Mastitis Help

I have mastitis and it is very painful to breastfeed. I have been on several antibiotics and nothing seems to help. Is there anything that might help, naturally?

Kristi, ID.

Natural help for MASTITIS

Mastitis is an inflamed and infected breast, that is caused by invading germs, usually by a common bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on normal skin. Typically, those germs pass from your baby's mouth, nose, and throat into a milk duct through cracks or fissures in the nipples The infection takes place in the fatty tissue of the breast and causes swelling. This swelling pushes on the milk ducts. The result is, redness, tenderness, pain, and lumps in the infected breast.

Mastitis can occur at any time while you're breastfeeding, but it's most common between the tenth and 28th days after you have your baby. About 1 in 20 nursing moms get Mastitis, and some non-nursing mothers do, too. And although you can get mastitis more than once, it's very unlikely that you'll get it in both breasts at the same time. Mastitis won't hurt your baby, though it can reduce the milk supply in the affected breast. In fact, the germs that caused the infection probably came from your baby's mouth in the first place, so don't worry about passing the same germs back and forth.

Certain events can set you up for mastitis: cracked or bleeding nipples, stress or getting run down, missed feedings or longer intervals between feedings. (Non-nursing moms may get mastitis when their breasts become engorged.) Other contributors include not completely emptying breasts of milk and lowered resistance to illness. First-time moms who haven't mastered a good latch-on technique and are suffering from cracked nipples are more likely to contract mastitis, although experienced nursing mothers aren't immune.

A breast infection can become a breast abscess that requires surgical draining, (usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia) to drain the abscess. This can almost always be prevented by treating mastitis promptly. If the lymph nodes in the armpit become tender or swollen, consider contacting your doctor.

Symptoms:

· Part or all of the breast is intensely painful, hot, tender, red, and swollen. (Some mothers can pinpoint a definite area of inflammation, while at other times the entire breast is tender.)

· Fatigue, feeling run down, achy, have chills or think you have the flu. (A breastfeeding mother who thinks she has the flu probably has mastitis. Mothers with mastitis will sometimes experience these flu-like symptoms, even before they get a fever or notice breast tenderness.)

· Body chills or feeling feverish, or your temperature is 101F or higher. (These symptoms suggest that you have an infection.)

· A feeling of progressively getting worse, your breasts are growing more tender, and your fever is becoming more pronounced. (With simple engorgement, a plugged duct, or mastitis without infection, you gradually feel better instead of worse.)

Prevention:

The following may help reduce the risk of breast infections:

· Careful nipple care to prevent irritation and cracking.

· Feeding often and pumping milk to prevent engorgement of the breast.

· Proper breast-feeding technique with good latching by the baby.

· Weaning slowly, over several weeks, rather than abruptly stopping breastfeeding.

· Making sure baby’s nose and mouth are clean before each feeding is very important.

Natural help:

Continue Nursing: Although nursing may be extremely painful at times, you need to let your baby feed frequently to keep your milk supply flowing and avoid further blockage.

· Try warm compresses on your breasts for several minutes before each feeding — this should help stimulate your let down reflex and make nursing more tolerable.

· If your baby doesn't empty the inflamed breast during each feeding, finish the job yourself with a breast pump or by “massaging” the milk out in a hot bath or shower.

· And if you find that nursing is unbearable, try pumping your breasts and giving the milk to your baby in a bottle. (But don't rely on this solely to get you through the infection, as your baby can "pump" your breasts more efficiently than any device.)

· Crushed ice wrapped in a wet cloth, or a frozen gauze pad, applied to the nipples immediately before nursing is a good local pain killer. This cold treatment also helps bring out soft or small nipples and helps baby feed more easily when the breasts are very full.

· Consider breastfeeding in a variety of positions to help relieve the pressure and make sure you drain the breast completely before switching to the other side.

· Wear loose fitting clothes and make sure your bra fits correctly; a bra that is too tight can restrict milk flow.

