dōTERRA Essential Oil Kits

Originally post can be found on our site @ Green Scene Gal, a site dedicated to providing simple solutions to consumers looking products and foods free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides...

So your curious about essential oils – and dōTERRA – but you don’t even know where to begin! Let me simplify everything for you:  the dōTERRA wholesale membership works just like Costco or Sam’s Club where having a wholesale account gives you access to the biggest savings!  Now, you can open the account for $35, or you can do it the smartest way…by starting with a kit and…

…you’ll have the $35 wholesale fee waived!

The best part is, all of the guesswork is completely gone!

Also with every kit purchase, you will receive the following BONUS

1 hour personal consultation
Exclusive deals on monthly promotions for members
Ongoing support in our private online community
Keep in mind that there is never an obligation to sell oils or order monthly with dōTERRA membership.  Absolutely no…strings…attached.  Just the highest quality, purest oils available in the world today at your fingertips!

These kits are each expertly designed for a very specific purpose, which I’m going to break down for you in this post so the decision is easy!

So let’s talk about your options...

Diamond Kit dōTERRA

This kit is for THREE types of people:

The person who wants to save the most money.
The person who wants to overhaul & fine tune their health and home by having every product dōTERRA offers.
The person who would like to create a residual income stream with dōTERRA
Diamond Kit for the $$$ Saver

Let’s talk about the savings first.  You will experience an INSANE amount of savings when you start with this kit.  Check out these numbers.

If you purchased all of these products RETAIL: $4,242
If you purchased all of these products WHOLESALE: $3,394

KIT PRICE: $2,500
SAVE: $800 BELOW WHOLESALE
400 FREE PRODUCT CREDITS

PLUS, you will receive 400PV FREE (basically $400) by placing a qualifying order next month.  This kit also gives you the power to “skip ahead” in Loyalty Rewards if you choose to.  You’ll start at 25% back in free credits on every purchase!

The “Health Overhauler”

For the person who just wants everything so that they never have to wonder if they have what is needed to address their health concerns.  The Diamond Kit has you covered! From cleansing your home to cleansing your body, skin care, hair care, shakes, supplements, soaps, and of course, EVERY OIL.  For a complete listing of everything in this kit, click here.

DIAMOND KIT BONUS: You will be receiving 2 very special oils that are not currently available for individual sale: Melissa and Roman Chamomile.

The “Business Builder”

Lastly, this kit is perfect for someone who would love to educate others about natural health, and make a tremendous living out of doing it (like me).  Representing dōTERRA as a Wellness Advocate has literally changed the trajectory of my life for the better and the Diamond Kit will get you intimately familiar with all of their wonderful products, so you can develop you OWN stories and insights when sharing with others.

If you’re interested in chatting about this option, send me a note at:  megan@GreenSceneGal.com or visit my Work With Me page.

Go All In!

Now I can’t even count the number of people I’ve worked with who say “I SO WISH I would have gone with the Diamond Kit when I started!” – which is why I now tell EVERYONE about this option.

If you know in the long run you will end up with everything anyway…you might as well save TONS of money up front.

Every Oil Kit

The Every Oil Kit is for you if you really want to start with ALL THE OILS (and no products). You want to be able to make every blend and be able to have lots of oils to share and bless your friends. You’ll receive an awesome durable carrying case and one of my favorite waterless diffusers, the Cloud.

Please Note: you will also be receiving 2 very special oils that are not available for individual sale: Melissa and Roman Chamomile. This kit allows you to “skip ahead” in the Loyalty Rewards system to get 20% back every time you order.

KIT PRICE: $1775
SAVE: $285 BELOW WHOLESALE
200 FREE PRODUCT CREDITS

Natural Solutions Kit

The Natural Solutions kit is by far our BEST SELLER and for good reason. This well-designed kit will breathe new life into your wellness! It offers you options to help you support your immune system, healthy joints and muscles, focus, sleep and energy — anything you want to support, there’s an option in this kit. These are the most versatile, popular oils, to ensure that you are well equipped to try several options immediately.

You’re getting the top 10 oils in this kit, along with 8 other popular single oils and blends. Lifelong Vitality Pack (our phenomenal supplement system) is included, along with the Aromalite 8-hour diffuser (loooooove it!). The Deep Blue Rub is a must-have as well! You’ll be all set with some of the On Guard system and digestive support products. And don’t forget about the adorable wooden box. This kit allows you to “skip ahead” in the Loyalty Rewards system to get 15% back in free product every time you order.

