Texas Hill Country dwellers, the dreaded Cedar Fever season is coming early and strong this year, and there’s only one thing to do: make like a boy scout and Be Prepared.
What is Cedar Fever?
Cedar fever is a seasonal allergy – a reaction to pollen from mountain cedar trees, aka cedar juniper, aka juniper redberries. They’re the most allergenic trees growing in Central Texas (and other south-central states), and they’re everywhere. The pollen is triggered to release usually December – February, and it’s often so thick you can see puffy clouds of it in the air. The amount of pollen they release is related to the severity of your symptoms.
Mountain cedar releasing pollen FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/23959586
The wind carries the small, light pollen granules hundreds of miles, where they make their way right to your nostrils, skin, hair, clothing, car, pets, etc.
If it’s a dry winter, you can expect the slightest wind to stir up the pollen and keep your allergies active. Rain helps wash the pollen away, so practice your rain dances!
Will I really get a fever?
The short answer is no, although the inflammation triggered by the allergic reaction may slightly raise your temperature. Common cedar fever allergy symptoms are: runny nose, sneezing, itchy & watery eyes, stuffed nose and congestion. Other complaints include headache, fatigue, sore throat, face tenderness or discomfort, and ears feeling stopped up.
What can I do for cedar fever?
Many natural remedies and common-sense practices can make a huge difference in symptom relief. We swear by:
Gut health
• The health of your gut is crucial to fighting allergies. Avoid sugar and processed foods. Dairy, wheat, or anything else you may not digest well should be very limited or avoided. If you’re mildly allergic to a food, eliminate it entirely to help keep your immune system calm.
• Oregano oil capsules and a daily probiotic are popular, effective favorites for gut/immune system health, and have gotten us through many a cedar fever / flu season.
• Eat your veggies and fruits for all the wonderful vitamins and minerals they provide. Not only are winter fruits bursting with flavor, they’re packed with vitamin C.
Smart natural strategies
• You’ll want a blue jar of our Herbal Decongestant Salve / Vapor Rub around at all times – it’s a life-saver. Use it as many times a day as needed to relieve sinus pressure, congestion, headache, even cough. Apply some before bed to help you breathe while you sleep. A little goes a long way! Another idea: dab a little around your nostrils before going outside. It will help catch the pollen before you inhale it. (Same with lip balm around the lips. Merrit taught us that one. So clever!)
• Rinse sinuses gently with a neti pot after you’ve been outside, to help remove pollen. Here are the Mayo Clinic’s instructions on properly, safely using neti pots. Important: do not use plain tap water. Follow instructions.
• Use high-quality CBD oil daily to keep your overall immune system running efficiently. Our favorite is here.
• Acupuncture to keep your immune system in balance is a great idea, too. Local Austinites get to enjoy the services of acupuncturist and wellness advisor Charlotte Sobeck. She will help you! https://seasonshealth.com/tag/cedar-pollen/ Your city is sure to have an amazing acupuncturist, too. :-)
Other tried and true favorite remedies
• We’re fans of plain old saline nasal spray, to keep the mucous membranes moist. For that matter, staying hydrated is always a big deal for your health. Drink some water. Repeat.
• Warm salt water gargles are SO effective for sore throat and cough! You may cough almost zero overnight if you’ll take a minute to do this before bed.
• Lemon & ginger with honey is a yummy cup of sore throat goodness, too (plus it’s just plain cheerful when you feel crummy). A wonderfully simple recipe that keeps well in the fridge can be found with a Google search.
Be practical
• Don’t wear your outside clothes inside the house. Remove them and take a shower as soon as you can after coming in to remove pollen.
• Dust your home regularly with a damp cloth. Vacuum carpets.
• Take off shoes at the front door so pollen doesn’t get tracked in (a good practice year round).
• Turn on your heating/cooling unit to filter pollen from the air. Change the filters regularly.
• In your vehicle is something called a “cabin filter” that helps you breathe cleaner air inside, and that needs changing periodically. Ask your technician.