Get Plenty of rest: Breast infections are almost always a sign of too little rest. Regular naps or rest breaks are important too.

· Take advantage of when baby is resting to relax or nap yourself, if possible.

Prevent Cracked or Chapped Nipples: This will help prevent bacteria from entering into the milk ducts.

Note: Persistently or suddenly sore nipples may indicate a thrush infection. Further symptoms of thrush include pink, flaky skin and itchy nipples.

· Expose the nipples and breasts to the air as much as possible to discourage the growth of infection or possible thrush.

· Avoid wearing a bra 24 hours a day. Wear nursing bras with the flaps down whenever possible.

· Expose the nipples and breasts to sunlight for brief periods to strengthen tissues. Increase gradually from thirty seconds in the sun to a maximum of three minutes.

· Olive oil, sweet almond oil, lanolin, or comfrey ointment rubbed into the nipples throughout the latter part of the pregnancy and the beginning weeks of nursing create healthy, flexible tissues very resistant to cracks, tears, and chapping.

· Experiment with different nursing positions until you find those in which you are completely comfortable, with the entire areola (dark area) in the baby's mouth, nipple centered.

· Offer your breast often. Reducing the number of feedings can make the baby so hungry that it tears at the breast.

· Avoid soap, cologne, deodorant and powder on your nipples or breasts. Do not wash nipples with soap. Soap predisposes the nipples to chapping and cracking.

· The gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf will soothe and heal sore and cracked nipples.

· Calendula ointment is an old favorite to heal and strengthen nipples.

· CAUTION:Ointments containing antibiotics, steroids and anesthetic (painkilling) drugs are potentially harmful to both mother and infant.

Herbal Help:

Using Poultices, Soaks, or making Herbal Oil Infusions are very effective. When applying these external remedies, remember that frequent, consistent, short applications work better than sporadic, lengthy treatments. That is, six or seven treatments of five minutes each spread over the day will be more effective than one treatment lasting for thirty minutes. Many brief poultices work better than one or two lengthy sessions.

• Use Infused herbal oils - such as those made from the flowers of Calendula, Elder, or Dandelion, or Yellow Dock Root- can ease the pain of tender breasts and sore nipples.  

• Gently warm a handful of dried or fresh blossoms in just enough olive oil to cover; keep warm for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and rub into nipples and breasts whenever there is pain or sensitivity

• Yarrow leaf or *yarrow infused oil - provide almost instantaneous pain relief and heal cracked nipples rapidly.

• Comfrey and Calendula Poultice- Use comfrey leaves and calendula flowers as a mastitis treament. Hot applications to the breast at least four times daily will soothe the nipples, help draw out the infection and unblock the tubes and ducts.

• To make a comfrey / calendula poultice, put the comfrey leaves and calendula flowers in the blender with a bit of water and some flour to make a gelatin like substance. This can then be put into cotton cloth and stored in the freezer for future use. They can be heated in the oven just before applying to the breast.

• Parsley- Place a handful of fresh or dried parsley leaves in a clean cotton diaper and tie it closed with a rubber band. Put in a pan of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.  
• Apply the hot (fresh) parsley as a poultice or use the (dried) herb still tied in the diaper as a compress to ease swollen and painful breasts

• Comfrey- Softens and strengthens nipples at the same time. It is exceptionally soothing to sensitive nipples and rapidly heals any fissures or bruises. 
• Prepare fresh or dried comfrey leaves the same way as parsley. A hot compress or poultice of comfrey leaves soothes sore nipples, softens engorged tissues, reduces the pain of swollen breasts, and helps unblock tubes and ducts. 
• Caution: It is generally considered safe to use comfrey root preparations externally. Nursing mothers should not use internally and should wipe away any comfrey before nursing, as it can be harmful and too powerful for an infants' liver.