KIT PRICE: $550
SAVE: $98 BELOW WHOLESALE
100 FREE CREDITS

Home Essentials Kit

The Home Essentials Kit is an economical choice for the person who wants the top 10 oils and a diffuser. The oils in this kit are the 10 oils no home should be without! You will have all the oils you need to get started and you can add to your collection as you wish!

KIT PRICE: $275
SAVE: $86 BELOW WHOLESALE

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Well there ya have it! My very favorite starter kits. Are there others? Yes…a few more. You can check them out here. But remember, there is a reason why these are my favorite. They give you the best start with your oil experience and the most bang for your buck!

If you have any questions, first see our FAQ below, or contact me at: megan@greenscenegal.com

Thanks so much…Megan

New To Essential Oils? Start Here…

Originally posted on our site @ Green Scene Gal, a site dedicated to providing simple solutions to consumers looking products and foods free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides...

I have been using essential oils for me and my family steadily for over three years for one…simple…reason:  They WORK!  They’re safe, effective, affordable, non-habit forming and today more than ever, I feel like I am more able to take control of my health than ever before.

My journey with oils began when close friends of ours mentioned using peppermint oil for the occasional headache.  I remember thinking: “Peppermint oil?  Is that a thing?”  Sure enough, a dab of the oil behind each ear relieved the head and neck tension almost immediately!  I was now officially “intrigued”.

After doing some research online I decided to go ahead and buy my husband an essential oil blend called “Serenity” from a company these same friends were using called doTERRA.  Once again it worked!  My husband (who is probably the biggest skeptic out there) said he felt the tension release from his “feet up” after applying to the soles of his feet before bedtime.

Then we tried a regiment of Melaluca, Oregano and Clove along with a low sugar diet to help relieve athlete’s foot discomfort he had been dealing with since sophomore year in college (20 Years!).  After 2 weeks it had cleared up!  Now, this is something he had been dealing with for nearly 20 years!  Simply…amazing.

No longer the skeptic, my husband was a full…on…believer.  And so was I.

At that point, I had to figure these essential oils out:  Why are they so effective?  Why haven’t I heard of them before?  Where can I get the best essential oils for my money?

If your reading this article, you’re probably wondering the same thing.  So let’s start at the basics…

How Essential Oils Work

Essential oils is the aromatic “essence” of a plant’s bark, roots, flowers, leaves, sap or stems and is normally produced today using a processed called “steam distillation”.  This is where steam is used to pull this essence from the plant matter.  The resulting steam is then captured and any water is removed to leave this concentrated essence behind.

For some plants, these essences have some tremendous beneficial health properties for us humans – which makes sense. Why?  These compounds are what the plant uses to repair itself;  to combat disease, to ward off insects, bacteria and fungus – and since they are naturally forming compounds – our bodies are more readily able to accept them at the cellular level to do the same things.

How to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in three basic methods.  Topical Application (on the skin), inhalation (breathing it in) or ingestion (down the hatch!).  How you use the oil should depend on what you’re trying to achieve, and often times a combination of methods may be best.

Topical Application

Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin for absorption directly into the blood stream.  For muscle or tendon issues for example, it makes sense to apply directly on the area where it hurts.  Other times application to area where the skin in more permeable (armpits, palms or soles of feet for example) might make the most sense.

For topical application, I almost always recommend diluting the essential oils with a “carrier oil” like coconut (my favorite), grapeseed or jojoba.  Diluting your oils slows down the evaporation rate and allows for a smoother application.  Don’t worry – you won’t be losing any of the benefit through dilution and you’ll be able to enjoy your oils longer.

NOTE:  Good Essential Oils should not contain any allergens.  The company I represent doTERRA, guarantees as part of their certification process that no reaction-causing protein molecules are present in any of their oil.  Any reaction using their essential oils could be due to the potency of the oil or the application method.  If you are experiencing some kind of reaction, again, try diluting or “blending” the oils in a carrier like Coconut Oil or try another application method. 

Inhaling

You can actually breathe-in essential oil through the use of a diffuser, a humidifier, in a steaming bowl or by simply rubbing the oils in your hands and taking a big breath.  For example, I have sinus issues from time to time and will prepare a boiling pot of water with a few drops of certain “sinus-clearing” essential oils like Melaluca (tea tree), Eucalyptus and Oregano.  I then stick my head over the mixture a take a few deep breaths in.  This method works wonders for me.

