CAUTION: Environmental Triggers

My mom used to tell me that I was “burning the candle at both ends” as a teenager by going to bed late and getting up early. From experience, we all know that our bodies cannot run on very little for long. Why? Because when our bodies are tired, our immune system (our wall of defense) is lowered allowing viruses to attack us. Whether you have asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or arthritis, environmental triggers will make your symptoms worse.

 

 

Here are some of those circumstances (besides Insomnia) where we may need more rest, time, and compassion to recover OR to stay completely clear of instead of pushing our hard-working bodies too far, and then crashing. Do NOT blame your body for working so hard to compensate. 

 

Heavy Metals, such as mercury (mercury based fillings, mercury in foods: seafood, tuna, swordfish, etc.) arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, alloys, steel, aluminum, and copper, that are in our systems, including in our liver.

 

Foods including Eggs, Dairy, Corn, Wheat, Soy, Pork, Canola Oil, “Natural Flavors” (which is actually MSG), cane sugar, other preservatives, and processed foods. I also stay away from Rice and Oatmeal if they are not organic and gluten free because I can literally FEEL the trigger. Too much meat and fat (regardless of the organic nature) in your diet can also clog up your liver causing you to lose part of your immune system.

Insecticides in the home, (bug spray, ant spray, roach spray, etc.)

 

Carpet cleaner, air fresheners, fresh paint, and other chemical cleaners,

 

Pesticides and Herbicides including DDT,

 

Mold exposure,

 

Swimming in red algae, or in contaminated lakes near run off land from old land dumps,

 

Vitamin deficiencies especially Zinc and B12,

 

Emotional trauma in any form can weaken the immune system: Death in the family, Broken heart, Betrayal, Taking care of a sick loved one, Divorce, Financial strain etc.,

 

Medications: over prescribed amounts or high dosages, virus friendly medications like antibiotics and benzodiazepines, or drug abuse,

 

Hormone changes such as puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, etc.,

 

Physical injuries,

and more…

Your health is important. Taking good care of your body will help it to keep fighting off the viruses and strengthen the immune system you need to accomplish many good things that God has prepared you for in this life!

 

Don’t give up. You are worth it!

If you are already sensitive to these triggers, the truth is that your liver is already over-loaded with chemicals and needs to be cleansed.

 

Patience in my 2018 Chrysalis

 

 

FEB – I began going to an Integrative Medicine clinic, but then couldn’t afford the chiropractor. I talked to the nurse practitioner for 3 hours! We went over diet, nutrition, supplements, medications, exercise, and emotional health. It felt good to have everything taken care of for me. She told me to begin taking the steroid medication since I could barely walk without it, but that she’d help me get off of it when it was time. The nutritionist told me to add in “good fats” and pink Himalayan salt with everything I ate, and to eat more fruits and vegetables.

MAR – I began Physical Therapy. My trainer’s daughter has POTS, so she understands my dizziness. She even taught me a new coping technique! Even with a drop in blood pressure, I wondered if I might stay down again, I got back up! I rested and didn’t push too hard until I was able to work through it. 

APRIL – Tried some new things, and kept up the things I’d been doing. Plenty of meds and supplements to go with my physical therapy, rest, and compression clothes. I spent two days in exhaustion for every moment of fun. 

MAY – I was able to drive up to an hour. I graduated Physical Therapy. While I was continuing to get stronger, I feel like I was just given more coping techniques. I’d been able to organize a little at a time, and scrub carpets because they are on the floor.

JUNE – I’d been able to garden since the weather cooled down. I ran across a parking lot to see friends of mine at a restaurant which I hadn’t been able to do in a long time. I felt like I was coming out of hibernation like my garden one week, then the next be exhausted again. It’d been a year since my body crashed, and I was kinda frustrated that it was taking so long to heal this time.

JULY – I was able to visit friends and family, be down for a couple of weeks, and go visiting again. I missed people, but I would pay for it, as well. I began counseling this month: art therapy and EMDR, and upped my exercise amount to 30min.

AUG – I increased my endurance and resistance in exercising, even though my body kept going back down, and scaring me. It seems less and less each time.

SEPT – I was able to go on a walk with my dad for about an hour! I usually work out indoors on a treadmill and elliptical, so this was new! I’d been working outside whenever possible with the kids. They carry things for me, and I’d sit on the ground and work on it. (I would like to get up and not feel dizzy or think about every step I make. )

OCT – I’d been working really hard on my thoughts staying positive, as well as, correcting my family.

