By Rebecca Potter

Are you one of the 50 million people in America who has arthritis? Have you ever tried a holistic program to help?

Incorporating a holistic program involves looking at the root cause of arthritis and proactively making changes to help the body heal. In the case of arthritis, the inflammation of the joints is caused by malnutrition and poor circulation. Certain other factors like age, weight, joint injuries, infection, and repetitive motions (occupational or at home) can increase risk and severity of arthritis. A holistic program would look at all of these factors and make positive changes to help the body work towards wellness.

Cleansing

Arthritis is a toxic condition of the body, so a cleansing and detoxing must take place of the excess uric acid, calcium deposits, and waste products in the body. Uric acid is formed when dead tissue isn’t produced into urea properly to be eliminated. Excess uric acid and waste matter are deposited into the joints causing pain and inflammation.

A fantastic cleanse is Dr. Christopher’s Extended Herbal Cleanse with The Lower Bowel Formula, The Liver and Gallbladder Formula, The Kidney Formula, and the Bloodstream Formula. These formulas will help heal these organs and systems so they can function properly, open up the eliminatory channels to remove toxins, and purify the blood. Constipation will make the pain and stiffness of arthritis worse, so cleansing the system will address this root cause to eliminate it. Chaparral and sarsaparilla are also wonderful blood purifying teas.

Nutrition

Do you know the foods that are the worst contributors to arthritic calcification? They are meat, eggs, milk, bread, salt, sugar, and hard water with inorganic minerals. When incorporating a holistic program for arthritis, the less of each of these that are consumed, the better. Foods that will help are plenty of whole fruits and vegetables, whole live and sprouted grains, raw nuts and seeds and about a gallon of distilled water a day. In addition, juices that are specific for helping arthritis are a celery and cucumber mix, carrot, endive, and apple.

Herbal Supplements

An effective formula that attacks the cause of arthritis is Dr. Christopher’s Joint Formula. This is comprised of hydrangea root, Brigham tea herb, yucca root, black walnut, lobelia, burdock root, sarsaparilla root, cat’s claw root, celery seed, nettle leaf, wild lettuce, valerian root, white willow bark, cayenne, and black cohosh root. Whew! What a team of powerhouse herbs!  If used consistently over time, the herbs in this formula will detoxify the blood, help dissolve calcium deposits, relieve pain, provide good sources of natural calcium, kill fungus and infection and really help rebuild and heal the tissues and joints for optimum health.

For even more natural calcium, Dr. Christopher’s Herbal Calcium provides assimilable calcium (and the magnesium and silica needed to absorb it) from horsetail grass, nettle leaves, oatstraw herb, and lobelia. In addition to supplying the body with much needed natural calcium, this formula will help relieve pain and help prevent the free-radical calcium in the bloodstream from being deposited in the form of cysts and calcium deposits.

Another fantastic formula for use with arthritis is Dr. Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone Formula. The healing herbs in this formula are white oak bark, marshmallow root, mullein leaves, black walnut leaves, gravel root, wormwood herb, plantain, lobelia, skullcap, lungwort, slippery elm bark and aloe vera. This formula will help remove inorganic mineral calcification and replace them with organic minerals, relieves pain, and provides the nutrients that the cells and tissues need for proper healing. 

Some of the specific actions these herbs have on arthritis are the following:  White oak bark is an astringent herb that tones the tissues and provides potassium chloride, which helps keep fibrin in motion, preventing further deposit accumulations. The mullein and lobelia are gland healers, so they help detoxify the lymph system so it can carry off waste more effectively. Skullcap helps the spinal cord function properly to assist with nerves and motion. Comfrey is a cell proliferant that helps cells heal, helps the body rid itself of dead cells and accumulations, and provides natural calcium. Gravel Root is an excellent solvent that acts on inorganic calcification buildup.

One of the best herbs to use for arthritic pain is cayenne. Dr. Christopher’s Cayenne Heat Ointment helps relieve pain when rubbed on skin and joints. Adding cayenne to teas and foods is also very helpful as it will increase circulation and is the number one unblocker for bodily systems. If ever using heat to help with pain, make sure to always use moist heat, such as a hot water bottle wrapped with a damp towel, since dry heat solidifies inorganic minerals, but moist heat helps disperse them.

