7 Inspirational Stories of People Who Beat Their Cancer with Cannabis Oil

After several decades of stigma and criminalization, the image of cannabis is finally being reconsidered. Myths and prejudices are now giving way to the recognition of this ancient plant’s incredible medicinal properties. Indeed, if we had to make a full list of the positive effects marijuana has on one’s mental and physical health, that would be a huge one.

If you don’t want to take my word for it, make your decision after reading these amazing stories of survival thanks to the use of cannabis oil. It’s true, this miracle herb has saved the lives of many people!

Rick Simpson

Okay, it all started here. Rick Simpson invented hemp oil medicine which supposedly cured his own cancer. Because of routine cancer treatments, Rick had become a “zombie”. When he discovered how well the oil worked, he decided to present his cure to the Canadian authorities, where they attempted to prosecute him. However, he is still considered a hero.

David Triplett

Stricken with cancerous lesions, David decided to give up his chemo cream. He was frightened of the results of the skin cream on other cancer patients. Instead of following doctor’s orders, David decided to use cannabis oil on the lesions. After four weeks, the cancerous lesions were gone.

Dennis Hill

Six months is all it took for Dennis Hill to rid his body of Cancer. He proudly proclaims, “Cannabis Kills Cancer!” And do you know why? Hill, biochemist, claims to have treated his own Cancer with Rick Simpson’s Cannabis oil. Along with healthy eating and exercise, Hill’s tumor disappeared completely.

Shona Banda

Shona may not have battled Cancer, but her eight year war with Chron’s disease had her bedridden most of the time and walking with a cane. While looking for alternative remedies, Shona came across Rick Simpson’s Cannabis oil video. Since investing in this miracle oil, Shona is cured. She wrote a book called, Live Free or Die.

Cheryl Shuman

Beverly Hill’s Celebrity, Cheryl Shuman was tired of taking a cocktail of various medications, including 27 morphine tablets in a day. After discovering cannabis oil, Shuman started treating herself. After 90 days, she is in remission from cancer.

Peter Germain

Type 2 Diabetes can be more dangerous and debilitation than you think. This disease had greatly affected Peter Germain’s quality of life. When he decided to try something new, the results were amazing. In six weeks of trying cannabis oil, Peter lost 50 lbs. and his blood sugar levels reduced drastically.

Mykayla

Nine year old cancer patient, Mykayla, was headed toward full body radiation and a bone marrow transplant. Her parents refused to let her endure this suffering and instead opted to use cannabis oil. After six days of use, Mykayla was in remission. How astounding is that!

More and more people come to the understanding that the medical industry provides treatments and no cures. If we can all be cured from cancer or some other horrific illnesses, why shouldn’t we give it a try? Let’s get rid of the marijuana stigma and keep working toward the final answer!

Hope triumphs again!

By Sherrie Hurd 

http://themindunleashed.org/2016/04/7-inspirational-stories-of-people-who-beat-their-cancer-with-cannabis-oil.html

8 Thought Provoking Quotes From The Late, Great Prince

Sunday marked the cremation of the legendary singer and musician Prince, who tragically passed away on April 21st at the age of 57. Over the course of his career, Prince impacted a great many of us through his music, making us smile, dance, laugh, cry, and everything in between.

But over his too-short life, Prince also managed to make us think beyond popular culture and consider much more substantial ideas. While not being quite as outspoken as many celebrities, he did offer more than enough insight, at the right times, into the issues he felt mattered the most.

Here is a list of 8 of my personal favourite Prince quotes that I think we should all take a moment to consider in memory of the legend that we have lost far too soon:

1. “Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people.”

We all love to at least occasionally point the finger of blame, and in some cases it is justified, but as Prince reminds us, we are nevertheless always in control of who we are. It doesn’t matter what we have been through or are currently going through, we dictate our attitude, and we need to remind ourselves of that. Treat people as you would like to be treated, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much it can impact your life.

2. “A strong spirit transcends rules.”