Most consistent essential oil user own something called a diffuser, which atomizes (a fancy word for breaking down a solution into very small droplets) and disperses essential oils and water mixtures into the air.  With just a few drops of oil into a container of water, your essential oils can be enjoyed for hours.  Perfect for Aromatherapy – check out our article on Aromatherapy here.

Ingestion

Using your essential oils internally can be a effective way for your body to absorb the benefits.  While there is some debate as so when and even if you should take essential oils internally, doTERRA oils are safe enough to be ingested.

According to doTERRA, taking essential oils internally:

“May be a very effective method to get the oils to be absorbed into the body to promote health and wellness,” and  “…can be an effective way to take essential oils internally so that they can be maximally absorbed by the gut for a whole body effect.“

I usually dilute any oils in water I would be taking internally, or use them inside a pill.  doTERRA makes it easy with pre-packaged blends in soft-gels, or you can buy empty Veggie Capsules to create your own.

Bottom line, before using any oil, give some thought about the health goal you’re looking to accomplish and go from there.

If you’re unsure of which method, it’s always a good idea to ask the manufacturer or an expert on the proper use of the oil, there’s great information out there either online or through you manufacturer about the best method of application.

Why dōTERRA?

Over the years we’ve tried other oils on the market but have always come back to dōTERRA for three BIG reasons, namely:

1. They make a high quality oil
2. They are a great company inside and out
3. They’ve got such wonderful product variety

Great Quality

From a quality perspective, dōTERRA maintains a strict protocol for most everything they do including:

• Each bottle of oil is Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG)
• CPTG is the most stringent in the industry considered a step ABOVE organic
• Certifies no synthetic chemicals, fillers or contaminants have been added
• dōTERRA distills their oils using temperature-controlled low-heat steam distillation
• These temperatures yield the highest amount of oil at maximum potency
• Sourcing their oils worldwide in their native climates and environments where each plant grows the best
• Harvesting only when the timing is perfect

Great Company

What really hooked me about dōTERRA is their commitment to give back is what sets them apart from many other companies in the field.  Rather than talking about charity and giving back, dōTERRA has actually incorporated it into their business model (what a great idea!)

With their Co-Impact Sourcing initiative, dōTERRA actually partners with growers and distiller alike in some 20+ third world countries to help to create long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships. They help train their partners, paying them on time, with fair market wage, and give back to the communities through their charitable Healing Hands Foundation.

Read more about their efforts in this article from Forbes.com .. also check out this inspiring video on the way dōTERRA is helping villagers in Haiti cultivate Vetiver through their Co-Impact sourcing program cultivate.  Truly inspirational…

Great Products

doTERRA Women’s Health Kit

As a family we keep falling in love over and over with dōTERRA products, in large part because they keep coming out with useful products In addition to nearly 50 individual oils and over 30 blends, dōTERRA has a number of safe, effective and natural product lines that incorporate their oils, including:

• Weight Management
• dōTERRA Women’s Health
• Skin Care
• Salon Products
• Digestive Health
• Aromatherapy
• Children’s Supplements
• Natural Supplements

We’re now coming to the end of 2016 and looking back over the past 3 years, I simply cannot believe the positive change these oils have had in our lives and others.  In that time we’ve become so much more aware of how what we put in our bodies effects the way we feel.  As a result I feel like I need to pass this wonderful freedom to YOU.

So…what the next step?

Click HERE to check out your options and my personalized freebies for you!

*Note:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Originally posted on our site @ Green Scene Gal, a site dedicated to providing simple solutions to consumers looking products and foods free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides...

I’ll admit, I find it hard sometime not to feel overwhelmed in an era of 24/7 news, tweets, jobs, never-ending gymnastic practices and bills to be paid.  It seems worry, stress and anxiety are facts of life in today’s fast-paced world…especially for us women.  According to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, women in the United States have higher stress and a harder time managing that stress than their male counterparts.   More specifically:  mothers in the United States with school aged children…and a full-time job (hey wait…THAT’S ME!)

Fact is 23% of women indicated they were experiencing the highest levels of stress compared to 16% of men.  What’s more:  women suggested their stress levels were on the rise, and felt less like they were doing a good job of managing their stress as compared to men.

When common stress becomes high and consistent enough, doctor’s start using words like anxiety, and if it’s to the point of immobilization, an anxiety attack.   I am intimately familiar with both.

Stressed Out?

As a working Mom I fully understand the detrimental effects that anxiety can have on a woman, but let’s get real here:  stress is not going away.