• Marshmallow Root- This makes a wonderful soak or poultice that soothe tender tissues and sore nipples, open clogged ducts and tubes, powerfully draw out infection, and diminish the pain of engorged, inflamed breasts.  
• Steep two ounces of dried marshmallow root overnight in half a gallon of water just off the boil. The texture of the finished brew should be slippery and slimy. Heat as needed, pouring the hot liquid into a sink or basin and soak your sore and aching breasts.

• Raw Potato- A cold poultice of grated raw potato can draw out the heat of inflammation, localize infection and unblock clogged tubes.  
• Grated raw potato is applied directly to the breasts, and covered with a clean cloth. When dry, it is removed and replaced with fresh grated potato.

*Important Note: If infection is present, discard any plant material and wash the poultice materials after each use so as to prevent the spread of the infection.

Raw cabbage leaves are a great mastitis treatment. They can be placed directly on the infected area of the breast, also to help draw out the heat and infection.

• At first sign of pain or redness, immediately slip a cabbage leaf over the nipple and into the bra.
• The cabbage leaves will become warm and wilted and should then be changed out. This is especially effective just after a duct is clogged and before the infection sets in.

Echinacea root- Use in tincture form or Infusion as part of your mastitis treatment. Echinacea is an immune system stimulant, but is an excellent anti-bacterial for helping get rid of infection.

• Tincture- One dropper full six times a day until the fever passed, and then smaller doses (2 or 3 times a day) until all symptoms had cleared.
• Infusion- Drink two cups daily until the fever comes down then move to a lighter infusion of one-ounce root to a quart of boiling water and drink one or two cups until the symptoms clear.
• Use dried Echinacea root, Place one ounce of root in a pint of boiling water and steep it for at least eight hours or overnight. Can sweeten with Agave nectar or Honey.

Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) tincture stimulates lymph gland activity and clears mastitis quickly. Poke root is potent and potentially toxic; the effect is cumulative. Use no more than two drops of the tincture daily. Combine Poke with Echinacea for acute and severe infections.

Herbal Healing Salve is provided on our website and is already made up and ready to use. It has Comfrey, Calendula, Olive Oil, and many other Herbs to aid in helping cracked/chapped nipples and fight bacteria.

Essential Oil Help

Essential oils rapidly absorb into the body, due to their molecular structure. They enter the skin and pass through cell membranes into the bloodstream bringing benefits to you quickly. Research indicates essential oils have the proven ability to affect the system and are safer to use than synthetics and artificial ingredients when entering the skin topically in a trans-dermal remedy.

Soaks, Direct Application, or Compresses with Essential oils may be useful before or after breastfeeding, to help with Mastitis. It is important that the oils are cleaned off the breast before baby comes into contact, as they can be very potent to an infant. Also, the use during breastfeeding, could interfere with baby sense of smell, finding mom, etc.

Tea Tree-( Melaleuca alternifolia) Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-viral, major anti-infectious (staph and strap), bactericidal, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and insecticide. Use Tea tree to help the Mastitis infection. Tea tree is may have a strong smell, but is very mild.

· Apply Tea tree, undiluted, on the breast, with an alternative hot and Cold compress.

Oregano- (Origanum vulgare L. hirtum) –GRAS- Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-infectious, analgesic, laxative, tonic, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and immune-stimulant. For acute situations, Oregano can be taken internally, as an anti-biotic.

· Place 2-3 drops Oregano, in a capsule, then fill with carrier oil. Take 2x daily for 5 days, but no more than 10 days at one time.

· Caution- Oregano is a very Hot oil. Use with care. Keep out of reach of children.

For overall Pain-

• Can apply 1-2 drops Birch directly onto breast. If sensitivity occurs, add carrier oil to dilute. Wash off before Nursing.
• Can also use Pain blend, which has birch in it. Wash off before nursing.

Pain, Calming, Anti-Infectious, and Circulation Recipe:

• 2 drops Birch
• 1 drop Lavender 
• 1 drops Cypress 
• Apply recipe, undiluted on breast, with alternate Hot and Cold compress.