So what does a holistic program look like for you? If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with me, I’d be happy to discuss an individual program that fits your needs. My goal is always to empower people and educate on the various aspects of natural healing that are within our grasp so we can we prepared for anything anytime.

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Also See:

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Rebecca Potter is a lifelong student of herbalism, a lover of herbs and natural healing. She feels passionately about sharing her knowledge and experience with herbs to empower all to achieve the greatest possible health potential. She received her Master Herbalist degree from The School of Natural Healing, and teaches herbal classes in her local area of Salt Lake City. In addition to her herbal classes, Rebecca enjoys doing personalized herbal consultations, is involved in an integrative health clinic, and performs a variety of key functions at Essential Survival, LLC. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iheartherbs for tips and ideas on herbal healing and nutrition.

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 These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

Spring has definitely sprung, and someone has gotten that memo to insects of all types!

In today’s episode of Essential Survival TV, I demonstrate how to use Purification oil for insect bites and stings as well as to repel insects naturally and without chemicals!  I also give a recipe for making your own homemade flea collar with Purification oil and a few other natural ingredients!

Keep yourself, your children, and also your pets safe from bug bites all spring and summer long!

Watch HERE!!

- Julie =)

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

Last month I did something I like to do once or twice a year — I spent ~10 days doing the Lemonade Cleanse!  I do this cleanse for a number of reasons, supporting my health over the long-term being the #1 goal.  This go around, I ended the cleanse a day and a half early.  I needed to be back on regular foods by Thursday when we headed off to the Great Utah Preparedness Expo.

I always lose a decent amount of weight while on the cleanse — usually about 10 lbs — and then gain a good amount of it back when I go back on food.  With this most recent cleanse, I estimate I have a net weight loss of about 2-3 lbs.  But what is most exciting to me is all the toxic gunk I purged from my body, and the fact that my appetite since finishing the cleanse is more even (ie I don’t feel like eating as much food, especially junk foods) and I am focusing on eating a green smoothie and a big green salad every day (among other things).

Regular cleansing can be hugely beneficial, both in the short-term and long-term, to help give your digestive system a vacation and detox your body at the cellular level.  Spring and Fall are the most ideal times for cleansing.

My article today goes along somewhat with the topic of cleansing, but not so much on the topic of health.  It’s totally not on the topic of medical preparedness.  For my hard-core prepper readers, I ask that you just ignore today’s article.  I promise you that next week I will be right back on topic!!

I share this information for anyone out there who would like to lose some extra fat and/or cellulite and/or enhance their bustline in a way that is totally safe and waaay less expensive than the alternative!

Get Rid of Cellulite & Excess Fat with Essential Oils

Option 1:  A few years back I came across a study showing that grapefruit and cypress essential oils diluted and applied on areas of excess fat such as the belly, rear end, and thighs 2x/day and 5 days/week helped people to lose inches in those areas over a period of 6 weeks.  You can see an abstract of the study here — http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17615482.

Option 2:  More recently I have come across another interesting regimen in which you add ten drops of  ledum oil into a bottle of Citrus Fresh and each night apply a few drops topically on areas where fat shrinkage is desired.  For enhanced effect, wrap a layer of plastic saran wrap over these areas.  Also, make homemade capsules with 10 drops each of grapefruit oil and take before bed each night.  One woman who shared her story with this regimen said she lost 3 inches of fat from her waist in 6 weeks.

This regimen helps fat cells to shrink by detoxifying the body from nasty petrochemicals which are often stored in the fat cells.  Make sure to drink plenty of water and be prepared to pee a lot!!

Option 3:  Young Living Essential Oils founder Gary Young has taught about how to do a weight loss wrap.

Make the following essential oil blend –

30 drops ledum

15 drops grapefruit

10 drops lemon

10 drops lemongrass

10 drops cypress

4 oz. V-6 oil

Apply this mixture liberally on all parts of the body (except chest and face), especially areas where fat loss is desired.   Then wrap up tightly with ace bandages then Saran wrap.  Wrap up tightly in warm blankets (have someone help you) and keep on for 1 hour.  Drink 16 oz. of lemonade from the Lemonade Cleanse before hand.

I did this wrap when I was on Day 8 of the Lemonade Cleanse.  I didn’t notice a difference, but it could be because I had already been detoxifying my cells intensively for 8 days.  Others have remarked that they have lost inches with this wrap.

