Kids...

Ever since my twins were born 8 years ago, I've been SUPER conscious about not only what goes IN their bodies, but also what goes ON their bodies.  Almost more concerned about them than myself. WHY?  Because they deserve a fighting chance to remain as healthy as possible, given all of the toxic bombardment they receive on a daily basis elsewhere.  

This article in particular hit home, because I am currently expecting our love child, and will be thrown into this world again!  It's a nice, gentle reminder of what is to be avoided.  #3 in particular is the MAIN reason I created RubyBlaise Essentials.  I started massage school when the twins were only 10 months old, and this is when my eyes were opened to the HOLISTIC world, and I haven't looked back since.  I'm so thankful that I was able to learn SO much I had no previous knowledge of.  I immediately started buying products that were as natural as can be for my two preemie loves.  And to this day- I don't think they have ever been sprayed with that chemical-laden Coppertone sunblock, or have used flouride toothpaste (yes, I get odd looks from the dental hygienist, but I don't care).  Just a few of the many feats I'm really proud of.  

Unfortunately, at every school they have attended (from Mommy & Me class to elementary) they come into contact with "unnatural" hand sanitizers & cleaning products (which I'm working on trying to change).  Anti-bacterial soaps galore are in pretty much every public bathroom known to man, which is sad.  It's frustrating that I can't protect them 24/7, but as long as I'm doing my best to keep the toxic, unnatural, chemicals our of our home- that's all I can really do.  

If you are a parent, know a parent, or are soon to be come one, like I am again... please read this short list and keep it in mind when you are shopping for YOUR loves... YOUR kids!  Thanks for reading.

http://www.rodale.com/healthy-baby-products?page=0,1

Avoid artificial fragrances

I've said it before, and I'll say it again- fragrance is POISON!  Please read this article below and PLEASE think twice before purchasing a product with the term "fragrance", "parfum" or "perfume" on the label.  This is one of the MAIN reasons I do what I do.  I feel it it is SO important to educate the public about these toxic ingredients they may use every single day, which builds up in your body over time.  I only share because I care :)

Some of the key points that stood out from this article are:

"It is estimated that 95% of the synthetic fragrances on the market today are derived from petroleum by-products."

"These chemicals are found in artificially scented air fresheners, soaps, detergents and cleaners, deodorants, lotions, perfumes and other common products."

"Many of the chemicals used to formulate certain aromas are actually petrochemicals."

Some effects of using products with these ingredients:

-developmental abnormalities in the fetuses of exposed mothers

-phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and suspected carcinogens.

-an elderly woman lost her life after a toxic blend of cleaning chemicals was used in the bathroom of a fast food restaurant. Several others exposed were hospitalized

-common symptoms of exposure include ear, nose and throat irritation, nausea and headaches.

http://www.naturalnews.com/033634_fragrance_chemicals.html

How to use Essential Oils

I'm often asked, "how can I use my essential oils?"  So, I thought I'd come up with a short list to help you realize how you can do this more often.  

Aromatherapy-

Direct inhalation: directly inhale the oil from the bottle

Diffusion:  use diffuser to disperse oil in a micro-fine vapor into the air.

Humidifier:  fill a humidifier with water then place a tissue or cloth, sprinkled with a few drops of oil, in front of the escaping vapor.

Steam:  place a few drops of oil in hot water, cover your head and the container with a towel, and breathe deeply and slowly.

Purchase: only products you KNOW are made with 100% pure essential oils, such as our Mists & Jars (soy candles) & Bars (soaps).

Topical application-

Direct:  essential oils can be applied directly to the crown of the head, to the temples, behind the ears, over vital organs, to the feet (No Fungus or Imminuty Boost Foot Mists are good examples), and many other locations.  Dilution may be required.

Massage:  essential oils can be used before, during or after therapeutic massage.

Perfume:  with natural, earthy, and exotic aromas, essential oils can be worn as perfume.  Many people wear our mists as perfumes or colognes as well.

I hope this was helpful to you.

Detoxify your home with natural alternatives

Did you know almost ALL essential oils are antibacterial & antifungal?  Why use synthetic chemicals (such as Triclosan) which is known to destroys both good & bad bacteria & due to its overuse has now created resistant strains of bacteria. It also disrupts normal steroid hormone balance & thyroid function which accelerates aging and depress the CNS.

Please read more below- and most important- read those labels to make sure the products you are using everyday DO NOT contain this harmful ingredient.

http://www.naturalnews.com/033296_home_care_products_chemicals.html

Poison is in your perfume

Another GREAT resource (www.naturalnews.com), where I find really informative articles.  The article in the link & posted below, is short but sweet- and another gentle reminder to really take a good look at the ingredents in the products you wear on a daily basis (even the "natural" ones).  Whatever you do, don't blindly purchase something without reading the ingredient list FIRST.  Don't get sucked in by the slick marketing words that may appear on the front of the package.    The part that makes me the most upset is the fragrance in products marketed towards BABIES.  Not really fair. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/033329_perfume_toxic_chemicals.html

(NaturalNews) As lovely as your favorite fragrance may smell, there's a good chance that it's a toxic chemical concoction of poisons. The ingredients used to make perfume and cologne don't stop at natural spices and pure essential oils (no matter what those romantic commercials on your TV may imply).

The list often includes formaldehyde, toluene, methylene chloride, benzaldehyde, petroleum, and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to a wide range of damaging symptoms, including respiratory problems, nervous system issues, reproductive issues like infertility, and various forms of cancer. Phthalates are also known to be endocrine disruptors. These harmful effects have the most impact on young children and developing fetuses. In fact, pregnant women have been advised to avoid the use of perfume altogether due to these ill effects on unborn children.

But the range of products that these synthetic poisons contaminate goes far beyond your most cherished night-out-on-the-town scent. "Fragrance" is a common ingredient in air fresheners, cleaning products, lotions, cosmetics, shampoos, and sadly enough, baby products.

Under the guise of trade secrecy laws, companies are not required to inform their health-conscious consumers what ingredients are actually in this empty word- fragrance.

So how do you protect yourself and your family?

Read ingredients labels! Become familiar with the names of these adverse chemicals and don't buy products that are made with them. The sweet connotation that you may have associated with your favorite perfume will change drastically once you learn what its regular use actually does to your body. Everyone wants to smell nice, but is it at the expense of your health and your family's?

Read those labels to get a better idea of what's in these magic potions you're spraying on yourself. If the ingredients are not clear and straight-forward, but rather hidden under the catch-all term "fragrance," be very suspicious!

Skin Deep Cosmetics Database offers an online resource where you can look up the ingredients in your favorite perfumes. You'll find that the most popular brands are also often the most detrimental.

Be proactive about researching the chemicals in the products you use. Perfume, air fresheners, and lotions just won't smell as good anymore once you really know what's in them.

written by: Melanie Banzer