Mike's Top 5 Remedies for the Great Outdoors!

EOs at Elk Camp 2013

 Welcome to the occasional Camp Wander Man post! 
I love this time of year, Fall is one of my favorite things about living in Wyoming.  The scenery is breathtaking, the vistas go forever and the men outnumber the women.  Cool huh? 

With Fall comes hunting season is and it's just starting to unfold in some of the most beautiful country anywhere, Wyoming.  

In our world, hunting season is a big deal.  Every year, the call of the wild beckons and hunters head for the mountains.  It's my job to see that my crew is prepared to handle the top 5 ailments once they set up camp.

{like it or not!}

Top 5 Ailments & Remedies

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1.  Stomach Upset

By special request, a 15ml bottle of Digestive Blend for the after effects of too much of everything...hows that for diplomacy.  Gas, vomiting, indigestion, bloating and nausea.  This is the most universal blend in camp.

How to Apply:  Apply 4 drops topically to beer belly abdomen as needed. To stop violent vomiting, we've seen small miracles happen by adding 2 drops under the tongue.  It's not a bad idea to put part of the blend in a *roller bottle for topical application.  If I make it easy, Mike and company are more apt to use it.  

30  drops Basil

30  drops Clove

20  drops Thyme

20  drops Rosemary

20  drops Coriander

10  drops Ginger

10  drops Peppermint

*for roller bottles, blend 2/3 Digestive Blend to 1/3 FCO for better coverage.

2.  Bruises, Scrapes, Burns and Cuts {Man or Horse}

Two remedies get sent along...

All Purpose Healing Salve:  It's nice on humans and animals. Horses are notorious for getting into trouble in camp.  Cover the wound with some salve, wrap it with a bandage and let the healing begin unless of course a vet is needed but sometimes, you're on your own and it's good to have anti-bacterial wound care.

All Purpose Healing Stick  Sometimes the stick is more convenient in camp than the salve.  It's not greasy, it absorbs quickly and nothing will stick to it.  In a 5ml roller bottle add:

12 drops Frankincense

12 drops Lavender

12 drops Melaleuca

Top with Witch Hazel or FCO

3.  Cold and Flu

This remedy is important to send along because a virus like the cold or flu can spread through camp quickly!  It's the fastest way to wipe out camp and cut the trip short.  Have a dozen Cold & Flu Bombs ready ahead of time!  Take my word for it, Gel capsules are the way to go, veggie capsules just won't hold up.

Cold and Flu Bomb:  Fill a size 00 gel capsule with...

3 drops Oregano

3 drops Shield 

3 drops Melaleuca

Take every 3 hrs until symptoms disappear.  Anyone in camp that experiences the amazing Cold & Flu bomb remedy will be a believer in EOs by the end of the trip :)

4.  Chafing

Chances are all the time outdoors hiking and hunting might cause a little friction.  This is true of athletes, even babies sporting a little diaper rash.  Just another good, healthy remedy to have on hand ready to soothe the hunter, the athlete or the little ones.  Don't worry about the flowery scent, it will quickly dissipate but the beneficial properties of Geranium and Lavender will quickly do their job.

Geranium & Lavender Organic Baby Powder

1/2 cup organic arrowroot starch

1/2 cup organic cornstarch

3 drops Lavender

3 drops Geranium

Add the above ingredients to a blender and blend.  Spread out in a glass casserole and let dry for several hours.  

I store mine in repurposed containers, preferably former shaker containers like empty mineral makeup jars.

5.  Sore Muscles

Our favorite "extreme" athletes sometimes forget their age (Mike) and tromp off into the woods to scale mountains or wrestle grizzlies only to consider the consequences of their actions after they're in so much pain they'll let you use any EO you want on them.  I personally love it when this happens :)

Take pity on your guy and give him a roller bottle of...

Wear and Tear Muscle Repair with Birch 


20 drops Birch
20 drops Marjoram
30 drops White Fir
30 drops Frankincense

Add to a 5ml roller bottle.  Apply topically as needed.

As Always, Nature Provides and the Great Outdoors Awaits...Go Play!

The End.


Enjoy the CW 10% discount on any Spark Naturals order with coupon code:  campwander

Deep Scalp Cleanse with EOs & Coconut Oil!