Option 4:  Last but not least, Young Living’s wonderful Cel-Lite Magic massage oil can be massaged into areas of excess chub to help promote fat cell shrinkage and the dissipation of cellulite.

For best results with any of these body sculpting ideas, make sure to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.  You may want to do the Lemonade Cleanse or 5-Day Nutritive Cleanse for enhanced detoxification and weight loss.  I have found that after cleansing, I naturally feel like eating healthier foods.  And as I already mentioned, I am down a couple of pounds from where I was a few weeks ago.  My appetite is less so as long as I continue on this path, it is likely I may drop another couple of pounds in the coming months!

Enhance the Bustline with Essential Oils

I’m not a superficial person — I promise!  I am totally against advertising and other types of things that make women feel badly about themselves and their bodies.  But I came across something that even though I’ve only used it a few times, my husband (and myself) really have noticed that it has worked to naturally enhance my bustline!

So, here it is.  I found that applying 1-2 drops each of SclarEssence, fennel, cypress, and geranium essential oils to my chest has worked for me for bustline enhancement!  SclarEssence and fennel both have strong estrogenic properties, and cells in the breasts have tons and tons of estrogen receptor sites.  Cypress oil helps with circulation, and geranium oil helps balance the female energies and may improve how one feels about being a woman.  I have not been diligent with this regimen, and I estimate that you can try it out a few times per week.

I have to be honest that I don’t know if women with or at risk for breast cancer should be using these oils regularly on their breasts.  I would at least add frankincense oil to the mix as it has anti-cancer properties if you are concerned about breast cancer.

Other things to do for breast health are:

• Stop using antiperspirants and switch to all-natural deodorants.   Antiperspirants clog up the sweat glands and inhibit the body’s natural detoxification routes.  Sweating is healthy and good for you.  Young Living’s AromaGuard deodorants are made with all food-grade ingredients and won’t keep you from sweating, but will make your sweat smell nice!

• Stop wearing underwire bras.  I just did this recently.  There are actually some great bras out there now without underwires, which can cause the lymph to become congested and potentially lead to breast cancer and other breast issues.

• Stay away from mammograms, and instead opt for thermography which doesn’t pump harmful radiation into the breasts and is much more effective at detecting tumors!

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Most women naturally desire to be as beautiful as they can be.  Our society today has taken that desire and twisted it, and as a result we see some women and girls who have become obsessed with their appearance.  I hope that the information I have shared in this article helps women experience greater joy in their own skins as we remember that it should never be necessary to compromise health for beauty!

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Julie Behling-Hovdal is a reflexologist/holistic healer and founder of Essential Survival where she teaches people how to prepare for the #1 cause of death in the event of an economic collapse — lack of access to medicines.  In 2005 Julie was able to get off 4 prescription drugs and heal from a 6-year stint of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia with products from Young Living Essential Oils. Get a free copy of her report “Fast Track Survival Medicines” at http://essentialsurvival.org/fast-track-survival-medicines/.

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Statements made about the essential oils that come in the Essential Oil Survival Kit and and other products offered by Essential Survival have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

What would you do if someone you love experienced something traumatic and went into shock, and no medical help was available?  While I always recommend seeking medical attention, if available, for serious injuries, the good news is that there are natural remedies for shock that are simple and easy to use.

Watch today’s episode of Essential Survival TV where I show how to use essential oils including vetiver oil, a “shock tea” with cayenne pepper, and acupressure for shock!!

Watch HERE

Be healthy & well, and be prepared to handle shock on your own if need be with Mother Nature’s medicines!

- Julie =)

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

By Rebecca Potter

What would you expect an herb to be called that brightens the eyes? If you guessed “eyebright”, you guessed correctly! Combine eyebright with bayberry bark, goldenseal root, cayenne and red raspberry leaves and you’ve got one powerful formula for eye health! These herbs not only brighten the eyes, but they also tackle the big stuff like cataracts, sub-retinal hemorrhage, eye pain, blindness, nearsightedness, farsightedness, eye inflammation, macular degeneration, healing scar tissue, increasing eye circulation, and helping to reduce glaucoma and floaters. This is the formula you want for pretty much anything that can go wrong with the eyes. It is known as Dr. Christopher’s Herbal Eyebright Formula.

