Level Naturals Soak and Scrub Box Review

Treat yo Self Thursday coming at you with a quick review of the Level Naturals Soak and Scrub Box. I bought this box with my own money and did not receive anything to make this review.

I was looking for a pick me up that did not involve food or anything over $30.00.

I'm actually trying to stay on a budget this year.  #leohusband and I worked out that I get $50 a month for personal expenses. Wheather that is fabric, pedicures, clothing purchases, or a night out with the girls. It has to fall into my $50 budget.

I have actually saved up quite a bit so I decided to splurge on some bath products I found on Thrive Market's Website.


Thrive Market

I found the Levels Bath Bombs first and was intrigued because I have frankly never used a bath bomb ever. My bath experience involves lowering my body into freezing cold ice water and epsom salt, enduring the bitter cold for 20 minutes and then getting out.

My first thought was, why not smell good when I do it, and second, gee I hope these don't set off another round of dermatitis. I've got enough on my damn plate without itching everywhere.

Dermatitis is a symptom of Arachnoiditis and one of the more annoying ones.

After checking out the different scents, I wondered if there was a variety pack and yes there was.

The Level Naturals Soak and Scrub Box had shower tablets, a coffee scrub, and 6 different smelling bath bombs to try.

I was already interested in trying a sugar scrub so two birds one stone!

All of their products have coconut oil which I like but they do have fragrance which I'm less than thrilled with. Fragrance is a lovely word companies like to hide behind to put in less than favorable ingredients.

The sugar scrub left my skin silky smooth and itch-free....the bath bomb, not so much.  I was reaching for my cortisone cream about 30 minutes after my bath.  I'm hoping that it was maybe the scent combinations and am going to try a second bath just to make sure.



The lavender shower bomb is a must on stressful days.  It reminds me of the old Vicks tablets you could put in your shower when you were sick.  I wonder if they still make those?

3 Ways to Keep Going When You Just Can't

Recovery is a bitter word.

I'm not at my best just now, forgive me if this isn't one of my "happy" posts.  I've been kicked in the teeth too many times lately to find the positivity...but I'm trying.

I haven't completely given up although I was there Sunday.

If you would have told me I could've immediately had a lumbar fusion Sunday I would've done it in a heartbeat. I might not have been in the right mindset.

I was also saying screw everything I've done to feel better with the arachnoiditis.  Screw yoga and dry brushing and fasciablasting, screw The Miracle Morning, and screw self-improvement.

I've come to realize that this life-long illness journey of chronic pain is highs and lows.  Two steps forward and five back.

The day before my 6th year anniversary with #leohusband my L5 shifted. I was simply turning over in bed and felt it move.

Normal people, this isn't a big deal, me it's a big deal. 

L4-S1 is where my adhesive arachnoiditis is, so when my L5 moved out of place, it's like someone put the lower half of my body in the electric chair for three days straight.

I could barely move to get to brunch with my husband, the pit fire night we had with friends was spent in agony, and the dress I was so excited about wearing to our fancy dinner showed my back brace...so I didn't wear it.

The next week was spent trying to get my chiropractor to stabilize my L5, which didn't work, damn my hypermobility. Fluffly Alarm Clock had surgery which snowballed into incompetence and subsequent infections, all the while my L5 is moving in and out of place.  

My back muscles, spinal cord, and nerves vacillating between agony and throbbing, stabbing agony.

Zero downtime to try to heal.

Friday of last week I put my back brace on and kept it there. Sunday morning my L5 moved again (why does it always happen in bed?) and I freaking lost it. 

I was so done. 

My wonderful #leohusband just held me while I unleashed the frustrations of the last 20 days.

I feel like this came out of nowhere and yet I knew it had been building, I just didn't take time for myself.


3 Ways to Keep Going When You Just Can't


1. Take a Day Off

My daily grind isn't a desk and although most people would view the things I do a sweet, sweet vacation day at the spa for them, staying on top of my chronic illness so I can function 'normally' is my job.

Seriously, take a day or two or three off but don't make it more than three days. 

Sometimes you really do need to just bing watch Jessica Jones Season 2 or slay some dragons in Skyrim or eat paleo popsicles.  

Don't beat yourself up for not doing your required yoga, PT, meditation and lymph drainage, or whatever it is that you have to do to feel 'normal' with your illness.

Forgive yourself the guilt of taking a vacation from your daily battle of illness so you can come back refreshed ready to go to bat again. (This sounds good...I'm still working on the guilt part)

2. Find a Go-To Activity that is Guaranteed to Bring Joy

I have a couple of activities that get me into a better mood. 

