This is a documentary series by Nick Polizzi that has been airing for free with an option to buy it and have it forever. If you are interested in any of the below the topics, you can watch the episode(s) free this weekend at this link: https://proven.thesacredscience.com/proven-replay-page. Basically they all talk about the latest therapies that have studies and proof behind them in these various health areas. Herbs are discussed, as is nutrition, movement and exercise, and many other modalities. I’ve watched a couple and they are interesting so thought I’d share.
Episode 1: The Root Cause Of All Disease
Episode 2: Reversing Autoimmune Disorders & Healing Your Gut
Episode 3: Brain Health & Restoring Cognitive Function
Episode 4: Solving Fatigue & Insomnia
Episode 5: Healing Heart Disease, Diabetes and Obesity
Episode 6: Overcoming Pain
Episode 7: Healing Emotional And Physical Trauma
Episode 8: Cancer Breakthroughs
Episode 9: Intimacy, Fertility and Hormone Health
Let me know if you watch any of the episodes and what you think!
It’s that time of year again when we are bombarded with messages about sun safety and the need for daily sunscreen. That refrain has become a little dissonant lately though with more and more people questioning the ingredients in their sunscreen, with good reason. That ‘protective’ layer can house some awfully hazardous chemicals that have actually started to be researched as potential causes of cancer themselves, as well as having other undesirable qualities such as hormone disruptors, allergy-causing, and skin penetration. To review the specific chemicals and their risk factors, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), check out the graph located in their article here. They list oxybenzone as the most hazardous chemical in sunscreens, so it is a good idea to double check that at least that one chemical is not in any of your sunscreen products.
The alternative to chemical sunscreens is mineral based sunscreens which are considered safer. Jessica Rubino, in her article for Delicious Living, explains mineral sunscreens in this way:
Mineral sunscreens use active mineral ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror to protect exposed skin.
UV protection
When buying sunscreen, protection from UV rays should be your top consideration. In that sense, mineral options take the prize, according to the EWG. Zinc oxide, in particular, delivers the best UVA and UVB protection (also known as broad-spectrum coverage), says Leiba. “Mineral active ingredients don’t break down as readily in the sun, offering greater protection for longer.”
Ingredient safety
Generally speaking, naturally derived ingredients used in mineral sunscreens are gentler than chemicals. Still, some considerations remain. Avoid titanium dioxide in powder or spray form; the EWG claims it’s linked to toxicity when inhaled. Also, it’s worth reading up on nanotechnology, which creates tiny particles that are often used in mineral sunscreens to make them easier to rub in. Since labeling regulations of nanoparticles don’t exist yet, ask manufacturers directly about their policies. EWG maintains that nano in sunscreen is safe, but research continues. (There do exist non-nano mineral sunscreens, such as the one from Babo Botanicals below.)
Appearance
Other than those that use nanoparticles, mineral sunscreens simply don’t rub into skin as well, often leaving a white film. In the quest for mineral sunscreens that apply more evenly, some companies are trying non-nano ingredients, such as an aloe base and ZinClear, a zinc oxide. If you choose a safe mineral classic, expect to take an extra minute to rub it in.
In another article from Delicious Living, the following nine sunscreens were given the safety rating of 1 (safest!) by the EWG. Compare that to oxybenzone which has an 8 (out of 10) rating and it’s clear these mineral sunscreens are a far safer bet. That being said, I do want to point out that from what I have read and also gathered from my naturopath, people really need half an hour of sun on their faces and bare arms every day, without sunscreen, for proper amounts of vitamin D. Here in the Pacific Northwest, as well as other places around the country and world, proper amounts of vitamin D are not even possible without supplementation because of the lack of sun for many months out of the year. Vitamin D is important for immunity, skin, bone, and mental health, and blood pressure concerns, plus a lack of vitamin D has been implicated in breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as many other chronic health conditions. Keep this in mind when determining your sunscreen usage. It’s not only important to choose your ingredients wisely, but also to know how to use your products to ensure optimal health. The following are listed alphabetically:
With well-rounded complexion protection, Andalou’s BB product not only uses minerals to shield from harmful rays but also to lend a subtle, “sun-kissed” tint to skin. Fruit stem cells and superfruits provide an antiaging and brightening boost, too.
