Incredibly Easy, DIY, Toxin Free Hand Sanitizer - Yes you can!

Incredibly Easy, DIY, Toxin Free Hand Sanitizer - Yes you can!
Incredibly Easy, DIY, Toxin Free Hand Sanitizer - Yes you can!
Are you a zero entry person?

I am a zero entry kinda girl. I search for ease. 

I crave simplicity, the easy way, if it's to complicated... I'm out!

I look for recipes, and tasks with short (and not too many) steps, simplistic directions. I guess it's my nature... but I also think it's my desire for time freedom

Time is the one commodity we cannot make more of. We can make more money, but precious time, once that minute is gone, it can't be gotten back. 

So, what I'm trying to say is...

Yes you can make better choices... I promise it's not hard! Or time consuming!

Why hand sanitizer? Well, because of the pandemic, hand sanitizer has become even more of an everyday item. An item that contains ingredients like triclosan. 

Triclosan - Recent studies have also found that Triclosan interferes with the body's thyroid hormone metabolism and maybe a potential endocrine disruptor. Children exposed to antibacterial compounds at an early age also have an increased chance of developing allergies, asthma and eczema. 

When avoiding asthma triggers, and in the interest of doing better for your general health, it's best to avoid products with triclosan. Hand sanitizer being one of the most popular offenders!

I use a plant based hand sanitizer with essential oils and high quality ingredients, but if I run out before my monthly wellness box arrives, I'll whip up a batch of DIY hand sanitizer... so stinkin easy!!!

DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe: 

Ingredients: 

Organic Aloe Vera Gel 

Clove, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Lemon Pure therapeutic grade Essential oils 
Isopropyl Alcohol or Grain Alcohol (Like Everclear)
Optional - Healthy fatty oil like jojoba oil or Avocado oil 

How to make it:
  1. Fill tube mostly with aloe vera gel (I eyeball it) - you can get the tubes I use here (pictured below)Or the more traditional tubes here. 
  2. Add a splash of alcohol, I add just a few drops.
  3. Add 2 drops of each Essential Oil, or as many as you'd like. I use Thieves blend, which is these 5 oils combined and formulated for efficacy.
  4. Shake until combined.
Thats's it! See, super easy! And the best part is no asthma triggering triclosan! 

I make this hand  sanitizer in this video! Just click the graphic below!


If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not. 

We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor. 
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

xoxo Liz

Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!

Could Amino Acids really HELP?

Could Amino Acids really HELP?
Could Amino Acids really HELP?

When Dan and I began our health journey it started with food. As time when on it turned into supplements, then cleaning up our home environment. The journey became a gradual effort that resulted in Dan saying good bye to his asthma meds for good. 

Yes. Read that again.

Dan said good bye to his asthma meds.... for good. 

Here's Dan with our youngest daughter. 

As we began sharing our asthma recovery story, we wanted to pinpoint what exactly was most integral, for Dan, in weening off of his inhalers. 

Side note: Dan did not intentionally ween off of his asthma medications... he would forget to use them because he felt so good, and one day he announced,
 "I haven't used an inhaler in weeks!" 
That's when we realized we were onto something amazing!

ONTO AMINO ACIDS!

As we incorporated more supplements into our daily lives, we included drinking a wolfberry purée drink and adding in an organic form of natural, plant based sulfur powder. We also take a sulfur supplement, in capsule form every night. Both of these nutritionals are fabulous amino acids! 

Amino Acids are amazing for decreasing inflammation. 
Why would someone with respiratory issues (or anyone for that matter) want to decrease inflammation? 

Amino Acids, because of their anti-inflammatory properties, may ease asthma symptoms. 
Ani-inflammatories stops the lungs from swelling and narrowing when a trigger is present. 
This swelling and narrowing of airways makes breathing difficult! 

So now rather than using a long-acting bronchodilator, we manage Dan's pulmonary disease with daily sulfur supplements. In fact, when presented with a trigger, we've made our wolfberry drink with sulfur, rather than using a fast acting rescue inhaler. 

The best part of Dan getting off of his medications, was no more side effects. 
There was a time that Dan was extremely angry, irritable and down right intolerant. I would walk on egg shells because he was quick to shift into a foul mood. His temperament did not make for a loving marriage, and I wondered why he was so miserable and what was the root cause. 

I go into more info about the side effects Dan suffered in my Asthma Medication Side Effects post. 

Nowadays, Dan is full of love and joy and has an incredible zest for life! I can honestly say he is  completely different now. The debilitating effects he suffered are gone and instead of fearing a breakdown in his system as he ages, Dan embraces building strength, endurance and wellness!

