Colorful face masks from my Zazzle shop - stay safe everybody xo
Natural Health & Wellness
As you know, I promote natural wellness because of my own experiences with chronic health issues, and out of love and concern for the environment and all the creatures that we share this world with. After 10 years of promoting this approach to kinder, healthier living it feels redundant to talk about why... it seems so obvious. If every choice we make as consumers can make a positive difference in our own health and that of the world around us, why would we choose otherwise? Economically, natural health and beauty products have become increasingly competitive with the mainstream (especially when compared to big brand names), and long-term you are probably saving money by keeping yourself well. Read on to discover some of my top recommended cruelty-free products and explore a variety of alternative health and wellness strategies available to Canadians.
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Manuka honey and Oregano Oil to use at home, or take with you for defense against bacterial infections.
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Fighting cold & flu:
Oregano oil: fights fungal and bacterial infections Manuka honey: antibacterial when UMF10+ Zinc lozenges: may help counteract the cold virus (rhinovirus) - this was doctor recommended to me personally Bone broth: contains minerals and has anti-inflammatory properties (for vegetarians: make yourself a broth from rich, anti-inflammatory veggies instead Elderberry: anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties, helps with cold, flu and sinus infection - I have found this helpful after being exposed to people with bad colds (usually I catch everything!). Available in capsules, liquids or gummies. Medical experts are advising that you choose your strategy and stick with it! Choose whatever method works best for you, and do what you can to boost your immune system and stay strong against viruses. Read more on Dr. Axe's advice for cold & flu |
  Free range chicken bone broth powder.
These products are all available online for fast home delivery in Canada when you are feeling unwell. |
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Other natural products to help fight viruses recommended by The Medical Medium: Cat's Claw for Epstein Barr (also thought to help with joint pain) and L-Lysine for the herpes virus (cold sores). Please click on images to shop for these supplements online in Canada. He recommends liquid zinc sulfate as a "shock therapy" when you first detect signs of a cold or infection.
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Cold season tends to hit me pretty hard regardless of what else is going on... Follow me for links to bone broth and everything else you need to get healthy, plus lots of fun fashions, home decor and more to browse while you recupe :)
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Each of the products above have been recommended to me by doctors (the B Complex is a variation, but I would like to try this one as I know some forms of vitamin B need to be absorbed in the mouth rather than taken in pill form - plus when you are already taking a lot of pills, drops can be a nice alternative). Cold-Fx was recommended to me for chronic sinus infections - it is a ginseng extract, also available in a ginseng-echinacea-zinc combo. Vitamin D is essential for overall immune support, and is especially important in regions that are sunshine-deficient for large periods of time.
Women's Natural Health:
Following consultation with a Functional Medicine Practitioner several years ago, here are another four important natural products that were brought to my attention. DIM is derived from cruciferous vegetables and helps reduce breast pain and support healthy estrogen balance. Magnesium is an essential mineral that most of us are not getting enough of and crucial to all forms of health and wellness (the glycinate form is more easily absorbed than most others). Mannose Cranberry is used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections - my doctor described it as acting like velcro to pull e-coli out of the body! Please consult a medical professional regarding your own personal health issues, but know that many of the natural health products recommended are conveniently available online, at competitive costs.
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My consultation was prompted by more than 20 years of suffering with chronic pain, headaches, fatigue and digestive problems. I had to pay a lot of money to see a functional medicine doctor, which is one reason I have relied for so long on reading books and trying to figure things out on my own. However, going for a bunch of tests helped to narrow things down, and rule out other issues so that I can continue on my healing journey a bit better equipped.
Ubiquinol is a particular form of CoEnzyme Q10 (which lists migraine prevention among its benefits - not sure, but I'd say worth a try - Note: a nice doctor advised that I try CoEnzyme Q10 in combination with magnesium and riboflavin for migraine prevention the last time I picked up my migraine meds).
Brands of supplements that were specifically recommended by my functional medicine practitioner included Genestra and Pure Encapsulations for their product quality and purity - conveniently available online in Canada. However, I like to include a variety of brands that I also believe to be of high quality and value, for different budgets.
Ubiquinol is a particular form of CoEnzyme Q10 (which lists migraine prevention among its benefits - not sure, but I'd say worth a try - Note: a nice doctor advised that I try CoEnzyme Q10 in combination with magnesium and riboflavin for migraine prevention the last time I picked up my migraine meds).
Brands of supplements that were specifically recommended by my functional medicine practitioner included Genestra and Pure Encapsulations for their product quality and purity - conveniently available online in Canada. However, I like to include a variety of brands that I also believe to be of high quality and value, for different budgets.