One is what I call Tiger Time, time well spent with my Fluffy Alarm Clock. Now, I can truly be in a self-pitying mood and just sit on the floor and cry while petting him but either way, he helps to get me in a better mood.

Get outside.  

Even though my backyard looks barren, I will still get outside and sit in a chair on the porch. I just enjoy being out there instead of inside my house all the time, being couped up can have negative consequences for me. Maybe I bring coffee or wine, and a good book or my bullet journal, either way getting fresh air and sun will improve my outlook on life.

Plus Tiger usually rolls around in the grass which is extra cute.

Play a game. 

Sometimes you just need a win and even a small victory at solitaire or mahjong, or heck do a board game night with the fam or friends. Even getting on your XBox or PS4, to play through one of your all-time favorite games can help.  

Let's be realistic killing those Aliens in Mass Effect has got to put anyone in a better mood...plus there's that whole saving the galaxy thing...just don't get sucked into hours of play with zero movement. Set a timer and get up every 30 - 45 minutes.

Sunday my husband and I co-oped Borderlands 2 to get me in a better mood and it worked.

3. Own Your Funk

Be open with friends and family to let them know you are in a funk.  You're just not happy.  Things are not going your way and you need a win because otherwise, you feel like you are going to lose your mind.

You'll be surprised at the kindness of others.  My husband brought home flowers out of the blue Sunday night with the grocery run.  Stargazer Lillies and I can smell them from where I'm typing this.

It may not seem a big deal but my husband does not spend money.  I mean at all.  So it means a lot to me when he buys me something as transient as flowers because he did it simply to make me smile.

Slumps are natural and 'the straw that breaks the camel's back' happens to everyone.  It's just a bit more devastating and extreme when you suffer from chronic illness. 

I guess it's because life is so terribly unfair already and then more crap happens to you. That old saying about "God only gives you what you can handle...then God must think I'm a total bad ass."

And you are, sometimes you just need to be reminded of that and give yourself a break.

Say out loud "I'm in a funk but it is not forever!"  "This funk will end" or whatever you need to do to vent out your frustration that at this current moment the world is out to get you.

If these things don't do it for you, read this.

Taking a Quick Break



Hey my lovely readers!

I’m taking a quick break to take care of my furry alarm clock. He had a tumor removed from his tummy. Unfortunately, the incision has gotten infected and he’s pretty miserable.

Since he spends his nights sleeping next to his mom, I’m not getting any sleep either. He is requiring my full-time attention right now so hopefully after he gets his stitches out next week, I’ll be back online.

Thank you for understanding. Can’t wait to get back to posting next week (and some much-needed rest)!

60+ Different Words that Mean Sugar

Last week I gave tips on cleaning and organizing your pantry.

I discussed that if you really want to commit to decreasing decision fatigue and staying on your diet, clean out the pantry and replace bad items with good ones.

In order to know the bad you really have to identify what is considered sugar and at over 60 names for the hidden monstrosity you could go nuts.

Most people think that sugar is mainly found in desserts, cookies, pies, and cakes, but it's also found in many savory foods, such as bread and pasta sauce.

Foods promoted as "natural" or "healthy" are laden with sugars. Just because it's gluten free doesn't mean it's healthy.

Food manufactures fool the general public by take out fat from food, which ironically your body needs certain fats, and replace them with sugar or the cheaper alternative high frutose corn syrup.

In fact, 74% of packaged foods sold in supermarkets has added sugar. So, even if you skip dessert, you are consuming sugar, and most likely more than your body can handle.

There are at least 61 different names for sugar listed on food labels. These include common names, such as sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, as well as barley malt, dextrose, maltose and rice syrup, among others.

61 Names for Sugar

Agave nectar
Barbados sugar
Barley malt
Barley malt syrup
Beet sugar
Brown sugar
Buttered syrup
Cane juice
Cane juice crystals
Cane sugar
Caramel
Carob syrup
Castor sugar
Coconut palm sugar
Coconut sugar
Confectioner's sugar
Corn sweetener
Corn syrup
Corn syrup solids
Date sugar
Dehydrated cane juice
Demerara sugar
Dextrin
Dextrose
Evaporated cane juice
Free-flowing brown sugars
Fructose
Fruit juice
Fruit juice concentrate
Glucose
Glucose solids
Golden sugar
Golden syrup
Grape sugar
HFCS (High-Fructose Corn Syrup)
Honey
Icing sugar
Invert sugar
Malt syrup
Maltodextrin
Maltol
Maltose
Mannose
Maple syrup
Molasses
Muscovado
Palm sugar
Panocha
Powdered sugar
Raw sugar
Refiner's syrup
Rice syrup
Saccharose
Sorghum Syrup
Sucrose
Sugar (granulated)
Sweet Sorghum
Syrup
Treacle
Turbinado
Yellow sugar

7 Signs of Moisture Barrier Damage

Several weeks ago I talked about 5 Side Effects of Chronic Pain and Illness that no one talks about.  