The world is filled with rules. Whether it is laws telling us what we can or cannot do, or authority figures verbally and physically impeding us, there is very little that we can actually do comfortably in this world. But as Prince reminds us, if we are strong inside, we can go beyond the “rules” dictated by society and go after the life we want to live by moving outside our comfort zones, for it is out there that life truly begins.

 

3. “Anyway, all these computers and digital gadgets are no good. They just fill your head with numbers and that can’t be good for you.”

As a proud supporter of the #notechtime movement, I admittedly may be reaching a bit in my interpretation of this quote, but I’d like to believe that Prince was pointing out the dangers of our reliance on technology. We all know technology is wonderful, but living in a world where we spend more time plugged in than not it is scary, and downright unhealthy. Let this Prince quote remind you to put the tech down daily and connect with the world in other ways.

4. “Time is a mind construct. It’s not real.”

Prince gets a little “Eckhart Tolle-ish” with this quote by getting conscious in his analysis of time. Whether or not you agree with this statement, it certainly makes you think about how we use our most valuable resource.

5. “Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful.”

Whether or not we can relate to the religious sentiment here, it is always great to be reminded of the importance of gratitude. Given how hectic and overwhelming life can be, it’s easy to get caught up in the negative, but the truth is, there is almost always a positive side to any situation. We have only to look for it.

6. “There’s this thing called compulsory licensing law that allows artists through the record companies to take your music at will without your permission.”

Through this quote Prince reminds us of the business side to the music industry. It’s easy to simply appreciate what is being produced, but we need to remember that music and the artists who produce it have become a commodity, and many talented people are being taken advantage of as a result.

7. “You know, when I was a kid, I used to see these trails in the sky all the time. So that’s cool, a jet just went over. And then you started to see a whole bunch of them, and next thing you know everybody in your neighbourhood was fighting and arguing and you didn’t know why, okay, and you really didn’t know why, I mean, everybody was fighting. So [Dick Gregory] started riffing about the chemtrails, and, he started to say things that hit home so hard, and I would recommend that everybody try to get what he said online, or wherever, and try to get a copy of it and just listen to it, because I was so moved that I had to write this song.”

Prince delved into the controversial world of chemtrails when asked about the meaning behind his lyrics in the song “Dreamer.” While many dismiss this phenomenon as mere conspiracy theory, Prince encourages us all to at least keep at open mind, do some research, and think critically before we decide whether or not to be concerned.

8. The time he answered a question with a link to a CE article.

Slated for a 3-hour Q&A session with his fans via Facebook, Prince ended up offering only one reply to the many questions he was asked — and it was a link to an article on our website. Prince was asked: “TRUTH .: Greetings my dear Brother… Please address the importance of ALL music being tuned to 432hz sound frequencies??? Thanks in advance!!! Warmest regards, Emanuel…” His answer? This link: http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/12/21/heres-why-you-should-convert-your-music-to-432hz/

An awesome moment for not only us here at CE, but also for the whole world, as he hopefully inspired people watching to look into this “controversial” phenomenon on their own.

by Mark DeNicola.

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2016/04/27/8-thought-provoking-quotes-from-the-late-great-prince/

10 Ways To Protect Yourself From An Emotional Vampire

In this modern age we have seen and categorized thousands of personality types. Understanding how individuals interact with one another helps us navigate and contribute to our communities.

There is a category of people known as emotional or spiritual vampires. These people absorb the emotions and energy of their victims. They are not always aware of their effect on others, so use caution in dealing with them.

They usually try to inspire negativity in others as it is the easiest form of manipulation. They can also feed of positivity. They have very low vibrations and are attracted to higher vibrational energy sources. They will try to make others feel bad in order to make themselves feel better. If you come across these personalities, use these techniques to defend yourself.

Don't Engage Any Feelings Of Pity For Them

This personality type specialized in promoting particular emotional responses from people. They will try to appear as a victim to get you to pity them and feel bad. Don't fall for this, stop yourself as best you can from feeling that way and step away.

