Pad rash is also called contact dermatitis, period rash, sanitary pad rash, napkin rash, vulvitis and intertrigo rash. It is caused because the pad is irritating the skin.
Color - the skin of the area may look different than normal. It could be pink or red or dotted. Because the area has a darker color than most of the skin on the rest of the body a change in skin color may not be noticeable. The darker the skin color the harder it may be to visibly detect a rash.
Itching - the area may have subtle to intense itching that may vary in intensity at times. If changing the sanitary pad does not completely remedy the itching you may have pad rash in the area.
Swelling - the area, or parts of the area, may have swelling.
Tenderness - because the skin is irritated, may have micro-openings and may be swollen, the area may be tender.
Bumps - the area may have small bumps or raised areas from the pad rash.
These elements can be further exacerbated in 3 ways.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat pad rash!
- Choose unscented pads that are made of natural or hypoallergenic materials. Some pads may contain fragrances, adhesives, or gels that can trigger an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Organic cotton pads or reusable cloth pads that are more breathable and gentler on the skin are available and becoming more popular.
- Change pads frequently. Wearing pads creates a warm and moist environment that promotes bacterial and fungal growth, irritation and inflammation. Pads should ideally be changed every 3 to 4 hours, depending on flow and specific make-up of the pad. Pads that pull fluid away from the skin are preferable to pads where the fluid sits in the top layers of the pad construction. Some overnight pads are specifically designed to pull fluid into the pad. Bacterial growth in the blood-body fluid medium occurs continually and exponentially. The longer it is allowed to develop, the increased possibility of having pad rash as well as an infection. Even if the flow is light, it is important to change the pad frequently.
A large study found that there was a strong association between unhygienic menstrual management practices and the prevalence of lower reproductive tract infections.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear during your period. Tight or synthetic underwear can trap heat and moisture, which can worsen pad rash.
- Cleanse the vulva area gently. Use a mild soap that is pH balanced or that preferably has clean, organic, non-endocrine disrupting ingredients. Avoid using harsh or scented products that can disrupt the natural balance of the skin. Rinse the area well with warm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
- Using skin protectants and healing ointments. For some women these can be very helpful and help protect and nurture sensitive skin. For other women adding more moisture to the area is counterproductive. Often users do not realize that the skin needs to be clean and dry before using products that will help provide a moisture barrier or help heal irritated tissue. Skin products that are used on regular skin like topical steroids, calamine etc are too harsh to use on the sensitive skin of the genitals. If you believe a stronger product is indicated for your rash, it is important to consult with a provider.
- Seek medical attention if needed. If the pad rash does not improve within a few days, or if you develop signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or increased pain, you should see your provider. You may need antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat an infection. Fungus and yeast grow in warm, moist and dark environments. During your period is an ideal time for a sub-threshold yeast infection to become worse.
- Take care with your diet. Often when women are menstruating, they tend to eat more sugar and “junk” food. These dietary choices often will cause further skin irritation as well as feeding fungus and yeast. Try to eat and drink the foods and beverages that nourish your body and support your skin even during your period. Not eating high carbohydrates all month and then “splurging” on items that suddenly increase your blood sugar can significantly increase the problem.
- Period Underwear has become more popular over the last 10 years. Although the underwear may absorb 14 hours worth of flow, it is important to remember that the bacteria is reproducing exponentially from the second it leaves the body. Bacteria now have a warm, protected, blood-fluid medium to grow. Although the blood flow may be “trapped” in the material, the bacteria is not and will continue to grow, reproduce and expand until the period underwear is changed.
Experiment: wearing the pad for a few days when you are not having a period is an excellent way to determine if the specific pad is causing the issue. If you experience elements of the pad rash even though you are not having a period it is not the best product for you. If you do not have issues it does not necessarily mean the pad is not contributing to pad rash. When moisture and bloody-fluid are added to the pad it may be enough to cause pad rash with that product.
Size: pads come in different sizes just like women come in different sizes. Experiment with different sized pads to discover what works better for you to help minimize friction.
Change the size to match the activity. A pad larger than the one you wear during the day may be better to use overnight. When participating in exercise, changing your pad to a smaller one for the exercise period may help decrease the friction and chaffing. When exercising there will be sweat as well as menstrual fluid. This makes it even more important to change the pad after the exercise and wash and dry the skin thoroughly.
Brands: there are significant differences in sanitary napkin brands. One brand may cause pad rash while another brand may be fine for you.
Fragrances: although it is a great marketing angle, having fragrances in pads increases the likelihood of skin reactions. When fluid contacts the material, chemicals in the material may have increased potency to negatively affect the skin.
Washing non-disposable pads: Non-disposable pads that are environmentally friendly are becoming more popular. If you are having any irritation from their use check that your laundry detergent is free from skin irritating chemicals. Softeners and dryer sheets can also coat the cloth pad in chemicals that can irritate the skin.
One of the easiest ways to determine if you have pad rash, or something else, is to discern if you only have the rash during your period or is it throughout the month?
There are other conditions that cause similar symptoms to pad rash.
If these symptoms are present a visit to your provider may be indicated:
Sometimes women have a chronic infection that only gives them symptoms during their period when there are other limited time elements that contribute to the problem becoming worse. It is important to be aware of this possibility. If the pad rash does not go away, or improve, despite the efforts to keep the area clean, dry and without irritation from the pad or friction, you may have a chronic infection and a health provider should be consulted.
Pad rash can be uncomfortable and annoying but with a few simple steps pad rash can be prevented and addressed so there is one less problem to worry about.
]]>
In the USA, Comfrey leaf is primarily used for skin problems. It contains substances that promote new skin growth (encourages cell division), reduces inflammation, irritation, rashes, pain, and soothes bruises (blunt injuries). Comfrey leaf products can be applied topically to help scars, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes and other skin ailments.
Comfrey Leaf has an expansive variety of medicinal uses throughout the world.
Here are a few:
Comfrey root extract contains allantoin, phenolic acids, saccharides, terpenoids, fatty acids and sterols. This combination of properties is responsible for Comfrey’s significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive (pain relieving) effects. Comfrey also displays remarkable antioxidant effects which are attributed to the allantoin and phenolic acids (e.g., rosmarinic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids). Comfrey is well recognized as useful for medicinal preparations, due to their healing and therapeutic properties.
Randomized controlled trials and observational studies have shown clear evidence of comfrey benefits in ankle distortion, back pain, abrasion wounds and osteoarthritis treatment, with few adverse events reported. No adverse events have been reported when externally used; indeed, pharmacokinetic studies have reported a very low cutaneous absorption.
The use of comfrey leaf can be traced back to ancient Greece and Native American tribes, where it was known as “knit bone” or “boneset” (not to be confused with the herb named Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)) due to its ability to promote the healing of broken bones and wounds. In medieval times, comfrey leaf was used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
This perennial herb was also used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for everything from healing bone and skin to supporting lungs.
In Europe, comfrey was introduced by colonists and became popular as a food and forage crop.
Fun Fact: Comfrey is used in Romania to treat not only human conditions but also animal disorders.
Comfrey preparations, which have often been relegated to “folk lore” therapies have strong clinical records, which substantiate their longstanding traditional topical use in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, osteoarthritis (OA), back pain, ankle sprains, joint distortion, myalgia and rheumatism. Clinical effectiveness of the topical preparations has been well established through individual case reports, clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Comfrey leaves-derived extracts also displayed a great inhibition on fungal pathogens.
There are over 1000 patents that reference allantoin. It is frequently used in oral hygiene products, haircare and skincare products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The reported healing properties of comfrey are vast:
It has been used for its properties as an anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, Anti catarrhal (helps remove excess mucous from the body), astringent, sedative, expectorant, hepatoprotective (liver support), and for its support of the immune system and to enhance wound healing. Comfrey salve has been used in many cultures for its broad spectrum of skin healing properties.
Its skin supporting traits have been used for the bases of producing comfrey leaf oil, comfrey cream, comfrey salve, comfrey ointment and comfrey balm throughout many parts of the world. Comfrey poultices have been used for century to help soothe and support soft tissue and bone injuries.
Comfrey leaf is rich in allantoin, a compound that stimulates the growth of new skin cells and can help sensitive skin to become more resilient. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of allantoin can help reduce skin redness, swelling, and infection.
Some of the skincare benefits of comfrey leaf are:
Precautions and Side Effects of Comfrey Leaf
Comfrey leaf is generally safe when used topically, however, it may cause some side effects and interactions in some people when consumed internally.
Although a large amount of research has not been done, some of the precautions and side effects of comfrey leaf are:
Some preparations of Comfrey salve are made from comfrey root rather than comfrey leaves. The salves made from the roots have up to 16x more pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to the liver. This is the reason comfrey preparations are usually made from comfrey leaves rather than comfrey roots.
Comfrey leaf is a healing herb that has been used for thousands of years across the globe. As well as helping support the immune system, bone healing and the lungs, it has amazing skin supporting properties. Comfrey’s skin medicinal attributes include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent properties, as well as enhancement of cell division which aids in new skin growth. Comfrey Leaf is a gift from Mother Nature that can help moisturize, tone, clear, and heal your skin naturally.
]]>
Mullein, a most revered plant that has been used throughout time and whose uses are many, is by far one of my favorite herbs to study, harvest, utilize, and talk about. Mullein has been used for various health purposes since ancient times. Like most medicinal herbs, it has a list of names by which it has been called through the centuries. Names like candlewick plant, velvet plant, blanket leaf, Aaron’s rod, Jacob’s staff, torch plant, and our lady’s flannel to name a few.
Mullein grows well in gardens, but best in the wild in disturbed forest areas, beside streams, where floods or wildfires have been, or near roadsides where human disruption calls in Mullein to help fix the soil. Mullein belongs to the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family and is an herbaceous biennial plant. The first year it produces a gorgeous basal rosette with silvery, thick, fuzzy, ovate leaves that can reach up to 12 to 18 inches in length and the second year produces a thick stalk with lovely, sunny yellow flowers that attract a beautiful array of native insects. After the release of its seeds (sometimes up to a thousand seeds per plant which can live in the soil for hundreds of years), the plant dies, and new cycle of Mullein begins.
In this article, we will explore the history of using mullein to improve health and how it is used today around the world. The scientific name of common mullein is Verbascum thapsus L. while Verbascum phoeniceum refers to the “hybrids mixed” variety which is also called Roman Candles. There are over 200 varieties of this amazing plant and many of them have been used to promote health for over 2000 years.
Mullein has a long and rich history of medicinal use that spans across cultures and continents. One of the earliest references to mullein comes from Dioscorides, a Greek physician and botanist who lived in the first century AD. He recommended mullein for lung and breathing disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. He also described how to prepare mullein tea, oil, and syrup from the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Mullein was also valued by the ancient Celts, who used it for healing wounds associated with varicose veins and soothing skin irritations. Mullein has even been used to treat tuberculosis.
Mullein was used for various health purposes throughout the Middle Ages. Mullein was used to treat everything from earaches, toothaches, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, kidney stones and evil spirits.
Mullein was also associated with magic and witchcraft in medieval times. Some people believed that mullein could ward off evil spirits and curses, while others thought that it could attract love and prosperity.
Mullein is still widely used today for various health benefits, especially for respiratory conditions. It is recognized by a German scientific advisory board that evaluates herbal medicines, as a remedy for clearing the respiratory tract. Mullein contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and iridoids, that can reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways. Mullein also has expectorant properties, meaning that it can help loosen and expel mucus from the lungs as well as being a respiratory tonic, demulcent which is helpful in soothing irritated mucosal membranes.
One commonly missed understanding about Verbascum thapsus is that the entire plant, from the stalk, flowers, leaves, and roots, has many different medicinal uses. Some that overlap, and others that are specific to the part(s) used.
Mullein is available in various forms, such as tea, capsules, extracts, tinctures, oils, syrups and lozenges, and fresh from the garden or wild harvested (responsibly) for use as a poultice. Mullein leaf tea is one of the most popular and simple but effective ways to consume the herb. It can be made by making an herbal infusion (boiling water then pouring over the herbs and covering with a lid to keep the plant’s essential oils contained and infusing for 20 minutes or longer.). Mullein tea can help relieve coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, tonsillitis, and other respiratory problems. Mullein leaf oil is another common product that can be applied externally or internally. Mullein oil can help soothe ear infections, skin infections, wounds, burns, insect bites and eczema.
