Vicks Chest Rubs vs. Natural Chest Rub

It's that time of year when many (MANY) mothers are pulling out the VICKS VapoRub to help their little ones breathe easier through the night.  You just may want to think twice before doing it. 

Have you actually read the list of active ingredients in this product?  I have to admit that until my son was born, I really never did. I just took a look at the VICKS Baby Rub that I've used in the past on my children...mostly because they couldn't breathe easily when I had used the VICKS VapoRub. (My girls are now 8 & 10 and I had to use the baby brand back in Spring 2014 for the same reasons.) 

VICKS VapoRub:

Active Ingredients: Label reads: Special Vick medications (camphor, menthol, spirits of turpentine, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, myristica oil, thymol) compounded by the original Vick process VICK CHEMICAL COMPANY Div of Richardson-Merrell Inc

VICKS Baby Rub:

Ingredients: Petrolatum, Fragrance, Aloe Extract, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil.

Petrolatum, commonly known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of petroleum. Petrolatum is a soft paraffin or wax mixture sold as a topical skin ointment. It is acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved over-the-counter skin protectant and is used in the manufacturing of cosmetic skin care. However the side effects of petrolatum include finding the petroleum byproduct in breast tumors, suffocation of the skin, premature aging and aggravated acne. (LiveStrong.com)

There is NO WAY that I am putting these products on the chest of my girls or son ever again.  The U.S. already out ranks other countries with an astounding cancer rate...I don't want this to be something that is supposed to help but actually becomes part of a future problem for my children.  I personally have thrown out the VICKS products and am taking a new approach this year to combat respiratory issues. A natural approach which has worked extremely well in the past month.

According to an article published in the Washington Post back in 2009, (yes, 2009!), there are serious concerns over the product actually causing more mucus to be produced and even inflammation.  Neither of which we mothers want to have to worry about while trying to conquer the attacks against our little ones.

Dr. Daniel Craven, a pediatric pulmonologist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, said parents shouldn't use Vicks VapoRub, because it has no medicinal value and may even be dangerous.

"Previous research has failed to demonstrate any respiratory benefits of VapoRub, and conscientious pediatricians have thus usually tried to dissuade families from spending money on this and similarly ineffective therapies," Craven said. "Although the findings are someone limited, this study raises the possibility that this product may not just be ineffective, but possibly might have adverse respiratory consequences -- particularly if there is an intense exposure -- as when it is applied directly under the nostrils."

Aside from the threat of those issues becoming worse, who really wants to use petroleum on their child any more?  Questions as to its safety have been raised over and over again.  According to an article in The Huffington Post, you actually are suffocating your pores when applying it to your skin. It basically works like placing plastic over your skin to keep things in (moisture, dirt, grease, oils, etc.).

Homemade Chest Rub
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
2 drops Lemon essential oil
3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops Lavender essential oil
(message me to get your oils)

Directions
Mix all ingredients together  and rub into your chest and upper back.
Can be repeated as often as necessary. 
DO NOT place into nostrils, mouth or ear canals.

You can double, triple or quadruple this recipe and store it in an airtight container, such as a baby food jar, for future applications.

References:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/13/AR2009011301089.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/226763-side-effects-of-petrolatum/

Diaper Bag Makeover

There are plenty of creams, ointments, and wipes that contain chemicals that aren't necessary especially when you have a natural alternative.  Here are some simple ways to makeover your diaper bag with essential oils.

1.  For Momma - Keep hydrated.  Dehydration can lead to exhaustion.  Add essential oils like Lemon or Wild Orange to your water throughout the day.

2.  Diaper Cream  -  This recipe is free of petroleum and artificial ingredients that can cause even more irritation to baby's skin.

3.  Peppermint Beadlet -  A burst of Peppermint will freshen breath and soothe tummy discomfort.

4.  Essential Oils -  Gentle oils like Lavender and Melaleuca are must haves.

5.  Coconut Oil -  Moisturize and protect skin without any oily residue.

6.  Baby Wipes -  Commercial wipes are made with ingredients that can actually irritate a baby's sensitive skin.  This easy recipe is good on the go, just place the wipes in a wet bag.

