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March 2, 2017

Herbal Pain Killer Shot for Headaches & More: Stop Taking NSAIDS!

Herbal Pain Killer Shot for Headaches & More: Stop Taking NSAIDS! | The Family That Heals Together

Migraines have been my longest-standing, most life-disrupting health problem since I can remember. And while lifestyle changes have helped tremendously, as soon as my diet lags, my sleep gets disrupted, or my stress levels rise, headaches are the first thing to get worse. I recently created this herbal pain killer shot and have been pleasantly surprised at how effective it is.

Do you need an herbal pain killer?

The big question is: why wouldn’t you just take an over the counter pain killer? They’re cheap, readily available, and easy to pop down with a little water.

However, taking these over the counter pain killers (aka NSAIDs- non steriod anti-inflammatory drugs), has serious consequences for your health. As a long-time migraine sufferer, I have taken more NSAIDs than I care to admit.

Why you should avoid NSAIDs:

  • increased risk of heart failure- by 19%! (source)
  • kidney damage (if you have any level of kidney disease, you SHOULD NOT take NSAIDs)
  • gut damage and GI distress, as well as ulcers and internal bleeding (source)
  • liver damage
  • muscle regeneration delay and reduction of ligament, tendon, and cartilage healing (not ideal for post-workout pain!) (source)

I used to take them like they were candy. Headache? Down a couple 200 milligram ibuprofen. Full-fledged migraine? Take three or maybe a couple acetaminophen.

In the last year or so, it was taking 800 mg at once to take the edge off of my worst migraines, and I was still taking over the counter pain killers on occasion even recently… until I discovered this herbal pain killer shot.

I whipped it up on a whim knowing each of the components alone can be good for relieving pain. I had a monster migraine setting in and I was feeling the pressure. My natural attempts at relieving the pain weren’t working but I didn’t want to take a toxic over-the-counter drug.

Out of desperation, I made my concoction and downed it… and within minutes, my pain began to ease. I was astounded!

A little while later, when the pain threatened to return, I made and took another shot, and this time the pain stayed gone for good.

Now, anytime I feel like I could possibly have a headache coming on, I take my herbal pain killer shot, and I’m happy to say I haven’t had a headache, let alone a migraine, since I first took this shot.

What’s in it?

Just three simple ingredients. It doesn’t taste too bad at all, and takes just a minute to mix up.

Herbal Pain Killer Shot: The Players

#1. Turmeric- extensively studied and found to be beneficial in relieving respiratory illnesses, including asthma, turmeric is also a powerful anti-mucosal.

You already know it’s great for dental health if you’ve tried my tooth powder recipe (if you haven’t, you should!).

But what about turmeric for pain relief?

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is known to inhibit inflammation by suppressing nuclear factor κB (NF-kB), a protein complex responsible for creating cytokines (some of which are responsible for pain responses), restricting various activators of NF-kB as well as stemming its expression. (source)

Because black pepper increases the efficacy of turmeric up to 2000%, I keep a bag of bulk organic turmeric on hand with a little black pepper already mixed in. (I mix with a small amount of whatever ground black pepper I have on hand- less than two teaspoons of pepper per cup of turmeric.)

Buy the organic ground turmeric I use here.

#2. Ginger extract- theoretically, you could use ground ginger along with the ground turmeric, but I haven’t tried that, and I’ve had great success with ginger extract for a variety of conditions, including pain and swollen lymph nodes.

According to one study,

Ginger and its constituents also show a vital role in anti-inflammatory processes. Earlier studies on in vitro investigations of ginger preparations and some isolated gingerol-related compounds showed the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger such as inhibition of COX (the enzyme blocked by pain killers) and inhibition of NF-kB.”

Buy the organic ginger extract I use here.

#3. White willow bark- one of my recent favorite discoveries, white willow bark is an old folk remedy that was used for pain relief prior to the invention of Aspirin, and has been found to be as effective without the side effects.

