Welcome to Organica Jane's Blog

Save Money, Save our Trees: Take the Paper Towel Challenge

2012-01-19T20:57:00.012-05:00

50,000+ trees PER DAY are needed to supply us with paper towels so that we can wipe up messes!

Don't you think this statistic is heartbreaking, crazy and unnecessary?

Click HERE to learn more about the impact of buying paper towels.

Join me in the Paper Towel Challenge: simply purchase a supply of bar / kitchen towels to wipe up messes from now on.

photo source: flickr.com

Natural Beauty Remedy

2012-01-18T23:59:00.004-05:00

Taking good care of dry/cracked skin doesn't have to involve expensive prescription creams or lotions nor does it have to be complicated. Here's an easy beauty remedy that works to bring skin back to life, naturally.

What You Will Need:

Sea salt
Carrier oil: olive oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba. I prefer to buy organic olive oil in bulk from the local health food store. Carrier oils in larger quantities for a good value are available at Mountain Rose Herbs.
glass bowl
glass ball or mason canning jar

How To:

In a glass bowl, add 1 cup of carrier oil and mix in 1 1/2 - 2 cups of sea salt till thoroughly blended and thick. Spoon into a glass jar and keep covered.

Suggested Use:
Apply liberally and massage well into dry hands, feet, bum and elbows; then rinse. Take care not to use this remedy on skin that is wet, red/open and oozing.

What Goes Around Comes Back Around

2012-01-17T22:09:00.010-05:00

Facts

Water treatment plants are not designed to remove every chemical that we pour down the drain or flush down the toilet

High Miscarriage rates are reported in women who drink tap water with elevated levels of chlorine
Studies reveal Lower Sperm Counts in rural areas where exposure to farming chemicals through tap water is more likely

Most tap water is contaminated with Sodium Fluoride, Chlorine, a variety of pharmaceuticals, i.e., antidepressants, antibiotics; invest in a pitcher, faucet or water home filtration system to improve the quality of drinking water.

Water Filters:

photo source: flickr.com

Ugh! We just want soap!

2012-01-16T20:45:00.020-05:00

I thought using soap was supposed to be a positive thing. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), many popular brands of soap are considered serious hazards to our health. Ugh!

One truly healthy and cost effective soap, which I have come to love and trust is Dr. Bronner's (est. 1948) liquid castile soap. A soap with ingredients that we can pronounce, it may be used safely in our water ways and has oodles of uses. Here are some ways I love to use Dr. Bronner's castile soap:

in the bath tub with essential oils
as a body wash alone or blended with favorite essential oils
in the laundry
dish washing
a travel necessity
cleaning soap scum, floors, cars, counter tops

Click HERE to learn other ways Dr. Bronner's suggest using their castile soap.

Dr. Bronner castile soap and other related products are available at local health food stores, in the Nature's Market at Wegmans or directly from Dr. Bronner's website.

Discover the ingredients and health concerns related to Dial's liquid soap - and other popular soaps at EWG's website

Not So Soft Scrub

2012-01-15T22:00:00.001-05:00

There are several synthetic chemicals in the popular product, Soft Scrub. Unfortunately, Soft Scrub does more than just scrub. One of its ingredient's, Sodium Hypochlorite, is linked to Cancer, Lymphoma and Leukemia :(

Creating a safe and effective scrub with natural ingredients is easy.

Here are a few combinations (see below) that I've used; the results are impressive!

Simply create a paste with any of these combinations and use on location (tub, shower, sink, linoleum floor, etc.) with a scrub sponge, then rinse with warm water.

Borax and water
Baking soda and water
Baking soda and castile soap
Baking Soda and White Distilled Vinegar
Thieves household cleaner and baking soda

Dirty Facts

2012-01-14T21:44:00.009-05:00

150 chemicals found in the home are linked to:

Cancer
Allergies
Birth Defects
Psychological disorders

50% of all illness is due to poor indoor air quality

The toxic chemical found in room deodorizers is found in the blood of 95% of children and adults

Every year there are between 5 and 10 million household poisonings

US Federal Code of Regulations exempts manufacturers from full labeling of products

photo source: flickr.com

Pledge Not to Pledge

2012-01-13T13:31:00.020-05:00

Americans have used Pledge® for over 50 years. A product that we have deeply trusted but a cleaning product, like all others, that isn't required by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to list its ingredients on the product label.

But, manufacturer's are required to disclose their ingredients on a document issued to the government called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); the main ingredients listed in Pledge® are:

Propane: causes depression; long-term intermittent exposure can cause nose bleeds, rhinitis, oral and nasal ulcerations, conjunctivitis, fatigue and damage to the Central Nervous System
Butane: vapors cause drowsiness, narcosis, asphyxia, cardiac arrhythmia and temporary memory loss.
Silicones

Really?! Gases and synthetic compounds to clean, dust and shine wood?

If you pledge not to use Pledge®, I will pledge to clean, dust and shine wood with a cotton cloth and a just few drops of olive oil. Actually, I already have, and it works just fine.

Personalized Perfume

2012-01-12T22:37:00.007-05:00

Many years ago, I was shocked when I learned the actual chemicals contained in the expensive perfumes I was wearing on my skin, ultimately inhaling and offending others with. But, wearing perfume doesn't have to be a health hazard.

Wearing a personalized perfume made with Essential Oils (substances obtained by steam distilling plant material) makes you smell good and feel good, naturally.

Smelling an essential oil has an immediate impact on our memories and our emotions so when personalizing your perfume, choose only Essential Oils that you love.

What you will need:

jojoba, sweet almond oil, castor oil or grape seed oil
Essential Oils
glass jar, bottle or roll-on

How To:
For every 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) of carrier oil used, add 5 Total Drops of Essential Oils.

Suggested Essential Oils:

Neroli ~ relaxing, spirituality, calming
Rose ~ grief, depression, anger, despair
Ylang ylang ~ relaxing, euphoric, sensuality
Geranium ~ imagination, protects, intimacy
Cedarwood ~ supportive, grounding, confidence
Jasmine ~ depression, fear, confidence, optimism
Sandalwood ~ meditation, protects, calming, grounding
Myrrh ~ calming, grounding, facilitates meditation, peace
Bergamot ~ relaxing, calming, uplifting, insomnia, anxiety
Frankincense ~ emotionally supporting, focus, tranquility
Patchouli ~ nervousness, calms mind, grounding, sensuality

Suggested Use:
Shake well before using. Apply to ears, wrists, over the heart, on the belly, back of neck, etc.

Safety & Storage:
Avoid direct eye contact. Store in cool, dark place, away from heat and light.

Share:
Personalize a Natural Perfume for a friend.

Resources:
glassware: SKS
jojoba: The Jojoba Company
carrier oils: Mountain Rose Herbs

Learn how perfumes & fragrances affect our health and environment:
EWG's Skin Deep

Do-it-Yourself Scouring Powder

2012-01-11T16:38:00.012-05:00

Popular scouring powders contain ingredients known to cause Cancer, Respiratory Distress, Lymphoma, Lung Cancer, Lung Tumors, Allergies and Skin Irritations.

Create your own scouring powder at home with affordable and simple yet very effective ingredients.

What you will need:

Essential Oils
Baking soda (alum-free preferred)
Glass sugar shaker (available at local dollar stores)

How to:
Fill the glass sugar shaker with baking soda and add 25 total drops of Essential Oils. I recently used 20 drops of Lemon and 5 drops of Eucalyptus globulus, which are antiseptic and anti-infectious. This combination smells fresh and light, too!

Suggested Essential Oils:

Pine
Lime
Lemon
Orange
Thieves*
Tea Tree
Peppermint
Citrus Fresh*
Christmas Spirit*
Eucalyptus globulus or radiata

Suggested Use:
Shake well before using. Simply sprinkle on surface (linoleum floors, sink, tub, shower, toilet) and clean using a scrub sponge, then rinse with warm water. For deodorizing carpets, simply sprinkle on carpet, wait 1 hour, then vacuum.

Safety & Storage:
Avoid direct eye contact. Store in cool, dark cupboard out of reach of children and pets.

Share:
Make 1 for a friend.

Learn more:
Prevent Cancer Coalition

* = Young Living Essential Oils blend

Out with the Old, In with the New

2011-12-30T07:27:00.016-05:00

Sadly, the very popular cleaning products that we've come to know, trust and sometimes love contain synthetic chemicals that have been linked to:

Cancer, Parkinson's, ADHD, Allergies, Asthma, Contact Dermatitis, Migraines, Depression, Reduced Fertility, Birth Defects, Headaches, Respiratory disorders, Dizziness, Lymphoma, Leukemia, Tumors, Pollution, etc.

These synthetic chemicals are toxic to children, pets, our water supply, our ecosystem.

In starting a new year, we could place these unhealthy, unnecessary products in a box and store away from the home. Please recycle them at your local recycling center on Hazardous Waste day.

Out with the Old:
* All
* Tide
* Ajax
* Tilex
* Lysol
* Glade
* Bleach
* Comet
* Windex
* Febreze
* Perfume
* Dryer sheets
* Simple green
* Clorox wipes
* Fragrant candles

In with the New!
* Borax
* Ecos laundry detergent
* White Distilled Vinegar
* Thieves household cleaner
* Seventh Generation dish soap
* Baking soda (alum-free preferred)
* Arm & Hammer Super Washing soda
* Essential Oils (Pine, Lemon, Tea Tree, Purification eo blend, Citrus Fresh eo blend, Christmas Spirit eo blend)

To learn more about cleaning without synthetic chemicals, please visit the Home Green Home page of my website.

Gifts that Go Away

2011-12-02T08:40:00.014-05:00

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the excessive and wasteful consumerism that takes place.

More than likely, items purchased from big box stores eventually go out of style, take up space collecting dust, end up in a landfill, garage or estate sale.

This year, let's make conscious and smart choices when buying holiday gifts and give Gifts that Go Away - support local service providers, farmers and artisans; purchase "Made in the USA", shop local, buy handmade, make your own!

Jam
Soap
Salsa
Bread
Facials
Massages
Pedicures
Manicures
Car Wash
Chocolate
Raw Honey
Herbal Teas
Apple Cider
Body Scrubs
Maple Syrup
Movie Tickets
Beeswax Candles
Infused Herbal Oils
Essential Oils (all grown and distilled in the USA by Young Living: Clary Sage, Juniper, Idaho Tansy, Idaho Balsam Fir, Lavender, Western Red Cedar, German Chamomile, Hyssop, Oregano, and Lavender)

photo source: flickr.com

Fall Soup

2011-11-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

Here's a recipe for a healthy fall soup. You can get all of the ingredients from your local farm stand or farmers market. Make extra for a friend or neighbor!

Ingredients:

5 - 8 red potatoes cubed (roasted in 450 degree oven with olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, thyme for 25 minutes)

1 large onion chopped

4 - 6 large cloves of garlic (or as many as you like) chopped

6 small leeks chopped

olive oil

1 quart organic vegetable broth

1 cup of almond milk

Spices: nutmeg, cayenne, cumin, black pepper

In large sauce pan, saute onion, garlic, and leeks with a drizzle of olive oil on low heat for ~ 15 minutes.
Add vegetable broth, roasted potatoes, and almond milk. Continue to simmer for about 15 minutes.
Remove 1/2 of soup mixture and blend in blender till smooth. Add back to sauce pan.
Add spices and simmer for 10 minutes.

Garnish with pumpkin seeds.

Yes and No Moisturizers

2011-10-26T14:39:00.004-04:00

* Truly Moisturize and Nourish our Skin
* Save Money. Buy in Bulk

* Use Natural Products on your skin; it's natural

* Support Your Health, Healing

* Relieve Dry/Cracked Skin
* Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles
* Avoid Waste of Product Containers

YES (these all-natural moisturizers are perfect for using on their own, blended with each other or with Essential Oils):

Aloe Vera Gel: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=Aloe+Vera+Gel
Argan Oil: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=argan&x=0&y=0
Castor Oil: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=Castor+oil
Cocoa Butter: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/butter/butter.php#but_but_c
Coconut Oil: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=Coconut+oil+unrefined+organic
Grape Seed Oil: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=grape+seed+oil&x=0&y=0
Jojoba: http://www.jojobacompany.com/shop/Products.aspx
Olive Oil: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=Olive+oil+organic+extra+virgin
Shea Butter: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/butter/shea.php
Sweet Almond Oil: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkoil/a-c.php#oac_al_og
Vitamin E: http://www.jason-natural.com/products/pure_and_natural.php

Another resource for Butters and Oils is: Aromatics International

NO (these brands of lotions and moisturizers are filled with synthetic chemicals, FD&C dyes, parabens, alcohol, fragrances and other unhealthy and very unnecessary ingredients):

Aveeno
Bath and Body works
CeraVe
Cetaphil
Eucerin
Jergens
Johnson and Johnson
Lubriderm
Mary Kay
Oil of Olay
Neutrogena
Victoria Secret

photo source: flickr.com

fall Essentials #1

2011-10-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

Fall is the perfect time of year to create a natural medicine cabinet with items known to help support the immune system, reduce fever, calm a cough, inhibit bacteria and virus and make you feel good, Naturally.

Essential Oils are on the top of my list, and Thieves essential oil blend (from Young Living Essential Oils) is one that I personally include in my natural medicine cabinet.

Thieves is a blend of 5 Essential Oils:

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) numbs pain, is an Antioxidant, Anti-infectious, Antiviral, Bactericidal and Warming

Lemon (Citrus limon) is Anti-infectious, Antiseptic, Antiviral and an Immune stimulant

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is Antibacterial, Antiviral and an Antioxidant

Eucalyptus radiata is Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Bactericidal, a Decongestant, an Expectorant and Mucolytic

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol) is Antiviral, Decongestant, Expectorant and Warming

Suggested Safe Uses

For children 5 and under: blend 5 Total drops of Thieves essential oil blend in 1 ounce of all-natural lotion or carrier oil. Shake well before using. Massage on back and feet.
For adults: blend 10 - 12 Total drops of Thieves essential oil blend in 1 ounce of all-natural lotion or carrier oil. Shake well before using. Massage on chest, back and feet; gently inhale vapors.
Diffusing: Place 20 - 30 Total drops of Thieves essential oil blend in a cold-air diffuser; using a timer, set the timer to diffuse for 10 - 15 minutes on the hour every hour

Carrier Oils
Jojoba, sweet almond oil, olive oil, grape seed oil, V6 Mixing Oil (Young Living Essential Oils)

Safety

Avoid direct eye contact and contact with mucous membranes
In the event of eye contact or contact with mucous membranes, flush with carrier oil
Store Essential Oils out of reach of children and pets
Store Essential Oils in cool, dark place - away from heat and light

Resources

Essential Oils & Lice. Happy Back to School!

2011-09-05T08:09:00.019-04:00

Head lice (Pediculosis capitis) are parasites that can be found on the heads of people. Symptoms include intense itching and tickling feeling from movement of hair.

An investigation of Essential Oils (Lavender, Tea Tree and Lemon) on human lice showed that Tea Tree was most effective.

In another study, all of these oils were found to be effective (blended with vinegar and water) in vitro against lice....

Aniseed, Cinnamon leaf, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Red Thyme

According to Jean Valnet, MD, he recommended the following essential oils for lice...

Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Thyme

And in another study, Eucalyptus globulus was found effective against lice.

Other:
In Jane Buckle’s, Clinical Aromatherapy, suffocating agents (carrier oils) such as olive, sunflower or vegetable oil can be effective if used for more than 12 hours.

According to Valerie Ann Worwood, an excellent preventative blend would be equal parts of Rosemary, Lavender, and Lemon. Add 2 drops to the final rinse after shampooing. If lice are present, the following blend should be rubbed well into the scalp and sit overnight: 27 drops each of Rosemary, Geranium and Lavender; add to 1 oz beeswax (melted) and 2 oz of Castor oil.

More Information:
Please consider these guidelines for blending essential oils safely:
http://www.organicajane.com/essentialoils/howtouseessentialoils.html

Health Effects of Lindane Exposure
http://www.headlice.org/lindane/health/health_effects.htm

Win the Fight Against Head Lice without Toxic Chemicals
http://www.quantumhealth.com/news/fight_lice.html

Order Essential Oils:
https://www.youngliving.org/amy

Resources:
Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, Volume 2, Issue 4, August 1996, Pages 97-101
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17662541?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=2
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20496586

photo resource: flickr.com by albertogp123

Happy Feet

2011-08-21T07:47:00.027-04:00

The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons.

They get squished into shoes that don't fit, they don't get massaged enough and sometimes we let them get unusually stinky.

And every single day, our feet take us everywhere we need to go. For that reason alone, we need to give back to our feet... simple ways to make sure we have Happy Feet.

Weekly Foot Soak:
While you're watching TV, reading a book or magazine, paying bills... Soak your feet in a tub of warm water and 2 cups Epsom salts for 10 - 15 minutes. Epsom salts sooth and relax muscle tissue. If you like, add 3 total drops of your favorite Essential Oil.

Weekly Foot Scrub:
Blend 1 cup carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil) with 1/2 cup sea salt or mineral salts and massage well into feet. Rinse well. Pat dry.

Schedule an appointment for Reflexology or a Foot Massage
If you're feeling out of kilter
Don't know why or what about
Let your feet reveal the answer
Find the sore spot work it out
By Eunice D Ingham

Foot Massage Lotion Recipe:
In a 1-ounce glass container filled with all-natural, unscented lotion (I love and use Unscented Aromalotion from Elizabeth Van Buren, available by the gallon), add 4 total drops of Peppermint Essential Oil *Peppermint Essential Oil is cooling, analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory and helps clear stinky feet odors* Shake well before using. Avoid direct eye contact.

