Alternative Cold & Flu Remedies (Reviews)

The past few weeks have really done a number on our household, in terms of colds and flus!  Not fun!  While I've never been too big on using medicines, I have enjoyed experimenting with essential oils this year.  Previously I never really put too much weight on them to even try, but I figure since I been using them for the emotional things I've been studying, why not really put them to the test?  Here's what I've found works.

For the stomach bug:

(photo source/purchase link)

I used DigestZen a few weeks ago, when the 24 hr. stomach bug hit *each*and*every*person* in*our*house* over the course of a week.  Some of my kids thought it was too "cold" on their bellies.  (This is likely due to the peppermint.)  For me, it didn't cure me instantly from the bug, but it did help to ease some of the discomfort left in its wake.  Digest Zen contains ginger, peppermint, tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise.  We use this in the place of Tums for occasional stomach upset as well.  (5 Mint Oreos!)

For the common cold:

(photo source/purchase link)

Breathe is a doTERRA proprietary blend, and contains laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and ravensara oils.  If my kids can handle the cool feeling of the peppermint, I'll rub this on their chest or neck to help clear their airways.  It also helps to rub this on the K-27 points (accupuncture/pressure points), which are just under the neck and collarbone area, just beyond the "U" shape under your neck.  (It's often tender, if not massaged regularly.)  Rubbing these areas helps stimulate the lymphatic system, and will help heal your body quicker as well.  Adding Breathe is a super-healthy plus to kick healing into gear. 

You can also rub this on the neck, or even under the joints of the toes, as those are reflexology/zone therapy points for the neck area.  It could also be added to a vaporizer or humidifier, or diffused in the air for added benefits.  (4 Mint Oreos:)

For ear infections:

(photo source/purchase link)

Melaleuca is great for a quick solution to ear pain, and even infections, according to Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Terapeutic Use of Essential Oils.  Put as little as one drop on a cotton ball, and insert barely into the ear (do NOT press into ear canal).  You could rub some of it behind the earlobe as well, on the mastoid bone.  It could also be diffused in the air, if the ear is too sensitive, or applied to the pinky and ring toes as well. (Have not tried personally yet, but hear it works.  I'd try this before putting something less natural, or potentially more damaging into my precious ear canal.)

For prevention:

(photo source/purchase link)

Purify is a great "sanitizer".  It's got lemon, lime, pine, citronella, melaleuca and cilantro oils in it, and can act as a sanitizer for both hands and other non-living surfaces.  Someone recommended this to me this week in the place of hand sanitizer, which dries out my already dry hands way too much to even bother with.  I haven't enjoyed the smell as much as I enjoy Bath&Body Works' sanitizer gels, but I've heard this has been used in hospitals to sanitize against Mersa, which is apparently very difficult to eradicate.  Worth a try!  (Sorry, can't rate w/ Oreos yet...)

Also for prevention is OnGuard.

(photo source/purchase link)

DoTERRA sells OnGuard oil, OnGuard throat lozenges, and even OnGuard hand soap.  It's got wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary oils in it, and can be a bit hot on the skin or in the mouth, for those who are sensitive.  I usually blend this with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) so it doesn't burn, or I'll crush the lozenges into smaller pieces so I can tolerate the burning a little better.  I prefer to use OnGuard in cough drops rather than the sugar loaded ones I've used in the past.  4 Mint Oreos!

With a lot of these oils, it's very difficult to know how effective they are.  Just like eating junk food, one often doesn't see the results right away, but after long term use, you see the adverse side affects.  I'm starting to see more and more side affects from medicines in those around me.  (ie –antibiotics help kill bacteria, but they also mess up the good bacteria in the gut.  People then often eat yogurt, which increases mucus, which can often lead to more illness.  A continuous cycle, sometimes.)  I hope that by using more natural solutions, I can avoid those negative side affects in my family's health.  

Comment question!  Have you ever used essential oils?  Do you prefer natural alternatives to medicines?  What has been your experience? 