NOV – I missed my meds/supplements one morning taking the kids to their appointments and had to recover for a few days. Said goodbye in this life to a couple of very dear supportive friends of ours. I forgot to reorder an anxiety med and it gave me electric shocks for Thanksgiving. I tried wearing magnets to stop the shock, and it did help until I was able to get my meds.

 

 

My New Year GOALS: I think these are enough to keep me busy for a while! 😊

#1 Now that my meds, supplements, and salt levels are stabilized, my next GOAL is to stand and sing while directing music NOT using something to prop me up. I have come a long way from sitting with legs propped up and sometimes not even having energy to sing.

#2 Since I am able to exercise without Physical Therapy, and I’m working up to exercising everyday, my next GOAL is to be able to run long-distance!

#3 Since I am working on many different types of healing therapies and learning to cope well moment by moment, my next GOAL is to be able to manage my home: sleep patterns, stress levels, and discipline…. maybe pick up some more housework one at a time when ready.

#4 Since I am beginning to have fun outside my home, too, my GOAL is to remember to be aware of my needs and abilities first, and set boundaries to keep myself safe.

 

 

Steady Me

I was shaky, but I figured I probably just overdid it the day before. I did every form of Magnesium I could think of and it didn’t work. My body crashed again: too nauseous and tired to get up. The doctor put me on blood pressure meds to temporarily stabilize me until I could see the cardiologist to come up with a long-term plan.

 

 

This is the one symptom from EDS/POTS that I couldn’t figure out. I fought every day to eat the right foods, take supplements, gauge my energy levels, and keep from getting viruses with essential oils. My goal this year was my health… again, but more specifically the dizziness, ‘blood not getting to my head fast enough’ stuff. (POTS) I was frustrated when my body crashed a couple weeks ago because it looks as bad as a few years ago. But if me getting to a low again is the way to figure it out, let’s do this. 

 

 

Hubby bought me sunflowers to brighten up my room.  “to keep the zombies away.” Lol. He sent out a message to all of our friends:

‘”As many of you know my wife’s EDS/Pots/Dysautonomia has flared up again in the last couple weeks. She is bed ridden about 90% of the time. She is on blood pressure meds and has an appt with a specialist in a couple weeks. Many have asked what you can do to help. 1) pray. 2) drop her a note of encouragement. 3) stop by to visit and/or lend a hand around the house. 4) take the kids out while I’m off at work.”

 

 

I received cards of encouragement, and a few visits. Many people let me know that they were praying for me.

“Sending prayers of strength, restoration of health and lots of hugs your way. Our God is a restorer of health.. take this time to be still and hear His whisper.. there is always a battle before a victory. Keep believing.”

 

 

My 9yr old girl asked, “Mommy, are you still sick? When are you getting better? It makes me sad when you’re sick.” My 13yr old became angry at being in charge again and the kids didn’t want to listen to him. He admitted that he’s angry that I’m not better. I know. Me, too.  I reminded them that anger and sadness are okay emotions, and that I feel them, too. This broken, sinful, imperfect world hurts, but we keep giving that hurt to the perfect One who can heal us.

 

 

People I didn’t know very well brought me food, even though, I knew how difficult it was to follow the Paleo diet. They cleaned my home, and even weeded my garden that I was so upset about not getting to go out in. They even took my kids out to play for most of the day.

This is Week 3: I am still not able to walk well without feeling sick to my stomach, being hard to breathe, or feeling like I’m going to pass out/exhausted. But, I sat up outside for a little bit, and even got dressed in normal clothes, painted my nails instead. I continue to do my best to rest, but I will also keep trying to get away from my room. I’m angry about moving away from my support group, but grateful to have a new one. 

 

 

My mom and sister are researching with me while awaiting the cardiologist to get this mystery solved quickly. We feel all the symptoms point to two issues. We hope to rule out the heart issues. The obvious is POTS, but regardless, we want to know, so we can move on to how to deal with it. (Not knowing is the hardest part.)

 

 

God has helped me solve and manage symptoms well before, He can do it, again.

 

 

I’ve had symptoms of this all my life (dizziness, near fainting) and it’s time to deal with it. (especially since my daughter is beginning to display symptoms, as well.)