Eyebright has been the herb of choice for the eyes for centuries. It falls into a category of herbs called ophthalmics, which are herbs that heal disorders and diseases of the eye. Did you know herbs got that specific? The Latin name comes from the Greek word meaning ‘gladness’. In Germany, it’s called Augentrost, which means ‘consolation of the eyes’. In the 14th Century, it was known as the herb that ‘cures all evils of the eye’, and was an herb in a medicinal water they made to ‘clear a man’s sight.’

The reason eyebright works so well is because it is a tonic herb, and has anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and astringent properties. In using it, you will also find benefits to the upper respiratory tract as well for the same reason. Eyebright will heal and strengthen all of the tissues within the eye, or if they are too tight, eyebright will help loosen them. Whatever needs fixing, it will take care of it! It also will provide some nutritious vitamins and minerals for the eyes that might be seriously lacking.

As amazing as one herb is, the synergistic combination of eyebright with the rest of the herbs in Dr. Christopher’s Herbal Eyebright Formula (available in extract or capsule form) is even more incredible. I had read all the miraculous healing stories of this astounding formula, and I wanted to put it to the test. When I moved into the home where I now live, I noticed that my neighbor’s dog, Simon, had a huge, quite ugly, inflamed stye on his eye which I knew must hurt and annoy him, and block his sight. My neighbor had been giving him antibiotics for 7 months without them making a bit of difference. I asked if I could try the Herbal Eyebright Formula on his eye and she said yes. She went out of town the next day and said she would return in 2 and a half weeks.

Simon on July 2

Every day I put a few drops of the tincture mixed with warm distilled water onto his eye. A few days later I was overjoyed to find that the stye was shrinking! Wow, that was fast! I continued what I was doing, and when my neighbor came back into town, the stye had almost disappeared! She was incredulous! I was so happy that it had worked so fast, and Simon and I are bonded for life now because of it. My neighbor took Simon to the vet shortly thereafter and the vet was also totally amazed and asked, “What have you been using on his eye?!” My neighbor told her about the herbal formula and I hope she continues to spread the good news! The best news is that Simon’s stye is 100% gone now, and he’s one happy dog! (Eyebright living up to its name of ‘gladness’). I’ve also since used this formula myself, and I can tell that it is comprised of very powerful cleansing and strengthening herbs, and my eyes feel wonderful afterwards!

Simon on July 18

If you need some help for a particular eye problem, I know of no better formula than Dr. Christopher’s Herbal Eyebright Formula. Combine it with Dr. Christopher’s Sinus Plus, and then you’ve really got something going! You can use the Herbal Eyebright Formula externally as an eye wash as well as take it internally as a tea. Even better would be to get the elimination channels open and cleansed out, change the diet to be only healthy, life-sustaining foods, and drink plenty of distilled water. You don’t need to eat a pound of carrots a day for your eyes to enjoy the benefits, (although you surely would see amazing benefits!), but including these specialized herbs and lifestyle changes would make a huge difference.

A huge difference is just what one couple experienced when they took their baby to see Dr. Christopher many years ago. He had been born with no optic nerves and couldn’t see. Dr. Christopher knew that this case seemed impossible. But he recommended giving the baby the Herbal Eyebright Formula internally and used as an eye wash, and hoped for the best. He also recommended the Ear and Nerve Formula be taken internally and dropped into the ears, as well as some cleansing an dietary changes. Six months later, the parents attended a lecture that Dr. Christopher was giving and brought their son who had perfectly normal sight. Dr. Christopher, and the parents, were elated. (More gladness!)

Of course this outcome cannot be guaranteed for every case, but natural healing is always worth a try, and you never know what miracles might happen. Our eyes are precious to us. They give us the gift of sight and are the window to our souls. Let’s all make sure we take care of them daily, and if disaster strikes, we are even more prepared to protect one of our most valuable assets.
 

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Also see Natural Solutions for Vision & Eye Disorders

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Rebecca Potter is a lifelong student of herbalism, a lover of herbs and natural healing. She feels passionately about sharing her knowledge and experience with herbs to empower all to achieve the greatest possible health potential. She received her Master Herbalist degree from The School of Natural Healing, and teaches herbal classes in her local area of Salt Lake City. In addition to her herbal classes, Rebecca enjoys doing personalized herbal consultations, is involved in an integrative health clinic, and performs a variety of key functions at Essential Survival, LLC. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iheartherbs for tips and ideas on herbal healing and nutrition.

