Such a great resource to understanding Essential Oils and Herbs. We love using both in my family for different things ... Check it out:
http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2014/09/19/herbs-or-essential-oils-which-one-should-i-choose/
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Herbs or Essential Oils - Which Ones Should You Use?
http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2014/09/19/herbs-or-essential-oils-which-one-should-i-choose/
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
10 Must Have Essential Oils for Children
Yes, the title says "Young Living" Essential Oils. But, I do not recommend DoTerra or Young Living - mainly because of the cost (very expensive) and I have found other sources that provide pure Organic essential oils that I use on my family. The company is called Mountain Rose Herbs and you can find them online. Great resource for oils and herbs.
If you have questions about Essential Oils, please let me know. I would LOVE to help! :)
* Created by Healing Lotus Aromatherapy 2013
If you have questions about Essential Oils, please let me know. I would LOVE to help! :)
* Created by Healing Lotus Aromatherapy 2013
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Healthy Bleach Alternative
Hello Ladies,
Thanks so much for coming to our first Essential Oils class! Thanks for all the questions and feedback … we are SO excited that you all are so excited! :) Juanita asked about a healthy bleach alternative … and here ya go:
Thanks so much for coming to our first Essential Oils class! Thanks for all the questions and feedback … we are SO excited that you all are so excited! :) Juanita asked about a healthy bleach alternative … and here ya go:
Want to make your own natural, non-toxic bleach alternative? Great! And you’re in luck, because it’s super easy!
Just mix: 3 quarts fresh water (spring water is best) with 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh is best, but the bottled stuff works in a pinch) and add 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (the kind that you find at the drugstore).
We store it in a half gallon glass jar for use in the laundry (adding about 1 1/2-2 cups per load of whites) and in a spray bottle for cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms.
It smells fresh and clean and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients or create toxic fumes. Remember, clean doesn’t smell like chemicals- chemicals smell like chemicals!
Want a color-friendly version? Sub white vinegar for the peroxide. You might still want to test it on a smaller load or with certain fabrics, but I’ve found it to be pretty universal.
This recipe was taken from: http://www.realfoodwholehealth.com/2012/07/how-to-make-your-own-non-toxic-bleach-alternative/
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Praying for Your Husband!
A little post written by my sister in law - Katie Hartfiel. I have been meaning to share, but just didn't sit down to write it. Here ya go:
Several months ago Steph and I were having a conversation about how much we suck (I think a lot of our good ideas come from conversations about how we suck). We were talking about how bad we are at finding personal prayer time and how we hardly (if ever) pray for our husbands. Well after thinking about this for awhile I had some thoughts that I sent her... Over the last few days I thought about how we suck extra because we should've also shared these thoughts with you. So... better late than never.
Basically, I was thinking about how I don't have time to pray. Even my prayer time at Mass consists of someone crawling all over my face. I think the last time I heard the readings was 2008. Anyway,I realized that I try to give God my extra time that I have left over... which is basically none. I got to thinking about Cain and Abel, and how God asked them to give a tenth of their earnings to Him. Cain gave what he had left over, whereas Abel gave his first fruits, the very best of his crops. So, since I don't have a job, all I have to give is myself. Steve Bollman says, "how you spend your time is how you spend yourself." So I decided I needed to start giving my first fruits of my time alone- which is limited. So I started tithing nap time. I told Steph and she started doing the same. So during nap time I usually have about 2 hours to myself. So ten percent of 2 hours is just 12 min- which is a no brainer. So as soon as I lay Clare down, I walk out and
see laundry to be folded, e-mails to be answered, dinner to be prepped etc etc. but BEFORE I do any of that, I sit down with my Bible and journal and give God the first fruits of my most prized possession- nap time. So what Steph and I did, was get a 3 subject notebook. One section is for Mark, and the other two are for Maria and Clare. I set my timer for 12 min and then I just google a verse for one of them. It might be, Scripture to know God's love, or for protection or peace, or for his eyes, body, HEART, etc. I write that verse at the top of the page and then journal about that verse for the rest of the time. When the timer goes off, I almost always keep writing for a bit. It goes by so fast. I have found that it has really opened me up to God's Word and helped me to feel like I am doing more of what I am supposed to be doing as a wife and mother.
Because this has been such a blessing to us, I thought it was worth sharing. Don't feel like I am pressuring you into doing this as well, I simply wanted to share with you just in case it was something that could help!
Steph and I periodically e-mail one another the verses we are praying for our husbands and kids. If this is something you'd like to join us in, let me know. We'd love to hear your verses and share with you as well.