Medication


When you are on several different medications, they have side effects that you don't think of. One is taking moisture away from your body.  

It may start with a dry throat, and eventually, it will progress to your skin. It may even disrupt your hormone levels which will also lead to skin issues. 

First, I would just like to remind everyone that I am not a doctor and the thoughts in this post are purely based on my own personal experience and approach to skincare.

Second, let me say that this isn't a beauty blog. This is a health blog and as such my uses and recommendations are not going to be a 30 step routine that consists of $500 or more worth of beauty products. 

I'm a chronic pain warrior, I can barely bend over some days to wash my face, let alone take the time to stand in front of a mirror to layer 9 different products on my skin.

I have a lot of health issues. 


I've had Stage IV endometriosis since my teen years with 3 surgeries and 2 rounds of unsuccessful in-vitro fertilization under my belt.  Additionally, I have had vestibulitis and vulvodynia since my early twenties, after receiving cryogenic surgery for cervical cancer.

I also have adhesive arachnoiditis.

So I've been a big ball of pain and inflammation for most of my life. 

I hope this cushions my next response.

I have had perfect skin all my life, until 2017. I had a few breakouts during the normal hormonal shifts of the month but never anything major.

I saw the frustrations and struggles of best friends and family members struggling with their acne. I see people I care about in anguish over their prevalent adult acne.

When I started having breakouts for the first time, I chalked it up to severe stress, grief, medication, and bad eating habits.  

When Lifestyle Changes Don't Cut It!


I started eating better, drinking a ton of water, met with a grief therapist and addressed my hormone imbalances. My skin didn't change or get better, in fact, it kept getting worse.

On top of my consistent, non-hormonal breakouts, over time I noticed how dry my skin looked, especially in pictures.  

Then I started noticing how tight my face would feel when I smiled. 

Then it started burning. 

I had the final straw when I saw a picture of me in makeup and it looked like wrinkled snow over a skeleton's face.

Dead Sexy. Sorry I had to go there.

No, It's Not Your Makeup


At first, I thought I just needed some new makeup, as the MAC Studio Fix makeup I'd been using for years was making the drying effect worse. I researched some moisturizing makeup online and then headed to Ulta.

When I walked in a twenty-something came over to me to help, I told her no offense, but could she get someone over 40 to help me?

Look for a Beauty Consultant Near Your Own Age 


One great point, if you are 32 and up, don't take skincare advice from someone in their 20s.

They are still making huge levels of Human Growth Hormones so their skin is going to be more resilient than anyone over 30.

A wonderful woman in her late 50's came over to help me.  I explained to her my concern that my Studio Fix was making my skin look and feel incredibly dry, and that after some research I was wanting some illuminating liquid makeup.

She took one look at my skin and then immediately called another woman (in her 40's) over. 

They both stared at me.  

I was starting to feel uncomfortable.  

The first lady asked if she could feel my face. 

I said yes because why not? They're already making me feel weird.

"Like sandpaper!" she exclaimed. "Oh honey, (we're in the south so it was one of those bless your heart moments) you don't have dry skin, your moisture barrier is completely damaged. You need to repair your acid mantle before you even think of makeup."

Huh?

Moisture Barrier Damage vs Dry Skin


I'm sure you've heard of all the skin types...

Oily.
Combination.
T-Zone.
Dry.

Did you know that there is another type that no one really talks about and most skincare lines do not address?

Dehydrated.
Extra Dry, as the few skincare lines that address this issue call it.
Moisture Barrier Compromised

When You Need More Than Just a Hydrating Wash and a Basic Moisturizer


Standing in front of her, I'm thinking back to when my dermatologist glossed over my dry skin concern in favor of checking out the potential skin cancer on my forehead. Frustrating.  

I told Utla Beauty Consultant No. 1 I'd been washing with CeraVe which was supposed to be good for dry skin, my dermatologist told me to switch to it.  She agreed that it was, but it wasn't penetrating because of the dead layer of skin already on my face.