 

 

I am definitely not alone! I am so thankful to everyone who has uplifted my family and I. I am fighting hard to be a good patient and await my doctor, as well as, take care of myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m not dead, yet!

I just woke up this morning with more energy and became so excited to clean a couple of rooms!!! My daughter helped me to plant a couple of plants, and a couple of friends stopped by. I’m exhausted and a little nauseous, but happy! I was not created to rest continually. I’m a Dreamer and a Go-Getter, and I will accomplish those dreams regardless of how long it takes.

 

 

Now, before you go chastising me, know that I have been bed-ridden 3 times in my life, I am fighting hard to take care of myself with Magnesium hourly in one form or another plus food, and rest, and…. I can only read so many books before I’m bored!!!!

 

 

I think I’m regaining energy! After laughing with my sister, she reminded me of the “spoon theory.” It has been such a hard decision for me to choose what to spend my energy on this last week, not knowing how much energy I have to begin with.

 

 

 

I had the kids pushing me through the house and to and from the garden. My husband carried heavy bags of dirt and mulch for me to play 5 minutes at a time. I spent a half hour in my dream garden I haven’t finished, yet. And, I will not be antisocial just because I don’t feel well… I may look like I’m falling asleep, but I love people.  I’m not dead, yet! Lol.

I’m so thankful for my hubby who has not batted an eye at doing all the dishes, laundry, and grilling enough food to last the week each week.

 

 

I feel like I’ve (we’ve) gotten so good at managing my symptoms, that I forget that it’s NOT normal. I forget that I (we) need support… some days more than others. We all do. So, even if you don’t quite understand what I deal with, I’m thankful to those who are there for my family and I. Thank you for your compassion, prayers, and friendship regardless of whether I look well or not. I really appreciate you. 

And… If you’re wondering what you can do for me,

#1 make me laugh,

#2 feel free to sit and talk with me; be a friend,

#3 if I ask for help, do not embarrass me and draw attention to the situation,

#4 I know how busy life is, and I won’t ask for help unless I am certain I absolutely need it, and you’re able to give it. But, I won’t refuse service, either.

 

 

Thanks so much for being part of our lives. I love you!!!! But God loves you more. 

 

 

 

Dire Circumstances, BUT God…

Well, I had a few really good days before my body crashed again. (fatigue/dizziness) I was really frustrated, yesterday, that it didn’t make any sense. So, I’m going to just say that I was sick. When people normally get sick, it’s random, unpredictable, and inconvenient. I don’t understand the reasons, but until then, here is a list of the things I’ve seen God be there for me this last week:

1) God brought a friend back into my life that had hurt and disrespected me a year ago. I have kept boundaries in place, but He has been healing and leading her.

2) My oldest accomplished double his schoolwork last week to spend time with his grandparents fixing up their home. What an amazing teaching opportunity, and relationship builder!

3) The kids helped me research new recipes. My oldest even made one to take to our family reunion last Saturday! Because of this, there were no complaints about how “Mom’s killing us!” or “We’re eating like birds!”

4) We were able to spend quality time with some of our best friends in this weekend before they move later this week. I know God brought them into our lives blessing us in so many ways, and that He will bless us with more friends. It was great to spend time and hope to make plans together in the future, too.

5) I loved going to my home church, singing with incredibly talented people who I’ve missed, hugging many that I love, not needing Google maps to find my way, and feeling so loved that I could face the world again.

6) I’ve been able to work through some issues while my parents encouraged me.

7) We came home safely and were able to get the house back in order, so that I only had laundry and dishes left.

8) When I was wondering if I needed to ask for help, I realized that the house was fine, the kids know how to feed themselves because I haven’t made dinner in months, and I just needed rest since I couldn’t do much else.

9) The van’s axle broke with me driving across town. I was safe. Ford fixed it for free because of an old recall.

10) Our upstairs bathroom is getting remodeled! It’s been leaking since we moved in, so we tried not to bathe much… But we have a shower upstairs, now, and the bathroom could be finished by the end of the week.

11) The kids found out about a VBS down the street and were excited to go. Without a vehicle, I wasn’t letting them go in the rain. They prayed for it to stop and it did when it was time to go.

12) My neighbor took my kids last night to VBS since I couldn’t walk them.

13) I am grateful for those who show kindness and compassion. A friend who asked if she could help without embarrassing me in front of others, listened and tried to understand, and made sure I safely returned home.