Mullein flower oil has a high amount of resin, is a general emollient and is antibacterial which is ideal for soothing ear infections as it treats both the infection and relieves the pain. Mullein flowers are also a wonderful nervine remedy for children and can help bring on sleep and relaxation if the child is experiencing pain or discomfort. Mullein oil has also been taken orally to help with diarrhea and migraine headaches. A decoction or tincture of Mullein root can be taken as a urinary tonic or diuretic and is therefore very effective in helping urinary tract and kidney infections and helps to restore proper function of the bladder muscles when incontinence is occuring. All parts of Verbascum thapsus have been described by physio-medicalist Dr. William Cook as a wonderful lymphatic system remedy by having “peculiar and reliable power.” Herbalist Jim McDonald uses mullein as a remedy for the skeletal system where the science of this particular applied medicine is newly emerging.
Mullein is used not only in Western herbal medicine but also in other traditional systems of medicine around the world. Preparations of the mullein plant have been ingested via mullein oils, lozenges, capsules and teas, applied on skin as mullein salves and oils, and even smoked for acute respiratory conditions such as cough, croup, bronchitis, sore throat, hoarseness, and bronchial inflammation where a wet cough is indicated. The smoke rapidly infuses into the lungs and relaxes the bronchioles very quickly and effectively. However, use is not recommended for those who are actively experiencing an asthma attack.
A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial in 2021 concluded that Verbascum Thapsus is effective in repairing episiotomy, which is a surgical incision, wounds. Mullein was used for the study as “the chemical structure of the Verbascum contains substances such as tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, each of which can be responsible for wound healing activities. The flavonoids and polysaccharides in this plant (Mullein) cause the proliferation of fibroblasts and connective tissue, which causes a significant effect of the Verbascum in the process of healing incisional and excisional wounds.”
For example:
Published studies and anecdotal evidence has demonstrated that Mullein is generally considered safe and well-tolerated with no reports of major side effects. Although contraindications to mullein have not been identified, it is important to remember that side effects during pregnancy, nursing and for young children have not been tested.
Because there are always risks of side effects for at least some of the population, it is worth mentioning some of the more common side effects reported from mullein:
Mullein is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries for various health purposes and one that is safe for the whole family. It is mild in taste, effective, and one that can easily be added to other herbal remedies. A large study in 2021 concluded the use of Mullein in traditional medicine as a healing plant related to various pathologies, most of them involving inflammatory processes, can be justified from a scientific point of view.
However, this conclusion is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you have any health concerns or questions about using mullein, you should talk to your provider before taking it.
]]>
Sugar scrubs are a simple and natural way to exfoliate your skin. They are made with a combination of sugar, oil, and essential oils. The sugar provides the physical exfoliation, while the oil helps to hydrate and nourish the skin. Essential oils can be added for additional benefits, which includes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin nurturing properties.
Sugar scrubs can be made at home or purchased. If you choose to make your own, be sure to use a sugar that is not too coarse, as this can irritate the skin. You can also use different types of oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Essential oils can also be added depending on the benefits you are seeking. Be sure to test the scrub on a small area of skin first to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions. Organic ingredients are preferable to ensure the best skin response with the least risk of allergic reaction. The convenience and results of purchasing an organic, specifically formulated skin scrub can make your skin transformation simple and easy.
Exfoliation is the process of removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface. This layer can make the skin look dull, rough, and uneven. The dead skin cells can also clog pores, cause acne breakouts, and prevent skincare products from penetrating deeper into the skin.
Sugar scrubs work by gently physically exfoliating the skin with their granulated texture. The sugar crystals act as tiny abrasives that gently buff away the dead skin cells, revealing fresher and smoother skin underneath. This process also stimulates blood circulation and promotes cell turnover, which can improve skin elasticity and collagen production.
Sugar scrubs offer numerous benefits for your skin, such as:
The frequency of using sugar scrubs depends on your skin type and sensitivity. For most people, using a sugar scrub once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain smooth and healthy skin. However, if you have sensitive skin or experience any irritation, it is best to reduce the frequency to once every two weeks or as recommended by an expert.
Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, redness, and inflammation. When using sugar scrubs, like most skin care products, it is better to use it less and get a better result rather than over-using and not reaching your goals.
Sugar scrubs are generally suitable for most skin types, as long as they are used correctly.
Some factors to consider before using a sugar scrub are:
Yes, sugar scrubs can be used on the face - this is where they can help release that healthy glow - as long as they are gentle enough for your facial skin. The facial skin is more delicate and sensitive than the body skin, so it requires more care and attention.
When choosing a sugar scrub for your face, look for one that has finer granules, moisturizing ingredients, and no harsh chemicals or fragrances. You may also want to do a patch test on a small area of your skin first to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions.
Yes, sugar scrubs can help with skin hydration when they contain moisturizing ingredients. Many sugar scrubs include natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin. These oils create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin soft and supple.
However, not all oils are created equal. Some oils may be comedogenic (pore-clogging) or too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin. Others may be too light or not moisturizing enough for dry or mature skin. Therefore, it is important, if you are making your own skin scrub, to choose an oil carefully based on what your skin need.
To use a sugar scrub, follow these steps:
Sugar scrubs can be used on both the face and body to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. However, be sure to use a gentle sugar scrub that is suitable for your facial skin, as it is more delicate and sensitive than the body skin.
Sugar scrubs are a simple and effective way to exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten your skin. They can be used on both the face and body to improve skin texture, reduce blemishes, and reveal a radiant complexion. However, they should be used with caution and care, as over-exfoliating or using the wrong ingredients can harm your skin.
The sweet benefits of sugar scrubs for skin care can be deliciously delightful.
]]>
Diaper rash, which is the common term for diaper dermatitis, can be a parent's worst recurring nightmare. Its global prevalence may be 50% according to some studies. In the United States, diapers dermatitis constitutes 10% to 20% of all skin disorders.
Vaseline®, and other brands of petroleum jelly, have been the go-to products for diaper rash for decades. . . but . . .is this the best choice?
Let’s look deeper into the other cons of using Vaseline® for diaper rash
Accidental consumption - as parents know, anything and everything ends up in a baby’s mouth. Diaper rash products are no exception. What is put on the baby’s skin must be safe for the baby to consume. Petroleum jelly is for external use only and should not be ingested. There is also a concern that if it gets around the baby’s nose area it could be inhaled which creates a risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Allergies - Babies can have, or can develop, allergies from petroleum-derived products. This is especially a concern if the product is being used for diaper rash as it may make the condition worse. Because there is already skin irritation the parent may not be able to determine if the petroleum jelly is making the diaper rash worse.
The use of petroleum jelly may be continuous over 2 years while the child is wearing diapers, which makes the risk of developing a petroleum based allergy a significant concern.
Infection - Petroleum jelly is primarily used to keep moisture and wetness off the baby's skin. This also means that it will prevent moisture and wetness that is already on the baby’s skin from evaporating. Most parents will not take the time to allow the skin to completely air dry after diaper removal and clean up before applying a skin product and clean diaper. Vaseline’s® website states it melts into the spaces between skin cells providing superior occlusivity. Occlusivity is defined as the ability to shut off or obstruct something. The occlusive nature of petroleum jelly makes it easy for bacteria to be trapped under the barrier and against the skin or locked into pores.
Is petroleum jelly effective in preventing diaper rash? A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing found that there was no statistically significant improvement in the prevention of diaper rash in the experimental group that used petroleum jelly compared to the control group.
Are there better alternatives to treating diaper rash than Vaseline®?
Yes!
The best solution for diaper rashes is not getting them. Keeping babies' bums clean and dry are always the most important steps for preventing diaper rashes.
But . . .
We all live in the real world and diaper rashes can appear even when parents do everything perfectly.
Finding a diaper rash product that is made only with organic, nurturing ingredients can be an invaluable tool in the battle against diaper rash.
Check this article for the differences between creams and balms.
Spoiler - Balms also provide a protective layer for the skin.
]]>Many Mom’s find that during pregnancy their nipples start changing. This can lead to cracking, dryness, soreness and itching among other symptoms. When they start breastfeeding these symptoms can become much worse affecting not only Mom, but baby too. Nipples that are painful, dry and cracked can negatively affect what should be a beautiful experience between mother and child. Nipples that are dry and cracked can allow bacteria and fungus to enter causing issues that may lead to infection.
A nipple product can help avoid these issues. It is important to consider all the ingredients used in nipple balm before deciding on which one to try. How the Mom’s skin will react to the ingredients is important, but what the baby will be ingesting when breastfeeding is equally important.
Some nipple products instruct users to completely remove the product before breastfeeding; however, as mom’s will attest to, when the baby is crying and hungry remembering that your nipple cream has to be completely removed before satisfying your child’s needs is not foremost in your mind. It is for this reason it is recommended to use a nipple product that is safe for your baby to ingest.
Gluten has received much media attention over the last few years. It is a protein that is naturally found in some grains. Gluten is also added to foods where it is not naturally occurring to enhance the texture, thickness, flavor and to help preservation.
Celiac disease, gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity are all on the rise. In the US between 1975 and 2000 there was a 5-fold increase in celiac disease. It is thought that gluten-related disorders now affect nearly 10% of the US population. It has been determined that gluten can cause damage in doses as low as 20 parts per million (1 bread crumb). Because a baby will be ingesting the nipple product thousands of times while breastfeeding, the ingredients of the nipple balm should be considered.
According to the Celiac Foundation, Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. The Cleveland Clinic reports 6% of the US population are gluten intolerant.
A double blind study demonstrated that delaying the baby’s introduction of gluten to 12 months of age significantly reduces their chances of developing celiac disease or at least delaying the onset of the disease. With celiac disease, gluten allergy and gluten sensitivity all on the rise, the importance of gluten-free nipple products is undeniable. Whether the goal is to prevent or delay the onset of gluten issues in the future; or prevent a current negative reaction to gluten, it is wise to choose nipple care products that are completely gluten free.
Learn more about gluten-free nipple care products here.
]]>Lip skin is unique! It is the thinnest skin on the body and does not have any sweat or oil glands. Your lips are always exposed to the elements. From heat, cold, sun, dry air, wind and UV rays outside, to heat, air conditioners, and dryness inside. From ice cold double chocolate chunk ice cream to hot cafe lattes. From kissing the dog, to singing happy birthday then eating the 5 alarm chicken wings to blowing 1000 good-bye kisses to your favorite 2-year-old niece, to multiple sighs of relief, to 8 hours of “sleep drool” then waking up the next day to do it all over again. . . our lips do a lot for us. Keeping the “beaming smile”, “cheeky smirk”, LOL or “knowing grin” healthy and kissable is sometimes not an easy task.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a lip balm throughout the day and before you go to bed. The usual go-to products to keep lips in good condition often contain menthol, salicylic acid, camphor, alcohols, fragrances, flavors and phenols. They may make your lips feel initially better but actually make your lips drier. YIKES! Once your lips feel dry you then use more of the product which then makes your lips even drier. This vicious cycle often goes unrecognized. Behavioral addiction to lip balm is actually a real thing that may be fueled by the resulting dryness of the products used.
The ingredients in some lip balm products may also irritate dry or cracked lips. A rule of thumb from the AAD is, “if your lips burn, sting or tingle after using a lip product, stop using that product." Nipple products, however, are designed to be gentle on nipples and the lips and mouths of newborns.
See this article on the difference between creams, balms, ointments and butters.
Cover the entire upper and lower lips with lip balm to the edges where your normal skin starts. Don’t forget the mouth corners as they often can become dry and are the first to start cracking. If you have any extra lip balm left on your finger it can be used on the web skin in between your fingers as this is another area that often dries out.
]]>
Although we are not used to thinking of men’s nipples needing extra care, men’s nipples can be dry, split, cracked, sore, bleeding, and chaffed on a short term or chronic basis. The most common terms for men’s nipple issues caused by exercise are Runner’s or Jogger’s Nipple; but they can be caused by many types of exercise or activities that are repetitive and cause the skin to rub against material. Some of these include weightlifting, surfing, swimming in chlorine (pool nipple), outdoor sports, repetitive factory work or even mechanic work while wearing a rough fabric “work shirt”.
The nipple is the small bump that is in approximately the center of the areola, which is the flat area around the nipple. Both of these areas can have issues. The nipples in both men and women have a large supply of nerves. This can cause nipples that are sensitive, dry, chaffed, cracked or spit to be painful, sore, itchy or annoying, whereas if the same skin condition occurred elsewhere, it would not be as bothersome.