Like Aspirin, white willow bark is a nonselective inhibitor of COX-1 and COX-2 (those enzymes targeted by pain killers), used to block inflammatory prostaglandins. (source)

I make my own white willow bark extract by combining white willow bark and vodka in equal parts in a glass jar and allowing to sit in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks. I shake the jar as often as I can remember during this time.

Get white willow bark here.

Keep in mind, white willow bark may not be safe for children or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. For use with children, you can replace the white willow with meadowsweet. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, these ingredients are best left out of the formulation.

In addition, those exhibiting symptoms of chicken pox or flu, those with asthma, or those who are allergic to aspirin should not use white willow or meadowsweet.

Get meadowsweet herb here.

Note: Due to the natural blood thinning effects of this combination of herbs, people with blood disorders or taking anti-coagulants should talk to their care provider before taking them.

Herbal Pain Killer Shot: The How-To

When I’m in need of some pain relief, I fill a glass with about a quarter cup of water, add a dropper-ful each of ginger and white willow bark extract, and about 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric and give it a stir before drinking it down in one gulp.

I generally feel relief within minutes.

Who needs NSAIDs?

I’ve been so thrilled to finally be able to ditch over the counter pain meds once and for all. This herbal pain killer shot has been so effective, I can’t imagine ever needing to go back, as it stops pain in its tracks every time.

Best of all, the ingredients are non-toxic and even promote long-term health benefits and overall wellness.

Are you ready to ditch your toxic pain killer pills? Share for a friend who needs relief!

Herbal Pain Killer Shot for Headaches & More: Stop Taking NSAIDS! | The Family That Heals Together

By: Jaclyn · Filed Under: Blog · Tagged: diy, headaches, herbal, herbs, migraines, non toxic, pain killer

February 10, 2017

Balancing Hormones Naturally: Your DIY Supplement

How to Balance Hormones Naturally: Your DIY Supplement | The Family That Heals Together

Recently, we answered the question: “What are hormones?” (Learn more in our post Hormones 101.) Today, I’ll tell you how to balance hormones naturally with a DIY supplement recipe.

In this post sponsored by Perfect Supplements, I’ll give you a simple recipe to create your own hormone-balancing supplement. Scroll to the bottom for an exclusive coupon code!

Why do women need to learn how to balance hormones naturally?

Do you ever think about how unfair it is that men seem to have it easier than us? I mean, c’mon, they don’t have to be pregnant, deal with monthly cycles, postpartum bodies, or really any of the troublesome hormonal stuff we do.

They also don’t get to experience the wonder that is harboring a child in your body for nine months, or the gift of natural birth. Those things are special to be sure, but they do pose some problematic hormonal changes for us gals.

While men do experience hormonal issues of their own, due to women’s propensity to undergo frequent hormonal changes due to the above conditions, we are more likely to suffer from hormonal imbalances.

These imbalances can lead to a number of health conditions, including:

  • weight gain
  • depression or anxiety
  • digestive disorders
  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • and about a million other things.

Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body. They coordinate and control complex processes like fertility and reproduction, growth, and metabolism. They also have a strong influence in other areas such as the functioning of the immune system as well as in our mood, emotions and behavior.

Hormones are pretty important stuff.

How to Balance Hormones Naturally: Your DIY Supplement | The Family That Heals Together

How to balance hormones naturally

If you’re not in a rush to try synthetic hormone replacements (or even the more natural hormone replacement therapies), you may wondering how to balance hormones naturally.

Personally, I’ve recently added acupuncture to my hormone-balancing routine, but there are lots of ways to work on balancing your hormones.

1. Eat a healthy diet. Eat lots of good, high-quality fats like butter, coconut oil, and lard.

Avoid processed foods and make sure you’re getting plenty of omega 3 fats like those found in fish and cod liver oil, and avoiding the less healthy omega 6 fats like those found in conventional cooking oils.

2. Use adaptogenic herbs to support your adrenal glands. Rhodiola is an excellent choice (read more about rhodiola here), and you can also make your own comprehensive herbal extract.