~Jen:)

Disclaimer: I do sell doTERRA CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) essential oils, and while I have the opinions shared, they do NOT substitute for medical advice, and if followed, should be done at your own risk.  Be sure to see your doctor or homeopath for unique advice for your situation, as I am not a doctor or a homeopath.  I was not compensated for this review, and all opinions are mine.  However, if you'd like to learn more about these oils, or even purchase some, feel free to contact me via my email at jenheadjen [at] gmail [dot] com, or view my doTERRA site at www.mydoterra.com/jenkindrick. :)

A Kindle? Never!

A few years ago my sister-in-law was telling me about this new "Kindle" device.  It ran around $300+ and was supposedly the hottest thing EVER!  I was really skeptical.  Why would anyone pay so much for a book reader, when they can buy so many books for that much?  And what about the novelty of feeling the paper in your hands?  Or the sense of accomplishment on seeing how many pages you've conquered in a short sitting?  Oh, no.  I could never use one of those wicked, wicked gadgets.

But then I got one for Christmas.  I wasn't even asking for one!  My mom saw a deal on one on Black Friday, and asked, "Do you think Dan would like a Kindle?"

"Oh no.  No, no, no, don't spend that much money.  That's kinda ridiculous."

Then I opened my presents on Christmas and beheld.  A Kindle.  With a keyboard.

(photo source)

Seriously???  I didn't know if I should be ecstatic or ashamed.  My mom spent $300 for a Kindle???  And for me???

Well, I had this internal debate for awhile.  I was really excited about the prospect of reading more books, but I never really paid attention to what a Kindle could do.  Why do I want a Kindle?  Should I just pass it along to Dan?

After carefully opening the package (in case I needed to return it), I charged it.  Read half the owner's manual, and was hooked.  A Kindle does SO much!!!

Here's what I discovered.

• It has storage space for at least 2,500 books.  2,500!
• I can download many of the classics, plus lots of other random books for free.  Like the Gettysburg Address.  Often authors will offer free copies of their books here too.  Like LDS author Rachel Nunes is currently offering 1,000 free copies of one of her books.  (Even w/o a Kindle, you can download the Kindle App, and read these things for free on your computer, smart phone, or other gadgets!) 
• Some versions (like mine) have wifi capabilities (the "whispernet"), so I can buy a book online, and it automatically can be downloaded straight to the Kindle.  No wires.  And the wifi is always free on this version.
• I can convert PDF files to be read on it.  There's a way (although I have yet to do it) to convert even blogs to PDF files to be "whispered" straight to the Kindle.  
• The Kindle Keyboard allows you to highlight (via underlining), write notes, and more.  You can set it so you can see others' highlights too.  
• The settings can be changed so that the orientation is any direction you want it.  Well, except for diagonally.  (See picture below.)

And my favorite part...

• When I'm sitting on my towel at the beach ready to relax/go to bed/decompress, I can read it with ONE hand.  No laying on my side, propping up one arm somehow while it holds open the covers of the book.  No pressing open pages, to read closer to the spine of the book.  It makes arm strain while relaxing almost non-existent.  It weighs very little, and can easily be held upside down, while laying down.

The only cons I found was when I compared it to the newer versions, which had color, and apparently back light.  I love reading in the car after dark on road trips, and since this has "ink" technology, there is no backlight.  Granted, I believe the ink can be reversed, meaning I could read white on black, or black on white.  But I would still need a night light to read in the car, after dusk.  It's set to look just like the pages on a book, so just like a book, you would need a source of illumination.  And I figure if I wanted color, I'd buy a netbook or iPad.  At the price the Kindle Fire was running, you might as well.

Beyond that, I am beyond being in love with this device.  I highly recommend that if you love to read, like I do, this is a SUPER investment.  It is super-thin, slips easily in my purse, and ebooks are a TON cheaper than hard copies.  You can share files with up to 5 of your friends, so if anyone wants to share books with me, drop me a line!

5 Mint Oreos!  This one's awesome!
~Jen:)

Comment question: Do you own a Kindle?  Would you own one if you could, or are you a hard copy junkie like I was?   