You can take control of your stress and your mental well-being, and it doesn’t have to involve a prescription pill.  But you need the knowledge, the good habits and the tools to help manage your stress.  While I am a BIG believer that exercise and meditation are key components to a healthy mind, this article will focus on natural remedies for anxiety primarily essential oils and aromatherapy.

But before I get into that, let’s talk about a neat trick to unlock some of your best vibes…

Scents and Your Emotions

One day during our extended trip back home to Chicago this past summer, I found myself on the floor in my old room rummaging through some old t-shirts and toys my mom had saved.  As I opened the box, the smells of my childhood came rushing back to me.  Vivid memories I hadn’t thought of in years.  I closed my eyes and…for a few seconds…I felt as if I were 10 again, playing “office” with my best friend next door.  Then it was gone…

…Smells are wicked powerful

But why?  Turn out:  there’s some science to it.  The little scent molecules you breathe in every day, settle on cells in your head called “olfactory receptors”.  Approximately fifty million of them!  This intricate web of cells are over 10,000 times more perceptive than the taste cells on our tongue and can pick up a nearly infinite number of element compounds at extremely low concentrations.

What makes these powerful cells super-cool, is that they’re the most direct link to our limbic system: the oldest, the deepest, the most primitive area of our brain.  It is also widely believed to be our core emotional seat.

So what does this mean practically?  Well, if we in my example above, by the time I had identified what I was smelling (my Mom’s old detergent), the deepest part of my brain has already triggered a wonderful emotional response.  In other words, it’s your first knee-jerk emotional response before your mind’s “thinking” gets in the way.

Aromatherapy for Anxiety

You can use this powerful connection to improve your emotional state, and your ability to deal with stress.  Everyone is unique and your solution will lie in finding the scents that make you happy.  For me it’s the woody, earthy and musky oils.  Smells like Cedar wood, Sandalwood, Arborvitae and Vetiver.  They help me to focus and relax and they also remind me of the times I spent outdoors as a child.  Others are drawn to the flowery, sweet smells like Lavender, Bergamot, Rose and Jasmine.  Some enjoy mixing both together.  Others have totally different preferences.  But the only way your going to find out what works for you is to try them out and get comfortable experimenting.

Candles or Diffusers?

I know plenty of friends that buy scented candles and love ‘em, but I’m a proponent of diffusers. They’re just too darn easy to use and so much cleaner than candles.  You can apply certain oils directly on certain areas of your body including the top-rear of your neck, your feet and temples, but I find that the oils last much longer if diffused.

For the maximum effect, couple the essential oil aromatherapy with daily meditation and check out our article on the best ways to blend your oils if you are into mixing and matching.

NOTE:  If you’re looking to but just be careful to test for any allergies on a small patch of skin. And make sure if the manufacturer recommends diluting the oil in a carrier oil like Coconut Oil before applying.

Essential Oils for Anxiety

Here’s my list of oils that most typically bring relief to an anxious mind.  While no means exhaustive, it’s a good start to begin your journey:

Bergamot

Bergamot gets its name from the Italian city of Bergamo, which is where is was first cultivated for treating digestive ailments and fevers.  Made from the rinds of of a stout citrus tress, it has a fresh, spicy-sweet aroma that makes it a favorite with Fragrance manufactures and nearly everyone who tries it.  Its aroma brings feeling on security and self-worth and blends well as a top note with many emotional blends.

Chamomile (Roman)

Before I had even heard of essential oils, I was in the habit of making myself a cut of chamomile tea, and was familiar with its aroma and lightly sedative effect.  Roman chamomiles essential oil offers a much more powerful sedative property and its fragrance is sweeter than the tea.  We recommend Chamomile as an integral part of our friend’s apothecary for it’s wide range of benefits, including stress-related conditions, skin complaints, and anti-inflammatory conditions like headaches and joint pain.

Neroli

Similar to the process of extracting rose or lavender oil, a single pound of neroli essential oil contains about 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested orange blossoms, which explains why this intoxicating essential oil is one of the most costly to obtain.  Because of its ability to alleviate depression, ease anxiety, address hormonal issues, and soften skin, it is well worth the investment.

Orange

This simple, fragrant essential oil imparts feelings of warmth and happiness while helping to eliminate toxins and address a wide range of common ailments.

Rose

The smell of a rose is wonderfully relaxing, and rose essential oil is even more so.  Useful for treating problems with skin disorders, its greatest value lies in its emotional benefits.  Whether you are grieving, suffering from depression or dealing with a toddler who is prone to temper tantrums, rose essential oil can help.

