Healthy Tips for Disaster and Flood Recovery

Disaster relief amid the Louisiana flood are hot topics right now.

It’s no secret, unless  you depend on mainstream media to bring you the news, that South Louisiana is in the midst of one of the worst natural disasters in USA history.

Well, you just have to come to discover that yourself. And, ask God these questions if you can’t head to these parts.

It’s a culture thing. A love thy neighbor thing. It’s so much more than a place on the map.

But, that’s not why I am writing.

One of my deepest concerns in the post-flood aftermath is healthier options to get through this tough stretch of recovery and restoration of lives. As I write, hopefully all of the people impacted are no longer sitting in water. The Cajun Navy took care of that task.

What I am talking about is the stress, anxiety, the physical and emotional aftershocks that are already hitting in the wake of receding floodwaters. The environmental threats to each person’s health.

If you’ve followed my blog at all, you know that I live with Environmental Sensitivities, also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). This invisible disability is beyond challenging to live with, outside of living in a bubble. (And, for me, that’s not really living) Yet, my passion for life and to help others keep from getting MCS keeps me going. You see, at least 40% of the population carries this genetic tendency, and are one exposure away from this impacting your life…for life.

I hear the struggles of the flood victims with not only the “health” of their home, but also their physical and emotional well-being. And, I think it’s fair to say, that I hear and see it through a different filter than most.

I am here with suggestions to help you limit you and your family’s chemical exposure. The flood waters and clean up have already exposed you to more than you know.

Now, let’s explore healthier ways to heal and overcome from this point forward. (Or, get you prepared if a natural disaster ever lands in your neck of the woods)

Let’s look at ways to protect and heal your physical and emotional well-being, as well as creating a healthy home.

Physical Well-Being

Many flood survivors are reporting the strain that the toxic waters have had on their overall physical health. Factor in mold, mold spores, and chemical exposure during clean-up, and you’ve got the perfect storm to not be at your physical best.

Here are a few suggestions to help your immune system stay strong.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This powerful and inexpensive tip could save you many trips to the doctor’s office. I have literally had sore throats go completely away in less than 30 minutes of doing just this. However, please note that the quicker you do use hydrogen peroxide when symptoms first begin, the better your body will respond.

Simply put a few drops of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in one ear, let it fizzle for a minute, and then drain. Repeat the process on the other ear. The do the same every 30 minutes until your symptoms are gone.

Whallah!!

Yep, super simple, right!!!

(Please consult with your physician if your symptoms persist. I am not a doctor. Just a person who can’t use prescription meds, and had to find other methods to stay well.)

Immupower

ImmuPower Essential Oil is a blend of 9 different oils created to  support a healthy immune system. This blend includes Frankincense, Oregano, Idaho Tansy, Clove, Hyssop, Ravensara, Mountain Savory, Cistus and Cumin.

This has become one of my go-tos during the crude or flu season when others typically get sick.

Guess what? I do not!

Yahoo!

R.C.™ Essential Oil *

R.C. stands for “respiratory and congestion”, but it’s been so much more for me. This  powerful blend of Spruce, Cyprus, and three types of Eucalyptus oils (E. globulus, E. radiata, and E. citriodora) is another MUST HAVE. Not only is it uplifting and purifying, but it’s helped alleviate discomfort from kidney stones and bone spurs in my life.

I love to diffuse or apply it directly before, during, or after a hard day of work, like gutting your home. Its energetic aroma will help you stay motivated when you need to make it through these challenging times.

Can I get an AMEN!

Thieves Essential Oil Blend*

Young Living’s Thieves can help support overall wellness and a healthy immune system with just a few drops. This blend combines Lemon, Clove, Eucalyptus Radiata, Cinnamon Bark, and Rosemary essential oils. Many have taken this blend in a gel capsule to support a healthy urinary tract, kidney health, and other threats to overall feeling well.

My goal is to help you thrive!

Hallelujah!

Healthy Home

Dr Bronner’s Sal Suds

This is one of my go-tos for scrubbing or cleaning just about anything. You can find this at your local health food store, or purchase on line. Here’s what Dr Bronner’s site has to say about their all purpose cleaner.

Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Liquid Cleaner is not a soap but instead is a concentrated hard-surface all-purpose cleaner. It is made with plant-based surfactants and natural fir needle and spruce essential oils (no cheap, harsh pine stump oil), without any synthetic dyes, fragrances or preservatives. Perfect for general household cleaning (dishes, floors, laundry, etc.), it cleans and rinses with exceptional power, yet it is mild and gentle on the skin. Sal Suds Liquid Cleaner is equally effective in hard or soft water, rinsing freely, hot or cold.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Here it is again.

REALLY, do not let your home be without this powerful, nontoxic solution.