Happy Easter!!!!!
Several months ago Steph and I were having a conversation about how much we suck (I think a lot of our good ideas come from conversations about how we suck). We were talking about how bad we are at finding personal prayer time and how we hardly (if ever) pray for our husbands. Well after thinking about this for awhile I had some thoughts that I sent her... Over the last few days I thought about how we suck extra because we should've also shared these thoughts with you. So... better late than never.
Basically, I was thinking about how I don't have time to pray. Even my prayer time at Mass consists of someone crawling all over my face. I think the last time I heard the readings was 2008. Anyway,I realized that I try to give God my extra time that I have left over... which is basically none. I got to thinking about Cain and Abel, and how God asked them to give a tenth of their earnings to Him. Cain gave what he had left over, whereas Abel gave his first fruits, the very best of his crops. So, since I don't have a job, all I have to give is myself. Steve Bollman says, "how you spend your time is how you spend yourself." So I decided I needed to start giving my first fruits of my time alone- which is limited. So I started tithing nap time. I told Steph and she started doing the same. So during nap time I usually have about 2 hours to myself. So ten percent of 2 hours is just 12 min- which is a no brainer. So as soon as I lay Clare down, I walk out and
see laundry to be folded, e-mails to be answered, dinner to be prepped etc etc. but BEFORE I do any of that, I sit down with my Bible and journal and give God the first fruits of my most prized possession- nap time. So what Steph and I did, was get a 3 subject notebook. One section is for Mark, and the other two are for Maria and Clare. I set my timer for 12 min and then I just google a verse for one of them. It might be, Scripture to know God's love, or for protection or peace, or for his eyes, body, HEART, etc. I write that verse at the top of the page and then journal about that verse for the rest of the time. When the timer goes off, I almost always keep writing for a bit. It goes by so fast. I have found that it has really opened me up to God's Word and helped me to feel like I am doing more of what I am supposed to be doing as a wife and mother.
Because this has been such a blessing to us, I thought it was worth sharing. Don't feel like I am pressuring you into doing this as well, I simply wanted to share with you just in case it was something that could help!
Steph and I periodically e-mail one another the verses we are praying for our husbands and kids. If this is something you'd like to join us in, let me know. We'd love to hear your verses and share with you as well.
Happy Easter!!!!!
Monday, March 3, 2014
MENU!
Ohhhhh the dreaded … WHAT DO I COOK TONIGHT!?!?! One thing that helps keep me sane is making a PLAN! I love plans. But sometimes have a hard time starting to make the plan. My goal each Sunday is to make a meal plan for the week. If I can accomplish that … the week goes by much smoother.
And this little baby is a LIFESAVER! If you can see clearly what you are having that night for dinner, you can put it in the crockpot, take it out of the freezer or whatever you need to prepare ahead of time.
This is my plan for this week. Ash Wednesday is no meat and Friday. I LOVE crock pot meals - so Wednesday will be in the crock pot and Sunday. I will also double those recipes to have leftovers. The black bean soup is a new recipe I just came across. See below.
Thanks to Crockin Girls!
1 onion chopped
1 celery chopped
2-3 carrots chopped
8 cloves garlic minced
4 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp cumin
4 (15 oz) cans veggie broth
1 can corn
2 cans black beans
Put everything in Crock Pot on low for 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
* Note: I will add more veggies and more black beans. Will also probably add minced kale blend or spinach. This would be a great soup to hide lots of veggies.
I need to get a smaller marker for my menu planner, so if you can't read it:
Crock Pot Chili
Homeade Pizza (adding lots of greens pureed in the pizza sauce)
Chicken and Veggie stir fry
Black Bean Soup
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce (may add ground beef if it's on sale)
Grilled Fish with Asparagus
Steak and Baked Sweet Potato
Enjoy!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Wow.
Great reminder .... Your Life is Epic.
http://theorganicmomma.com/
And a fun little recipe. Your can also do "pink" ice cream with frozen strawberries, or blue/purple with blueberries. Kids LOVE it!
http://theorganicmomma.com/
And a fun little recipe. Your can also do "pink" ice cream with frozen strawberries, or blue/purple with blueberries. Kids LOVE it!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
FINALLY!