Jasmine

The sweet, floral smell of jasmine is unmistakable.  A favorite with many, jasmine essential oil has the ability to alleviate depression, addiction and treat menstrual-related problems.  While this is one of the more costly oils, it’s quite strong – so a little goes a long way – and its benefits outweighs it price tag.

Patchouli

The warm, rich fragrance of patchouli essential oil reminds many people of the 1960’s and 1970’s but it’s usefulness extends far beyond the use in incense blends.

Ylang Ylang

With an enticing, fragrance that promotes mental and emotional balance, ylang-ylang essential oil is one of the best options for easing anger, depression, and stress

Frankincense

In use for thousands of years for a number of purposes, Frankincense use as an incense to promote spirituality and focus in meditation is possibly its most well-regarded.  In aromatherapy, Frankincense essential oil directly stimulates the brain’s emotional center, soothing, and calming the mind.

Lemon

Lemon is a powerful detoxifying agent and contains high levels of vitamins and minerals.  Lemon essential oil take the power of lemon to new heights and can be used to improve one’s mood, boost alertness and treat illness.

Marjoram

Marjoram is a very popular culinary ingredient with an interesting history: ancient Greeks gave it away to newlywed couples to assure good fortune.  Essential oils made with this humble herb has a lovely, warm smell with spicy undertones.  It’s great for centering an individual’s emotions, easing pain and treating respiratory issues.

Myrrh

Considered a luxury item in the ancient world, the Egyptians used Myrrh in the embalming rites and given as a gift to the infant Jesus.  Today anyone can enjoy the fragrance and health benefits myrrh offers:  this wonderful essential oil is effective in addressing emotional and physical issues, treating skin ailments and dental issues.

Vetiver

Vetiver is a thick balancing essential oil sourced from the roots of a tropical grass.  It has an earthy, herb-like aroma that reminds me of the small of the forest in the late fall.  I use it for focus and emotional balancing during times of stress.

Clary Sage

While common garden sage is well known for its ability to add flavor to savory dishes, clary sage is best known for its medicinal values.  I use clary sage essential for hormonal issues during PMS and have recommended it to friends with menopausal symptoms with great results.  It has a pleasant, nutty fragrance that brings me relaxation during periods of intense stress.

Cypress

With its refreshing, evergreen aroma and its ability to soothe stress, ease tension, and mitigate anger and irritability, cypress essential oil is an excellent choice for you home apothecary.  Its ability to promote healing, improve circulation, and relieve cold and flu symptoms makes it even more valuable

Juniper Berry

The Juniper bush has been employed throughout ancient times for its spiritual and medicinal benefits and it’s oil continues to prove useful today.  In aromatherapy, Juniper essential oil is excellent for melting away stress and as a astringent, helps to promote healthy skin.

For cases of moderate to severe depression, professional help should always be sought. It is important to consider if you one requires professional help if the depression is overwhelming – while aromatherapy can provide support in a significant number of situations, it may not be for everyone. Essential oils can safely be used in conjunction with other treatments – consult your care giver to ensure there are no conflicts if medications have been prescribed.

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

Originally posted via my site @ Green Scene Gal,

Heartburn sucks, yes you heard me right:  it sucks!  For sufferers of a heartburn onset it can quite literally suck the life out of you.   I’ve had the experience of heartburn a few times, and let me tell you: your world quite literally comes to a standstill while you try something, anything to deal with the pain.  I’ve known quite close relatives that have had chronic issues with this condition and, at its worst, an onset can feel much like you’re having a heart attack!  With that kind of pain, it’s no wonder why people will take anything to make it go away.

Pharmaceutical companies have developed an array of prescription and OTC drugs under names like Prilosec, Nexium, Zantac, Pepcid and Prevacid to help sufferers deal with the symptoms by reducing acid build up in the stomach.  Their marketing is simple:  take a little purple pill and the symptoms goes away like magic!  Unfortunately, just reducing acid in the stomach may be covering up another underlying issue, and the laundry list ofside effects can be long and scary.    Recent studies have even found an association to anincreased risk of dementia to long term users of certain re-flux medications.  Needless to say sufferers should give some serious thought before choosing a remedy.

