In the first of this 3-part series (#1 is here), I introduced you to Anita, the force of nature who requested our breast cancer radiation oils into existence.
Asking me to create a special set of oils for her radiation treatment was brilliant. Intuitively, well before radiation ever started, Anita knew what her body would need to get through it. And even though I’d come to know how incredibly special oils can be, I’d never thought of using their healing powers in that particular way. What a fantastic idea!
When it came time to formulate the radiation kit, though, I hesitated for a moment. It felt so…important.
Anita’s faith? Never wavered. She was rock solid.
That’s when the lesson was illuminated: Anita was trusting herself, her intuition. It wasn’t arbitrary – it was full of intention. She was extending that trust to me, and it was a gift.
And just like that, everything, and I mean everything healing, was channeled into those oils.
butterflies signify transformation
The result? An extraordinary experience that has expanded both our worlds in beautiful ways.
Anita healed beautifully from radiation treatments. In fact, her skin was remarkably unharmed (her review explains that here). We could attribute that exclusively to the Radiation Repair Kit, but what happened was much more than just our lovely oils.
Anita channeled 20 kinds of love to that breast. She turned the diagnosis into a whole new life paradigm. Self-care was the imperative, healing as a way of life, the path. Perception was absolutely everything. Her wisdom was, and is, real.
She made videos to share her thoughts while she went through treatment, and they’re the most calming thing I can find about cancer. You’ll feel that way, too. Find them on her website here.
peace in nature
You don’t need a diagnosis to love and treat your body, mind, and spirit like the beautiful temples that they are. Cancer or not, we all need this message: everything in your life matters. But health issues can be, and often are, a catalyst for change.
Reaching out for help can be among our most powerful acts. Knowing its power and believing in it can be life-changing, transforming enormous challenges into shared journeys of strength, insight and support. That’s how the burden gets lighter and the path gets smoother.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer – any kind of cancer – please reach out to Anita at anitacoaching.com. Your own paradigm will change for the better. Really.
hopes and dreams for a better you!
xoxo, Brenda
Final in this series coming soon!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
How did 512organics ™ joined the global breast cancer support team?
In 2016, my dear friend Anita (more about her awesomeness below) requested that I do something: create products specifically designed for breast cancer radiation care. She’d heard about the potentially devastating effects of radiation, and wanted to be proactive, start early.
Anita was very confident that whatever I came up with would be helpful and amazing and just what she needed. That helped so much.
After a couple days pondering, we tackled it.
What could oils & botanicals do for irradiated skin?
The answer, it turns out, is may be everything.
Radiation, especially in the final weeks of treatment, can, and most likely will, cause dermatitis and ulceration of the skin. In some cases, there’s a low to moderate risk of side effects – in others, it’s very high, up to 95%. This depends very much on the type and location of cancer being treated, with breast cancer having a higher percentage than most. Damage can range from a mild, red rash (erythema, roughness, swelling, tenderness), to itchy, peeling or flaking skin (dry desquamation), to a more severe reaction with blisters and wet, peeling skin (moist desquamation). Moderate to severe reactions can occur near the end of treatment or even several weeks later.
The problem? Radiation causes an imbalance in tissue damage and repair. Exposed skin is injured faster than it can replicate and repair itself. Resulting wounds are not “damaged” skin as much as they are “missing” skin. A reaction might look like a thermal “burn”, but is not actually a burn.
Answers on how to treat it vary, from aloe to emu oil to fancy dressings. But hardly anyone argues with this.
“It is generally agreed that the ideal method for preventing and minimizing skin reactions is moisturization of the irradiated area.” (source: National Institute of Health – link here)
Once that part was settled, it was simply a matter of narrowing down the most effective oils in our botanic arsenal.
These are the basic concepts that drove every decision
- Strengthening the skin prior to beginning radiation is paramount to successfully managing potential damage.
- Providing hydration and nutrition to the skin cells throughout the process helps keep them strong & allows for faster repair.
- Applying oils that deeply hydrate and encourage cell renewal, repairing and rejuvenation can go a long way toward preventing and minimizing radiation damage.
So what strengthens, provides hydration and nutrition, and encourages cell renewal, repairing and rejuvenation? I already knew the answer, because oils that are amazing for your skin is what I do! All the ingredients were here.
A few days later, I presented Anita with her three-step Breast Cancer Radiation Care Kit ™. Secretly I crossed my fingers. I felt optimistic, but my science brain wanted strong evidence that what we were trying to do was effective. She needed something truly awesome for this piece of her journey. I was hoping these oils were it. Step 1 was started immediately, about 3 weeks before radiation started.
By the end of her treatment & for the weeks following, it perfectly clear
We’d done something very right.