3. Improve your gut health. Sometimes eating healthy isn’t enough and you need to implement a healing diet like GAPS or go grain-free. A high-quality, effective probiotic is also key. I use this one.

Using collagen everyday is also helpful to heal and seal a leaky gut.

4. Do gentle exercise. Stretching and walking are perfect when you’re working to support your hormones, as over-exertion can further stress the hormones.

5. Use the following daily DIY supplement.

How to Balance Hormones Naturally: Your DIY Supplement | The Family That Heals Together

How to balance hormones naturally: DIY supplement

I recently learned about a new supplement that was designed specifically with women’s hormones in mind. I gave it a try and loved it, but it was a little pricey, so, of course, I decided to DIY it.

My favorite thing about DIY-ing supplements (like when I make my own herbal extracts), besides saving a boatload of money, is that I can customize them and add ingredients that I think will be beneficial, which is exactly what I’ve done here.

In this DIY hormone-balancing supplement, you’ll find the following ingredients:

Organic powdered coconut milk

Coconut milk has those rich saturated fats that help to support a woman’s hormones by giving her cells the nutrients needed to build hormones. It has the perfect balance of essential fatty acids along with saturated fat, the building blocks of healthy hormones.

(Note: organic powdered coconut milk contains a small amount of organic tapioca maltodextrin and organic acacia fiber in order to improve the texture. Non-organic versions may contain other additives.)

Grassfed hydrolyzed collagen

Collagen is one of my favorite food-based supplements, and for good reason. It’s packed full of amino acids, which help to balance hormones, and, in turn, neurotransmitters (aka those little things that control your mood- hello PMS!).

You’ll find Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen in this recipe, which dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids and is flavorless.

Organic powdered greens

Chock full of vitamins A, C, and K, greens are the bedrock of a healthy diet. But I’ll be the first to admit I don’t eat enough of them.

Easily get in a dose of daily greens with a powdered green supplement like Organic Perfect Fermented Kale or Organic Perfect Three Grass Blend.

Date sugar

Dates are high in vitamin C, a needed nutrient to support the adrenal glands. Beneficial for trace minerals, as well as a great natural sweetener, date sugar is a nice addition to our DIY hormone-balancing supplement.

Himalayan salt

An awesome source of trace minerals, and great for balancing the hormones, Himalayan salt boasts endless benefits.

Ready to learn how to balance hormones naturally with this DIY supplement?

Grab the recipe below!

Print Recipe

DIY Hormone Support Supplement

Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Author: Jaclyn

Ingredients

  • 2 cups organic powdered coconut milk
  • 1 3/4 cups Perfect Grassfed Hydrolyzed Collagen
  • 1/4-1/2 cup Organic Perfect Fermented Kale
  • 1/2 cup date sugar
  • 2 tsp Himalayan salt

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine ingredients. If any ingredients are clumpy, sift before adding.
  • Whisk to mix ingredients well and place in a large jar with an air-tight lid.
  • Store in a cool, dark place and add 1-2 tbsp to drinks or food every day.

Notes

This amount should last 1-2 months, depending on how much you use per day.

How to use this DIY supplement

Once you have your powder made, you can easily grab it and add it to your morning routine in order to pack in those hormone-supporting nutrients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Smoothies

Add a tablespoon or two to a morning smoothie for ease of use. Try this super antioxidant smoothie recipe.

2. Hot beverages

Easily stir a tablespoon into your hot morning beverage of choice, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or, my favorite, chai tea. Add a little honey and raw cream for a hormone-healing latte of sorts.

3. Cold drinks

Because hydrolyzed collagen dissolves easily (unlike regular collagen, aka, gelatin), you can easily mix it into a glass of raw milk, juice, or even water.

4. Breakfast

Add a scoop to your morning meal, whether you’re eating yogurt, oatmeal, or some type of cereal, this powdered supplement can mix right in.

I honestly love doing every little thing I can to support my hormones, because supporting the hormones supports my overall health and happiness. This supplement is a perfect addition to my routine.