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If you suspect that your health challenges are related to the aging process as a woman approaching menopause, this book came highly recommended by one of my best friends. At age 47, I finally purchased it the other day and I can see why: Before the Change offers insights and natural health recommendations you are not likely to find in conventional settings with advice on how to deal with a wide range of symptoms. Having personally been unable to resolve my issues with bloating in particular, for the past 3.5 years, I am grateful.
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Hypothyroidism - My thyroid function was found to be suboptimal. Some of the warning signs for this ailment include: dry skin; weight gain; persistent fatigue; skin that feels cool to the touch; brain fog; digestive issues. (A good resource to learn more is Dr. Axe.) Some natural remedies I am trying include:
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Also recommended:
B Vitamin complex Probiotic supplement Frankincense Essential Oil Iodine (from sea vegetables) Ashwagandha L-Tyrosine (Thyrosmart contains Ashwagandha, Iodine and L-Tyrosine) |
Adrenal Function - something I have been interested in for some time, Adrenal Fatigue has many similar symptoms to Hypothyroidism, resulting from prolonged stress in the body, including reduced libido; food cravings; fatigue; moodiness or depression.
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Adrenasmart contains: Rhodiola, Suma, Ashwagandha and Schisandra. These adaptogenic herbs are meant to help lower cortisol levels and help the body deal with stress.
Also recommended: B Vitamins Magnesium Vitamin D Selenium |
Natural Sinus Relief
  My top picks for sinus relief: I used the NeilMed bottle until I got brave enough to try a neti pot (other varieties available on UpayaNaturals). Nasol is a natural spray with capsaicin and is the most effective spray I have tried.
Below: I have finally gotten off of conventional allergy meds and can breathe at night thanks to Bell Allergy Relief.
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Natural Pain Relief:
  TENS MACHINE (TENS 7000) FOR PAIN RELIEF AND MUSCLE STIMULATION
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Sometimes the best home remedies are the simplest: have hot water bottles gone out of fashion? I don't think so! They can be harder to find than they used to be however, so I was pleased to see a variety here at well.ca - and if they come with a cozy cover, so much the better :)
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Tiger Balm has been a standard go-to in my family (many of us suffer from debilitating headaches) for decades. Because I like trying different products I sometimes forget about Tiger Balm for a time, but I always come back. This non-staining formula is an all-time favourite for my headaches and neck pain.
Zostrix: I like this one as well, as an ultra deep-heating cream with capsaicin, but follow directions carefully, the heat can be intense. |
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I recently purchased this massage seat cushion during an unmanageable bout of pain. Having not quite emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic and lacking health insurance since returning to self-employment, I believe this was a good investment for my health, and I can even share it with my housemates. I bought a similar item years ago and my roommate and I wore it out, so do follow instructions on proper use. I like this particular style because it offers both rolling and shiatsu massage along with settings for heat, height, and desired areas on the back (separate controls for upper, lower and neck).
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Digestive Distress
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Above: Betaine HCL (for use if you are not producing enough stomach acid to digest food properly); L-Glutamine to protect your intestinal walls; Enzyme Force - my favourite for general digestion
Dealing With Leaky Gut, food sensitivities & more...
As you may have noticed on my blog page, Leaky Gut Syndrome and immune system recovery are some of my latest health focuses. I have been a fan of the Body Ecology diet for a number of years now, but decided to branch out a bit. The more I read about digestive health the more I realize how absolutely critical it is to take care of your gut! It impacts everything from your immune system to your mental health, so if you know things are not working as they should, please do some reading or speak to a doctor to figure it out - I have found these diet programs a good place to start.
Please see my new Specialty Diet page for more in-depth info.
Dealing With Leaky Gut, food sensitivities & more...
As you may have noticed on my blog page, Leaky Gut Syndrome and immune system recovery are some of my latest health focuses. I have been a fan of the Body Ecology diet for a number of years now, but decided to branch out a bit. The more I read about digestive health the more I realize how absolutely critical it is to take care of your gut! It impacts everything from your immune system to your mental health, so if you know things are not working as they should, please do some reading or speak to a doctor to figure it out - I have found these diet programs a good place to start.
Please see my new Specialty Diet page for more in-depth info.