Anita’s results were outstanding. There was no moderate or severe reaction to radiation. She had one so mild and easily managed that her lymphedema physical therapist was blown away. So were her oncologist and radiation doctors. So was she! So was I!
Later, she wrote a lovely review, which you can read here.
Note: feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Even from people who are using the oils for radiation treating a different type of cancer!
(photo by Freepik)
Gratification is a wonderful thing
The nature lover in me was floating on a sea of joy. My medical professional (and friend) self was thrilled. Helping others be well and heal naturally is a great job already. Breast cancer radiation care added another “why”.
There’s another piece to this story, though, and it’s so important that I have to include it in the next post. You won’t want to miss the rest of Anita’s journey. In the meantime, hop over to her site and hear some of it straight from her. Go here.
xo, Brenda
Skin is my thing. Besides being owner of an organic skin care line, I’m a fair-complected gal living in sunshine-y Austin, Tx. Hydrating, protecting, nourishing…it’s all important to me on a daily basis. And the #1 question I’m asked is: “What is the best skin care regimen?”.
I’ve tried it all, ever since Ivoryâ„¢ soap first landed in my teenage cabinet: the chemical-laden, the chemical-free, expensive, affordable, trendy and good old go-tos (Noxemaâ„¢, anyone? Oil of Olayâ„¢?). Cliniqueâ„¢, Lancomeâ„¢, Estee Lauderâ„¢ and most of the other department store staples were adored in turn, and Originsâ„¢ had me at “natural”. That’s when I started researching what was in those tubes and bottles, and got serious about skin care.
Originally I was concerned about everything being 100% organic, but keeping my expectations balanced has become more important. It’s what they don’t use that really counts: no unnecessary chemicals, fillers, parabens, or additives. The shorter the list of ingredients, the more I’m drawn to the product, and natural/organic do get stronger considerations. Although I’m a pretty crunchy gal, I’m practical too, and I want results that give me bang for buck.
CLEANSERS are fairly easy. Coconut oil is a no-brainer. Neutrogenaâ„¢ has a nice gentle liquid makeup remover that is light and hydrating (some drug stores have their own, cheaper version). For extra cleansing (sweaty day? in Austin? you bet), Neutrogena’s ultra gentle hydrating cleanser mixed with Cellular Skin Rx’s Polishing Grainsâ„¢ (made of ground adzuki beans and found here)Â twice a week does a nice job of gently removing dead skin cells and leaving a fresh, shiny new face.
(that’s not me, btw. that’s sweetie pie daughter Hannah.)
SUNSCREEN – Instead of skipping sunscreen, fall in love with it. Your skin will be eternally grateful, now and later. I’ve used lots of brands, but Elta MD ™ has a really elegant feel, is chemical-free, uses mineral UV blockers (zinc and titanium dioxide are your friends), contains antioxidants and is a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. The reason this is important? Sunscreens can be very drying, and you need the moisturizer to keep skin from getting parched and tight (Even better? Add a couple drops of Marula oil or Gorgeous Rose Face Serum).
VITAMIN C – if you want antioxidants that fight the free radicals caused by UV rays, brighter, more evenly-toned skin, and to preserve the utterly-important, plump, radiant, youthful collagen, this right here is a secret weapon. Ten years of using Cellular Skin Rx’s C+ Firming Serumâ„¢, and I still get compliments nearly every day on my skin. I see a difference if I skip even a day or two (where’s my glow?). And the best part? Serious quality for a much lower price than the high dollar companies. C+ is a totally affordable, totally effective long-term strategy, well-researched and utterly reliable. **BONUS FACT** CSRX was founded right here in Austin, in 2004.
VITAMIN A DERIVATIVES, otherwise known as retinoids (retinol, Retin-Aâ„¢, or tretinoin). The gold standard for maintaining smooth skin, unblocking pores and keeping your collagen production steady, Retin-Aâ„¢ goes has lots of variations, and the real thing needs a prescription. An OTC version, which is a good starting point, is Retinol. Neutrogenaâ„¢ has one, and ROCâ„¢ does too.
LASERS – IPL (which stands for Intense Pulsed Light),  is my personal favorite, although there are laser variations. I go every winter to Wellsprings Dermaspa here in Austin (Shannon is a laser rock star). Here’s what I like about IPLs: they can even out skin tone, brighten the skin and give it a youthful glow, and can stimulate small amounts of collagen near the surface of the skin to improve texture. *see a laser technician to see what’s right for you*
**Read more about IPLs and see before and after photos here.
This is a picture of a lovely flower because I don’t have one of a laser. ;-)
My favorite organic skin care product, of course, is one I hand-make myself: Gorgeous Rose Face Serum. It’s a skin soothing powerhouse, with apricot oil, calendula-infused grapeseed oil, marula, jojoba, rosehip seed oil, evening primrose, chamomile, carrot seed, rose absolute, and palmarosa. Here’s how to use it: smooth it on as a makeup primer, a few drops on your face and neck at night before bed (to hydrate and decrease wrinkles), or add a couple drops to pretty much anything you put on your face, including sunscreen. Look for it here.