Don’t forget the pets
• Wipe the fur of your animals with a damp cloth before they come inside, as they’ll carry pollen. Bathe them regularly. Woof!
Beaux chillin’ at the beach
It’s okay to need more help
Legend says that you can live in Austin for 10-20+ years before you ever develop a cedar fever sniffle. That’s awesome, but some folks suffer with other allergies, too, and for them cedar is the final straw. If you’re miserable, go to a doctor you trust for western medicine if the above remedies just don’t bring enough relief. Quality of life is everything. You’re still gonna want the herbal decongestant salve, though. :-)
Happy breathing!
Everyone has questions about CBD oil. It’s new, it’s exciting, and there’s a lot of cool stuff to know! We’ll start with the most common questions:
Is CBD oil legal?
YES. Although they are both from the cannabis family, marijuana and hemp are very different. Marijuana is high in THC (the stuff that gets you “high”), and very low in cannabidiol (CBD). Hemp is another branch of cannabis and contains very little THC. Hemp is rich in CBD, however, and that’s what we’re after.
The federal government legalized CBD for sale in all 50 states with the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as the amount of THC it contains is 0.3% or less. In other words, yes to the benefits of CBD, and no to the stuff that gets you high.
What makes CBD oil work?
How CBD works in the human body
The active ingredient, CBD, is short for “cannabidiol”. Our bodies readily absorb CBD from outside sources, and we actually make our own when we eat plenty of foods very high in omega 3s. We call that our “endocannabiniod system”. The vast majority of us are very deficient in CBD, however. Our (processed foods) diets don’t adequately support our internal production of endocannibinoids, so we need an outside source to catch us back up. This helps explain why CBD has made such an impact on so many lives, sometimes immediately.
Where was CBD oil all this time?
Hemp was outlawed during the Prohibition era, when it was mistakenly thought to be the same as marijuana. Before then, it was everywhere – cows, pigs, and other animals in our diets ate it all the time, passing along the nutrients to us. Hemp grew wild then, and we may have eaten it in plant form, too. When it was eradicated 80 years ago, human diets suffered a serious lack of hemp and cannabidiol. Our enndocannabinoid system receptors withered and became inefficient. A vital nutrient literally disappeared. No wonder there are so many questions about CBD oil.
Those laws are being straightened out, thankfully. CBD oil can be legally grown in several states (at least 16 at the time of this writing), and more are on the way. Furthermore, it’s now federally legal to buy and sell in all 50 states (see above).
Can CBD oil help me?
Studies of CBD reveal great promise, including exciting, comprehensive health benefits. The research and testing of CBD oil (by the National Institute of Health and other science institutions) offers evidence of powerful nutrient properties.
Customers frequently report that their quality of life has been improved using HempWorx CBD oil.
What can CBD oil help with?
Reports show that CBD may be tremendously helpful with anxiety, depression, insomnia, gluten sensitivity, Crohn’s disease, menopausal hot flashes, the effects of unbalanced hormones, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), colitis, psoriasis, acne, blood pressure, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, brain fog, migraines, and much more. Why? Because it affects both our neurological and our immune systems.
Where is HempWorx CBD oil from?
The hemp plants are organically grown right here in the USA. HempWorx partners with a Kentucky farm that follows very high-standard production practices. The results are fantastic quality. Kentucky farmers are pioneers in hemp cultivation, and have been for generations – in production, farming practices, and new agrotech.
What about the CBD extraction method?
You want hemp oil that’s processed using the vastly superior CO2 extraction method. The HempWorx expert team of researchers, chemists, and product formulators use CO2 extraction because it creates a pure, clean, quality oil that is safe to produce. Pathogens, molds, and heavy metals are removed when the raw materials are dried. The result? High quality hemp extracts. There’s little-to- no post-processing, unlike toxic solvents that may require many hours to purge the solvent trapped in the oil. CO2 extraction is a low-maintenance, low-energy consumption process, and is therefore very eco-friendly.
What is CBD?