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Natural & Organic Beauty
Another essential element when dealing with chronic health issues is to remove toxins from your environment as much as possible. Eliminate unhealthy ingredients in your personal care products and cosmetics by using organic products - here are some health & beauty products to get you started! Please browse our other pages for home cleaning products, food & drink, as well as healthy stuff just for babies and moms :)
Cruelty-free perfume; organic tinted facial moisturizer; pure castille soap; natural bath products; herbal hair loss remedy - all Green & Natural :)
Above: a sample of environmentally friendly products and brands including Pacifica, Dr. Bronner's, Barefoot Venus (Canadian and check out their darling vintage packaging!), and New Nordic. Lots more in the Green & Natural category, including Aura Cacia, Dr. Hauschka, and Burt's Bees natural skin care and makeup - take a look! :)
New! For lots more in Canadian-made natural health & beauty products, please see our Made in Canada page!
New! For lots more in Canadian-made natural health & beauty products, please see our Made in Canada page!
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A wide range of natural anti-aging skin care, including day creams, night creams, eye serums, facial rollers - everything you need for your skin care regime, from the best natural and organic brands:
Andalou Naturals Dr. Hauschka Skin Essence Organics Kosmea Derma E Sibu Beauty Weleda Burt's Bees |
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Organic & Natural Cosmetics
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Everything you need for your eyes, lips and face, from best-selling natural & organic brands, including:
Pacifica Lily Lolo Pure Anada Mineral Fusion 100% Pure Dr. Haushka Burt's Bees Alima Pure Inika Benecos |
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Ilia Beauty - from Vancouver
Top Performer: Weleda
Above: one of the top-rated shampoo brands by ethicalconsumer.org available on well.ca is Weleda for their performance according to organic, cruelty-free and vegan measures. Having recently began paying more attention to the crises surrounding the use of palm oil, I am going to be spending more time investigating consumer reports and will share my findings here.
Below: just a small sample of natural & organic soaps - this selection is also Vegan :)
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Natural & Organic Shampoo and Conditioner: search a variety of categories including curl-enhancing;
moisturizing and colour care :)
moisturizing and colour care :)
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Shop for cruelty-free hair care that is also free of parabens and other synthetic ingredients. Better for you and the planet :)
(Please click on banners and images to Shop Now)
(Please click on banners and images to Shop Now)
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Yes, they have natural nail polish (and remover) as well :)
Eco-Friendly
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Upaya Naturals in Canada - Raw, Organic & Vegan with free shipping over $79
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Some exotic finds in natural & organic herbals:
Organic Athletic Elixir; Magu's Secret: nourishing tonic herbs (Schizandra, Goji, Dang Gui, Longan fruit); Goddess Power women's superfood tonic
All organic herbs, available online in Canada from Upaya Naturals
Organic Athletic Elixir; Magu's Secret: nourishing tonic herbs (Schizandra, Goji, Dang Gui, Longan fruit); Goddess Power women's superfood tonic
All organic herbs, available online in Canada from Upaya Naturals
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Upaya Naturals offers a range of detoxification products, including Oxy E - drops that increase the oxygen in your body at a cellular level.
This website also offers an exciting array of organic and wildcrafted herbs and teas recommended by herbalists for their nourishing tonic properties, including schisandra, astragalus, holy basil & more. See links, left, for more examples of raw and natural products for improving your health, including natural & vegan skin care. Looking for organic silica products? Upaya Naturals has those too! And they are Canadian :) Free shipping on orders over $100. We shop here! |
(Please click on banners and images to Shop Now)
Other Resources:
Like most of the remedies I recommend, EFT or Tapping is something you can try at home to help uncover the roots of your ailments and work on achieving lasting relief. Nick Ortner is a leader in this field and has created numerous resources to help on your journey. I encourage you to read some of his books, and take a look at www.nickortner.com/ for an introduction to Nick's work. Some products are also available on cd.
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One of my most recent discoveries is Energy Medicine by Donna Eden. Donna is a delightful teacher and goes incredibly in-depth in helping us understand how energies work and interact in the body - including what to do when your energies are running backwards. Her methods incorporate yoga-like postures, tapping and breathing to correct imbalances and restore vitality. The Energy Medicine Kit includes instruction on dvd and cd.
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Gaia offers numerous videos on alternative health as well as a whole channel for yoga - stay inspired and informed for a low monthly fee :)
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A selection of natural, non-toxic hair color available online at amazon.com
Natural care for the outdoors: gardener's cream and mosquito repellent
Anytime of year, if you spend a lot of time outdoors your best bet for preventing signs of aging is sunscreen! Click here for green & natural sunscreen.
(Please click on banners and images to Shop Now)
Anytime of year, if you spend a lot of time outdoors your best bet for preventing signs of aging is sunscreen! Click here for green & natural sunscreen.
(Please click on banners and images to Shop Now)
Please note: this page contains affiliate links which may result in my receiving a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking. As always, I only promote products and websites that I believe in, and that I feel meet the criteria of my website, taking steps toward healthier living in a kinder world ;)