There is not a "one size fits all" joggers nipple or runners nipple definition. Joggers nipple symptoms, runners nipple symptoms, and general men's nipple symptoms often include dryness, sensitivity, pain, soreness, chafing, cracking and sometimes bleeding or a friction blister. Each person may have a different combination of symptoms or severity of symptoms.
To make the subject clearer, let’s divide the causes of men’s nipple issues into 3 categories: chronic-lifelong, chronic-sustained and acute.
Some men have chronic nipple dryness, cracking, chafing and sensitivity for most of their lives. It isn’t because of a specific situation, it is just because of their skin type, similar to how some people have dry hands or dry feet their whole lives despite trying several remedies.
Some men have continuous activities that irritate the nipples. It may be a rough work shirt, a job that makes them sweat (ex: construction) that causes the area around the nipples to sweat and leads to irritation, or continuous exercise that causes either sweating or friction in the nipple area.
It is a myth that a man’s nipples will “toughen-up” and soon these activities will no longer be problematic. What usually happens is the man stops complaining about it rather than the problem going away.
The Chronic-Sustained category can include Runner’s Nipple and Jogger’s Nipple which are two terms for basically the same symptoms. Runners Nipple and Joggers Nipple describe the condition of the athlete having raw, cracked and sometimes bleeding nipples from the friction caused from the nipples rubbing against the shirt. Women who wear good-fitting sports bras often will not have this issue because the friction occurs between the fabric of the shirt and the fabric of the bra rather than between the nipple and the shirt.
The condition can occur in all types of weather. Sweating during a run may increase the nipple irritation in warm weather and running in cold weather where the nipples are erect and the skin is contracted may also lead to increased irritation. Working and playing in cold weather may have the same effect. That is why it is called nipply weather.
Remedies that may be helpful to avoid "runner's nipple" are the same actions listed under Chronic-Sustained plus:
The best course of treatment will depend on the individual and the severity of the problem.
The first step, no matter the severity, is ensuring the area is clean and dry. Gently wash with warm water, a non-irritating, non-perfumed and natural soap. Gently dry the area by pressing the towel (gently) into the skin, holding for a few seconds to allow the water to be absorbed, and then going to the next area. Do not rub or use a hair dryer. The nipple skin is very sensitive and thinner than other types of skin.
Once dry, applying a good nipple balm to protect and help heal the nipple skin can be very beneficial.
Depending on the amount of skin damage, applying a bandage over the area can help healing and prevent further damage. Make sure the bandage is large enough that the tape used to secure the bandage will be affixed to normal, non-damaged skin. Breathable gauze or a non-stick (non-adherent) substance like telfa may be used. Gauze may stick to a bleeding nipple; however, it absorbs fluids well. A non-adherent dressing will only absorb a small amount of fluid but will not stick to the nipple when removed. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for your individual situation.
It is not common according to Medical News Today; but men can get fungal or yeast infections on their nipples. Men can experience pain, burning, tenderness, itching or stinging in the area. The area may be pink, red or have a rash-like appearance. Chapped, cracked or chafed nipples that are slow to heal may also indicate a fungal infection. Many types of fungal infections have become more common in the U.S over the last few years.
Dermatitis of the nipple and breast area may also occur in men, although it is not as common as breastfeeding women. Signs of these nipple problems in men may include burning, itching, pain, sores that leak fluid, and crusting of the area. Men may also experience eczema in the nipple and breast area that can be made worse by exercise, jogging or running.
Just like adults, babies occasionally have upset tummies, are over stimulated, are over tired, or are irritable, fussy, clingy, or just plain cranky. Maybe they didn’t sleep well, are going through a growth spurt, or are teething.
Going from a dark, snug place inside mommy where the sound of her voice and heartbeat were comforting, and her gentle movement and walking lulled Baby to sleep to out in a very noisy world with bright lights, lots of sound, movement and people can be jarring. Everything is new to babies.
At birth, the human brain, though it has all the brain cells it will have for the rest of its life (around 100 billion), is not fully developed. In the early years, those brain cells are making connections at an incredible rate, at least one million new neural connections every second. These early connections enable young children to control their bodies and learn more about the world around them every day. By age 3, the brain is 90% full grown. (1)
The enormous amount of intake can be overwhelming and overstimulating for babies. Toddlers or young children also can suffer especially after a long day of more than usual activities or preschool.
Everyone’s child will react differently, but some of the most common signs of overstimulation in babies are:
There are many causes of overstimulation in both babies and toddlers that sometimes are overlooked due to our busy schedule.
Not knowing how to properly deal with these situations can leave us feeling hopeless, frustrated, and out of control. Let’s look at some helpful ways to approach these situations and how to calm a fussy baby.
We first must remember that if we ourselves are stressed, chaotic, and not approaching the situation from a state of calm that our baby or child can draw on, not much will help. So, take a deep breath, center yourself, release the pent-up stress then tackle the situation.
One Long Term Suggestion:
Limiting Screen Time - less screen time and more unstructured and outdoor play helps create more naturally calm and balanced children
Baby Calm Balm was created to offer a little extra support for helping in those situations.
The herbs included in the Baby Calm Balm were thoughtfully researched and carefully chosen for their gentle calming effects on the nervous system.
Babies are much more sensitive to what is put on their skin than adults are, and the Baby Calm Balm was formulated with that in mind. Baby Calm Balm probably won’t do much for an adult if we massage it onto our tummy when we are irritable and fussy but will definitely have a desired effect on a baby or toddler.
So, what are the amazing herbs that were included in Baby Calm Balm?
Many of the herbs used are nervines and gentle sedatives.
What is a nervine? A nervine is an herb that has a positive effect on the nervous system.
What is a sedative? Plant compounds that are calming and reduce anxiety.
The list is thorough, and each herb included holds in it a combination of properties that present a positive effect on the nervous system.
Lemon Balm - (Sweet Melissa) – Is as lovely as it sounds. Lemon Balm is a beautiful low growing plant in the mint family and is known for being uplifting. It is a nervine and gentle sedative making it perfect for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and restlessness.
Lavender Flowers - Even though they are generally known as promoting relaxation, they are also somewhat stimulating in that it helps to release pent up emotions. It is also a gentle sedative and helps in alleviating stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Passionflower - Or Passiflora (I think her scientific name is so pretty and truly embraces the flower’s beauty) - Is a nervine, hypotensive (helps to lower blood pressure which can be higher when stress and anxiety are present), and pretty commonly used for help with insomnia, stress, pain, anxiety. It also helps to promote sound sleep.
This is one of my favorite herbs for internal use with my children as it is very safe and gentle.
Ashwaghanda Root - The species name (somnifera) refers to traditional use in helping treat sleep issues. It is very helpful with insomnia. It is very calming, or stimulating, depending on the herbs it is combined with.
Catnip - Usually recognized because of the love cats have for it!! Though it sounds funny to some to use it for babies, it has an opposite effect on humans than cats. It has a gentle sedative effect on the nervous system and can help with insomnia. It also helps with pain and restlessness.
For internal uses, catnip has been used for centuries and one of those uses is in a tea with equal parts chamomile and lemon balm for overexcitement, emotional upheaval and to help with headaches, tummy aches, colic, and sleeplessness in children.
Roman Chamomile - Has naturally soothing effects and is traditionally and commonly used to help calm a fussy baby
Sweet Marjoram - Is high in antioxidants and helps with pain from headaches, earaches, and teething as well as having light sedative qualities.
Applying Baby Calm Balm on a baby whose environment has not yet been modified to support what is needed probably won’t get you very far. I liken it to slapping a bandage and an ointment on a cut without first properly cleaning the cut and stopping the bleeding. First, you need to add the necessary improvements or remove the problems that caused the overstimulation or upset to begin with.
Once your baby is in better conditions (after a bath, in a quiet, dimly lit room, and not in a panic, tantrum, crying, overwhelmed state), you can massage the Baby Calm Balm into the bottom of his/her feet or into his/her tummy.
If the fussiness and irritation is caused by teething or ear pain, you can also massage the Baby Calm Balm into the jaw line and below the ears down the neck.
For general, everyday use, you can use it before bedtime to help with relaxation and promoting a restful sleep.
In addition to Baby Calm Balm, I also have made and still make tea for my children and toddlers to help promote a calm state of being or to help them relax before bed.
Small children need much less volume of herbs than adults do, so where we would use 1 teaspoon of herb per cup, we would lessen it to around 1/4 teaspoon per cup for children. If they find it unpalatable (mine are used to herbs, but not all children are), you can add a bit of honey to sweeten it.
A lovely blend Passionflower (Passiflora), Lemon Balm (Sweet Melissa), and Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) can be brewed into a gentle, calming, sleep promoting infusion before bedtime.
After 20 minutes, the water will probably have cooled enough for children, but if not, you can add an ice cube or two.
A lovely quote I like to refer to on hard days is
“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos” by L. R. Knost.
Our biggest tool in helping our children learn to self-regulate is by showing them how and not adding our mixed, uncontrolled emotions to the mix and by validating their emotions.
Some days will be difficult, others will be heaven.
Take a deep breath on those hard days and remember that this too shall pass. Life is beautiful and working through those times with your baby
and children is worth every single minute.
]]>
While red berries should absolutely be avoided if you are not 120% positive on its identity and whether or not it is safe to consume, some can be quite delightful and packed full of immune boosting properties, antioxidants, and vitamin c.
The Pyracantha bushes in my yard are currently overflowing with an abundance of Firethorn berries. Bright red, ripe, and just waiting to be picked and turned into some kind of culinary delight.
The following recipe holds so much flavor and is just waiting to be the star of your holiday party or even just your cozy night in.
I first picked a basket full of the little bunches, then separated the berries from the stems. Next, I rinsed them clean and prepared the other ingredients.
Serve warm. I recommend serving it in your favorite Christmas mug, then propping your feet up in front of the fireplace while soaking in the darker, cozy season and inhaling the sweet aroma of this concoction.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, then stir and reheat to drink.
Interested in wildcrafted products? See our collection here.
]]>It’s that beautiful time of the year again! That time when families slow down a bit, hot cocoa, Christmas movies and family game night take priority, and finding a gift that shows you care and appreciate the ones you love fills your thoughts.
Is one of those on your list a New Mom that you need to find an organic gift for? Something that shows her how special she is, how much you appreciate her, and really see the needs in the season of life she is in? Then this is for you!
Several are under $30 and go beyond fuzzy socks and new mugs.
The consciously crafted Boba carrier is designed to carry little ones from birth to 3 years. Its intuitive design is fully adjustable to carry your child in secure comfort, up to 45 pounds, in either a back or front carry position. This Mother Nature approved organic carrier is the one that is designed to care for every body.
Any seasoned mom can tell you that a good quality baby carrier is worth its weight in gold! They help fill 2 needs at once – baby needing to be close to Mommy while she is able to cook, clean, shop, exercise, etc.
Find product here.
Nothing beats snuggling skin-to-skin with your new baby. Kindred Bravely has thoughtfully included a “kangaroo” panel in this specialty designed wrap. Surround you and your little one in super soft Mother Nature approved organic cotton for those loving moments that you wished would last forever.
Find product here.
These Snuggle Me Organic mini puddle pads may be one of the best gifts for new moms that says the giver understands what it means to be a mom. These highly absorbent Mother Nature approved furniture savers are 100% organic and machine washable. Small enough to carry in a diaper bag, but large enough to protect surfaces from small spills and leaks. They are a life saver! Also, a time saver, a you-don’t-have-to-wash-your-bedding again today saver, a saver of many avoided messes. Under $30
Find product here.
Colored Organics 100% organic cotton muslin swaddle blanket is Mother Nature approved. This super cozy, double-layered blanket is machine washable and perfect for helping calm a baby by making them feel safe and secure. $30
Find product here.
Each pair of these Coyuchi baby booties is unique. The variations in pattern for each pair is due to the crafting of these booties from remnants of organic quilted snuggle sacks. Undyed, 100% organic cotton, super cute and comfy quilted baby booties means Mother Nature approved. Under $20
P.S. They also make some for mom!!
Find product here.