After searching and searching … I think we finally may have found a product that we can feel good about using and that really works. I try to buy the best healthy pesticide free, non GMO food for my family (Blue Bell is an exception for me … my kids - I make them pureed frozen strawberries for ice cream) :) , I try to use the best non-chemical cleaning products, we use air purifiers in every room, whole house water filtration system, etc. And now I think I FINALLY found a skincare line that I can feel good about using on myself, my husband, my kiddos, and on my belly … because it's going to the baby. :)
The brand is NYR Organics. And they are made in China. HA! KIDDING!!!! It's all made in London. Europe is so much healthier than us. WOW. So, we need to drink more wine and eat less processed food. Yay! Wine and Gelato. Perfect!
Ok, really. So this company is way cool! It's a family business that's been around for 30 years. They have store fronts in other parts of the world, but only use consultants in the US. And they are new to the US … thankfully my aunt introduced me to the products. Just did the White Tea Face Mask … awesome! And now I am eating my third dinner of the day. Gosh … our grocery bill just doubled! :)
The brand is NYR Organics. And they are made in China. HA! KIDDING!!!! It's all made in London. Europe is so much healthier than us. WOW. So, we need to drink more wine and eat less processed food. Yay! Wine and Gelato. Perfect!
Ok, really. So this company is way cool! It's a family business that's been around for 30 years. They have store fronts in other parts of the world, but only use consultants in the US. And they are new to the US … thankfully my aunt introduced me to the products. Just did the White Tea Face Mask … awesome! And now I am eating my third dinner of the day. Gosh … our grocery bill just doubled! :)
They also have make-up! Love the lip gloss. They have more, but this is the only picture I had.
So, if you have been searching for a pure, organic, no nothing added skincare line … check it out:
Check out this site to see if the products you use are pure: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Then type in NYR Organic and check out their scores. Good stuff!
Enjoy! Please let me know if you would like a catalog or samples.
Really?
Well, long story shorter - I took our son to the ENT last week because for most of his life he has had not clear breathing (not sure how to describe). I just thought he was always congested because maybe he has allergies like his dad or whatever. Well apparently he has enlarged Adenoids and fluid in his ears. That would explain why he is SO loud! She immediately recommended tubes and adenoids out. I kinda didn't know what adenoids were, so I was not equipped with the right questions. At all. And she didn't explain or ask questions.
So, basically this is what I learned:
http://amyeaustin.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/tonsils-and-adenoids-surgery-is-not-the-answer/
So my question is: Why are his adenoids enlarged? Why is their fluid in his ears? Seems like common sense to me. There is a reason WHY! Although some kids may just have enlarged adenoids for no reason. So what's the reason? Is he allergic to something? What's irritating his adenoids to keep them enlarged?
I have a plan - we eliminated dairy. We'll see if that works, and may also get him allergy tested.
We will also try acupuncture to see if that helps drain his ears. Just talked to my acupuncturist today to try and understand how in the world they do that on a 2 year old. She said they don't leave the needle in … they just lightly prick and take out. And the needles are even smaller than they ones they use on adults … somehow. Those are real small.
And I have read article after article about chiropractics and how that works miracles for kids. Especially with this particular issue.
The next is cell salts - very fascinating! http://joettecalabrese.com/transcripts-give-away/
Take the time to read through it … makes so much sense. A little about them here: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/for-clued-in-moms-fever-is-a-friend/
Hopefully I can rid my home of all drugs for me and my kiddos.
Another great article I just found:http://www.drpalevsky.com/general_guidance.asp
Awesome!
I am all about finding other people's articles! HA!
Will update what works and what doesn't. Say a little prayer for our buddy. He sleeps fine, eats fine, just sucks his fingers and has noisy breaths.
Peace!
So, basically this is what I learned:
http://amyeaustin.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/tonsils-and-adenoids-surgery-is-not-the-answer/
So my question is: Why are his adenoids enlarged? Why is their fluid in his ears? Seems like common sense to me. There is a reason WHY! Although some kids may just have enlarged adenoids for no reason. So what's the reason? Is he allergic to something? What's irritating his adenoids to keep them enlarged?
I have a plan - we eliminated dairy. We'll see if that works, and may also get him allergy tested.
We will also try acupuncture to see if that helps drain his ears. Just talked to my acupuncturist today to try and understand how in the world they do that on a 2 year old. She said they don't leave the needle in … they just lightly prick and take out. And the needles are even smaller than they ones they use on adults … somehow. Those are real small.
And I have read article after article about chiropractics and how that works miracles for kids. Especially with this particular issue.
The next is cell salts - very fascinating! http://joettecalabrese.com/transcripts-give-away/
Take the time to read through it … makes so much sense. A little about them here: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/for-clued-in-moms-fever-is-a-friend/
Hopefully I can rid my home of all drugs for me and my kiddos.