If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not. 

We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor. 
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

xoxo Liz

Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!

Save Money and Breathe better with Wool Dryer Balls!

Save Money and Breathe better with Wool Dryer Balls!
I've talked recently about asthma triggers, and one of the WORST offenders are dryer sheets. 

Dan and I were standing in Whole Foods last week, and suddenly we were bowled over by the smell of dryer sheets! I turned to Dan and asked, "Is someone doing laundry?", we then both looked over at the woman who had just passed by us... she left a trail of toxic fragrance in our wake! She must have used way more than one dryer sheet! 

I usually smell dryer sheets on people at the airport, while scanning carry-on luggage. One or two people need to open their suitcase, and the freshly washed, and dried laundry wafts out a fragrant over load of toxins. 

I also notice it in our neighborhood. I'd love to track down exactly the homes using dryer sheets and leave them a basket filled with wool dryer balls... like the Laundry Bunny! Ha!

Have you heard of wool dryer balls? Not only are they non toxic... they are better for the environment! Way less waste! Wool dryer balls can last up to a year! And they are super affordable! And reduce drying time so they save on energy costs too!

Theses are the Organic Wool Dryer Balls that I get. Click the image for product details and to purchase.

Here are some interesting points I learned about dryer sheets (and other laundry products)

☢️Forty-four percent of scented laundry products tested spewed at least one carcinogenic hazardous air pollutant. Some of these include acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde.

☢️Some of the more immediate dangers of synthetic scents in laundry products include migraines, asthma attacks, eye and throat irritation and contact dermatitis.

☢️In one mice study, fabric softening products triggered limited airflow and pulmonary irritation in the animals studied. (7, 8)

☢️In 2009, nearly 10 percent of the general U.S. population reports irritation from scents coming out of dryer vents. By 2016, that number increased to more than 12 percent.

☢️In a study focusing on hormone disruptors and asthma triggers in everyday products, Silent Spring Institute researchers found dryer sheets contained some of the highest concentrations of harmful fragrance chemicals. Compounds like acetyl hexamethyl tetralin, isobornyl acetate and phenethyl alcohol also turned up.

☢️According to EcoWatch, dryer sheets often contain quaternary ammonium compounds, which can trigger asthma attacks. These cautoionic fabric softeners also routinely trigger reproductive toxicity in animals. Acetone in the sheets can trigger dizzy spells and headaches. Aside from that, up to 10 percent of a dryer sheet’s weight could be comprised of fragrance chemicals.

☢️Dryer sheet “grades” vary greatly. Some “F” products contained quaternary ammonium compounds compounds due to their well-known asthma-triggering properties. Other fabric softening compounds routinely used in dryer sheets are considered toxic to wildlife.

Breathe well and take care. You can change your reality one step at a time. 

If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not. 

We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor. 
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

xoxo Liz

Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!

The mystery of Dan's Itchy face.

The mystery of Dan's Itchy face.
Itchy face.

For years and years, I would joke with my husband Dan, that I was allergic to him. Sounds crazy, right? I honestly, truly thought, I must have some sort of an allergy to him! 

Here's why...

After any type of passionate smooching, my face would be as red as a beet. I assumed, it was the natural oils from his, wiry, black facial hair and skin.  

This silly joke continued for as long as I can remember. 

One spring morning, our oldest daughter, Avery, woke us up, by bounding into our bedroom and announcing, "Good morning mommy, good morning daddy!".
 I invited Avery to come snuggle with us as we slowly entered the day. She happily joined us as we hugged and kissed our precious girl. 

Dan was kissing Avery and rubbing noses with her. She giggled,
 "daddy, your beard is tickling me", 
so of course, he continued to amuse her with his stubbly facial hair. 

A few minutes later I noticed that Avery's face was all red! Just how my face gets, when I kiss Dan! So I did what any logical, I mean silly, person would do... 

I joked that Avery is also allergic to Dan! 

We got a chuckle out of my declaration, and continued on with our day. 

The redness both Avery and I experienced would subside quickly, so we never gave it much thought, beyond my silly joke. 

UNTIL NOW.

As I prepare to teach many others who are suffering from respiratory illness and other bioaccumulation symptoms, this memory came to the front of my mind.

I can not remember the last time either Avery or myself have experienced a red face after kissing or snuggling with Dan. In fact it's been years! 

It wasn't Dan's hair or skin that causing the irritation... IT WAS HIS AFTERSHAVE AND COLOGNE!

It's quite remarkable that years later, I finally figured it out!!!