The Naturepedic Rest Pad has an organic cover making it perfect for healthy and comfy naps. The organic cover means no harsh chemical dyes and treatments, heavy metals, or formaldehyde. (Yes, these are commonly used in conventional bedding. Yes, we absorb these things through our largest organ – our skin.) So, organic? Yes! Makes napping easier and more comfortable? Yes! Mother Nature approved? Yes!!
Find product here.
The Organic Cotton Napper by Bearaby is a weighted blanket made to help New Moms (and experienced Moms!) sleep better and feel calmer. The breathable buttery soft blanket is ideal for all of Mother Nature’s Seasons. It’s a gift the New Mom wouldn’t buy for herself – but will wonder how she ever slept without it.
Find product here.
Davidson’s Organics is known for its expansive selection of organic teas. You will also find this 18 oz. Glass Tea Server which allows Mom to simply and easily brew herself a cup of tea with either bags or loose-leaf teas/herbs. The ingenious design allows the lid to be used as a drip dish for the infuser. $20
Find product here.
It’s a gift that a New Mom won’t know she needed until she receives it, and then won’t know how she ever lived without it! The Mother Nature approved 100% organic soft cable knit cotton cover envelopes a white 100% natural rubber water bottle. The cover is machine washable. New Mom back pain, hip pain, neck pain, shoulder pain – you have met your match! $39
Find product here.
The Green Forest Lady Mother Nature approved organic nipple balm with Calendula and Marshmallow Root is perfect for irritated breastfeeding nipples. Made with baby safe ingredients means there is no need to wipe off before nursing. Sore, cracked, tender nipples are soothed and protected. Under $20
Find product here.
]]>
There is a corner in the forest that I am forever tethered to. It is a place so beautiful and full of magic that it has created its own little space inside of me where the redwoods and horehound grow in my heart and if I close my eyes for a few brief seconds, I can easily recall the smell that permeates my being and the light that filters through the branches to light up my soul.
One special spring day, I entered the small grove to see that the giant Mother was releasing her seeds. I stood in awe. The sun was shining through the giant treetops, and through its rays, it appeared as though there were millions of dancing fairies in the air.
This place is not one to be kept to oneself, for it is impossible. It is also a favorite of migrating birds, and during certain times of the year, their numbers are so large in their sweet resting place, it is turned into a paradise of song.
The intoxicating evergreen scent envelopes you as you enter the great trees’ grove, the smell alone a balm for the stresses of the world.
I have spent time there reading, drawing and painting, having a school day with my kids, and even huddled under the low branches and watching the rain fall. Seeing a reflection of the forest in a tiny raindrop that is hanging off of a leaf is an experience I believe everyone should have the chance to have.
It is through this type of connection and experience, as well as the adventures I’ve had with nature that led me dig deeper into the world of wild, earth-based healing.
Most of the Forest Salve ingredients came from this place. Sharing some of its allure by slow infusing the plants in the way of our ancestors and then bottling it feels as though I am sharing a beautiful secret. One that I am proud to share.
As much as I could continue to share my love and the details of the memories created there, sharing the plants’ medicine is the most important part of why I created the Forest Salve.
Redwood – Redwoods are one of the oldest tree species on earth and its scent has the ability to transport one to the forests. It is calming, grounding, and an anti-inflammatory for joint and muscle pain.
White Fir - White Fir is a beauty behold standing, firmly rooted in a clearing with snow gently settled on its limbs. It has a wide range of benefits including the ability to reduce pain, soothe inflammation, speed the healing of wounds, insect bites, scrapes, cuts, and bruises, lower stress, and soothe respiratory infections. It is wonderfully helpful for muscle fatigue, muscle soreness, and muscle and joint stiffness. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties make it an integral part of the Forest Salve.
Quaking Aspen - Quaking Aspen gets its name due to its leaves that seemingly "quake" in the breeze. It contains salicin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that help with musculoskeletal pain, painful joints, sores, wounds, and bites. Its benefits are beautifully wide ranged and in addition to oils, can be used in tinctures, teas, and powders for emotional distress and healing, urinary congestion, digestive aid, lung expectorant as well as helping to alleviate chronic skin conditions like eczema.
The earth is abundant in healing aids, no matter what the ailment, and they are available for everyone.
I hope that through the Forest Salve, I can share a bit of my love for nature as well as some of the healing benefits it offers.
I invite you to step outside and look around. What do you see? What do you hear, feel and smell? Notice the sensations, the details. This is a first step in creating a relationship with the world around you. Something will grab your attention, whether it be a towering tree with roots that expand far beyond its crown, or the smallest plant or flower that grows in the understory or brush. Get to know that plant. Sit with it for a while and listen. You may hear what it wants to share with you. There may be an answer for you in that plant.
The earth is beautiful. Our Creator is a master designer and we have been given everything we need - we just need to remember how to tap into that knowledge again as our ancestors and those who came before us once did.
]]>Bag Balm was originally created over a 100 years ago as an “udder balm” to treat skin issues on cow udders. It has grown in popularity over time, not only with farmers but also with the general population.
What are the uses for Bag Balm? There are many uses for Bag Balm. On one parenting website there were 20 individual uses for Bag Balm.
But the million-dollar question is...
Is Bag Balm safe for babies, diaper rash and breastfeeding nipples?
EatThis, NotThat! published an article in April of 2022 Listing 6 of the Most Dangerous Food Ingredients That Have Been Banned in the U.S. One of those ingredients is 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate.
The Bag Balm Website states Bag Balm ingredients are petrolatum, lanolin, paraffin wax, water, and 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate (0.3%). On their FAQ, Bag Balm specifically states they recommend that you check with your pediatrician before using Bag Balm on diaper rash.
The American Chemical Society states 8-Hydroxyquinoline sulfate is a metal chelating agent extracted from coal tar. It has been used in a wide variety of products, from “bag balm” for cows to cosmetics and drugs, for its ability to inhibit the growth of imidazolidinylurea microbes.
The National Institutes of Health has determined Bag Balm is toxic if swallowed.
Hazards information at the National Institutes of Health gives the 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate compound a
Does using Bag Balm on breastfeeding nipples where the child will ingest the compound multiple times a day for months sound safe? Using any compound on a baby's skin that could accidentally get in their eyes or in their mouths does not seem like the best solution.
YES! - Lanolin . . .
Although Lanolin is well known and most parents believe it is safe, according to dermreview an allergic reaction can be caused when lanolin enters the bloodstream, and the incidence of lanolin allergies is increasing. Mount Sinai states lanolin is a poisonous ingredient and can be harmful if swallowed.
The biggest concern with lanolin and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate is the extended ongoing daily exposure of the baby when it is used on breastfeeding nipples and the frequent exposure when it is used to treat, or prevent, diaper rash.
Yes!
The best alternative for diaper rashes is not getting them in the first place!
Keeping booty’s clean and dry is always the first line of defense for diaper rashes.
When faced with a diaper rash, or when trying to prevent diaper rashes, and avoid lanolin and 8-Hydroxyquinoline sulfate, the organic ingredients in the Green Forest Lady’s Baby Booty Balm may be what you are looking for - Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Chickweed, Shea Butter, Calendula Flowers, Nettle Leaf, Yarrow Flowers, Arrowroot Powder, Raspberry Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Calendula Extract, Myrrh Oil, and Lavender Oil.
What is a safe alternative to use on sore, cracked, breastfeeding nipples?
Air drying nipples after each feeding can help prevent problems. Letting some milk dry on the nipples can also be helpful. Do not use a hair dryer or try to artificially help the nipples dry faster. Rubbing them with a towel or using a hair dryer can make the problem worse.
A lanolin and 8-Hydroxyquinoline sulfate free Nipple Balm can help. The Green Forest Lady Nipple Balm is made with organic Olive Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Calendula Flowers, Marshmallow Root, and Beeswax.
Parents are on a mission to keep their children safe. Sometimes, the most basic of items, like skin ointments, can have dangerous ingredients hiding within them. Perhaps the old saying is true... if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.
For a safe alternative to Bag Balm see here.
]]>
by Tanna
To some, Heritage is important. To others, not so much.
I feel like hidden secrets lie within the unseen folds of our personal heritage.
Just as family medical history plays an important role in our personal physical health, I believe that the likes and dislikes and the love for things we enjoy so much in this life were possibly loved and enjoyed and genetically passed down to each of us. Their experiences live on in the very cells of our being.
My ancestors must have been adventurers and explorers because I find myself most at peace when I’m walking down a trail in the mountains that I’ve never walked before, or when I’m camping under the stars and listening to the coyotes howling in the distance. When I was camping in the Serengeti and could hear the black maned lions roaring out in the darkness or when I am riding a good horse with good footing as we weave our way down a narrow trail.
I feel closest to God when I’m all alone on the very edge of a cap rock under a beautiful blue sky filled with big white clouds moving overhead swiftly as the winds above carry them away. I love looking out over a wide valley, a narrow ravine, a flower filled meadow, or deep canyons! I love feeling the breeze as it blows through my hair or across my face and the fresh smell of nature all around me. I love using my animal calls just to watch wildlife answer me back and sometimes appear out of nowhere as they answer my beckoning call.
I once found a beautiful draw that was full of breathtaking, giant cedar trees. The trees formed a natural canopy over a lot of the ground and there must have been a million monarch butterflies everywhere. I was hiking as I was hunting with my bow but when I saw this place, I stopped and sat on a rock to bask in this once-in-a-lifetime setting for a couple hours. Moments like this one always compel me to stop and give thanks for yet another amazing experience!
When I bow hunt, I’m hunting for meat. For food for my family. However, my hunts have never just been about the harvest. It’s always been about getting in touch with nature. It’s about getting in touch with myself! It’s about newness in so many ways! The newness of a crisp morning as the sun breaks over the eastern horizon stretching and casting its light further and further until it’s filled every shadow from the night before. The newness of that same sun as it recedes behind a mountain or below the western horizon or sinks ever so gently into the ocean. The newness of a west Texas star studded sky where you can see the far away galaxies, the milky way, and a million stars twinkling above.
Every time I have ever harvested a deer or antelope or a great animal, I have always knelt beside it and passed my hand across its back and apologized for having taken it but thanked it for the food and meals it would provide me and my family. I’ve always strived to live in balance with nature and to respect her.
At one point, I had a yearning to learn more about my history and genealogy. Through my research, I discovered that my maternal great grandmother was Lakota Sioux Indian.
The Lakota Sioux were a proud people who hunted and lived in harmony with nature and enjoyed and respected her. During my studies, I learned that they too apologized to their harvest and thanked them for providing food for their people. The Lakota Sioux were hunters, foragers, hikers, and horsemen and loved nature and the Great Outdoors.
I feel so deeply blessed because I believe that I discovered some of the secrets of my heritage that I share with my great grandmother and her people before me and with my daughters and grandchildren after me.
I feel that when I’m walking through a valley stalking my game or strolling up a mountain just to see what’s on the other side, if I turn fast enough to see my shadow, I might catch it with a feather in a headband strolling along with me. I have given my Indian shadow an Indian name. I call him Heritage! And for as long as I walk on this earth, I will take my Heritage with me everywhere I go.
-Kevin Woods Mouton
]]>
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - also known as pot marigold or golden marigold, and though it is in the aster, or sunflower, family, is not a marigold at all. Calendula's name originates from the Latin name "Calendae" which means the first day of the calendar month and refers to its cheerful blooms that bloom every month of the year.
Calendula has been used for centuries as a “go-to” remedy for healing wounds, burns, and rashes. Once native to Southern Europe, Calendula is now grown all over the world, and in abundance throughout North America and Europe. As one of the easiest herbs to grow, it is usually one of a budding herbalist’s or gardener’s favorites to have growing in the garden. The flowers reminiscent of sunshine are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories as well as edible. Its medicine is found concentrated in the flower head, the resin found in the green base antimicrobial and healing. Though highly medicinal, it is still gentle enough for most people and animals to use safely.
Calendula is first noted as having been cultivated in Third Century, BC, and was an important part of the kitchen garden in Fifth Century, France. The gorgeous, sunny plant has been harvested in England since the 1200’s. Calendula has been used in a variety of ways since, and not all of them medicinal. Once known as Poor Man’s Saffron, calendula was used to color and flavor foods like cheese, butter, custards, soups and rice dishes.
There is much folklore surrounding Calendula that adds to the richness of the plant’s story. One story which describes a beautiful, golden-haired child, Mary-Gold, who spent all of her days watching the sun until one day, she vanished and was never found or seen again. In the place she would sit, there grew a little sun flower. Her family proclaimed that she had been turned into a flower, and that the little flower was really Mary-Gold.