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 These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

1 in 5 Americans suffers from seasonal allergies.  Are you one of them?

In today’s episode of Essential Survival TV I demonstrate how to use lavender oil for allergies.  Young Living’s therapeutic-grade lavender oil has helped me, my mother, and several clients of mine get relief from allergies, get off allergy meds, and save money in the process!

Watch the episode HERE!

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

Upwards of 7-8% of the population will suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at some point in their lives.  Rather than relying on potentially harmful drugs that can never heal the root trauma, there are a number of natural solutions that can be immensely helpful for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In today’s episode of Essential Survival TV, I talk about a few natural remedies and demonstrate how to use essential oils and acupressure.  Each of these natural remedies for PTSD can also be very helpful for depression or anxiety.

Watch the video HERE

For more information on natural solutions for depression, anxiety, and mental illness in general as well as the serious risks associated with antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic drugs, please listen to my recent interview with Dr. Ann Blake-Tracy of the International Coalition for Drug Awareness.   I am making this recording available to the public for free for the next while as I believe she has crucial information on the topic.  Click HERE to listen.  The password is getoffdrugs.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

By Rebecca Potter

From disorders of the nervous system to mental and emotional issues, it’s no fun when something gets on our nerves!  Did you know that there are very specific star performers in the herbal world for rebuilding and healing the nerves? And boy do our nerves need some TLC! Quite often our nerves are quite literally raw like uninsulated electrical wires. When they “short out”, we get a whole host of nervous problems.

How do our nerves get to this frayed state? One of the biggest reasons is that they aren’t getting the proper nutrition they need. Unhealthy eating habits poison the nervous system with irritating acids that cause inflammation and things like sciatica. In addition to that, two big offenders have a huge impact on the nerves: sugar and caffeine. They both leach calcium from the body, especially from the nerve sheaths.  The more calcium is leached from the nerves, the more energy and power they lose.

Another reason our nerves become shot is due to stress. Big surprise, right? As we are faced with daily stress and “fight or flight” situations, our sympathetic nervous system kicks in attempting to protect the body and the organs. The parasympathetic nervous system tries to bring the body back into balance, but quite often due to constant stress overdrive, this system is out of balance, and you find yourself only able to react with anger, anxiety and aggression. The body still believes there is an emergency and responds accordingly, but the nerves pay the price. So let’s nourish and rebuild those poor nerves!

Herbal Formulas that Soothe the Nerves

One of the greatest herbal formulas for feeding and healing the nerves and nerve sheath is Dr. Christopher’s Ear and Nerve Formula. Why does this formula work so well? Blue cohosh, black cohosh and blue vervain happen to be specific for nourishing and rebuilding the nerves in the motor-nerve area in the medulla and upper cervical areas. Skullcap is fantastic at rebuilding the spinal cord. Lobelia is an antispasmodic herb that also acts as a catalyst for the others. Together these herbs have the power to rebuild a shattered motor nervous system and spinal cord, allowing the body to work so much better on so many levels.

There are two forms of this herbal combination. The Ear and Nerve Formula is in a base of pure grain alcohol and is used in the ears (along with oil of garlic) as well as massaged into the medulla (base of the skull) and upper cervical area, and can also be taken in a little water. Dr. Christopher’s Nerve Formula is in a vegetable glycerine base and is usually used for internal use only. Both forms of this formula have also been used to help hearing loss, earaches/infections, tinnitus, hiccups, removing warts, nervous disorders, poor equilibrium, and as an aid for epileptics.
The above nerve formula works particularly well with Dr. Christopher’s Relax-Eze, which nourishes and rebuilds the rest of the nervous system. For complete nerve healing, combining these formulas will yield wonderful results. Relax-Eze is made of black cohosh, cayenne, hops flowers, lobelia, skullcap, valerian, wood betony and mistletoe.In addition to feeding and healing the nervous system, nerve sheath and capillaries, these herbs reduce nerve irritation, calm the nerves down, help with spasms and tics, and relieve pain. This is available in bulk form, as an extract and in capsules.