What else should I know about CBD oil?
- HempWorx is committed to using the WHOLE hemp plant, not just the easiest part to extract. Using the whole plant vastly increases the benefits you receive!
- HempWorx practices full transparency and is 100% open with customers. Every single batch undergoes third party testing to ensure that the safety, quality, and potency of the products upholds company standards. That was huge for us.
More questions about CBD oil? We never stop researching! Feel free to shoot us an email (see the “Contact” tab). We’d love to help.
Have y’all thought about how to green your holidays? Because here’s a shocking fact: household waste increases by 25% over the Christmas holidays. Yikes!
We here at 512organics think about eco-friendly all. the. time. Christmas takes it up a notch, but here’s the cool thing: using your creative spirit to decorate, buy and wrap with little to no waste actually pumps up the holidays. Infuse the beauty of nature into everything, and makes the festivities hands-on in a way our automated world misses out on. It creates a new, fresh, inventive spin, and we really, really like it.
Get in the spirit and green your holidays in a flash
Holiday gift wrapping
There are tons of beautiful options to get into: fabric gift coverings, plain paper with a pop of colorful nature. Consider gorgeous handmade gift tags, bows made from biodegradable materials…
Our favorite earth-friendly gift-wrapping tip at the moment: thrift store fabric (you’d be surprised at the quality you can find) used in the Japanese furoshiki wrapping method. Bonus? Nice fabric can become part of the gift! Think kerchiefs, linen tea towels, even small tablecloths. SO cute.
upcycling sweaters as gift wrap
classic newspaper with greenery
Japanese furoshiki wrapping technique
Holiday Decorating
Do you get into decorating for the holidays? We do too, and once we incorporated the nature aesthetic, the possibilities suddenly seemed beautifully endless.
Wreaths are a great start, but really “branch out” and get your nature decor groove on. Thenotepasser blog has a selected group of zero waste ideas to choose from. Natural beauty can really shine!
Greenery, branches, berries and wood can easily look holiday beautiful. Just add sparkly LED lights, natural fabric ribbons, or a simple ornament and you’re set. Gorgeous!
Holiday gifts
Planet-friendly gift ideas are everywhere, and wow are they interesting:
Look for terrariums, handmade beeswax candles, and herb-potting kits. Also great: artisan cups and bowls made from ceramic and wood; vintage shirts; steel pizza cutters. In general, anything glass or bamboo is eco-friendly (my personal wish list includes bamboo toothbrushes and razors), as are leggings made from recycled fabric. The possibilities go on and on, and some of them are amazingly crafted!
Uncommon goods has curated a diverse collection of whimsical and elegant environmentally-friendly gifts. These Recycled Metal Ostrich Planters are so original!
Ecoffeecup makes travel cups from bamboo fiber for the coffee lover in your life – they’re cheerful, functional and pretty.
Last but not least, our own stainless steel oil-diffusing necklaces, paired with any organic essential oil blend. Boho stylish and earth friendly, this way to green your holidays is practical and pretty.
Making the holidays truly special
Besides the amazingly satisfying environmental benefit of thoughtful, eco-friendly purchases, there’s the psychological benefit of deciding to go green. Not giving a physical thing, but instead gifting your time and attention (picnic lunch, movie date), has special meaning.
Simply cooking dinner for someone you love can bring your relationship closer. There’s no better gift than bonding over experiences and making memories together.
Digital gifts (e-books, music), gift cards (pedicures, restaurants, experiences such as hiking tours or kayaking) have a smaller environmental impact. They also expand the opportunity to share the experience.
And don’t underestimate the satisfaction of making something with your own hands! Knitting, painting, designing and constructing can be so much fun for the gift-giver.
We’d love to hear your green holiday ideas. Comment below to let us know what we missed.
Happy holidays, y’all!