Another great article I just found:http://www.drpalevsky.com/general_guidance.asp
Awesome!
I am all about finding other people's articles! HA!
Will update what works and what doesn't. Say a little prayer for our buddy. He sleeps fine, eats fine, just sucks his fingers and has noisy breaths.
Peace!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Optimal Diet and Nutrition for Pregos (and everyone really)
This is a great post along the same lines of my previous post. Just so ya know I'm not making this stuff up. :)
http://wellnessmama.com/2462/optimal-diet-and-nutrition-for-healthy-pregnancy/
And on that note, I need to make a veggie/protein smoothie! :) The other thing … start saving now for a Vitamix if you don't already have one. It will annihilate ANY veggie to nothing! Your kids … and your husband will have no idea! I use mine everyday - not only for smoothies, but a big treat is ice cream. Not really ice cream but the kids think it's fantastic. Put frozen strawberries, frozen bananas, frozen anything - and puree. It's amazing! You can mix or just do a single flavor. And this morning I ground my own coffee in it. I use it every single day. And it's worth double what I paid! And no … I do not work for Vitamix. Although I could. Love it!
Peace!
Optimal Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Pregnancy
http://wellnessmama.com/2462/optimal-diet-and-nutrition-for-healthy-pregnancy/Peace!
And ….
We are pregnant! :) I have been looking into morning sickness remedies for my sister in laws for a while now. Not at all thinking I would need them. I wasn't sick for my first two … so why would I be sick with my third? Well, the past week or so - hmmmmm … not feeling so great. It's NOTHING like what other women go through, at all. But I did get a taste of it. And it's NOT fun! So, all those little remedies I was working on - I get to try them.
Here's the first:
Here's the first:
Yes, the labels are ghetto. Didn't have time to make cute ones. I had to get this stuff together so I could start taking it! It consists of:
Morning Sickness Herbal Blend:
Wild yam has many effects on the body, among other things, its very good for the liver and endocrine system, by toning and nourishing the liver it helps to balance hormone production. Wild yam is very well known for its steroidal saponins (chemical constitutes in the plant) contained within particularly diosgein, an important hormonal precursor for progesterone. Precursors provide necessary elements or building blocks to produce and balance the hormones progesterone and cortisone."
Ginger: Ginger is one of the most popular remedy for this sickness. It has a long history of being a quick remedy for nausea and vomiting. It also helps to soothe the digestive system and heals its related infections.
Meadowsweet Herb: This herb is a customary natural treatment basically for two kinds of general diseases; morning and motion sickness.
It's a herbal tincture blend and you take 2.5ml in the morning and the same in the evening. It's basically 2 droppers full. I mix with the blend below in the morning and take. So far so good. I don't have that feeling in my head anymore. Maybe it worked … maybe it's mental. Either way - I don't care! It's working!!!!!!
The second blend is one that I derived from another site but I didn't have all the herbs. So I used the ones I had. They all have fantastic properties for momma and baby. Each of the following can be taken very easily as a tea. But, since I can't seem to steep the tea the night before and actually drink it the next morning … decided to make this instead. Super easy to take a dropper full once a day. And if you go to HEB or Sprouts or Whole Foods and look in the Tea section … check out the label for the Pregnancy Teas. Same stuff. :) So I didn't make it up. HA!
Momma and Baby Blend:
Red Raspberry Leaf – Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth
Oats & Oat Straw – Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin
Chamomile (German) - High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints
Nettles (Stinging Nettles) – High in vitamins A, C, K , calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many pregnancy teas because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic.
There ya have it! Also while pregnant and always - diet is extremely important. A balanced diet of WHOLE FOODS is key! A while back I cut out dairy and most grains (not including ice cream) - but, I don't drink milk, eat cereal, waffles for breakfast every morning like I used to, sandwiches for lunch, etc. Do I occasionally have bread, yes. But my diet has drastically changed over the past 2 years. We eat lean protein, veggies, nuts and seeds, and lots of fruit. My glucose levels for the first two kiddos were border line both times. Excited to see where it's at this time around.
There ya have it!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Teacher Gifts!
A little something Madeline and I made for their teachers. They may or may not think I am crazy! :) I love the hand soap … it's just a few ingredients and feels awesome! The roller ball of essential oil is a blend for stress relief and relaxation. I feel like they really need that one after spending the day with 2 and 3 year olds! Gosh … they are amazing women! The room spray is really cool. It's just water and a blend of essential oils - it's anti-viral, anti-bacterial, great smelling and I put their class name on it. I have a lavender blend I keep by my bed and spray before we go to sleep.
