I didn’t grow up in a crunchy household. We lived well, ate homecooked meals everyday, and rarely had access to sugar or treats. Yet, I grew up with migraines, recurring yeast infections, bladder infections, antibiotics on repeat, and acne so bad I still carry the scars. We had a deep trust in the medical system, and believed that our doctor always knew best.
And don’t get me wrong — sometimes the doctor does know best. These days, with limited access to a family doctor and rushed ten-minute, one-issue appointments, our interactions have been reduced to “a pill for an ill” - and room for very little else.
Somewhere along the way — thanks to a few extended family members and a beat-up copy of Let’s Have Healthy Children — a seed was planted. I started asking questions. Could there be another way?
Through the years, I slowly added things like garlic, tea tree oil, probiotics — little things I clung to like lifelines. But the real turning point came when I took one of my kids to the doctor and was told, "It's most likely a virus, but here's a prescription for antibiotics anyway" That moment flipped a switch in me. I remember thinking, Then why are we doing it?
Fast forward to about 14 years ago, when I began a deep dive into functional nutrition, natural remedies, and root-cause healing. I read. I studied. Slowly I changed.
Now, I’m here to offer the hope and tools I wish I had when I didn’t realize there was another way. If you’ve ever felt like the system you trusted might not have your best interest at heart… you’re not crazy.
Here are five reasons why I started questioning the pharmaceutical model and began exploring a more natural, root-cause-focused path to wellness.
1. The Vioxx Scandal - When Pain Relief Turned Deadly
Vioxx was a wildly popular painkiller used by millions — including about 350,000 Canadians — and was pulled from the market in 2004 after being linked to serious heart problems, including tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. alone. In Canada, over 15 million prescriptions had already been filled. Merck, the drug’s maker, ended up paying $4.85 billion in the U.S. and $37 million in Canada to settle lawsuits. It wasn’t just the health risks — data was hidden and risks downplayed, with devastating consequences for a trusting population.
For a deeper dive, you might find the documentary "We'll Take Care of You" (2007) insightful. It explores the key players and events surrounding the Vioxx scandal.
2. The Baby Powder Lie: J&J's 50-Year Cover-Up
Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder — something marketed as gentle and safe - trusted for our babies — contained asbestos for decades. And they knew. Women have died of ovarian cancer! In 2020 the company finally stopped selling the product in North America. Here's a real kicker: they kept selling the same talc-based formula in other countries — mostly poorer, less regulated markets — for another two years. They didn’t stop global sales until 2023. If they could allow that for 50 years, what else are we not being told?
Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder — something marketed as gentle and safe - trusted for our babies — contained asbestos for decades. And they knew. Women have died of ovarian cancer! In 2020 the company finally stopped selling the product in North America. Here's a real kicker: they kept selling the same talc-based formula in other countries — mostly poorer, less regulated markets — for another two years. They didn’t stop global sales until 2023. If they could allow that for 50 years, what else are we not being told?
Oh, and that's not even the last of it... Johnson & Johnson pulled off a real fancy legal move, called the “Texas Two-Step” bankruptcy maneuver: J&J created a shell company (LTL Management), dumped their talc-related liabilities into it, and then had that company file for bankruptcy. The goal? To limit financial responsibility for the thousands of lawsuits tied to their baby powder. Settlements were delayed, reduced, or wrapped into a proposed bankruptcy settlement offer — far less than what individual claimants might have received through court. And many families still haven’t been compensated years later. It’s been a long legal mess, with ongoing appeals and public outrage - a slap in the face to thousands of women and families seeking justice.
3. Fraudulent Advertising and Billion-Dollar Settlements
When drug companies are sued for false advertising, illegal marketing, and hiding risks — and settle for billions — and then continue operating like nothing happened... it makes you wonder how are they allowed to continue operating like this?
When drug companies are sued for false advertising, illegal marketing, and hiding risks — and settle for billions — and then continue operating like nothing happened... it makes you wonder how are they allowed to continue operating like this?
Examples? Oh, there are plenty. Here is a snapshot:
- Pfizer paid $2.3 billion in one of the largest healthcare fraud settlements for illegally promoting drugs.
