Supplements... and Questions About Essential Oils.

I typically buy my probiotics from a local health food store. They have some in the fridge and others are shelf stable. I used to use the ones that need to be kept in the fridge, but have since moved on to the shelf stable ones. I love the Jarrow Brand.

I remember when my son was 4yo and I gave him 8 capsules in one day. You can use it with anything. On top of cereal, in drinks, however you can get them to take it. Although I must say that you really should stay away from cow's milk...very mucus forming and can cause frequent colds, sore throats, etc., which is why when you are sick, docs say to stay away from it, but I'd say stay away from it all the time.

Essential oils can be used in so many things. I would only use lavendar and tea tree neat (undiluted). Any others you really need a carrier oil if you are to put them on your body directly. I can't get to my Essential Oil book right now, but there are many that you can get and learn all about them. I buy my oils from www.compassconcepts.com. She is a Master Herbalist and she is ever more knowledgeable about aromatherapy. I know you could email her and even call and ask her some questions about them. Also she has a yahoo group called scentsations if you would like to join and learn more and ask questions. She also will sell many different synergies and neat a couple of times a year at a wholesale price. She is extremely picky about her oils and gets them from all over the world from reputable growers.

In our house, we have many oils. I use jojoba as a carrier oil for the essential oils and sometimes almond or grapeseed. I use Eucalyptus and rub it on our feet when we are congested (again, you need to use a carrier oil before applying). Rub it on the chest. Have you ever had sinus pain in your face, etc. I've taken a pot of boiling water...took it off the eye and placed on the table and got a towel and put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil neat in the pot and breathed in through the nose...it will be very strong at the beginning of each dose to the point that I'll have to lift the towel, but then I keep doing that for about 15 minutes...the drops only last in the pot of boiling water for a short time...few seconds. Anyway, it takes that pain away or almost away depending on how bad. Sometimes you have to do it a second time the next day or two, but then you feel so much better afterwards. I could go on and on, but can't. So tired and have to go to bed.

Buying a book on them would help you learn many things about what different oils are used for.

I don't believe it is a matter of being unsafe. Acidophilus dies easlily and it is about keeping it cool to keep them alive. It may just not be as potent as you would like it to be. I use one that has been tested so they know when they ship it it will still be alive and well. You might ask the company if they tested their's so they know it will arrive alive and well even when it takes 10 days to ship. I would think they would give you some sort of idea of how much to give. Our maintanance dose is 250 million each of two different pre biotics one of which is the Acidophilus if that helps you any.

You can buy difussers for the essential oils. There is a plug in kind and there are also clay diffusers that just sit and rings that go below lightbulbs so the when on, the heat makes it's smell stronger.

Hope that helps you out at least a little! If I am not clear enough on anything or you have a question don't hesitate to ask. Best wishes as you stirve for a healthier life for you family! We have never regreted it and won't look back!

Blessings!

K. B

Probiotics should be kept in the refrigerator to keep the bacteria alive. Since they have been kept at room temperature they are probably not as potent but should still be okay to use. Yes you can add probiotics to milk, juice, etc. I do not use Kirkman products so I cannot tell you any information about them specifically. I use Nature's Sunshine and recommend NSP products to my clients; with their probiotics they do not need to be refrigerated until after they are opened.

Silver Shield is one of the best supplements to use for keeping healthy in my opinion. It has broad spectrum coverage against bacteria, virus, fungi, yeast, etc.

Never put pure essential oils directly onto your skin without first putting it in a carrier oil. EOs are great for their scents of course, but you can also use them for their antimicrobial properties for household cleansers, body washes, shampoos, body spritzers, etc. You can use EOs with scented air diffusers, nebulizers, humidifiers, etc for both the scent and healing properties. You can mix Sunshine Concentrate, Nature's Fresh, water and the EO (or more than one) of your choice for the best household cleanser. You can also use this same mixture for personal care. Castille soap is great for using as a body wash, dishes, laundry, etc.

Going natural with everything is a wonderful thing to do. also important is to use a natural toothpaste. Xylitol has been shown to help fight and prevent cavities.

You can check out my website, www.madameapothecary.com for more information on holistic health and view NSP products. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Oh, C.! You simply have to check out www.passionatehomemaking.com You will love it!!!! Lindsay has all types of wonderful information! Along the top of the site are different categories. One is Natural Living 101 and you will find more info than you know what to do with! I use cloth baby wipes (and cloth diapers most of the time) and I put 4 or so cups of water, 1 Tb. Castile soap and 5-10 drops of lavendar oil in a wipes warmer and then just dip a cloth wipe in whenever any of my kiddos need a wipe. Just check out her site! Try not to get overwhelmed! Lindsay suggest starting one new thing a week, month or whatever you can do. God bless, K.

Also, the probiotics not being cold definitely would not hurt your dd but they might not be as effective.

I use eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor to make my cold rubs and vapor solutions. You can also add carrier oil and rub it ion the palm of your hands and breathe in to open sinuses. I put lavender oil directly under the hot water as my bath water is being run. Just 4 or 5 shakes will infuse the entire upstairs with a beautiful fragrance of lavender. I have placed it in the cup of a vaporizer and run full steam ahead before guests arrive to scent the air. Try rose, bergamot and sandalwood. Read books on essential oils, they are not just for fragrance but can be used in healing as well. Have fun. I look forward to what other readers share.