Check it out:
It was all really easy and fun to make! The room spray recipe is (based on 8 oz water):
Lavender Air Freshener Spray
- 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 8 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Fill the spray bottle with water, add drops, and shake before each use.
Enjoy!
Peace!
Check it out:
It was all really easy and fun to make! The room spray recipe is (based on 8 oz water):
Lavender Air Freshener Spray
- 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 8 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Fill the spray bottle with water, add drops, and shake before each use.
Enjoy!
Peace!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Natural First Aid and Illness Kit
Natural First Aid & Illness Kit
Now can someone come babysit so I can make stuff!? Thanks!!!!!
Check out her link below:
http://wellnessmama.com/3516/natural-first-aid-kit/
Peace!
Friday, January 3, 2014
Idea!
Hello party people!!!
One day ... a while back - it was a blue moon or something and I had a great idea. Along the same lines as the yogurt bar thing - I made a big ol pot of refried beans and planned on doing burritos. But, seemed boring. So, I baked some corn tortillas (the sprouted kind without the junk in them) and made tostadas! Except I let the kids make them. I put on the table all different toppings - shredded carrots, shredded cheese, finely chopped lettuce, mixed veggies from the night before, whatever I could find. :) They were SO excited to build their first tostada! I didn't tell them a thing ... no instructions ... just start topping it.
To my surprise, Madeline topped hers with shredded carrots, lettuce (first time ever), and lots of mixed veggies. I almost laughed out loud because I thought she was kidding with the mixed veggies. But, she wasn't. She ate it. And loved it!
Once I find the picture I will post it. :)
Peace!
One day ... a while back - it was a blue moon or something and I had a great idea. Along the same lines as the yogurt bar thing - I made a big ol pot of refried beans and planned on doing burritos. But, seemed boring. So, I baked some corn tortillas (the sprouted kind without the junk in them) and made tostadas! Except I let the kids make them. I put on the table all different toppings - shredded carrots, shredded cheese, finely chopped lettuce, mixed veggies from the night before, whatever I could find. :) They were SO excited to build their first tostada! I didn't tell them a thing ... no instructions ... just start topping it.
To my surprise, Madeline topped hers with shredded carrots, lettuce (first time ever), and lots of mixed veggies. I almost laughed out loud because I thought she was kidding with the mixed veggies. But, she wasn't. She ate it. And loved it!
Once I find the picture I will post it. :)
Peace!
Essential Oils to AVOID during pregnancy!
Just came across this … not sure if anyone uses Essential oils or not, but I know that a few of you reading this are pregnant … so - if your pregnant and use essential oils - here ya go! :)
Essential oils to be avoided in pregnancy
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Toxic
|
|||
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Anethole rich
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|||
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Emmenagogue
|
|||
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Possible irritant
|
|||
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Possible irritant
|
|||
|
Skin sensitization
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|||
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Toxic
|
|||
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Liver hazardous
|
|||
|
Toxic
|
|||
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Toxic
|
|||
|
Skin sensitization
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|||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
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Skin sensitization and emmenagogue
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|||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
|
Skin sensitization
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|||
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Elecampane
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Skin sensitization
|
||
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Anethole rich
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|||
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Fir
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Possible irritant
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||
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Emmenagogue
|
|||
|
Horseradish
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Toxic
|
||
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Could cause toxicity
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|||
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Jaborandi leaf
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Toxic
|
||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
|
Emmenagogue
|
|||
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Possible irritant
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|||
|
Possible irritant
|
|||
|
Emmenagogue
|
|||
|
Possible irritant
|
|||
|
Toxic
|
|||
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Toxic
|
|||
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Emmenagogue
|
|||
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Nightshade
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Toxic
|
||
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Skin sensitization
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|||
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Skin sensitization
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|||
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Parsley seed
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Apiol rich
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||
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Toxic
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|||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
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Skin sensitization
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|||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
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Emmenagogue
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|||
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Toxic
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|||
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High thujone content
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|||
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Toxic
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|||
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Toxic
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|||
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Savory
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Could cause toxicity
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||
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Southernwood
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Toxic
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||
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Stinging nettle
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Toxic
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||
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Toxic
|
|||
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Toxic
|
|||
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Thyme both Red and Linalol)
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Possible irritant
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||
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Toxic
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|||
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Wormseed
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Toxic
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||
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Toxic
|
|||
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Essential oils that
are suitable for children
(To make it easy
remember - T L C)
The above oils are suitable for children
and can be used for
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