Containing 20 percent non-nano zinc oxide and a cocktail of nourishing botanicals to sooth the skin (think avocado oil and cocoa seed butter), this new launch a clear winner in safe sun care, and the EWG rating agrees.
Badger continues to raise the bar for safe sun care, this time focusing on developing effective nontoxic preservatives specifically for mineral sun care. Badger’s line includes products for the whole family; this easy-to-apply face stick contains 22.5 percent zinc oxide for superior active lifestyle protection.
A brand that has rightfully earned the trust of moms, California Baby once again delivers on baby-centric safety, according to the EWG. Ideal for little ones, this fragrance-free product offers a comfortable application that is also sting-free for the eyes (moms can use it as a gentle-on-the-complexion option, too).
A go-to for anyone seeking daily, no-fuss sun protection, this product contains an efficacious blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in a base of soothing aloe leaf juice, shea butter and coconut oil. Plus, it’s organic. A great choice for your body—and the earth.
Sun protection is your No. 1 defense against aging. But extra protection is a major boon. Top-rated by the EWG for its UV protection, this SKU also contains vitamins E and D3 for antiaging prowess.
Mineral Fusion knows what skin needs—and the company is no stranger to delivering it with carefully crafted mineral formulations. This product starts with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, then gives skin a vitamin and antioxidant boost.
In short, avoid chemical sunscreens, especially ones with oxybenzone in them, and instead opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Also, if you must use a spray sunscreen, only use ones made with zinc oxide, not titanium oxide, because the EWG lists it as unsafe when inhaled in that form. Enjoy the sun and please subscribe for weekly posts about herbs, natural health, and green beauty, and please share with anyone who might benefit from this article.
A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon My Bread Gluten Free Bakery and since they have styles of gluten-free bread that are rather hard to find, I decided to give them a try although I personally dislike buying groceries online. I figured that they would be a fun treat and that I could then go on with life as before. The good news is that the boys and I love the bread, all the styles we tried are amazing, and the bad news is that I’ve slipped further into the online grocery shopping hole.
You can find this brand in some stores, but the only one near me is in a close by city which I rarely go to. If you look for it at a store, it might be in the freezer section but don’t let that bother you because the bread perks up really nicely. I’m not affiliated with them but I have a referrer code that gets you $3 off your order (and I think they will send me $3 off my next order too~ win-win!) so if you buy online, use this code: http://mybreadglutenfree.refr.cc/kristenschuhmann and this month (May 2021) if you order $50 worth of products (trust me, it’s easy to do) then add Soft Breadsticks to your order, the breadsticks are free! The soft breadsticks are one of the things that we always buy and love so that is a great bonus.
The breads are not only gluten-free, but also dairy free, soy free, nut free, and egg free. We love the baguettes for making sub sandwiches and “cheesy bread”, the soft breadsticks are perfect with salads and soups, and the flatbreads are delicious warmed up like pitas or made into personal pizzas. We make regular pizzas on these with red sauce and cheese (vegan cheese for some of us~ we like Daiya shredded mozzarella and cheddar), but we like even more rubbing olive oil on these and adding grilled chicken, garlic, red onions, artichoke hearts, basil, and oregano, preferably with a side salad.
Flatbread Pizza
In other food allergy news, my sister sent me this article stating that milk allergies are now causing more severe reactions that tree nuts and peanuts. Usually we think of milk allergies as simply causing discomfort, but this article shows that kids are ending up in the hospital and having severe anaphylaxis reactions. Most people do eventually outgrow milk allergies, but they are learning now that the age is generally later than formerly thought. Keep in touch with your doctor about the latest thinking over when to retry milk if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a milk allergy.
Let me know if you give My Bread Gluten Free Bakery a try! They have other goodies than the ones I mentioned, but those are the ones that are hard for me to find in my usual grocery haunts!
The Alzheimer’s part is about research currently going on with treating the disease by increasing the gamma waves through light and sound. The ancient antibiotics part is about a recipe found from a millennium ago that works on staph, including MRSA. Garlic wine, anyone?
