North Carolina Educators May 16
Women’s Herbal Tea
A couple of years ago I was told by a doctor I may have uterine fibroids. After testing, it was found I did not. I was maybe beginning to go through perimenopause. I was told by that doctor I could still have an endometrial ablation and my symptoms may improve. With the possible side effects and the $3,500 co-pay, I decided the ablation was not for me. I was then told I could begin taking oral contraceptives to regulate my periods. I have had a tubal ligation and I have no desire to take oral contraceptives. My other option was do nothing and deal with the symptoms. Since my symptoms are annoying but not threatening, I decided to seek out more natural relief.
The first thing I discovered is to clean up your act. Get enough sleep, exercise, don’t drink, don’t smoke, cut back on caffeine, meditate, be happy ALL the time (just kidding- manage stress), and eat healthy.
I also discovered certain herbs could help.
I started making a tea very similar to the tea I made years ago when I was pregnant and nursing.
I purchased several herbs in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbals. (No affiliate program, I have purchased from this company for years and have always been pleased with their quality and service.)
I mix equal parts raspberry, alfalfa, and red clover. All are said to be high in nutrients.
Then I add nettle leaf. Nettle leaf is said to help with anemia. It has a strong taste but I have found it helps when I am low in iron and at times I have craved it. Other times, I find it too strong and just don’t drink it.
To this mix, I also add vitex/chasteberries. Chasteberries are said to be good for menstrual cramps, pms, menopause, and uterine fibroids.
I mix all the herbs together. To make my tea I add a handful to a glass jar and steep with hot water (or make sun tea in summer months). I strain the herbs and drink either hot or over ice throughout the day.
How do I feel? Well, I still have heavy periods and I still get cramps BUT not as painful and not as heavy AND I no longer have an issue with anemia.
*PLEASE NOTE: I do not take any medications but if you do please check to see if your medications could interact with any of the herbs. Also, before beginning any type of herbal or vitamin supplement check to see if it is safe for you to consume. The ideas and information contained on this web site are not meant to be used for diagnosing, prescribing, treating, curing or preventing any disease or illness. The information provided at appointments and contained on this web site has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is presented for informational purposes only, for use in helping to maintain and promote health in cooperation with a physician. Nothing found anywhere on this web site should be construed as an attempt to or offer to diagnose, prescribe or recommend in any manner a treatment, cure or preventative for any illness or disease.
DIY Rose Bath Fizzies/Bombs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Citric Acid
- 1/2 Cup Epsom Salt
- 1/2 Cup Dried Milk Powder (Replace with cornstarch if you would prefer vegan fizzies)
- 4 Tablespoons Oil (I used coconut BUT I prefer to use almond oil or mango butter.)
- 2 tbsp. Dried Rose Petals
- Several drops Rose oil
Instructions:
- If using coconut oil/shea butter/or any other oil or butter that is solid at room temperature, melt the butter until it is a liquid on low heat.
- Mix all ingredients.
- Form your fizzies using any type of mold. (I used a mold but you could use ice trays, clear plastic ornaments, etc.)
- Allow fizzies to dry. I leave them out for a few hours. I place them on waxed paper on a cookie tray. When dry, I store in an airtight glass container.
*Note: This may be obvious but please keep your DIY project mixing bowls, pots, measuring cups, etc. separate from your cooking items. I made the mistake of leaving my DIY melting/mixing pot in the sink soaking one day after making sandalwood body butter. One of my children washed it and cooked rice in it. Sandalwood rice may SOUND cool but I assure you it was inedible! 😉
Shea Butter Body Butter Recipe DIY
Spring may have arrived according to the calendar, but I woke up to 2 inches of snow on the ground. Winter weather is still wreaking havoc on my skin (especially my hands).
This shea butter recipe is my favorite hand cream for winter. It may also be used as an all over body butter.
INGREDIENTS:
8 oz Shea Butter
1 oz Almond Oil (May use light olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.)
1 tbsp. Beeswax
15-20 drops Sandalwood Oil
Optional. Shea butter has a very earthy scent and I have found the shea butter compliments the scent of the shea butter.
DIRECTIONS:
Heat shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax on low heat until melted.
Let mixture cool.
When the mixture starts to solidify, add essential oils and mix with a hand mixer.
Store in an air-tight container.
(If you want to get the air bubbles out just tap the jar until leveled.)
Cruelty-free Cleaning
Bathroom and All-Purpose Cleaners:
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap: Target 8 oz $6.69
This has been a favorite of mine since I was a child! Although the company states you can use this soap for EVERYTHING, I no longer do.