If you really want to help this person, or aren't sure if there is an ulterior motive, there is a way to check. After they let you know what is going on, try to comfort them and offer solutions. If they are refusing to be consoled and are not engaging in fixing the situation, then you should take that as an indication to leave.

Eat and Sleep Well

Making sure our bodies are up to the strain of life is crucial for being healthy and safe. Always listen to your body and answer its needs.

Recharge After Being Around Them

Make sure that you take the time to drink some water, eat, or relax after dealing with a vampire. They try to twist people up. It's important that you undo anything thing they have affected you with before you proceed with your day. Never underestimate the extent that they can affect you, sometimes it is quite subtle.

Avoid Them If You Are Feeling Low Or Vulnerable

NEVER engage an emotional vampire if you are not feeling 100 percent. Even under perfect circumstances, they can drag a person down to their level. If you are feeling depressed, vulnerable, or agitated, deal with those feelings before talking to them. They will just make it harder to recover from what is currently going on.

Help Them

This option is really only available in certain circumstances. It will be up to you to test the validity of their desire to change. It could be a ploy to drain more energy and get more attention. Positivity, appreciation and loving acknowledgement will have to be encouraged on their end to change their behavior. As the process ramps up, take lots of time to rest as it will be draining.

Smile

Like most negative formations, the best way to deal with them is to acknowledge them for what they are, smile and send compassionate feelings their way, then release them. They will not be ready for this positive burst, and while they are disarmed, you are free to leave.

Stay Positive While Around Them

Assure yourself constantly if stuck around a vampire. Repeat mantras of love and appreciation towards yourself. Do not put them down in your head, as this will accent your actions and feed them inadvertently.

Meditation

Use meditation to bolster your internal defenses and replenish anything ;lost' in your confrontation. Be sure to keep the focus positive and on you. Don't try to 'lower' or put down the vampire, as it will just feed them.

Cleanse Your Aura

Defending yourself from an spiritual attacker can dirty or deplete the strength of your aura. There are many techniques to clear and recharge it: taking a bath, burning sage, meditation, sunbathing, self assuring mantras or eating. Even just sitting can help as long as you are acknowledging the healing process. Mindfulness is the key.

Use Visual Techniques

In the realm of emotions and thoughts, there are visualization techniques that can protect you in many situations. Imagine a golden light emitting from your core and head. Intensify the light. After it becomes as bright as you can get it, mold it around you like a bubble. You can even use our hand to 'zip' up the edges. After you leave the dangerous situation, 'unzip' the bubble so your energy can flow naturally again.

http://www.higherperspectives.com/emotional-vampire-1757735839.html

9 Lifestyle Changes I Always Recommend To Patients With Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases have become a huge health burden. They're now estimated to impact over 24 million Americans, or between five to eight percent of the population. In fact, more than 80 diseases have been classified as autoimmune, and the list continues to grow. That includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Celiac disease, and thyroid disease. They often involve hard-to-classify syndromes like inflammation, pain, swelling, and misery.

Autoimmunity occurs when your immune system—your body's defense against invaders—becomes confused. In other words, your body is fighting something, whether that's infections, toxins, allergens, or a stress response. But somehow, that immune army can't distinguish friend from foe. Your own tissue gets caught in friendly crossfire, and your joints, brain, skin, and sometimes your whole body become casualties.

Typically, drugs are used to address autoimmune diseases. In many cases, they are lifesaving and help people get their lives back. Still, they can also come with adverse effects.

I believe there's a better way to deal with autoimmune conditions. The problem with conventional medicine is we don't ask one simple questions:Why is the body out of balance and how do we help it regain balance?

Conventional medicine often addresses autoimmune disease with powerful immune-suppressing medication rather than searching for the cause. That’s like taking a lot of aspirin while we stand on a tack. The treatment is not more aspirin or a strong immune suppressant, but removing the tack.