My blogging friend in France is offering her natural health coaching services online now! She is English so speaks both French and English fluently, and her philosophy is very balanced with there is a time for modern medicine (vaccines, antibiotics, etc), and a time for self-advocacy and getting to the root (naturally!) of problems instead of accepting the pharmaceutical band aids that are generally offered in doctors’ offices. I can tell you she’s brilliant and also has a great sense of humor with a sound perspective on all things health related. Check out her site and let me know if you end up working with her! Her blog post is below and you can find more info on contacting her and what to expect here: https://thehealthyepicurean.eu/natural-health-coaching/.
Just under 20 years ago, I visited an endocrinologist because I was suffering terrible palpitations. He did some blood tests and, seeing that my thyroid, iron levels, etc were normal, prescribed beta blockers. He seemed extremely taken aback when I wanted to know the cause of the palpitations, instead of just accepting his ‘bandaid’. The beta blockers worked well, but I was concerned that it seemed as though I might be beta blockered for life; there had to be a reason – my heart hadn’t just made a unilateral decision to ‘rave’ 24/7.
After some research, and a visit to a naturopathic doctor, it turned out I was very deficient in magnesium. This also explained the terrible muscle and joint pain I had been having. It sometimes really is that simple. I happily replaced my beta blockers, muscle relaxants and ibuprofen with magnesium-rich food, and a good magnesium supplement and haven’t looked back.
From birth to eight months, my son, Léo, slept in stretches of about an hour, when he would wake up screaming. The local doctor said he was ‘capricious’, and was doing his best ironing board impression at hourly intervals throughout the night for fun. After numerous pitiful attempts, I eventually found a wonderfully understanding pediatrician, with a forensic attention to detail and a sympathetic ear, who immediately diagnosed silent reflux. She prescribed the necessary medication, as well as changes to his eating and sleeping arrangements. That night my ‘capricious’ baby slept for 12 hours straight.
The other doctors had missed this diagnosis because it was ‘silent’ (he wasn’t vomiting or even regurgitating). I returned to see the local doctor because I thought she might be interested to hear the conclusion, perhaps for other patients. She flat-out refused to believe he had silent reflux on the basis that if you can’t see it, touch it, or test it, it doesn’t exist. She had made her helpful diagnosis of ‘capricious’ and she was sticking to it.
We still visit the doctor from time-to-time and, as you will read here, I am eternally grateful for many aspects of modern medicine. We are mostly vaccinated, and take things like antibiotics or cortisone when necessary. But there is a time and place for everything, and these two experiences turned out to be salutary: I learnt that in order to stay healthy, I had to advocate, sometimes forcefully, for my family’s health.
I started to study naturopathy 15 years ago, and I am a certified Natural Health Consultant and Educator. A number of people have contacted me to ask whether I provide online consultations. Over the years I have been consulting on an informal basis, but I would now like to offer this to everyone that might be interested. Please see this page for further information.
This past week has been one of adjustment as one of my sons and I both returned to our schools in-person. My youngest son opted to finish out the year remotely so he’s holding down the fort with our dog while my older son and I are navigating the new routines of our old worlds. It’s been draining, to be honest, and the adjustment had us both in bed early on Friday night from sheer exhaustion. Between the new rules and norms due to covid and the anxiety that just seems inevitable now in larger groups, and trying to figure out all the little things that the pdfs of new protocols somehow haven’t covered much less remembering all that is covered on those pdfs…it’s a lot. I realized by the end of the week that I hadn’t made a room spray yet for my main classroom where I spend most days which is something I used daily last year to keep the germs down and spirits up. This weekend I’m making two versions of an anti-germ room spray and thought I’d share the recipes here.
I have a blog post/YouTube video on making room sprays which I made before I realized that adding a bit of an alcohol to the distilled water really helps the essential oils mix into the spray. Essential oils tend to sit on top of water, which you will notice if you put essential oils directly into your bath without using an oil carrier, so shaking before spraying helps but not as much as adding an alcohol, such as vodka which has very little to no scent, into the bottle along with the distilled water. Follow the same guidelines in my book, All Natural Perfume Making, when deciding which essential oils to include and in what proportion. For my classroom, I’m going to include thyme which is a strong scent that tends to overpower all other scents it combines with, but I’m using it because it is powerfully antibacterial and antiviral. Aim for about 30 drops of essential oils per ounce of liquid, and for the liquid aim for half of it being alcohol and 1/2 distilled water.