I use this for cleaning the bathrooms. If you mix it with baking soda it makes a very nice soft scrub.
YEARS ago I would use this for laundry but I no longer like the results. (Leaves a residue.)
If peppermint is not your thing, the company has several different scents including a product designed just for cleaning. (Sal Suds)
Bonus: The label is an interesting read!
Citra Solv: Walmart 8oz $12.44
This truly is a versatile cleaner! It seems pricey but a little goes a long way!
I like to dilute with water and use to clean floors but it can be used on so many different surfaces.
Dishes:
Method Dish Soap: $2.99 Target but I have found this on sale for $1.99 at grocer Harris Teeter
I do not know why it took me so long to try this! I love it! This does an excellent job for hand-washing dishes. I like the scent and a little goes a long way.
DIY Cleaners:
Dusting:
For dusting I use a lightweight olive oil mixed with some lemon or orange essential oils and a soft rag. I store the olive oil/essential oil in a small mason jar.
Windows and Mirrors:
I purchased an empty spray bottle from Dollar Tree and fill it with water and white vinegar. I have found unbleached coffee filters work well for cleaning mirrors as they do not leave streaks or lint.
Cruelty-free Target & Dollar Tree Make-up Review
I do not know when it happened, but I stopped reading labels! Years ago I was so adamant that everything I purchased was cruelty-free and somewhere along the line I just went on auto pilot and stopped reading. I realized the other day that the majority of my make-up and household supply stash is from companies that test on animals. This is not something I want to support so back to reading labels!
Since I need to find new products for just about everything in the house (YIKES!) I will replace items as needed.
*Note: Reviews are for cruelty-free items not necessarily all natural items (One step at a time!)
Physicians Formula Foundation: Target $12.99
I really wanted to like this! I usually wear a BB cream but wanted something with more coverage for “date nights”.
PROS: This foundation lasts ALL day. It really is full coverage.
CONS: I did not like the smell. It settled into all my little fine lines and wrinkles. (I am 44.) It made my face break out. 😦
This is not for me. The search continues!
Wet n’ Wild photofocus Foundation: Target $4.69
PROS: This offers full coverage without feeling heavy.
CONS: This settled into all my pores and really highlighted them. USE A PRIMER! (I did not have this issue when I applied a primer first.)
The smell. I have been trying to figure out what the smell reminds me of and I have decided it smells like paint. Almost like spray paint.
This biggest con for me- this foundation also made my face break out. (Yes, I do have sensitive skin.) In this foundation’s defense I am not sure if it was the primer or the foundation that caused my skin to break out, but for the smell alone this is a no go for me.
Burt’s Bees BB Cream with SPF 15: $14.99
PROS: This did not make my face break out! 🙂 This cream also did NOT settle into all of my fine lines and wrinkles. I like that it has sunscreen. This is my new daily!
CONS: My local Target only carries 3 different shades. I am not sure if there are other shades available. (I am using the Light/Medium.)
Wet n’ Wild Eyeshadow: Target $2.99
PROS: Everything! A nice neutral set of colors. This eye shadow stays on all day. There is a slight shimmer. My husband and Kindergarten students complimented my new eye make-up. (The kinders are my biggest critics and notice any time I change anything! 🙂
CONS: Nothing!
Wet ‘Wild Kohl Eyeliner: Dollar Tree $1.00
PROS: It was $1.00!
CONS: This “tugged” when applying. It does not include a smudging applicator at the end that I am used to. (Not a big deal I suppose because you could purchase a brush for this purpose.) This seemed very light and quickly wore off throughout the day.
Wet ‘n Wild Megawear Mascara: Dollar Tree $1.00
PROS: It is $1.00! I like this mascara. It does not clump or irritate my eyes. It is great for everyday wear.
CONS: Nothing so far! (I will need to see how this works in the summer when the humidity is high.)
Wet ‘n Wild Lipstick: Dollar Tree $1.00
PROS: $1.00! Although the color I found at the Dollar Tree was not the right shade for me, I like this lipstick and will seek a different shade. It made my lips soft and was much nicer than I expected for the price.
CONS: Not sure of any at this time because due to the wrong color choice, I did not leave it on all day.
UPDATE: I purchased a more flattering color for my skin tone at Target for under $2.00. The lipstick did not stay on long but for the price, it is worth re-applying.
Not make-up but definitely worth mentioning!
Every Man Jack Body Wash: Target $5.99
PROS: This smells wonderful! (Sandalwood) I bought it for my husband but it smelled so great I had to borrow it. It leaves your skin very soft and the scent lasts for a while.
CONS: Nothing!