512organics Gorgeous Rose Face Serum
 Speaking of night creams, I am not currently in love with any particular one at the moment and am on the hunt. What’s your favorite? Comment below.
 
Nearly forgot. SLEEP! It’s free and fantastic for your skin. Makes all the difference. Skin cells regenerate while you sleep, did you know? You can’t go wrong with plenty of zzzz’s.
And YOGA. Aahh, yoga. It works wonders on stress, which decreases cortisol hormones, relaxes muscles, puts a serene smile on your face and increases the blood flow, giving a good, healthy glow. You can’t beat that, and if you click here, you’ll find my favorite instructor, Suzanne Deason, on Amazon.
Now, off I go to garden in the beautiful spring sunshine. In a hat. With sunscreen. ;-)
Let’s talk about sleep. Or, rather, a frustrating lack of it. Do you ever lay in bed late at night feeling like you’re the only person in the world who’s still awake?
Odds are nearly half of you reach for a sleep aid at bedtime, and statistics say we are a nation in dire need of more rest. There are sleep-deprived zombies among us. Sound familiar?
But what if you could ease your insomnia without the risky side effects of pharmaceuticals? Use a little nature + calming tips to help you drift off? Here are some gently effective natural remedies to help you get some zzz’s:
1) Almond milk – that old adage about warm milk at bedtime actually has merit! Almond milk stimulates the brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Cool, huh? Melatonin causes drowsiness, lowers body temperature, and puts the body into sleep mode. Try ½ a cup, warmed, right before bed. Make your own with this recipe.
2) Bedtime snack – Â A light bedtime snack of carbs + protein can induce sleepiness. Try half a banana with a scoop of nut butter 30 min before hitting the hay. Other ideas: 2 slices of your favorite cheese with whole-grain crackers, or greek yogurt sprinkled with granola.
3) Magnesium – Even a small deficit of magnesium can keep your brain from calming down at bedtime. Try green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, and almonds for your best food sources of magnesium. Check with your doctor before considering taking magnesium supplements, as they can interfere with many medications.
4) Essential oils - Lavender is a well-known relaxation-inducing scent, although did you know that too much of it can actually cause the body to interpret it as a stimulant? Best to go with moderate doses of lavender, or consider a blend with one or two other calming essential oils: chamomile, benzoin, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood or ylang ylang. A few drops in your diffuser or on a hanky next to your pillow can transform your bedroom into a relaxing oasis. Find our relaxation-inducing essential oil blends here.
5) Turn off the screens -Â TV, computer and phone screens produce something known as “blue light”, which can hinder melatonin production and keep us awake. If you use a digital clock, get one with a red display instead of blue, and turn off screens 2 hours before bedtime.
6) Get out of bed or pick up a book if you’re not asleep in 30 minutes. Laying there trying to fall asleep can cause anxiety and make it worse. Give yourself a quiet change for a few minutes, and that can help encourage sleepiness.
7) Yoga – Practicing yoga regularly can calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, still nervous thinking, ease aches and pains that keep us awake, and help us to fall asleep more easily. Even just a few minutes 3 times a week can have a  powerful positive effect, and many asanas (poses) are known for their ability to soothe and calm.
8) De-stress your bedroom – Keep your bedroom surroundings tranquil. Your sanctuary for sleep should be free of clutter, with no stacks of “to-do” anywhere. Good habits include:
- Wearing pajamas to bed. Having this ritual signals your mind that it’s bedtime (even if you’re a birthday suit kind of gal).
- Keep your bedroom temp steady. Sleep can be disrupted at temperatures below 54 F or above 72 F.
- Consider installing room-darkening drapes. Or wear eye covers to block light from the street or LED displays.
- A good mattress is worth the dollars! You’ll spend â…“ of your life there, so be choosy.
- Use a pillow that supports your head and neck comfortably. Test a few first.
- AÂ white noise machine can help interrupt the sounds our brain still hears when we sleep.
- Use breathable linens such as cotton, wool, and other natural fibers. This will help reduce sweat, body odor, and skin irritation, all of which can disrupt sleep.
Start with one or two tips, working your way into a sleep-friendly routine that helps you doze off more quickly and sleep more soundly. Your health will be happy you did!
If you have a favorite natural sleep remedy, comment below. We would love to hear your sleep-savvy tips.
Bonne nuit, mon amis! May your dreams be delightful and the start to your day well-rested.Â
xo, Brenda