Instead, I look for underlying causes. This approach, called functional medicine, is a fundamentally different way of solving medical problems, one that allows us to decipher the origins of illness and identify the disturbances in biology that lead to symptoms.

I believe that when you identify the underlying sources of inflammation, you can heal the body. These might include stress, hidden infections, food allergies or sensitivities, toxic exposure, genetic predisposition, nutrient deficiencies, and leaky gut.

Finding and eliminating the root cause of autoimmune diseases requires detective work, trial and error, and patience—but the results are worth it.

Here are nine strategies I typically implement with my patients looking to find the root of their problem:

1. Eat a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet.

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 wild fish, leafy greens and turmeric, and avoid inflammatory foods, such as sugar and corn oils.

2. Look for hidden infections.

These include yeast, viruses, bacteria, and Lyme. A functional-medicine practitioner can help you identify and eliminate these infections.

3. Get tested for celiac disease and hidden food allergies.

Your doctor can use a blood test to help diagnose celiac disease, which occurs when your body has an immune reaction to eating gluten. 

A functional-medicine practitioner can also look for hidden food allergies, like soy or dairy, with IgG food testing. Alternatively, you might consider my book, The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet, which is designed to help you eliminate most food allergens.

4. Get checked for heavy metal toxicity.

Mercury and other metals can be a risk factor for autoimmunity.

5. Fix the gut.

About 60 to 70 percent of your immune system lies right under the one-cell-layer-thick lining of our gut. If this surface breaks down, your immune system will get activated and start reacting to foods, toxins, and bugs in your gut.

The easiest way to begin healing your gut involves eating a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet and removing gluten and other food sensitivities.

6. Implement supplements.

Nutrients like fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics can help calm your immune response naturally. Also consider anti-inflammatory nutrients like quercetin, grapeseed extract, and rutin.

7. Exercise regularly.

Consistent exercise is a natural anti-inflammatory. You don't necessarily need to go to the gym, run on a treadmill, or pump iron to stay in shape. Just start moving around more, use your body more, and have fun.

8. Practice deep relaxation.

Stress worsens your immune response. Calming techniques including yoga, deep breathing, and massage can reduce stress and anxiety to promote relaxation.

9. Sleep eight hours every night.

Lack of sleep, or poor sleep, can damage your metabolism, cause cravings for sugar and carbs, make us eat more, and drive up our risk of numerous conditions from diabesity to autoimmune disease. Sleeping well is essential for vibrant health and reversing inflammation.

by Dr. Mark Hyman

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24663/9-lifestyle-changes-i-always-recommend-to-patients-with-autoimmune-diseases.html

8 Twin Flame Stages – Are You Experiencing This?

The love experienced between two reunited twin flames is like a wild beast.

It can’t be captured. It can’t be contained. It can’t be tamed. Instead, it burns fiercely with an unquenchable form of intensity that is both exhilarating and formidable. The love experienced between twin flames is like Holy Fire: it burns you to ashes, but it also forges you into a new creature, like a Phoenix emerging out of the dust.

Although every twin flame relationship is unique and can’t be simplified, there is a general pattern that tends to emerges in these unions. As a person who went through a twin flame fusion, I know how overwhelming (and even terrifying) such an experience can be. I would have loved to read an article on common tell-tale twin flame signs when I was going through such a disorientating experience. But back then I knew nothing of twin flames or their significance. So here I would like to provide you with what I lacked: a general map that can help to guide you and pinpoint where you are right now.

8 Major Twin Flame Stages

Twin flames are said to be beings that aid our souls in finding completion. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato first created the idea of souls “split in two” that eternally yearn to find their “other halves.” These days we still carry around this idea of “find our other half,” but unfortunately we believe that it is absolutely imperative for us to find another person to be complete. Please keep in mind that while twin flames do help us to experience unconditional love and grow immensely as people, not all of us find our twin flames, and not all of us need twin flames to feel complete. Please read “7 Common Myths Embellishing Twin Flame Relationships” to read more about this.