Pain, Calming, Anti-Infectious, and Cooling Compress:

· 14 drops German Chamomile

· 10 drops Lavender

· 5 drops Eucalyptus

· Mix together Essential Oils.

· Place 10 drops of Mixture into 1 cup Chamomile herbal Infusion. Soak a piece of Muslin or 100% Cotton into mixture and apply, as a compress, over the breast. Repeat twice daily, for up to 5 days.

· *Can apply 10 drops, of Essential Oil mixture, only, diluted with 2 Tbl. Carrier oil, directly over infected breast, for Acute situations.

Pain, Calming, Anti-Infectious, Cooling, Acute Recipe:

· This is a Three part system, that should be done daily:

1. First- Apply 2 drops undiluted lavender over Infected Breast. 
2. Second- Mix 1 Cup Warm Water, 5 drops Tea Tree, and 5 drops Lavender. (Soak a piece of Muslin or 100% Cotton in mixture and apply to Infected breast, as a Compress.) 
3. Third- Apply 2-3 drops of the following Massage Oil Mixture over both breasts.

• 10 drops Tea Tree 
• 10 drops Lavender 
• 10 drops Roman Chamomile
•  2 Tbl. Carrier Oil

Cracked Nipple-

Massage the following recipe, over whole nipple and areola area. Also, use to stimulate nipples by rolling them between well-oiled thumb and forefingers.

· Add 5 drops Lavender to 1½ tsp. Almond Oil and ¼ tsp. Wheatgerm Oil.

· Wash off before Nursing baby.

Thyroid Help

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the front of the neck. It is one of several glands in the endocrine system. The function of the thyroid is to produce hormones which are used by every cell of the body. These hormones are produced when a protein (called thyroglobulin protein) binds to iodine. This binding causes the protein (or thyroglobulin) to split and produce the hormones that the body needs.

Thyroid disease can affect the body's metabolism, rate of growth on the hair and bones, the body’s weight, temperature and energy level, as well as the function of the heart and digestive system. Here's more information on the different types of thyroid disease and how they affect the body.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a disease in which the thyroid produces less hormones than needed for normal body function, because not enough thyroglobulin proteins are binding to iodine.

Symptoms:

• Thin brittle nails or hair
• Weight gain
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Decreased heart rate
• Constipation
• Lack of blood circulation or “feeling cold”

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is a disease in which the thyroid produces too many hormones, because too many thyroglobulin proteins are binding to iodine, increasing the amount of hormones produced.

Symptoms:

· Hair Loss

· Weight loss

· Increased heart rate

· Nervousness

· Frequent bowel movements

· Perspiration

· Menstrual irregularities

Essential Oil helps:

For any Thyroid dysfunction, take Kelp. The Manganese and Iodine that Kelp provides will help with producing hormones and getting the Pituitary Gland functioning.

Remove any Food sources that are high in Estrogen from your diet. Eliminate Soy and all meats, poultry, and dairy except for organic, range fed or grass fed sources. Phase out all plastics in food preparation and storage, use glass containers instead. Do not microwave foods, as this damages the basic structure of the food.

Hypothyroidism

· Apply 2-4 drops Myrrh Oil to the thyroid gland, on neck each night.

Hyperthyroidism

· Apply 2-4 drops Myrtle Oil to the thyroid gland, on neck each night.

NOTE: If you are currently taking Thyroid medication. Use either of these Essential Oils 2 hours apart from ingesting thyroid medication.

Insomnia

Help with Insomnia

Insomnia is a difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both. It is considered a symptom, not a disease, of any of several sleep disorders, characterized by persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep despite the opportunity. It is typically followed by physical problems while awake.

There are several different types of insomnia, but there are a few main types of insomnia that have been clearly identified:

· Transient insomnia- Symptoms lasting less than one week.

o Transient insomnia can be caused by changes in the sleep environment, severe depression, by the timing of sleep, or by stress. The symptoms are similar to those with sleep deprivation, with a constant sleepiness and impaired psycho-motor performance.