One of the gentlest, yet most versatile herbs is this pretty garden addition. With abilities to effectively address different health issues, calendula has made its way through the centuries, from the garden, to the apothecary, and to your kitchen.
We all know the effectiveness antioxidants can have neutralizing oxidative stress’s harmful effects. Calendula is rich with different types of antioxidants, like carotenoids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and polyphenols as well as anti-inflammatory compounds, like TNF- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha. A study conducted on rats reported that calendula extract reverted the depletion levels of antioxidants by around 120 percent and lowered oxidative stress.
Calendula, a vulnerary, is notorious for its wound healing, skin healing and tissue-repair abilities, most notably rashes, cold sores, cuts, bites, stings, burns, wounds, swellings, abrasions, eczema, acne, scars, scrapes, chicken pox, athlete’s foot, and more. Due to its antiseptic properties, Calendula also helps keep wounds clean and promotes cellular repair and growth. In this study, it was concluded that “C. Officinalis presented anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities as well as angiogenic and fibroplastic properties acting in a positive way on the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process.” In other words, calendula works effectively on properly healing wounds that exhibit symptoms of inflammation, redness, and tenderness.
Calendula tea is a well-known remedy for soothing various internal infections or irritations such as peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and heartburn due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It also exhibits a protective effect on your stomach, supporting your digestive system.
Calendula is a powerful tonic herb and is one of the best for nourishing and cleansing and draining stagnant a lymphatic system and help move congestion out of the body.
Calendula can be helpful in treating a variety of uterine and vaginal discomforts. The flowers can be prepared as an infusion, then used as a douche for bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. It can also be prepared as a sitz bath for help in healing perinium tears, swelling, and inflammation after birth. While there is not yet specific scientific data, calendula has been used for menstruating women who suffer from pre-menstrual cramps for many, many years.
True to its sunny disposition, Calendula is wonderfully uplifting. Though no longer used as an anti-depressant by most modern herbalists, it was traditionally used by early European herbalists to help with wintertime blues and blahs. Combined with other cheerful flowers like rose and passionflower for sadness, or with lemon balm and holy basil for lifting your mood and adding some joy.
Calendula is a gentle, soothing treatment regularly used in skincare as it is effective on combatting dry skin, redness and irritation, symptoms of dermatitis, and eczema. It helps to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and acne scars, as well as restore skin elasticity while providing smooth texture. It also helps by controlling sebum production, clearing clogged pores, and triggering collagen production.
The sunshiny flowers’ antiseptic properties work to prevent gingivitis and plaque buildup. A study conducted on 240 people suffering from gingivitis “concluded that calendula mouthwash is effective in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis adjunctive to scaling.”
In Ayurvedic practice, Calendula is used much in the same way you would use coconut oil or sesame oil for oil pulling. Studies suggest calendula can help to repair the soft tissue of the gums while actively fighting plaque.
Add fresh or dried whole flower heads to a carrier oil (olive is generally my oil of choice) and either let sit in a shady windowsill for a few weeks or use a low heat method in a double broiler to infuse the medicinal benefits of the flower into the oil, then strain. The oil will be good for 6 months to 1 year. The oil can be applied directly to the skin to treat different skin conditions.
The oil can be added to melted beeswax, other butters and oils, and essential oils for a balm or salve.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of Calendula is by making herbal tea infusion. You can use dried or fresh calendula. Just put them in water and boil them for around 10 to 15 minutes. You can boil 1 cup of water, then pour over the flowers and cover to infuse for 20 minutes. A stronger infusion can be made if using it as a sitz bath, oral mouth rinse, or vaginal douche.
For a more sunny tea, you would add the flowers to a mason jar, cover with cool water and let it sit in the sun for 5-6 hours.
As a most joyous, uplifting, versatile herb that has been proven over an abundance of time, Calendula is one of those herbs that should be a staple in every garden, kitchen and apothecary. It is by far, one of my favorites to use and work with. Included in my Boo Boo Balm for its wound healing properties, my Coco Cleanse for its magnificent skin care benefits, my Baby Booty Balm for its effectiveness in healing rashes, my Growing Belly Balm for its soothing and smoothing properties, my Nipple Balm for its ability to heal abrasions, inflammation, as well as create an antimicrobial protective barrier on the nipple, and the Pure Deodorant for its skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it is easy to see how calendula is used across the board for many common, everyday issues.
Add a little joy and sunshine to your life by incorporating calendula wherever you can!
What are your favorite ways to use her?
]]>Mothers have an incredible responsibility in raising the next generation. Their time is limited and precious. As time and modern history have progressed, the clock seems to be ticking faster, rendering those slow, beautiful, albeit hard days of homemaking and baby rearing much more stressful and full of additional, and different duties than those of our matriarchal ancestral past.
Where there are fewer meaningful moments during our days of motherhood that we have to work harder to intentionally carve out time for, there are zoom meetings, traffic, errands, appointments and endless other things we have seemingly replaced as somehow more important than the very basic duty we have been called to.
Alongside this “progress,” as the precious time was taken away from us, there were these tiny, helpful presents given to us in exchange for the hustle and bustle of modern life.
While simpler, wholesome, deeply meaningful days like those of the past pull at my heart strings, I cannot deny that living with (at least some of) these present day conveniences make life simpler.
As I write this, my mind drifts to the stories of my grandparents and their lives when they were younger compared to today. Though I strive deeply to provide a heartfelt and purposeful life for my children, my heart is genuinely saddened. Walk down the street in any city of America and take a look around. What I see is lost human connection. People glued to cell phones, tablets, and computers at coffee shops instead of books and conversations. An impatient rushing around to grab the quickest meal with no real thought of where the food comes from.
So, while we have a few time saving inventions, we have lost something really important at the heart of our humanity.
Aside from my nostalgia, I am true lover of history, so this Mother’s Day, let’s lightly take a peak into some of the inventions that western society as a whole has deemed necessary for modern day living.
Thought to have been one of the earliest bits of technology, baby carriers were an absolute necessity for nomadic natives. It is thought that some of the earliest carriers were fashioned from a variety of natural materials that were woven together like leaves, vines, bark, and animal skins. Different versions of baby carriers were created by cultures all around the world for the same reason: to give mothers freedom to move about and work with full use of her arms while also providing comfort and a day of ease with a baby in tow.
It wasn’t until 1964, when Ann Moore sat down with her mother to stitch together a pouch to carry her baby in based on what she had seen mothers in Africa wearing during her time as a Peace Corp nurse, that the idea caught on in the Western world. Her desire for closeness to her baby while doing chores and even exercising inspired her invention of the Snugli, which earned a patent in 1969.
Any mother who has used a form of baby carrying can tell you that the combination of fulfilling baby’s basic needs (nursing, closeness, movement, hearing Mommy’s heartbeat) and being hands free to cook, clean, hike, walk, etc at the same time is indeed one of the best inventions. I might even go so far as to say THE best.
The beautiful few moments alone in the shower with the water to wash away the day are usually taken for granted. It used to be that taking a walk down to a river (or waterfall) to bathe or to collect water to boil was the norm. I can imagine that certain times of the year were a bit more difficult than others, and if weather, distance, and wild elements isn’t enough, trailing along a string of children to the river to make sure that everyone was clean probably took most of the day. Who needs rubber duckies when there may be real ones during bath time? I imagine that one tradition handed down from those days would be bath time songs. I don’t know about your house, but my kids’ bath time still takes an hour and is full of splashing, toys, and singing. So, even though showers are a special treat for moms, I am not sure modern bath time with kids has gotten any shorter.
In 1767 William Fettham invented the first mechanized shower. It received lukewarm reception as it recycled the same water over and over again (Yuck!). Several amazing but generally boring improvements took place over the next 148 years, but the most important change was Sears Roebuck started selling showers in 1915. Which significantly decreased the cost and increased the availability to the “dirty huddled masses yearning to be clean.”
By 1965, 85% of American Households had both a tub and a shower but it wasn’t until the early 1980s that showering as we know it became popular with the community at large and moms everywhere.
How did we go from washing clothes in a river to carrying gallons of water from a manual pump boiling clothes in large pots, and beating them mercilessly to the efficient, no-manual-labor needed, washers of today?
Starting in 1858 when Hamilton Smith patented the rotary washing machine. He and his wife had 10 children which probably was a big motivator to create the appliance.
Ten years later in 1868 Thomas Bradford, a British inventor, created a commercially successful machine that resembles the modern device.
Then in 1874, William Blackstone of Indiana created another version of the washing machine as a birthday present for his wife, then successfully put it on the market.
In 1908, Alva J. Fisher invented a commercial washer which was powered by an electric motor which was named “ Thor.” His design was the precursor to the modern day washing machine.
.
I
By the 1950s, automatic washers became more popular and a large number of US manufacturers introduced multiple competing models. Today more than 80% of households have a washing machine.
The very first automatic washing process was actually invented hundreds of years ago well before Hamilton, Smith, and William. Sailors used to put their dirty laundry in strong bags, tie the bag to the ship and then toss it over the side letting it drag for hours until the clothes were clean.
Whether you remember the days of carrying a laundry basket heaped full of freshly washed clothes to the backyard and spending your afternoon hanging them from the backyard clothesline or hearing the stories of your grandmother doing so, the idea probably conjures up a lovely vision in your head; walking through the long grass and spring wildflowers while the breeze gently blows your hair. As long as a rainstorm doesn’t move in just about the time you are done.
Though I must confess, I still prefer drying my clothes on a clothing rack outside so they smell like the fresh air and make me think of the birds that were chirping in the trees that day, the invention of the clothes dryer is an enormous time saver and much more practical for towels and bedding.
In 1892, African American George T. Sampson received a patent for the first clothes dryer. His invention used heat from a stove to dry clothes.
It wasn’t until many years later, in 1937 that the first electric clothes dryer was invented by Henry Altorfer. What was it like? Well, we can only assume by the lack of information surrounding his invention, that it wasn’t much to write home about. Or, it could be that because J. Ross Moore’s design for an automatic electric dryer named “June Day” was released to the public in 1938, that Altofer’s was overshadowed. I wonder if the rules of advertising and who has the most money behind their product applied then as it does today.
In 1955, still only 10% of U.S. households had dryers but by 2009 that number had greatly increased to above 80%. What other drastic changes happened during that time that convinced families they needed the added convenience of a dryer? The percentage of women in the work force went from 30% in the 1950s to 60% by 2009.
Around 8% of Americans still line dry their clothes. This number may be low for several reasons. Rules that restrict clotheslines by HOAs & landlords, as well as the fact that most young adults work full time and were probably raised in a home with a dryer. The idea of drying clothes outdoors has become a pretty foreign concept to millennials.
Did you know that ironing works by first making the bonds in the fibers of the material more flexible and then the weight of the iron helps straighten them?
The concept of ironing began long before the first patent in 1882. Though we don’t know exactly for sure when it began, the first records are of China in the 1st century B.C. filling metal pans with hot water to smooth clothes and help release the creases in the fabric.
Henry W. Seeley’s patent was for an electric flatiron in 1882. They were coined “flatiron” due to their iconic shape. Households would need two or more flatirons to iron efficiently. One to heat up while the other one was being used. They must have been widely popular because some stoves had cutouts to specifically hold the irons.
Many of today’s fabrics do not require ironing to hold their shape, which is even more of a blessing than the invention of the iron.
The ability to load the family in the car along with a few days of supplies and head out on a road trip to camp under the stars, explore new biomes and landscapes or even just to take the short trip to the grocery store, tennis practice, and piano lessons instead of packing down a horse has definitely changed life for the better.
In 1900 the first American woman to obtain a driver’s license was Anne Rainsford French Bush (1878 -1962). She obtained a steam engineer’s license, entitling her to operate a “four-wheeled vehicle powered by steam or gas,” thereby becoming the first licensed woman driver. Life Magazine reported 52 years later that she never had a dent. She even had the unofficial title of “Miss Locomobile” of 1900 and the official title of “Mom” in 1903. I wonder where her favorite destinations to drive to were?
As society evolved and progressed, the closeness and connection moms had in the form of the village was fractured and eventually disappeared almost altogether.
To replace that, babysitting emerged as a social role for teenagers in the 1920s, though it didn’t really take off until the 1950s when there was a booming population, an abundance of small children, and the standard of living had increased/changed to which parents could or were expected to socialize without their children.
