Four Herbs and Oils for That Time of The Month

*while this post is not sponsored, it may contain affiliate links, this means at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission. 

Aunt Flow:

We all get it, none of us like it, and we definitely don't want to talk about it, right? Yes, that monthly visitor reminding us that we are indeed women, and human, and our bodies are capable of amazing things. For me, after having two babies, my body was like, "You REALLY wanna see what's up?" My period, which was never good, got even worse.

Cramps, clots, the heaviest flow I have ever endured, and don't get me started on the mood swings and irregularity of it all. It was a new year resolution of mine that I had to get my PMS under control, it was making me and my family completely miserable. Clearly, something was out of whack. Other gals I talked to recommended I get on birth control, or an IUD, but those things just ain't me babe. I knew there had to be something out there to help, some support nature could provide.

Herbs:

Herbs came first for me. Food as medicine is my one true love. Here are the herbs I found that help with my cycle:

Cilantro

Removes heavy metals and toxins from the body, helping to improve hormonal functions.

Parsley

Assists and promotes detoxification, as a diuretic helps relieve water retention, cramps, head ache and PMS symptoms.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Tones and relaxes the uterus, relieves cramps and PMS symptoms, reduces heavy flow.

Nettle

Reduces cramping, heavy flow and possibly duration of one's period.

That is really just touching the surface about how these herbs can support your body regularly. The easiest way to incorporate these herbs is in every day cooking, smoothies, and tea! As seen above, I love the Traditional Medicinal Healthy Cycle tea*. It is sweet and easy to drink. I even enjoy it as an iced tea on a hot day - because it's always hot in the desert it seems. 

Essential Oils:

After the herbs came the essential oils. I don't believe anything in nature acts alone. If we can find what works for our bodies, we can have a Swiss Army Knife of solutions in our back pocket, nay and entire tool kit. That is why I was thrilled to supplement what I had been using for more than six months with doTERRA's essential oils. Here are the go to oils to support a healthy menstrual cycle:

Clary Sage

Calming and soothing, supports healthy skin and hair 

Lavender

Eases feelings of tension, anxiousness, promotes relaxation and sleep.

Rose

Uplifting and stimulates proper hormone levels. 

Ylang-Ylang

Lifts mood, reduces anxiousness, antispasmodic qualities to ease cramping

OR you can save yourself time and easily use this amazing doTERRA blend, ClaryCalm. I will rave about this oil blend until my voice is gone. Simply roll it on your  temples, abdomen, behind your neck, to soothe heightened emotions, cool hot flashes, and promote relaxation.

The last, but maybe the most important tip from me is hydrate and eat well. Hydrating will help to minimize almost all of your symptoms as it allows your body to work in its ideal state.Eating well will help to refuel the vitamins and minerals that are being expelled or used during this month.

Now having used the ClaryCalm and herbs for the last two months, my period was only 5 days early (as opposed to two weeks early) my flow has lightened up significantly, and my mood is improving.  

If you have questions, or want to know how these essential oils can help your or you want to buy some to try for yourself, visit my.doterra.com/thesimplechoice or email me! I would be happy to help you learn more about how oils can support your health!

Coffee Consciousness

Let’s be honest, coffee is an accessory. I remember the first time that realization hit me. I had just moved to Scottsdale, AZ and was headed to an affluent outdoor mall with my sister. We had to stop for coffee first to walk around with. We did this every time we went to this mall. Initially it was Starbucks, but it changed as soon as the local coffee shop, Press Coffee, opened across the street. Truthfully, I felt even cooler walking around with a Small Biz logo on my little cardboard cup.

But now, I am taking a fresh look at this portable beverage fad. I am working very diligently to stop participating. My reasoning?

Ayurveda

Sitting and enjoying a meal or beverage not only creates conscious eating, which helps to prevent over consumption, it also strengthens your agni, or digestive fire. By staying in the coffee shop, and using a ceramic mug, you can focus on your coffee, be mindful of the warmth and flavor, enjoy conversation with your friend, and engage in your local community.

Reducing Waste

To-go cups are the ultimate convenience. They have a lid so they don’t spill easily and they come with a nice cardboard sleeve so you don’t burn your hand. Some even come with a nice little stopper so you won’t spill it when you cruise over that speed bump. Yes, yes, so convenient. But, at what cost? Cutting down trees, more unsustainable fuels used for the plastic cap, and the unreal amount of waste we are producing.

At a conference I attended recently, catering offered both cup types. I used the ceramic cup every day, and was happy to see many others do the same. I am also an animated talker and still never spilled a drop. Woot! While I did use a disposable cup for water, it was made of corn and compostable, so that gave me a little relief, but it was still waste.

I also think it makes you look pretty hip hanging out at a coffee shop with a REAL mug. I mean, who does that? Only the regulars, right? Ultimately, I think it would do us all a little bit of good to slow down and enjoy the coffee.

Do you try to reduce waste in your everyday life? How so? Or have you not thought about it? What changes can you make?