The moment you are given an incurable diagnosis your journey of self-preservation begins. And if my illness has taught me anything it is this: we (humans) need to stop dumping, spraying, coating and inserting contagions into everything we eat, drink, wear, work and live! Now, more than any other time in history, has the human body been bombarded with so many toxins. Is it any wonder cancer and other autoimmune diseases are on the rise regardless of medical advances?
As a health warrior in pursuit of longevity, vitality and well-being, I am constantly on the look out for products that will refrain from adding to the toxic load already coursing through my veins (let’s be real, you don’t get a diagnosis of impending doom if your immune system isn’t compromised). And considering I am a woman (hear me roar), I am regularly bombarded with unpronounceable ingredients in my attempt at preserving youth and attaining beauty.
So when a health tragedy strikes, all those aches and pains and discomforts you already have don’t just disappear. All the desires you have for your health and goals for your own vanity don’t vanish because of a diagnosis. What was bothering you before will continue to bother you after that dreadful doctor’s visit! For me, it was imperative I found natural health hacks without the added poison, to help get me through my day.
Here then are 5 natural health hacks for the toxic patient:
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a topical astringent made from the North American Witch Hazel shrub and has been soothing skin ailments since the dawn of mankind. From insect bites, eczema to acne, Witch Hazel cleans impurities from the skin and alleviates inflammation and redness.
But did you also know that Witch Hazel performs just as good and maybe better than pharmaceutical anti-hemorrhoid medicine? A cotton compress soaked in the tonic and applied to the area will quickly and almost immediately begin to relieve pain, swelling and itchiness. Goodbye swollen “plum” bum!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the duct tape of the health hack world!!! It is versatile, hard-working and like the tape – it is used for the most bizarre reasons. We’ve all heard about oil pulling to whiten your teeth, coconut oils health benefits because of its good fats and are even aware it is used as an alternative Eco fabric softener.
My personal favourite use of coconut oil though is that of skin moisturizer. Although it’s an oil and inherently greasy to the touch, it doesn’t actually leave your skin greasy at all. It traps moisture into your skin when used after bathing and leaves it oh so soft and will not stain your clothes!!! The best part about coconut oil is that the smell conjures up visions of piña coladas and white sandy beaches. “Hola!”
Probiotics
We’ve all heard those commercials promoting yogurt as an end all and be all to stomach health. Some yogurt contain live probiotics which rebuild the proper gut flora restoring balance to your digestive track (you can also purchase as a supplement without dairy)! A great thing to heal since your immune system starts in your stomach!
But the benefits of friendly organisms are not limited to a healthy, happy gut. Probiotics can also cure chronic bad breath! Dirty teeth or rank food are not always the bane of bad breath. Sometimes all a stinky talker needs is some good ol’ tummy bacteria!
Clay Powder
Ask any woman and I bet the majority will say they have tried a clay mask at least once in their life. In our ever attempt at removing oil/dirt from pores, shrinking pores, tightening pores (apparently we’re hung up on pores), clay has served as a detox for centuries. And just to be clear, externally clay really doesn’t “detox” us other than to sooth, exfoliate and clean our skin.
And as good as clay is at refreshing the ol’ epidermis, clay is high in minerals including calcium which is excellent at whitening teeth. Mix equal parts powder clay with baking soda and not only will you be flashing pearly whites in record time, but just like our probiotics above, your breath will be better! 🙂
Nizoral Shampoo
Ok I know this isn’t a “natural” product, but considering some of the prescribed alternatives, Nizoral is pretty tame. This anti-fungal shampoo helps to relieve and at times eliminate dandruff and psoriasis, along with their itchy, flaky symptoms. Although intended solely for it, relief is not limited to your scalp because this shampoo works on all sorts fungus, including those that develop on your skin anywhere on your body.
Apply Nizoral to the affected area, lather and leave on for 3 – 5 minutes and thoroughly rinse. A cheap hack that may heal the rash and doesn’t require a visit to the doctor’s office!
And of course should you have any lingering symptoms of any kind, a doctor’s visit is what is needed not a health hack! Stay healthy!
~ True North Nomad
Have any natural health hacks you want to share? Tell us in the comments below.
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I had no idea how amazing witch hazel was! Thank you!!
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This is very informative, filled with great advice! I love lavender essential oil for its multiple uses! I’ve suffered with migraines for years, meaning I’m always having to take tablets which I hate doing. I found rubbing lavender oil along my temples and my eyelids really helped relieve the pain. Great blog by the way! 💜
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Reblogged this on .
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Wow that’s a useful post. Have you ever ventured near the Epsom salts liver cleans?
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I have never taken Epsom salts internally but I do bath with them to try to detox through my skin. I’m curious how effective they are for a liver cleanse.