A Cheaper Alternative to Lorna Doone's

One of my favorite things to keep on hand for days recovering when I've been sick is mild crackers, cookies, and jello.  I'm not sure that it's the best for my stomach, or how healthy it is, really, to eat these things.  But one from all of those three things is always hard to keep on hand.  It's the Lorna Doone's shortbread cookies. 

(photo source)

(I just found one website selling these in a 1.5 oz. pack of 120 for $53.95.  Before I noticed there were 120 packs involved, I kinda thought they were out of their minds!) 

Anyways... every time I'd see a package at the grocery store, the cheapest I could find was about $3.84, and the package would be annihilated, unless I hid them.  It seemed like a lot to pay for a small pack of mild cookies.  But then I found these!

Stauffer's Shortbread Cookies.  They run only 94¢, and taste EXACTLY the same as Lorna Doone's.  I have to wonder if they sold the recipe or something.

Stauffer's is a company based out of fabulous York, PA.  The package states that they're "Made in USA", which is a plus to me, considering that most cheaper alternatives end up being foreign made confections.

Delicioso!  Love them.

5 Mint Oreos!
~Jen:)

Comment Question: Do you love Lorna Doone's, like I did?  Would you try these out?  What's your favorite mild cookie? 

Sunday Gratefuls: the Unexpected

This week was full of unexpected events.  It started early-early Monday morning, when my youngest got hit with a stomach bug.  Two sheet/blanket/pajama changes later, we were all back to sleep.  When he woke up a few hours later, all seemed well.

Two days later, his oldest brother woke up with congestion.  He was sick in the bathroom a little, but I thought his sensitive gag reflex was just overacting.  I sent him to school, only to have him call a few hours later.  It wasn't just his gag reflex.  But after a few hours of mom time plus cartoons, he, too, seemed to be fine.

The next day, the little diva in our family got off the school bus looking green in the gills, and within an hour, I was equally green.  Seriously?   

Between that bus stop and five hours later, I thought I was going to die.  People say the brain controls the majority of our body's functions, but let a stomach bug hit, and no matter what my brain said, my stomach was in control.  I was not moving.

Why is this a problem, besides the obvious?  Dan was out of town, and when mom's sick, who watches the kids? 

Thankfully, the unexpected joined the unexpected.  Many little miracles popped up, and today, I'm grateful for them all.

A friend, helping watch my kids while I ran an errand before I got hit with it.  Another friend, taking my son to his favorite activity of the week: Cub Scouts.  A family member, feeding, bathing, and putting my kids in bed (none of which are stress-free) when I could not move.  Another friend, bringing me stomach aids in the aftermath.  And then was the blessing of what seemed like unexplained patience, sent from on high, when we were all recouping, but needed groceries.  Me plus four otherwise rowdy kids survived Wal-Mart in Utah on the busiest day of the week (in Utah)... Saturday evening, 5-7pm.

So I'm grateful for the unexpected blessings.  I know when I put my trust in God, He comes through.  Not necessarily how I expect, either.

A few other random gratefuls:

(Me, Bway-in + bunny ears)

• we get to celebrate my youngest's birthday this week!  Happy Birthday "Bway-in"!!!  He's one sweet little boy.  And definitely entering the "twos"!

(I searched high and low for the scene from the opening of their show, where they're doing the "beachwalk".  Who didn't try the beachwalk after seeing that? photo source)

• Davey Jones and his awesome musical talent.  So glad for the gifts he shared with the world. 

•  a friendly checker & manager at Rite Aid.  Made my trip smoother, cheaper, and faster.

• the 26 (well, 25 if you don't count me) of Nerdbook friends who liked my JenHeadJen Nerdbook page.  If you're reading, all the invites were personal, done click by click - I don't spam my whole address book - so it was really stepping out of my comfort zone, asking each of you to "like" the page.  I only asked those who I thought might be interested in reading, and each one was done while thinking of your personality, the past we have (good and bad:), and whether or not I thought you'd appreciate the invite or not.  I really appreciate your support.  (Anyone else is welcome to like it at facebook.com/jenheadjen.  If I get up to 30, they let me view the page stats.  Yay.  ha! ;) 

• Dan got a call for an interview with the assistant to one of our favorite national (and perhaps international) "celebrities", to work as an intern.  Scheduling has been tricky, so the interview has yet to transpire, but just the opportunity, or the response to his resume, was really exciting.  It was a great morale boost.  Made me scream and jump around a little. 

