Household Cleaning... which products to use.

It can be difficult finding a cleaning product that works well and doesn't affect your health adversely. I personally use microfiber cloths with water to clean the surfaces in my home. You can purchase different cloths that are designed to clean varied textures. I even have one that works great on a barbecue grill as well as the grout in the shower using only tap water. I purchased my cloths from a company called ENJO (www.ameri-eco.com). There's a financial investment involved if you choose to go this route. However, the cloths last a lifetime if treated correctly and I live guilt free in regard to putting chemicals back in to our water supply.

Before purchasing my fiber cloths, I used a product called PH 12.6 made from 100% electrolysis alkaline ion water. I found it worked perfectly on windows and did wonders with acidic based stains. Such as wine, food, and dirt. I especially loved how easily it would bring up carpet or upholstery stains. However, it wouldn't touch the cleaning in my bathtub or shower since most soaps are alkaline based. This is actually what led me to ENJO.

Paul brought an all purpose household cleaner in to the office recently that tests well for him and his wife, Cheryl. The product is Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps (18-in-1 Hemp Almond Pure-Castile Soap made with organic oils). They both like the results they get using this cleaner. I have a sample in my office. If you'd like to be tested on it. Ask Ila at the front desk, and we'll be sure to have it in your room for your appointment.

Other products that have tested well for people are made by ECOVER or Seventh Generation. Many people use these for their dishwashing, laundry and household cleaning products. I know I say this often but you do need to be tested prior to using any of these products. Also, be sure they are unscented. There are very few scents that work well with everyone.

I have also found that white distilled vinegar, baking soda and a little kosher salt can go a long way at cleaning most surfaces.

The key is finding the product that works best for you. I have found it's quite the journey and I will probably be growing and learning in this area of my life for years to come. If any of you have suggestions or specific questions, please e-mail them to me.

Take care ~ Beth

Bus directions from Portland to the clinic

Take the Max to the Delta Park Exit. Get on to the #4/Fourth Plain Bus. Stay on the #4 until you get out of Downtown Vancouver and get off on 15th or the following stop. Wait for the #37 Highway 99 or the #32 Hazel Dell Ave. Take either of these lines to the stop at 37th and Main. Our clinic (one level red brick and white bldg.) is on the opposite corner and our door faces 37th.

If you need any further help, give us a call at (360)750-7375.

Take care ~ Beth

Hair care

I personally like to use products with as few ingredients as possible. Not only is it better for my body but gives me a clear conscience in regard to its effect on the environment.

My hair care regime is simple and easy. I use Tropical Traditions coconut bar soap as a shampoo(the liquid pump soap is a great body wash in the shower but I find it doesn't work well on my hair). After rinsing out the coconut soap, I prepare my conditioner.

I use an empty bottle with a lid (i.e. an old shampoo or conditioner bottle) and squirt about 2 tablespoons of Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Lotion and about 1/2 tablespoon white distilled vinegar in to the bottle and cap it (if you mix white distilled vinegar with an oil, it makes the oil/lotion water soluble). After capping the bottle, I shake and mix. The mixture will become quite thin. I squirt the conditioner directly on to my hair, work in and rinse it out.

This is what I do on a daily basis for my hair. However, I do shampoo once every couple weeks with a Jason's unscented shampoo if I notice any build up occurring. I test well for Jason's unscented shampoo but only use it occasionally since it doesn't pass my personal test of only using a product that I can eat.

I get so many questions about hair care. I hope this helps you in some way.

Take care ~ Beth

Deodorant substitute

Once again, my rule for deodorants is the same as any other product. I only use something on my skin that I'm able to consume. So, with that said, here's my personal hygiene care for deodorant.

After showering, I apply white distilled vinegar with a cotton ball to my armpits. When the vinegar dries, I apply a nickel size amount of certified organic coconut oil. I usually wait about 10 minutes before getting dressed to assure the oil absorbs in to my skin and not my clothing.

I find it useful to carry a small container of white distilled vinegar, cotton balls, and a small amount of coconut oil with me. If I need to freshen up, it's easy to do this way.

Certified organic coconut oil contains natural anti fungal and bacterial properties. This is the reason it works so well to fight against odors.

Take care and be well ~ Beth

Oils... which to use

A general rule I have for myself when it comes to oils is that I only consume high quality organic oils made from foods I can eat. It’s also important to understand which oils can be used in high heat and which ones don’t stand up to higher temperatures.

The following oils are the only ones I have and use in my home:

• Peanut Oil: high heat cooking
• Certified Organic Coconut Oil: high heat cooking
• Virgin Cold-Pressed Olive Oil: medium to low heat cooking
• Butter: medium to low heat cooking
• Sesame Oil: do not use for cooking, but drizzle on vegetables/food

Take care and be well ~ Beth

Ila

Hello--I'm Ila and I'd like to welcome you to our blog. I work the front desk at AcuNatural Family Healthcare and I'm usually the first person you see when you come in. I also answer the telephone's and do most of the scheduling.

I enjoy meeting and talking with people, whether in person or electronically, so let's get together and form a new friendship.

If there is any question or concern I may be able to help you with please email me at ila@acunatural.com. I will do my best to be as informative as possible.

Thank you and have a fantastic day.

Ila

Cookbooks

If you’re looking for an excellent resource for recipes and healthy living, ‘Nourishing Traditions’ by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, PhD is a must in any kitchen. Her approach to nutrition is unique and geared toward providing high quality nourishing foods. You will find reading her cookbook is as educational as helpful in the kitchen.

For a grain free cookbook that teaches you how to make pizza crust, breads, muffins, etc., I highly recommend one or both of the ‘Grain Free Gourmet’ cookbooks by Jenny Lass and Jodi Bager. They have many recipes that use nut flours and eggs to create replacements for grain based products. This book uses a lot of eggs in the recipes. If you have egg sensitivities, this is not the cookbook for you.

As with all recipes, be sure to replace any sweeteners with Stevia and make sure the recipe does not contain any of your individual food sensitivities.

Take care ~ Beth

Skin Care/Mineral Make Up

I have a rule for my skin. I never put any thing on my skin that I wouldn't consume. My daily skin routine is simple and easy. I use certified organic coconut oil for skin moisturizing, removal of make up, and night time moisturizing. The coconut bar soap or liquid coconut soap are what I use at night and in the morning to cleanse my face. I follow this with a light amount of coconut oil for a moisturizer before applying any mineral make up.

I get my mineral make up from Alima. Their web address is alimapure.com. Alima is a locally owned business out of Portland. The products can be found in various stores; and if you go on to their web page, they have store locations listed. I choose to order my products online and have them delivered to my door.

I have brought in some samples of Alima mineral make up in to the office. If you would like to be tested on it, please ask Ila prior to your appointment. She will have the samples placed in the room with your file.

Be well ~ Beth

Stevia

Hi Everyone ~

Ila and I will be using this blog to answer your questions. We're excited about our new website and the flexibility we'll have in getting more information out to all of you.

People ask me about Stevia often. I personally prefer the pure green leaf organic Stevia for flavor purposes. However, it doesn't dissolve in to liquids well. Stevia that is made from a tincture and is white will dissolve in to liquids better. If you get the white Stevia in packets, be sure to check the anti-clumping agent. The only one we recommend is inulin. Inulin is a vegetable based fiber and most people do well with it. Be sure to check the label for ingredients. Your Stevia should not contain anything besides Stevia and inulin.

If any of you have questions you'd like addressed on this blog, e-mail either myself (beth@acunatural.com) or Ila (ila@acunatural.com).

Thank you and take care ~ Beth