Toe Fungus:
Lemongrass and Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oils have both shown to have anti-fungal properties. By placing 1 total drop of each of these Essential Oils on the cotton pad of a band aid and placing over the nail bed daily may help inhibit toe nail fungus.

Treat yourself to a Pedicure.
You have the option to opt out for the nail polish. Men, too!

photo source: flickr emerson12

Insect-Repelling Incense

2011-06-26T21:59:00.012-04:00

Summertime, campfires, camping, outdoor meals in New York do not come without Insects!

These handmade incense add a nice ambiance and natural way to repel insects this time of year...

What You'll Need:

Blank Incense, available from Lavender Lane Forever
Essential Oils: (Geranium, Patchouli, Peppermint, Purification essential oil blend (from Young Living)

How To:

Choose one or two Essential Oils to use on your blank incense.
Carefully saturate each blank incense with 15 Total drops of Essential Oils
Important: let sit, dry for 24 hours.
Light and set into tall, glass vases to burn or incense burner holders.

Safety: Keep out of reach of children; Do Not Leave burning incense unattended.

Idea: These are so nice to bundle up with a ribbon and give as a gift.

photo source: flickr.com By Mobentec

Dear Colgate Palmolive Company

2011-06-18T09:35:00.004-04:00

Dear Colgate-Palmolive Company:

Please tell me why you have chosen these ingredients for your toothpaste? Toothpaste, a product placed in the mouth of children and adults, absorbed by the mucous membranes in the buccal cavity of the mouth and then absorbed into the bloodstream.

This is a product families are using every day, twice a day! Another personal care product to think about with all of the health concerns we have. I wouldn't support a company that incorporates these synthetic, unnatural chemicals and ingredients.

The documented health impacts of these ingredients is upsetting and using them in a toothpaste... for healthy teeth and gums makes no sense!

INGREDIENTS FOUND IN Colgate Total Toothpaste Gel:

Sodium Fluoride: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706065/SODIUM_FLUORIDE/
Triclosan: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706623/TRICLOSAN/
Water
Hydrated Silica: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/719552/HYDRATED_SILICA/
Glycerin
Sorbitol
PVM/MA Copolymer
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706089/SODIUM_LAURETH_SULFATE/
Cellulose Gum
Flavor
Sodium Hydroxide
Propylene Glycol: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705315/PROPYLENE_GLYCOL/
Carrageenan (Red Seaweed)
Sodium Saccharin: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706177/SODIUM_SACCHARIN/
Mica
Titanium Dioxide: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706561/TITANIUM_DIOXIDE/
FD&C Blue 1: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702408/FD%26C_BLUE_1/

Personally, I floss and use Thieves Dentarome Ultra toothpaste, an all-natural toothpaste containing essential oils. And weekly, I do a brushing with sea salt and baking soda. My dental hygienist has commented for years on the health of my teeth and gums. And I haven't had a cavity since using the Young Living oral care products!

PS) Any of the Thieves toothpastes may be applied topically to help ease symptoms of poison ivy or a very small dab on a pimple (avoid direct eye contact).

https://www.youngliving.org/amy

I Want to Thank You

2011-06-16T16:06:00.000-04:00

June 13, 2011
I feel as though a miracle has occurred in my home. We built our house 27 years ago and have had carpenter ants since the first spring. Exterminators, terrible chemicals, lots of money and yet the ants returned. I have hated spring. This year, you suggested mixing essential oils of peppermint and tea tree oils in water. It smells so good. No chemicals to worry about and I have not seen a single ant.
Thank you so much.
Joanne from Rochester, NY

March 26, 2011
For those of you who have not tried this product (Rainbows in a Bottle).. do yourself, your body or your clients a favor and get it now! This stuff is really a MIRACLE in a bottle!
Ty from Webster, NY

March 2, 2011
Amy, I really like it (personalized Essential Oil blend). I woke up with a stiff neck yesterday. I put some lotion on it and was impressed with how much it helped. Thank you so much.
Tina from Hilton, NY

March 1, 2011
Amy Jane calls it her Face and Body Butter, but I call it magic! Love you Organica Jane!
Ally from Kings Ferry, NY

February 20, 2011

I forgot how nice the (Face and Body) butter feels. I LOVE IT. My skins looks great and feels great. Thank you so much for the (Face and Body) butter.

Karen from Clifton Springs, NY

February 19, 2011

Thanks Amy! I'm enjoying the epsom salt soaks very much, and love the (Essential Oil blend) lotion. Everything seems to be coming along. Thanks again!

Tamra from Watkins Glen, NY

February 17, 2011

Hi Amy - I cannot stop thinking about last night (Essential Oils & Cancer Care)...you do a wonderful, intelligent presentation...and also listen so intently to each person. Many thanks,

Jennifer from Canandaigua, NY

February 17, 2011
"Rainbows in a Bottle" I love this stuff!!!
Ty from Webster, NY

February 15, 2011
Hi Amy, I LOVE the lotion (Essential Oil Blend) you made up for me. My shoulder is so much better. I slept all the way through the night last night...no sleeping pills, no muscle relaxers, no pain meds!!!
Sue from Hilton, NY

February 13, 2011
Our family is doing great with these (Thieves Household) cleaners. I learned so much from you. We love you Amy. Keep up the good work.
Lisa from Livonia, NY

February 1, 2011
I love Organica Jane's (Amy's) products. I recently purchased an inhaler and scrub and they are terrific. Now I wish I had the fabulous hand scrub (Natural Hand Remedy) and cream (Face and Body Butter) she makes...next time.
Maryrose from Ithaca, NY

January 26, 2011
LOVED your (Home Green Home Happy Hour) class last night. I did my first load of laundry with Borax this morning and my bathroom is shining with Thieves.
Beth from Henrietta, NY

January 9, 2011
Organica Jane's Face and Body Butter is a fantastic skin protection for the winter weather. I use it on my face before heading out for a run in these frigid temps. It works like a charm. Thanks Amy!
Laura from Victor, NY

December 25, 2010
I am an RN, as well as acupuncturist...Rainbow in a Bottle is wonderful for chronic pain..I have a jar at work, home and car! Say Boo-to-the-Flu is also wonderful.
Patricia from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

December 20, 2010

Amy,

Thank you so much for helping my husband out for my mom's gift. It is perfect for her and just what I was thinking. He was very impressed with your salt scrub (Natural Hand Remedy) and has been talking it up to everyone. Thanks again.
Lauren from Rochester, NY

December 17, 2010
Keep shining your beautiful spirit and enhancing people's lives.
Sara from Farmington, NY

December 15, 2010
Thought you'd like to know that my kids reach for your products for any ailments now. Molly loves her feet massaged with that awesome sinus/peppermint blend at night. Patrick loves Face and Body Butter rubbed on his feet.
Gretchen from Cranford, New Jersey

December 15, 2010
Yes! It's (Face and Body Butter) wonderful. It does do a great job removing makeup and my face and lips love it too! It helped even out my skin tone. People have noticed and complimented me. Thank you face and body butter!
Debbie from Canandaigua, NY

December 14, 2010
Just slathered on the Face and "body butter" before bed. Love it I need to order more. My wintery skin craves moisture;)
Mandy from Victor, NY

December 13, 2010
I have made a ton of changes in our house, and we all feel great about it. I got rid of all cleaning products and laundry detergent and now only have my homemade mixes with vinegar, Thieves (household cleaner), Borax, and baking soda. My husband went from chronically itching to no itching at all! It is amazing!

My kids love the peppermint mix (Say Boo to the Flu) on their backs and feet for congestion. This has been a great change.

I am going to make all of my own hand soaps next so I can get rid of my Dial pumps. It is actually very fun!

Thank you so much for the incredible information and for helping to make our home a safer one!
Tara from Brighton, NY

December 10, 2010
I love the Face and Body Butter, and slather myself up before my long runs. The scrub (Natural Hand Remedy) smells luscious and I use it after my swim workouts. Best,
Beth from Rochester, NY

December 10, 2010
Hi Amy, I love this stuff (Rainbows in a Bottle), brought it to Wisconsin and my friend tried it, now she's a fan too. Thanks again.
Christina from Fairport, NY

December 6, 2010
I was at the Green Living Seminar (Home Green Home) in Rochester. I've changed all my cleaners and used them this weekend, they worked great and my hubby is on board, too. Thanks for such an informational session!
Jenna from Rochester, NY

December 3, 2010
I had severe sinusitis this weekend - used my RC (essential oil blend), along with healthy happy lung (essential oil personalized blend) from Organica Jane), applying about every 3 hours and started on Wednesday and sinus infection almost gone and no antibiotics.

Organica Jane products do work, and I would recommend highly. Also, if you haven't gotten the homemade remedy for dried cracked feet and hands (Natural Hand Remedy)... it's a must for you especially with the winter. Thanks Organica Jane.
Lynne from Canandaigua, NY

November 29, 2010
I pulled my back out last week, and was traveling. I happened to have "Rainbows in a Bottle." I decided to have that a try since it worked on my hand, and I wouldn't be near my chiropractor until Monday. Guess what, no chiro!!! It helped me tremendously. I'm a fan!!!
Christine from Fairport, NY

November 28, 2010
Just want you to know that I no longer use cough syrup for my daughter. I use raw honey (a teaspoon full for a bad cough) and it works like a charm.

Thanks so much for all your loving guidance. I really do feel like my family is healthier and happier because of your influence.
Janet from Baldwinsville, NY

November 28, 2010
My friend absolutely LOVED the cream (Essential Oil blend, which you created) for her son with neuroblastoma.
Amy from Pittsford, NY

November 19, 2010
Thanks Amy! Joe loves the butter (Face and Body Butter)!
Tamarie from Canandaigua, NY

November 1, 2010
Dear Amy Jane:
Thank you so much for the Rainbows in a Bottle, which I received via my daughter. I am thinking it is helping with the pain of my hip, bursitis and the aroma is outstanding! Thanks again,
Pat from Oneonta, NY

October 28, 2010
Hi, My name is Bonnie and I'm one of organicajane.com readers. I'd like to thank you for the excellent information I've found on organicajane.com, It's always a great pleasure to read your articles and I count to become a loyal reader. Keep posting your excellent information on organicajane.com.
Sincerely, Bonnie from Newport Beach, CA

September 5, 2010

My 8-year old daughter, recently had a wart growing out of her index finger, right under the fingernail. Because of where it was located, it kept breaking open, and I was worried about putting any medicine on it, concerned that it would sting and/or burn. I consulted Amy Jane to see if she knew of any natural ways to remove a wart. She made me a blend of essential oils and told me to put a drop of it on a band-aid and cover the wart. I did this for 4 days, and the wart is completely gone!! No stinging, no burning!! Thank you Amy Jane!!!!

Krista from Corning, NY

August 30, 2010
You know I love everything you do! I absolutely love Say Boo to the Flu. I use it on both of my children when they are sick.

Amy has such a comfortable, yet confident way about her and she has been a pleasure to work with. She has wonderful advice and has helped my family reduce the amount of chemical toxins in our house tremendously and has helped us move to a much safer way to clean.

The best part is that everything she has recommended, actually works!

The oil blends she makes are exceptional as well - they smell wonderful and make you feel so much better. Amy has a way of blending to meet your individual needs and she really puts thought into everything she does.

- Amy from Pittsford, NY

August 5, 2010
Thanks Amy for a great (Home Green Home) workshop and your support.
Pat from Tarpon Springs, Florida

August 2, 2010

I feel that you have opened my eyes to so much. And, I am interested in buying more of your sea salt scrub (Natural Hand Remedy). I loved it.

Joanne from Penfield, NY

July 26, 2010
Thanks Amy, there is no sign of that lump on the back of my leg now. I started to use a drop or two (of the Essential Oil blend you made for me) on the one on my arm and it, too, is disappearing.
Lynne from Pennsylvania

July 12, 2010
The essential oil blend from our consultation is providing a soothing relief of tension in my jaw area. I feel a heat wave there occasionally, but it calms down soon after as if a layer of tension was lifted, it feels lighter with no pain.

After applying the blend over my heart area for several weeks, I have noticed a decrease in emotional waves of loss and grief and when they do come it's less intense, and strength and balance return very quickly. Thank you Amy Jane for my amazing Essential Oil Blend.
Susan from Trumansburg, NY

June 21, 2010
Oh Amy ... Thank You!!! The Best party (Home Green Home workshop) I have ever been too!!! Learned a lot and changed the way I clean. I use to clean houses and hated using all those chemicals to clean. I have been following your recipes and found they WORK SO MUCH BETTER! I also noticed I dust less....LOL
Lisa from Rochester, NY

June 4, 2010
I just wanted to let you know how I have been using (Essential) oils to speed up the healing process post-surgery/biopsy. First of all, the nurse had trouble with my IV and told me I would have a large bruise on my hand where she attempted to insert the needle. It was swelling in the hospital. As soon as I got home, I applied Lavender (essential oil) and continue to at least twice a day, and I have not had a bruise at all!

Secondly, I have been applying Lavender, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) and Cypress to the area on my breast that has been swollen due to the surgery. I use jojoba and about 3 - 4 drops of each essential oil and apply morning and night. I am noticing a significant decrease in swelling and bruising in the area and feel so much better.
Laura from Victor, NY

May 29, 2010
Hello! I met you at the Holistic Moms meeting this month - you helped me create an (essential oil blend) lotion for my son's tummy problems. i wanted to let you know that his tummy is doing much better and i have incorporated lavender & jojoba into his nightly routine and his eczema has gotten so much better as well. thank you so much!
Dalia from Hilton, NY

May 25, 2010

The Thieves (household cleaner concentrate) worked GREAT in my HE machine. I had some wet towels and washcloths that didn't get washed right away and smelled a bit musty even after washing. Since Thieves is so good with molds, I thought it might be a good application to get the musty smell out of the towels. It did the trick!

We've been using the vinegar/water/Citrus Fresh (essential oil blend) on our wood floors and it's doing a super job of getting all the build up off the floors. We're finally getting through all the shmeary stuff and they look so good. Thanks!

Mary from Fort Collins, CO

May 18, 2010
Thank you for sending my friend her Face and Body Butter. She really likes it, she has never been able to find anything to help her with her face problem till I introduced her to your products.
Mary from Seneca Falls, NY

May 13, 2010
Wonderfully informative meeting! Thanks,
Gabrielle, Holistic Moms Group, Rochester, NY

May 13, 2010
I continue to try and incorporate Essential Oils into every day, and I think of you every time I use them. My daughter is obsessed with Valor. She is now requesting that I rub her feet and legs with it (diluted with about 3 to 4 drops of jojoba) every night before she goes to bed. I truly believe that it helps her sleep more deeply and soundly. Also, I will never be without Lemon essential oil ever again. It is a wonder and it removes just about any sticky substance from any surface without leaving a mark. Just 5 - -6 drops on a cotton ball does the trick. It even got Liquid Nails off of our bathroom cabinet and is great for removing the stick residue left behind by stickers that manufacturers put on mirrors, windows, shower doors, etc.
Janet from Baldwinsville, NY

May 4, 2010
We love our scrubs and lotion. You have inspired me again!!
Denise from Newark, NY

May 3, 2010
Loving my Thieves!!! and the cream (Face and Body Butter) is doing wonders for my wrinkles! :)
Jill from Victor, NY

May 3, 2010
Thank you so much for letting me try the Thieves Household Cleaner. It is fabulous for me because it is non-toxic, and it doesn't bother my allergies. The (essential) oils give it a wonderful scent but not like a perfume odor which always gets me coughing and wheezing. I do prefer natural products that will not harm humans, pets, and the earth! I have used it in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area and it even took out a stubborn spot on my carpet! It is great and thanks again for letting me try it!!
Sue from Farmington, NY

April 22, 2010
I really enjoyed learning about all your information (Home Green Home).

Thank you for all the work that you have put into helping our homes and the earth. We are lucky to have you.

Joanne from Rochester, NY

April 20, 2010

I just got the new Deep Relief Roll-on. It's AWESOME. I used it Saturday night before bed to sooth my "headache" But seriously, it's awesome, I never use asperin anymore!

Julie from San Diego, CA April 10, 2010
I need a refill on my (Essential Oil) blend I made. I have so many compliments on my vanilla blend!! I need more!!
Kristin from Canandaigua, NY

April 14, 2010
Thanks for opening up a whole new world in my life with your blend of essential oil the your blended for me when I met you at the sports experience event for Gilda's club. Peace,
Cheryl from Rochester, NY

April 6, 2010
Thanks for your excellent (Home Green Home) presentation! I admire your commitment to helping others.
Sharon from Honeoye Falls, NY

April 5, 2010
Hi Amy! I am having great luck with Thieves essential oil blend. I love it. I am so glad you came in and had a workshop. I learned a lot. Getting rid of the mold is good but having the M-grain work on the migraines (for 80% of them) is even better!! and I love the smell of it. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Karen from Rochester, NY

April 2, 2010
Did my long run today and ended up with blisters. Bought my Face & Body Butter and my little bottle of lav (Lavender) oil, put it on and feet are not burning anymore!
Gretchen from New Jersey

April 1, 2010

Hi Amy Jane: I really like the lotion (Essential Oil blend) you made for me. I have seen some benefits. It's time to order another jar.
Lori from Pittsford, NY

March 30, 2010
It was great to see you, and I LOVE my (Essential Oil) blend. I feel like it has helped me already. Thanks for being such a positive force Amy!
Alison from Geneseo, NY

March 30, 2010
This stuff (Face and Body Butter) is gold!!!!!!!!! I need more Amy!!!
Tricia from Canandaigua, NY

March 28, 2010
So I just put Rainbow in a Bottle on my daughter's feet and back. She says she feels better - this is amazing!
Gretchen from New York City

March 28, 2010
In February, I broke my shoulder in a bad skiing accident. The pain has been excruciating and there have been problems associated with muscle spasms in my neck, shoulder and back. Drs. have been able to do nothing to alleviate the situation.