With this in mind I wanted to give my readers a good of what exactly acid re-flux is, it’s causes so sufferers can develop a plan for prevention.  I’ll also get into what prescription pain meds do (and don’t do) and give my recommendations for the preferred natural remedies for acid reflux symptoms.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux is a painful condition where stomach acid is able to bypass the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and move up into the esophagus.  When this condition becomes chronic you’ll hear it called  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or sometimes just Acid Reflux Disease.  People with GERD agonize through persistent reflux without an obvious trigger.  This is the feeling that many people often mistaken for having a stroke or heart attack since the lining in the esophagus is not designed to handle theHydrochloric Acid (HCl) which is the primary component of stomach acid.   Left untreated this can result in a condition known as Erosive Esophagitis, where the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed, cankerous and, if bad enough bleed.

Causes of Acid Reflux

Regular old heartburn can be caused by a number of factors.  Let’s say you decide to eat a large meal and then to take a nap (ie: Thanksgiving for me :?)  ).  In this case the stomach acid is being forced up the esophagus due to a full stomach and a reversal in gravity.  Other times it can occur by drinking a large amount of acidic or carbonated beverages. Unfortunately, your gut doesn’t know that more acidic liquid had entered your stomach and produces the same amount of stomach acid as before.  In both cases, the causes are explainable and the remedies are behavior based.

Other times the reason for acid reflux can be more difficult to determine.  Stress is one of those factors that can lead to an over production of acid by the stomach, typically if it’s consistent and high.  While this can be harder to diagnose, take note of when it happens and particularly of how you’re feeling at the time.

Prescription or OTC medications can often cause heartburn.  Make sure your taking the proper dosage and always check with your pharmacist on when to take your meds.  Some medications require that you take them after a meal, whereas others are meant to be taken on an empty stomach.   As discussed earlier, many medications have some side effects, and one of them could be heartburn.  Here again, take note of when the acid reflux occurs.  If it’s shortly after taking your medication, this could mean it’s being caused by the pills your taking.  Here’s a list of some of the types of medications known to contribute to heartburn:

• Anxiety medications
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• High blood pressure medications
• Nitroglycerin
• Osteoporosis medications
• Pain relievers

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*** Before you decide to discontinue your medication, first talk with your doctor and discuss your concerns.***

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Chroninc suffers of GERD may have other more systematic issues causing the acid reflux.  Stomach irregularities such as Haital Hernia, where parts of the stomach push up into the chest cavity.  The stomach herniates usually through an opening in the esophagus, where it can back up stomach acid into the esophagus.

Others may be suffering from the chronic over-production, or under-production of stomach acid.  Since your stomach is a delicate balance of enzymes, micro-organism and protein, the pH of your gut should be at optimal levels (between 1.5 and 3.1 pH) for everything to be in harmony.  If consistently off you may experience symptoms of:

• GERD
• Indigestion, or difficulty digesting the food you eat
• Constipation
• Treatments

Now that we understand how Acid Reflux happens, let’s talk about treatments.  Although I always recommend natural remedies if possible, it’s helpful to know what prescription-based medications are available, what they do – what they don’t do – and their side effects – so let’s start there.

Pharmaceutical Side Effects

Prescription medications are synthetically designed to handle the issue of Acid Reflux in different ways,. Products such as Gaviscon are used as a foaming agent that actually coats the interior of your stomach with a foam.  This foam floats to the top of the digestive mix and forms a physical barrier between your stomach acid and your esophagus.  While this may sound neat, the idea of some kind of a physical barrier in my stomach sounds, well:  weird.  Possible side effects of Gaviscon include diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting.  It also contains aluminum, which over time can accumulate in your bones and joints, weakening them and over prolonged used can be deposited in your brain.

H2 blockers such as Pepcid AC and Zantac approach this a different way by simply diminishing stomach acid production.  Here, once again  Proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid can also reduce stomach acid production whereas Prokinetics such as Reglan are designed to not address stomach acid, but to help improve the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter so that the acid cannot get into the esophagus. All of these have the potential to help virtually anyone diminish the amount of acid reflux that they experience, and subsequent heartburn that may be felt.  However, there are natural remedies which are not pharmaceutical based, solutions that will not have all of the side effects that may occur when using these remedies produced in a laboratory.

Natural Remedies For Improving Your LES

If you suspect your stomach acid is off, you may want to consider making some changes to your life-style or diet to manage the symptoms.

Since most acid reflux related problems occur because the lower esophageal sphincter is not doing a proper job, you can take natural products to tighten it up. Using what many consider to be a counter-intuitive solution, it has to do with drinking apple cider vinegar. Your LES will not perform properly if the body believes that you do not have enough acid in your system. Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, it will cause the LES to tighten up, preventing the gastric acid in your stomach from getting into the esophagus.