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Hiya Lily > yes I did it a few years ago back in the UK. I also know a few people who have also done it. Its weird as you can feel the stones moving out of your liver and kidneys. It was a first and only time that I’ve ever felt that part of my body moving. Its the most effective cleans there is. Massive! If you want any more details?Just drop by any time mate.
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I recently read about the benefits of holy basil. It is very popular in India. Having the plant around is beneficial evidently and also drinking the tea. I take it in capsule form. Good for stress relief and also to help with cravings from nicotene.
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I’ve never heard about it – Thanks so much for sharing!
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glad to 🙂
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Wonderful tips, thanks for posting. 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by – Take care!
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Great tips!
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Thank you – and thanks for dropping by!
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I have recently started using several tinctures: clove, nutmeg, etc. They are amazing, i’ll have to give coconut oil a try!
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What do you use the clove and nutmeg for if I may ask?
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the clove acts as an expectorant, and also has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties…the nutmeg helps with pain, and sleep. It has a pretty strong sedative effect.
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Wow I had no idea. Thanks for sharing!
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oh ya! So, just google the effects of essential oils/tinctures: ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, lemongrass, and all mints…it has allowed me to remove several over the counter meds that didn’t really work very well. And get some benefits I had no clue about.
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I’ll check them out!
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Love your blog 🙂 nominated you for the blogger recognition award if you fancy it 🙂 🙂 http://lottieflint.com/2017/03/03/blogger-recognition-award-i-started-blog-ive-learned/
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Thank you so much – I very much appreciate it!! I happen to be very fond of your blog as well… we’re kindred Nikon spirits! 😉 Take care my friend.
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Thankyou so much! 🙂 haha! aw yes! Nikon love ❤
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Such an awesome post because I swear by coconut oil. I haven’t tried the other products but my whole house is all natural, chemical free so I’m always looking for new remedies. Thanks for sharing!
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You probably have a ton to share as well! HOpe you can use some of these tips. Take care and thanks for dropping by!
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This is awesome!!! I’ll have to try these out, some of them I haven’t even heard of!
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Try them out and let us know how they work for you. Thanks for dropping by!
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Hi there, just wanted to stop again to see if I missed something new and to let you know that I nominated you for an award. I’m always such a fan of your words, it was easy that your name crossed my mind. Please don’t feel obligated and ignore it if this strays in any way from your mission on here. Just couldn’t pass without honoring your work whether you participate or not. Xoxoxoxo
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Hello. I’ve been travelling so I haven’t been around lately but will post soon. Thank you so much for your kind words and nomination – I’m very flattered!! Xoxox
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Very well deserved. Hope your travel was filled with pleasure and fun. Xoxo
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Awesome info, thank you for sharing. Luckily I’m on to most of the items already but didn’t know some hacks and will definitely give them a try. Thank you Lily, you are amazing.
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Take care my friend and thanks for dropping by!!!
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Sadly my skin doesn’t love witch hazel (or maybe witchhazel doesn’t love my skin!!!) But I am already a convert to coconut oil and all it’s amazing benefits. I need to try the others too. Thanks for this great post 😊
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I hope you can find something you can use in the article! Take care and thanks for stopping by.
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You’re welcome! And you take care too 😊
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omg; who knew !
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now you do 😉 Take care!
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I use herbal teas for everything and also some specific herbal tinctures for specific conditions, when I need more energy, etc. https://inesepogalifeschool.com/
Just writing a post how clinical research (some 12 trials) shows we don’t need any supplements or vitamins if we are eating normal and nutritious food.
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Thanks for sharing the link – very interesting. I’m looking forward to your post because you always hear how you can’t get enough nutrition in food alone. Thanks for stopping by!
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I use Turmeric too. Ginger helps to keep our body fit too and for people with Arthritis of any kind, it helps against the pain and swellings and have lots of good nutrients.
I use products from Sante to my hair, buy this in health shops. Other natural products, I buy from TheBodyShop.com and I love, that they don’t use animal testing in any way to create their products.
Green Tea is also good with a slice of lemon inside. The lemon has a history to tell, for all the good it helps for.
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I too love ginger and green tea! I have never used the products from the body shop but I heard they were all natural. I guess I’ll have to wander on over and have a look at their products. Thanks for sharing!
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My daughter taught me about these natural products many years ago and I really like their products. It is also possible to buy them online, when you have found out, which you really like.
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online is probably cheaper too!
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I think, that the prices are around the same, but more easy, if we live far away from a shop.
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Turmeric. The yellow spice powder. Known for its anti-cancer properties but I use it for any cuts and scrapes allows carrying some long motorbike/camping trips. Stops infection in its tracks, though you do stain yellow, so you might not want to use it certain places. Cheap and because it dries a wound scabbing and healing occur faster than with ‘wet’ antiseptic creams.
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I knew about Turmeric’s anti-cancer effects but didn’t know the rest. Thank you for sharing!!
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