Want to get 10% off Perfect Supplement Grassfed Hydrolyzed Collagen and Fermented Kale Powder this weekend?

Use coupon code FAMILYHEALS10​ for an extra 10% off Perfect Supplements’ already low prices, multiple item discounts, and free shipping for orders over $99. Shop here.

Want to get 35% off?!

Because Perfect Supplements offers 25% off orders of three items or more, you can order the Collagen, Kale or Three Grass Blend, + Grassfed Liver Capsules (one of my favorite supplements for better energy, and also great for the adrenals and hormones support!), and, with the addition of the 10% off coupon (FAMILYHEALS10), get 35% off your entire order! Yeah!

Do you have a friend who would love learning how to balance hormones naturally with this DIY supplement?
Share using one of our links below!

How to Balance Hormones Naturally: Your DIY Supplement | The Family That Heals Together

By: Jaclyn · Filed Under: Beautiful, Blog · Tagged: coconut, coconut milk, collagen, diy, gelatin, hormones, peptides, supplements, women's health

January 27, 2017

The One And Only Nighty-Night Magnesium Lotion Recipe

Nighty-Night Magnesium Lotion Recipe | The Family That Heals Together

Let’s be honest: us mamas will do just about anything to get our kids to sleep well. My four-year-old has been climbing into my bed this last week, sandwiching me between him and the two-year-old. It’s not my idea of a good time and it makes me desperate to get him sleeping better. Which is why I created this magnesium lotion recipe.

I’ve tried various recipes, but I wanted one that soaked into my skin better. I based this one on my favorite simple lotion recipe, so I knew I would like it, and I added a soothing essential oil blend to help induce sleepy time.

Benefits of magnesium

The reason I wanted to create a magnesium lotion recipe is because magnesium is well absorbed through the skin. There are lots of different types of magnesium, which I’ll look at closer below, but first, let’s take a look at why we should supplement magnesium in the first place.

Magnesium is needed for essentially every function in the body. You can’t live without it.

Magnesium can help keep you regular. It relaxes the gastrointestinal tract and keeps peristalsis, the natural muscle relaxation and contraction of the colon, working properly. Too much of the wrong kind can cause a problem of a different kind, so stay tuned.

Magnesium eases muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are often caused by lack of magnesium and other minerals, so supplementing with this magnesium lotion recipe can relieve them.

Magnesium calms the nervous system and eases anxiety. Magnesium is a relaxant, which can soothe the nervous system and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, nervousness, and irritability.

Magnesium helps increase energy. While magnesium helps with relaxation, it’s needed on a cellular level to increase energy. Read about the right kind of magnesium to take for energy here.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are numerous, as magnesium deficiency can contribute to any number of health conditions, and most sufferers of serious health conditions are likely deficient in magnesium. Some of the common symptoms include:

  • headaches
  • muscle cramps
  • constipation
  • anxiety
  • high blood pressure
  • chronic fatigue
  • muscle weakness
  • heart rhythm irregularities
  • depression and irritability

Basically, magnesium is really stinkin’ important!

Unfortunately, today’s soil is depleted, so it’s hard to get a sufficient amount of magnesium from our food. Still, good food sources of magnesium include:

  • dark leafy greens
  • beans
  • nuts and seeds
  • yogurt
  • bananas
  • dark chocolate

Ways I get magnesium in

There are basically three ways I use magnesium in order to supplement.

Epsom salt baths- I take hot Epsom salt baths nearly every day in order to soak in some magnesium and help my body detox through the skin.

Morning Magnesium– a magnesium supplement from one of my favorite supplement companies, Smidge, Morning Magnesium is a combination of three types of quality sources of magnesium, along with boron for better absorption. This magnesium is formulated to create energy on a cellular level.

Mr. Incredible took it with him on a recent trip out of town for a big interview and totally nailed it. He got the promotion and now we’re moving. I’m not saying it was all due to Morning Magnesium… but I’m not saying it’s not either. Grab Morning Magnesium here.