- GlaxoSmithKline paid $3 billion for promoting antidepressants for unapproved uses and failing to report safety data.
- Johnson & Johnson paid over $2.2 billion to resolve criminal and civil liability for off-label marketing and kickbacks.
4. OxyContin and the Opiod Crisis That Shattered LIves
A generation was devastated by an addiction crisis rooted in lies. Purdue Pharma marketed OxyContin as "non-addictive" — and the result was catastrophic. Communities were torn apart, lives were lost, and the drugmakers profited massively before finally facing legal consequences. This was not just a mistake — it was a strategy.
A generation was devastated by an addiction crisis rooted in lies. Purdue Pharma marketed OxyContin as "non-addictive" — and the result was catastrophic. Communities were torn apart, lives were lost, and the drugmakers profited massively before finally facing legal consequences. This was not just a mistake — it was a strategy.
Purdue Canada sold OxyContin starting in 1996, and Canada had one of the highest per-capita prescription rates of opioids in the world. The Canadian opioid crisis continues, and multiple provinces — including British Columbia — joined a $150 million national class action against Purdue Canada. That case is still ongoing, and several other manufacturers and distributors are being sued as well.
The documentary “The Crime of the Century” (HBO, 2021) is a powerful two-part docuseries that dives deep into the OxyContin crisis, the role of Purdue Pharma, and the wider corruption in Big Pharma and government regulators.
There’s also a dramatized series called “Dopesick” (Hulu, 2021), that tells the emotional, human side of the opioid epidemic — from doctors to addicts to whistleblowers.
Both are worth checking out (with tissues and maybe something to throw at the screen 😬).
5. Fast-Tracked Drugs, Missing Data and Unanswered Questions
I’m all for innovation — but not at the cost of safety. When medications are rushed through approval, long-term effects are unknown, and we become the experiment. If asking questions is problematic, we’re no longer in a system of informed consent — we’re in a system of obedience. And that’s not okay
I’m all for innovation — but not at the cost of safety. When medications are rushed through approval, long-term effects are unknown, and we become the experiment. If asking questions is problematic, we’re no longer in a system of informed consent — we’re in a system of obedience. And that’s not okay
All of this taught me to stop seeing symptoms as problems to silence — and start viewing them as the body's way of waving a red flag.
Now? I don’t rush to ‘shut them up’ anymore. I ask WHY.
And I support my body with tools that work with it, not against it
Now? I don’t rush to ‘shut them up’ anymore. I ask WHY.
And I support my body with tools that work with it, not against it
These days, my medicine cabinet looks a whole lot different. I've filled it with tools that actually support healing at the root.
And now? I help other women do the same. I've created a free guide to get you started:
📌 The Empowered Woman’s Medicine Cabinet: Natural Remedies Every Home Needs — go-to tools that have changed how I support my health and my family’s.
📌 The Empowered Woman’s Medicine Cabinet: Natural Remedies Every Home Needs — go-to tools that have changed how I support my health and my family’s.
Come join us in my private Facebook group. Whether you're brand new to this or already mixing up elderberry syrup like a boss — you belong. Inside the group, you’ll find women who are asking the same questions, sharing what’s working, and cheering each other on.
You’ll even get access to a complimentary Wellness Call inside the group — to help you finally feel heard, and confident taking the next right steps for you.
You’ll even get access to a complimentary Wellness Call inside the group — to help you finally feel heard, and confident taking the next right steps for you.
There's a better way. Healing is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone. 💛
In your corner!
tracie
As spring blooms, many of us find ourselves besieged by the all-too-familiar symptoms of seasonal allergies, from sneezing fits and congestion to itchy eyes and fatigue. Rather than mere nuisances, these symptoms could be interpreted as signals from our body, urging us to pay attention and perhaps hinting at underlying issues needing to be addressed. By understanding our body's reactions and making simple yet effective adjustments, we might find relief and even prevent these allergic reactions.
The blog post explored a variety of natural remedies known to alleviate allergy symptoms. From stinging nettle and spirulina to quercetin and probiotics, each offers unique benefits, such as fighting inflammation, stabilizing mast cells to reduce histamine production, and improving gut health. Notably, Young Living's Sulfurzyme was highlighted for its ability to reduce allergic reactions by lessening inflammation and inhibiting allergic response proteins, showcasing the potential of combining traditional remedies with targeted supplements.
