What I use…

One of the hardest things about making a change to a less toxic home is we are creatures of habit. You use what your mother used, what her mother used and so on…. It is a pain to find something  less toxic, especially when you see the price!  As a single mom I know how much easier it is to buy what you know works and is affordable. Switching your skin and hair care is a whole another beast. Not only does the price go up the less toxic a product is, sometimes they are completely ineffective.  I want to share some of the things that I use to get you started on your journey to a less toxic you. It is worth it! 

• Cosmetics-  Tart and Bare Minerals are my go to make up brands.  According to EWG.ORG they are pretty low on the toxic load.  They also have Mineral Fusion at most health food stores that I have heard good reviews on.  
• Shampoo and Conditioner- I used Fructis and Pantene for years! The smells were lovely and they lathered heavily making your hair feel super soft and clean. SLS (sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is a pretty toxic lathering agent. Most body care products also have parabens which I urge you to research. I have switched to Giovanni or Shikai found at most health food stores. Other brands to consider are Living Libations, Organic Excellence, Griffin Remedy, and Mineral Fusion. 
• Lotion– I had very dry skin and hair and I was told I wasn’t ingesting enough EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids).  I upped my organic extra virgin coconut oil intake (I use Nutiva, Iherb.com) and started Mercola’s Women’s Krill Oil (Iherb.com) and noticed a difference within the month.  For external moisturizing I like  Aubrey Organics brand for kids, The Raw Food World msm lotion, Andalou, or even  extra virgin coconut oil (it absorbs fast and does not give an oily film or clog pores. It is anti bacterial and anti fungal for those who struggle with eczema).
• Face Wash- Living Libations best skin ever found at The Raw Food World online or Living Libations.com. I also use raw virgin coconut oil as a make up remover and face wash. 
• Sun Screen- I love Aubrey Organics unscented 30 SPF. I used it for my kids also. 
• Bug Repellent- Do not use anything with DEET!!! EVER!!! We use doTerras Terrashield or Burt’s Bees spray. Personally not my favorite smell but they work!
  
• Scrapes, Burns, Cuts…- doTerra lavender oil!!! It not only soothes pain, but is naturally antiseptic. Calendula Cream by Boiron is also a favorite! Way better than Neosporin on many levels.
  
• Strains and Sprains- I have both Topracin and Traumeel. I prefer the Traumeel personally, I think its stronger. I use it for children’s growing pains, sore muscles, and minor injuries. DoTerra also has an oil called Deep Blue we use frequently. 
• Bee Stings- SssstingStop Gel works wonders!!!!!!! I had a bee sting on the bottom of my foot after stepping on a bee and it soothed it instantly! doTerra lavender or peppermint works well also…. 
• Feminine Products- If you think about it most of these products are made with BLEACHED cotton…. Enough said! But you want something that works right??? I have both NutraCare and Seventh Generation brands which are made with organic non-chlorinated cotton and both work great.
  
• Medicine- My big thing is prevention. I strive to make sure our immune systems are always strong. I personally use doTerra once I begin to catch something, or for injuries. The family care kit has most everything you need for medicine.  We also use homeopathic remedies . I like HEEL brand combinations… I even have a 100 single remedy kit, but that is more complex. It works if you know how to use it. It totally goes against modern medicine but I love it! Raw garlic is powerful, colloidal silver, and organic herbal teas are also great!
  
• Household Cleaners- I make my own. Visit my resource page for recipes. Honestly vinegar is my main go to cleaner. I also use Borax, washing soda, and baking soda. doTerra On Guard goes into most of my cleaning concoctions also. 
• Bug Killer- EarthEasy.com has some great suggestions! Or wal mart carries a non toxic brand in the section near the Terro and Raid…. doTerra also has many oils that bugs hate:) 
• Air Freshener- Air Therapy or Citrus Magic. Also PURIFY oil by doTerra in an aromafier. Organic wood wick candles are fun too.
  
• Diapers- Seventh Generation Chlorine Free is what I use for both my girls pull-ups and diapers (diapers.com). If your up to it organic cotton cloth diapers.

Feel Free to Email me if you have any other products your want to switch, your just not sure to what…. solelycece@yahoo.com