I was dead set on not exfoliating, I thought that would be too harsh, but there are actually toners that help take off dead skin without the harshness of a scrub. 

Dry Skin vs Dehydrated vs Damage

Dehydrated skin lacks water and dry skin lacks oil. 

So your skin could be dehydrated, dry, or both. 

When it's both, you need oil and water on your skin!

My skincare consultant went over with me the 7 Signs Your Dry Skin is Actually Moisture Barrier Damage

1. Dry skin all over your body, including hands, legs, and scalp.
2. Super tight skin that pulls when smiling or yawning (feel the urge to yawn?)
3. Burning face, like I had wind or sunburn
4. A white flaky film of very dry dead skin
5. Rough to the touch
6. Acne
7. Constant Dermatitis, which is inflammation...

I had all of those 7. You could have less than those and you might have just dry skin or just dehydrated skin.

You are usually born with dry skin, it's a genetic trait.  

Dehydrated skin is caused by environmental factors and exposure. 

Moisture barrier damage is when your dry skin gets dehydrated and then starts a cycle of inflammation.

Cutting Inflammation Out is Key if You Suffer from Chronic Conditions

Inflammation is bad, and it's especially bad if you are already dealing with a chronic pain or illness condition.

I suggest taking the time to address your environmental factors, medicines and diet, but remember, even if you increase your water intake, your skin is the last organ to benefit.

Topical Hydration is a Must!

Next week we will go over skincare routines and then we will delve further into what products are beneficial for dehydrated skin.

Sweet Potato and Cranberry & Muffins

I love the Whole30 but about halfway through I think if I see another egg I'll die, and I LOVE breakfast food. That's where this recipe comes in. 

It combines two of the things I love, sweet potatoes and cranberries, sweetened with bananas...this muffin is a potassium and vitamin C powerhouse! 

Plus, they keep for a week so I have them on hand for quick breakfasts or lunches, making life a bit simpler and more organized.

They go great with bacon too. Mmmm, bacon.




Sweet Potato and Cranberry 'Muffins'

Preheat your oven to 350
Cook Time 30-35 Min
Prep Time 15 Min or less.

Ingredients:
1 Medium Sweet Potato
2 Carrots
1/2 c shredded coconuts
1/2 c chopped pecans
2 bananas
1/2 c dried cranberries - The dried cranberries I use are special. They have zero added sugar. They are sweetened with apple juice. I haven't been able to find anything similar to Vincent Family Dried Cranberries at any specialty store.
1 egg
3/4 c almond flour
1t cinnamon
1t vanilla
1t baking powder
1/2 t salt

Supplies:
Large Bowl
Food Processor
Silicone Baking Cups - These are amazing, look cute and reusable!!
Muffin Tin
Ice Cream Scoop
Process:

Peel the sweet potato and roughly chop.  Put into food processor and pulse until completely shredded.

Dump shredded sweet potatoes into large bowl.

Peel the carrots and roughly chop. Add to food processor and pulse until completely shredded.

Dump carrots into the large bowl.

Peel the bananas and add to food processor and turn on until completely liquified.

Dump into the large bowl with potatoes and carrots.  Stir with a spatula.

Add the egg and stir vigorously. Add the almond flour and salt. Stir. Add the coconut, chopped pecans, and cranberries. Stir well.

Add in the cinnamon, vanilla, and stir.

Last put in the baking powder and stir well.


Using the ice cream scoop, scoop the mix into the silicone liners in the muffin tin. Bake for 30 - 35 min, until tops are golden.

Serve Warm.




Brain Fog Sugar Scrub

Mornings got you down, literally? Treat Yo Self Thursday has something for you.

Mornings are hard for everyone it seems. Even I have issues when I've been in pain several days.  My nighttime affirmations don't really do it for me.

After I'm done with my miracle morning, I usually eat and shower.
I came up with this body scrub recipe to get you going in the morning.  Sort of a pep up based off of my Brain Fog Blend. I can't wait to use it tomorrow because let's be honest, I've really been phoning it in this week...

Ingredients:

1/2 c of zero smell coconut oil (Tip: you can use your digital scale and scoop the coconut oil into the jar - 108 grams of coconut oil is 1/2 c)

I say this because some coconut oils actually retain the smell of coconuts.  Kirkland's, Costco's house brand, smells like coconut.  You want a coconut oil that has zero smell in order for this to work.

1/2 c of white sugar

Peppermint, Lemon, Rosemary, and Frankincense Essential Oils.

Supplies:
Wide Mouth Jar with Rubber Sealed Lid
Spoon
Measuring Cups

Process:

Pour a 1/2 cup of sugar into the wide mouth jar.  Add the coconut oil and stir until combined.

Add:

24 Drops of Peppermint
15 Drops of Lemon
9 Drops of Rosemary
9 Dops of Frankincense

Stir well. Put a lid with a rubber seal on the jar. Keep it buy the sink or in your shower.



3 Pain Flare Workouts

I hate pain flares.  I've been in one that has lasted almost a week now.  First, it was my back getting out of alignment, then the muscle spasms started, then I can't move, bend, stand, sit, or even ride in a car without the jostling becoming extremely painful.

Then the fact that during the pain flare I stop working out and have to start from scratch again when it is over is such a setback.

I've learned to at least do a few things during my pain flares to keep my strength up.

This is a relatively easy pose that keeps your body strong without increasing pain.


Virabhadrasana II or Warrior II

This is a deep hip-opening pose that strengthens the muscles in the thighs and buttocks. It tones the abdomen, ankles, and arches of the feet. This pose also opens the chest and shoulders, improving breathing capacity and increasing circulation throughout the body. It is also known to be therapeutic for flat feet, sciatica, infertility, and osteoporosis.

Do not practice Warrior II if you have a recent hip, knee, or shoulder injury, or if you are experiencing diarrhea or high blood pressure.

Begin in Mountain Pose (Tadasana), standing with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms at your sides. Inhale.

Exhale as you step your feet wide apart, about 4 to 5 feet. Check to ensure that your heels are aligned with each other.

Turn your right foot out 90 degrees, line your heel up with your instep.

Pivot your left foot slightly inwards. Your back toes should be at a 45-degree angle. Lift through the arches of your feet, while rooting down through your heels.

Raise your arms to the side to shoulder height, so they’re parallel to the floor. Your arms should be aligned directly over your legs. Flip your hands up to the ceiling to lower your shoulders then turn your palms facing down, reach actively from fingertip to fingertip.

On an exhalation, bend your front knee. Align your knee directly over the ankle of your front foot. Your front shin should be 90 to the floor. Sink your hips low, eventually bringing your front thigh parallel to the floor.

Make sure your front shin stays vertical by keeping your leg directly above your foot. Widen your stance as needed to make sure that your knee does not move forward past your ankle. Press down through the outer edge of your back foot, and keep your back leg straight.

Keep your torso perpendicular to the floor, with your head directly over your tailbone. Do not lean towards your front leg. Turn your head to gaze out across your hand.

Broaden across your collarbones and lengthen the space between your shoulder blades. Engage your triceps. Drop your shoulders and lift your chest.

Draw your belly up to your rib cage. Keep your torso open, not turned toward the front leg.

Hold for up to 10 - 30 seconds depending on the pain flare.

Turn to the opposite side, reversing the position of your feet, and repeat for the same length of time on the opposite side.

Modifications & Variations

If your hips are very tight, shorten your stance and straighten your front leg to a degree that is comfortable as you work on gaining flexibility.

Place your hands on your hips if you have a shoulder injury or if you are still building upper body strength.
Modified Plank

From a prone position, or table, place the heels on the wall and tuck your toes on the floor. Spread your fingers and press down through your forearms and hands. Do not let your chest collapse.

Exhale.

Lengthen the back of your neck and drawing your abdominal muscles up towards your ribcage.

Inhale, and lift the body into plank. Focus on extending the entire body through the heel bone pressed into the wall.

Keep your thighs lifted and take care not to let your hips sink too low. If your butt sticks up in the air, realign your body so your shoulders are directly above your wrists. Draw your inner thighs in and up toward the ceiling.

Broaden across your shoulder blades and across your collarbones.

Press down through the bases of your index finger knuckle — do not let your hands roll open toward the pinkie fingers.

Pull up from the base of your pelvis while lengthening your tailbone toward your heels.

Hold the pose while breathing smoothly for 10 - 30 seconds. To release, slowly lower onto your knees, then press back into Child’s Pose and rest.

Modifications & Variations

If your arms or abdominals are not yet strong enough to support your full body weight, you can lower your knees to the floor (this is called Half Plank Pose). Be sure to keep your head and spine in a straight line.

If your wrists get sore, roll the top edge of your mat a few times. Place the base of the palms of your hands on the rolled portion of the mat, with your fingers gently curling. Press down through the base of your index fingers.