I'm a little crazy about this glossy scalp detox treatment!  

Go ahead, let yourself revel in the feel of whipped coconut oil infused with the clean tingling sensation of Rosemary and Melaleuca EOs.  Pure Ahhhh!

We scrub and rub moisturizer on our bodies regularly, why don't we give more attention to our poor scalp?

Think of the hair products you use on a daily basis, prolonged use produces buildup, clogged pores and hair follicles.  Hair loss and slow hair growth are often caused by the buildup of hardened sebum.  Over time this buildup causes flaking and can eventually effect the hair follicles ability to function properly.  A little TLC with some DIY ingenuity can get rid of the flakes and give you healthier hair!

The recipe calls for Spark Naturals Melaleuca and Rosemary EOs, coconut oil and a bit of olive oil.
  

• Melaleuca is great for treating dry, flaky skin.  You'll be left with a clean, tingling scalp if used on a regular basis.  Tip: Put 2 drops of Melaleuca in your favorite shampoo to avoid future buildup and help with any dandruff issues.
• Rosemary stimulates the scalp and promotes faster hair growth.  Tip:  Add 2 drops of Rosemary to your hairbrush :)

Start with 1/2 Cup of Coconut Oil, add 1 teaspoon Olive Oil. 

2 drops Melaleuca

2 drops Rosemary

Now, whip the ingredients together!

If you have an applicator brush like this, with a pointed end to help you make your parts...all the better!  

A regular comb will work for parting hair as well but, you'll need a small brush to work the glossy treatment into your thirsty scalp.

It's best to apply to scalp when your hair is dry and it's absolutely okay to comb it down into the hair strands too!

Let the treatment sit on the scalp for 15 minutes. You can cover your head with a towel or shower cap to keep the moisture in.

Now shampoo and condition.  Your scalp will continue to feel cool, tingly and clean afterwards, it's such a nice feeling!

As always, enjoy  the CW discount on every Spark Naturals order with this coupon code: campwander

Wash Away Migraine with Birch!

Everyday I get the chance to learn from YOU, it's the best!

I read a comment from a smarty pants FB friend today that begs to be shared.  I haven't put this new idea to the test because I don't get many headaches but I know lots of you do.  Here's an interesting option for you to try with that new bottle of Spark Naturals Birch :)

Sherry's Testimonial

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"I have to share something with you! I was just about ready to go to the ER this morning after a 3 day migraine. I had tried everything I could find and nothing was helping. I had my bottle of Birch in the shower and I thought, well, I've tried everything else... I mixed a few (3) drops in with my shampoo and massaged it in my scalp. I just let it sit there and and tingle a few minutes before rinsing it out. After about 20 minutes my migraine was gone!! I don't know how good Birch is for your hair but at that point I really didn't care  This stuff is wonderful!!"

Thanks for the suggestion Sherry!

...and thank you birch!

As always, enjoy the CW 10% discount on any Spark Naturals order!  Coupon code:  campwander

Psst!  Just a note, Birch is in limited supply.

The Poor Man's List of EOs ~ Save a Little More!

One aspect of EO use that can be a challenge is the price of PURE essential oils, I'm talking about the PURE stuff!  I can argue the fact that the cost of using EOs is pennies per drop compared to a doctor visit with a copay, deductible etc. but I think you already know that...  

It's that initial "gulp" when you view the final grand total before hitting the Submit button to complete your next order...

I GET THAT, I DO!

Well then, what are some ways we can save $$ living the EO Life?

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The POOR MAN'S List 

{affordable EO substitutes for expensive EOs}

1.  Frankincense 15ml - $70, 5ml - $25  
OR!  White Fir 15ml - $18, 5ml - $6.99

Excellent analgesic (pain relief) properties as well as an anti-inflammatory.  Excellent for joint and muscles pain and soreness. It has umbrella like protection properties too!  Don't underestimate the Frankincense-like qualities of White Fir.