Also, it helps to remember that the degree to which you can experience harmony in your twin flame relationship is dependent on your level of soulful maturity. For example, two old souls will have a much easier time at “holding it all together” than two young souls. You can read more about soulful maturity here and soul ageshere.

So keeping this in mind, what are the eight major twin flame stages that you’ll likely experience in your relationship?

Stage One – Yearning for “The One”

In this preliminary stage you have spent your entire life pining for "The One" that doesn’t yet exist in your life. You have this strange sensation that someone who is perfectly molded to you is “out there” but you don’t quite know where or when they will appear in your life. Although you ache for your twin flame, you have a feeling they will appear to you at some point.

This stage is also sometimes spent “preparing” for the arrival of the twin flame on an unconscious level. In my instance, I had to learn how to love myself before I met mine. For others, this stage of preparation involves the development of self-awareness, discovery, and understanding.

Stage Two – Glimpsing “The One”

At some point, you will have a brief glimpse of your twin flame. Whether this is through a dream signal, or through a real life meeting, suddenly the Beloved can be sensed. The result is profound. Wonder, joy, anxiety and intoxication quickly ensue. For those cautious among us, a lingering sense of intense curiosity and desire to get to know the person better is the result. You don’t know what it is exactly, but this person is extremely special. Like me, you may even sense that this person will play an immensely important role in your life – even before you know them properly.

Stage Three – Falling in Love

When you fall for this person, you will fall very, very hard. You will fall harder than you have ever fallen for anyone – and the impact will knock the breath right out of you. In fact, as you get to know your twin flame better, you will fall more and more deeply in love with them. As a result, you’ll find it hard to stand with two feet on the ground. You might feel disorientated, lovesick and “unlike yourself.” You may even try to resist the attraction, but eventually you’ll accept the reality that you’re deeply and madly in love.

Stage Four – The Fairy-Tale Relationship

As both of you eventually make your feelings known and enter into a relationship, life will feel like a fairy-tale. Your relationship with them will be perfect in every possible way. It will seem as though your twin flame fulfills every single need you have and everything you ever possibly wanted. This taste of “paradise” is what the matured twin flame relationship looks like after the next few stages of turmoil.

Stage Five – Outer Turmoil and Inner Purging

In this stage there is trouble in paradise. As the ecstasy from the initial meeting period wares off, egos start to flare up. Suddenly differences in opinion, taste and personality arise, and old core wounds emerge out of the gloom. While our twin flames share and mirror our deepest needs, desires and dreams, they also tend to mirror our shadow selves. For example, if you are an emotionally repressed person, your twin flame will likely be emotionally explosive. If you tend to be arrogant, your twin flame will most likely be uncertain and quiet. In this way our twin flames challenge us, riling up our insecurities. This can be infuriating, devastating and very painful.

While all the arguing and fighting in this stage may seem disastrous, the truth is that it is necessary for our growth. Without being provoked, without seeing ourselves for who we “really” are, we live in illusion and fail to grow soulfully. But this is certainly hard to realize while you’re going through such turbulence in your relationship!

Stage Six – The Runner and Chaser

As tensions mount it is common for one partner (or sometimes both) to emotionally or physically withdraw and “run” away, and another to pursue in a game of cat and mouse. Sometimes this involves emotional shut down and silent treatments. Other times this involves physical separation and in extreme cases, the permanent termination of the relationship. In this stage, twin flames experience a trial by fire.While some relationships last and are strengthened, others crumble to pieces. As I mentioned at the start, this is all dependent on each partner’s soulful maturity. Sometimes one partner leaves for many years and then returns, only to repeat the cycle once again. The chaser, on the other hand, tends to be the more mentally and emotionally mature partner of the two, trying to sort everything out and make amends.