A friend suggested your "Rainbow in a Bottle" salve. The results have been nothing short of amazing. Within 10 minutes of application, the cramping and pain immediately began to subside, and the swelling reduced significantly. When I get up in the morning after an evening application, I no longer have severe cramping, and the mobility in my shoulder is returning. Your formula (Rainbow in a Bottle) has done something doctors could not, and thanks to you, I am back on the road to recovery and able to tolerate the pain, which has subsided significantly. Since using your salve, my rate of healing has tripled and I am able to get through the day without focusing on the constant pain.

I am so thankful for "Rainbow in a Bottle" and have already recommended it to a few friends. I plan to order more shortly for a number of applications. Bless you,
Glenn from Rochester, NY

March 24, 2010
I LOVE them (Thieves household cleaner concentrate).
Joelle from Honeoye Falls, NY

March 24, 2010
Last week, I faithfully put on Panaway and knees felt much better.
Gretchen from New Jersey

March 20, 2010
Have been using the (Essential) oils daily since the first of the year - and have been healthy and well ever since.
Ginny from Naples, NY

March 16, 2010
Hi Amy Jane, I've been using my Essential Oil blend everyday and it smells so good! I've been using it mostly on my legs and feet. It tingles a little and feels good. Thanks for asking!
Tiffany from Rochester, NY

March 10, 2010
Thanks for your lecture (Home Green Home) on Sunday! I have been using some of the cleaning formulas you provided on your sheet and wanted to tell you they work great! What appeals to me about this stuff is that just simple chemistry with ingredients that are found the Table of Elements making our homes clean. It has been under my nose for years; thanks for helping me put them together!
Betsy from Rochester, NY

March 4, 2010
Thanks so much Amy...my life has soooooooo changed..no chemicals in site, wonderful potions and lotions, reduction in asthma meds. I feel better than I have in ages!! Thank you so much for helping people like me appreciate essential oils and healthy living!

Linda from Rochester, NY

March 1, 2010

Thank you so much. Dan and I enjoyed your class a lot. I love my (Essential Oil blend) lotion.

Birgith from NY

February 28, 2010
I love my (Essential Oil) blends!! The pain (Essential Oil) blend is awesome!!! Love it and it works!!! Thanks so much!!!
Kristin from Canandaigua, NY

February 28, 2010
I loved your class on Friday night; we can always learn something new every time we see you.
Odette from Fabius, NY

My neighbor who is a vet tech suggested I bring my dog in for an appt. because she thought my dogs ears smelled "yeasty" and my dog would not stop shaking her head. It was a weekend, no immediate appointments, so I decided to try spraying some Thieves spray on a cotton ball and cleaning her ears with it, then followed that with some "Animal Scents Ointment" on another cotton ball, smearing the inside of her ear with a light film of Animal Sense. She stopped shaking her head in about 15 minutes, without a vet appt or medicine. I have used this technique on her a number of times with great success. (I also stopped allowing my other dog to lick this dogs ears, I don't want any moisture in her ears).

Odette from Fabius, NY

Small cyst between dogs toes causing him to lick the cyst uncontrollably: I put a drop of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) on a cotton ball and held it on the cyst briefly, 2x a day for a few days and it went away, I guess it went away, at least he stopped licking his toes.

Odette from Fabius, NY

I found online a recipe for cleaning a dog kennel floor, the article said it would kill parvo, I know it smells great and is much less toxic than the Clorox they wanted me to use. I fill the rolling mop bucket half full with hot water from the tap, I add 1 and 1/2 cups of white vinegar and the same amount of 7% hydrogen peroxide, then add 5 drops of lemon eo and 5 drops of lavender eo to the water. I clean the floor as usual and let it mostly dry before letting the dogs walk on it.

Odette from Fabius, NY

My husband woke up with a low temp one morning, right before I was scheduled to leave for a trip (non refundable tickets) and I started with a raspy throat at the same time. I used small amount Rainbows in a Bottle on his feet and back for 2 days, 2 x a day, he was better, never really got sick. He teaches college and the 30% of his class had been out with the flu. My "raspy" throat is always an indicator that I'm coming down with a cold,... I used thin coats of Rainbows on my throat and sinuses 2-3 times a day for a several days. I never got the cold but I had the "raspy" throat for awhile. This one of the few times I've been able to stop a cold i it's tracks, Thanks Rainbows in a Bottle!
Odette from Fabius, NY

February 28, 2010

I had a fungus on the nail of the ring finger of my right hand. My doctor gave me a prescription for Lamisil but I told her I'd like to try essential oils first. I began to apply 1 drop of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) 1 drop of Lavender to a Band-Aid and put it on my nail every night at bedtime. I would also do this throughout the day when I had a break from doing dishes and such. It took about eight weeks for my nail to return to normal -- I never had to fill the prescription.
Anne from Ionia, NY

February 26, 2010
You did a great job (Home Green Home) - informative. super receptive audience too. Your handouts are great too.
Bryn from Rochester, NY

February 23, 2010
Hi Amy, Both of my girls have had a cold for the past week so I have been rubbing them both with the (Essential Oil) blend (you formulated) at bedtime. They really seem to like the attention of getting it done and it seems to really relieve their congestion through the night. Thank you!
Fiona from Honeoye Falls, NY

February 19, 2010
I pulled out that little sample of Say Boo to the Flu I got from the retreat yoga session, because I'm all congested today. I used it on my neck and wrists and it smells so wonderful and is working great to clear up my sinuses. I looked you up because I was thinking of you and grateful that you had given me some of that wonderful stuff!! :)

Amy from Bloomfield, NY

February 6, 2010

Hi Amy - I just ran out of the Face and Body Butter...I have been using it on my hands since I met you in Waterloo in December and it is awesome!! I have been telling my friends about it too! I will be purchasing another jar on Monday if you have some! Thanks,

Sharon from Lima, NY

January 31, 2010

Thank you for making, creating the Face and Body Butter - it's such a great product!
Wendy from Colorado

January 28, 2010
Amy, Thanks so much for all of the fun and education on Tuesday evening. I learned a lot and had so much fun. I really liked your calm and patient energy and your supportive feedback on our blends. I have enjoyed my "Sacred Space" blend for my bath.
Alison from Rochester, NY

January 27, 2010
Thank you for offering the class, we both had a great time!
Michelle from Stanley, NY

January 27, 2010
Amy Jane, Thanks for a great class last night. As always, when you begin to speak your knowledge and passion, I do not want you to stop. It is inspiring and so informative, and I love the "news you can use format" that allows us to think of more ways to incorporate oils into our day. Thanks Amy Jane!
Gail from Rochester, NY

January 6, 2010
As for the "Say Boo To The Flu", you have won us over! When I first bought this from you at the Geneva Farmers Market, my 16 year old daughter had the common cold. I suggested she rub it on her chest and neck and she did, with a bit of reservation... but now she asks for it by name! She knows it works and she (and me, too!) would much rather use the natural essential oils versus popping pills that show slim-to-no results. Every time I talk with you, I learn more fascinating tidbits that really make a pleasant day-to-day difference.
Mary Kay from Canandaigua, NY

December 30, 2009
I'm the one you gave the Lavender to for my mom. We've been doing her feet up with some massage & she loves it. Thanks again so much.
Jennifer from Rochester, NY

December 30, 2009
Hello, Purification by 3 drops on a band-aid on my toenail fungus is working great!!! I can see definite results already.
Jeremy from Geneva, NY

December 17, 2009
Amy, I LOVE the Face and Body butter!!! My ankles feel the best they have since summer!!! Thanks SO MUCH! I have been using it for the past week and i LOVE IT!!!!
Tricia from Canandaigua, NY

December 3, 2009
Wow! Thanks a lot. I love your Face and Body Butter. It has helped with my terrible dry skin on my hands.......love it!! Thanks a lot.
Penny from Williamson, NY

December 2, 2009
Thank you again for all of the important information that you shared with us about essential oils. Plus, it was great fun! I appreciate all that you do to get the information out to us.
Sandy from Colorado

November 30, 2009
I bought Face and Body Butter from your booth at the Clifton Spring's Farmers Market this summer. I love the product, it has helped calm my rosacea and oily skin problems. Thanks!
Eileen from Clifton Springs, NY

November 15, 2009
Boo! I got it good, swore to god I was gonna die. Feeling tons better already, not 100%, but better than expected. My husband says "You realize your getting off easy, it usually lasts several days"! To which I replied, "It's the oils!
Tamela from Canandaigua, NY

November 30, 2009
Thank you so much for your presentation. Many members of the group found it very informative. I am enjoying my Christmas Spirit Spray, and I am planning on changing many of the things that I use. Thanks again for your time and expertise. I hope that our paths cross again.
Amy, Parkinson's Support Group of Rochester

November 25, 2009
Thanks again for the very informative Home Green Home class. My husband and I are going to incorporate chages immediately.
Mary Anne from Fort Collins, CO

November 23, 2009
Thank you so much for coming out and all of your effort putting the workshops together - they were awesome and very informative! You've done a great job with your research and I am confident that you will do very well with your new business venture!!!
Wendy from Fort Collins, CO

November 23, 2009

Hi Amy!

Thanks again for such an inspiring and educational weekend!
Mary from Fort Collins, CO

November 19, 2009

Hi Amy,I tried the M-grain essential oil blend yesterday when I had a headache it seemed to work OK but not totally. But on the up side normally I have to take Imitrex but yesterday I only took two Excedrin and used the oil. Thanks

Karen from Rochester, NY

November 16, 2009

Amy, Thank you so very much for yesterday (Essential Oils Blending Workshop - Say Boo to the Flu)- I had so much fun and learned so much. Regards,
Carol from Victor, NY

November 15, 2009

Oh, Amy...it was a truly WONDERFUL day! Everyone enjoyed themselves and we learned A LOT (including my husband). Have a great day...and it was so great having you here! Peace...
Therese from Rochester, NY

November 15, 2009

Thanks so much for today. I really enjoyed it and your presentation (Essential Oils Blending Workshop - Say Boo to the Flu) and knowledge. Best regards,

Amy R. from Rochester, NY

November 14, 2009 Last night (Home Green Home presentation) was great!
Barbara from Canandaigua, NY

November 14, 2009
Good morning, Amy! I really enjoyed your session (Home Green Home presentation) last night. Thanks.
Mary Kay from Canandaigua, NY

November 10, 2009
Many thanks to you again. Thanks Amy! Everyone enjoyed you (Essential Oils Blending Workshop - Say Boo to the Flu)!
Kathy from Penn Yan, NY

November 5, 2009
Amy - you are the best!
Anne from Ionia, NY

October 19, 2009
Hi Amy, You read my mind. I was going to contact you. The rugs look great! I'm so happy with the Thieves Household cleaner concentrate. Yet another use for it. I'll use it on anything at this point. I've always been happy with the results.
Danielle from Henrietta, NY

October 12, 2009

Last week, I began feeling achy and by the time I was driving home I was achy and feverish. I was in bed by 7:30 with a full blown illness. I was unable to get up in the morning to go to work. I called the doctor to get an appointment and slept the rest of the day until my appointment. Feverish, achy and overall, out of it. My 2 pm doctor's appointment resulted in a diagnosis of the influenza and home I went. Amy Jane offered to make me a special blend which I began applying to chest and feet that night (along with the echinacea tea). I also applied Oregano (essential oil) to my feet. The next day, I was coughing up bloody phlegm so I visited the doctor again. This time, the chest xray revealed pneumonia. I was sent home with a prescription with antibiotics. I continued to use the essential oil blend and Oregano (essential oil) Amy Jane provided! Friday the family had plans to travel to a rustic retreat in Vermont. The doctor, on Tuesday, implied I would most likely not be feeling well enough. However, by Thursday, I was feeling much better. Still a bit tired, but no fever or aches. Our family was able to take our vacation and all the while I continued to use the essential oil blend and Oregano. No one, not even me, believed that on Wed. I had been diagnosed with pneumonia. I felt good. I am sure I would not have had such a speedy recovery without the oils. Thanks Amy!

Hannah from Canandaigua, NY

October 1, 2009
Amy Jane, Wow! I loved the workshop (Home Green Home). I clean homes for a living and thought I was doing a good job of green cleaning for my clients. Now, because of your workshop I can do the best job possible. The print-outs of commonly used cleaners is a real eye-opener. Your workshops are going to help a lot of people feel better. I know that I personally have improved health from using Thieves and white vinegar,and some of my clients have told me - I know Kathy has been here because when I open my door the house smells so good! Thanks so much for helping me to share this info with others.I am a distributor with Young Living and because of this workshop, I will be able to help others understand more potential benefits than I would have without your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Kathy from Palmyra

September 20, 2009
Dear Amy - Thank you for sharing your wisdom and joy on the subject of aromatherapy, health and eco-living. I think your format is excellent, informative, thorough and fun in a really nice, relaxed and supportive atmosphere. You are an awesome “blend”. :)
KC from Naples, NY

September 16, 2009
Amy, Thank you so much for the wonderful evening last night (Essential Oils Blending Workshop - Pain & Inflammation). Thanks again I had a great time last night. Sincerely,
Jackie from Naples, NY

September 16, 2009

I have yet another great use for Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate: I dilute Thieves (Household Cleaner) with distilled water and use it to clean my diamond ring. I soak the ring for about 5 minutes, then use one of my old (good way to recycle your used toothbrushes) toothbrushes to gently brush all surfaces of the ring, rinse with plain water, then dry with a soft cloth. It will really sparkle!!!
May from Victor, NY

I love the new Young Living roll-on, "Deep Relief". I have given a number of them to friends & family who have pain complaints and they say they have good results. My most recent benefit was when I woke up one morning with a terrible stiff neck. I rolled deep relief on the area, then massaged it in a little bit. Literally within 5 minutes i had relief from the pain! I love it!

May from Victor, NY

September 12, 2009

Hi Amy, I feel like the information you have provided is changing our way of life. It's wonderful. I have been using essential oils exclusively to treat any colds the girls catch, usually Peppermint and Eucalyptus. I diffuse Thieves and Lemon often and believe it is helping to prevent a lot of illness for my family.
Danielle from Henrietta, NY

September 5, 2009

Hi Amy Jane - have been meaning to email you for several days. The blend you made up for me has really helped. Bruises usually take weeks to go away on me (low platelets) - and that's a long time to have one whole half of your face purple. I'd say it's more than half gone already. Thanks so much :)
Ginny from Naples, NY

August 1, 2009
I have known Amy Jane for at least 5 years and always find her ready to support friends and clients in natural healing. She is very knowledgeable about essential oils that would be helpful, thorough in asking questions, works from her heart, and is organized. Besides that, her classes are fun, especially when making unique essential oil blends for specific needs.
Jean from Rochester, NY

July 22, 2009
The Face and Body Butter is AWESOME! Thanks again!
Emily from Canandaigua, NY

July 19, 2009
I love my blends!
Kathy from Penn Yan, NY

July 18, 2009
I used the Thieves household cleaner this morning and was very happy with it. Thanks for making it up for me. I am continuing to feel better and still love my oils.
Pat from Tarpon Springs, FL

July 15, 2009
It's been a joy to have you at the Market. I've received very positive feedback and hope you have enjoyed your days at the Market.
Maria from Geneva Farmers Market, Geneva, NY

July 15, 2009
Hi Amy Jane, I want to tell you that I did sleep better last night and appear to be breathing better. Thanks for yesterday. You are a treasure. And I do hope to see you again. Bisous,
Pat from Tarpon Springs, FL

July 13, 2009
I met you at the yoga retreat in Victor a couple of weeks ago. What a lovely foot soaking experience that was!! Since then I took your advice and mixed some peppermint oil in with my Arnica and I think it is helping my thumbs. (must knit!!)
Melanie from Victor, NY

July 12, 2009

Hi Jane, Thank you for this cream (Face and Body Butter). It does work well on my hands. I think I like it best on my toes where it nicely softens the cuticles. Thanx for making it!!
Elaine from Rochester, NY

July 10, 2009
I used Organica Jane's "I Haven't Got time for the Pain" essential oil blend. I have arthritis from laying carpet and had pain in my knee for 10 - 12 years. I now do not need my brace and the pain has decreased finally. Thank you.
Richard from Newark, NY

July 7, 2009
Here's a testimonial about the effects the oils had on Pueblo (our dog):

Our black lab Pueblo developed diarrhea and was throwing up a few weeks ago and was also not eating. After a $500 trip to the vet, they gave us a list of possible things she could have and prescribed antibiotics for her. For the next 4 days she took her meds and her condition gradually cleared up and she eventually started eating normally. Well, low and behold the condition returned the other day and so I read in my Essential Oils Desk Reference about how to apply oils to animals and recommended oils for diarrhea. I didn't have Di-Gize or Thieves but I did have Fennel, Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint (Lavender just for calming purposes). I mixed 1 drop of each with about a teaspoon of olive oil and applied the mixture to the bottoms of her paws. I did this twice the first day and the next day her appetite was back and the diarrhea and vomiting had stopped. If only I had tried that the first time around I'd have $500 to invest in more oils!!! YAY - I love my oils!!!
Wendy from Fort Collins, CO

June 27, 2009
U are amazing!!!!!! Thank you so much! Again, Thank you for an incredible experience! Can't wait to share it with the world! with love, light and gratitude.
Sabrina from Los Angeles, CA

June 19, 2009
Hi Amy, thank you for all the tips. You are an amazing resource!
Nicki from New York state

