The Importance of Choosing a Crib Mattress

Sometimes we will sacrifice on many things for ourselves, when it comes to our kids as we only want the best and want to try to protect them from all harms of life. So, although I’m not the typical treehugger mom, I did try to be conscious of my food intake and what other cosmetics I used during pregnancy and once we started shopping for our baby nursery I knew that some things are just off limits for me. After having done my research and read all about the toxins used in most conventional baby mattresses, I got on the hunt for an organic baby mattress, but when we began to shop for one, we were shocked at the prohibitive prices.  We surfed the net and visited all the local baby shops, and even if I was up to spending those prices, I did not find one mattress that would make me feel like it’s worth spending on. Either they had vinyl on the cover for waterproofing or when I did my research on the fire retardants they used, it just did not seem to be all that pure.  So I thought what about all the parents out there who wanted the best for their children, but couldn't afford it? Should health have a price tag?  And what about all those children, who were daily being exposed to chemicals and noxious substances, when a healthier option can be made available! So I started really researching this, until I was clear on what’s ok and which ingredients we really wanted to avoid at all costs and with the birth of our first son.

 Why am I stressing on the importance of a baby mattress vs any other baby product and this is why:

1. Other products like cribs, bedding, etc. if they’re not organic/green they will be made of synthetic fibers which although they’re not recommended for other reasons, certainly not harmful. However with mattresses, according to the CPSIA regulations all mattresses have to be tested for fire proofing. Now in order to achieve that, specific chemical treatments are used on the mattresses, which are highly toxic and may cause respiratory infections, and other childhood ailments. Other mattresses are constructed of polyurethane foam, which is highly flammable as well, thus requiring the mattress to be coated with dangerous chemicals in order to make them flame retardant. Themost frightening part is that these toxins create chemical emissions that get stronger with time. These harmful off-gases permeate throughout the room, causing further contamination to our environment.  Various childhood disorders have been directly linked to those chemicals that children have been exposed to from birth.
2. Other chemicals and materials, such as formaldehyde, polyurethane, and pesticides and herbicides, used in the production of the mattresses are just as dangerous.  Formaldehyde irritates the skin, eyes, nose and throat and can cause cancer as well.  People with asthma are particularly sensitive to formaldehyde particles in the air.
3. The reason why I singled out mattresses is that babies tend to sleep a minimum of 14 hours a day, spending more than half of  their days breathing into the surface of the mattress. You certainly would not want them exposed to these harsh chemicals, especially when they’re so pure and don’t have the proper immunity to battle these chemicals.

Friday Fun

Tonight is our SECOND date night since Alex has been born. He will be 11 months in a week, so it is a much needed date night! I wanted to leave you with a wonderful song filled with happy, positive vibes that describes how I'm feeling today :).

Be blessed

AMY

Thursday-Think Positive

“Positivity is a brain muscle. Just like you do squats to grow your butt, you must constantly exercise positivity in order to grow your faith and skill. The more you practice, the easier positivity becomes and the quicker you see results. So start practicing now and keep up the effort- soon your positive mental attitude will be toned, strong, and active!”

Peppermint Oil

I use a lot of peppermint oil in my home. Whether it is for fragrance, getting a bad smell out of the kitchen, brushing my teeth, or if the kids are sick there is always a great use for peppermint oil.

Here is a tip of the day for children with ear infections. Rub peppermint oil on the outside of there ears to prevent infections, it works!! No ear infections and discomfort at all.

If you or your children are congested, using a teapot filled with steaming water and a drop of peppermint oil, and breathe! It will naturally help clear your sinuses. For babies and non cooperative toddlers, if you use the steamy bathroom as a trick, try adding a drop of peppermint oil into the steaming bath so they can reap the benefits!

If you want to give your linens or house a fresh fragrance, just like a febreze spray, you would use a empty spray bottle, fill with water and peppermint oil, and viola spray away. You have a natural fresh scent throughout your home.