Put hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle,  dilute with distilled water, and go to town on counter-tops, refrigerator, bathrooms, and more. This will take care of mold, bacteria and other critters that you can and cannot see.

Use hydrogen peroxide as a stain remover from clothing, curtains, and tablecloths, and spray as a pre-treatment for stains. Add as a booster to your laundry loads.

Hooray!

Thieves  Cleaner

Thieves Essential Oil blend has been proven to give mold a powerful punch. In addition to diffusing the oil blend itself to get mold spores out of the air, Young Living has created a wonderful cleaning product that makes cleaning not only invigorating, but also safe from harsh chemicals that DO harm you.

I literally “pop”… in the best way possible… when I clean with Thieves. It just makes me happy, and cleaning more fun.

Purification*

This is honestly one of my MUST MUST HAVES. (Yes, I meant to type must twice. That’s how we emphasize on da bayou!)

This blend can take the place of overpowering and harsh chemical-based sprays. I like to keep a small glass spray bottle in my purse to use as a restroom sanitizer or to simply wash my hands. I put about 10 drops of Purification, a pinch of salt to disperse the oil, and distilled water.)

The fresh and clean smell of this blend comes from 6 essential oils for the ultimate weapon against odors. Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Myrtle, and Tea Tree* work together to create a refreshing, bright scent that keeps you and your family happy and comfortable.

With Purification oil, you’ll never need to feel embarrassed by bad odors from cooking, laundry, pets, or anything else life throws your way. Diffuse it throughout your house or use a more targeted approach so you always feel confident in your home, in the car, or on the go!

I also apply this directly onto my liver to enhance my health, and use it in a spray bottle for deodorant. Great insect repellant. (Endless possibilities!)

Yeah!

Emotional Well-being

During flood recovery, it’s hard to think about taking a walk, or time out to meditate on truth. But, this could be one of the most powerful ways to overcome the emotional impact of what you’ve been through, or yet to overcome.

The Healing Code By Alex Loyd

This single tool has taken meditation to a whole new and freeing level for me, and it will for you, too. It’s literally changed me from the inside so much, I often wonder who I am… in a good way. Prior to implementing this into my daily life, anxiety, fear, depression, and more, overpowered me. I now walk through familiar triggers, and they trigger me no more.

I highly encourage everyone to take a 30 day Healing Code challenge, 3 times a day.

Let me know what you think after this challenge!

Healing Code Coach, Diane Eble demonstrates the simplicity of this practice in a video. You can start today, yet I highly encourage you to read the book as it explains the whys… filling in the blanks.

God created our amazing bodies to health themselves, and this gives you one of the tools.

Lavender Essential Oil *

This is the most prevalent essential oil on the market, but also the most adulterated. As a MCS sufferer I could NEVER tolerate lavender until … I tried Young Living’s Lavender!

Oh, HAPPY, HAPPY day!

This proved to me that not all essential oils are created equally.

That being said, pure lavender oil helps to restore the nervous system, which then delivers inner peace and rest to your body. By diffusing this essential oil in your home and bedroom, you can reduce panic attacks and limit irritability.  (1)One study using oral lavender essential oil via capsules found that heart rate variation significantly increased compared to the placebo while watching an anxiety-provoking film.

And, I like to use it as deodorant, straight up!

Lavender can do even so much more!

Cedarwood

Cedarwood oil is an invigorating scent that offers a warm, woodsy aroma. It’s uplifting and comforting to the soul. Combining Cedarwood and Lavender in my diffuser at night, always enhances my rest, causing deep sleep.

I’ve also successfully used Cedarwood for a safer pest control option, and some people have found it helpful with hair growth.

Oh, let’s count the ways that healthier options offer so much more.

Vetiver

Vetiver has an earthy and grounding aroma, and is has a relaxing impact on your being. This essential oil is often used post-trauma helping one to become more self-aware, calm and stabile. As a nervous system tonic, it reduces jitteriness and panic issues.  (2)

While there are many more options, these three combined together offer a soothing way to relax the nervous system.

Young Living Oil Blends to consider include Joy, Brain Power, Stress Away*, Grounding, Peace & Calming, Trauma Life, Valor and White Angelica

 Bringing it HOME!

There you have a broad range of healthier options to get you and your family’s life and health back on track. A flood is a catastrophic event, no matter the magnitude. I lift each of you up as you work to overcome whatever “flood” has occurred in your life.

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Oils, please go here. If you have questions, I am here to help.

And, as a Realtor in South Louisiana, I am hear to help you find the place where your heart belongs. If you have any real estate questions, please give me a shout out, and let’s chat.

Blessings for the journey at hand, and remember that God turns all for GOOD!

*Denotes prices, and oils or blends for Young Living’s Premium Starter Kit as of this post date.

Jennifer L Griffith is also a licensed Realtor in the State of Louisiana. Please feel free to reach out to her for your Real Estate needs.