In addition to these natural solutions, making lifestyle adjustments plays a crucial role in managing seasonal allergies. Dietary changes, incorporating local honey and bee pollen, supporting liver health, and focusing on gut health can all contribute to a stronger immune system and reduce the likelihood of seasonal allergies. These approaches, alongside powerful essential oils and practical tips like hydration and nasal irrigation, offer a comprehensive strategy for those seeking to enjoy spring without the burden of allergies.
As the seasons change, many of us find ourselves grappling with the unwelcome arrival of seasonal allergies. Symptoms such as sneezing fits, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and relentless congestion are often our body's way of signaling that something's amiss. Recognizing these signals as a plea for help rather than mere nuisances can be the first step towards minimizing, or even halting, allergy-induced discomfort. By viewing our body's responses as protective mechanisms rather than mistakes, we can start to explore natural solutions and lifestyle adjustments that support our well-being.
Among the arsenal of natural remedies for combating seasonal allergies, certain herbs, supplements, and dietary adjustments stand out. For instance, stinging nettle, with its anti-inflammatory properties, and quercetin, a flavonoid that hinders histamine production, offer herbal relief. Similarly, incorporating probiotics, such as Young Living’s Life 9, can enhance gut health and immune response, potentially reducing allergy symptoms. Additionally, hydration, nasal irrigation, and specifically selected essential oils, including a custom blend of lavender, peppermint, and lemon, can provide immediate and effective symptom relief.
To complement these natural remedies, making conscious lifestyle changes can further alleviate seasonal allergies. Modifications to one's diet, the inclusion of local honey and bee pollen, and supporting liver and gut health are crucial steps. These adjustments not only address allergy symptoms directly but also contribute to an overall healthier immune system, capable of withstanding seasonal triggers. Embracing these strategies equips us to enjoy the changing seasons with enthusiasm rather than apprehension, free from the constraints of allergy-induced discomfort.
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SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Supporting your immune system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are many simple steps you can take, and I believe in starting with what resonates with you. Use what you have on hand and focus on what you can do today without stressing about the things you can't do just yet. Remember, it's a journey, and every small step counts.
Keep in mind, just as important as the actions you take are the things you choose to avoid. To truly maximize your efforts, there are three key things to be mindful of. Let’s not let the small, seemingly insignificant habits chip away at your health. Prioritize these three things:
REDUCE SUGAR INTAKE:
Minimizing sugar in your diet is vital, as sugar can severely impact immune function. Too much sugar can block your body from using vitamin C properly, which weakens your immune response and makes it harder to fight off infections.
Consider this: drinking just one can of soda, which contains roughly 39 grams of sugar, can significantly reduce the efficiency of your white blood cells for up to five hours! Reducing sugar intake can make a big difference in your overall health.
AVOID PROCESSED FOODS:
Processed foods provide little to no nutritional value. In fact, more nutrients are required to metabolize processed foods than they provide, leaving you in a nutrient deficit.
Don’t be fooled by ultra-processed foods labeled as "fortified." The synthetic nutrients they add back often cannot be used by our bodies and can interfere with the absorption of real nutrients. Choose whole foods as much as possible to ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients to support your immune health.
MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS:
Many personal care products and household cleaners contain chemicals that can harm our immune system. These toxic chemicals enter our bodies through our skin, breath, or food, adding stress to our immune system.
Our body has to work harder to remove these toxins, making it less effective at keeping us healthy. This is why it's so important to be aware of the ingredients in the products we use and to choose high-quality, non-toxic options instead.
Now that we've touched upon the essentials to avoid for optimal immune function, let's pivot towards the empowering actions you can take to fortify your health.
Please know that every effort contributes to your overall well-being. Even small changes are a step toward a more resilient you.
Let’s dive into practical actions that will support your immune system. You've got this!
PRIORITIZE SLEEP:
Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. According to Matthew Walker in his bestselling book Why We Sleep, "sleep restocks the armory of our immune system, preventing infection and warding off all manner of sickness."
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, or Northern Lights Black Spruce can support restful sleep.