If you store food in the fridge and cant get the smell out, get some peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle, and it will kill the smell without spraying harsh chemicals, or perfumes into your fridge.

I REALLY like the smell of peppermint oil in my laundry! I don't know what it is but it leaves it feeling minty clean. I use a combination of dr.bronners, peppermint oil, salt, and baking soda! Simple, easy, WORKS, and is much cheaper than buying detergent.

I do not use toothpaste anymore to brush my teeth, so I have been using a combination of zeolite, baking soda, and peppermint oil (special note: Sunflower and coconut oil are also great to add into your oral hygiene) routine. It is exactly the same as toothpaste but there are no chemicals, my teeth are healthier and I feel overall better since no longer using tooth paste.

L-O-V-E

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Monday Health & Wellness: Homeopathy For First Aid

Lately,I've been talking about how we handle first-aid type situations.  That is, do we rely on various OTC drugs, or do we use alternatives?  What’s come up often times is that many people are still using some OTC drugs, largely because they are unsure of what to use instead.  So this week we’re going to be talking about a lot of alternatives!  Today’s focus is using homeopathy (with some other, herbal remedies thrown in) for first-aid type situations.  

First, I must note that we are only talking about first aid here.  If you suffer from any serious or chronic condition, these remedies are not appropriate.  You should not attempt to self-diagnose anything serious; seek the advice of a trained homeopath.  (We’ll be talking about that, too, here soon.)

Please note also that in some cases I have specifically noted that a remedy is not safe in pregnancy, if I know this information.  This does not mean that all other remedies are safe; it just means I don’t know for sure.  Please check with a qualified homeopath if you are uncertain before using any remedy in pregnancy.

First Aid Conditions

What types of conditions are we talking about treating with first aid?

• Colds
• Coughs
• Insect stings
• Sunburn or other burns
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Acute rashes (like diaper rash)
• Minor allergic reactions
• Scrapes or cuts

Again, if any of these are serious (like an anaphylatic allergic reaction), do not attempt to self-treat.  Seek qualified medical help immediately.

Remedies

Let’s talk remedies!  What do we do about these things?

Coughs and Colds

Pulsatilla — A homeopathic remedy that can stop colds (green/yellow discharge, sneezing).  It can also relieve ear aches or infections.  I’m told it has many other uses, if readers would like to enlighten us!

Bryonia — A homeopathic remedy that helps colds, especially if in the chest.  Can also help poison ivy.

Elderberry — Known to boost immunity and help the body fight off colds naturally (and flu).

“Tonic” — This is something people make that is a potent sinus-drainer and often cures colds in a matter of hours.  It combines garlic, onion, cayenne, and a number of other herbal remedies.

Kudzu – An herbal cold-fighter; it mixes well into drinks and can also be used as a thickening agent.

Ginger – A great way to clear sinuses and fight colds.  Brew as a tea and add honey and/or lemon as desired.

Honey — Plain, raw honey can calm sore throats and quiet coughs.

Slippery Elm — Losenges can be made of this, and it helps sore throats and also clears mucus from the throat.

Wild Cherry Bark – A cough syrup that thins mucus and relaxes the lungs.

Eucalyptus oil — Can help to clear the sinuses; placed into the ear (diluted), it can help to clear ear infections.

Insect Stings

Quecertin — Good for allergic reactions, it can minimize swelling and redness from a sting or bite if taken internally.

Tea tree oil — Diluted, use on the bite/sting itself to reduce the risk of infection.

Lemon balm — Helps to heal wounds, including cold sores, and is also known for its calming properties (it can help gas, bloating, and colic too).

Citronella essential oil — This can actually prevent insect bites or stings by using a diffuser or applying directly (diluted) to your skin.

Ledum – Homeopathic remedy that helps reaction to the sting (especially if cold to the touch, yet immersion in cold water helps relieve).

Apis — Homeopathic remedy for a sting if warm to the touch.  Can also treat hives.