June 10, 2009

The Face and Body Butter is fantastic - I have been using it since I purchased from you at Caroline's - its the best - I never have to use any other lotions and for me that is amazing.
Karen from Clifton Springs, NY

June 7, 2009
I love the results that I've had from using Organica Jane's Body Butter! I live in Colorado and not only am I exposed to a lot of sun, but it's also stronger because of our elevation. I've always had a lot of freckles and now that I'm older they're looking more like liver spots! After using the Body Butter I've noticed the larger spots have decreased in size, plus it's helping to keep my wrinkles at bay! Now that I'm nearing 40, I'm taking especially good care of my skin. By using a good sunscreen and cleanser along with Amy's Body Butter, I think I'll be able to manage turning 40 okay :o)
Wendy from Fort Collins, CO

June 6, 2009
I'm using all the oils and suggestions you gave me - and each day is better.
Ginny from Naples, NY

June 5, 2009
I am just LOVING cleaning my house with Thieves and making small but meaningful changes around my home!!
Linda from Rochester, NY

May 28, 2009

Hi Amy-Eleanor just loves her blend and shares it with her daddy. Madeline had a friend over yesterday and they washed their face and hands with her soap blend...really cute!! They just thought the world of you too! Thank you so much for your time and expertise!! We all love the inhaler too. I adore my spray!
Linda from Rochester, NY

May 26, 2009
I have used the Peppermnt oil a few times, to heal ailments....with success. Dan has used the inhaler we made and I did make one for my other son, at his request!!! Thank you so much for your time and books!!
Jill from Victor

April 30, 2009
Amy Jane, Thank you for the recipe! It has keep me off the pain meds. Thanks again- you are an ANGEL!!
Kathleen from New York state

April 28, 2009
That Face and Body Butter is fantastic - I wash with my "special" oil, then put the butter on!!! WOW I don't need anything else - this is the best!!
Karen from Clifton Springs

April 28, 2009
I think the workshop was eye-opening and since that time I have changed most of my cleaning products. I previously was using Thieves household cleaner regularly as well as the Lemon essential oil/vinegar mixture for windows, but the most important change is eliminating Scrubbing Bubbles and Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner. I now use baking soda (or Borax) and Thieves. Scrubbing Bubbles makes Kevin sick so he never could help clean the bathroom and now he can. Hurray!!!
Jill from Victor, NY

April 28, 2009
Dear Amy--Your class was inspiring and eye-opening to say the least. You have done the research for us and provided many facts that have been actually hidden from consumers about the products we use on a daily basis. We know about getting things in eyes or ingesting obviously poisonous substances. But who knew that just having a bottle of something would allow the toxins in that product to permeate the atmosphere in our homes just by sitting there on a shelf? And who knew that these breathed-in toxins find a place to lurk in our very own fat cells? It's maddening to realize that companies are not required to label every single item in their products, so there are ingredients that we are not aware of. And we often don't even pay attention or realize the danger of the substances that ARE on the label because we have bought into the beautiful presentation of some products as being "natural" or "green" and therefore safe. So many ingredients that ARE mentioned can be just as dangerous to our health as the ones that have been covered up! And you taught us not to believe everything we see as truly safe just because it is advertised as such. I was shocked to find that good old-fashioned Ajax cleanser has ingredients that are proven to cause respiratory distress, allergies, lymphoma (blood cancer) and malignant tumors! And my favorite laundry detergent (that I don't buy as often since it is so expensive now) --TIDE--has ingredients that cause asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, liver damage, and even depression!

I have gone through the house and removed many bottles that have been on my shelves for years just in case I need them. NOt to mention that I have continually replaced the ones near the front. My cupboards suddenly have more room and I am so excited that I am doing something good for my home. I am thrilled knowing that Thieves (that smells so heavenly) is actually disinfecting my countertops better than bleach. It's hard to let go of the Tilex, but I tried the vinegar and salt/lemon on my bathtub--and it works!

I look forward to the next process of diffusing oils into the environment knowing that all molds and even their dead spores will be eliminated. I have been very interested in the idea of mold presences as causing allergies and other illnesses. I know that remediation teams go into buildings (particularly those built more airtight in the 1980s) and use harsh chemicals to rid the building of its "sick building syndrome" --but I did not realize that within weeks, those molds reinfest with a vengeance. It was so interesting, enlightening, -- and yes, inspiring of hope-- to know that the use of essential oils for only three days in the atmosphere of one of these "sick" environments cleared the area of all molds and spores and that when tested several weeks later, there was no evidence of regrowth. This is amazing! I can't wait to get started in my own home!

Thanks for your clarion call to our overly-advertised world to simplify and get back to basics and a more natural way. Your contribution to our education can improve the quality of our lives if we apply what you have taught us, and I'm sure you are actually saving lives. As people living in a modern society, let us not think ourselves so wise as to be foolish. Let's take care of what God has given to us...I have many changes to make...but I am excited and inspired!
Thanks Organica Jane!
Valerie from Farmington, New York

April 28, 2009
Home Green Home Workshop was an eye-opening lesson. A lot of good information that I will be implementing in my home. I have purchased Borax and my vinegar. I have already told a few members of my family and given them a solution of Thieves to use in their home. Thank you so much for all of the information.

Karen from Clifton Springs, NY

April 21, 2009

The girls and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the essential oil that you mixed for me. We rub it on our feet every night and it has helped in a few stressful situations. Take care,

Linda from Rochester

March 10, 2009
I used the oils faithfully on vacation. They helped on the plane and seemed to keep any germs away during the week. In fact, I am using the Thieves spray today as I feel a sore throat coming on.
Bonnie from Canandaigua, NY

February 15, 2009
Amy Jane, I met you last Saturday at Rio Tomatlan and bought the Thieves Household Cleaner. I have to admit that I bought it to be nice and was very skeptical. Well, we love it and would like to purchase the concentrate! Merci et a bientot,
Paul from Canandaigua

January 15, 2009

Amy,
Thank you so much! I can't believe what a difference it made. I threw 2 bowls and some mugs last night and usually when I wedge the clay (like kneading bread) my hands and wrists ache. No aches and great control! I told everyone at class about you and took in some of your cards, and I told everyone that the website was a great resource and hopefully they will check it out.
Patty from Fairport, NY

January 6, 2009
Amy has boundless passion for teaching people about therapeutic-grade essential oils. She has truly found her calling in teaching people how to make lifestyle changes, and it shows in the workshops and classes she offers. For anyone interested in living a healthier life (and willing to make the changes necessary for that life), I strongly recommend contacting Amy. You'll be glad you did!
Rob from Canandaigua, NY

January 6, 2009

I love the Face and Body Butter! I am using it every day. Love,

Kathryn from Sodus, NY

December 19, 2008
I love the oils! There was something always missing in my life until I found these oils. What a wonderful olfactory experience with deep psychological benefits. By the way, I love the Mountain Mint and Meadow Mist deodorants! I have searched high and low for something natural like this. I used to get these horrible rashes from commercial deodorants. I have literally tried everything even in the health food stores. They all gave me this red, itchy rash. I even tried the organic deodorants and I would get a red rash also. I will be using Mountain Mint and Meadow Mist forever!
Namaste,

Greg from Fort Collins, CO

December 18, 2008

I love you and your new products! I tried them all. I especially love bath salts when I was aching all over. The new Raindrop in a Bottle. I have that rubbed up my spine everynight. Keep up the good work.

Jill from Clyde, NY

December 2, 2008
Amy - Thank you so much for continuing to educate me every day. I am fast becoming a firm believer in the power of (Essential) oils. Bob and I have both had colds (congestion, sore throat, cough) for the past week and I have been managing the symptoms with NinXgia Red, RC, Thieves and your wonderful Respiratory blend that you made for me. My favorite is Thieves, honey and hot water, which we sip before bed. Mia is also becoming quite the oil queen. She requested the honey and hot water with Lemon oil, her favorite, and it is quite tasty too.
Janet from Baldwinsville, NY

November 25, 2008
Hi Amy, I just wanted to send you a quick email as a follow up to the use of the lotion. In the past couple weeks I have noticed a slight softening of my leg, meaning the fluid is moving more (a good thing!). Along with the use of the lotion, I have cut out all artificial sweetners and limited myself to 2 cups of coffee a week. Thank you!
Rachelle from New York City

October 29, 2008
I've had excellent results with my oil, I would say my symptoms are 90% relieved. I love the smell of it! I go to sleep smelling my hands after I've applied it. I named it "Good Evening" and that's a great name; it has meant lots of good evenings for me without the "rushy" feelings I used to have. I've almost convinced my friend to use a less toxic cleaning solution on the floor of the kennel. I now use a cup of white distilled vinegar, a cup of hydrogen peroxide, 5 drops Lemon essential oil, 5 drops Lavender essential oil, in 4 gallons of water.
Odette from Fabius, NY

October 9, 2008
I had such a fun time and also learned more. Thanks so much for doing this for us. Good day to you,
Anne from Bloomfield, NY

October 8, 2008
Thanks, Amy! Love the products!
Abby from Rochester, NY

September 24, 2008
I have a lot of muscle pain and Amy put together a muscle blend for me. The muscle blend did help relax my muscles but not at the level I had hoped for. Without me even asking she put together a new formula and gave it to me free of charge. The new formula worked better with my muscles and it meant a lot that she was truly concerned and followed up with me.

I also attended a "Say no to Botox" class which Amy taught. It was extremely informative, and we had the pleasure of creating our own unique essential oils lotion. I have since asked Amy to make me a new batch of the lotion. It smells amazing and has helped improve the condition of my skin. I know that whatever I purchase from her will be made from the highest quality ingredients and will be chemical-free. It is a great feeling to know that you are using products on your body that came from nature and not a laboratory.
Adrianna from Rochester, NY

August 28, 2008
Amy - I have replaced my Windex with your lemon oil recipe and I love it. I am using it all over the house, countertops, sinks, bathroom - yeah!!. Mia loves to help me clean and now I can feel good about her helping me and not worry that she is breathing in harsh chemicals. She practically cleaned the whole bathroom for me the other day. Thanks and please keep sending your wealth of information. I love it. Talk to you soon.
Janet from Baldwinsville, NY

July 30, 2008
your website is awesome!!! thank you for all you do,Amy. You're great!!!
Jackie from Castle Rock, CO

July 14, 2008
Amy, Before I was using Young Living Essential oils, I was taking two Celebrex 200mg. tablets a day for my arthritis. That was three or four years ago. I used Peppermint essential oil, neat, on the joints in my hands, hip and ankle two times a day for about six months. Thieves essential oil blend on my feet helped the process also. Now, I use the Peppermint essential oil when i feel a flare up coming, but now every day. I no longer take Celebrex or any other pain pills. I am forever grateful for that class I took at the high school many years ago. Panaway essential oil blend seems to work better on muscle pain, for me, each persons body reacts differently.
Fay from Canandaigua, NY

April 29, 2008
Amy: I just wanted to to write you to say thank you for your class ! I also appreciate very much the infomation that you have sent on about the salve/balm ingredients, hair "tonic" and etc. I really loved your class and I plan to see you at the May 22nd class at the Retreat House for you next one. The blend that I made in class: My husband and kids love the smell. My husband and daughter say that it smells like jellybeans to them. My son says that it reminds him of bubble gum. I have been using this salve on my husband and he says that it has been helping! My daughter on Sunday accidently kicked her foot into a solid wood rocking chair while at a friend's house. She told me that she was just swinging her foot back and forth and hit it. It looks like she has bruised the end of her 4th toe pretty badly and she was in pain. She asked me to put the salve on her toe (which I have done every day since and she covers her foot with a sock) and she is able to sleep. She says that the pain goes away when I put the salve on it. The salve gets alot of use in my house ! Thanks again for having this informative class and I will tell you that the salve smell has grown on me. I am quite pleased! Have a great day!
Lori from Rochester, NY

February 25, 2008
Hey Amy…
I just wanted to pass along some experiences I’ve had recently with Young Living’s essential oils. Feel free to pass them on.

Firstly, we have been doing some work to our house; we had the ceiling in 1 room painted, and then, we had our entire bedroom painted. The room that just had the ceiling painted smelled like paint for days; we couldn’t even go in the room and kept the door closed. It’s been probably a week and a half, and I can still faintly smell it. It was making us sick and I thought I had heard to mix essential oils with paint to cut the toxic odor. I found a recipe on-line and before the handyman started painting our room, I had him add 1/3 of a bottle of Orange essential oil to the paint. He painted the ceiling and by the next morning, there was no paint smell! I had him add it to the rest of the paint and we were back in our room in no time!

Secondly, I have this sweet little enamel-ware pan that I used to bake some fish in the other night. I sprayed some Pure Spray on it to keep the fish from sticking, but when I tried to clean it, I had a really hard time getting the pan fully clean and an SOS pad just scratched it up. So, I decided I would try soaking it in a little Thieves Household Cleaner. After maybe 15-30 minutes in a sink with warm water and ~1/4 c. of Thieves Household Cleaner, the pan cleaned up easily and all of the stuck-on grease came off. It saved my pan and I was really excited to see the oils/Young Living products in action! I love it!
Mindy from Williamson, NY

January 11, 2008
You did a great job! It is a breath of fresh air to here someone present the way you did it and I mean that. Not everyone including myself would of thought of that.
Jill from Clyde, NY

January 7, 2008
Hi Amy,
Just wanted to say again....YOU are AWESOME! So inspiring. I am referring to you as "The expert on Chemicals in our Environment." I feel so empowered to be able to say to people, "No more _____" The kids are even going to tell the grandparents no more artificially colored beverages. I swear that it always sends Thomas into a tail spin & you confirmed it for me. Thank you for all the time, energy & effort you put forth in making that presentation so compelling and fun for everyone. Everyone commented on how awesome of a meeting it was! It was your presentation that did it! You are truly a treasure, Amy. How blessed we are to have someone with such passion & caring in our lives! Love you,
Amy from Romulus, NY

January, 2008
Hi Amy, Happy New Year! I'm slowly making changes. I use essential oil cleansers almost exclusively now at home. I’m also diffusing oils regularly at home and love how fresh and clean my house smells when I walk in! Fondly,
Jean from Geneva, NY

December 2007
Hi Amy,
I have really enjoyed using essential oils for so many things this past year as well as learning about their individual uses. That is knowledge I am proud to have. I’ve used the oils for everything from cleaning, to skin care, to my dog’s skin problems, to cold relief for my husband, mother, and grandfather (as well as passing along NingXia Red and Thieves hard lozenges), for use in bath salts, body scrubs, and deodorants that I made myself (with your recipes), for weight loss & detox (Grapefruit essential oil in water w/a little agave), and to help with sleep and with my general well-being. It’s so much fun; thanks for helping to make essential oils so approachable as well as educational! Essential oils are a part of my every day life and I am glad I think to use them before anything else, especially synthetics and chemicals.
Mindy from Williamson

October 18, 2007
Hey Aim, I've been breaking out a lot lately. Anyway, I've been using the Young Living serum for acne (blend a few drops of the serum with the Young Living ART lotion) and it has been working great! Thought I'd pass that info along in case you know anyone who is looking for a good skin product for acne.
Wendy from Fort Collins, CO

August 23, 2007
You are the best. There are not enough people in the world that grab for the gusto, but you Amy Jane are one of those fabulous people. I Love you.
Bonita from Skaneateles, NY

June 29, 2007
I treated myself to a facial scrub & mask this morning. it was great!! I have to say my skin has a very nice glow! try it!

1 Tbs amazing grains
2 Tbs plain yogurt
2 drops sandalwood essential oil
2 drops rose essential oil

make a smooth paste, apply to face and gently rub over face, neck & shoulders (avoid eyes, of course). I was planning to leave on for only 10 min, but I was reading the lavender route guide and it ended up being 20 min!!! splash water on face, neck & shoulders to rinse off. apply YL toner & day moisturizer. very nice!!
May from Victor, NY

June 26, 2006
The Peppermint essential oil sure worked well. That is the fastest I have every gotten over a sinus headache. On the way home, pressure started to build again so I used it once more. I seemed to be alright after that. Thank you for the suggestion and going home to get it.
Michael from Denver, CO

Every Day is Earth Day

2011-04-22T01:05:00.014-04:00

The National Calendar says it’s Earth Day. Considering the current condition of our planet, the health of Americans, the quality of our indoor and outdoor air, every day should be lived as Earth Day.

On this national day, here are some tips to consider every day...

Buy in bulk, using glass ball jars or containers
Limit your time in the shower, set a timer
Wash clothes in cold water
If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down
Bring bags when you do your grocery shopping
Eat more vegetables than meat
Reduce your consumption of meat; support local sources for meat rather than factory-farmed meat.
Unplug counter top appliances and electronics when you’re not using them
Buy as much of our produce from a farm stand or farmers market
Borrow books, music and movies from the library. Imagine the energy and packaging behind home-delivery services and amazon.
Don’t shower every day, wash just your parts
Wash hair every other day or once a week
RECYCLE. Refrain from putting plastic bags, glass, plastic in the landfill!!!
Switch off lights when you’re not using them
Replace commercial household cleaners that are contaminating our air, bodies and waterways with White Vinegar, Borax, Baking Soda, Seventh Generation, Thieves Household Cleaner
Avoid popular air freshening sprays. Yikes, especially you restaurant owners - when someone poops, the chemicals you have pumping through the bathroom don’t clear the air, they just blend with the poop. ugh.
Grow your own produce, herbs, fruits
Start a compost, refrain from placing food scraps in landfills
Shop for clothes at Vintage and Consignment stores, Salvation Army and Volunteers of America
Bring back the dandelion. Make it cool to have yellow dandelions in your lawn rather than yellow pesticide flags.
Choose glass whenever possible, plastic is evil
Say "No, Thank You" to styrofoam; it takes about a million years for it to break down
Turn off or donate your TV
Lower the thermostat and wear wool and socks to bed
Wash linens and cashmere in cold water gentle machine cycle rather than synthetic chemical dry cleaners
Contact companies who send you junk mail and ask them to remove you from their lists
Give gifts that go away, rather than buying stuff for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Plant a tree

photo source: Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi at flickr

Got Alleriges?