· Short-Term Insomnia-Symptoms between one to three weeks.

· Acute Insomnia- Symptoms of inconsistent sleep for a period of 3 weeks to 6 months

· Chronic Insomnia- Symptoms that last those longer than 6 months.

o Chronic insomnia can vary according to its causes. The symptoms might include sleepiness, muscular fatigue, hallucinations, double vision, and/or mental fatigue; but people with chronic insomnia often show increased alertness. Some people see things as though they were happening in slow motion, or where moving objects seem to blend together.

The causes of Insomnia can range, but include the following:

-Stimulants (Certain medications, illegal drugs like cocain and Methamphetamine, some herbs, Caffeine, etc.)

-Sleep Aids (Abuse and consistent use of over-the counter sleep aids can lead to insomnia)

-Any injury or condition that causes pain.

-Hormones (low estrogen, menopause, menstrual, pregnancy, etc.)

-Emotional Problems (fear, anxiety, stress, mental tension, etc.)

-Mental disorders (bipolar disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, etc.)

-Medical conditions, disorders, certain neurological disorders (Such as brain lesions, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or Restless leg Syndrome, etc.)

Find what is causing your insomnia and work on that. Removal of the cause, if possible, is an important step. Look at your habits in the hours prior to going to sleep and make sure there is not an underlying cause, like over eating causing flatulence. Stimulants should not be taken up to 5 hours prior to sleeping. Remove all external disturbances, such as a bright light or ticking clock. Create a good ventilation in your sleeping area, and consider live plants to create more oxygen. Try to work on and heal any disorders that might be causing lack of sleep. Do so naturally, using herbs and oils, so that the body doesn't become dependent on another problem that creates insomnia, like a prescription drug. Most importantly, try to stop worrying about not sleeping and relax.

Essential Oil Help:

The Essential oils that promote sleep are:

1. Lavender*
2. Melissa
3. Chamomile Roman*
4. Marjoram*
5. Petitgrain
6. Cypress
7. Sandalwood
8. Neroli
9. Lindon Blossom
10. Patchouli
11. Myrtle
12. Valerian
13. Vetiver
14. Ylang Ylang
15. Ravintsara
16. Rose
17. Mandarin
18. Litsea Cubaba

*Use in low doses (less than 3 drops at a time) to relax, or could cause stimulation instead.

Take a warm relaxed bath:

Add the following Essential Oil combinations to a large glass of milk and then pour into bath water. Enjoy! (You can also add EO to bath with Sol-salt, Epsom salt, or Sea salt)

*Important note: Water and Oil do NOT mix...you must add essential oils to salt or milk, first

Let yourself “Steep” in the warm bath for up to 20-25 minutes.

· Insomnia Bath
3 drops Chamomile Roman
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Neroli
2 drops Marjoram

· Relaxing Bath
5 drops Clary Sage
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Ylang Ylang
1 drop Vetiver

Create a massage oil:

Add the following oils to 2oz Olive oil or Fractionated Coconut oil:

• 2 drops Clary Sage
• 3 drops Valerian
• 2 drops Marjoram
• 3 drops Sandalwood
• 3 drops Chamomile Roman
• 3 drops Lemon

Massage several drops of this mixture over the whole body (avoid sensitive areas) Do this before going to bed, each night or as needed.

Create your own blend or use per la Calm blend.

The Calm blend is specifically formulated to calm the body system and shut down the neuro-chatter in the brain, so that you can sleep.

 

Over all Insomnia Blend

Mix 3 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops Vetiver, 2 drops Lavender, and 1 drop Valerian.

Use 3 drops of this blend in a warm bath or add 2 drops to 1 teaspoon Olive oil for a body massage oil.