Aniseed

Like, fennel, Aniseed has a sweet, licorice-like aroma and is a popular culinary staple in India and Turkey.  Derived from the tiny seeds produced by the plants flowers, Aniseed is known to calm vertigo nausea and vomiting.

Fennel

The popularity of fennel dates back to ancient Romans and Egyptians, who used the licorice-scented herb medicinally for such ailments as earaches and snake bites, and spiritually to impart longevity, courage, and strength.  Fennel is a favorite essential oil today for its ability to minimize hunger, ease digestive problems, stimulate estrogen production, and more.

Coriander

Coriander’s famous flavor has made its way into liqueurs such as Benedictine and Chartreuse.  The plant’s seeds, which were used as an aphrodisiac by Egyptians, were found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb.  Coriander essential oil’s aroma is sweet, herbaceous, and slightly spicy, and like many foods containing this herb, it is useful for calming the digestive system.

Ginger

Ginger’s sweet, spicy taste makes it a favorite with chefs and bakers everywhere, and in its use in herbal medicine is far-reaching.  Ginger essential oil offers the concentrated power of ginger, soothing a wide range of digestive maladies, offering relief from pain, and helping alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

Peppermint

With its clean, crisp fragrance and it ability to freshen breath naturally, peppermint is a favorite with people everywhere.  Peppermint essential oil is often listed as one of the most useful essential oils available, and its ability to address a wide range of issues.  While I do suggest this oil for helping with indigestion, it may actually make GERD, worse in many instances.  I recommend trying a small diluted amount internally before using this in your daily regimen.

Other Natural Remedies

Additional remedies include eating an apple or banana, specifically bananas that are ripe, a well-known natural buffer against acid reflux.

Ginger root tea also works well, but if you are not partial to ginger-root, you can juice purple cabbage.

Instead of taking the so-called Purple Pill as prescribed by your doctor, you can instead ingest purple cabbage juice which will have an almost instant effect at not only diminishing the burning sensation, but also limiting acid production in the stomach. This works much better than Nexium for most people who would prefer not taking this highly publicized acid reflux remedy.

Chewing gum can actually prevent the development of excess acid, and should be done 30 minutes after a meal. This will prevent excess amounts of gastric juice from being produced which will essentially prevent heartburn from ever occurring. The positioning of your body after eating a meal can also diminish the potential for experiencing heartburn or acid reflux. Always keep your chin up in a seated position after eating a meal, large or small.

Go Natural, Go Green

Now that you know what causes acid reflux, and how to deal with it using both pharmaceutical and natural remedies, you can see that it’s actually much easier, and potentially safer, to use the natural treatments. It’s as simple as going to your local store to pick up baking soda, some apples, and also purple cabbage. Not only will these remedies help prevent acid reflux from occurring, but some of them are very good for you in regard to their nutritional value.

Have a question about living green?  Send me a note @ Megan@GreenSceneGal.com.  Thanks so much for reading...

What is Carrageenan and Why You Should Care…

via Green Scene Gal, a site dedicated to providing simple solutions to consumers looking products and foods free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides...

Nеxt timе you’re ѕсоорing uр some iсе сrеаm оr уоgurt, сhесk the lаbеl. Yоu may ѕее something called саrrаgееnаn liѕtеd аmоng the ingrеdiеntѕ.

Cаrrаgееnаn iѕ a natural fооd аdditivе thаt iѕ mirеd in some соntrоvеrѕу. It’ѕ uѕеd рrimаrilу tо thiсkеn аnd ѕtаbilizе foods аnd iѕ fоund in a range оf рrоduсtѕ frоm сhосоlаtе milk to ѕоur сrеаm.

Sоmе studies hаvе found that саrrаgееnаn аnd ѕimilаr-tуре еmulѕifiеrѕ triggеr inflammatory diѕеаѕе. In ѕоmе аnimаl studies, the additive has bееn linked tоdеѕtruсtivеgаѕtrоintеѕtinаl iѕѕuеѕ inсluding inflammatory bowel disease аnd роѕѕiblу еvеn tumоr рrоduсtiоn.

“Cаrrаgееnаn predictably causes inflаmmаtiоn, which can lead to ulсеrаtiоnѕ аnd blееding,” noted carrageenan rеѕеаrсhеr Jоаnnе Tobacman, M.D., аѕѕосiаtе professor of сliniсаl medicine аt thе University оf Illinois Sсhооl оf Mеdiсinе аt Chiсаgо.