2011-03-20T23:30:00.002-04:00

Does thought of spring stress you out because all you do is blow your nose, itch your eyes and sneeze?

Did you know that the human body has systems in place to actually handle allergans?

Allergies may be a sign of a weak immune system and can be thought of as our body's way of saying, "I'm overloaded, please stop!" Here are some ideas to reduce your overload, build a stronger immune system and manage symptoms naturally.

ESSENTIAL OILS
Diffuse essential oils that are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, inhibit dander, dust mites and mold:

Clove (anti-histamine, anti-viral, immune stimulant)
Ginger (rhinovirus)
Lavender (anti-histamine)
Lemon (immune stimulant)
Peppermint (decongestant, anti-itch)
RC essential oil blend
Roman or German Chamomile (anti-histamine)
Thieves essential oil blend
Thyme vulgaris ct thymol (decongestant, anti-viral)

Essential Oil Lotion:
Blend 1 oz Unscented Aromalotion with 5 Total drops of essential oil. Massage well on chest, back and feet as needed. Avoid direct eye contact. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Essential Oil Inhaler:
Place 15 Total drops of your choice of essential oil on blank cotton inhaler.

OTHER THOUGHTS:

Acupuncture: In a study, weekly acupuncture sessions showed promise as a treatment for relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies

Instead of Coffee, Pop and Diet Soda, try Nettle tea

Avoid or Reduce Dairy

Try Raw Agave, local, raw Honey, pure Maple Syrup, Pure Cane Sugar

Certified Organic Wine (sulfite-free)

In baking, try Brown Rice, Millet or Almond flour

Read up on the health impacts of Artificial Sweeteners, i.e., Splenda, Aspartame, Sweet n Low

Avoid foods and personal care products with with artificial colors and dyes

Bee pollen (strengthens the immune system; purchase from local honey producer; discontinue if causes allergic reaction)

Eliminate Air Fresheners, sprays and plug-ins, Perfumes, Colognes, Fragrant Candles

Homepathic remedies for Allergies (Boiron is one brand found in some grocery stores and most health food stores)

Drink clean water intake (use PUR water filter)
Increase consumption of organic fruits, especially berries (they are amazing anti-oxidants!)

Receive Massage, Do Relaxation techniques, Meditate, Take Yoga

Purchase Plants that remove pollutants: Areca and Bamboo Palm, Boston fern, English ivy, Ficus, Peace lily, Rubber and Spider plant

Purchase an air filter, which filters pollen, mold spores, dust

Eliminate toxic, commercial, name-brand household cleaners, detergents and dryer sheets, e.g., Windex, Tilex, Tide, Clorox, Lysol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Ajax, etc.

Use Baking Soda, White Distilled Vinegar, Borax, Thieves Household Cleaner Seventh Generation products

Stop smoking

SUPPLEMENTS

Acidophilus, Life 5 Item #3099 from Young Living (powerful immune enhancer with digestive enzymes for improved digestion)

Allerzyme Item #3288 from Young Living

Calcium and magnesium, Super Cal Item #3244 from Young Living (needed to help reduce stress, use calcium chelate form)

MSM, Sulfurzyme Item #3243 from Young Living (strengthens the immune system, has anti-allergic properties equal to or better than those of antihistamines)

Super B Item #3240 from Young Living (proper digestion, nerve function, helps relieve wheezing and attacks)

Quercetin (potent flavanoid found in apples, berries, grapefruit, onions, cabbage, tea, red wine) with Bromelain (found in pineapple) capsule

Vitamin C: protects the body from allergens and moderates the inflammatory response

Click Here To Order Essential Oils & Young Living Products

Local, Nettle Tea:
Healing Spirits Herb Farm in Avoca, NY

Blank Inhalers:
Aromatics International

Unscented Aromalotion (wonderful, truly, all-natural lotion - and you can pronounce all of the ingredients):
Elizabeth Van Buren

Essential Oil Diffusers:
Abundant Health

References:

Advanced Clinical Aromatherapy for Respiratory Disorders, Essential Oil Resource Consultants, 2007
www.aaaai.org
Health, Natural Medicine, Andrea Weil, M.D.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Ed., Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
www.webmd.com

photo source: flickr.com

Ho What? Jojoba, pronounced Ho Ho Ba.

2011-03-07T18:32:00.008-05:00

BACKGROUND
I was first formally introduced to Jojoba back in 2004 when I was completing my Certification in Aromatherapy. At first sight, I believed it was an oil, like Sweet Almond oil or olive oil. We learned quickly that it was not. We used it as our base (or carrier) to create essential oil products and these products could be massaged both into the body AND face, without causing zits!

After reading about it over and over, I decided to include it in my best-selling product, which is called Face and Body Butter and in all of my roll-on blends for clients. It’s immediately softening to the skin, there’s no smell, and I really like its color when it’s held up to the light.

ABOUT
Jojoba is actually a liquid wax obtained from cold pressing a seed (Simmondsia chinensis) NOT a nut. Jojoba doesn’t contain triglycerides, which are fragile, oxidize and break down, so it doesn't turn rancid. It has an indefinite shelf life. Isn't that cool?!

Here are some other cool things about this amazing non-oily, liquid wax substance.

SPF of 2 - 4
Non-allergenic
Conditions the skin
Relieves cradle cap
Soothes chafed / dry skin
Does not not clog pores
Conditions and softens cuticles
Removes make-up and mascara
Provides soothing relief of Psoriasis
Transports essential oils into the skin
Superior for scalp, face or whole body
Conditions hair and scalp, prevents dryness
Soothes and conditions skin after sun exposure
May be blended with wheat germ oil for face care
Improves skin’s absorption of facial mask nutrients
Strengthens the hair shaft and restores manageability
Gentle enough for newborns after bath, diaper changes
Penetrates into the skin and is an appropriate carrier for diluting for Essential Oils
Does not stain and washes out with hot water and natural soap

HOW DO I USE IT?
Clients often ask what to use in place of commercial, synthetic moisturizers or products recommended by Dermatologists. I recommend jojoba - straight up on the face, body, in hair - or with Essential Oils.

If you're blending jojoba with Essential Oils, please follow these guidelines:

5 total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of jojoba for children, pregnancy, elderly, face care
10 total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of jojoba for adults, daily use, massage
15 total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of jojoba for acute injury or illness

Click HERE to see recipes using jojoba and other ways to use it

WHERE CAN I GET SOME?
Most health food stores and Wegmans carry jojoba. You may find, like me, that it's quite pricey to purchase it this way. I purchase it in gallons - the Certified Organic version - directly from The Jojoba Company.

I suggest buying jojoba in large quantities and breaking it down into small glass containers for everyone in the home to enjoy.

photo source: http://www.jojobacompany.com/

Natural Remedies for Sore Throat

2011-03-01T07:33:00.004-05:00

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar (available at your local health food store and Nature's Market, Wegmans)

Place 1 Tablespoon of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar in 4 oz glass of water; stir well. Gargle and spit.

More information at: http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html

Essential Oil Gargle
In a glass container, blend 5 Total drops of Essential Oils in 1 ounce of water with a drop of 100% pure aloe vera gel or local honey. Choose 2 of the following Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Myrrh, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Thieves essential oil blend.

Shake well before using; gargle and spit. Avoid direct eye contact. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Sore Throat Essential Oil Massage Blend
In a glass container, blend 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) and 5 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oils into 1 ounce of unscented, natural lotion.

Massage well on the front and back of neck and around ear lobes (never drop Essential Oils into the ear drum). Shake well before using. Avoid direct eye contact. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Thieves essential oil blend lozenges
All I can say is... these are amazing!
Available at: https://www.youngliving.org/amy

Thieves essential oil mouthwash
Shake well before using; gargle and spit.
Available at: https://www.youngliving.org/amy

Goodbye Glade, Febreze and Yankee

2011-02-21T08:11:00.020-05:00

If you're ready to say good-bye to synthetic, unhealthy air fresheners, plug ins, reed diffusers, candles and hello to all-natural deodorizers that work, here's one simple way with pure, plant extracts, i.e., Essential Oils.

How to create an Essential Oil Room Spray
In a 1-ounce glass spray bottle, fill with water, leaving a bit of room at the top for Essential Oils.

For every one ounce of water, add 5 total drops of your favorite Essential Oil. Some of my favorite Essential Oils for natural room sprays are:

Christmas Spirit (essential oil blend from Young Living)
Believe (essential oil blend from Young Living)
Lemon and Peppermint (blended together)

What are yours?

Blending Guidelines
2 ounces of water: add 10 Total drops of Essential Oils
3 ounces of water: add 15 Total drops of Essential Oils
4 ounces of water: add 20 Total drops of Essential Oils

Did You Know
When using truly pure Essential Oils in your room sprays, not only are you clearing odors naturally but improving air quality, inhibiting pathogens and boosting mood!

Fun
Add a label, giving your Essential Oil Room Spray a name and add a pretty ribbon!

Safety & Storage
Before using these natural room sprays, be sure to shake well, avoiding direct eye contact. Keep out of reach of children and pets and store in cool, dark place.

Resources

Essential Oils are available at: https://www.youngliving.org/amy

Glass Spray bottles are available at: http://www.sks-bottle.com/GlassBottles/GlassBottles1.html

Organica Jane's Healthy RAW Balls

2011-02-08T07:31:00.000-05:00

Organica Jane's Healthy RAW Balls
In food processor combine:

1, 16 oz jar raw almond butter and
1/2 cup pure maple syrup and
few dates pitted

blend thoroughly then add

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup whole raw almonds
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup choc chips / raw cacao chips
1 TB raw cacao powder
1 TB ground flax seed

Could also use walnuts, Ningxia (Chinese) wolfberries, cherries, raisins. Please use organic, non-sprayed ingredients wherever possible. Thank you.

Batter will be very thick. Remove by the spoonful and roll into balls; place in frig overnight to hold. Can dip into melted organic chocolate for extra naughty.

photo source: Flickr.com

11 Ways to Save in 2011

2011-01-10T09:40:00.003-05:00

Borrow books, movies, magazines, music from your local library (see if yours has a service, which allows you to hold something you've been wanting to read, listen to or watch)
Turn off your cable
Buy in Bulk!... beans, nuts, flours, etc.
Get a supply of kitchen / bar towels to use in place of paper towels
Use white vinegar instead of Windex
Use baking soda instead of Comet, Ajax, Soft Scrub
Unplug appliances and electronics when you're not using them
Grow a few of your own vegetables or herbs
Bring your own, most coffee shops will give you a discount for bringin' your own mug
Save by using a filter at faucet or a pitcher for drinking water
Pay in cash whenever possible

photo source: flickr.com by CCAC North Library

Organica Jane's healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

2010-12-01T09:56:00.008-05:00

Ingredients:

2 sticks organic butter, softened
3/4 cup local pure maple syrup
3 free-range, organic egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose (organic spelt / brown rice flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1 T ground flaxseed
3 cups organic quick oats
1 bag of carob or organic semi-sweet chocolate chips

Note: Can use applesauce in place of butter and egg whites to make vegan.

Heat oven to 375°F

1. In large bowl, beat butter and syrup, add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and clove; mix well. Add oats; mix well.

2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 10 – 12 minutes – or till golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Servings: ABOUT 3 DOZEN

Natural Remedies for Eczema

2010-11-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

Depending on where you live, this time of year can really agitate Eczema. Eczema is an allergic condition that can be aggravated by diet, household cleaners, soaps, laundry detergents and perfumes.

When prescription creams fail, here are some Natural Remedies that work...

Avoid using commercial Gels, Soaps, Shampoos and Conditioners: popular brands of personal care products contain dyes, synthetic fragrances and chemicals that cause allergies and dry, irritated skin. Click HERE to learn more.

Avoid using all commercial Laundry Detergents and Dryer Sheets: chemicals found in your favorite detergent cause allergies and are irritating to skin, too. Make natural choices like Borax, Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate from Young Living, Seventh Generation, etc.

Essential Oils: Blend 3 drops of Lavender or Roman Chamomile with 2 drops of Peppermint into 1 oz of jojoba or unscented, all-natural lotion. Lavender and Roman Chamomile help to reduce inflammation and heal the skin while Peppermint relieves itch.

Baking Soda Baths: follow directions on package

Humidify: running a humidifier may help to counterbalance dryness from furnace heat

Shower head filter: replace current shower filter with one that filters out chlorine and other irritants

Jojoba: this is a great natural moisturizer! Jojoba is baby friendly and most like our own skin's oil (sebum) but it's not oily! Massage well on location before bedtime or after a shower. Click HERE to learn more.

Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Castile Soap: a gentle, natural, biodegradable replacement to bar soap, bath gels and laundry detergent. Click HERE to learn more.

Read: understand the health implications of vaccines by reading the package inserts. Surprise!: Eczema is listed as a side effect on most inserts.

Satin Facial Scrub Mint (a product from Young Living): this product exfoliates and soothes skin magically! Massage well into patches; then shower or rinse. Click HERE to order.

Dry Brushing: learn all about it at drybrushing.net

Supplementation: Ask your local Naturopathic Doctor or Chiropractor about Vitamin D, Cod Liver Oil and Omega 3 supplements to support skin health.

For more natural solutions to Eczema from Dr. Mercola, click HERE.

I Haven't Got Time for Pain Meds

2010-10-25T00:15:00.000-04:00

FDA admits that all Anti Inflammatories (Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex, Aleve or Naprosyn, Aspirin, Ibuprofen) May Kill You (lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems), USA Today December 23, 2004; USA Today December 20, 2004

Vioxx and Celebrex May Affect Kidneys, Annals of Internal Medicine 2000;133:1-9

Painkillers Increase Risk of Miscarriage, British Medical Journal August 16, 2003

NSAIDs Up Risk of 2nd Bout of Heart Failure, Archives of Internal Medicine February 11, 2002;162:265-270

How Vioxx and Celebrex Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack, Science April 19, 2002;296:539-541

Vioxx and Celebrex Overprescribed to Millions of Americans, Archives of Internal Medicine January 24, 2005;165(2):171-7

Advil and Aleve May Make Blood Pressure Rise, Archives of Internal Medicine. October 28, 2002;162:2204-2208

Aspirin & Ibuprofen Can Increase Your Breast Cancer Risk by 50%, Journal of the National Cancer Institute June 1, 2005, Vol. 97, No. 11: 805-812

Tylenol Most Common Cause of Liver Failure, Hepatology December 2005

Aspirin and Tylenol suppress body's ability to produce antibodies to destroy cold virus, Journal of Infectious Disease, December, 1990

Taking > 1 tablet a day of Tylenol or 1,000 tablets over extended period doubles risk of kidney damage, New England Journal of Medicine, 1994

Tylenol May Cause Asthma, European Respiratory Journal November, 2000; 16:1-7 and British Medical Journal November 11, 2000;321:1178A

Tylenol Even at a Recommended Dose Can Harm Your Liver, Journal of the American Medical Association July 5, 2006, Vol. 296, No. 1: 87-93; Yahoo News July 4, 2006; Los Angeles Times July 5, 2006

Adverse Reactions to Fluvirin Flu Shot

2010-09-28T02:05:00.008-04:00

Adverse Reactions to Fluvirin Flu Shot

Body as a whole: Local injection site reactions (including pain, pain limiting limb movement, redness, swelling, warmth, ecchymosis, induration), hot flashes/flushes; chills; fever; malaise; shivering; fatigue; asthenia; facial edema.

Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions (including throat and/or mouth edema). In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions have lead to anaphylactic shock and death.

Cardiovascular disorders: Vasculitis (in rare cases with transient renal involvement), syncope shortly after vaccination.

Digestive disorders: Diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain.

Blood and lymphatic disorders: Local lymphadenopathy; transient thrombocytopenia.

Metabolic and nutritional disorders: Loss of appetite.

Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia; myalgia; myasthenia.

Nervous system disorders: Headache; dizziness; neuralgia; paraesthesia; confusion; febrile convulsions; Guillain-Barré Syndrome; myelitis (including encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis); neuropathy (including neuritis); paralysis (including Bell’s Palsy).

Respiratory disorders: Dyspnea; chest pain; cough; pharyngitis; rhinitis.

Skin and appendages: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; sweating; pruritus; urticaria; rash (including non-specific, maculopapular, and vesiculobulbous).

Other Adverse Reactions associated with Influenza Vaccination Anaphylaxis has been reported after administration of FLUVIRIN®. Although FLUVIRIN® contains only a limited quantity of egg protein, this protein can induce immediate hypersensitivity reactions among persons who have severe egg allergy. Allergic reactions include hives, angioedema, allergic asthma, and systemic anaphylaxis.

The 1976 swine influenza vaccine was associated with an increased frequency of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Evidence for a causal relation of GBS with subsequent vaccines prepared from other influenza viruses is unclear. If influenza vaccine does pose a risk, it is probably slightly more than 1 additional case/1 million persons vaccinated.

Neurological disorders temporally associated with influenza vaccination such as encephalopathy, optic neuritis/neuropathy, partial facial paralysis, and brachial plexus neuropathy have been reported.

Microscopic polyangiitis (vasculitis) has been reported temporally associated with
influenza vaccination.