Prior to the 1950’s, parents who were wealthy enough to enjoy an evening out usually had live-in servants who would tend to the children making a babysitter unnecessary. The non-wealthy population often lived with extended family/ies which also made babysitters unnecessary.
The 1950s seem to be the official breakdown of what was left of the “village.” The middle-class moved to suburbia and parents moved away from extended families. Most also had more disposable income to spend on entertainment. Popular forms of entertainment included drive-in theaters, diners, jukeboxes, Rock & Roll, and abstract art.
I was originally not going to include the tv in this list, but due to its popularity, I can’t turn a blind eye. I will, however, loudly and vehemently claim that I am NOT a fan of the tv, or of using one as a babysitter. I was raised in a household without one and fully believe not having one contributes to my intense love of books, adventure, nature, and deep need for always learning. Though we do have a tv in my home, (husband insists), my children have very specific boundaries and often go weeks or months without sitting in front of it. Without fail, I always notice a change in behavior when they do watch tv. Sadly, not in a good way.
What do they do for boredom? One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Nicholas Kardars, PH. D, and says,
“Let children experience boredom: there is nothing healthier for a child than to learn how to use their own interior resources to work through the challenges of being bored. This then acts as the fertile ground for developing their powers of observation, cultivating patience, and developing an active imagination – the most developmentally and neurosynaptically important skill they can learn.”
Want to turn the tv off but have been lost in the torrent of rushed days? 1000 Hours Outside has SO many ways, ideas, and support for getting your family outside and out from under the glare of circadian disrupting blue lights.
The number of TV sets in use rose from 6,000 in 1946 to some 12 million by 1951. (Yes, only 5 years completely changed how Americans entertained themselves and learned about world events.) No new invention entered American homes faster than black-and-white TV sets. By 1955, half of all US homes had one. As of 2005, it was estimated by the Consumer Electronics Association that there were 285 million sets in use in American households. (The population of the United States in 2005 was 295.5 million.
As of 2020, 80% of American households have at least 1 smart TV. It has been estimated that less than 2% of American households do not have a TV.
The first patent for the dishwasher was granted in 1850 to Joel Houghton. In 1887 Josephine Cochrane improved on the invention and presented it at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. It was said that she invented the first commercially successful automatic dishwasher for the simple reason “she was tired of washing dishes”.
The dishwasher continued to evolve in effectiveness and ease of use becoming to be regarded as a “necessary item” in the 1970s. Today more than 75% of American households have a dishwasher. Cochrane, a mother of 2, was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006. Her company eventually became a part of KitchenAid and in 1949, the first KitchenAid dishwasher based on her design was introduced to the world.
I am a very young 36 years old and can fully remember the days without a cell phone. What were they like? Easier. Today, you have to go through a lot of trouble it seems to spend a day without a phone. Planning ahead and letting those closest to you know that you will be out of range or will be turning it off. Otherwise, they tend to think the worst.
Was it really so horrible that you didn’t get an instantaneous answer for everything? Patience is a virtue, and also one that is mostly lost. We have, at large, become a society for instant gratification.
In 1949, Joseph Zimmerman and George W. Danner invented the first commercially successful answering machine. By the 1970s the telephone answering machines had become small enough and affordable enough for home use, and they rapidly gained popularity in American households.
Jump ahead 34 years to 2004 and 78% of Americans now had voicemail (invented in the 1970s by Gordon Mathews) which completely replaced the traditional answering machines in the late 1990s.
My husband remembers his childhood friend’s father having one in his Mercedes limousine. It was a hit with all of friends, though they were never allowed to use it. Usage cost was several dollars a minute.
The first portable cell phone was invented in 1973 by Martin Cooper of Motorola, it weighed 2.4 lbs had a talk time of just 30 minutes, required 10 hours to recharge, and cost, in today’s dollars, about $10,000.
The first true cell phone to enter the market was a Siemen phone in 1985 that came in the form of a suitcase.
In 1990, the number of mobile users was around 11 million, and by 2020, that number had risen to an incredible 2.5 billion. That’s 32% of the entire world population!
In 1992, the first-ever text message was sent by a developer to the company director at Vodafone’s office Christmas party. The text message simply said: “Merry Christmas!”
The first Smartphone was invented in 1992 by IBM and released for purchase in 1994. Though the first Smartphones to connect to the internet was in 2000, it wasn’t until 2007 that the first iPhone was released which was (and is) essentially a handheld computer that thrust us into the Information Age, and the degradation of a large portion of society through social media. Both a blessing and curse, it is seemingly here to stay.
Though I much prefer a cup of tea, fresh pressed juice, or homemade smoothie in the mornings to coffee (I am not a coffee drinker), I do love the smell of fresh brewing coffee. I heard the Folger’s “The best part of waking up, was Folger’s in your cup!” tune enough as a child playing on the radio, that it will forever be ingrained in my memory.
In 1972, a patent was granted to Edmund Abel Jr for a "pour-in, instant brewing electric coffee maker." Appropriately named “Mr. Coffee”, the first automatic drip coffee maker for the home was launched a month later. By 1975 there were over 1 million Mr. Coffees in American Households. In 2020, it was estimated that around 40% of US households still have an automatic drip coffee maker. Coffee presses, cappuccino makers and other ways to brew coffee have now also become widely popular.
The same year the patent was granted for the automatic coffee maker, Starbucks arrived on the scene, launching in 1971 at Pike Place Market in Seattle Washington and serves more than 11 million cups per day.
Since Starbucks supplies so much of the US’s coffee, perhaps they should assume the responsibility of making sure their coffee beans are mycotoxin free and commit to organic/non-gmo ingredients.
Here is a breakdown by The Food Babe of some of Starbuck's less than desirable attributes everyone should be aware of.
What is even better than all the helpful, creative, life-simplifying inventions?
Being a mother. Nothing can replace the importance and significance of the most beautiful, life-giving job in the world.
So, Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mothers!
In celebration of you, let someone else load the washer/dryer and run the dishwasher today.
]]>
Natural, pure, clean, deodorant. A wonderful alternative for your pits. You do not need to make any sacrifices for fresh-smelling armpits.
]]>
Not to be a Deo-Downer, but with deodorant, like anything else, I cannot stress the importance of how the ingredients impact our health and wellbeing. The number one thing I ALWAYS do when buying something is read the ingredients list. What I recommend to anyone that asks me where to start when they are wanting to make the switch from toxic, endocrine disrupting products to clean and natural products is to read the ingredients list.
Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know, the better-informed decisions you can make on a small scale every day that will greatly impact the longevity of your health.
I get it. It can be overwhelming to dive into the world of natural beauty care. Especially when we are saturated with great advertising and pretty packaging with trendy catch words on the front like “vegan,” “paraben-free”, or “all-natural” while still hiding a whole host of toxins on the teeny tiny, need-a-magnifying-glass-to-see ingredients list.
A great resource for helping wade through the big words on the ingredients lists that you probably have never seen before, much less can pronounce is EWG Skin Deep. They rate ingredients by level of toxicity and list the known harmful effects of those ingredients.
Not every ingredient you cannot pronounce will be one you should avoid.
For example, Mango Butter is Mangifera Indica, Shea Butter is Butyrospermum Parkii, and Jojoba Oil is Simmondsia Chinensis. Three nourishing ingredients used in our Growing Belly Balm.
A few of the most common ingredients in conventional deodorant are aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, propylene glycol and triclosan. Even though word is getting around more on the toxic effects these ingredients, they are still very commonly used.
Let’s unpack a few of these.
Looking for the best deodorant without aluminum and parabens?
Try Green Forest Lady Pure Deodorant in 5 refreshing scents.
There are other questionable ingredients, but the picture presented when just lightly doing research into conventional deodorant ingredients is not pretty. Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, allergies, irritations, suppressed immune function. Not a list of things I want to be using daily on the largest organ of my body, which absorbs 64% of what is put on it according to this from the American Journal of Public Health.(5)
Natural, pure, clean, aluminum free deodorant. A wonderful alternative for your pits. You do not need to make any sacrifices for fresh-smelling armpits.
However, after using conventional deodorant for years, your body will need time to adjust to natural deodorant.
The Green Forest Lady’s Pure Deodorant is exactly what it says. Pure. Made with clean, organic, good for your body ingredients that you can trust will promote good health.
You can keep dry naturally with the use of arrowroot which soaks up, not blocks moisture, and smell deliciously fresh with the use of organic essential oils, not synthetic fragrances. Nettle leaf and calendula flowers are gently infused for their skin soothing properties, and dandelion leaf for its detoxifying effects by facilitating removal of toxins through sweat.
Did you know that some natural ingredients like coconut oil are naturally antimicrobial? This renders absolutely zero need for toxic antibacterials.
In addition to the above, there is shea butter which creates a protective barrier, moisturizes, and helps in cell regeneration, as well as borage oil which works to restore moisture and smoothness to dry, damaged skin. (Think razor rash.)
In short, Pure Deodorant is gentle, yet strong enough for the most active teen, pregnant woman, working man and everyone in between. It is the bridge between unfortunate modern quick fixes and the primally pure deodorant remedies of ancient times as described here.
The Green Forest Lady's Pure Deodorant comes in the beautiful, classic Green Forest Lady glass jar with natural, bamboo lid. It is a cream deodorant, which means it is softer and creamier than deodorants in a push up container.
To apply, you use your fingers to scoop out a small amount and then gently massage into the armpits.
Unlike some natural deodorants, though you apply with your fingers, you do not need to wash your hands with soap and water after using Pure Deodorant. You can rub it in and go about your day.
The best time to apply Pure Deodorant is right after you shower. Your pores will be open and your skin will be damp, which will help minimize any irritations for the small group of people who are sensitive to baking soda.
Pure Deodorant is fresh for 12 months after opening the jar. In rare or extreme conditions (high humidity and heat), it may start to turn south a bit more quickly. You will always be able to tell by smell. If it smells a bit off, it is probably time to toss it.
Note: Though the jar is good for 12 months after opening, most people are finished with the jar within 2 - 3 months, so this is generally a non-issue.
"Amazing!! I have tried so many natural deodorants and this is the only one I will use now. It actually works and doesn’t irritate my skin." - D'Anna H.
"This is awesome deodorant! I have been testing it since it arrived. . I am so pleased! No odor, I stayed dry and never itched! I read many reviews of other natural deodorants and decided on this one!" - Alan C.
I am so grateful to Alyssa for sharing our Pure Deodorant ocean-side, and to Kaylie Long Photography for capturing this gorgeous video of Alyssa loving the fresh scent.
Life is a beautiful journey. Enjoy it worry free with the Green Forest Lady. We are honored to be taken along on all of your life's adventures. -Tanna
(1) Aluminium and the human breast - PubMed (nih.gov)
]]>
Maybe the adventurous mom, the “1000 hours outside” mom, the "immerse yourself in nature" mom, and definitely the “eat all of your cabbage” mom. However, even I love cool products that may (or may not) make me seem a little cooler.
]]>Maybe the adventurous mom, the “1000 hours outside” mom, the "immerse yourself in nature" mom, and definitely the “eat all of your cabbage” mom. However, even I love cool products that may (or may not) make me seem a little cooler.
The market for new moms and babies is saturated. There are a whole host of gigantic companies that spend mega bucks on advertising to win over the hearts of new moms and make them believe they absolutely need their product.
I can honestly say that a very large portion of baby items I had on my registry list while pregnant with my first were either never used or were used very little. Most of them were ways to entertain my baby, or make life easier with my baby, but you know what I learned? The best way to entertain my baby or to make life easier was to go outside. Sit under a tree, watch the birds, listen to a stream, or even take a walk around the block if you live in the city. So many benefits for both you and your baby.
While I genuinely believe that a good portion of what is marketed to new moms are a waste of money, there are some that are fun and helpful, aka "cool."
Some of the items on this list were items that I found useful with my babies, and others I came across while creating my last blog post Gifts from the Heart for a New Mom.
What are my picks for coolest gifts for new moms under $20? Let’s take a look!
(1) OogieBear Baby Booger Picker
Tell my little ones that you see a boogie in their nose and giggles usually ensue. They are a little funny, a little embarrassing, and no one really wants to pick someone else’s. This is such a simple, genius idea that helps to easily reach those ornery baby boogies and sticky mucus without making Baby uncomfortable. The bear head design ensures it won’t go too far up baby’s nose.