2.  Rose  $50 - $300! 
OR!  Geranium  15ml - $24.30, 5ml - $8.51

Like Rose, Geranium has superior anti-inflammation and soothing properties which greatly improve irritated skin.  Good for arthritis as a topical application because it's analgesic properties. Geranium stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system.  Bonus!  Combine with equal part Lavender and diffuse for a ROSE like scent :))


3.  Amend Blend  15ml - $86.40, 5ml - $30.24
OR:  Lemongrass  15ml - $9.00, 5ml - $5.99

Lemongrass is my go-to for tendon discomfort!  Plantar Faciitis is a current blight of my existence and Lemongrass is easing the pain.  If you have charley horse (cramping) tendencies, reach for Lemongrass during your next episode...it's great!

4.  Melissa  15ml - $310.50, 5 ml - $108.68  
OR:  Black Pepper  15ml - $55.25, 5ml - $23.46}

Melissa is strongly anti-viral, very effective with any kind of herpes breakout, canker sore etc. due to a high level of aldehydes. Aldehydes protect the cell wall from the penetration of a virus. Black Pepper also has high levels of aldehydes.

NOTE:  One of the many reasons I love Spark Naturals is the option to purchase any EO in both sizes:  5ml or 15ml ~ this is so helpful, especially to new EO users!

More ways to save money while improving your health.

1.  Purchase a diffuser for your home.  A diffuser like this is invaluable especially when someone in the house has a cold or the flu.  Diffusing EOs will purify the air, fortify our immunity and relax or brighten our mood.  When I travel, this is the diffuser that comes with me! The Zaq Noor diffuser, perfect for every room of the house!   

You can purchase them {HERE}.  

2.  Roller Bottles are great!  They're convenient and give you the ability to make one bottle of essential oil go a very long way! How?  Rather than buy several bottles of an EO for several family members, just buy one and divide the oil between several roller bottles AND add 1 part carrier oil to your blends or single oils. This simple strategy will increase the life span of that one bottle you just bought.

  

3.  Repurpose your empty EO bottles!

Purchase a few spray tops and turn empty EO bottles into mini spritzers for every room in the house!!  Every purse and car for that matter.  Simply add 10 drops of EO to a 5ml or 20 to a 15ml (spray tops fit both sizes!) empty EO bottle and top off with Witch Hazel!

Witch Hazel will emulsify the oil, sweeten the scent and, it's great for your skin!  Of course, the antibacterial properties of both the essential oil and the Witch Hazel make this a win/win combination!

Essential oils are an investment it's true but the returns are priceless!  Be creative, thrifty and always on the lookout for more ways to save.  I'll do my part too, sharing money saving tips every chance I get!

Feel free to share YOUR tips and tricks too, we'd all love to learn how you save money using essential oils :))

As always, enjoy the CW 10% discount on every Spark Naturals order!
Coupon Code:  campwander

The NEW Camp Wander Travel Tin!

I ask you, how can you not love an Altoid tin?  

That said, let us get on with the subject at hand...

How can you keep key essentials oils handy when you're out and about?  Why should you?  AND, which EOs are the most versatile for road trippin?

Yep.  

These are the EOs I seem to reach for again and again for their versatility and effectiveness.

Liquid Xanax:  This is a creative blend by Passion Pill (my niece). Maggie reached for two EOs in a crisis situation that saw her through a nasty anxiety attack.  The nickname Liquid Xanax has stuck :)  We blend it with two Spark Naturals blends, Zen and Bliss.  Any time you're away from home, Liquid Xanax is an all round excellent EO to have with you.  Qualities: sedative, pain reliever, mood moderator, reduce anxiety, relaxe muscle, anti-carcinogenic (frankincense), fights depression, bacteria and insects.  When you read the list of EOs that comprise this blend, you'll understand it's wide range of benefits!  

Lemon:  Talk about liquid sunshine, this is it!  Great cleansing agent, externally and internally.  Put 2 drops in a glass of water to detoxify. Add a bit of honey to 1 drop of lemon EO to soothe a sore throat.  Kids have a runny nose?  Put a drop of lemon on your finger and swipe each side of their nose, works like a charm!  Cold sore?  Dab with a little lemon to disinfect and dry it up.  Mood elevation!  I reach for this bottle all the time when I'm in restaurant, I like to add Lemon to unfamiliar water.