Urtica Urens — Helps red, swollen sting/bite areas; may also be used to treat hives.

Burns

These remedies should be used only for minor burns, like sunburns.  For serious burns, seek professional help immediately.

Aloe vera — Apply the pure gel directly to the skin to relieve burns and help heal.  (Check labels on commercial products; they may be a blend with little actual aloe vera.) 

Calendula – Soothing and promotes healing.  Can be used as a salve or a tincture.

Goldenseal – This can help to heal skin when used as a salve or cream.

Hypericum — A homeopathic remedy that can soothe intensely painful burns.

Arnica — Reduces pain and swelling and can help prevent shock.  Usually, a secondary remedy is also used.

Comfrey – Promotes healing of wounds.  Can be used as a salve.

Headaches and Muscles Aches

Pulsatilla — Homeopathic remedy; good for headaches following rich foods or accompanied by indigestion.

Nux vomica — Homeopathic remedy; headaches from rich food, or accompanied by digestive symptoms.

Iris – Homeopathic remedy; used for migraines.  It’s best to see a professional for your best remedy, but this is the most common one.

Lavender oil — Used to promote relaxation, and may help relieve tension headaches.

Clove oil — Can help relieve headaches.  Not safe in pregnancy.

Wintergreen oil — Aspirin is based on this; it can help relieve headaches.  Should be used with extreme caution.

Massage – Tension headaches can often be relieved by massage.  Temple massages can help too, possibly with hot or cold compresses.

Heating pad — Heat a rice-filled sock and place on the effected area.

Minor Rashes/Allergies

Goldenseal – Helps heal damaged skin; is anti-microbial too.

Apis – Homeopathic remedy; antihistamine, can help stop an allergic reaction.  Can treat hives.

Urtica Urens — Homeopathic remedy; can help treat hives or other skin reactions.

Arsenicum album — Homeopathic remedy; can treat food allergies (including dairy and wheat) and chemical allergies or sensitivities.

Thuja — Homeopathic remedy for many conditions, including warts and vaccine reactions.  Not safe in pregnancy.

Chamomile – Taken as a tea, it can relax the digestive system and stop allergy symptoms.

Marshmallow root — Helps to soothe mucous membranes and slow some reactions.

Cinchona — A homeopathic remedy that can help stop diarrhea and minimize digestive distress.

Activated charcoal — Helps to absorb excess fluids, stopping vomiting, diarrhea, and minimizing poisoning.

Cuts and Scrapes

Mercurius sol — Homeopathic remedy used to aid acute dental pain.  Can also help with mercury toxicity.

Ruta — Homeopathic remedy for pain from a dry socket or infection.

Arnica — For muscle aches, cuts, scrapes, black eyes.  Can be used any time bruising is likely.  An all-purpose type remedy that everyone should have.  Salve or orally.

Goldenseal – Soothes skin and is anti-bacterial, naturally “cleaning” the cut.

Hypericum — Homeopathic remedy useful for any type of nerve damage or cut.

Lavender oil — This promotes and speeds healing, as well as disinfecting the cut.  High-quality essential oil may be used pure (non-diluted), but use with caution.

Tea tree oil — Used instead of lavender, it will also disinfect the cut and help prevent scarring.

Honey – Apply raw honey to the wound and place a bandage over it.  Anti-microbial, and helps to pull the water out of the cut, speeding healing (many “alternative hospitals” in other countries routinely use this method).

Calendula – Used a cream, it can promote healing and limit scarring.

Comfrey – Used as a cream, it can soothe and promote healing.

You’ll notice that many of these remedies come up multiple times.  These are the ones that you should get first, if you are uncertain what to start with (calendula, comfrey, apis, lavender oil, honey, arnica).  If this is overwhelming to you, on Wednesday we’ll be talking with Naturokits, a company dedicated to helping you get started with homeopathy first aid without all the hassle!

What are your favorite homeopathic first aid remedies?