Walking

Go for a short walk. If you can't get outside set a kitchen timer for 3 - 5 minutes and walk loops around your house.

3 Ways to Simplify Your Pantry

I've been really getting into the KonMari method this past year and I have even applied it to my eating.

I have simplified and cleaned out my pantry according to Paleo and Whole30 eating. If it's not paleo it doesn't belong in my pantry. I've spoken about decision fatigue when talking about my capsule wardrobe and menu planning.

Decision fatigue is why ordinary people get angry at seemingly nothing, impulse buy, get off their diets, and can't say no.

Making decision after decision pays a price. It's not ordinary physical fatigue, in fact, you are not aware of being tired, but your mental energy is depleted.

The more choices you make during the day, from what to wear in the morning, coffee or tea during your break, to what time you should leave work all lead up to dialing for the pizza takeout when you get home.

At the end of the day, your brain looks for the quickest way out of making a decision. This is where rash actions come in, or worse, sitting on the couch and doing nothing.

A few weeks ago we simplified our closet and last week we simplified meal planning. This week lets work on the pantry.

Avoid decision fatigue and keep your pantry simple, this way when you go into the pantry for a snack, any decision you make will be a good one.

1. Check Sweeteners

Toss any item that has added sugars, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and any other word for sugar.

Great alternatives to candy bars - Larabars
Great alternatives to sweeteners - maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar

I'm not a big fan of stevia, it has been linked to infertility.

Check out this post for all the words that are sugars.

2. Trans Fat

Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated Oils. These type of oils are life enders. They cause heart disease and cancer. Don't eat them.

Most potato chips are also fried in trans fat oils.

Healthier options to try - Jackson's Honest Potato Chips
Siete Foods Casava Flour Chips instead of Tortilla Chips
3. Chemicals

Lookout for preservatives Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Benzoate. Benzene is a known carcinogen that is also linked to serious thyroid damage.

Sodium Nitrates and Sodium Nitrites preservatives are found in processed meats like bacon, lunch meat, and hot dogs. They're some of the worst offenders, and they're believed to cause colon cancer and metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes.

The artificial colors blue 1 and 2, green 3, red 3, and yellow 6 have been linked to thyroid, adrenal, bladder, kidney, and brain cancers. Always seek out foods with the fewest artificial chemicals, especially when shopping for your kids. Look for color-free medications and natural food products that don't contain artificial colors like these.

MSG, monosodium glutamate is a processed flavor enhancer. While glutamates are present in some natural foods, such as meat and cheese, the ones exploited by the processed-foods industry are separated from their host proteins through hydrolysis. High levels of free glutamates have been shown to seriously screw with brain chemistry.
After you pick over the ingredient lists of your pantry items. Find healthier replacements for some of your junk foods. If you make your new healthier options your go-tos then it will be easier to avoid falling into that reckless trap of whatever is easiest.

9 Essential Oil Blends for Hormone Balance

Weeks ago I started talking about the side effects of chronic painHormone imbalance is one of those side effects.  Last week I mentioned 6 Ways to Balance Your Hormones.  This week I want to get farther into the topic with some essential oil blend that will help lessen the symptoms of Hormone Imbalance. 

1. Emotional Pain
8 Drops of Lavender 
6 Drops of Majoram
3 Drops of Spearmint 
2 Drops of Peppermint 

2. Lymphatic System
3    Drops Cypress
2    Drops Grapefruit 
1    Drop Wild Orange

3. Hair Loss - add to shampoo 
10  Drops Lavender
2    Drops Clary Sage
5    Drops Cedarwood for Dry Scalp
Or
5    Drops Peppermint for Oily Scalp

4. Female Hormone Balance
16  Drops Clary Sage
10  Drops Fennel
5    Drops Geranium
5    Drops Peppermint 

5. Stress Blend
3    Drops Lavender 
2    Drops Roman Chamomile 
1    Drops Cedarwood

6. Fatigue 
10  Drops Peppermint 
8    Drops Lemongrass 
5    Drops Lemon
2    Drops Rosemary 
1    Drops Cypress 

7. Insomnia 
10   Drops Lavender
8     Drops Valerian 
3     Drops Cederwood
3     Drops Roman Chamomile 

8. Depression 
12  Drops Lavender
10  Drops Roman Chamomile 
8    Drops Jasmine
5    Drops Frankincense 
3    Drops Ylang Ylang 

9. Brain Fog
8   Drops Peppermint 
5   Drops Lemon
3   Drops Rosemary 
3   Drops Frankincense