14) Free valet parking at the hospital. He never questioned why I might need help even with his eyes. (I’ve had people do so in the past with Walmart carts.) Never made a comment about how good I look to not feel well. He even helped me with my door and seat belt. Kindness is God’s love. 

I could go on with every detail. But I just wanted to say that regardless of how dire circumstances seem, God is always there. He’s been working things out for my good from the beginning. He knows and loves me personally. Circumstances change, but God never does. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is why I trust and love Him.

 

 

Magnesium Rich Foods

 

Here are some Magnesium Rich Foods that we are currently enjoying; most of which friends and family have gladly shared their knowledge and time with me… 

 

Roasted Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)

Originally, I had been frying them, but since burning a hole in the microwave above the stove, I decided to roast them. 450 degrees for 30 minutes.

1 can Garbanzo beans
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 Tbsp Paprika
1/2 Tbsp Cumin
1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tsp salt

 

 

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This is one of the first things I began making. At first my kids stayed far away from it, but after I told them that it was mine… they began wanting it. I have to keep the banana out for one of my children, but it is an amazing source of Magnesium!

 

Green Smoothie

1/3 Kale
1/3 Spinach
1/3 frozen Berries
1 Banana
1/2 Water (some use milk, but all use different kinds of milk in our household, so this is best for us. Almond Milk would be the highest source of Magnesium. Feel free to use ice if you don’t use frozen fruit.)

 

 

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Kale Chips

My son made these last week after a friend at church told me how to make them. We all love the taste, and they are super easy to make. I did notice that when I put them away in a ziplock bag or plastic container, that they would become soggy again. I then put them back in the oven. We left them out all night a couple of nights ago, and they were super crispy!

In a bowl, mix Kale leaves with a tiny bit of Olive Oil and salt.
Put them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

 

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And just adding Avacado and Spinach to your Salad is a great boost of Magnesium!

 

 

 

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This has been a fun learning experience for my family and I as we are changing for the better. I will add more as we learn more. I hope this encourages you today!

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Other Related Articles:

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Magnesium Deficiency

Treatments for EDS

 

 

It’s not fair!

 

“It’s not fair!” My 5yr old son was throwing a tantrum. I asked him to do his chores, he refused, and now was missing out on the T.V. show that his siblings were watching. “It’s not fair! It’s not fair!” He continued. I can completely relate to this feeling.

 

 

When I was 13yrs old, I gave up chocolate because I was addicted to it. A speaker at church talked about addictions, and I took to heart that scripture, “if your hand offends you, cut it off.” (Mark 9:43) In quitting chocolate, I noticed that my asthma attacks went way down. It was difficult. I proved that I had self-control and that it did not control me.

 

 

When I was 16yrs, I noticed that my stomach felt like it had knives in it when I drank milk. I switched to rice milk, though, the colonoscopy results said “the beginnings of stomach ulcers.”

 

When I was 18yrs, I began passing out and having severe migraines. I found a severe intolerance to Red Dye #40, and a corn allergy were the cause. Often these ingredients were together in products which made it easier to avoid both.

 

 

And now, in my mid-thirties, my body won’t tolerate sugar. A little over a year ago, I began experiencing Chronic Pain and Fatigue, and other Dysautonomia/POTS symptoms. My body is very low on salts and doesn’t hold them anymore, so sugar sends me right back where I was over a year ago. It’s just not fair.

 

 

This Christmas, they were passing around treats at church, and normally, I can refrain because they are pre-packaged. (Either chocolate, corn syrup, red dye or all 3.) But there were tiny muffin size home-made pecan treats… so I ate a few. Almost immediately afterwards, I felt light-headed. I went to the kitchen and took out my emergency Nuun tablets. It wasn’t enough this time. It was just not fair!

 

 

Now, I have been learning to love myself this last year, but right there, I turned immediately to frustration at myself. But, if I truly looked at this situation with love, I would see how far I’ve come and be a little more patient in my learning… just like my 5yr old child in the beginning of this post.

 

 

A year ago, I didn’t know why I was so exhausted. I not only have those answers of why, but how to heal. This is my first Christmas knowing how sugar hurts my body. It’s hard to cut out foods or change anything regardless of what that change is. And frankly, life just isn’t fair. It’s okay to grieve through it. We all have our own struggles. I’m realizing that the expectations I place on myself to “Get it right already!” are just as damaging as the sugar itself.

 

 

I have learned to avoid harmful foods before. I have made healthy changes before. I can be patient with myself while I learn to change and be healthy in this new way. I have a wonderful support system that is ready to help me in the way I ask. I can use my voice and ask for help. I can change and learn at a pace that I’m able to handle. And… I can enjoy the accomplishments I’ve made this far.

 

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For more articles like this one:

Faith and Encouragement

Treatments for EDS

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I Don’t Need Your Approval

It wasn’t but a year ago that I began this blog. It came out of my desire to remember what I was learning about how to heal from the symptoms of EDS, the desire to pass on information to my kids, and hopefully help others along the way.

Earlier in the summer, I had attended my first EDS support group and learned many things. I had pain in my hands and  other joints which they affirmed was Chronic Pain.

And then… something happened at a place where I felt safe… a church meeting. I was told to sit in the back so I could be easily gotten in case of emergency for my Mast Cell son. There was no discussion. I felt singled out. We had already come up with an emergency plan and this wasn’t it. I was so angry, shocked, and humiliated. I balled in the bathroom and was sought out by the person in charge. She didn’t seem to want to listen, but to inform me that her plan was best. At that moment, I could have walked out and never come back. I was ready to.

A leader there convinced me to wait it out. She prayed with me and listened to me complain. She agreed that it was not the best way to handle things. Another friend did the same thing. My husband wanted to defend me. He made me laugh by saying that they should be rolling out the red carpet for me and having me sit in the front row instead of the back because of how amazing I was.

I personally experienced stages of grief. And the nerve pain began. Tingling pain from the bottom of my spine all the way up and over my shoulders. Nobody could touch me. My mind became as if in a fog. I was extremely tired, but I couldn’t sleep.

I watched videos on Chronic Pain trying to figure out what to do. I contacted my friend who’d taught me about essential oils and she gave me different samples and suggested Fibromyalgia. I went to my doctor and he made an appointment with several specialists and tests. The tests came back negative. (which I was used to all my life.) One specialist suggested pain reliever or birth control. One was an occupational therapist for the pain in my hands. The other I needed to wait for. So, I set up a blog. And while waiting, I prayed, researched, tested, and when completely confident, posted.

I had talked to the person in charge at church, told them a little of what was going on in my life, and how hard it was for me to take what had happened. She apologized and has become my biggest advocate there. I had gotten the Fibro pain down within one month with essential oils. I researched diet changes to prevent further problems. When I had finally gotten in to see Dr. Collins, she backed up the information I had gained and added supplements. I had continued therapy exercises to strengthen my hands, as well as, core body strength. I had begun the Dressing Your Truth program and not only felt better in the right texture of clothing and more confident, but I began to understand myself emotionally. My first specialist was ecstatic. I was so excited to share what was working for me with others.

Since then, over the last year, I have had people who I thought were close friends and family write angry letters and completely turn their backs on me and my family. Each time, I went through a grieving type process. Each time, I have gotten better at handling it, however, I feel the fibro pain begin at the top of my spine threatening to flare up and I know I’m not there,yet.

But when praying about it this last time, it hit me. I have an Approval Addiction. This need for approval has caused me to become a victim in each circumstance. And when I was rejected, I would turn to another addiction: sugar cravings, facebook, spending addiction, or in the past, anorexia. I was doing this all subconsciously, but I have been doing it for most of my life.

So, I’m ready to heal another part of my life. I’m ready to take care of myself. I have felt God’s amazing love for me, but it’s okay to love myself AND to not be loved by everyone.

I don’t need your approval to be the beautiful person that God created me to be. I don’t need you to love me to take care of myself. I don’t need to fall prey to your manipulation and I don’t need to victimize myself. I can call it what it is, stand on my own two feet, and know that I am loved whether you love me or not.

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Other Related Articles:

Climbing out of the Canyon

I Deserve to be Loved

Metamorphosis

This Amazing Journey

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Climbing out of the Canyon

Last year, I feel like I fell into this deep canyon. Many people who had the same thing that I have called it “chronic” with “no cure” adding to feelings of hopelessness. I was experiencing depression so bad my chest ached, pain in all of my joints (Chronic Pain,) nerve pain up my back (Fibromyalgia,) emotional and social pain, severe menstrual pain that made me want to throw up (Adenomyosis,) severe migraines, loss of energy (Chronic Fatigue,) fogginess, insomnia, becoming sick on most foods (Mast Cell), and dizziness to the point of passing out (POTS.) I feared for not only my quality of life, but my children’s. I would not be able to homeschool them, I would miss out on their lives, I would need a caregiver, and they would end up in the same predicament as me in the long run. If I had listened to the voices of hopelessness, I would not be where I am today and it would have affected everyone around me.

But I prayed. I did not moan with the question, “Why me?” I wanted to know what He wanted me to learn. I sought answers. I did not give up. I listened as one man who had experienced severe allergies to everything (Mast Cell) inspired others on a support group with being able to run after one year of hard work. I have fought my way up this canyon wall learning to use many tools along the way with God, the Master Physician, leading me. It’s still tough. Sometimes, I forget to use the tools and want to quit. But I’m still fighting. Today, I am stable with very little medication (the need for it going down monthly), supplements and nutrition, herbs and essential oils, exercise, emotional healing, and I am not afraid to learn more. I am back to cleaning my house, being creative, feeling clear, excited about life, still homeschooling and teaching my kids what I have learned so they never have to experience what I went through, and rarely ever getting dizzy. (When I do, I have my emergency bag with me.) I feel I am halfway back to feeling healthy and still climbing up on this journey.

Can I cure EDS? No. But I can live out a normal life bringing out the best in my genes and teach my kids to do the same. I am no longer lying down unable to move, no longer afraid, and definitely not hopeless. I want to bring hope to others with the things that I have learned… and last but not least, be there for my own family. NEVER Give up!!! There ARE answers. There IS Hope. You are NOT alone! May God Bless You on your journey as you Seek Him for the Answers He can lead you to.

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Other Related Articles:

EDS Associated Issues

Faith and Encouragement

Magnesium Deficiency

Natural Remedies

Nutrition

Relationships

Treatments for EDS

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Homemade Arnica Cream

Arnica stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which not only strengthens the immune system, but also digests congested blood and displaces congested fluids in injured tissues, joints, and muscles.

Dealing with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, we have a LOT of bruising! I used to get so frantic fighting with my children to keep ice on for a half hour to keep the hematomas down. My mom brought over this cream that she made and I thought, “Why not?” I first began to use it on the bruises all over my kids’ legs. Once or twice a day seemed okay to get the bruises gone within a week. I thought it was neat, but didn’t really know how awesome it was.

The next time my child got a forehead injury with a lump, I could not fight him to keep the ice on. My mom kindly reminded me to use the Arnica cream. The lump had gone down and did not have a lasting bruise. I was shocked. I did the same the next time I had an injury and I could feel the cream “zinging” (circulating the blood.) After we’d run out, my mom made another batch and added in Comfrey and Yarrow. I noticed that the healing of bruises went down to a couple days for me.

Not long after, I strained my side for the second time. I decided to try the Arnica cream on it. The previous time that had strained it, my side had taken about 6 weeks to recover. This time it took a couple of days. I then used it on the ankle that I kept spraining and my knee that I kept injuring, to my hips subluxing. I am so impressed by how fast I can heal as long as I keep applying it 2-3 times/day.

Here are a couple recipes to do plain Arnica cream. You can add other herbs, also to your cream. Make sure that it is the same part of each: If you do Callendula, Arnica, and Comfrey, and Yarrow, make sure that its the same amount of each. Example: 1/4 cup Callendula, 1/4 cup Arnica, 1/2 cup Yarrow, and 1/4 cup Comfrey. Just don’t let it go above the top of the mason jar and keep room for your oil. (I do not know what is in other store-bought Arnica creams, but I do know that this one has worked for me. I try to be self-sufficient vs. store bought if possible because I do not like additives. Better and Cheaper together equals better over all in my book. My body is very sensitive to harmful additives and I need to be careful.

 

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WARNING: Do NOT use it on open wounds. It could irritate the wound or cause a rash.

WARNING: Do NOT use while pregnant as it can cause miscarriages.

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My favorite way of using the Arnica cream is in a roll up bottle like the ones they make for deoderant (for home) or chapstick (for travel). This way we don’t have to touch it and make a mess.

Here are a couple of options to buy your dried herbs from:

http://www.starwest-botanicals.com/category/bulk-herbs/

http://www.herbco.com/c-2-bulk-herbs-spices.aspx

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Other Related Articles:

Essential Oils

Herbs

Natural Remedies

Plantain for Stings