I’ve been a bit of an aspiring herbalist for quite a while now, but I really must confess something to you. In this world we live in, it’s so hard to do everything just right. Life is busy, and we get tired. Making DIY personal care products isn’t always at the top of the list.
Recently, I got some news that is a little disturbing to my psyche. After my (what is supposed to be yearly) mammogram, a letter came in the mail. No, not that one. It was a letter telling me that my test results were fine (no cancer), but that I do have dense breast tissue. It also warned that those with dense breast tissue are more susceptible to cancer.
My mom died of breast cancer in 2011. August 2011, to be exact. I never thought I would lose her so young, but cancer doesn’t play favorites with anyone. I don’t necessarily believe that I will definitely get it, but I do try to watch what I put into my body.
As you probably already know, I have a garden. At this time in the year, I am growing cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Pesticides are usually avoided, but if I have to, I use only OMRI certified. I’ve switched from city water to filtered water, and quit my beloved diet soda. I’ve cut back considerably on my meat consumption, and added more organic produce to my diet. I’m making strides toward this goal of putting better things into my body.
It’s Not Just What You Put In…
According to Kristi Funk in her book Breasts: The Owner’s Manual, we not only should be careful what we put into our bodies, but what we put on our bodies. Yikes! I bleach and dye my hair regularly! I also use many products that I haven’t given a second thought to in a long while.
These dense breasts of mine have got me concerned enough to revisit the idea. Have you felt this type of concern?
Revisiting DIY Personal Care
Though I am a bit lazy about making my own DIY personal care products, I do know how. I’ve dabbled. I’ve made arnica balm, lip balm, deodorant, perfume, calendula salve, and more. In my pantry is a shelf full of herbs that I’ve organized nicely. Heck, I’ve even used herbal remedies on my cat! I’ve dabbled.
Rather than beating myself up for what I haven’t been doing with my God-granted knowledge of these things, I’ll simply be revisiting this craft. Some things that I have made have worked well, and some just haven’t. I’ll need a new strategy and some new resources.
My DIY Personal Care Plan
Despite my love for my turquoise hair, I will need to stop dying my hair these crazy colors. I’ll need to find some other way to express my personality! (Does anyone have any ideas?) Besides hair dye, I don’t tend to use a whole lot of beauty products, but I do use BB creme, mascara, and lipstick/lip gloss. I’ve tried my hand at making makeup before, and it wasn’t a great success. I have purchased a better BB Creme than the one I was using, and have plans to switch back to an organic mascara that I have liked in the past.
For other products like soaps, face wash, lotions, toothpaste, and other hygeine products, I’ll put the rest of the ingredients I’ve collected to use. Though I do have some books on herbs and essential oils, I’ll need some new resources for DIY personal care recipes.
Thank you for sharing! This is a hard subject to think about, but such a necessary one. I am pinning this so hopefully others can read about it too!
Thanks Lacey, I appreciate that!
I used to “cover my grey” until one day I thought “I’m being so careful about so many things and yet I’m pouring chemicals on my head!” That was the last time I dyed my hair. I’m sharing this in hopes that others will wake up too. Take care of yourself!