One particularly interesting case Dr. Christopher experienced was resolved with just one dose of this formula. A woman who suffered severe insomnia would only sleep 30 minutes at a time, then pace up and down for hours, then sleep again for a few minutes. This went on all night every night, and had a terrible effect on her life and family, who actually wanted to have her committed to a mental institution. One night Dr. Christopher made her a cup of Relax-Eze tea, and within a few minutes, she got very tired. She went to lie down, but her husband knew she’d be back in 15 minutes. But she didn’t return. The next morning her husband called Dr. Christopher to tell him that for the first time in years his wife had slept all through the night and was still sleeping! Success at last! Incidentally, that woman was a teacher, so I’m sure her students were also very grateful to see a whole new side of her that morning!

Other herbs and formulas exist to help different areas of the body affected by nervous disorders. Dr. Christopher’s MindTrac Formula helps the brain to function properly and focus, and it also has a calming effect on the nervous system. Dr. Christopher’s Adrenal Formula rebuilds and heals the adrenal glands, thereby helping the whole body deal better with stress. Sedative herbs such as red clover, St. John’s wort, valerian, and yarrow, among many others, are wonderful as calming teas. If there is a nervous disorder resulting from a deficiency in organic salts, kelp is the herb of choice to replenish the natural iodine and balance the system. Iodine allows the body and mind to calm down as nervous tension is allayed.

Other Tips for Nerve Health

Other important things you can do to keep your nerves in tip top shape include keeping your stress level down, getting enough sleep, sunlight and exercise, deep breathing, walking in the grass with bare feet to release pent up electricity, avoiding drugs to stimulate or sedate the nerves, and eating well with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

The body isn’t designed to be in high stress mode all the time, nor are the nerves designed to take the brunt of all that stress. Take care of your nerves with proper nutrition, herbal supplements and lifestyle changes, and you’ll find they’ll take great care of you back. When real emergencies do hit, you’ll be so much better equipped to deal with them with a cool head.

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Also See:

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Rebecca Potter is a lifelong student of herbalism, a lover of herbs and natural healing. She feels passionately about sharing her knowledge and experience with herbs to empower all to achieve the greatest possible health potential. She received her Master Herbalist degree from The School of Natural Healing, and teaches herbal classes in her local area of Salt Lake City. In addition to her herbal classes, Rebecca enjoys doing personalized herbal consultations, is involved in an integrative health clinic, and performs a variety of key functions at Essential Survival, LLC. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iheartherbs for tips and ideas on herbal healing and nutrition.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

Have you ever had that uncomfortable feeling that you were about to throw up or needed to run to the toilet come at a really inopportune time?  Peppermint essential oil has saved me from a number of such situations.

Watch this week’s episode of Essential Survival TV to see me demonstrate how easy it is to use peppermint oil for not only nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but a number of other digestive concerns as well!

This is one oil you will never want to be without!

- Julie =)

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.

In 2008, the average American spent $616 on personal care products.  Unfortunately, most of that spending was for toxic products that contribute to asthma, hay fever, rashes, organ damage, hormone imbalance, and even cancer.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and whatever we put on our skin can be absorbed into our bloodstream to be carried to every cell of the body. On daily basis, most Americans are literally poisoning themselves with their personal care products.

Whether you are serious about avoiding the scores of potentially harmful chemicals in commercial personal care products, you are serious about preparedness and want to be able to take care of personal hygiene in the event of a disaster scenario, or both, pay attention!  You can take care of most basic personal care needs using just a few oils from the Essential Oil Survival Kit or healthy, natural, and effective personal care alternatives from Young Living!

Here are a few personal care items used by the majority of Americans, some of their non-so-nice ingredients, and the natural and effective alternatives that I recommend –

Commercial Antiperspirant –

Aluminum — A toxic substance that prevents perspiration and may contribute to the development of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Parabens — Preservatives that can disrupt normal hormonal function.

Propylene glycol — A humectant or wetting agent that is essentially antifreeze, and can cause organ failure.

Fragrance — Any number of 4,000 chemicals, most of which are synthetic,  cause irritation to the central nervous system (and some of which are cancer-causing).

Natural Deodorants —

• For a 100% natural, non-toxic, and low-maintenance deodorant, apply a couple of drops of Purification oil to the armpits each morning.  You will still sweat, but the Purification will keep you smelling fresh!