My homemade magnesium lotion- I try to make sure and rub down with this lotion every night before bed.

Nighty-Night Magnesium Lotion Recipe | The Family That Heals Together

The easy way to use magnesium and help your kids sleep better

Knowing how important magnesium is, I wanted an easy way to get it into my kiddos. This Nighty-Night Magnesium Lotion recipe makes it easy to supplement magnesium for my kids, plus helps everyone sleep better. End game: mom win.

A couple things you should know:

This lotion stings a little at first. However, in my experience, the stinging stops after a few days of use, as your levels of magnesium improve and your body adjusts. If your kids complain, you can rub it on the soles of their feet, where it doesn’t get itchy. Otherwise, I rub it on soft tissue like thighs and tummy.

This lotion doesn’t taste good. Tidbit from Mister Two, who thought he’d lick the pan after I was done making it. Bad move, sir.

With all that in mind, go give this super simple and easy magnesium lotion a try and have everyone sleeping better TONIGHT!

Nighty-Night Magnesium Lotion Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 2 Tbsp. magnesium chloride flakes  this one bag lasts for many batches!
  • 5 Tbsp. avocado oil
  • 5 Tbsp. emulsifying wax crucial for combining water and oil; beeswax will not work.
  • 24 drops Nighty-Night kid safe essential oil blend or plain lavender, if you'd like

Instructions

  • Dissolve the magnesium chloride flakes in the hot water.
  • Meanwhile, warm the avocado oil and emulsifying wax over low heat in a small saucepan.
  • Once the magnesium flakes are dissolved and the emulsifying wax is melted and combined with the avocado oil, add the water/magnesium mixture to the oil and give it a whisk.
  • Add the Nighty-Night essential oil blend and whisk once more.
  • Store in an air-tight container and rub on 1/4-1/2 tsp. at a time before bedtime.

 

By: Jaclyn · Filed Under: Beautiful, Blog · Tagged: beauty, diy, essential oils, lotion, magnesium, magnesium lotion recipe, minerals, sleep

May 1, 2016

How to Make Coconut Butter

How to Make Coconut Butter | The Family That Heals Together

Coconut butter.  It’s quite the confusing ingredient for folks, myself included not so long ago.  I kind of thought maybe it was basically the same thing as coconut oil… or somehow associated with actual butter.  But coconut butter is neither of those things.  If you think of nut butter and how it’s made from grinding nuts until they are a “butter” consistency, that’s exactly what coconut butter is, but with coconut.  Coconut butter actually contains both the meat and the oil of the coconut, so by blending the two smoothly together, you get a butter.  And it’s ridiculously easy to make.  And ridiculously expensive to buy (though if you really want to buy it, you can!  I did for a long time until I had the equipment and know-how to make it myself).

 So, here’s how to make coconut butter:

You need shredded coconut and a high-powered blender (I use a Vitamix).  That’s all.  I’ve even used flaked coconut in a pinch, though I think you have better luck with shredded.

Pouring 1-2 cups of the shredded coconut at a time into the blender, turn the blender on high and use a tamper tool to push the coconut down into the blades, continuing to push and scrape it until it is all blended smoothly.  It will become thick and fairly difficult to continue pushing down.  This is why it’s important to have a high-powered blender, because a cheaper one will not be able to turn the coconut into a butter consistency and you will likely burn up the motor trying to do so.

Once it has all blended into a thick, paste-like butter, you’re done!  That’s it!

Coconut butter, with its slightly sweet and salty taste, is yummy on its own, as a fruit topping, in smoothies or ice cream, or as a base for breads and cakes.  It’s very versatile and nutrient-packed with coconut goodness!

For a super special treat, mix it with a little raw honey and a handful of chocolate chips.  It’s like eating cookie dough!

How to Make Coconut Butter | The Family That Heals Together

Now that you know how to make coconut butter, do you think you’ll make it rather than buy it?

By: Jaclyn · Filed Under: Gaps Diet, Recipes · Tagged: coconut, coconut butter, coconut oil, diy, gaps, homemade

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