Tobacman’s previous research wоrk ѕhоwеd a соnnесtiоn between саrrаgееnаn and gastrointestinal саnсеr in lаb аnimаlѕ. Shе’ѕ сurrеntlу ѕреаrhеаding research fundеd thrоugh thе Nаtiоnаl Inѕtitutеѕ оf Health thаt is invеѕtigаting саrrаgееnаn’ѕ effect оn ulсеrаtivе соlitiѕ and оthеr diѕеаѕеѕ likе diаbеtеѕ.

Yеt other rероrtѕ and ѕtudiеѕ hаvе shown there is nо viаblе соnnесtiоn between саrrаgееnаn аnd health risks.

What dоеѕ carrageenan dо?

Carrageenan is derived frоm rеd seaweed. It’s аddеd to some fооdѕ аnd drinkѕ, еѕресiаllу dаirу products, fоr ѕеvеrаl mаin reasons.

• Tо thiсkеn: Mаnufасturеrѕ mау inсludе саrrаgееnаn in lоw-fаt оr no-fat fооdѕ likе соttаgе сhееѕе or sour cream аѕ a substitute fоr fаt. It thickens them, making thеm creamier and helps thеm taste fuller.
• Tо ѕtаbilizе drinks: Sоmе bеvеrаgеѕ like сhосоlаtе milk оr ѕоmе ѕhаkеѕ will ѕераrаtе if thеу aren’t ѕtirrеd оr ѕhаkеn. Adding саrrаgееnаn kеерѕ the drinkѕ ѕtаbilizеd ѕо you dоn’t hаvе to ѕhаkе thеm before уоu drink thеm.
• To help fооdѕ gеl: Thе аdditiоn of саrrаgееnаn can hеlр custards, рuddingѕ аnd рiе filling firm uр аnd tаkе ѕhаре.

Whеrе уоu might find саrrаgееnаn

Cаrrаgееnаn iѕ most common in dairy products, but it may аlѕо pop up in ѕоuрѕ, frоzеn dinnеrѕ аnd сhосоlаtе bars. It’s also uѕеd in some tооthраѕtеѕ, lotions, ѕhаmрооѕ аnd еvеn реt fооd.

Carrageenan is реrmittеd in оrgаniс fооdѕ. Thе U.S. Dераrtmеnt оf Agriculture’s Nаtiоnаl Orgаniс Stаndаrdѕ Board iѕ ѕеt tо vоtе оn whether it should bе removed frоm organic рrоduсtѕ in 2017.

If уоu аrе соnсеrnеd аbоut саrrаgееnаn in your diet, there are a fеw ѕtерѕ you can tаkе.

• Chесk thе lаbеl. Carrageenan muѕt bе listed in the ingrеdiеntѕ if it’s in a рrоduсt.
• Look it up. Thе Cоrnuсорiа Inѕtitutе, аn оrgаniс wаtсhdоg grоuр, keeps a ѕhоррing guidе tо hеlр реорlе lооking to аvоid саrrаgееnаn.

Health Risks: Summary

It hаѕ been known thаt саrrаgееnаn can cause inflаmmаtiоn and ulceration. Althоugh dеgrаdеd саrrаgееnаn iѕ wоrѕе fоr уоu, the fоrm uѕеd in fооdѕ today iѕ ѕtill bad. In fасt, digestion аnd mechanical processes in the body саn асtuаllу dеgrаdе the form уоu аrе еаting. Thiѕ mаkеѕ thе effects more hаrmful tо уоur bоdу. If уоu саn, аvоid еаting thiѕ food аdditivе. Take a look at the ingredient liѕt nеxt timе you аrе buуing уоur dаirу рrоduсtѕ likе сосоnut milk аnd iсе cream.

Subѕtitutеѕ fоr Cаrrаgееnаn

If уоu are trуing tо avoid саrrаgееnаn, уоu can uѕе аltеrnаtivеѕ options like ѕоу milk, аlmоnd milk, сhосоlаtе ѕоу milk, rice milk, оаt milk, hеmр milk еtс that are free of Carrageenan.

References:

1. http://www.cornucopia.org/shopping-guide-to-avoiding-organic-foods-with-carrageenan/
2. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x5822e/x5822e05.htm
3. http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/carrageenan-natural-ingredient-you-should-ban-your-diet
4. https://www.ams.usda.gov/?dDocName=STELPRDC5103690