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/

Cold & Flu Season, Are You Ready?

Every year parents across the country brace for it, dreading the impact it may have on their loved ones.  Flu Season, it seems is growing to be one that lasts from late Fall to late Spring these days. 

Well, the first cases of the 2014 flu season have already been confirmed and reported by Oklahoma City's FOX25 News been reported as of October 23rd.  This year I feel much more empowered to battle what lies in wait.  This year there are new elements at my disposal to help prevent and take down the runny noses, sore throats, fevers, and upset stomachs that may try to ruin the days and nights of my children.  This year I have a knowledge of how to use essential oils to build our immune systems and halt what may try to take us down.

This is the time of year that anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are everywhere...especially in (my children's) classrooms.  What I did not know is that many contain a dangerous chemical called "triclosan"?  (which is also found in some toothpastes)  It is what has caused some states to start banning those products. You can read more about it in this article from CNN.

In 2013, ABCnews.com reported the following:

"'The virus is likely to spread across the country,' ABC News' Dr. Richard Besser said Sunday morning. 'I expect that it's going to hit the whole country.' Enterovirus D68 comes from a family of enteroviruses that can cause cold-like symptoms,typically during the month of September. Besser warned parents to watch out for symptoms of coughs and wheezing among their children, especially if their children are asthmatic."

"Children who contract enterovirus D68 first suffer from what appears to be a common cold, with symptoms including a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, according to Besser. The symptoms then escalate to difficulty breathing. Besser said parents should look out for their children exhibiting signs of wheezing, difficulty eating or speaking, and blueness around the lips." - Taken from ABCnews.com Click HERE for Full Story

 

Here are the TOP FIVE oils that I recommend you have in your arsenal to deal with the oncoming Cold, Flu, and Enterovirus Season:

Respiratory Oil Blend - When inhaled from bottle, or hands, helps to open up airways. Apply thin coat of Fractionated Coconut Oil to protect skin on chest and throat, then apply Breathe blend to chest and throat to open up airways and make breathing easier. On very small children and babies, apply oil blend to bottoms of feet and cover with socks. This also will help to keep airways open and make for more restful sleep when sick.

Lavender - Coat skin beside nostrils with a small dab of Fractionated Coconut Oil, then apply one drop of Lavender to stop a runny nose dead in it's tracks. On very small children and babies place the dab of coconut oil and Lavender behind child's ears to avoid them rubbing it into eyes. Also applying lavender oil to the bottoms of feet will help with more restful sleep. (Lavender oil is also always great to have on hand for burns, bites, cuts, scrapes, stings, bites, and itches.)

Peppermint - Apply coat of Fractionated Coconut Oil to forehead, temples, and back of neck, then apply 1 - 2 drops Peppermint Oil to relieve headaches. Peppermint oil aromatically inhaled can also relieve nausea and help open airways. 

Digestive Oil Blend - put 1 - 2 drops in 4 oz of juice for a child, or 3 - 4 drops in a 4oz glass of water for adult (do not use a plastic cup for this as the oils will eat away the plastic - use glass) mix well and drink. Also apply topically to areas of discomfort on stomach to relieve gas, bloating, upset, and other symptoms of stomach flu or food poisoning. On very small children and babies apply this essential oil blend with fractionated coconut oil to stomach and bottoms of feet.

Protective Oil Blend - Apply this antibacterial and antiviral blend to bottoms of feet twice daily to build immunity and protect against bacterial infections and viruses. Also make into a spray for hands, doorknobs, countertops, and other places viruses and bacteria can spread.

Contact me for information to get your hands on these amazing oils.

Ask me how you can register as a Preferred Member (One time fee of $25 for Lifetime Membership) and receive a 20% discount on purchases!

OR register as a Wellness Advocate (1 year membership),  and receive WHOLESALE PRICING, monthly promotional deals, and points back towards products!!