While I am very blessed, at the ripe age of 48, to not require any prescription medication, I have had a necessary, long-term affair with NSAIDS and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), an ingredient commonly found in heartburn medications. I mean, I could have bought stock in the companies that make both medications.

Disclosures and Disclaimers

Last July, we learned that NSAIDS  increase heart attack and stroke risks. The story was all over the media, and it made me mad. It still makes me mad. Living in Tennessee, where the weather can change from one extreme to another in a day, I get the storm’s-a-coming-weather’s-changing headaches. Tennessee’s geography is also such that it’s a basin for all those things that cause seasonal sniffling; sneezing; coughing; itchy, watery eyes; and headaches. For me, the seasonal headaches were pretty much year round. I credit a combination of drops, formulated by my doctor, and use of essential oils with a significant decrease in the number and severity of headaches. I started using essential oils in March, so I had a head start on discontinuing use of NSAIDS when the news broke. On the rare occasion when I can’t shake a headache with water, caffeine or essential oils, I now take acetaminophen.

So, this week, we learn that PPIs can increase the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A John Hopkins study tracked over 10,000 PPI users over 15 years and found they were 20-50 percent more likely to develop CKD. A second study, conducted by SUNY Buffalo, produced similar results. I take a PPI every day. I used to take two every day, prescription strength. A change of diet has taken me down to one, non-prescription strength a day.

So, here I am, mad, again. Because I take a PPI every day, out of necessity. The lack thereof drastically effects my functionality and could create other problems down the road. I may be mad, stay mad, may not get totally over feeling fooled again, but I can sure do something about it.

I’m doing my research. So far, I’ve found several references to apple cider vinegar and a Young Living Essential Oils proprietary blend of tarragon, ginger, peppermint, juniper, fennel, anise, patchouli and lemongrass essential oils – DiGize, which can be used internally, as part of the Vitality line. Basically, I’m developing an oil map for myself, researching what oils may help to balance my pH. I’ve previously applied Di-Gize and peppermint essential oil, diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, grape seed oil, etc., in a roller bottle on my tummy for various stomach upsets with much success.

I’ve also been furthering my education, with respect to essential oils. I’m currently taking course work to become certified in French Aromatherapy, which has an emphasis on ingestion and neat (no dilution) topical application of essential oils. Buyer Beware applies here. As I mentioned in a previous post, anyone interested in using essential oils beyond “smells good” should make sure they’re getting good, quality oils.

This May, I will begin course work to become a fully-certified aromatherapist. I am nerdily excited about being better able to help myself, my family and friends enhance our overall wellness.

Until next time, here’s hoping we don’t get fooled again.

Essential Oils Extras

Enjoyed lunch with Mom and Dad today. They were hugely skeptical when I first began my oily journey, but lately, they’ve been asking more questions. I was the one to break the news to Mom, who is also a PPI user. She made the comment that good, quality essential oils are expensive, and that may be an obstacle for those who could benefit from their use. Of course, I thought about that for a while and emailed her the following:

Young Living released a line of 27 oils that are labeled as dietary/supplement, meaning you can ingest them. They are also on the FDA’s Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) for consumption list. Most of these oils can also be used aromatically and topically. They are all 5 ml; whereas, some of them were only available in 15 ml, more expensive sizes. We discussed today how expensive good, quality oils are. These are the same good, quality oils, but better priced. There’s about 85 drops in each bottle, and they’re super concentrated, so they last awhile.

Here’s the price list:

Basil Vitality – $10.75 USD

Bergamot Vitality™ – $13.00 USD

Black Pepper Vitality™ – $18.75 USD

Carrot Seed Vitality™ – $21.75 USD

Celery Seed Vitality™ – $11.75 USD

Cinnamon Bark Vitality™ – $24.00 USD

Citrus Fresh Vitality™ – $7.25 USD

Clove Vitality™ – $7.25 USD

Di-Gize Vitality™ – $13.75 USD

Dill Vitality™ – $15.75 USD

Endoflex Vitality™ – $12.50 USD

Frankincense Vitality™ – $29.75 USD

Ginger Vitality™ – $13.25 USD

Grapefruit Vitality™ – $7.50 USD

Jade Lemon Vitality™ – $10.75 USD

Lavender Vitality™ – $11.75 USD

Lemon Vitality™ – $6.25 USD

Lemongrass Vitality™ – $6.25 USD

Lime Vitality™ – $5.75 USD

Orange Vitality™ – $6.00 USD

Oregano Vitality™ – $11.75 USD

Peppermint Vitality™ – $10.00

Rosemary Vitality™ – $7.50 USD

Spearmint Vitality™ – $10.75 USD

Tangerine Vitality™ – $7.50 USD

Thieves Vitality™ -$14.50 USD

Thyme Vitality™ – $14.25 USD

Vitality

See last post for Essential Oil Specials

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