7 Natural Products That I use Every Day

A Handful Of Natural Things I Wouldn't Want To Be Without.

Its hard not to get caught up into the wave of naturalness. You have to slow yourself down every now and again and realize you can only do so much, you can't control every variable, and some things just don't work for everyone. Plus, sometimes you just need cake. Or in my case, a cinnamon roll. So, before you go out and buy that salve, cricket flour, or set of family cloths take a deep breath. Do a little research, read reviews, and really think about whether or not this product is for you and your family.

Natural, handmade, or local goods are awesome and a great way to support your community, the environment, and the global natural community. But, they're often much more expensive than their big box counterparts. If you're like me and don't have the kind of cash flow to spend $50 on reusable toilet paper (that you have to wash!) then you'll find the benefits in holding off on that natural purchase until you're for sure you want to give it a go.

Here is a list of 7 natural products that I personally use every day. These are products that make an impact in my life and are worth the extra time or money spent.

1. Natural Make Up

The foundations in the picture are ones that I make, I use those and a few store bought products. Basically every single product you put on your body should reflect your health goals. Our skin is our largest organ,treat it nicely! Check out the Skin Deep website by the Environmental Working Group or the Think Dirty App. You can look up all of the products you use to see how they rate and what exactly is in there (and why it isn't great for you).

I finally converted almost all of my make up to more natural options this year. I use a natural foundation powder that I make, natural cream foundation on occasion (also homemade), shimmer cream (I have homemade and store bought), natural eye and brow liner, natural blush (homemade and store bought), natural lip tint (homemade), and natural contour powders. I'm still on the market for some good natural mascara. I've had many failed attempts at homemade, and store bought products always seem to fall short.

2. Best Ever Body Balm

Most store bought creams and lotions can be scary business, even those meant for new born baby skin. Again, look them up using the site or app I mentioned above.

I switched our family over to this balm years ago and never looked back. It's versatile, fun to customize, works year round and on everyone, and is easy and cheap to make. We love it and I bet you would too.

P.S. You can find the recipe for this balm here.

3.Tooth Powder

This one throws people off. But don't be scared! Tooth paste is another product thats chock full of nasties that just aren't good for you or the earth. There are tons of recipes for homemade tooth pastes, powders, and creams. There's even tooth soap if you're feeling adventurous. We use a tooth powder that I make and sell.

I have had amazing results with natural tooth care. I am cavity prone, genetics maybe? I always brush 2 times a day, usually floss once a day, don't consume much sugar or bad-for-your-teeth foods or drinks, and practice over all good oral hygiene. I would have 1-5 cavities per bi-annual cleaning. After switching to natural oral products I haven't had any! I can't say that it's my powder for sure, and I don't expect to never have a cavity again but I'll take the results, happily.

4. Potty Stool (For Squatting, Of Course)

Ok, maybe most of these will throw people off. Yes, this is a stool for squatting while you poop. Basically when we sit we create a pressure on the pelvic muscles and put a "kink" in the colon. This can create trouble when you go by creating unnecessary strain and the inability to eliminate fully. Squatting is the natural way to eliminate, people have been doing it since the dawn of time and still do it. Squatting releases the muscles and "unkinks" the colon, its also a great way to aid digestion and elimination while you aren't on the toilet. Hello Malasana (yogi squat).

My lovely husband built this one for us. You can find them all over the internet. You could go with the original Squatty Potty or a handmade version on Etsy. OR just a regular stool to check out how it feels. I've heard paint cans work well too.

5. ACV

Apple Cider Vinegar. Everyone has heard its good for something. Weight loss, detoxing, heart burn, foot fungus, the list goes on. I won't tell you it will solve a certain problem or help you burn off 10lbs in 5 days. But I will tell you that I drink 2Tbsp of it in a large glass of water 1-2 times a day. (Don't drink it straight, it can be harmful to your mouth, throat, etc.) I started because of a few specific health benefits I had read about and researched and continue because I believe it has helped keep my kidney disease in check. (More on that another time) Also, I just love the taste.......I also use ACV in salad dressings, foot and bath soaks, and diy face masks.

I use Braggs. Its raw, unfiltered, organic, and with "the mother". Those are the things you're looking for.

6. Essential Oil Diffuser

After learning about how bad all of the fragrances really are I just couldn't bring myself to use traditional wax burners, candles, air fresheners and sprays, or other "smell goods." Fragrances are a chemical cocktail of undisclosed ingredients. Also, most give me a headache, a pretty good sign that you shouldn't be using it.

We use homemade natural candles and room sprays. We also use essential oil diffusers. In fact, I use a diffuser every day. They're a great way to make your home smell wonderful, kill bad odors, and reap the many benefits of essential oils.

7. Reusable Water Bottles

This is more like an addiction. Ever since my first pregnancy I have carried a water bottle with me. Unfortunately it wasn't the reusable kind until a handful of years later. But I always need my water within arms reach. I have passed this addiction down to my children.

You already know why you should use reusables. We throw away so much plastic it isn't even funny. This plastic never goes away (ok, not never, but it takes hundreds of years), it ends up in our water systems and filling our landfills where it is killing animals and polluting our earth. By 2050, it is estimated, that the weight of plastic in the ocean will be higher than the weight of fish. Also, did you know- Studies have shown that most bottled water isn't safer than tap water, it isn't even regulated as strongly as tap! Add to that the significant increase in cost of bottled water compared to that of tap water. It makes more and more sense to just ditch the bottles (plastic ones, I mean). And if you hate the taste of your tap water you can buy filters for your faucets, pitchers with filters, and even water bottles with built in filters. Each of these options still saves you money and reduces plastic consumption.

We all carry reusable water bottles wherever we go. We even use them at home, usually in place of cups. I prefer glass but in the summer the double walled stainless steel help keep our water cool.

Remember- think it over, research, ask around, and try it (if possible) before you buy.

This is just a small portion of the natural products I use. Between myself, my husband, our kids, and animals there is so much more, perhaps another day.

*I am not affiliated with any of these products, these are my personal opinions.