In part 3 of this series, we wrap up all the reasons that oils + simple, effective self-care can make all the difference in your breast cancer radiation experience. Read on for more:
Helping your skin combat radiation stress
Radiation, especially in the final weeks of treatment, can cause dermatitis and ulceration of the skin. In some cases, radiation treatment for cancer has a low to moderate risk of side effects – in others, it’s very high: up to 95%. Damage can range from a mild, red rash (erythema) and itchy, peeling or flaking skin (dry desquamation) to a more severe reaction with blisters and wet, peeling skin (moist desquamation). (source: National Institute of Health link here)
photo by freepik
Repeated radiation exposure causes an imbalance in tissue damage and repair, so that exposed skin is damaged faster than it can repair itself. The resulting wounds are not “damaged” skin as much as they are “missing” skin. The reaction might look like a thermal “burn”, but is not actually a burn. Moderate to severe reactions can occur near the end of treatment or even several weeks later.
Strengthening the skin
Hydrating prior to beginning radiation is paramount to successfully managing the damage potential. Applying oils that deeply hydrate and encourage cell renewal, repairing and rejuvenation can go a long way toward preventing and minimizing radiation damage. The National Institute of Health encourages skin hydration prior to and during radiation here.
We’ve formulated our Radiation Kit to contain the most hydrating and bio-available oils and botanicals, delivering nutrients and antioxidants known to promote skin wellness. They help increase the skin’s ability to repair itself by boosting cell turnover and renewal, which is vital to rapid healing. We’ve found it’s essential to start applying Step 1 oils 1-2 weeks prior to beginning radiation, and to use Step 2 and 3 oils during and for several weeks after radiation (some people report a lingering post-radiation itch that may also be relieved by hydrating with the oils).
At the very least, you may reduce the amount of dermatitis you experience. At the most, you may find that your skin stays remarkably healthy. Results can vary widely, but the very act of lovingly applying nurturing oils sends a kind energy to the area, and raises your awareness to treat the area gently.
Avoid artificial fragrances, dyes or other allergens. Use mild soaps and lukewarm water. Keep it simple and comfortable, and consider wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing and/or covering the area with a piece of soft cotton cloth to keep the skin from rubbing on fabric.
If your skin cannot withstand the effects of radiation (even with careful care) and your reaction to radiation is severe, please consult your doctor and/or cancer recovery center regarding the dressings you may need for wound care.
It is preferable that you NOT apply our loving oils to open skin.
Reducing inflammation
The National Institute of Health reports that curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) has been shown to reduce the severity of radiation dermatitis significantly in breast cancer patients (in those who have not had a complete mastectomy). Randomized study patients took 2.0 grams of curcumin three times per day (6.0 grams daily). Consult your doctor to see if this may be right for you.
A clean, unprocessed diet also helps tremendously in encouraging general wellness.
Immune system boosters & general wellness
Besides diet and any exercises recommended by your doctor, there is meditation, time with loving family and friends, acupuncture, massages, and music – all good for your body and spirit.
A simple walk in nature cannot be underestimated, and sitting under a tree or in a garden is highly encouraged. “Grounding” is just that – an experience that helps to center and connect you to the soothing energy of nature and it’s rhythms.
Use rituals that uplift and comfort you as often as possible. Even simply lighting a candle and sitting quietly for a few minutes every day can decrease stress. Your mindset is a powerful ally, and remember: Radiation is just high-energy electromagnetic waves. And as my amazing friend Anita (who was the first to ask for radiation oils) says:
“During radiation (and chemotherapy) you are very rapidly destroying old cells and your body is creating new ones. This is an amazing opportunity to “imprint” all the new cells being created with the messages you want for your body and your life. So be very mindful of staying positive where your thoughts and words are about what you WANT, not focusing on what you’re afraid of, or the worst case outcomes!”
photo by freepik
And finally, an Awesome Fact: scents that you enjoy have been shown to boost the immune system. The wonderful essential oils we use are not just anti-inflammatory and hydrating – they can positively affect your mood, your body’s natural defense systems, and even boost your memory and energy level. We hope they bring an added level of healing care to your experience.
Peace and wellness,
Brenda