What a fun, creative gift idea to help remember those tiny little fingers and toes! I am in awe of how perfect and intricately designed humans are, and how quickly they grow. This keepsake frame comes with paint, a paint brush, a name/date printing kit, and a wood frame.
Who else’s mom never missed a single month of 1–12-month baby milestone photos from JCPenney when they were a baby? I also took monthly photos of my kids, but I took them myself. Dragged my husband around to different nature spots to help hold props and make them smile. These photo props are an adorable way to keep track of baby’s growth both during pregnancy and after birth. Bonus: they are gender neutral and will be a sweet addition to however you set up your photo shoot.
I have used Baltic amber teething bracelets and necklaces with all of my babies. Baltic amber is fossilized tree sap that has been preserved under the sea for millions of years. Its main benefits are that it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, and soothing effects. Canyon Leaf’s necklaces and bracelets are hand knotted in between each bead so in case one breaks, the rest of bracelet/necklace stays in place.
Whether it is coffee, tea, or a smoothie, who doesn’t want to wake up to this sweet silliness guaranteed to make you smile? All of Made for Mama Shop products are hand lettered, have a special meaning, and most have a story behind them. Their purpose is “to help you wake up in love every day, live in gratitude, be your best for your little humans and so you know you’re not alone in the journey of motherhood.”
Ladies! This is the good stuff. The “absolutely yes you need this item because it will save your day” product. Designed to be used upside down for easy water/witch hazel application. As Frida says, “Toss the hospital peri bottle and get this bidet for your vajay. It's the MomWasher for relief and postpartum care down there. “
All my babies had some level of colic when they were infants. The feeling of exhaustion, helplessness, and sadness that your baby is in pain is a combination every mom of a colicky baby understands all too well. WishGarden Herbs carries many herbal tinctures that I adore and have used for years, including their incredible Colic Ease. I tried several different products and Colic Ease, by far, was the best.
All new moms need ways to help them relax. Blush & Charcoal’s organic soy wax candles are absolutely beautiful and the perfect addition to a hot bath or a relaxing evening reading a book. Everything is handmade, from the gorgeous cement, gold accented bowl, to the organic soy wax candle. So much attention is paid to detail, you will probably want one for yourself too!
(10) Green Forest Lady Nipple Balm
Dry nipples, cracked nipples, sore nipples, sensitive nipples: a small list of many uncomfortable issues new moms may face that Nipple Balm can help with. Want a more in-depth look at our Nipple Balm? You can read all about it here!
What other “cool” gifts for new moms for under $20 would you add to this list?
It is full and unfettered joy. There is the little cocoon you create of blissful perfection. Your new little family, the immense love that fills your heart and home, settling in to a new routine, and getting to know the incredible tiny human you just grew.
]]>It is full and unfettered joy. There is the little cocoon you create of blissful perfection. Your new little family, the immense love that fills your heart and home, settling in to a new routine, and getting to know the incredible tiny human you just grew. (Let’s take a second to just appreciate the absolute awe and wonder of growing another human! Bones, organs, limbs - God’s infinitely perfect design. Down to the tiniest detail, it is a miracle.)
Sharing in this excitement from the outside is also special. Watching a new family bloom and supporting them in any way you can lends back a bit to the “village” of the past. New mothers especially need all the extra help and support they can get, and rarely is there another moment where they are more grateful than this special time.
So, what can you do to show support and love in a meaningful way to a new mom?
As much as a new mom appreciates all the help and thoughtful gifts she gets, sometimes the extra attention in early postpartum can be a little overwhelming. Understandably, we all want to be a part of the new baby’s life but may unintentionally overstep our boundaries. Instead of showing up to visit and asking just to hold the baby, maybe we show up with food, and offer to tidy up a bit. Then offer to hold the baby for Mom while she showers and has a bite to eat. Small acts of helpfulness go so far and can help take pressure off her as she settles into her new life and role. Other times, just dropping food off at the door for her, sending a quick message asking if she needs anything from the grocery store, or if she would like you to walk the dog would be better. Our overall goal is to show our love and support to a new mom, in whatever way she needs it most.
One of my favorite ideas for an expectant or new mom is a gift basket. She will get lots of items from her registry list, so thinking outside the box is fun, and can go a long way. What to put in that gift basket? There are so many fun things! You can mix it up or have a theme.
For a first-time mom, or a seasoned one, these ideas never get old and will be more appreciated than you know. Think of it as a gigantic hug in a basket - that can be reused in the nursery, of course!
Wanting to shower the new baby with your love and attention is normal. Here are some ideas for a gift basket for the baby.
The list could go on and on. You can tailor it to each mama’s preferences and unique situation. How ever you do it, the thoughtfulness is an act of selfless love that all new mothers desperately need.
Let’s support each other in every way we can. Always.
What else would you add to this list? What were your must-haves and can’t-live-withouts?
]]>
So much so, that I have been nursing for 7.5 years straight. Non-stop through 2 pregnancies, and tandem nursed for a period after each second and third child was born. Nursing is an incredible bonding experience and I have been very blessed to have had an easy nursing journey. I also had an abundance of support from the very beginning - something I consider invaluable and feel that every new mom should have access to. I home birthed all 3 children with a midwife and, in every way possible, the care and support was top notch.
For some mamas (around 40% according to this paper (1)), nursing can come with challenges. Latch issues, tongue or lip ties in baby, over-producing, under-producing, mastitis or lack of support and education surrounding breastfeeding are a few. Even without any of those concerns, early days of nursing also come with the hurdle of getting your very sensitive nipples adjusted to their new role. This can be a little painful, drying, sometimes causing them to crack or bleed. Every nursing mama knows exactly what I mean when I refer to the wince that comes with the latch during the first week or the yowl when baby’s teeth start to come in. Yikes!
Nursing mamas are not alone in the nipple irritation department though and dry, cracked nipples aren’t exclusive to women. Surprisingly, this is a common problem for both men and women.
Other than breastfeeding, they are mostly caused by:
There are some simple ways to fix most of the above listed causes.
The short answer: Balms are oil and wax based and creams are water and oil. Nipple balms provide a protective layer and last longer than creams.
I am sure most (or at least some) of you remember the science experiment in elementary school where you add food coloring to a jar of water and a jar of oil, then mix them together only to watch them separate. So, how does this work for cream – or water/oil - based products? An emulsifier is added. An emulsifier is a common ingredient/chemical in cosmetics, but the problem is that they can come with a host of issues. Their toxic properties can vary and cause a range of skin irritations. In addition, they can have a drying effect. Water containing products generally need a heavy preservative also, or it will go south pretty quickly.
Creams also are absorbed much more quickly and have to be reapplied more often which can lead to increased irritation. For some nipples, creams can also dry the nipples out rather than providing consistent moisturizing.
Balms are quite a bit thicker than creams and usually in semi-solid form but melt beautifully when they come into contact with your skin. The dictionary definition of “balm” is, “a fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin.” They provide a hydrating, nourishing and protective layer to the skin and help to seal in the moisture and the healing benefits of the herbs that are infused into the oils. A good bit of the time, butters, like shea, cocoa, or mango are also added in to provide extra moisturizing, nourishing, and healing benefits.
It is soothing, healing, nourishing, clean, made with 100% organic, non-toxic, non-gmo ingredients, and does not need to be wiped or washed off before nursing your baby. It smells of cocoa butter and herbs and will make you smile with relief each time you apply it.
One customer recently sent me a message and said:
“I recommend this Nipple Balm to everyone!! It helped so much when I got thrush on my nipples for a whole month. It helped soothe them enough that I could still feed my baby without being in excruciating pain and I was so happy to find something so natural that I didn’t have to worry about wiping them it off before feeding her! I truly believe it helped my process so much! Love love love!!” - Jayleigh
Another mother reached out to tell me:
"This stuff is a miracle worker. It is probably what helped me survive breastfeeding. After horrible blistering at birth, this helped me heal quickly and get through those first 6 weeks of learning the routine and overcoming all the breastfeeding obstacles that I had." - D. Habash
The ingredients in Nipple Balm, like all our products, are pure and simple. It quietly boasts nature’s healing power and gently nourishes and relieves dry, cracked, painful, red, irritated skin.
Olive Oil - According to this paper by US National Library of Medicine, “Previous studies have shown that olive oil, applied to the skin, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is proposed in this study that olive oil may also help prevent cracked nipple and sore nipple in breastfeeding mothers.” (2)
Cocoa Seed Butter - Made up of mostly fatty acids, it helps to form a protective layer on the skin that prevents moisture from escaping which in turn, stops the sensitive nipple skin and area from drying out.
Shea Butter - Helps keep nipples soft and supple while creating a protective barrier. It moisturizes and helps in cell regeneration which is perfect for healing minor cuts and cracks when baby is teething.
Calendula Flowers - Full of antioxidants, which help repair damaged cells, anti-inflammatory properties which helps soothe the irritated, inflamed and painful skin, and also antiseptic properties that help keep the area free from bacterial growth.
Marshmallow Root - Contains a substance called mucilage, that forms a slick, gummy gel that is cooling, soothing to irritations and helps in wound healing. So much more than a yummy, fluffy treat. :)
Nipple Balm can be applied as many times and as often as needed. There is no need to wash it off before nursing, and it can be used for prevention. Are you a mama like me who is constantly breastfeeding on the go? Hikes, grocery shopping, errands all were made easier with a baby carrier and a jar of Nipple Balm in my backpack, diaper bag and purse.
Two questions that are continually asked are, should I use a pregnancy nipple cream and is there a difference between a nipple cream for breastfeeding and a pregnancy nipple cream?
Let’s look at the easiest question first. A nipple cream or balm for breastfeeding and a pregnancy nipple cream or balm are the same. The treatment for sore, cracked, bleeding, painful nipples whether it is caused by the hormonal changes and stressors before the birth of your baby, or after, is the same. Luckily, you do not have to find the perfect nipple balm while pregnant and then find a different one post-partum.
Tender, sore breasts and sore, dry nipples are very common during pregnancy. Sore breasts can often occur shortly after conception and can be one of the first signals that a new life is on the way. A nipple balm can help provide relief for the uncomfortable nipple symptoms of pregnancy as well as help keep your nipples in optimal, breastfeeding-ready shape for the bonding nursing journey to come.
]]>
It is beautiful, messy, joyful, exhausting, blissful, fulfilling, rewarding. Being a mother is the most incredible gift one could ever receive. There are moments of absolute “what on earth am I doing,” of course, but the little arms that just threw a handful of crackers across the room or dumped strawberry jam on the dog’s head wrap themselves around your leg, the most innocent eyes look up at you and with a smile on a cherub face, you hear, “I love you Mommy.” Motherhood brings out the best in you. Selflessness, bravery, courage, strength you never knew possible, a bottomless well of unconditional love. It is perfection and a time to be cherished. One also full of many, many life lessons that can only be learned from a child that requires a child-like opening of the heart.
Motherhood is also extremely busy and sometimes stressful. We need all the support we can get. What once took a village has now been handed off mostly to a mom to handle on her own. But that is another post for another day.
A way I love to support mothers is by providing quality products that they can feel confident using on their precious babies.
One of those quality products is the Baby Booty Balm. Not meant to be the butt of funny jokes. Rather, a healing and soothing diaper cream that is full of nourishing, organic, herbal goodness and clean ingredients you can trust, and free of a laundry list of things that should never touch your baby’s skin but is commonly found in most other diaper creams. It is also a perfect balm to be used for a rash on baby's face or even a heat rash! My middle child got a rash on his sweet little face every time he was cutting a tooth, and the Booty Balm was wonderful in helping to soothe and moisturize the scaly, irritated, red skin.
There is no one cause for diaper rash. Things like wearing a wet or dirty diaper for too long, wearing a diaper that is too tight, antibiotic use, bacterial or yeast infection, sensitive skin, allergy or sensitivity to the chemicals in some diapers (see below to my soap box about ingredients and what is allowed on baby’s skin), are some of the reasons diaper rashes on sweet little baby bums occur. Generally, making a few simple changes like more frequent diaper changes, clean ingredient diapers or a clean diaper rash balm/ointment help with diaper rash prevention. Sometimes treatment is required.
Ingredients are everything. It has become second nature for me to look at the ingredients of anything and everything before I purchase. Why? No matter the beautiful marketing and perfect, flashy wording on the front of the product, what is contained inside is either going to promote or hurt health.