Stage Seven – Surrender and Dissolution

Once the shadow of your relationship has been revealed, you may experience a period of surrender. After so much anguish, distress and provocation, you both begin to open up about your wounds and insecurities. In this stage it is common to experience a lot of ego dissolution and soulful expansion. As the ego relaxes, powerful lessons are learned about the nature of oneself and the nature of the “other.” As you begin learning how to work through your differences, the maturity of your relationship deepens and thus strengthens.

It is common to go through stages six and seven many times throughout your relationship.

Stage Eight – Oneness

As the problems in your relationship become increasingly easy to deal with, you will enter a period of soul reunion. In stage eight it is common for you to both find a shared meaning, passion or cause that brings you a mutual sense of fulfillment. As the ego continues to relax, virtues such as forgiveness, understanding, empathy and patience are learned. The more you both work through each issue that comes your way vigilantly, the more you experience the sensation of “Oneness,” or ego death.

This is a true miracle.

---

Have you found your twin flame? Which of these twin flame stages have you experienced in life and what insights can you share? I’d love to hear from you below.

by ALETHEIA LUNA

http://lonerwolf.com/twin-flame-stages/

How to Stop Taking Things for Granted and Feel Blessed

“I count my blessings every day, quite honestly, because I take nothing for granted.” ~Mario Andretti

You know that feeling.

When you feel bad about yourself for not being grateful enough. Maybe not often, but surely sometimes.

You are busy working hard, trying to make things work. Busy at life.

But then you see a nine-year-old painting a picture holding a brush with his toes. He has no hands.

And it hits you: You’re so busy trying to make your life better, you forget that it is already beautiful. You feel guilty for not being happy enough.

How I Found My Hidden Blessing in Life

When I left for college it was the first time I went away from home to a different city. My parents were concerned about how I would adjust to life in New Delhi. But I was excited. I wanted to do this.

As my college life began, I faced a problem: I was bad at managing my expenses. I had no idea how to spend money reasonably. Until then, my parents took care of everything.

The unspoken message had been, “You focus on your studies, and we’ll take care of your needs.”

Middle class families don’t lack in money, but the expenses are always modest. So when I ran out on my monthly share in ten days, I was horrified. Exploring the city with new friends, eating delicious meals in restaurants, buying a pair of Nike trousers all contributed to my downfall. Expecting a scolding, I told them what had happened.

But there was no scolding, just a reassuring “I’ll put more money in account today.”

A few weeks later, the same thing happened. I was sure this time they would get angry. But they didn’t. They simply poured in more money.

And that is when I realized: My parents truly loved me, but I had been taking it for granted.

They had always been there for me. Taking care of me. Loving me.

I wasn’t a spoiled child, and I knew they cared about me. But now I felt blessed. Their presence was a gift I cherished. The fact that they loved me unconditionally brought my ignorance to light.

Why Do We Take Things for Granted?

Our minds run around unchecked all the time, either waiting for a better future or regretting the past.

We’re always waiting for the perfect vacation, next promotion, more money, more whatever. We think, “Someday when X happens, I’ll be happy.”

Or we regret the past, like the end of a relationship, a lost job, or financial setbacks. We think, “If only X hadn’t happened, my life wouldn’t be a mess.”

But whether in the future or past, there is one place our minds are not.

The present.

And this is where our blessings reside.

How to Stop Taking Things for Granted and Feel Blessed

When I catch a cold, I realize how nice it feels to be healthy. When there are thunderstorms on the day I plan to go out, I realize the joy of a cheery, sunny day with a cool breeze blowing across my face.

Because our minds are so used to running around uncontrollably, we don’t realize that our focus isn’t where we are. It is almost always somewhere else.

But hidden blessings are available right now, if you can take a step back and notice where you are.

Seriously, do this.

Look at yourself reading this post. Notice the environment around you. I’ll give you a moment.

….

This is your real life. Here are the blessings hidden from your incessant mind.

Ask yourself: What good things have brought me where I am today?

You can start with the fact that you can read. You’re smart enough to follow blogs like Tiny Buddha. What about your wonderful friends? Your pet? Your health?

