Friday, June 26, 2009

Wool and Fevers




Like shorts and a tank top in the snow in June-who would think wool would keep you cool!
Yet again I am in awe of the amazing healing properties of wool. As a temperature regulator, wool acts by pulling heat away from the body when too much is radiating as well as insulating if the body is drawing heat in.


In terms of fevers wool couldn't be better to keep a temperture in check. My little one just went through a high fever of 101-103+ for 3 days. Temperatures were peaking at night as the fever worked it's healing magic. We left him undressed* at night laying on his wool pad and covered him with his wool blanket. His radiating body was kept comfortable with the wool pulling heat away from his body and keeping him drytoo.
Body temperture for youngsters needs to be monitored to minimize seizures during fevers. Wool or Hemp are ideal choices for temperture regulation and healing properties. Polyester and other synthetic fibers do not breathe and quickly overheat your body. During the daytime-merino wool, hemp and cotton clothes are a must if sick or otherwise.


We also sleep on wool beds and wool pillows. Our wool beds and pillows only require some sun and air to freshen up and sanitize. Wool does not harbor dust-mites and is naturally anti-bacterial. Both beds will likely last 50+ years without showy the slightest bit of lumpiness. The cost is substantially higher up front-but you can imagine the savings over a lifetime. Plus no old mattresses filling up the landfills. Both beds come from Northern California Sheep Farmers.


Considering the amount of time one spends in slumber-bedding should be non toxic, breathable, temperature regulating and healing. The majority of mattresses are treated with fire retardent and off gass tremendously. Both can lead to acute and chronic illness. I haven't been sick once in the 3 years we've had our bed. This is in combination of eating only fresh organic veggies, fruit and grains-and virtually no packaged foods.


*On another note. Our little one has been diaper-free since nine months including at night. I encourage establishing elimination communication with your baby as early as possible. It really provides substantial freedom in terms of laundry-traveling and daily living as well as understanding yet another of your childs basic needs. (There is a previous post on how to go about this process)

For the occassional miss in the evening we use an organic wool puddle pad. The moisture is quickly wicked from his body and absorbed into the fibers without leaking through to the mattress. Some puddle pads out there are quite toxic so do some research. They are breathing in close contact with their bedding so even a wool barrier would be beneficial. Try some diaper free nights on wool-and relish in how comfortable your baby feels.

If your child wears diapers-organic hemp or cotton are the most breathable and should be worn without a cover especially in the evenings. Dark, wet environments harbor bacteria, yeast and are definetly uncomfortable especially if they don't breathe.


During the warmer months babies love fresh air blowing on their bare skin. Leave them undressed and let them enjoy the summer air, for at least part of the day, if not all day. Fresh Air and Sunshine are healers of diaper rash, fussiness and foster giggles and calm in children of all ages..They'll spend the majority of their lives clothed-let them live a little now.
To receive an extra 10% off and free shipping on your next wool puddle pad order-just mention "Wooly Worms are Winter Weather Predicters" during check out.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Arnica Salve your Herbal Sidekick



Well Spring is finally in the mix here in Montana and the flowers are popping. One of my favorites is Arnica montana. A beautiful yellow flower full of medicinal properties. Primarily used for sore muscles, bruises and broken bones-topically it is a strong medicinal herb.


The medicinal constituents consist of


sesquiterpene lactones of the helenanolid type mostly ester derivatives of helenalin and 11,13-dihydrohelenalin


flavonoids -isoquercitrin, luteolin-7-glucoside, and astragalin


volatile oil with thymol and its derivatives,


phenol carbonic acid chlorogenic acid, cynarin, caffeic acid


coumarins umbelliferone, scopoletin




The extraction can be completed with and organic oil like olive-safflower or hemp or by tincturing with 100 proof alcohol.


The oil extraction can be rapid by simmering the fresh flower in oil for a few hours-watch that it doesn't boil. You can also pull the properties by allowing the arnica to sit in a mason jar of organic oil for a few months before using.


A little beeswax is then added to the oil to make a salve.


The alchohol tincture can infuse for several months or longer then added to aloe vera gel or foot and hand baths.


The fresh flower is best collected on a cool dry morning when the flowers have just popped. You'll want to fill your jar full of flower heads then top with oil. Shake daily for the first week, then allow to sit for at least a month.


Great for bumps and brusies and overworked muscles. If you'd like your own travel tube of arnica-for backpacking trips or quick use at home, during travels or for your little one(crawling and walking is hard work!)-I have a fresh batch up for grabs.
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