As you begin to rid your home and yourself of toxins, keep in mind, the little things that contributed to your triggers, and how it will play a part in your own recovery story. 

Oh and that word bioaccumulation? Bioaccumulation is the gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. Even though our bodies have a detoxification system, when we are overloaded, symptoms, and triggers will show up. 

If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not. 

We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor. 
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

xoxo Liz

Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!

What are some Asthma Medication Side Effects to Watch Out For...?

What are some Asthma Medication Side Effects to Watch Out For...?
When we started our natural health journey, I didn't realize the affect it would have on Dan's Asthma Recovery. Quite honestly, I didn't know asthma recovery was a thing! 

When I met Dan, I saw his as a strong, powerful, confident man. Everything you would think of when it comes to bravery and male prowess. I have to admit, I was surprised when I came to find out he had been pretty ill as a child! 

I never really thought of Dan's asthma as a big deal. He had his inhalers/medications, and I just assumed, he was managing his disease just fine. Right?

WRONG! 

The side effects of Dan's asthma medications put a tremendous strain on our relationship. 
Here are some of the symptoms that he suffered: 

1. Depression

This is the symptom that can spark the others. Depression is no joke and can cause all sorts of issues for both the person attempting to cope and the people who loves them. Depression is more than feeling bumbed out or down in the dumps. The following 7 symptoms, for us, were clues that dan was suffering from depression. 

2. Anger

This one is ugly. I couldn't understand why Dan seemed to suddenly dislike me. It was as if I killed his beloved pet. Perhaps I am being dramatic. In all seriousness, it is painful to go back to the time when I believed he had no love for me. His anger was there all the time. I walked on eggshells not wanting to set him off. I want to be clear that Dan was still a good husband. He is a wonderful cook, takes care of the house and the laundry, while I work. He has always supported me and would die for me. But at this time in our marriage, I could not figure out why he seemed to become so upset so quickly, almost daily. 

3. Irritability

The irritability was there... All. The. Time. If there was something that day, that didn't go exactly according to plan, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Next would be the negative comments, complaints and grumbles, and from that point on, at least for the foreseeable future, there was this incredible tension. Life was no longer fun. 

4. Feelings of impending doom

I can't say that Dan felt like he was going to die, or that the sky was falling... but this showed up more like, fear of loss of income, not being financially secure, and feelings of desperation. Any challenge that came our way was a big deal. Life felt overwhelming, for both of us. And he continued puffing on that inhaler day in and day out. As these symptoms mounted, his frequency of use increased. 

5. Mood swings

When we would have happy moments, they almost always ended with the conversation taking a turn and the negativity arising. Dan is a surviver. As a child he insisted on not letting his diagnosis beat him. Looking back, I think the depression, feelings of doom and irritability, made him angry. He was frustrated with his unhappiness and couldn't figure a way out. For a strong and powerful being, like my husband, this had to be scary, frustrating and made him feel weak, not in control. 

6. Intolerance

Dan had intolerant behavior. Things had to be a certain way or he would spiral into all the other feeling we discussed earlier. I began to notice friends and family would avoid Dan, and would only have light small talk with him. 

7. Aggressive behavior

Another symptom of a symptom... aggression is a good one to recognize in anyone, child or adult. This can look like negativity, quick movements, yelling, and being always on the offense. It's interesting, when I would bring this behavior up to Dan's mom, she would just shrug it off, saying, "He was born grouchy". Hmmm, maybe it was the nebulizer treatment he received just hours after birth? 

8. Temper Tantrums

These times would be when I wanted to put Dan in time out and give him a reset. Instead these would turn into arguments, that went on and on. It was exhausting. Nothing ever was resolved because this was an overload of frustration from all of the above. 

9. Leg cramps
Oh the leg cramps! They would show up in the middle of the night and awaken Dan out of a sound sleep! Imagine the worst charley horse ever! He mostly got them in the hamstring or the calf. I would literally have to stand on the muscle to release the cramp. Ouch!
10. Cramps in the hands

As a professional musician, the cramps in the hand are not only painful, but impacted his career.  These cramps weren't just painful, but would impede mobility and distort the shape of the hand, until the cramping subsided. 

There are many other symptoms out there, and they can be different for everyone. The bottom line is recognizing that both behavioral changes and physical changes can be side effects of meds, is a HUGE step in starting your own recovery journey. 

If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not. 

We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor. 
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

xoxo Liz

Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
asthma, asthma recovery, respiratory illness, respiratory disease, pulmonary disease, copd, inhalers, asthma meds, asthma medications, asthma medication side effects,
 
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