Insomnia created by stress:

Mix 9 drops Marjoram, 8 drops Vetiver, and 14 drops lemon to 1 Tbl. Olive oil. Place 2-3 drops of this mixture on the pulse points of the body each night.

Insomnia created by anxiety:

Apply 1-2 drops Frankincense or Geranium to the bottom of your big toe each night.

Insomnia Tea:

Make a tea using the following:

1 drop Lavender

1 drop Cinnamon oil (Used to cover the taste of the Lavender)

Mix the oils in 1 tea. Honey and stir into 8oz. Warm water.

Important Note: Do not use Clary Sage with children under 12 years of age or while Pregnant and Nursing. Replace with Geranium.

Arthritis

Natural Help for Arthritis
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Any part of your body can become inflamed or painful from arthritis.

The two most common types of arthritis are Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, the more common form, is not characterized by inflammation around the joints as Rheumatoid arthritis is, but rather is due to wear and tear on the joints due to degeneration or injury.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). Doctors suspect that the cause includes genetic factors. Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose early because it can begin gradually with subtle symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. No two rheumatoid arthritis cases are exactly the same.

Some symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness (Common in mornings, which can last for one or more hours)
• Swelling
• Loss of joint function
• A feeling of warmth around affected joints
• Fatigue (Loss of energy)
• Symmetrical Pattern (Meaning the same joint on both sides of body are affected. ie. Both knees, both wrists)
• Sometimes flu-like symptoms and fevers are present.
• Loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia associated with chronic diseases, depression.
• Joint deformity and instability from damage to cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone.
• Limited range of motion in affected joints.
• Flares and remission of disease activity is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis may affect more than the joints and have systemic effects (i.e., affects the organs of the body)

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, results from wear and tear. The pressure of gravity causes physical damage to the joints and surrounding tissues. Initially, osteoarthritis is non-inflammatory and its onset is subtle and gradual, usually involving one or only a few joints. The joints most often affected are the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Risks of osteoarthritis increase with age. Other risk factors include joint trauma, obesity, and repetitive joint use.
Some symptoms include:

• Feeling of soreness or stiffness (Common in the morning, but lasting no longer than 30 minutes)
• Painful joints (Especially after inactivity or overuse.)
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Decreased function over time.

Natural Help
A diet change is a must. Begin by “cleaning” your Internal System.

• Follow a juice and water fast/cleanse for 3-5 days. (Dr. Christopher has a good one, http://www.herballegacy.com/Three_Day_Cleanse.html )
• Also take a Liver Cleanse each morning http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Liver%20Cleanse
• After the cleanse, follow a diet that consists of Whole and Raw foods.
• Any whole, live, raw foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  
• Meat contains a type of fat that stimulates the production of inflammatory agents in your body. Adopting a vegetarian diet may help.
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful with inflammation. Include oily fish, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel or other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.(Marine oils act directly on the immune system, suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of compounds called cytokines that help destroy joints)
• Avoiding polyunsaturated fats such as safflower and sunflower oils and margarines made from them. Stick to olive oil and other monounsaturates.
• Avoid all refined flours, cereals, processed foods and meats, animal fats, and refined sugar.
• High levels of beta-cryptoxanthin help stop the development of arthritis. This is classed as a pro-vitamin A carotenoid which can be found in all yellow or orange- fleshed fruits and vegetables. It enhances bone, skin and immune health. Pumpkin, winter squash and peppers are the vegetables with the highest levels of beta-cryptoxanthin, while tangerines, persimmons and papayas are the fruits with the highest levels.
• Take a Probiodic, daily, to replenish the beneficial bacteria in the body.

