So Let Me Get This Straight...

Everyone has their passions. Some are passionate about animals while others are passionate about cars. I have many passions and obviously nutrition and wellness are pretty high on my list. I don't know it all but I know I learn something new everyday and I try to keep an open mind.

The health field is a mean beast. Why? Because everyone has an opinion and the "quick fix" to virtually any health concern. People will believe ANYONE as long as the information tells them what they want to hear.

"But Dr. Oz said fill in the blank." 

"Yesterday on Fox News they said they found the right way to do fill in the blank." 

The honest answer is that people will believe those that SHOUT the loudest. Whoever has the best marketing campaign will win. When it comes to health and wellness, I try to look for alternative treatments before jumping on the pharmaceutical bandwagon. Alternative therapies have no voice... no SHOUT factor. Simply put, these therapies do not provide great wealth like a new pharmaceutical drug can. 

For instance, why take red yeast rice, reduce the amount of animal products from your diet and start walking 20 minutes 3 days a week to lower your cholesterol; when all you have to do is take a single pill (Lipitor) daily and not make a single lifestyle change? 
(side note: some of the side effects of Lipitor: muscle aches, joint pain, upper belly pain, dark-amber colored urine, and my personal favorite-- yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes)

I believe in medicine but I also believe in alternative treatments. I think it all boils down to common sense. If something sounds to good to be true, it is. If something sounds too far fetched, it is. But if an idea or treatment offers a new approach to healing and has minimal risks, give it a try. 

Alternative Therapy: Essential Oils
I was introduced to Essential Oils (EO's) about 6 months ago and was a real skeptic. Why was I a cynic? Because I was arrogant, I just couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that something as simple as peppermint oil could help my boys breathing better than the $200.00 prescription inhalers that their pediatrician ordered. And I didn't want to take the time to learn. I was taking the easy road and buying right into the "quick fix" ... like most moms, I was too busy.

image source: someecards

All thanks to the encouragement of my best friend, one thing lead to another and I bit the bullet and dove in. I started out with just one roll-on called Breathe Away in an effort to help my boys with their seasonal asthma attacks. 

After 6 months I am completely sold on EO's! I have been using them daily on myself and several family members and have really put them to the test. From issues of joint pain to hot flash relief to trouble sleeping, these oils have really done the job! I feel that EO's are a natural pharmacy that is poorly understood and in-turn under utilized. Their SHOUT factor is poor.

In just a short time, I have become a "user" and an oily snob. I only use one brand, Young Living Essential Oils. I trust where they are sourced from and the purity of the oils. 

If you have ever been curious- give it a try! If you have ailments and want to try a natural, affordable approach- give it a try! If you just want a good, clean smell in your home- give it a try!

And if your a "user" whats your favorite and why?