Source: http://www.immunize.org/fda/pa_influenza.asp

Behind the Label: Flu Shot

2010-09-14T20:14:00.002-04:00

Before administering a flu shot, most medical practitioners do not follow the protocol that they are instructed to of reviewing the patient's current health and history as well as the pertinent information found behind the flu shot label (package insert).

For that reason, I believe it is crucial to educate myself by reading package inserts (information provided by the manufacturer) before making a decision about any shot - or anything that breaks my skin and is directly injected into my bloodstream.

You can click HERE to read the package inserts for the flu shots approved by the FDA.

Below, you will see behind the label of just one flu shot (Fluarix); its dirty, toxic ingredients and its long list of documented, unhealthy side effects.

FLUARIX Influenza Virus Vaccine contains:

Formaldehyde
Sodium chloride
Polysorbate 80
Hydrocortisone
Gentamicin
chick eggs
Sodium deoxycholate

Adverse Reactions:

abdominal pain
allergic asthma
angioedema
angioneurotic edema
arthralgias
asthenia
asthma
autoimmune hemolytic anemia
brachial plexus neuropathy
bronchospasm
chest pain
chills
conjunctivitis
convulsions
cough
DEATH
diarrhea
dizziness
dysmenorrhea
dyspnea
encephalomelitis
encephalopathy
erythema
eye pain
eye swelling
eyelid swelling
facial palsy
facial paresis
facial swelling
fatigue
Guillan-Barre Syndrome
headache
Henoch-Schonlein purpura
hives
hypoesthesia
injection site reaction/abscess/cellulitis
lymphadenopathy
malaise
mouth swelling
muscle aches
myelitis
nasal congestion
nasopharyngitis
nausea
neuritis
neuropathy
optic neuritis/neuropathy
pain in extremity
partial facial paralysis
paresthesia
pharyngitis
pneumonia
pruritus
rash
respiratory distress
rhinitis
shivering
shock
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
stridor
sweating
tachycardia
throat swelling
thrombocytopenia
tongue swelling
tonsillitis
urticaria
vasculitis
vertigo
vomiting

Source: Influenza Virus Vaccine Fluarix 2009-2010 Formula PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

MORE
Before receiving a flu shot, demand that your current health status as well as your medical and vaccine history be reviewed to determine sensitivity and to understand any previous adverse reactions, signs or symptoms.

PLEASE
read the package insert of any shot or pharmaceutical you choose to take.

Truth about the Flu Shot

Jane Burgermeister's investigation Swine Flu "pandemic"

Click HERE to learn more about Formaldehyde.

Click HERE to see how Mercury Causes Brain Neuron Degeneration.

First Aid with Essential Oils

2010-05-31T17:15:00.002-04:00

Now's the perfect time to replace outdated, chemical products found in your First Aid kit with natural ones like Essential Oils.

BRUISES:

Helichrysum italicum

HOW TO: Blend 5 drops total of Essential Oil with 1 ounce of jojoba or natural, unscented lotion and gently massage on location.

INSECT BITES:

German Chamomile
Lavender
Purification essential oil blend*
Roman Chamomile

HOW TO: Place 1 drop on location.

INSECT REPELLENTS:

Cedarwood
Citronella
Eucalyptus citriodora
Geranium
Patchouli
Peppermint
Purification essential oil blend*

HOW TO: Blend 5 drops total of Essential Oil with 1 ounce of distilled water in spray bottle.

MINOR CUTS & ABRASIONS:

Frankincense
Lavender
Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree)

HOW TO: Blend 5 drops total Essential Oil with 1 ounce of natural, unscented lotion or 100% pure aloe vera gel and gently dab on location.

NAUSEA:

Di-Gize essential oil blend*
Ginger
Peppermint

HOW TO: Blend 5 drops total Essential Oil with 1 ounce olive oil and massage on belly; inhale vapors.

POISON IVY:

Frankincense
Lavender
Peppermint (anti-itch)

HOW TO: Blend 5 drops total Essential Oil in natural, unscented lotion and gently pat on location.

SUNBURN:

Frankincense
Lavender
Peppermint (cooling)

HOW TO: Blend 5 drops total Essential Oil in natural, unscented lotion or 100% pure aloe vera gel and gently pat on location.

For more information, download HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS GUIDE from Organica Jane's website

RESOURCES:
Jojoba @ The Jojoba Company
Natural, Unscented Lotion @ Elizabeth Van Buren

* = Young Living Essential Oil Blend

Clean, Bright, White and Sick?

2010-05-19T21:38:00.003-04:00

Has your nose ever felt violated when you walk down the laundry detergent aisle of your local grocery store? Mine has.

It's truly disturbing how overloaded your nose becomes by all of those synthetic chemicals and fragrances.

But then there's all those pretty packages and catchy phrases. Have you ever looked beyond these enticing labels to read the ingredients?

If you have, you'll notice that they're not listed. That's because the EPA does not require manufacturers of household chemicals to do so.

You can find most ingredients on an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

Tide is one laundry product that was in our home when I was growing up and after reading its MSDS, I'm glad it's not in my home now.

Tide contains 4 chemicals (that are listed on the MSDS):

Ethanol/SD Alcohol 40
Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Sodium borate decahydrate (borax)
Sodium hydroxide

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is considered a possible Carcinogen. Source: Cosmetics Database.

Sodium hydroxide is linked to Depression, Increased Blood Pressure, Allergies, Asthma, Liver Damage and Chronic Hepatitis. Source: Household Products Database.

The above-mentioned chemicals are similar in most commercial laundry products. These chemicals are not completely rinsed off clothes and linens in the washing machine; they are absorbed by our skin and inhaled.

These chemicals end up in our waterways creating hormone imbalance and other serious health concerns in aquatic life. They end up in our tap water supply and create hormone imbalance and make us sick.

Instead of products like Tide, All and Cheer, I use the following safer, natural products and ingredients for clean, bright and white laundry.

Thieves Household Cleaner, which contains essential oils of Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus radiata, Rosemary and Lemon: removes stains, cleans and deodorizes laundry

Borax: great at removing stains and odors

White Vinegar: antibacterial, clears odors and softens laundry

Baking Soda: eliminates odors, cleans and softens laundry

Hydrogen Peroxide: removes stains

Purification essential oil blend: great at eliminating any foul odors like cat/dog urine, smoke and sweat

For more natural cleaning tips, schedule a Home Green Home with Organica Jane!

I have discovered many benefits to using safer, more natural products to do laundry.

Clothes get clean without those nasty perfumy chemically smells

Fish in my local stream are smiling

Everyone loves the way my clothes smell

I no longer suffer from chronic sinus infections

I save a lot of money, e.g., Borax is 71 cents per pound; Tide is 1.50 per pound

Please Beware: words like "Free and Clear" do not mean free and clear of anything. Most of these products contain similar disturbing chemicals, including fragrances and perfumes.

From the Dr. Oz Website: Viewer Beauty Secrets

2010-04-08T06:58:00.001-04:00

One day last month, Dr. Oz asked his facebook fans to post natural remedies that they swear by. So, I did.

That night I received a phone call from one of their Production Assistants. I was shocked! She said that they loved my remedy for dry, cracked hands and feet. And she asked if I would be interested in presenting the remedy on the show during the taping of his show Friday morning!

Two days later they flew me to NYC! Friday morning, their driver picked us up from the hotel at 7:30 am and drove us to NBC studios. I've never been so stressed in my life!

It was such an opportunity to see all of the detail that goes into taping, experiencing a TV make-up and hair makeover, watching his staff behind the scenes and meeting Dr. Oz himself. What a kind and patient man!

I am so grateful to have had this experience. I just wish I hadn't been so nervous!!!

Recipe: Dry, Cracked Hands and Feet (Bums, too!)
In a glass jar combine:
2 cups of sea salt
1 cup of organic olive oil
10 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
10 drops of Lemon (Citrus limon)

Shake well to mix. Massage a heaping tablespoon into nails, fingers and wrists, rinse well, pat dry. Avoid direct eye contact.

Go Local: Join a CSA Today!

2010-03-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

WHAT IS A CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA is where families and individuals purchase seasonal membership shares (or half shares) for one flat price and in return receive un-sprayed, organic or certified organic fruits and vegetables from local farms and gardens.

Some memberships even include real milk and butter, eggs, local honey and fresh-cut flowers - how cool is that?!

HOW IS THE FOOD DELIVERED?
Goods are typically distributed from one location whether it's from the farm, a local church or health food store.

AM I REQUIRED TO WORK?
Some CSA's require members to contribute a few hours per month to help with composting, planting, weeding, harvesting and distribution.

THE BENEFITS OF JOINING A CSA:

Reduce the number of miles that food travels to your kitchen table
Save $$$
Learn what it takes to make things grow
Make new friends
Be out in nature, touching dirt
Taste new things
Meet people who think the same way you do about food, nutrition, health and gardening
Improve your health
Cook more meals at home with fresh ingredients
Reduce your exposure to toxic pesticides and herbicides
Be inspired to grow your own food at home
Children discover that cherry tomatoes are as sweet as pop tarts and carrots really come from the ground!

Here are some of the CSA's in my area.

Mud Creek Farm in Victor, NY
Peacework Farm, Genesee Valley Organic CSA in Newark, NY
Fellenz Family Farm in Phelps, NY

Click HERE to find a CSA near you

Click HERE to find a Farmers Market near you

Essential Oil Safety

2010-02-10T12:16:00.028-05:00

Truly pure Essential Oils are very concentrated and therapeutic substances so they should be handled with care and used with respect.

Here are some safety guidelines to understand before using Essential Oils.

General Safety:

In the event of eye contact, flush with a carrier oil, i.e., olive oil rather than water.
People with allergies can test sensitivity to Essential Oils by patch testing a small amount of Essential Oil inside the arm.
Keep Essential Oils, Diffusers and Burners out of reach of Children and Pets.
Citrus Essential Oils are photosensitive, which means they may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to DIRECT SUNLIGHT or UV rays within 12 hours after application. Citrus Essential Oils: Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Mandarin, Bergamot.
Avoid direct eye contact when using Essential Oils. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes unless you have thoroughly washed your hands with soapy water.
Never drop Essential Oils directly into the ear.
Vary Essential Oils that are used and diffused.

Storage:
Store Essential Oils in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light.

Pregnancy:
Pregnant women should avoid using Essential Oils during the 1st trimester and dilute Essential Oils at 1% (5 drops for every ounce of carrier oil) for all following semesters.

Bath:
Since Essential Oils are not completely water soluble, they must be first blended with an all-natural bath gel base, i.e, Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Castile Soap.

Children:
Avoid placing the following Essential Oils (or Essential Oil blends containing these Essential Oils) on or around the mouth of Children 5 years and younger.

Basil (1,8 cineole)
Eucalyptus dives (1,8 cineole)
Eucalyptus globulus (1,8 cineole)
Eucalyptus radiata (1,8 cineole)
Laurel Leaf (1,8 cineole)
Myrtle (1,8 cineole)
Peppermint (menthol)
Ravintsara (1,8 cineole)
Rosemary ct camphor (1,8 cineole, camphor)
Tea Tree (1,8 cineole)

Caution:
Use extra caution with the following Essential Oils as they can be irritating to mucous membranes and can cause skin irritations.

Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Clove
Lemongrass
Melissa
Oregano
Peppermint
Thyme ct carvacrol
Thyme ct thymol
Wintergreen

Click Here to download Organica Jane's HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS GUIDE.

Easy, Healthy Morning Smoothie

2009-12-21T10:03:00.010-05:00

Blending up a healthy smoothie takes less than 5 minutes.

Drinking smoothies in the morning fill me up and inspire healthy choices the rest of the day.

Here are some healthy ingredients to have on hand. Take a few extra minutes one day a week to cut fruit so you're ready to go in the morning.

Almond Butter
Almond Milk or Rice Milk
Balance Complete (Young Living)
Bananas (organic)
Blueberries (fresh or frozen organic)
Cocoa Powder (pure, organic)
Ground Flax Seed
Kiwi
Mango
NingXia Red (or Chinese wolfberries) (Young Living)
Pineapple
Power Meal (Young Living)
Raspberries (fresh or frozen organic)
Strawberries (fresh or frozen organic)
Water (purified)
Yogurt (plain, organic)

What's in your morning smoothie? I'd love to read your recipe. Comment and share your recipe here.

Recipes: Essential Oil Blending Holiday Open House

2009-12-06T18:22:00.016-05:00

Creating Essential Oil gifts for family and friends is a very special process because it involves the heart AND our sense of smell - a sense that is unique to each of us.

The gifts that that were created today were magical, personal - and smelled just amazing! Here is just a small sample of the amazing gifts that were created today.

LAURA'S BLENDS
Body Scrub 8 oz glass jar filled with sea and epsom salts, raw, organic sugar, jojoba
5 drops of Grapefruit
5 drops of Lavender
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Lemongrass

Blend for a friend with Restless Leg
2 oz jar filled with Unscented Aromalotion
10 drops of Lavender
10 drops of Cypress
7 drops of Cedarwood
5 drops of Marjoram
5 drops of Tangerine

ANNE'S BLENDS
Hand Sanitizer for Natural Protection from Cooties
2 oz snap top filled with pure aloe vera gel
4 drops of Cinnamon
4 drops of Orange
4 drops of Clove

Salve for Cold, Flu, Congestion, Winter Blues
2 oz natural salve made with local beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter and jojoba
6 drops of Balsam Fir
5 drops of Thyme ct thymol
9 drops of Grapefruit
7 drops of Peppermint
8 drops of Eucalyptus radiata

CATHY'S BLENDS
Body Scrub
8 oz jar filled with sea and epsom salts, raw, organic sugar, jojoba
6 drops of Grapefruit
6 drops of Tangerine
6 drops of Ginger

Salve for Cold, Flu, Congestion, Winter Blues
2 oz natural salve made with local beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter and jojoba
7 drops of Lemon
7 drops of Orange
6 drops of Peppermint
4 drops of Melaleuca alternifolia
7 drops of Eucalyptus globulus

HANNAH & ELLIOT'S BLEND
Morning Shower Gel for Dad
2 oz Dr. Bronner's castile soap baby mild
3 drops of Peppermint
8 drops of Siberian Fir
5 drops of Lemon

ANN'S BLENDS
Salve
2 oz natural salve made with local beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter and jojoba
4 drops of Lavender
3 drops of Jasmine
3 drops of Cinnamon
2 drops of Clove

Salve
2 oz natural salve made with local beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter and jojoba
5 drops of Ginger
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Vanilla absolute

Body Massage Oil / Natural Perfume 2 oz glass dropper jar filled with jojoba 5 drops of Bergamot
6 drops of Frankincense
3 drops of Lavender
3 drops of Vintage Patchouli
4 drops of Sandalwood

PATTY'S BLEND
Body Scrub
8 oz jar filled with sea and epsom salts, raw, organic sugar, jojoba
10 drops of Vanilla absolute
5 drops of Orange

All My Bags are Packed...

2009-11-21T09:18:00.004-05:00

Packing bags for a trip is stressful enough and then to decide what you can put in that tiny ziploc baggie is another trick. With each trip I take, I do get smarter about how much I pack, and what I bring on board with me.

Here are some things that I really appreciate when I'm away from home so I always make sure they're always in that ziploc baggie or carry-on when I travel.

A few bags of herbal tea: simply ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water.

Thieves Hard Lozenges: these are really amazing at relieving a sore throat and calming a cough. They also offer natural protection from airport cooties and help reduce sinus congestion.

Thieves Spray: This is such a convenient travel necessity - just spritz on hands or in the air to help kill virus. Because it contains Lemon essential oil, it boosts the immune system, too!

Peppermint essential oil: inhale Peppermint and experience relief from sinus pressure and head congestion. It also helps to calm upset belly or nausea associated with travel.

Lavender essential oil: as a nervous system sedative, it is great at calming, facilitating sleep and relaxing muscles. Massage 1 drop on the back of the neck and inhale a few times before settling in.

Healthy Travel Snacks (all preferably Organic)

Almonds
Apple
Banana
Cashews
Celery or carrots
Dark chocolate covered almonds or ginger
Figs
Walnuts
Whole grain bread or crackers with hummus or Almond Butter

I also pack an eye mask (this does wonders for tuning things out and getting some true sleep), a fleece blanket, which can be used as a pillow and relaxing music (Deva Premal, David Darling, Enya, Riley Lee).

I would love to hear what essential oils and healthy snacks you pack when you travel. Email me at organicaj@yahoo.com

Click HERE if you would like to order any of the products mentioned above.

Green is the new Pink

2009-09-30T17:41:00.007-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In years past, Americans have spent millions on pink jewelry, pink clothes, pink electronics, even pink M&M's to raise awareness about breast cancer.

This year, I am hoping to raise awareness in a different way by providing you with some educational websites and a SPECIAL OFFER to reduce the risk in your home.

As you will learn from the websites noted below, there is overwhelming evidence that links cancer to the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the products we use on our bodies AND the chemicals we use to clean our home.

To reduce the risk in our home, we do have the power to make different choices about the products that we use to clean our home. In the long run, our lungs and immune systems are happier - kids and pets get healthier, too.

***SPECIAL OFFER TO LOCAL RESIDENTS***
Turn in ALL of your commercial household cleaners to me and receive one Free 32-oz spray bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner!
(Special Offer valid October 1 thru October 27, 2009).

Examples of Commercial Household Cleaners

Ajax (known cancer-causing product)
Comet
Mr Clean
Lysol (registered pesticide)
Scrubing Bubbles
Tilex
Windex (toxic to kidneys, live and blood cells)

HOW TO USE THIEVES HOUSEHOLD CLEANER
Thieves can be used in place of every household cleaner found in your home! Yes, it cleans glass, mirrors, counter tops, toilet seats, carpet, stains and your car.

