Wellness Mama®
Simple Answers for Healthier Families
It may be natural, but is borax safe? This is a question I’ve tackled before but is worth another look as it is in the news more than ever. No longer just a cleaner our grandmothers used, borax is enjoying new popularity as a wonder ingredient for natural cleaning. It’s found in many recipes for …
It is always frustrating when something that is really convenient and time-saving ends up being really unhealthy… like plastic water bottles or antibacterial hand sanitizer. One glaring example of this I’ve been researching lately is conventional tampons and pads. I know, I know… everything is toxic these days and it sometimes seems like we have …
The minty sweet flavor of chewing gum is a low calorie way to replace desserts, combat cravings, or deal with stress. These days “healthy” chewing gums are even available in health food stores, either sugar-free or with some beneficial ingredients. Of course, simply because something is calorie-free or sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. As with …
I’ve been experimenting a lot with castor oil lately as a natural beauty remedy. I already use it in my oil cleansing blend each day, and I’m enjoying the results from using castor oil packs on my skin. Years ago, a friend mentioned that she loved castor oil for hair and eyelashes. I was really …
I’ve posted before about why we don’t use scented candles and what we use instead. One of my favorite alternatives is to use an essential oil diffuser, and many people asked what type of diffuser I use and recommend. I’m not an herbalist or aromatherapy expert, but I have tried many types of diffusers and I wanted …
A healthy diet is vital during pregnancy, but it’s just as important while nursing. The body uses up a lot of calories and nutrients to make that amazing liquid gold for baby. But sometimes moms don’t make enough breastmilk to meet their baby’s needs and may need a little help getting their supply up. Alternately, …
Sugar may not be good for your insides, but a sugar scrub can be very good for your skin. Those expensive scrubs in department stores and spas… they cost pennies to make! Sugar scrubs are a simple beauty recipe with countless variations, and they can be incredibly moisturizing and exfoliating to the skin. I use …
It seems like there’s much better awareness these days about the importance of vitamin D. However, the tide of public opinion is yet to shift on the importance of sunlight in this equation. While scientists debate the topic, perhaps we can reach a conclusion with some good old-fashioned logic. A quick stroll around any Walgreens shows …
If you’re anything like me, honey already has a permanent place in your kitchen and natural remedy cabinet. It helps soothe burns, calm coughs, and even makes a great natural face wash. But it isn’t the only beneficial substance that honey bees make! Propolis is the “bee glue” that protects and holds together the hive but this …
A heavy metal detox is a good way to reduce heavy metals in the body, but keeping them from getting in to begin with is an even better strategy. One way to do that is to be aware of the various ways toxins enter the body. For example, arsenic can accumulate in the body from …
You probably already know that there are many natural remedies for colds and flu. One hundred years ago, families wouldn’t have made the trek to the doctor for something so easily managed at home. There’s a misconception that bronchitis is a very serious illness that always needs a trip to the doctor and a prescription. …
One thing I can’t stand? A sore throat! It’s truly miserable, especially for kids. I keep the ingredients on hand to make this herbal sore throat spray when sickness hits, but there’s nothing like a hot cup of tea when you’re down and out. Especially if it’s a sore throat tea made with natural ingredients like …
Utah recently passed legislation to “legalize the 80s” and let kids play outside again without fear of CPS being called on the parents. The new law essentially defined the difference between letting kids have independence and parental neglect, protecting the ability for kids to ride bikes and play outside alone. I shared a video about …
Healthy baby food is a topic I feel very strongly about and will definitely step onto the soapbox for! Like many aspects of life, convenience doesn’t equal quality (although I argue homemade baby food can be very convenient if you take a simple approach) and many of the current pre-made baby food options are definitely …
I was first introduced to castor oil as my due date approached with my first child. Like any mom, I was eager to meet my little one so I turned to the expansive wisdom that is Google to find ways to speed up my body’s natural process of going into labor. I found many folk remedies …
At the rates kids grow, what we feed them matters greatly to their physical, mental, and emotional health. (Not mention their behavior.) What to feed children is a somewhat controversial topic and a point of frustration for a lot of parents. This is one of the areas I used to get the most questions when …
A friend asked me if I had a DIY recipe for a natural version of shower melts (basically a bath bomb for the shower) since her favorite ones had been discontinued and she was looking for a cheaper and better homemade option. I’m so glad she asked because these little shower melts are a staple …
My post on why I don’t reduce fevers (and what I do instead) is one of my most popular, and I totally understand why! What parent hasn’t gone through a sleepless night or two … or twenty … worrying about a child with a high fever? Thankfully, fevers aren’t as dangerous as many people fear, …
What do Olympic athletes, astronauts, and grandmas in nursing homes have in common? Scientific studies have shown how these groups have all benefited from wave vibration platforms. I rely on easy home workouts like these to stay in shape, but wave vibration is an easy way to gain more health benefits without extra time. What …
Most of us now understand that there are thousands of bacteria living in our digestive systems. Beneficial and pathogenic bacteria co-exist in our digestive tract, and problems can occur when these get out of balance. Research has linked many conditions like IBS, bloating, leaky gut syndrome, and even Crohn’s disease to imbalances in the gut. New …
There are many benefits attributed to Kombucha – an age-old fermented tea drink that has been around (in various forms) for centuries in many different cultures. What is Kombucha? Kombucha is a traditional fermented drink made of black tea and sugar. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has been prized by traditional cultures for …
As parents we know how tough it is when little ones are suffering from illness or discomfort, or when they don’t sleep well. Fortunately, there are some (rather unexpected) things you can do to boost your child’s health (and bonus… they are easy to do!). I go into full force with my immune-boosting regime for …
Many of us own pots, pans, and bakeware that is covered in a non-stick coating. These products are not only inexpensive, but come with the promise of making our lives just a little bit easier. But have you ever wondered about the safety and health ramifications of these pans? What Makes It Non-Stick? Most non-stick …
I’ve written before about using elderberries to help beat the seasonal flu. In our house, we are always trying to find ways to support the immune system so we can keep from getting sick (or at least recover more quickly). Elderberries are a great way to do that! What Is Elderberry? Elderberries have gained popularity …