Headache Buster w/ Birch:  This is my sister Dori's creation that has quickly become a favorite go to blend for pain relief including headaches, migraines and localized pain.  I give more bottles of this blend away than anything else.  No matter where I roam, someone is experiencing a headache or some kind of pain.  For headaches, apply a drop or two on temples, base of brain stem, forehead or any area of localized pain for quick, natural relief!  I'm never without this blend.  {Click Here}

*Wintergreen and Birch should not be used if you are allergic to aspirin. *Caution: People with epilepsy should avoid Birch Essential Oil because it has high concentration of methyl salicylate. This oil should also be avoided by during pregnancy. Test a small sample on your skin before using this oil topically.

The All Purpose Healing Stick:  The great bacteria slayer! A powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal blend of Melaleuca, Lavender and Frankincense.  Really, what CAN'T these EOs take on?  Together  they're a healing machine and mixed with good Witch Hazel?  Oh mama!  As I mentioned above, with those properties you can have success with the Healing Stick for clearing up blemishes, disinfecting and healing cuts, burns, bruises, scrapes and bug bites, athletes foot too.  All round great EO blend to take with you in case of cuts or infection...especially for kids! Don't forget about the gym bag too.

Shield:  A proprietary oil blend by Spark Naturals especially effective in fighting the spread of air born viruses.  It's one of the most powerful EOs in fighting off illness, including viruses!  A couple of drops on the bottom of your feet first thing in the morning will protect you all day.  Studies have proven far fewer illnesses in the classroom when Shield is diffused into the air. Sitting on a train or in a taxi?  Break out this EO and rub a drop on your wrists and inhale.  Anytime you're exposed to colds to flu, use Shield! 

L.L.P. Allergy Blend:  A brilliantly time saving blend of Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint, a natural antihistamine.  If you suffer from allergies, do yourself a favor and try a natural remedy that won't bog you down with the drowsies or that awful fuzzy feeling.  I like to keep LLP on hand for those small emergencies like a mild allergic skin reaction.  Of course, this blend won't replace an epi pen but if my epi pen was no where to be found this is what I would reach for while waiting for medical attention.  To learn more about this natural antihistamine {Click Here}.

!Extras!  

As you can see, I glued a piece of non-slip shelf liner to the bottom of the tin as well as inside the lid.  This is for both protection of your glass bottles and a way to attach bandaids etc. with a handy to have safety pin.  Use your imagination, supply your Travel Tin with items that serve your needs!

All this, packed into one very cool, repurposed Altoid tin will see you through many a "moment" if you keep your wits and your EOs nearby wherever you roam!

Sources:

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Altoid Tins:  Costco sells a pack of 12 for $13.99

Stainless Steel Ball Roller Bottle:  Spark Naturals {Click Here}

5/8 dram Sample Bottles:  Spark Naturals {Click Here}

1 dram Sample Bottle:  Amazon {Click Here}

Non Slip Shelf Liner:  Amazon {Click Here}

Avery Freezer Labels:  Amazon {Click Here}

Update:  Due to a few requests, we're making the Travel Kit available for purchase!  The price is $52.95 with shipping anywhere in the United States. Thanks so much!

As always, please enjoy the CW 10% discount on all Spark Naturals orders:  coupon code:  campwander

Beat Ear Infections With Basil!

It's hard to watch a baby or child suffer with an ear infection, they're just plain painful and lead to sleepless nights and very long days for both parent and child.  

The solution to a peaceful, pain free little one is simple when using Spark Naturals essential oils, you just might be amazed!  You can win the battle against chronic ear infections with a simple application of just one beautifully effective EO.

Because pure essential oils are without chemically induced side effects, they're perfect to treat children with.  Remember, it's always a good idea to dilute most essential oils when administering to children. Simply add a few drops of coconut oil or olive oil to one drop of essential oil for gentle dilution.

Combine a few drops of carrier oil such as coconut or oil with 2 drops of Basil essential oil and dab a cotton ball for ease of application into the oil.

Gently wipe just inside the ear, around the outer edge and behind the ear.  Never drop oil inside of the ear.  Apply several times a day until symptoms are gone.

As always, enjoy the CW 10% discount on any Spark Naturals order.
Coupon Code:  campwander