Essential Oil Helps:Soaking in a bath can help relieve pain and inflammation. Add any of the following Combination of oils to ¼ cup Epsom Salts, then add mixture to a hot bath. Soak as long as possible or until water cools:

Muscle Pain Bath

• 7 drops Juniper Berry
• 5 drops Lavender
• 6 drops Rosemary

Anti-Inflammation & Pain Relief

• 6 drops Lavender
• 6 drops Rosemary
• 5 drops Juniper Berry
• 3 drops Peppermint

Anti-Inflammation

• 8 drops Lavender
• 3 drops Lemon
• 8 drops Tea Tree

For Circulation, Pain & Inflammation:
Use the per la Pain blend or Birch externally. On a small area, apply 1 drop, undiluted (neat) and gently spread it around. For a larger area, mix 10 drops in 5 to 10 ml of Carrier oil and gently massage.
Can also Apply 4-5 drops Sports Pro blend, undiluted (neat) on location. Then, soak a piece of gauze or flannel in ice water to create a cold compress. Apply for 5 minutes, then follow with a warm compress for 5 minutes.
Other helps

• mix 5-10 drops of the Pain blend into green clay and apply, as a poultice, on the affected area.
• Apart from the times of crisis, apply the Pain blend in the morning, and then turn to Birch in the afternoon, evening, or before bedtime.
• To encourage greater healing circulation, massage Cypress oil around painful joints in a larger circle than the other massage oils you use.
• Basil or Peppermint can be used for pain, on location.
• Thyme, mixed with a carrier oil, can also be very affective.
• Helichrysum is helpful for inflammation, pain, and over all healing of arthritis.
• Some more “hot” oils, but very beneficial in pain relief, are Black Pepper, Cajeput, Clove, or Ginger. Mix 2-3 drops of any one of the oils with 1 ounce of carrier oil, and apply on location.
• Circulation around the joints can be improved through tissue-cleansing properties of the following essential oils: Juniper berry, Cypress, and Lemon.
• Lavender, Rosemary, and Chamomile, have a mild pain reliever and high anti-inflammatory properties.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer Gel

To be effective, hand sanitizers MUST contain a minimum of 60% alcohol by concentration. Alcohol kills germs by dessication, meaning that it dries them out through rapid evaporation. A lower concentration of alcohol results in not having enough alcohol to rapidly evaporate and dry out the microbes on your hands. There are many recipes on the internet that result in an over-diluted mixture which will prove to be very ineffective at killing germs. Here are two really good articles to read on this: One from the New York Times and one from the CDC

The following recipe has the results in an alcohol concentration of roughly 63% (being more precise requires using tenths of a cup in measurement). The essential oils are added for the extra germ killing ability, but are optional.

• 5 cups 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
• 2 cups 100% pure Aloe Gel
• 5 drops Tea Tree Oil (optional)
• Mix at high speed for several minutes. The solution will begin to gel. The aeration of the mixture is extremely important to get the right consistency correct. You should see “bubbles” throughout the mixture. The end Solution is thicker than water, but not too thick.
• Once you’ve gotten the mixture to gel and achieve a constant consistency, you can pour it into containers for storage and use.
  

So with a potential pandemic from the swine flu and the resulting potential quarantine, with the need to have sanitizer in your EDC, BOB and 72 Hour kits, make sure you have plenty of these base components stored so you can use them as needed! I suggest storing the base components and using sanitization as a great way to rotate these items. Peroxide, bleach and alcohol all have couple year shelf lives, using them as regular household cleaners is a great way to keep them fresh!

Sanitizer Spray- is used with any of the following:
White Vinegar
3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Unscented Bleach (if desired)

If you notice in that list, those items can be used for several other things as well! Here are some links for further reading on this

You can kill most germs, without leaving a dangerous residue, with a binary spray. White Vinegar and 3% Hydrogen Peroxide both kill germs. Simply fill one spray bottle with white vinegar and another with hydrogen peroxide. Spray whatever you need sanitized with one, then with the other. Individually these two kill a large numbers of germs, combined they function as well as or better than commercial sanitizing spray.

IMPORTANT NOTE: NEVER NEVER mix them both into the same bottle though - this will create Peracetic Acid - which is useless to clean with, is corrosive, and can hurt you!