 What are you grateful for this week?

~Jen:)
xoxo

We Lived in Heaven, by Sarah Hinze Review & Giveaway!

How many of us have heard of the word "near-death experiences"?  When I was in high school, I was fascinated by the bestseller, Embraced by the Light, by Bettie J. Eadie, and have since continued to be fascinated by those who have had visits from beyond the veil.  Imagine my joy when Tristi Pinkston asked if I'd want to review this book.  It's right up my alley.  Of course I want to review it!

(click here to purchase paperback, or here to purchase Kindle version)

We Lived in Heaven is a beautiful compilation, not of near-death experiences, but of "near-life experiences".  As the cover states, it contains "Spiritual accounts of souls coming to earth", as in "pre-birth" experiences.  There are dozens of them in this book, each one unique and with its own style.  The author, Sarah Hinze, has spent years studying these experiences, and me having the opportunity to review these accounts has been a blessing.

Since each account is written by the one who experienced it, the writing style of each account is full of its own unique flavor.  One of my favorites was about a child named Irisna, and her father's beautiful experience with her before she was born.  His experience was full of vivid color, love, and joy.  Reading these many experiences is also exciting to me, because it not only shares spiritual experiences, but it allows the reader to learn about the nature of life before we came here.  It seems to be different for each person, but there are general commonalities that are truly wonderful to learn about.  (I would share more details, but that ruins the fun of reading it yourself.)

There are three things I do want to share about this book and its author.

One, is that these experiences happen not only to birth parents, but also to adoptive parents.  Beautiful, beautiful stories of anticipation, hope, sacrifice and faith.

Second, this book would make a great gift for someone who's expecting a baby, or considering getting pregnant.  It holds an excitement with it that I've rarely seen.  I was thrilled for many of these parents, to learn more about their soon-to-be-born children.  Absolutely lovely!

Third, as I was reading this book this past week, one of my friends (not knowing I was preparing to do the review in a week) randomly posted this on her Facebook wall:

"Personally, I had 3 miscarriages between Summer and Spencer. Sarah Hinze's work/stories have been the best thing for me and have helped me understand the specially tailored to me reasons for my miscarriages. Hope it helps someone else. 2 posts in particular are geared toward miscarriages 'Miscarriage and Regaining Hope' and 'Heaven is for Real'. sarahhinze.com"

Is that not one of those "small world" experiences?  A little too random to not be considered a miracle.  Thanks, Kathy, for allowing me to share! :)

Sarah has privileged us with a copy for one lucky reader!  (Thank you, Sarah!)  Here's how to enter:

Simply leave a comment in the comment field.  I don't care too much what your comment holds, but do try to be thoughtful. ;)  If you need help, here are some potential questions to answer:

• Have you ever heard of pre-birth experiences?  What has been your impression?
• Have you experienced a pre-birth experience, like I've described?  How about a near-death one?
• Do you believe in such things?

 For bonus entries, you can do any of the following.  (And I hope you do!:)  Please leave a separate comment for each item you complete.

• Share on your own blog.  Leave a link to the post for me to check out. 
• Share in person, by email, or on the phone with a friend. Let me know how you did.
• Explore the author's website.  Share with us some of the other services she offers.  (There are many!) 
• Share this contest on facebook, twitter, or other social network of choice.  Let me know which one you chose.
• Click the "Join this Site" over to the left.  (Where all the pictures of other bloggers are.:)  It lets me know this is getting attention!  If you just joined, or already "follow", let me know in a comment.

The contest will run through next Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 6 p.m. MST.  (If you don't want to wait, you can purchase the book here.)  I'll announce the winner on the comment thread, so be sure to click "Subscribe by email" after you post, so you can know if you've won!  (Or just check back and see.:)

5 Mint Oreos!  A wonderful book to have in the home.
~Jen:)

FTC Disclaimer:  All thoughts and opinions of this book are strictly my own, and I was not compensated in any way beyond a free copy of the book for review.