healthy and happy all season long!

Essential Oil Remedies for Summer Challenges

Bug repellent

Do you have a family member who is a mosquito magnet?  That would be me, in my family.  So believe me, plant power is safer and equally effective at keeping them at bay than DEET-containing concoctions!

The recipe below incorporates dōTERRA Terrashield, which actually works fabulously on it’s own. The additional oils kick the power up a few notches.

In this article, I’m sharing the reasons why I chose doTERRA as my new business! 

I know many friends (and maybe you too) are wondering “why is she prioritizing network marketing of essential oils over her main profession as a Licensed Acupuncturist?!”

Good question!  It’s not because I have a failing acupuncture practice.  I’m lucky to be in a place where I’m able to follow my passions and prioritize happiness.  It turns out that my passion is not with building a big acupuncture practice, but with a business that helps me empower people to take charge of their own health.  

I was pleased to get a response just a few days later from the Editor-in-chief, Hannah Kincaid. This is what she had to say:

“Hi Brandy,

Thank you for sharing your perspective with us.

Our intention with this article is to bring awareness around the environmental impact of essential oil production and to encourage our readers to research essential oils thoroughly before purchasing – rather through traditional avenues, MLMs, or otherwise. Young Living is the MLM that we called out by name in the article because of their direct and documented abuse of endangered plant material for profit. I agree with you that doTERRA is world’s better in their policies.

It’s always a pleasure to hear from readers like yourself who are researching their products and the companies they support and are able to bring additional, interesting information to the conversation.”

I remain secure that dōTERRA has the Earth’s back.

3. I love the impact they’re making globally

DōTERRA’s is also committed to Co-Impact Sourcing and their global humanitarian efforts. They build up impoverished communities; provide them with clean water, schools, medical needs, jobs, fair wages, and whatever they need. Much of this is done through their Healing Hands charity which partners with other organizations such as those providing feminine hygiene, micro-credit lending, and combating sex trafficking.

4. I love how they’re changing U.S. healthcare

Of all the wealthiest nations in the world, the healthcare in the U.S. is the worst. It’s a fact that no one can deny.

Beginning in 2019, dōTERRA is opening several integrative health centers across the country. They’re providing patients with individualized, proactive care, bridging the gap between modern and alternative medicine. I’m behind this initiative 100%, as I see that these are the missing links in our current approach to health. Over 41,000 people have pre-registered for care at this point. You can register here.

5. I love the business model

You probably see by now why I chose to use doTERRA’s essential oils. But why am I doing the business?

My #1 priority in life right now is raising my son. As a homeschooling mom, I need a business that is adaptable. I want to work flexible hours, have zero overhead, and the potential to make more than what I was in the acupuncture clinic.

DōTERRA provides all of that, in addition to training us how to lead a team of Wellness Advocates who sign on with us as business partners. We actually get to choose who we want to work with!

I have grown tremendously since embarking on this journey. I learned how to communicate better, to be gently persistent with those who really need these oils in their lives, and to let go of my fear of judgement.

I’m still doing acupuncture on a very part-time basis and teaching yoga, but dōTERRA is my main focus. And with both acupuncture and yoga, I integrate the oils for the client’s/student’s experiences as well.

This business fell in my lap and I’m so grateful for the opportunity! 

DōTERRA is the best business for me right now! It might fit you well too! Feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to learn about using the oils or the business opportunity. We should all be doing hat lights us up in life. I can help guide you!

Menstruation is such fine-tuned wonder in women’s physiology.  In this article, I teach you about using essential oils for menstruation.  They’ll help you stay in touch with your body as you regulate your periods and avoid harmful medications. 

Even though essential oils have been used all over the world for thousands of years, they’re still unfamiliar to many modern Americans. Luckily for all, there is a new wave of interest .  People are discovering that they do much more than offer a pleasing fragrance. Essential oils can support one’s physical, emotional, and mental health in a natural way, free of side effects and addictions.  In this article, we’ll discuss the best essential oils for stress, a condition most of us need help with!

Recently, I’ve been working with a technique called Aroma Acupoint Therapy in my TCM clinic that combines essential oils with acupuncture points. I’m finding that the effects are so profound that for children & sensitive adults, this method is a fine substitute for acupuncture.

The treatment I do the most is for relieving tension and calming the spirit. If this is something you need too, then I highly suggest using the following oils alone or as a lovely blend.

All are safe used neat, in their concentrated form, if using on specific body points as I do with acupressure. But for beginners, it may be easier to dilute the oils in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, to spread across a larger surface of the body. The bottom of the feet is a great place for topical application of these oils.  This helps you ground your energy, relieve tension, and also activate many systemic reflexology points.

Or, simply place a few drops in a diffuser and let your brain’s olfactory perception of these oils help melt away the tension.

Essential Oils for Stress and Tension

Bergamot

Have you used essential oils for calming the mind and soothing tension? Please let me know about your experience in the comments!  Well wishes to you…