Taking The Sting Out Of Diaper Rash Naturally

Babies definitely have my sympathy.  I can't imagine having to rely on someone to keep on top of when I've gone to the bathroom...even 5 minutes in a dirty diaper can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.  My poor little son's booty is extremely sensitive.  He tends to get diaper rashes very easily and much more frequently than his sisters did.

This week he developed an ear and throat infection, which I had no idea he had.  Unlike most babies he had not pulled on his ear or cried when laid down.  I was more concerned with the sound that his cough had developed into while he's been teething.  (which turned out to be no big deal)  With the news of the problem being an ear and throat infection, I gave into antibiotics to help clear them up before his scheduled immunizations, and along with the medication came the side-effect of strong diarrhea. His little booty did not stand a chance.

Tummy Troubles Big and Small

James at 7 months

As all of us moms know, tummy trouble does not hit at the best of times.  It tends to rise up in the middle of making dinner, sleeping or while we're out and about.  Neither do they only attack the young, but us more matured as well.

This is my little James.  At 7 months old I have had countless battles with tummy trouble since the day he was born.  All of my children have had tummy troubles as babies, my oldest Grace and youngest James had it the worst.  They couldn't tolerate my milk...which is so frustrating as a new mommy.  Our milk is supposed to be the best thing for them and yet mine caused so much pain.  Was I watching what I ate?  Absolutely.  I was ridiculously careful about what I ate.

For both Grace and Rose the use of gripe water instantly soothed their little tummies.  James was a totally different story.  It took about 15 - 20 minutes for his tummy to begin to settle when I gave him the gripe water.  Mylicon drops never worked either.  For the past two weeks I have been taking a few drops of olive oil in my palm and adding 1 drop of Digestive Blend to it.  Then with my finger I mix it in my palm and then rub it on my son's lower tummy.  Within 4-5 minutes the pressure begins to release and little gas bubbles make their way through his system. It's amazing! 

First, I didn't think it would work so fast.  Second, I didn't know if it was going to irritate him.  So far there has been no skin irritation and I have a much happier baby within minutes.  To me that is priceless.

Grace, 9 years old

My oldest daughter had a couple issues last weekend that needed to be remedied quickly.  She's a Drama Queen so it takes a few minutes to really find out what's going on.  Two issues this time were plaguing her: 1) Diarrhea and 2) nausea.  Again, I took a couple drops of olive and mixed it with 1 drop of Digestive Blend and rubbed it onto her lower tummy. Her nausea diminished and was completely gone within 8 minutes and her diarrhea never resurfaced! 

She now knows exactly what to do if either return in the future.  Talk about a Drama Queen's answer for relief...actually, it's probably more like my answer for relief.  She can carry on and on about something and turn the littlest "1" into a "10", so just imagine what it's like in my house when she has a real "8 - 10".

Last but not least, my hubby who I affectionately call Charming.  Charming is a Gulf War Veteran who was recently diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.  One of the many symptoms is diarrhea...not for just a day or two but more like everyday with a breather of maybe a week if you're lucky.  Imagine how it is to go to work every day hoping that you don't have to sprint (or speed walk) to the nearest restroom.  Everyday he asks me for his cocktail...which is a blend of essential oils in a vegetable capsule.  He's been taking a capsule with 3 drops of Digestive Blend, 1 drop of Frankincense, 1 drop of Oregano, 1 drop of Melaleuca  and 2 drops of OnGuard for the past 3 weeks.  According to Charming, his bouts have dramatically lessened and he's thrilled with the results that the oils seem to have aided in soothing.  

Digestive Blend contains a blend of:

• Ginger: renowned for its ability to soothe stomach upset and ease indigestion
• Peppermint: supports healthy gastrointestinal function and aids in digestion
• Tarragon: promotes healthy digestion
• Fennel: helps relieve indigestion and a myriad of stomach issues
• Caraway: acts as a natural carminative while supporting a healthy gastrointestinal tract
• Coriander: eases occasional stomach upset
• Anise: promotes healthy digestion

Contact me for information more information and to get your hands on this amazing oil.

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