Since I began writing this blog for the School of Natural Health Sciences I have found myself making natural alterations to our family’s daily routine which have been positively life-changing.
For me, a holistic approach to health, and life, is the first option. I much prefer to reap the benefits of nature than dive straight into a pharmaceutical solution. So, once I began researching into holistic therapies I became inspired to incorporate the concepts and remedies I was writing about into my own life.
The following is a list of all the therapies, or therapy inspired, adaptations I have made to our daily routine and how they have changed our lives for the better, naturally.
Oil Pulling
A traditionally Ayurvedic oral hygiene regime. I personally use coconut oil to do this as it has the best taste and, I believe, effects. You place one tablespoon of oil in your mouth and pull it through your teeth for twenty minutes every morning before brushing. This may sound like a lot of oil as well as a lot of time, but once it becomes part of your routine you get used to it. I completed three months of oil pulling and noticed that my teeth were consistently cleaner, shinier and whiter than usual. At this point we were travelling and I was unable to find any organic, virgin coconut oil so I took a break for a few weeks. The difference was really noticeable; I had plaque build up on the back of my lower teeth once again and my teeth seemed a bit dull. The real purpose of oil pulling is to keep teeth and gums healthy by removing unwanted bacteria from the mouth; helping with gingivitis, bad breath and gum disease. I would highly recommend this, my husband and children have started to do it as well now since they began to notice the difference in my oral health.
Read the blog “What is Oil Pulling and what can it do for you?”
Meditation
This is something that I have been meaning to get into for years. Young children, life in general, and me not carving out the time, got in the way. Since writing this blog and constantly researching and discussing natural treatments for just about everything, time and time again meditation comes up as a key element in our equilibrium. Meditation is a key tool in achieving this as it allows us to tap into our own spirituality, keep us grounded and well-rounded; it can make you feel happier, less stressed, help to focus, increase brain function, improve quality of sleep, it increases your memory, attention, self-awareness and self-control, even lowers your blood pressure all the while increasing a deeper sense of connection to yourself, others and your sense of purpose. Focussing on oneself is paramount to happiness and something we all neglect to do in the assumption that it is not necessary. A ten minute daily meditation is an achievable way to get some ‘me time’ and something I have been striving to do for the last eight months. I have to say I found it really hard to not let my mind wander but using guided meditations online has really helped. The benefits for me are simply to feel ready for the day, I feel more open to the world and others, I feel more patient and able to reflect and consider before acting, and a lot more capable to give and receive love.
Read the blog “Mediation apps can help you get started on this life-changing practice”
Plant-based diet
Due to our strong belief in protecting the environment, as well as how highly we value nutrition and dietary health, we have adapted our diet as a family to be predominantly plant-based. We are not full vegan yet; we still eat cheese and use butter and milk but I am working on reducing this and moving to plant-based nut butters, cheeses and milk replacements. The children have adapted so easily and none of us miss the idea or taste of meat at all. The main reason was to reduce our carbon footprint, increase our nutritional intake and not to add to the negative impact that animal farming has on our planet, as well as the animal cruelty involved in the process. One of the benefits, as well as feeling and looking healthy, is that it has pushed us to be more creative in the kitchen; we’ve discovered a huge range of amazing recipes and ideas that we may never have come across if hadn’t made the switch.
Read the blog “3 quick, delicious vegan recipes for your busy work week”
Natural skincare
Since starting with the oil pulling I also began using coconut oil as a moisturiser when I have dry skin and to remove make up. We use aloe vera for sunburn or minor burns. Paw paw lotion for chapped lips, sores, rashes, etc. I also only use natural deodorant, shampoo & conditioner and shower gel. I have found that natural products smell so much better, and have a far more nourishing effect on the skin. Dare I even mention that my skin seems a little younger?
Read the blog “Nature’s Essentials: Our top 15 natural DIY cures”
Natural perfume
I made the switch from regular perfume to essential oil-based perfumes about a year ago as a very clever friend of mine (rebeccatracey.co.uk) who creates the most amazing blends of essential oils gave me a range of her rollerballs as a wedding gift, and that means 100% certified organic and pure oils only. This move was mainly due to the realisation, having written about the perfume industry, that the ingredients used in commercial perfumes are not good for our skin nor the environment. And why use synthetic materials rather than the beautiful aromas that nature has provided for us? Different blends of oils naturally have different effects on our mood; I like to carry a few rollerballs around with me, instead of perfume, to use throughout the day. Depending on what I am about to experience, I’ll select the appropriate oils for the moments ahead. For example, to keep me balanced I have one made up of geranium, lavender, patchouli & petitgrain. Other blends can help energise you, refresh you, help you get to sleep, to de-stress, and help to face any challenges throughout the day. My next step in this field may well be to take the SNHS course on aromatherapy, I just find it so fascinating how our minds and bodies are so well connected to nature.
Read the blog “Natural vs Synthetic Fragrances. Which is best?”
Natural first aid kit
This is one of my favourite adaptations we have made. Our first aid kit now consists of predominantly natural ingredients which function just as well, if not better, than conventional pharmaceutical products. In our kit you will find; arnica for bruising and soreness, eucalyptus oil for stuffy noses and respiratory issues, ginger for nausea or motion sickness as well as cold and flu relief, echinacea to boost immunity, epsom salts for muscle aches and soaking splinters to help with removal, peppermint oil for digestion, hydrogen peroxide for cleaning cuts and wounds, aloe vera plant for burns and blisters, and of course apple cider vinegar for everything else!
Read the blog “First aid kit: our top ten essential natural items”
We are noticing that using plants to fulfil our entire daily lives is not only satisfying and nourishing but we feel better, healthier and more positive about our place in the world.
Feeling like part of the solution is a beautiful place to be.
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