Teething Nummy
It's hard to go about life and manage a home when you have a miserable teething baby. Yep that was me a couple of days ago. Little Zoey was anything but easy to comfort. I had nothing to give her. I thought about the oils but in all honesty I thought they would be too strong or hot for her......And yes when you are lacking sleep and your brain is fuzzy you forget about things like dilution and coconut oil to make things more palatable for little ones.
So on day three of all the fuzzy, miserable teething, craziness, it dawned on me that I should make my own teething nummy. ( I call it "teething nummy" because I can't think of anything else to call it, and plus I like it!) First I have to back track. I was desperate to relieve her and I of all this stress brought on by her toofers that I took some peppermint oil and put one drop on my finger and then rubbed it on her gums....
Her first reaction was a little worrisome because when I first applied it she breathed in and sucked in the menthol and it slightly took her breath away. So after her being surprised and a little upset there was complete silence not because she was knocked unconscious by the menthol, but because it relieved her from the pain. Now I must tell you that it was amazing because for 3 whole days she would not sleep unless she was in my arms and for the first time she was sleeping like a , you guessed it...She was sleeping like a baby!
Well now I knew I was onto something and I knew I must do this again, but not straight peppermint oil. Ya' all are probably thinking what a knuckle head I was to do that....But I was desperate!!! *Smile* And it worked so quit judging! And it's better than the chemical laden OTC stuff!
Any way So I figured out that I needed to dilute it (this was after the fog started to clear from my no sleep fuzzy brain) I was thinking Coconut oil, but what to put with it? My niece came over and mentioned she saw something on one of the bogs she follows so I looked it up. And this lady used coco butter and clove oil. Well you know I have to be different! I'm not really normal that way....They use to call it rebellion when I was growing up. Now at 42 I wouldn't call it rebellion, I just like to be abnormal. Cookie cutters that are all the same really bother me. I like variety. Change is good!...ANYWAY..........
Here is my abnormal version of my very own Teething Nummy:
1/4 Cup Coconut oil
1/4 Cup Coco Butter (Food Grade)
12 drops Clove oil
12 drops Peppermint oil
Put the Coconut oil and the coco Butter in a small sauce pan over low heat until melted. Take off the burner and add your oils. Gently stir and pour into a jar. Put it in your fridge and it will set up. After it has set up completely, pull it out of the fridge and it will turn into a cream like substance. The smell is AMAZING! Smells like a Peppermint Patty and really there is no taste to it! Perfectly, Naturally, Abnormally, Delightful!
Home Made Vapor Rub
For those coughs that won't quiet and those airways that won't open up..... If your like me you have probably been reading labels.......Way toooo many labels! You might want to try your hand at making your own vapor rub.
This stuff works great! I am a believer in essential oils. BUT not just any oil. I get my oils from Young Living. They are the only ones I trust to be pure.
For this Rub you will need:
2 parts coconut oil
1 part beeswax
I used RC essential oil or Raven. You will want a generous amount of oil say 10 to 15 drops. In one batch I used both essential oils. You could also use Eucalyptus.
RC and Raven are oil blends. They both have Eucalyptus and Peppermint in them but after that they differ in their blend.
This is so simple! All you do is melt your coconut oil and beeswax together and then add your oils. Pour into your tins. they will set up with in 15 to 20 minutes. If your mixture is too hard or too soft you can remelt and add more coconut oil and or beeswax. The same goes for the essential oils. If you feel it's not strong enough, just remelt and add some more. That's it! Your very own vapor rub. I must say that it works better than the old familiar family friend we all grew up with and it's so much safer and healthier for you. The essential oils will actually heal you where the other brand only provides short term relief, covers up the symptoms and will not cure you.
I got excited and made a little too much! *Smile* But on the bright side, at least I'll be prepared!
Home Made Bottom Paste
For this ointment you will need:
1/8 cup of Beeswax (I used the little beads but you don't have to)
2/3 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 Tb of Zinc oxide (if you want more of a paste double your Zinc)
4 drops of Lavender oil
Why Zinc oxide?
1. It has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
2. Zinc is a trace mineral that stimulates your immune system.
3. It helps to coat and protect your skin. It forms a barrier against wetness and helps to keep your baby's skin dry.
The coconut oil has it's own antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well. It's great for your skin!
The Beeswax is your binder that combines the zinc and oil together and it has been said that this will not ruin your cloth diapers as long as you put a disposable liner down, if those are what your using for your Little Bundle O' Happiness.
The lavender oil is gentle for baby's skin and is a disinfectant and antibacterial oil. This oil is amazing! Heals burns quickly! Better than anything I've seen! Helps to aid in sleep. Oh the list goes on. I do have to tell you that if you are going to use essential oils PLEASE use a reputable company that uses proven, pure essential oils. Do Your Research!
Directions to make your ointment:
Take your Beeswax and Coconut oil and melt them together in a small sauce pan on low heat. It doesn't take long. When it has completely melted add your Zinc and mix well. You don't want any lumps. Then add your Lavender and stir until blended. Put it in your little containers and there you have it. It's chemical free and good for baby's skin. Your skin is your biggest organ so what you put on it, it drinks right up!
Note: You will want to clean your pot and what ever utensils you have used, immediately for easier clean up!
I have been using this ointment for a couple of weeks now and I am really impressed! I made some that is like paste and some like cream. I love it and so does Zoey! It doesn't burn her skin when she has a rash, so there is no crying when applying! It actually heals the rash in minutes!
Now go and try something All Natur'al! Your body and your baby will thank you for it!