• Try the Aromaguard natural deodorants (Meadow Mist or Mountain Mist) from Young Living.  These are my personal favorites for an effective and completely non-toxic alternative to antiperspirants and commercial deodorants.  Not only do they work fabulously, but you could snack on them will no ill effect if you wanted to!

Commercial Toothpaste —

Fluoride — An ingredient of rat poison that not only may not help to strengthen teeth, but has been linked to dental florosis (chalky or brown discoloration and even brittleness of teeth), lowered IQ, hindered thyroid function, gastrointestinal issues, and even cancer.  Fluoride was reportedly added to the water in Nazi Concentration Camps as well as the Soviet Gulag (labor camps) to make the prisoners more complacent and easier to control.

Propylene glycol — See above.

Sodium lauryl sulfate — A harsh detergent and engine degreaser commonly found in many personal care products that can cause eye damage, depression, and diarrhea.  When mixed with other chemicals, it can form nitrosamines that are cancer-causing.

Artificial colors — Made from coal tars, are carcinogenic and irritating, and can cause oxygen depletion.

Natural Toothpaste  —

• Make your own natural, non-toxic toothpaste with a tsp. of baking soda and 3-4 drops of Thieves oil.  You will be amazed at how clean your mouth feels!!  For children, use less Thieves oil.

• I personally use the non-toxic Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste on a daily basis, and my teeth have never been cleaner!  I don’t have to worry about calling the Poison Control Center if I accidentally ingest it (which is what the warning label on most toothpastes say to do).  Incidentally, you don’t have to swallow your toxic toothpaste for it to get into your bloodstream as most everything we put in our mouths are readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Commercial Lotion/Skin Cream –

Mineral oil — A toxic petroleum by-product that coats the skin and clogs the pores, blocking the body’s natural route of detoxification through the skin.  It can contribute to premature aging and has been linked to cancer.

Propylene glycol — See above.

Fragrance — See above.

Artificial colors — See above.

Natural Lotions and Creams  —

• Add a drop of essential oil to a small amount of sesame or olive oil, and massage into the skin morning and night.  Use frankincense on the face for anti-aging and sun damage reversal, or lavender for all skin types including acne-prone skin.  This is one of my best-kept skincare secrets!!

• I also use the Lavender Hand & Body lotion and the ART Skincare line from Young Living for healthier, more youthful skin and without all the garbage.

Commercial Shampoo/Conditioner –

Sodium lauryl sulfate — See above.  Also note that sodium lauryl sulfate can cause hair loss — not exactly the type of ingredient you want in your hair products!

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine) — Chemicals that can disrupt normal hormone function and can form carcinogenic nitrates and nicrosamines when combined with other chemicals.

Fragrance — See above.

Natural Shampoo/Conditioner  —

• Make a paste with 1 Tbsp. baking soda plus 2 Tbsp. of water and smidgen (less than a drop) of either lavender or peppermint essential oils.  Touch a toothpick to the outer rim of the essential oil bottle, and mix in the small amount of essential oil with the baking soda and water.  Work the paste through your hair, and rinse.  To moisturize dry hair, before shampooing massage a couple of tablespoons of olive oil plus 1 drop of lemon essential oil into your hair and scalp, cover with a shower cap, and let it soak in for 30 minutes.

• My favorite natural shampoo and conditioner are made by Young Living — the Copaiba Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner.

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As you can see, there are ways to replace toxic personal care products on any budget with natural alternatives that often work even better than their toxic counter part.  Have you tried essential oils for personal hygiene?  I would love to hear about it!

- Julie =)

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Also see:

Truly Natural Dental Care

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Julie Behling-Hovdal is a reflexologist/holistic healer and founder of Essential Survival where she teaches people how to prepare for the #1 cause of death in the event of an economic collapse — lack of access to medicines.  In 2005 Julie was able to get off 4 prescription drugs and heal from a 6-year stint of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia with products from Young Living Essential Oils. Get a free copy of her report “Fast Track Survival Medicines” at http://essentialsurvival.org/fast-track-survival-medicines/.

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Statements made about the essential oils that come in the Essential Oil Survival Kit and other products offered by Essential Survival have not been evaluated by the FDA.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician.