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8 Zero Waste Solutions for 2019

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Waste is a B-I-G subject. In 2013, Americans generated 254 million tons of trash, and only 34 percent of that was recycled or composted. To bring this figure home, that means that the average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash per day! 

Since, like my own family, many of you reading this are very concerned with living naturally, and with eliminating many of the dangerous chemicals and compounds found in our food sources, most of us probably are actively recycling our containers and throw away items. Many of you are no doubt also composting much of your food waste. These are excellent steps, ones we wish everyone in the nation would take. But unfortunately simply reducing our waste production is not enough—we need to be finding ways to eliminate it completely.

Enter the zero-waste movement, which is putting a focus on reducing waste production as much as possible. That means, among other things, no plastic, no wrappers, no Styrofoam, and no garbage. Many who have seriously tackled this problem have been able to seriously reduce their trash. Some even track their landfill trash to a single mason jar…goodonya (that was my 6 months in Australia coming out)!

Thankfully, in our neck of the woods, most restaurants don’t even offer plastic straws anymore and have resorted to making paying customers drink their beverage without a straw (gasp!) or have paper straws. Straws are a huge problem. 500 million straws get thrown into the landfill each day in America. Yes, you read that right…I saw day. 

Why Is Reducing Waste So Important

Today’s waste is taken directly from our overflowing garbage cans to our nation’s overflowing landfills. Landfills stink, they leak ooze, hurt animals and people, and destroy large areas of our natural landscape. There are three important dangers to these landfills:

  1. A lot of the different materials that end up in landfills contain toxins that are eventually released and seep into the soil and groundwater. These toxins are major hazards to the environment and can last for several years. These toxins include arsenic, acids, lead, and mercury.
  2. Landfills form leachate—a liquid formed when waste breaks down and waters flow through it. Chemicals found in leachate include: methane, carbon dioxide, organic acids, alcohols, and aldehydes.
  3. Landfills are the third largest contributor to methane emissions. Landfill gas is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and contributes to smog, and worsening health problems like asthma.

How to Get Started

So I want to give you some easy steps that you can use to begin reducing your own trash to get much closer to a zero-waste lifestyle. Each of these steps is a simple thing to do, and merely requires changing some long-held habits of how we handle our trash. You may be doing some of these already, or you may be ready to tackle this problems as one of this year’s resolutions.

1. Start a compost bin

Composting is the natural breakdown of organic matter to produce a crumbly nutrient-rich soil. As much as 25 percent of everything Americans throw out is compostable. Some of the ingredients you can compost are:

  1. Fresh grass clippings
  2. Flowers
  3. Nettles
  4. Vegetable and fruit peels
  5. Vegetable crop residue such as picked over plants
  6. Weeds
  7. Manure from animals
  8. Tea leave (not the tea bags)

Starting a backyard compost is easy. There are many suggested methods online that are practical, easy, and inexpensive. Start your research here. 

I have 2 of these compost bins; one near our garden and kitchen and one near our barn and chicken coop. We save all of our food waste for our pigs or chickens and, also, have a countertop bucket that we can throw all our food waste in and then deliver to our eager farm animals. 

2. Use reusable bags, not plastic

You can use your reusable bags for much more than just carrying your groceries. Use them for all your purchases, asking the checkout clerk to pack your purchases in your own reusable bag. Train yourself to keep two or three reusable bags in your car trunk, so you are always prepared. You can find 35 uses for these bags here.

3. Eliminate junk mail

Junk mail is a national problem! Nobody wants it, but everybody seems to get tons of it. The key to stopping the unwanted mail that comes to your home is getting your name off the mailing lists. Many businesses will gladly take your name off their lists if you just follow through and ask them to do it. You can also register on the National Do Not Mail List, by filling out the form found here. Follow these tips for ditching the junk mail you receive.

4. Phase out single-use products

It may seem old school to you, but your paper towels can be replaced with dish towels and rags, your tissues with washable handkerchiefs. Here are some of the single use products you should eliminate from your purchases: 

  1. Single-serve coffee pods – use this instead.
  2. Paper coffee cups – get a nice travel cup. 
  3. Boxes of tea bags – buy whole herbs and use a stainless steel tea bag. 
  4. Disposable utensils 
  5. Plastic bags
  6. Produce bags
  7. Feminine monthly products – try some cloth pads or DivaCup.

For more ideas for swapping out your single use products here.

5. Make your own DIY cleaning products

If you have followed my Paleo Mama page, you’ve seen many ideas for DIY products I’ve made or recommended before. See my recipes for floor cleaners and laundry detergent online. You can find many more suggestions and recipes for making your own DIY products in my book, The Home Apothecary: Home Crafted Recipes Using Herbs & Essential Oils. 

6. Make your own DIY Beauty products

I’ve been making my own home and beauty recipes for years now. It took me awhile to accumulate everything I needed, so let me share my beginner’s kit for making DIY recipes with you. One of my favorite products to use during these cold months of winter is my DIY Facial Serum. It uses anti-aging essential oils like lavender, frankincense, geranium, and myrrh, along with Almond oil or Jojoba oil. Follow the recipe here, and begin using it before bed each night or snag a copy of The Home Apothecary, which has tons of DIY beauty recipes. 

7. Stop using bottled water

There are more reasons than just the waste they create for making a choice to quit using bottled water. Here are some of the concerns they bring: 

  1. America uses more than 17 million barrels of oil each year to make bottles. That’s enough to fuel 1.3 million cars for a year.
  2. The energy we waste using bottle water could power 190,000 homes.
  3. The average American uses 167 disposable bottles a year, but only recycles 38.
  4. The recommended eight glasses of water a day, using tap water, would only cost about $.49 per year, but that same amount of bottled waters costs $1,400.
  5. Antimony, found in PET plastic bottles, can cause dizziness and depression in small doses; in large doses it can cause nausea, vomiting, and death.

Believe it or not, there is a 280,000 percent markup for bottled water! There are dozens of filter options available for you to use to filter your own water. These include Britta pitchers, soma, filter attachments for your sink, and charcoal sticks. 

Our home has a water purification system and each member of our family has a designated water bottle. This reduces have so many cups all over the house and helps each of us drink more water! When we travel we bring our Travel Berkey with us and use it in the hotel rooms or campgrounds. 

8. Stop buying plastic food storage containers. 

Plastic containers don’t last long anyways and leech chemicals into your food. I upgraded to glass food storage containers 5 years ago and still have the same containers. You can heat your food up in them, put them on the bottom level of the dishwasher and feel safe eating of them. 

Get Started

Saving the planet isn’t just for hippies anymore. In the past twenty years, major US cities have set goals to be trash-free. It is going to take people to make this movement successful. It is people who influence waste-producing companies to make major changes toward producing less waste. Some major companies are leading the way. Ikea plans to approach a zero waste by 2020, and Nestle has announced that all 23 of its US factories achieved zero waste in 2015.

But the easiest way for you to be a part of reducing the enormous waste problem in America is to begin at home. I’ve give you some simple steps you can take. Begin doing your own research into this problem and its solutions, and commit to taking at least one major step toward change each month of this year.

Just as we cannot blame others for destroying the environment, so we cannot look to others to protect the environment. Responsibility for both begins at home.

Paul Griss, The Daily Planet

Sources:

  1. https://www.bustle.com/articles/156442-what-is-the-zero-waste-movement-heres-how-its-participants-are-attempting-to-reduce-waste-as-much
  2. https://www.goingzerowaste.com/
  3. https://www.hcr-llc.com/blog/the-3-most-common-landfill-problems-solutions
  4. https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/10stepstoreducewaste

6 Rituals for Better Sleep

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If you are following me on our podcast then you have heard me talking about how important healthy sleep is. I used to start my day feeling like I had just worked eight hard hours before my feet even hit the floor. I tossed and turned all night and hardly slept.  I struggled with this for years and sleep, for me, was a luxury, not a way of life. It wasn’t until I put some super duper important things into action and created some rituals that I started to sleep better. 

On average, I used to wake up 10-15 times a night. I thought it was normal until one day last year I asked my friends, “Hey, just curious, but do you wake up 10-15 times a night too?” They looked at me and said, “Jackie this ain’t normal.” So I figured I would share some of my daily rituals that have helped me to get a much better sleep.

Let’s be honest — insomnia hits all of us from time to time. Usually we can figure out why we didn’t sleep. Maybe we had life’s chaos on our mind, or one of the kids was sick, or work stress is looming large in our minds. Or maybe we just ate or drank too much of the wrong things and we sabotaged our own sleeping hours.

But that’s not what this article is about. It’s about never sleeping well. It’s about always feeling tired and sleepy. In the United States, up to 70 million people suffer from a sleep disorder, and only 44 percent reportedly get a good sleep on a regular basis. What can we do to ensure that we can successfully get the rest we need at night?

To help us solve our sleep problems, many sleep experts are talking about the power of sleep optimization. Sleep is part of what makes us human. It is a core requirement of life, and the quality and quantity of it that we get directly impacts both our physical and mental health. So we should be optimizing it to get the most that we can out of the hours that we sleep each night.

What Keeps Us From Getting the Sleep We Need?

There are many reason we don’t sleep, but we can probably fit all those reasons into the following six surprising sleep wreckers that keep us up at night.

1. Stress

Who isn’t stressed in today’s world? Most adults face high stress levels at least occasionally. Even teenagers say that school and family finances cause them stress, and confess to worrying more than sleeping at times. Stress causes our adrenal glands to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which keep us hyped up and unable to snooze.

2. Depression

Insomnia and depression go hand in hand. Research suggests that people with insomnia have ten times the risk of developing depression as people who sleep well. Serotin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood, emotion, sleep, and appetite, is a reason that depression and insomnia go together.

3. Caffeine

Don’t kill me. I know, I know…don’t mess with a woman and her coffee, but girl…you might need to cut it out. Listen, caffeine stays in the bloodstream as long as eight to fourteen hours, keeping you wired when you should be sleeping. A latte with two shots of espresso contains about 150 milligrams of caffeine. If you have that at 5 p.m., by the time you wake up at 7 a.m. the level of caffeine in your body is still about 75 milligrams. Coffee and tea are loaded with caffeine, but so is chocolate, which is notorious for causing sleep problems that people do not recognize.

4. Hormones

For women, reproductive hormones are shifting during monthly cycles, when pregnant, and during menopause, and they mess with brain chemicals that regulate sleep.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol disrupts your ability to doze in a number of ways. It shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, but it also reduces REM sleep. As it begins to leave your body, sleep becomes shallow and disrupted. It also causes swelling of mucus membranes and blocked airways.

6. Eating

Either eating too much or too little at bedtime can interrupt sleep. A heavy meal causes reflux, triggering heartburn, pain, or coughing. Although eating too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep, so can eating too little. This problem is often seen in women who are trying to lose weight.

These are some of the major sleep wreckers, but watch out for others as well. Things like medications, vitamins, or supplements can hinder sleep. Undiagnosed or chronic pain, an old uncomfortable mattress, pets in bed, or a snoring partner can also be a cause of poor sleep. And you should always rule out a sleep disorder. (To learn more about possible sleep disorders, see here.)

What Can I Do to Optimize My Sleep?

Getting a better night’s sleep could be as simple as adjusting your sleep rituals to be sure you are giving yourself the best opportunity to rest well. You are important and making space for yourself is important so here are some tips for habits that will lead you to a better night’s sleep.

Eat Well and Maintain a Healthy Exercise Routine

In the evening, avoid high carbohydrate foods that flood your muscles with glucose, and cause involuntary muscle movements during your sleep, which disrupts your rest. If you are hungry just before bed, try snacking on a handful of nuts or a Golden Milk. They provide protein and fat, which digest more slowly and lead to a calm sleep. They are also rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps to calm the nervous system. Don’t decide to exercise too close to bedtime, because exercise ramps up your metabolism and body temperature and makes it difficult to fall asleep.

Find Your Sleep Rhythm

Experiment for a few nights to find out the best time for you to go to sleep and the best time to wake up. Creating this sleep rhythm helps to regulate your body’s internal clock, and can help you sleep better. I have a bedtime routine, just like my kids do: I take a detox bath or shower, brush my teeth, put on comfortable pjs, power up my diffuser with some Lavender or Serenity, and grab a book to read. If I must work on the computer, I make sure to put my blue blocker glasses on which block the blue light of your computer, TV or phone. Blue light disrupts circadian rhythm. I keep one pair of these glasses by my bed and then I have the pair that I wear when I work in my office. 

Say No to Alcohol, Caffeine, Nicotine, and Electronics

These things just make going to sleep more difficult. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine too close to bedtime. Leave electronics like TVs, computers, and phones outside the bedroom. Avoid bright light for an hour before bedtime. Darkness helps your body produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. When you wake in the morning, let the sun shine in so your body begins to waken naturally.

I was so desperate to sleep better that I gave up caffeine completely. It was hard and life sucked for the week that I detoxed but it was so worth it. I wasn’t even drinking coffee past 10am, but because I was waking up so much in the night, I thought my adrenals and hormones needed a break from the constant morning caffeine. Eliminating it wasn’t too hard. I didn’t quit cold turkey but slowly eliminated it over a week timeframe. The first few days I drank a 75% regular coffee and 25% decaf mixture. Then day 3 and 4 I did a 50:50 mixture. Then day 5 and 6 I did a 25% regular and 75% decaf mix. And by day 7 I was weaned! I still drink coffee, but it’s always decaf. 

Keep Cool

Your bedroom should be a quiet, dark, relaxing nest, neither too cold nor too hot. You should have supportive pillows that feel comfortable. Try keeping your bedroom between 66 and 70 degrees.

Wind Down

Don’t jump off your fancy Peloton bike and fall into bed for a night’s sleep. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend your last hour before bed doing a calming activity. Read a chapter in a book, take a warm bath, have a nice warm cup of chamomile tea, and share some special moments with your spouse or loved one.

Use Calming Essential Oils

If you have followed me on Instagram or Facebook then you already know that essential oils are powerhouses that can help you have a good night’s rest. Essential oils like Lavender and Bergamot are rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have well-known relaxing properties. These oils can be diffused aromatically in the bedroom to create a calming and peaceful environment, perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. They can also be used topically and taken internally to calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and lead to a restful sleep. Try placing two drops of Lavender or Bergamot essential oil in a warm, herbal tea (Chamomile, Lemongrass, etc.), or another favorite uncaffeinated beverage about 30 minutes before going to bed, or add eight to ten drops of Lavender into 2 cups of epsom salt and pour it into a hot bath. 

Get Sleeping

Optimizing your sleep is as simple as tweaking your sleep habits to be as practical and effective as possible. With just a few minor adjustments to the way you approach your time for sleeping you can move from the nightmare sleepless night to the sweet dreams restful sleep that you have been craving.

Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.

—Thomas Dekker

 

Sources

  1. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/having-trouble-sleeping#1
  2. http://blogs.biomedcentral.com/on-health/2016/06/21/time-wake-power-sleep-optimization/
  3. https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/healthy-living-sleep-what-many-of-us-are-missing

 

Selling Everything to Start Over (with what you love)

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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest on homesteading, gardening, DIY fun, and Paleo recipes. We have had so much fun vlogging and sharing our crazy adventures with all of you! CLICK HERE to learn more about getting started with essential oils on your homestead!

The Truth About Essential Oils and Cats

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There have been several recent Facebook posts or blogs questioning the use of essential oils around cats. Some have been people who fear they have “poisoned” their cats because they diffused essential oils in rooms where their cats had access. Others have claimed that essential oils should never be used on or around a cat.

Others of you have been honestly questioning what the real truth is about essential oils and cats. I thought it was time that we took a real close look at verifiable information related to the use of essential oils with or around cats.

The Science Behind Essential Oils and Cats

Let’s start with a basic understanding of cats. Cats are a unique animal species—just as dogs are unique and humans are unique. Cats are, well, cats! So the protocols used to treat or nurture cats has to be unique to their species. One example of this in the current misinformation out there about cats is that all essential oils are toxic to them, because they are “deficient” in their liver enzymes, and cannot metabolize essential oils. The fear is that the oils could build up over use, cause horrible side effects or even death.

But cat experts—veterinarians, some with specialties in Veterinary Aromatic Medicine, are able to share more specific truths about the metabolism of cats. Beginning with—it’s a completely different metabolic set than ours because, well, cats are cats. They aren’t “deficient” in enzymes any more than humans are deficient in fur. They have a unique metabolism, and must be treated uniquely as cats.

Cats can metabolize essential oils, and they will not build up over time when the oils are used correctly for cats. Cats take much longer to eliminate a drug than a dog…or a pony…or you or I. The amount of time it takes the liver and kidneys to break down and filter half of the amount of a drug is called a half-life. A half-life for a cat is almost 38 hours. A dog needs only 9 hours. A pony only 1 hour. For most medical purposes, a drug clears a human’s system in 5 half-lives (each drug has its own half-life, ranging anywhere from seconds to days).

Cats have less ability to metabolize an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase than other species. That makes them more susceptible to all kinds of toxicity, including plant, NSAIDS (aspirin, Tylenol), chocolate, caffeine, lead, many types of pesticides, and, in the case of impure essential oils, even essential oils.

For that reason, the important things for us to deal with in this post will be:

  1. What essential oils are pure enough to use on cats?
  2. What specific essential oils should never be used on cats?
  3. What specific essential oils are safe to be used on cats?
  4. What ways can essential oils be administered to cats?

1. What essential oils are pure enough to use on cats?

It’s not hard to find essential oils to buy. But, buying a good one…a pure one…can be a challenge. Online sites, including Amazon, are loaded with fake or watered-down or polluted essential oils. Let me give you a few guidelines for spotting the good stuff!

  • How it looks: Try this test—place a drop on white printer paper and let it dry. It there’s an oily ring left behind, it’s not a pure essential oil (except for a few exceptions that are naturally heavier in consistency and color).
  • The price: It’s smart to be wary of an essential oil with a super-low price tag. Remember that it takes a roomful of plant material to fill just one bottle of essential oil, and some botanicals are scarce.
  • The name: Make sure the plant’s Latin name is listed on the label, or on the webpage. Otherwise you might be getting a hybrid.
  • The container: All essential must be stored in dark blue or amber glass bottles to keep the oil from degrading from ultraviolet radiation.
  • The feel: Rub one drop between your fingers. True essential oils should never feel thick or greasy.
  • How it pours: The bottle should ideally have a plug that controls how many drops come out. It should never have a plastic or rubber dropper pipettes, which can break down and taint the oil.
  • How it’s cultivated: Essential oils should never be raised where they have been contaminated by pesticides. Oils labeled “wild-crafted” have been harvested in the wild, away from pesticides. Make sure the oils are organic.

I highly recommend dōTERRA essential oils because they have more stringent testing and purity/quality checks that any other company. But even dōTERRA oils must be purchased through a wellness advocate (not amazon) to be sure you are getting the genuine oils. Here’s my ultimate guide for buying the best essential oils. 

2. What essential oils should never be used on or around a cat?

It is important to avoid certain essential oils for DIRECT (topical)  application. While research shows that cats have a decreased ability to metabolize some of these oils, it does not mean they are completely unable. 

Here’s a list of oils that you should use cautiously around cats. It’s important to note that most of these oils are on the list because of gross misuse of the essential oil by the owner. This means the oil was applied undiluted and over 5-10 times the recommended amount. 

These oils should not be applied topically and used in diffusion only (with a door left open for the cat to leave the room).

  • Basil
  • Birch
  • Cinnamon 
  • Clove 
  • Eucalyptus 
  • Fennel
  • Melaleuca 
  • Oregano 
  • Peppermint 
  • Thyme  
  • Wintergreen
  • Citrus oils 

Here are some simple tips to be sure you are not exposing your cat to essential oils:

  1. When diffusing essential oils in your home, always leave a door open so your cat is not confined to one room. 
  2. Never pet your cat after applying these essential oils to your own skin.
  3. Keep your oils stored where your cat cannot reach them.
  4. Don’t use toxic oils to clean anything your cat could lick or rub (example: if your cat likes to jump on your counters and/or lick up spills on your floor, avoid using citrus oils in your cleaning solution).
  5. Use only higher dilutions of essential oils on your cat. You should be heavily diluting any essential oils you apply on your cats. 

3. What specific essential oils are safe to use on cats?

Let’s begin with this caution: As we discussed earlier, cats take much longer to metabolize chemicals than many other animal species—including humans—so all essential oils should only be used infrequently on cats.  There are at least five essential oils that most experts feel are very safe for cats when used sporadically and topically (with heavy dilution of 1 drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon). These are:

  • Cedarwood
  • Frankincense
  • Geranium
  • Helichrysum
  • Lavender

There are many others, but these are considered to be the safest. Others may include:

  • Rosemary
  • Marjoram

Essential oils should always be diluted when used with cats. Also, because just as every human is unique, every cat is different, and you should always consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about the effect of essential oils on your cat. The vet can give you some bloodwork reports to ensure your cat has no underlying disease.

4. What ways can essential oils be administered to cats?

There are several ways that essential oils can be used with cats. Water diffusion is a very safe method. If you are diffusing an essential oil that might be toxic to cats, be sure you are not diffusing where the cat’s food and litterbox are kept, and make sure the kitty is not “locked” in the room with the diffuser. Most cats will simply go away if they don’t like an oil being diffused. Dr. Janet Roark, DVM, says this: “I find that most often, though, she needs the oil as much as I do, and sleeps as close as she can to the diffuser. The Protective Blend is one of her favorites!”

  • Try making a litter box powder with 1 cup of baking soda and 3-4 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Stir the mixture well and let it sit overnight to saturate the baking soda. Then sprinkle this on your cat’s litter box.
  • You can apply oils topically (very diluted) using 1 drop to a teaspoon or tablespoon of carrier oil, and using just a drop of that mixture. Apply along the cat’s spine or rub the tips of the ears.
  • You can also make a natural insect repellent for your cat using essential oils. To repel fleas, use 1 drop each of lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood with a tablespoon or so of distilled water, and spritz your cat once a day.
  • A repellent for ticks can be made using 1-2 drops each of geranium and lavender in a tablespoon or so of distilled water.
  • If your cat has ear mites, you can try a mixture of 1 drop of Rosemary diluted with a teaspoon of carrier oil, then use a cotton swab barely dipped in the solution to clean the ear. Rosemary inhibits ectoparasites and reduces inflammation.

In Summary

Hopefully this article has soothed your troubled spirit about the so-called dangers of using essential oils on your cat. Caution is always the best option, but make your choices based on verifiable, credible information—not online hearsay or biased opinions that are causing pandemonium.

Essential oils are must be respected and used with care. When you see someone on Facebook freaking out about poisoning their cat with essential oils, there’s a few things that I encourage you to use your common sense about.

  1. What brand of essential oils were used?
  2. What’s the lot number, brand, purchase date, dosage, length of use, and prior health concerns? 
  3. Did the cat recently receive vaccinations or given flea and tick medication? Trust me people, these are far more dangerous than essential oils. 
  4. Is the cat laying on blankets and bedding that has been washed with dangerous fabric softeners?
  5. Is the cat eating dried kibble that has no nutrition in it? 
  6. Is the cat breathing in second hand smoke or unhealthy room fresheners like plug ins or air freshener sprays?

Let’s be smart and look at each fear-based article with a critical eye! 

Sources

  1. https://mailchi.mp/84d05339fa01/cats-essential-oils-research-references.
  2. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/natural-beauty/7-signs-your-essential-oils-are-fake
  3. http://roberttisserand.com/2011/06/cats-essential-oil-safety/ 
  4. https://www.facebook.com/pg/EODVM/notes/?ref=page_internal

Unsure About CBD Oil — Try Using this Instead!

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One of most polarizing topics related to today’s health is the subject of using cannabinoid substances, like CBD oil, for medical reasons. A lot of the confusion comes from some basic misunderstandings about what cannabinoids are, and why we should even consider using them as options for better health. So let me just begin by stating clearly: I am not talking about growing and smoking marijuana (a cannabinoid product)!

Equally necessary to know is this: An important body system we already have within is the endocannabinoid system (EC), which helps the body manage anxiety, inflammation, and other physiological responses to different forms of stress. During strenuous exercise, stress, and other related stimuli, the body produces compounds called endocannabinoids, which trigger the EC system by activating cannabinoid receptors (CRs). There are two types of CRs in our body—cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1—affecting the brain and central nervous system), and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2—affecting the endocrine and immune systems).

For example, after a long period of running, some runners experience a “runner’s high,” recognized by slight euphoria and soothing of the discomfort in the muscles and joints. It is the CB1 receptor that is linked with feelings of euphoria, and the CB2 receptor that is found in the rest of the body, such as in the muscles, joints, skin, and vital organs.  So—our bodies are already producing cannabinoids, which are vitally necessary for continued good health. Many over-the-counter medications rely on our body’s cannabinoid receptors to relieve aches and pains. For example, Tylenol turns into an “active metabolite,” and enhances the normal activation of endocannabinoid receptors in our body, thus relieving aches and pains.

3 Types of Cannabinoids to keep in mind during this article.

  1. THC (TetraHydroCannabinol) – THC directly affects the CB1 receptors which has psychoactive effects. This is the part of the marijuana plant that makes people “high.”
  2. BCP (Beta-CaryoPhyllene) – This is a dietary cannabinoid that comes from things you eat such as rosemary, black pepper, cloves, copaiba, and cannabis. BCP directly affects CB2 receptors. Remember these are the receptors that affect the endocrine and immune systems. 
  3. CBD Oil (CannaBiDiol) – Naturally occurring components in hemp and marijuana plant that indirectly affects mostly CB2 receptors. 

So let’s start by explaining Cannabis (THC)

Cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant, and used in three forms: marijuana—made from dried flowers and leaves and the least potent; hashish—made from the resin of the plant; and hash oil—a thick oil obtained from hashish and the most potent of the three forms. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. According to a recent survey, 7.3 percent of Americans ages 12 or older had used marijuana within the previous 30 days. The average first use was 17.9 years.

The main active ingredient in cannabis is called delta-0 tetrahydro-cannabinol, commonly known as THC. This is the part of the plant that gives the “high.” The short-term effects of using cannabis may include:

  • Feeling of well-being;
  • Talkativeness;
  • Drowsiness;
  • Loss of inhibitions;
  • Decreased nausea;
  • Increased appetite;
  • Loss of co-ordination;
  • Bloodshot eyes;
  • Dryness of the eyes, mouth, and throat;
  • Anxiety and paranoia

The long-term effects include:

  • Increased risk of respiratory diseases associated with smoking, including cancer;
  • Decreased memory and learning abilities;
  • Decreased motivation in areas such as study, work or concentration.
  • A link between cannabis use and mental health problems
  • The risk of dependence

THC is known to activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is generally accepted as a potent drug with powerful psychoactive properties. (For more information see here.)

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, or CannaBiDiol, is a naturally occurring component of the cannabis and hemp plants. CBD oil is extracted and separated from specific cannabis plants. It’s important to note that there are 2 types of cannabis plants: psychoactive cannabis (marijuana) and non-psychoactive cannabis (hemp). Most legal CBD products that you find on the market will be extracts from hemp.

CBD contains BCPs (BetaCaroPhyllene). BCPs bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and: support against temporary inflammation, ease tension and discomfort, protect the kidney and liver systems, protect against auto-immune disruptions, ease anxious and depressive feelings, and help to abstain from unhealthy dependency habits.

The Problem with CBD Oil: 

  • There’s a lot of crappy CBD oil on the market. The CBD market is still a relatively new market that is unregulated. Most consumers have no idea what to look for when purchasing CBD oil. 
  • Although industrial hemp and CBD oil are legalized in the United States, you still have to jump through hoops to get it. 
  • Only a few states have granted hemp licenses to farmers in the United States, even though it was legalized through federal government. This means that most CBD products are coming from China and Romania which are questionable on their  quality control. 
  • You can find examples of “dirty hemp” being made into paste for CBD oil throughout the past few years. One whistleblower said, “I’m tired of so called CBD companies claiming that what they provide is medicine. Anyone using a CBD from hemp product please be aware of what you’re actually getting b/c it is not what you think.”  (source).
  • Hemp absorbs chemicals from the ground, including pesticides, herbicides, lead and mercury. When you bottle that up into CBD oil, you get a highly concentrated concoction, loaded with a bunch of junk that is NOT good for your body. 
  • Mislabeling is a common thing with CBD companies. For instance, they can label that their CBD oil has 100% strength CBD when it only has 30% strength. 
  • Also, you won’t find certain religious people using CBD oil because of it’s origin (even though the medicinal CBD comes from hemp and not marijuana).
  • All CBD products contain some amount of THC (TetraHydroCannabinol—the part of the marijuana plant that makes you feel high), though some are low enough to be legal. 
  • Recovery drug addicts might not want to use CBD because of it’s origin and the fact that all CBD products have some amount of THC.
  • CBD has only a concentration of 35 percent BCP, while Copaiba has a 55 percent concentration of BCPs (more on Copaiba later).

Side Effects of CBD Oil

  • According to this study, CBD oil was given to 5 patients with dystonic movement disorders (these are tremors and uncontrollable movements). Side-effects of CBD were mild and included hypotension, dry mouth, psychomotor slowing, lightheadedness, and sedation.
  • When CBD was used with people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms were aggravated (source). 
  • A study published in 2007 shows that CBD has the potential to be an anticoagulant and shouldn’t be used by people with blood clotting issues. 
  • There’s not enough research to show whether it’s safe to take CBD oil while pregnant and breast-feeding so it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid using it (which means you might need a safe alternative). 

CBD oil does have it’s place. It’s just important to make sure you realize how important purity and sourcing are. If you have been around my website long, you know how much I preach about good sourcing of essential oils. It’s the same with CBD. Make sure you are asking for 3rd party testing results. Pay close attention to product labeling. Ask what the origin of the hemp is.

Let me introduce you to Copaiba Essential Oil (BCP)

For those who don’t want to use CBD oil or fall into one of the problem areas listed above, let me introduce you to something that we have been using instead of CBD. 

Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the Copaifera officinalis, this copaiba tree is found in tropical South America. The primary chemical constituent of Copaiba essential oil is beta-caryophyllene (BCP). Remember BCP cannabinoids are the ones that affect your CB2 receptors (not CB1)? Also, CBD interacts indirectly with CB2 receptors, whereas Copaiba directly interacts with CB2 receptors. 

For centuries, South Americans have used copaiba resin to promote the health of the respiratory, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, and immune systems. As reported by the first European settlers of Central and South America, the indigenous American Indians utilized the soothing properties of copaiba oil-resin by applying it both to their newborns and to warriors coming home from battle. Current research offers an explanation for the traditional use of Copaiba oil, suggesting that Copaiba essential oil is calming, soothing, and supportive to the skin and nervous system. 

doTERRA’s Copaiba essential oil has a very high percentage of BCP – upwards of 55% (CBD only has around 35%)! Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings and it can be applied to the skin to promote a clear, smooth complexion. Taken internally, Copaiba essential oil supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems. Although Copaiba does not contain psychoactive cannabinoids, the main component beta-caryophyllene may be neuroprotective and have cardiovascular and immune benefits. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that promotes immune health.

The CB2 receptors in our bodies have wide impact on health. With a concentration of 60 percent BCPs in Copaiba, it provides amazing support for these hard-working receptors. There is no THC in Copaiba, so you will not experience psychoactive effects from using it, and you will not get a false positive on a drug test. Unlike commercial CBD oil, which may contain THC or heavy metals, dōTERRA’s Copaiba essential oil contains zero pesticides or heavy metals.

Benefits of Copaiba essential oil

The primary benefits of Copaiba oil include:

  • Supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive and respiratory systems
  • Powerful antioxidant
  • Helps calm, soothe, and support the nervous system
  • Promotes clear, smooth skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes

Uses for Copaiba essential oil

There are several practical ways to add Copaiba essential oil for its healthy effects.

  • Add 1 to 2 drops to water, juice, or tea to support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory system (only use high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oil like this one).
  • Provides antioxidant support when ingested.
  • Take internally to help soothe and calm the nervous system, using gel caps or putting 1-2 drops under your tongue once a day.
  • Apply topically combined with a carrier oil or a facial moisturizer to help keep skin clean and clear, and to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.
  • Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.
  • Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
  • Dilute one to two drops with a carrier oil, then apply to desired area.

Where to buy Copaiba

Since I want only the purest and safest products being used in my home or used topically or internally on myself or my family, I would strongly recommend that you try Copaiba essential oil to support your own health needs. It is a great oil for all ages, it works great when blended with other essential oils, and it has a lot of healthy properties. Try combining it with Frankincense essential oil, which is a powerhouse combination that works well together.

You can purchase it directly from doTERRA (with my referral…thank you!) by going here. You can add it to any starter kits or purchase it separately! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! 

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.

—Jim Rohn

Sources

  1. https://hoptothedrop.com/2017/09/15/five-reasons-copaiba-is-better-than-cbd-oil/
  2. https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-safety-physiology-endocannabinoids-explained
  3. https://healinginourhomes.com/cbd-vs-copaiba-oil-doterra/
  4. https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system
  5. https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-safety-physiology-a-chemists-perspective

 

Our Farm is FOR SALE!

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Did you see our announcement about our family hitting the road for a new adventure? It’s true…it’s crazy…it’s our new dream! 

We have already purchased our new RV and we are rearing to go. This was a super hard decision for us but we are confident and ready for new adventures.

Why are we doing this? Well, we will be calling the road our home for the time being so we can do what we are passionate about and teach about essential oils while training our business partners in doTERRA to create residual income to fulfill their dreams. We have learned that the greatest gift you can give someone you believe in is your time. For our business, we have been limited in the amount of time we can give to our doTERRA team because we have been so busy with farm life. 

We ask that if you are interested in talking more about our farm, to please give our realtor, Robert Price a call. His number is 828-231-4655 or you can email him at robertprice@kw.com. TELL HIM JACKIE RITZ SENT YOU! 

Gather Heritage Farm is a 10-acre farm nestled at the base of Razor Mountain in the quaint farming community of Barnardsville, NC.  This turnkey farm focuses on practices that are sustainable and renewable to provide for years to come.  Craftsmanship and attention to detail hallmark the property from the foundation, through the well-insulated walls and floors, up to the well-constructed ceiling.  Each room was meticulously designed with precision to ensure satisfaction and comfort.  Wormy chestnut from a 100-year old tobacco barn that was present on the property previously, adorns the main floor windows and floors.  Throughout the home, very large double-paned windows allow natural light to pour into the house, providing 360-degree views around the entire home.  Within the ensuite of the master bedroom, located on the main floor, there is subway tile floor with a clawfoot bathtub masterpiece, which was once used to water cattle from within the community!
 
The bottom floor is surrounded by Superior walls with the roof of the home being constructed with SIPS panels, providing unmatched integrity and outstanding construction techniques.  Downstairs, there is a multi-use space with a uniquely rustic bathroom, tandem-style garage and a in-ground root cellar/wine cellar.  This cellar is ventilated with a fan and maintains about 55-60 degree temperatures year-round.  With this detail and the ample amounts of spray foam within the walls and floors, the home stays cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.
 
The kitchen boasts an induction cooktop, convection oven, and french door style refrigerator with a farm-style basin sink, where looking through the swinging windows has long-range mountain views.  Completing the main floor is a refreshing naturally lighted dining room and half-bath for guests when entertaining.
 
 The second floor is a kids oasis or a great space for guests.  With cork flooring and impressive architecture, the floor is comfortable and inviting.  Large bedrooms with bonus areas can be used for a kids’ bedrooms or an office space.  There is a common area with wonderful views of Razor Mountain right outside the windows!  Lastly, the bathroom matches the same style as the master bathroom to complete the floor.
 
 Relax after a day of farming with a refreshing iced tea on the covered wrap-around front porch with long-range views of the surrounding mountains.  Enjoy an after dinner stroll along the fruit and nut orchard, while listening to the bubbling sounds of one of the several waterfalls of Poverty Branch which runs along the front of the property.
 
 The barn is a 3-horse barn, with a 200+ square bale hayloft.  It is complete with well designed stall lights and fans, to keep your animal family cool and refreshed.  It is also equipped with a tack room for supplies and keeping bits and bridle clean and in good shape. Take your friends for a horseback ride in the open air riding arena, located within the orchard!  The rest of the farm is replete with rolling pastures, outbuildings for your critters, and an unmatched locust-post galvanized cross fence system that subdivides the property into manageable pastures and paddocks for the animals.  The fencing is reinforced as well with electric cord to protect your precious farm friends from predators.  
 
 Adorning the side of the mountain on the property is a 1890s log cabin brought log-by-log to the property from a sister county.  So whether it is a walk through the butterfly tranquility path, viewing the newly planted vineyard, or sitting by the fire pit telling stories and sharing time together, Gather Heritage Farm is truly magical and will provide many wonderful memories for family and friends to last a lifetime!

ENJOY THE PICTURES BELOW!