Blend it with a little bit of baking soda for scouring action. And to clean hardwoods, just blend it with a small amount of olive oil.

WHAT IS THIEVES
Thieves Household Cleaner has received a Green Seal by the EPA and is an-essential oil based cleaner, containing Lemon, Clove, Rosemary, Eucalyptus radiata and Cinnamon. The naturally-occurring components found in the essential oils inhibit virus, bacteria, mold and smell wonderful!

Please contact me if you would like to pick up your Thieves Household cleaner and go Green instead of Pink this month.

Thank you Thank you.

Educational Websites:

A visit to a magical distillery in France

2009-09-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

The essential distillery, Verdon Roses et Aromes is about 4,000 feet up on a peaceful mountain top in a tiny little hamlet called Les Chauvets.

The drive up from base village, la Palud sur Verdon was a white-knuckle ride. A one-lane, winding road (no guard rail or shoulder) with views so intense we were just about sick to our stomachs.

Once you arrive at Verdon Roses et Aromes, all you sense is clean air, crickets, stillness and dry, hot sun.

The distillery is run by just two very hard-working and endearing souls: Evelyne and Jacky. Jacky and Evelyne distill Lavender, Carrot Seed, Mountain Savory, Thyme ct linalol and Peppermint as well as create herbal oils: Calendula, Yarrow, St. John's Wort, Chamomile and Rose - all with Agriculture Bio standard (Certifed Organic)!

We arrived just in time to see them filling the still with lavender, which they had hand harvested with sickles. It is amazing to see all of the plant material that is filled in the still and yet what little essential oil is yielded - not even a quart (as you'll see in the video).

If you are ever in France and in their neighborhood, ring them before you go - and don't forget your ginger essential oil for the drive!

Healthy, Easy Green Pesto

2009-06-24T11:35:00.016-04:00

All Greens are in abundance now. In past summers, I purchased too many greens and ultimately they went to waste.

This summer I've gotten in to the habit of creating large batches of pesto that I freeze right away. Here's a healthy, easy way to enjoy your greens...

What You Need:

Any greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, Kale, Basil
1 whole organic lemon (yes, the whole lemon!)
3 - 4 garlic cloves or 1 - 2 TSP garlic powder
olive oil
1/2 - 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano (goat) or Parmigiano-Reggiano (cow) cheese

Clean and rinse the greens in a salad spinner. Fill a food processor with your greens, turn it on and gradually add enough olive oil till the greens turn a thick paste, slice your lemon in half and drop it down the chute, then add enough garlic and cheese to taste. Delicious!

Make extra batches for friends - or freeze and enjoy during winter months!

What to do with It:

Spread it on whole grain bread with kalamata olives, artichokes or sundried tomatoes and broil in the oven
Serve with whole grain pasta, garnish with pine nuts or walnuts

If you're still buying greens this time of year from a big supermarket, shame on you. There are tons of local farmers and markets to support. Find one near you at Local Harvest.

Victoria Boutenko wrote a great book called Green for Life. This book shares how greens play a vital role in making unhealthy individuals healthy again. It's filled with great recipes for blender drinks using greens. Borrow a copy from your local library.

Please include a comment if you have a healthy recipe for greens. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

Dr. Oz Gets It, Too!

2009-06-11T12:06:00.007-04:00

I am currently reading the book, You Staying Young by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Roizen and was surprised and very happy to see an entire chapter acknowledging the value of doing things naturally.

This medical doctor actually encourages his reader to eliminate synthetic chemicals from the home.

Here is a summary of some of his recommendations. Yeah!!!

AT FRONT DOOR

Leave your shoes here. Shoes track toxins such as pesticides and lead, which soil carpet and contaminate children and pets.

IN KITCHEN

Filter your drinking water. Check out PUR's faucet and pitcher filters.
Use dishwasher soap that is biodegradeable and ones without phosphates, chlorine or NPE (causes female fish to be male). Click here to check out an earlier Organica Jane post on Dishwashing Detergents.

IN BEDROOM

Commercial brands of carpet and clothing-spot cleaners cause blood disorders, as well as liver and kindey damage. Use essential-oil based cleaners like Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate instead.

IN CLOSETS

If you dry clean your clothes, remove plastic wrap which traps the chemicals (PERC) used to clean them and air out on porch. PERC has been linked to cancer and kidney and nervous system damage. Instead of dry cleaning, I wash everything (dress pants, linen and cashmere) in the gentle cycle with cold water. If I'm feeling a little lazy, I will take them to the cleaners for a professional pressing.

GENERAL CLEANING

Avoid using products containing chlorine bleach. All you need to clean your home is White Distilled Vinegar, Baking Soda, Borax, Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate and some essential oils if you like.

IN BATHROOM

Filter your water with a carbon filter to remove chlorine and other bad stuff.
Avoid deodorants and anti-perspirants with Aluminum, which is linked to Alzheimer's. Young Living has two great deodorants: Aromaguard Mountain Mint and Meadow Mist. In France, they use nothing at all :)
Avoid products with Phthalates, which block endocrine function and Parabens, which have been linked to breast cancer. Please read your labels.
Avoid Air Fresheners, which are toxic when combined with the ozone. I love to create natural sprays with essential oils and distilled water. My favorite natural air freshener is to blend 5 drops of Christmas Spirit essential oil blend with 1 oz of distilled water in a glass spray bottle. This works great in a bathroom, office or inside a stinky garbage can or shoes.

OUTSIDE HOUSE

Lawn and garden pesticides and herbicides contaminate groundwater as well as indoor air. He notes, "Weeds may cause eyesores, but they won't cause cancer."

Support Your Local Farmer - and Organica Jane

2009-06-01T11:16:00.004-04:00

Starting this Friday, June 5 (and every Friday), I will be selling essential-oil based products at the Clifton Springs Farmers Market in Clifton Springs, NY, home of the famous sulphur springs.

Face and Body Butter: a gentle, healing blend of butters and local beeswax for dry, cracked, wrinkled skin, age and liver spots, too. this product does not clog pores.
Essential BugOff Spray: this all-natural spray is Essential for any avid camper, hiker or for canoeing or fishing. It works great on black flies and mosquitoes. It does not contain the toxic chemical DEET.
Thieves Household Cleaner: blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary - replaces every cleaner in your home, even kills black mold!

This Friday kicks off the Sulphur Springs Festival in Clifton Springs so there will be more to see, do and celebrate!

Please come by, visit and support Organica Jane and your local farmer. If Clifton Springs is not an easy drive, check out Local Harvest to find a market near you.

Happy Flip Flop Feet!

2009-04-21T12:21:00.009-04:00

If you were lucky enough to venture to warmer climates for the Easter break, I bet you're having trouble tucking your flip flops away and returning to regular shoes.

To keep up all the good that the sun, sand and salt water did for your feet while you were on vacation, here's an amazing, easy treatment to keep your feet happy, especially for the official, upcoming flip flop season: summer.

HOW TO:
In a glass bowl or jar, blend 1 cup of any of the salts or sugars (see below) with 1/2 cup of a carrier oil of your choice.

Add 5 drops of essential oil and mix well.

Massage well on bottoms of feet, ankles and toes (avoid direct eye contact).

Rinse feet well with warm water and dry.

SALTS & SUGARS

Sea Salts
Mineral Salts
Epsom Salts
Raw Sugar (fair trade preferred)
White Sugar (I hope you're slowly phasing this out of your pantry :)

CARRIER OILS

Grapeseed oil
Jojoba
Olive oil
Sweet Almond oil

ESSENTIAL OILS

Balsam Fir
Cypress
Frankincense
Ginger
Lavender
Marjoram
Lemongrass
Peppermint
Rosemary
Spearmint
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Essential oils can be ordered through my website at www.youngliving.org/amy.

This could be a great year-end gift for your child's favorite teacher! Also, what a great treat this would be for a friend or family member whose feet have been neglected.

Enjoy!

Simplify and Save $

2009-04-08T00:26:00.005-04:00

Simplifying your life adds value beyond just saving money. And doing things to save money brings simplicity. Here are some things that I do to live simply. And I'd love to hear what you and your family are doing to simplify yours. Click here to email me.

Borrow movies, music and magazines from your local library or swap with friends. This will save you 16 bucks plus in monthly Netflix memberships, hundreds of dollars in amazon purchases and high subscription fees.

Join a Community Garden or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
Pay a flat rate for the season, plant seeds, weed and harvest your own fruits, vegetables and herbs. Many CSA's include not only fruits and vegetables but locally-baked bread, honey and fresh-cut wildflowers. You'll be amazed at how much money you save in just one month - and you'll be stunned to see what foods your children start eating. If you are one of those people always saying, "but organic food is too expensive" - join a CSA today!

Stock Up at Your Local Farmer's Market
Again, if you find yourself complaining about the high cost of organic produce at your local grocer, support your local farmers' markets, please.

Turn off the Tube
People are shocked when they learn that I don't own a TV - some even find it unAmerican. As American as it may be, I didn't find the doom and gloom news or pill ads very entertaining so i turned of the tube and donated it almost a year ago, and I'm still breathing! So, are you shaking at the thought of what you would possibly do without one?

Check off items on your "To Do" list
Bake cookies
Read a book
Hike
Bike
Swim
Kayak
Canoe
Fish
Sleep
Resume an old hobby
Organize old photos
Listen to music
Learn to play an instrument
Watch a movie
Draw
Paint
Color

Living without a TV can add up to as much as $600 annual savings and can really show you what life is all about - Living Simply.

Spa Nights - Beauty without Botox

2009-03-09T10:47:00.012-04:00

"Let's do this again!", "I LOVE my blend!", "My skin has never been this soft", "My hands are so smooth", were some of the comments made this past weekend.

This weekend, I hosted two in-home Mini Spa nights.

Saturday, we kicked off the night with an essential oil blending exercise. We reviewed which essential oils were beneficial for Eczema, Psoriasis, Wrinkles, Scars, Anxiety and Stress. We learned which natural substances to use in skin care and which ingredients to avoid. Then each person chose their own carrier to mix and create their own therapeutic, essential oil product. The results were really amazing and everyone was happy with their blend!

Ladies paired up with their spa buddy to give and receive nourishing/exfoliating/purifying facial masks made from just plain yogurt, oat flour, cornmeal, clay - and their choice of an essential oil, maybe for wrinkles, scarred or dry skin.

Feet got exfoliated and soaked with sea salts, olive oil and essential oils.

Ladies were amazed at how soft and new their hands felt after treatments of olive oil and sea salt massaged in to their hands.

When many of the ladies arrived they were hesitant to have their hair pulled back and faces exposed to their friends without a stitch of make-up. But what was most of obvious was that their true beauty stood out when they we weren't made up at all, really.

Learn how you to enhance your true beauty without Botox, relax and have fun, schedule a Spa Night today!

Aromatherapy Level II Update

2009-03-06T09:31:00.010-05:00

I just returned from sunny Sarasota where I studied Level II Aromatherapy.

During this first session of five days, we reviewed essential oil chemical families, their molecular structures and also studied the individual essential oil components in detail. It is amazing to see and re-learn their extremely healing properties!

Here is a list of some components found in essential oils and their therapeutic properties.

d-limonene: anti-tumoral, offers liver support, anti-oxidant, reduced need for anti-biotics during treatment of chronic bronchitis.

FOUND IN:
o Elemi
o Grapefruit
o Orange
o Palo Santo

b-caryophellene: anti-inflammatory and anti-tumoral, may reduce anxiety and cravings for cigarettes, also considered anti-histamine

FOUND IN:
o Balsam Copaiba
o Black Pepper

a, b-Pinene: anti-spasmodic for the respiratory system, supports the immune system, anti-bacterial

FOUND IN:
o Cypress
o Juniper
o Myrtle

linalol: long-term immune support, highly anti-bacterial, reduces anxiety

FOUND IN:
o Coriander
o Lavender
o Neroli
o Rosewood

You can create your own Essential Oil blend using the essential oils above-mentioned.

For every ounce of carrier oil*, add 5 drops total of essential oil. Keep this blend out of reach of children and stored away from heat and light.

* Carrier Oils: jojoba, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil

Wipe Out

2009-02-18T14:44:00.010-05:00

Just recently, I was on an early morning power walk in my home town where the temperature was bitter cold and ice was every where you looked so I took extra care with my steps.

But on the home stretch I just missed patch of ice and wiped out. I hit so hard I couldn't tell if I broke anything or lost a finger. Everyone driving by noticed me (ugh) and stopped their cars, got out and came to my rescue. This was totally unexpected and very much appreciated.

On the way down, I pulled my a muscle in my back, sprained my forefinger and bruised my knee.

Ten years ago, I might have pulled out the ibuprofen and a couple muscle relaxants but since I converted my medicine cabinet my ibuprofen and muscle relaxants are in the form of Essential Oils!

Back at home, my friend massaged a blend of Lavender (helps inflammation, relax muscle), Frankincense (helps inflammation, calming to me), Lemongrass (reduces pain) and Helichrysum (reduces pain and brusing) on my back. I often use my Face and Body Butter as a carrier to mix the oils with.

I placed a few drops of Peppermint (reduces pain and inflammation) and Lavender on my finger to help with the pain and inflammation. I also kept a bag of frozen blueberries on it for 10 minutes each hour.

And I massaged a few drops of Lavender and Helichrysum on my knee to reduce the swelling and bruising.

Pure Essential Oils really do offer amazing relief and healing for pulled muscles, sprains and bumps. Give it a try next time you wipe out: try reaching for your Essential Oils instead of the Ibuprofen.

PS) Using Aspirin & Ibuprofen can Increase Your Breast Cancer Risk by 50%, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, June 1, 2005

Bonne Nuit Mes Amis

2009-01-29T23:56:00.007-05:00

Have you given up on counting sheep to fall asleep? Do you toss, turn or wake up in the middle of the night with your head buzzing? Do you rise before the alarm? If you answered yes to any of these questions, give these easy, natural methods a try.

Write it Down
What might be keeping you up is your buzzing thoughts. So, designate a pad of paper or journal to keep by your bed to list your thoughts, to do's before you settle in or if you rise during the night.

Soak
If it's been forever since you've taken a bath, set time aside in the next week to do that for yourself. Making your own bath gel with calming and relaxing essential oils like Lavender and Roman Chamomile are sure to start you snoozin.

what you will need:

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (Baby Mild)

suggested Essential Oils: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Tangerine

how to make it:

In a 4 oz glass pump container, add just under 4 oz of Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

Then add 15 drops total of essential oils

Replace the pump

Shake well

Add 2 - 4 pumps of your bath gel to a tub of warm water

Light a candle

Gently enter the tub, soak, relax

Sleeping and Love
Your bedroom is a bedroom, not an office or living room. I dare you: remove the TV, iPod's, laptops, BlackBerries, etc. While you're at it, move the alarm clock to across the room away from your head; your brain will thank you.

Tea
Chamomile tea has been used forever to calm the digestive system; it has the same affect on the nervous system. Purchase some organic Chamomile tea from your local health food store, brew a cup and sip slowly after your dinner meal.

Meditate
Nothing complicated: for 10 minutes, lie down on your back, on top of a warm blanket, focus on just your breath, inhaling for 3 counts and exhaling for 3 counts.

Misc.
During the day, replace caffeinated beverages with lots of purified water; reduce or avoid white sugar, too. Just say no to medications, foods, household cleaners, and personal care products with dyes.

Educate
If you are taking prescription medication, take the time out to read the complete package insert to your meds. It is quite possible that "insomnia" is listed as a side effect. This goes for over-the-counter medications, too.

Om
Yoga takes your mind off everything, improves circulation and immunity, helps you lose weight and makes you feel good. I always sleep better after yoga class; try a gentle or restorative yoga class once.

Essential Oil Spray
Create a spray that you can spritz over the top of your head (crown) and over your pillow before bedtime.

what you will need:

2 oz glass spray bottle
Distilled water
suggested Essential Oils: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Tangerine

how to make it:

In a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add just under 2 oz distilled water
Then add 10 drops total of essential oils
Replace the top
Shake well
Close eyes and spray over top of head and on pillows

If you have any natural tricks for good night's sleep, please share with us. Thank you,

Bonne nuit,
Amy

Quaker's Best Oatmeal Cookies, Organica Jane's version

2009-01-21T22:40:00.004-05:00

Ingredients:

2 sticks organic butter, softened (can use applesauce in place to make Vegan)

3/4 cup local, pure maple syrup

3 free-range, organic egg whites

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups all-purpose (blend of unbleached white / whole wheat / organic spelt / brown rice flour)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground clove

2 T ground flaxseed

3 cups organic quick oats

1 bag of carob or organic semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375°F

1. In large bowl, beat butter and syrup, add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and clove; mix well. Add oats and chips; mix well.

2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 10 – 12 minutes – or till golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Servings: ABOUT 3 DOZEN

RE-Post: 30 Days to Health, Naturally!

2009-01-06T09:58:00.003-05:00

JULY

6 Before going to bed, write down 1 – 3 things that you are grateful for.

7 Look under your sink and discard all of your commercial household cleaners, e.g., Windex, AJAX, Mr Clean, Comet, Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol, etc., and replace them with Thieves Household Cleaner from Young Living, Baking soda and White Distilled Vinegar. Research shows that the synthetic chemicals store themselves in our fat cells, which disrupt our metabolic process, keeping us from losing weight. Watch your overall health and weight improve!