What else?

Just like time, blessings are relative.

Growing up, I went to a school with lots of children who came from rich families. It would have been easy to focus on what other students had that I lacked, such as new lunch boxes and fancy bags.

However, I was nothing close to sad or miserable. In fact, I had fun at school. Why did I have fun, despite having less than others? I recognized how I was fortunate.

My parents grew up in villages and received modest educations. And yet, they were smart enough to understand the importance of a good education, and made sure that my sister and I studied in the best English school of the city.

Now, that is a blessing.

I didn’t feel unlucky. I feel my parents did their part wonderfully.

It’s time I do mine.

Hidden in life challenges are some wonderful blessings. The difference lies in how you look at them.

You can list all the things you don’t have and feel sad about it.

Or you could put those very same things as your goals, chase them with passion, and build tremendous character.

Time to Thank, Time to Love

Yes, there will always be things you want to accomplish. There are goals yet to be realized. The future surely does promise better things.

But you know what?

The present, too, is a portal to hidden gifts.

Underneath your routine life is a hidden treasure trove of countless blessings. Each of those blessings has helped you reach where you are today. They played a crucial role in molding your life into the masterpiece it is right now.

So go right now.

Tell your mother you love her.

Pat you pet.

Thank your friends for showing up.

Celebrate life. Right here. Right now.

Go live.

By Ankit Yadav

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/stop-taking-things-granted-feel-blessed/

A healthy lifestyle comes down to more than just diet and exercise.

We can fill ourselves to the brim with clean water, organic produce, and high-quality superfoods, but if we’re slathering our homes in toxins and laundering our clothes with chemicals, we’re doing ourselves a real disservice.

Some of the most dangerous toxins out there reside in our cleaning products, and we're putting our health at risk by exposing ourselves to them on a daily basis. The formulas in commercial household cleaners can:

• Aggravate allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and other respiratory conditions
• Induce allergic responses in children
• Increase our risk of cancer and disrupt the endocrine system
• Harm animals and the environment when flushed down the drain

Fortunately, there are many natural disinfectant options that won't threaten your health. Here are a few of my favorites:

 

1. Tea tree oil

This essential oil is incredibly antibacterial and antifungal—it really keeps those germs at bay. Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of tea tree oil, then use it to clean your kitchen and bathroom. It will work well on that disgusting mold in the corner of your shower!

2. Peppermint oil

Similar to tea tree, peppermint has plenty of antibacterial properties. If you love the smell of peppermint, add a drop or two to your mop bucket before you clean the floor and your whole house will smell minty fresh.

3. Vinegar

This is one of the quintessential natural cleaning products. Yes, it’s a little smelly, but the odor disappears quickly once you combine it with essential oils. Vinegar helps eliminate household germs and has been shown to be effective in protecting against the flu. Bonus: It also cuts grease!

 

4. Lemon juice

Another natural disinfectant, citric acid can actually combat salmonella and norovirus, particularly when used to wash produce. It’s also a perfect stain remover for counters and cutting boards. Plus, you can rub lemon juice on kitchen surfaces to eliminate bacteria and fill the place with a yummy, lemony scent.

5. Baking soda

No need for Scrubbing Bubbles when you’ve got this one lying around (and most of us already do in our pantries!). Baking soda is a popular deodorizer, and its coarser texture helps scrub grime away without leaving scratches in its wake. Mix it with warm water and vinegar for the best effect.

6. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic alternative to chlorine bleach, and it has proved effective at killing germs in hospitals and operating rooms. You can use it to clean surfaces and produce, but you must dilute it to a 3 percent concentration first.

Once you switch to nontoxic cleaners, you’ll have a hard time going back to the hard stuff. But don't pour those chemical-based products down the drain just yet—ask your city’s waste disposal department where you can drop them off to be disposed of responsibly.

by Meghan Telpner

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24677/the-only-natural-home-cleaners-youll-ever-need.html