You could also fill a third bottle with bleach and zap something with all 3 of them if you wanted to be REALLY be sure you had killed everything possible.

NOTE: The bleach can discolor things and is potentially harmful if ingested.

Essential Oil Sanitizer Spray
Because Essential Oils are natural plant sources, using them will not create a “super bug”, like so many other Anti-bacterial cleaners.

An interesting note: 1 gallon of Pine Sol has enough Phenol to kill an adult 3 times over. Phenol is oily, so it has a residue that hangs around and is easily absorbed through the feet after mopping, etc. Or just soaks in hands or feet while using.

For an Essential Oil Sanitizer Spray, mix the following essential oils in a 24oz bottle.

• Bacteria Buster Recipe:
• 10 drops Lemon
• 8 drops Eucalyptus
• 5 drops Rosemary
• 3 drops Lemongrass
• Add all to water, shake and spray. Use to wipe down counters, cabinets, sinks, tubs, toilets, doorknobs, fixtures, etc. to protect from bacteria spreading.
• *Can use per la Immunity blend all on its own.
  

For more recipes and cleaning, go to http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/House%20Cleaning

Psoriasis Help

My son has psoriasis and has several patches on his scalp and legs. Is there an essential oil for this?
Janet, RI.

Natural Help for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious auto-immune disease which affects the skin and joints. It is more frequently found on the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp, but can affect any area including the genitals. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance.

With further study, Dr. Rosenberg of University of Tennessee has documented that Psoriasis is due largely to a fungal infection and/or bacteria infection. They have shown that hormonal challenges play in significantly. Anti-fungal treatments internally and externally are recommended.

Causes:

• Genetics
• Stress
• Poor Diet
• Alcohol Consumption
• Smoking
• Dry Skin and Infection
• Symptoms
• Cold, Dry Weather

Symptoms:

• Plaques of red skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales. These lesions may be itchy and painful and sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques of irritated skin will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas.
• Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails. The nails may also begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
• Plaques of scales or crust on the scalp.
• Inflammation and pain in joints.
• Lifestyle Changes

To really eradicate, begin by “cleaning” your Internal System.

Follow a juice and water fast/cleanse for 3-5 days. (Dr. Christopher has a good one, http://www.herballegacy.com/Three_Day_Cleanse.html )
Also take a Liver Cleanse each morning http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Liver%20Cleanse
After the cleanse, follow a diet that consists of Whole and Raw foods.
Any whole, live, Raw Foods. This includes fruits, herbs, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and a small amount of fresh fish or chemical free chicken.
Avoid all refined flours, cereals, processed foods and meats, animal fats, and refined sugar.
Increase Water intake- pure clean water. You should be consuming enough ounces of water that are the equivalent of your body weight divided by two. Add 1-2 drops of Peppermint or Lemon oil into it to make it more therapeutic.
Reduce Stressors. Find a modality of stress relief that will work for you. Meditation CD's, yoga, daily walks.

Essential Oil and Natural Helps:

• Increase Sunlight Exposure
• Epsom Salt soaks – Add 2 drops Lavender and 2 drops Peppermint to 1 cup Salts for further healing.
• Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil maybe helpful in reducing the dryness. - Add 1-2 drops Helichrysum to help with inflammation, pain, assist with healing and to keep from scarring.
• Oregano Oil will kill any fungus or bacterial infections: Take 2-3 drops in a capsule, filled with Olive oil, and take internally 1x a day. Also, apply 2-3 drops, mixed with 1oz olive oil, 2x daily on location of breakouts.
• If Psoriasis is on your head, add 1 drop to 2 Tbl. Chemical/dye free shampoo. (Or add 15-20 drops to 10-16oz Shampoo Bottle) Apply 1 Tbl. Of Oregano/Shampoo mixture to hair/scalp thoroughly. Let the shampoo sit on the scalp for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. When rinsing, cover eyes well, and rinse thoroughly. (Use an eye guard, if possible.)