8 Instead of javas all day, drink purified water (get a PUR filter if you don’t already have one). Experts recommend drinking ½ your body weight in water every day – add juice ½ organic lemon or lime. Lemon stimulates the liver and helps release digestive enzymes; it’s also alkaline.

9 Try using truly, all-natural sweetners: agave (low glycemic), honey or pure maple syrup to sweeten your tea today. Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, Sweet n Low, Splenda are not natural to the human body and have been shown to cause weight gain and other health issues. Watch your overall health and weight improve!

10 Challenge yourself to no TV today. Paint, read, draw, play cards, do a craft instead.

11 Go dancing tonight! Here are the happenings in Rochester, NY: http://www.rochesterdance.com/

12 Purge your pantry: read the labels and discard any food products that list the words “HYDROGENATED or PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED”, these fats cause plaquing of the arteries.

13 Fill a plastic tub with warm water and 2 cups of Epsom salts, add your feet and soak for 15 minutes.

14 Whenever you get the munchies, snack on organic carrots and celery today.

15 Designate a few hand towels (save a tree) to wipe up messes around the kitchen.

16 Try a yoga class today (many studios offer a free first class). Find a class in your area: http://www.yogafinder.com/

17 Check out your local farmers' market this week. Find one in your area at http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/.

18 Before dinner, take the family out for a quick walk around the block.

19 Pack a picnic and take a hike somewhere you’ve never been. Find a trail near you at http://www.trails.com/

20 Grab the one you love and massage their feet for just 10 or 15 minutes. Add a few drops of Peppermint essential oil for sore feet or Lavender essential oil for the restless sleeper.

21 Eliminate major toxins in your personal care products: ditch anything that contains ALUM/ALUMINUM, FRAGRANCE, DEA, TEA, PHTHALATES, PARABENS, TRICLOSAN and COAL TAR. Watch your overall health and weight improve!

22 Designate your bedroom as a quiet haven for sleeping and love (no tv, laptops, electronics).

23 After dinner, turn up the kid’s favorite music and dance!

24 This morning, make a pot of organic oatmeal and add what you like (chopped walnuts/almonds, dates, ground flax, cinnamon, organic blueberries or apples, sliced banana - and a Teaspoon of agave).

25 Move your lymph nodes: Go Bowling!

26 Clean the air in your home: drop all perfumed candles, artificial sprays and plug ins in the toxic waste bin. I guarantee you will see a change in your overall health and weight when you remove these items!

27 Stock up on quality dark chocolate bars (70% cocoa preferred): store them in your desk drawer or refrigerator.

28 Blend a healthy shake with any organic fruit, yogurt and ground flax seed. This usually holds me over till lunch time.

29 Massage 1 – 3 drops of Tangerine essential oil on the bottom of each foot before going to sleep. Bonne nuit!

30 Incorporate colored (spinach, vegetable) or spelt pasta in your meal tonight.

31 Before showering, slough your body with a natural bristle brush. Sloughing will help circulation, reduce cellulite, remove dead skin cells and support lymph system.

AUGUST

1 Invest in a personal trainer to keep you motivated.

2 Movie night: cook an organic variety of popcorn with coconut oil on the stove and serve with
sea salt, much tastier than microwaving.

3 Replace fatty, processed salad dressings with a combination of any of the following: olive oil, agave/honey/maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, basil, Dijon mustard, Bragg’s apple cider vinegar.

4 Serve local, organic wine or beer at your next party.

Avoca to Cambodia

2008-12-16T23:59:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends:
Please take the time to read how an old college friend, Drew, is improving the quality of lives thousands of miles away! If you are able to offer support in any way, please do. Thank you, Amy

I made the local paper near my home town in Upstate NY (Avoca); http://www.eveningtribune.com/homepage/x596316546 I am happy to get some notoriety, and hope it will result in some good things for our schools.

We’re hoping that some of you can spread the Christmas/holiday good will to our students here, and have created a web page to allow people to give gifts in the form of donations to our schools; http://www.changingthepresent.org/nonprofits/show/36960

We share the webpage with the other projects of Village Earth, and gifts #2-5 are all for Cambodia (they are clearly marked). All the money goes to Village Earth, which they pass along to spend on our schools.

The recipient receives a card in the form of an email explaining the gift and how it will be used. This can be a great gift for children in your family, and a way to teach kids about what they have to be grateful for. Good for adults too!*

If you have any input, ideas, questions or suggestions on how to get this to people or ways to help, please let me know. We could use the support!

I hope you are well,
Drew

http://www.villageearth.org/pages/Projects/Cambodia/Index.php

* melamine free, gluten free, sweatshop free, non-partisan, low fat, and guaranteed to make me smile (and do a lot of good for our students)!

Ease Thanksgiving Indigestion... without TUMS

2008-11-25T12:00:00.001-05:00

There are many natural ways to prevent and ease indigestion before or after any meal, especially the grandest: Thanksgiving. Before taking an antacid like Tums, read the ingredients below. If this is one of your favorite things to pop, take warning of the very concerning ingredients like the TALC (toxic) and DYES (derived from coal tar) in this product.

TUMS ingredients:

Calcium Carbonate USP Grade (1000 mg per tablet)
Sucrose
Starch
Talc (is toxic; see http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/talc.htm
Mineral Oil
Natural & Artificial Flavor (can mean anything, e.g., MSG)
Sodium Polyphosphate
Blue 1 Lake
Red 40 Lake
Adipic Acid
Yellow 6 Lake
FD&C Yellow 5 Lake

Here are some natural ways to help ease tooting, bloating and indigestion before or after a meal.

Before your meal, eat fresh-cut pineapple. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that supports the digestive process.

An after-dinner cup of tea can relieve gassiness and bloating. And these essential oils are calming to the intestinal tract. To make a tea, place only 3 drops of essential oils (Roman Chamomile or Di-Gize essential oil blend) to a cup of hot water, add 1 Tablespoon of Agave or Honey, stir well and sip slowly.

After you've literally stuffed yourself, blend 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil and 3 drops of Di-Gize essential oil blend with 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil (Grapeseed, Olive, V-6 Mixing oil) and massage well on the belly. This feels soooo good. You will feel the results in as little as 10 minutes.

Before eating, blend 1 Tablespoon of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar to glass of clean water and drink. The apple cider vinegar will balance the acid immediately.

A brief, 10-minute walk around the block - after turkey - can help boost digestion, too.

I'd love to hear how you prevent or ease indigestion naturally.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy

Here are the essential oils found Di-Gize essential oil blend:

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and J. scopulorum)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Where's the Fruit and Yogurt?!

2008-11-20T23:59:00.003-05:00

I love reading labels and learning all I can about ingredients in personal care products, household cleaning chemicals and food. Those of you who know me know that I don't eat boxed cereal for breakfast and if you read the list of insane ingredients below (for Kellogg's Special K fruit & yogurt) will hopefully understand why.

Instead of ingesting cardboard breakfasts saturated with chemicals and sugar, what about a bowl of organic, plain yogurt with some real, organic fruit? I love to prepare organic oatmeal (found in your local bulk section) with local, non-sprayed apples, dates and raw alomonds and a little bit of agave. What about an organic banana - or sliced pineapple for breakfast? Have you ever tried the Apricot Manna bars from Young Living? They are delicious - and great to have when you travel or stuck in the car for a long trip. Common sense tells me that any of these ideas have to be safer and more nutritious than this "Fruit and Yogurt" cereal.

And then there's the "but organic food costs toooo much".

Eating whole/unprocessed foods is a long-term investment (not cost) for health and wellness. The cost of injesting junk goes far beyond the cheap price. Just look at the consequences of ingesting sugar, white flour and synthetic chemicals: http://www.sugarsandflours.com/default.htm

I'll take organic apples and oatmeal any day. Please read your labels.

In natural health, sincerely,
Amy

Kellogg's Special K fruit & yogurt

Ingredients:

RICE
WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT
SUGAR
BERRY FLAVORED OAT CLUSTER (TOASTED OATS [ROLLED OATS, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, HONEY, MOLASSES]
SUGAR
ROLLED OATS
STRAWBERRY FLAVORED APPLES [DRIED APPLES, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, RED #40, SODIUM SULFITE]
CORN SYRUP
BROWN SUGAR
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR
BHT FOR FRESHNESS
VANILLA FLAVORED CRUNCH (SUGAR, TOASTED OATS [ROLLED OATS, SUGAR, CANOLA OIL (WITH TBHQ AND CITRIC ACID TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS) MOLASSES, HONEY, BHT TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS, SOY LECITHIN]
ROLLED WHEAT
CRISP RICE
RICE
SUGAR
BARLEY MALT
SALT
CORN SYRUP
POLYDEXTROSE
HONEY
CINNAMON, BHT TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS
VANILLIN
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
FRACTIONATED PALM KERNEL OIL
SALT
MALT FLAVORING
NONFAT DRY MILK
NONFAT YOGURT POWDER (CULTURED NONFAT MILK, YOGURT IS HEAT TREATED AFTER CULTURING)
WHEY
ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE
LACTIC ACID POWDER
CORN SYRUP
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
TAPIOCA DEXTRIN
DISTILLED MONOGLYCERIDES
SOY LECITHIN
REDUCED IRON
NIACINAMIDE
PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6)
RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2)
THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B1)
VITAMIN A PALMITATE
BHT (PRESERVATIVE)
FOLIC ACID
VITAMIN D
VITAMIN B12

Dishwashing Detergents: Source of Water Pollution

2008-11-17T23:59:00.005-05:00

Automatic Dishwashing Detergents:
Important Source of Water-Polluting Phosphorus

When phosphates were banned in most laundry detergents in 1974 to clean up the Great Lakes
and other water bodies, an exception was made for automatic dishwashing detergents because dishwashers wouldn’t function properly without some phosphorus in the mix.

More than thirty years later, apparently this problem hasn’t been solved (though other detergents have been formulated to work very well without phosphates) so automatic dishwashing detergents continue to contain quite a lot of phosphorus.

We should be concerned about phosphates in detergents because phosphorus is the “limiting
nutrient” for most fresh water, including Canandaigua Lake. “Limiting nutrient” means that relative to the other basic nutrients needed for growth, in fresh water phosphorus is usually the most limited.

Adding a source of nitrogen or potassium to a water body will cause some response in plant growth; adding phosphorus gets a major response!

The usual measure of growth per unit of phosphorus added is 500:1, so that one pound of added
phosphorus will spur the growth of five hundred pounds of algae. This means that the one gram of phosphorus available in a tablespoon most dishwashing detergents will spur the growth of 1.1
pounds of algae, PER LOAD.

Here are locally available automatic dishwashing detergents and their ratings.

PRODUCT PERCENT Phosphorus AMOUNT of Phosphorus
Cascade Dawn Pacs 8 1.1 g / tspn
Electrasol Tabs 8.7 1.74 g / tblspn
Electrasol Powerball 8.7 1.8 g / tblspn
Electrasol Gel 8.7 2.2 g / tblspn
Cascade Liquid 4.5 1.0 g / tblspn
Casacade Complete 5.0 1.0 g / tblspn
Wegmans Gel 4.0 0.8 g / tblspn
Cascade Powder 6.9 1.1 g / tblspn
Cascade Powder Lemon 6.4 1.0 g / tblspn
*Wegmans Powder 5.3 0.6 g / tsblspn
*Palmolive Gel 3.3 0.6 g / tblspn
*Electrasol Powdr Advanced 4.5 0.72 g / tblspn

*Of the products currently available with phosphorus, we recommend:

Palmolive Gel

Wegman’s Powder

Electrasol Powder Advanced

and urge you to use them according to instructions. You may be able to find non-phosphorus automatic dishwashing detergents either in the “earth-friendly” section of your supermarket or through catalogue sales. Their efficiency is so dependent on the chemistry of your water source that we cannot make any claims for them.

You should check the capacity of the detergent holder built into your dishwasher. Most
of these detergents are rated to wash a load with a tablespoon of liquid or powder, but the
holder is often sized to suggest that 4-8 tablespoons are “normal.” Such a large amount of
detergent may, however, damage the washing machine. Four to eight tablespoons of most of these detergents will grow four to eight POUNDS of algae per load. The phosphorus content of your wastewater is little affected by a septic system, aerobic treatment system, or sewage treatment plant.
Source: http://www.canandaiguawatershed.org/files/October_Page_08.pdf

Are Air "Fresheners" Bad for your Health?

2008-11-11T23:00:00.002-05:00

Finally, research is catching up to what I've been reading for years - air fresheners are deadly!

Dr. Weil delivers the news in an article that appeared on MSN Health from Prevention
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/cancer/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100216588

Toxic Effects of Air Freshener Emissions
http://www.toxicsinfo.org/canary/ToxicEffects.htm

Electric Air Fresheners Can Cause Cancer
http://www.mercola.com/2004/may/26/electric_air_fresheners.htm

Air Fresheners May Damage Your Lungs
http://www.mercola.com/2006/aug/10/air_fresheners_may_damage_your_lungs.htm

Air Freshener Hazards
http://www.makeripples.com/Newsletter/MarApr2004/MarApr2004.pdf

Many Cleaners, Air Fresheners May Pose Health Risks When Used Indoors
When used indoors under certain conditions, many common household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. from Science Daily

How "Fresh" Is Air Freshener?
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1664954,00.html?cnn=yes

Household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants
http://www.rxpgnews.com/Pollution/Household_cleaners_and_air_fresheners_emit_toxic_p_4312/4312.shtml

How to Truly Freshen a Room without Toxic Chemicals

Open the windows
Diffuse Essential Oils blends from Young Living: Purification, Christmas Spirit & Thieves
Light a match after a poo
Simmer a blend of spices (Clove, Allspice, Cinnamon) on the stove
Bouquet of fresh flowers
Buy Plants that clean the air: Chineese Evergreen, Peace-lilly, Arrowhead vine, Engligh ivy, Cornplant, Devil's ivy
Clean with baking soda and white vinegar
Place a bowl of ground coffee in stinky space up to 3 days; the ground coffee will absorb the odors

How do I go "Green"? Start with these 2 Books...

2008-10-21T23:00:00.007-04:00

Here are two books that I read many years ago. These books opened my eyes to all that we are exposed to that is really unnecessary. These reads motivated me to learn more and make changes in my daily habits, especially with household cleaners. Both authors have organized the content very well so you can pick and choose certain chapters that interest you. I just love these two books and hope that you do, too! Please let me know what you think.

Living Healthy in a Toxic World by David Steinman. Purchase a used copy at Amazon

The Newman's Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live by Nell Newman. Purchase a used copy at Amazon.

Or borrow them from your local Library!

Peppermint for Pain

2008-07-09T23:00:00.011-04:00

On June 25, I woke up with a back frozen in forward position and excruciating pain in my lower back, hips and shooting pain down to my knees.

Getting ready for work, I grabbed my "oils" and blended drops of Peppermint, Roman Chamomile (anti-spasmodic), Clove (pain relieving), Wintergreen (pain relieving) and Lavender (pain relieving and anti-inflammatory) in to a salve and massaged it all over my lower back, hips and front of my legs down to my knees.

The Peppermint is not only cooling but has pain-relieving properties. Over the following two weeks I received regular chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, deep tissue and thai massage and feeling much better today. I am happy to say, too, that I didn't miss a day of work or use any meds :)

I certainly thought of those who suffer from pain every day. How do they think clearly, make deicisions under the unfluence of heavy meds? This situation certainly reminded me of how grateful I am for the many blessings I have received from my collection of natural essential oils.

Besides Peppermint, there are many essential oils that have known pain-relieving properties. You may want to include one or two of them in your medicine cabinet.

* Clove (contraindicated with blood thinning medications)
* Frankincense
* Helichrysum (contraindicated with blood thinning medications)
* Lavender
* Lemongrass
* Peppermint
* Wintergreen (contraindicated with blood thinning medications)

PS) The Ortho Sport from Young Living is a fantastic pre-made, high-powered massage oil. You can add essential oils (use guidelines below) to this product if needed.

In the case of pain, use 15 drops Total of essential oils for every ounce of carrier oil (jojoba, olive, grapeseed, sesame, sweet almond).

I'd love to hear how essential oils have helped any pain (great or small) that you have had.
Amy

Sunburn and Mosquitoes: Are You Prepared?

2008-06-12T23:00:00.010-04:00

Summer is just around the corner…
Are you prepared for Sunburn and Mosquitoes?

· Personal Testimonials
· Order Checklist
· Fun Recipes to make

Essential Products Order for summer:

Lavaderm Cooling Mist
Lavender essential oil
Peppermint essential oil
Purification essential oil blend

Some other helpful items:

Aloe Vera gel. Please check the label to ensure that it is 100% pure and is not blue or green in color. Aloe vera gel can be purchased at Wegmans in the Nature’s Market or you favorite local health food store.
Glass Spray Bottles
http://www.sks-bottle.com/

Here are some of my recipes. Use your imagination!

Sunburn Cooling Spritz

In a 2-oz glass spray bottle, fill with distilled water, then add:
20 drops of Lavender essential oil
4 drops of Peppermint essential oil
A smidgeon of 100% pure aloe vera gel.
Shake well before using. This spritz could be used preventatively or to care for a sunburn. Apply on location. Store in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct eye contact.
Add a ribbon around one and give it to a friend :)

Don’t Bug Me bug Spray
In a 2-oz glass spray bottle, fill with distilled water, then add:
20 drops of Purification essential oil blend
4 drops of Peppermint essential oil
A smidgeon of 100% pure aloe vera gel
Shake well before using. Close eyes and spray over head, on arms, legs and don’t forget those ankles. Store in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct eye contact.
Add a ribbon around one and give it to a friend :)

Please let me know if you have any questions – or feedback from your homemade products or essential oils that you use.
Thank you, Amy