This is the view from my classroom window
Anti-germ Room Spray:
2 oz bottle
1 oz distilled water
1 oz vodka
10 drops thyme
20 drops lavender + 10 more drops in one bottle
20 drops rosemary + 10 more drops in the other bottle
The reason I’m making two versions is that the one with more lavender will be for calming anxiety, either mine or the students’ in the room. (Trust me I can tell when the room is tense with anxiety!) The one with more rosemary will be for when fatigue is a problem and the brains in the room need to wake up and focus.
Always shake the bottle before spraying and keep it away from your face and especially your eyes. Don’t forget to label it too and write down what you put into yours so you can track what works well for you and what you’d like to change for next time.
Good luck to all of you who are also navigating changing routines right now!
Here are some of the former posts and videos I’ve made that relate to my book, All-Natural Perfume Making. If you are looking for a step by step process from the book that isn’t here, let me know by contacting me!
Here we go again. The world is opening up and I for one can feel the frenzy building. I’ve heard and read that many people are as anxious about returning to the modern lifestyle of the ‘before times’ as they were about the unexpected mandatory pause. I feel like this is prime time to truly evaluate what works for us, each of us, and take steps to create the life that feels right to us. The pace, the connections, the responsibilities…if we don’t decide for ourselves how many plates we can spin, then others will decide for us.
For those experiencing anxiety related to the state of the world and all of its turbulence and unknowns (who isn’t??) then I hope you add some herbal additions to your daily life might help. Adaptogens and nervines specifically are the herbal categories to consider. Adaptogens help the body to adapt to stress of all sorts and nervines work on balancing our nervous systems. I’ve linked to places where I’ve written about both, but if you use the search bar you’ll find more articles addressing these two categories of herbs and also other natural anxiety relieving options such as GABA, CBD, and L-theanine.
But I think we need to remember to think holistically about where extra stress and anxiety build and flourish in our lives. We can take all the herbs and spray all the essential oils, but if our life is out of whack on a daily basis, it’s like putting a band aide on a gushing wound. Those natural aides might help you adapt to a pace of life that is uncomfortable, but it’s still an uncomfortable pace of life. It’s worth thinking about how to adapt your life to you. We can’t all spend every moment doing exactly what feels right to us in that moment, but we can make it a priority to move our lives in that direction so we can feel in charge of our lives instead of stuck in reaction mode.
This brings me to the Slow Movement which came out of Slow Foods. If you are not aware of Slow Foods, it is an international organization that promotes good, clean, and fair food for all people and the planet. It was named as a reaction to fast food and has grown into a multidimensional organization with themes including slow wine, slow meat, slow cheese, and promotes food fairness awareness from seed to plate. One of my favorite projects of theirs involves school gardens and they just are an organization I greatly admire. Just check out the website and join a local chapter if you feel moved to do so. The Slow Movement takes these concepts of good, clean, and fair, and extends them beyond food to encompass all areas of life. This is not an organization to join, it’s more of a philosophy to employ, which is why I linked to the Wikipedia page instead of an official page. This concept really resonates with me. I love the idea of quality over quantity and doing things better instead of faster. Our world keeps speeding up, and since the invention of the printing press, there’s been collective unease about technological advances outpacing human ability to adapt. Below is an interesting less than 10 minute Ted Talk that gives more insight into this.
Thank you so much to all of you who preordered my book! If you did so, it will likely arrive today if it hasn’t already, or in the next couple of days. I really appreciate all the support, enthusiasm, and also your patience while I have been hyper-focused on it. My dad nailed it when he said it’s been like a multi-year pregnancy. It really has been a long process, delayed several times, so today feels long awaited. This book represents a lot to me, beyond the pages and words, as you certainly know if you have been following along for a while. I am eternally grateful for you being here, no matter how long it’s been. Thank you🙏
Happy Equinox Weekend everyone! I decided to make some video tutorials that correspond with recipes in my book since the pictures aren’t necessarily step-by-step visuals of the process. I haven’t made a how-to video in over a year so this one is pretty rough. I’m feeling inspired to get back into the groove though so it feels significant that I restarted on Spring Equinox. This corresponds to page 94 of my book.