Why DOES it work so well? Let’s dive in to see.
Olive Oil - Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, promotes skin renewal, heals the skin, reduces irritation
Coconut Oil - Moisturizing, healing to inflamed, red, irritated, itching skin
Shea Butter - A natural anti-inflammatory, helps to lock in moisture and keep out wetness, relieves redness and irritation, helps to prevent rashes
Calendula Flowers - highlighted for its benefits in this post, Calendula is one of my favorites due to its versatility. Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing to even the most sensitive skin. According to this study, by Scientific World Journal, “..in particular Calendula could serve as a safe and effective treatment for the treatment of diaper dermatitis in infants.” (1)
Chickweed - Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-septic properties help in treating many skin conditions including rashes.
Nettle Leaf - Astringent properties help to treat rashes and burns, while stimulating healing and minimizing scar tissue.
Yarrow Flowers - Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, stimulates cell regeneration, and provides natural pain relief.
Arrowroot Powder - Absorbent, perfect alternative to corn starch because it does not feed yeast, softening, skin soothing due to its vitamin and mineral rich profile.
Raspberry Seed Oil - Acts as a protective barrier, antioxidants, anti- inflammatory, encourages cell regeneration.
Myrrh Resin - Powerful antioxidant, astringent, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic.
Lavender Oil - Anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, contains pain relieving and cell regenerating properties.
“I tried many different creams and ointments on my baby’s bottom and this is the only one that worked. He was usually cleared up within a day!” -D’Anna
“I do not typically write reviews but I could not resist posting one for this AMAZING product! My daughter had a diaper rash for long time and everything I bought did not seem to work until a friend of mine gave me this one to try. It cleared up in one day! I will not use anything else!” - Regina
So, go on Moms! Give it a try and be 100% confident that what you are putting on your baby’s bottom is pure, clean and only contains high quality ingredients that promote the health and well-being of your baby. Let me know how much you love The Green Forest Lady’s Baby Booty Balm!
Share your photo on instagram and tag us for a chance to be featured.
]]>
Hiking, rock climbing, creek chasing, camping under the stars, exploring National and State Parks, foraging and identifying plants, looking for sea creatures in tide pools, searching for bones where we know the coyotes bring their dinner leftovers, climbing trees, gently looking under logs for bugs, counting and logging how many and what kind of birds we see. How ever you do it, there is no wrong way to adventure. There is only the excitement of discovery, the curiosity in exploring, the breathtaking moments of unexpected beauty. Emersion in nature is the best way to cultivate a love and respect of nature.
Whether your kids are more the go all out and throw caution to the wind personalities or the careful, slow, think everything through type, sometimes there are accidents. Maybe running up the last leg of the trail and someone trips over an unseen rock, or a surprise scratch from pokey pinecone while collecting pine pollen, it happens. My kids are a mix of both types of personalities, and I have learned that giving them space to explore their boundaries and learn their limits has helped to build self-awareness and also awareness of their surroundings.
So, if we are heading to explore a National Park and sleep in the tent for a few days, or just out for a day in the forest, my adventure backpack pretty much looks the same. Baby wipes, even though I have no more diapers to change, are a lifesaver. Snacks because, trust me, adventures make kids suddenly much hungrier than usual. Lots and lots of water. Lip balm, a reusable bag to hold all the trash, binoculars, gloves if it is cold, and 1,000 articles of clothing they decide to put on and take off throughout the day.
But the star of the show? Boo Boo Balm. It is an essential, and my kids ask for it regularly. For minor cuts, scrapes, scratches, stings, and all the little bumps that come with an active childhood, it is my go-to.
Boo Boo Balm is an infusion of herbs whose properties were specifically chosen to help heal the little owies life presents. The herbs are gently, slowly infused using a low heat method into pure, organic oil then strained leaving behind deep green, earthy smelling goodness. Why is Boo Boo Balm so amazing? Let’s take a look at the ingredients.
Comfrey Leaf – Revered for its healing powers, comfrey has been used for thousands of years to help slow bleeding, treat bruises, and help heal wounds. Based on this study, “The therapeutic properties of comfrey are based on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Comfrey also stimulates granulation and tissue regeneration, and supports callus formation.” (1)
Plantain Leaf - One of my absolute favorite plants though considered by some to be a common weed. You have probably seen this one growing in your yard or next to the sidewalk while out walking. Plantain has been used for centuries as a healing agent and is generally a staple for herbalists due it its effectiveness as a remedy for wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites.
White Oak Bark - A powerhouse ingredient that is a potent antiseptic and has been used for thousands of years to help control and stop bleeding, bacterial invasion and infection, and helps to regenerate new tissue which is useful when treating burns, wounds, stings, and skin abrasions.
Calendula - Another of my favorite herbs due to its incredible versatility and usefulness. It is beneficial for any minor wound healing including cuts, blisters, bruises, insect bites, and burns as well as helping to treat poorly healing wounds, and those that are tender, red, and inflamed. Due to its antiseptic properties, Calendula also helps keep wounds clean and helps new tissue to grow. In this study, it was concluded that “C. Officinalis presented anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities as well as angiogenic and fibroplastic properties acting in a positive way on the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process. “(2)
Chickweed - Possibly one of the most understated, potent herbs and one of my absolute favorites to forage. From salads and tea to salves and balms, its versatility is something to sing for. Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties can help treat a number of skin conditions like rashes, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, minor burns, and sores. It can be also used to draw out splinters and relieve itching.
Goldenrod - Beautiful, golden flowers whose official name, Solidago, means to make whole. A nod in the direction of those who used it for wound healing in ancient times. Its antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing pain for sore muscles, injuries, and arthritis, as well help in the healing of wounds and burns.
Yarrow - An herb highly revered and used in many ancient cultures, Yarrow is known throughout history as The Battlefield Herb. It’s ability to stop blood flow by facilitating the coagulation of blood, as well as minimize the risk of infection by activating blood platelets in the affected area won its crown as a second to none essential. Its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are optimal for use on minor cuts and burns, while encouraging healing and pain relief.
Lavender Flowers - More than just an aromatic, beautiful flower, lavender is one of the most commonly known and used medicinal herbs. Its powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties make it another top contender in treating burns, scrapes, and wounds, while helping the cells regenerate quickly, and helping to prevent scarring.
Phew! That was a lot to unpack. As you can see, the herbs picked for Boo Boo Balm definitely stand up to the challenge and deserve a seat front and center. Just as Boo Boo Balm deserves a place in every adventurer’s backpack.
So, where will you be headed on your next adventure and what will you be packing?
(1) Comfrey: A Clinical Overview (nih.gov)
]]>
Ahh!! That moment you see those double pink lines. The excitement and pure joy that runs through your body. You are on cloud nine, and then… BOOM! All the sudden, a wave of nausea hits and you may or may not be hugging the toilet for the next couple of months.
While I do not have all the answers for how to fix your morning (or all day as it was with my first) sickness, I can say that pregnancy, with all its ups and downs, brings the most incredible gift and was, hands down, one of my favorite seasons in life.
Pregnancy truly is one of the most beautiful experiences in a woman’s life. I liken it to watching a rose in the spring. You see the new growth and color sprouting after the winter. Then the smallest rose bud appears, and every day after, you can watch the bud grow until, petal by petal, it blooms into the loveliest of flowers, fragrant and glowing with color.
Taking care of the perfect, blooming “rose” is an important part of your self-care routine in pregnancy. Hydration, both internally and applied, will help your growing belly’s (as well as your hips and breasts’) elasticity, firmness, and comfort.
The Green Forest Lady’s Growing Belly Balm is a mix of carefully researched and thought-out ingredients. Each ingredient was chosen for its effectiveness in deeply moisturizing, reducing itchiness, helping with overall skin improvement, and preventing the severity of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are a skin condition called striae distensae that are caused by inflammation, then the rupture of the elastic fibers beneath the surface of the skin due to the pressure of rapid growth. (1) While genetic predisposition does play a role in whether or not you may see those dark lines appear, regular and frequent moisture help to maintain the skin’s elasticity making it less likely to tear.
The most important thing to remember is that no matter if stretch marks do or do not occur, your body is doing something absolutely incredible and should be shown as much love and respect as ever. Let’s be honest, if our husbands grew a new human and organ, we would never hear the end of it and those stripes would be proudly worn for all to see.
While each ingredient has its own beneficial properties, there are a few from our Growing Belly Balm that I would like to highlight. A stage and a spotlight, so to speak, to show just how incredible they are.
Rosehips - the fruit that appears in the fall on a rose plant, is high in essential fatty acids which help speed up skin regeneration, reduce dark spots and lighten skin due to hyperpigmentation, and also heal faster.
Mango Butter - a mildly sweet-smelling fat that originates from mango seeds, is abundantly rich in vitamins c and e, is antioxidant rich, and helps to promote cell regeneration. Its semi-solid form that melts when it touches your skin is not only deeply nourishing, but also feels luxurious and decadent. A treat for your bloom.
Jojoba Oil - although generally thought of as an oil, is actually wax ester extracted from jojoba seeds from the gorgeous evergreen shrub. Its “wow factor” is that its chemical composition is almost identical to the oil our body naturally produces. It is composed mostly of unsaturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols which help speed along skin healing and improvement, cell regeneration, and overall moisturization.
In addition to all of the extraordinary goodness highlighted above, Growing Belly Balm feels like butter melting on your skin. While applying, the gentle scent of lavender wafts up and lightly tickles your senses, helping you to relax and release the stresses of your day.
Growing Belly Balm is perfect for any time-of-day application but is most beneficial after a shower or bath. Leave a bit of water on your skin to help lock in the moisture and to help with absorption of the balm.
This tiny step in self-care can be so rewarding. So, show your beautiful blooming body a little love and radiate from the inside out.
Growing up in the country in Southeast Texas was a lot of fun for a kid that allowed for endless free time to daydream, explore nature, and be creative. At some point, as we all do, I grew up and moved to Los Angeles where I met and married my amazing, supportive husband. After a bit of a transition period, I discovered and fell in love with the wild beauty of California. There we had 3 incredible children - Max, Jonah, and Ivy who are my greatest joy and also share my love of adventure, hiking, and spending our days beneath the trees. Then, after 13 years of living amongst and getting to know the Santa Monica Mountains and all of her secrets, we moved to the desert of Nevada where new adventures, exploration, and time for learning the local flora and fauna await.
My love for herbs, and all things nature began when I was a little girl searching for wild onions in my backyard. That love grew and evolved into something I am deeply passionate about. From the creation of The Green Forest Lady products to the regular herbal, identifying, and foraging lessons my kids get, to making wildcrafted flower essences or salves for my family, to herbal medicine, and using plants in my culinary creations, my love for nature shines through and impacts my everyday life.
The search for truly clean products in the sea of “natural beauty” products available can be overwhelming and disappointing. Aligning myself with the intention of creating with and from the purity of nature was born out of that frustration. In the early days, I made as many personal products as I could: shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, eye lash serum, and tinctures. I taught myself how to harvest medicinal sap from trees, identify wild plants and what parts of plants were beneficial and for what use. When I became pregnant with my first child in 2013, my drive for using only the purest, organic ingredients on my baby naturally evolved into using what I had learned to make baby products.
In 2014, I started Nature's Touch Baby and Body, a small business using recipes I had spent countless hours creating, then making, remaking, and testing on my first baby, family and friends.
7 years later, a lot of learning, unlearning, and navigation in the world of herbal products, Nature's Touch Baby and Body turned over a new leaf, so to speak. A new name and new packaging, but still the same nourishing, healing, soothing, mindfully handcrafted products. The Green Forest Lady is more than just a business. It is a passion, a love, a culmination of knowledge gained over years of trial and error and experience. It is a gift I hope to be able to pass to my children one day, who already love being part of the process - naming new products, helping to print and pack orders, even occasionally helping out in the actual product making.
In the short few years to come, I have plans for new product releases, bringing back some of the products I sold under Nature’s Touch Baby and Body (hello best sugar scrubs you will ever use!), as well as expanding from online sales to old-fashioned brick and mortar shops. One beautiful lesson I have learned, is that minimal outlines and plans work best. Having an open mind and heart for what is waiting for you instead of sticking to a rigorous program will lead to what is meant to be. The journey is beautiful. I believe that no matter where you are in your story, there is much more to be written. I am going to let it flow.
]]>