STAY ACTIVE:
The lymphatic system, a key player in the immune system, relies on physical movement to keep lymph fluid flowing. This fluid carries germs like bacteria and viruses to lymph nodes, where they’re destroyed.
- Engage in activities like walking, yoga, rebounding or stretching to keep your lymphatic system moving.
STAY HYDRATED:
Water is essential for moving nutrients around your body and producing lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune cells.
- Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
MANAGE STRESS:
Chronic stress can suppress your immune response. Incorporate simple stress-relief practices into your daily routine:
- Try deep breathing exercises or a gratitude practice.
- Use stress-busting essential oils like lavender or frankincense
SUPPORT YOUR GUT HEALTH:
About 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. Supporting gut health is essential for overall immunity.
- Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet.
- Consider adding bone broth or a high-quality probiotic supplement.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Pay attention to early signs of illness such as unusual fatigue, a tickle in the throat, or a nagging headache.
Act promptly by giving your body the support it needs with the following suggestions:
CONSUME ESSENTIAL VITAMINS:
- Vitamin C: A powerhouse for immune support. Add foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli to your diet.
- Vitamin D: Sunlight is the best source, but in Canada, supplementation is considered necessary. Fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks are good dietary sources.
- Zinc: Crucial for activating immune cells. Found in foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and legumes.
- Vitamin A: Supports mucosal barriers and white blood cell production. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of both vitamin A and D
TRY NATURAL REMEDIES:
- Elderberry Syrup: Known for its immune-boosting properties, elderberry syrup can be taken regularly (RECIPE HERE)
- Fire Cider: A homemade tonic with apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. (horseradish root when I can find it) Easy to make and highly supportive during cold and flu season.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
- Thieves Essential Oil: A favourite for immune support. Try my "Bugger Off" beverage! Honey, lemon juice, 2 or 3 drops Young Living Thieves Essential Oil, top with hot water. Diffusing Thieves can also reduce airborne microorganisms. * I do not recommend ingesting Thieves essential oil unless it is Young Living - not all EOs are the same!)
In conclusion, your immune system is an incredible ally, working tirelessly to keep you healthy.
Instead of being overwhelmed by fear during flu season, focus on your body’s natural resilience.
By making small, consistent efforts to support your immune health, you can empower your body to thrive.
Remember, every step—no matter how small—brings you closer to a stronger, healthier you. You've got this!
If you've read this far, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. My deepest intention is to share information that will not only enlighten but empower you to make the healthiest choices for yourself and your loved ones. As you explore and apply what you've learned, I hope you feel a sense of empowerment and confidence. You are the unwavering gatekeeper for yourself and your family, and this is a journey you are not alone in. I'm here to support and encourage you every step of the way. The insights I've shared are drawn from my own experiences and lessons that have positively impacted my life. Together, we can create a path to well-being and vitality.
Let's continue this journey toward health and happiness together!
If you’re ready to:
- transform your body, health and happiness
- eliminate brain fog
- reduce inflammation
- never diet again
- reduce the risk of disease
- lose weight from eating real, whole foods
- regulate insulin levels
- have more energy + feel awesome
- get off the weight loss roller coaster
- experience better sleep
- have a general feeling of joy
- and finally, have the body you want...
Then this program is for you. We will work together to get you where you need to be.
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Hey there! 🌸 Ever wondered how to bring more balance and well-being into your life, especially us ladies? Well, let me spill the beans about something amazing – Young Living's Progessence Plus Serum! It's like a little bottle of magic crafted just for women, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer for me, especially when it comes to catching those precious Zs! 😴
So, what's the deal with Progessence Plus Serum?
Imagine a blend of natural, bioidentical progesterone from wild yam, mixed with premium essential oils and vitamin E, all packed into a convenient little bottle. This serum is here to support your overall wellness and hormonal harmony in the most natural way possible. No synthetics, just pure goodness straight from nature! 🌿
How does it work, you ask?
Well, this serum delivers that natural progesterone goodness straight to your body through your skin. No nasty side effects, just a gentle nudge to help your body find its hormonal happy place. It's been a lifesaver for my mood, energy, and let's not forget, my sleep quality! 😊
Why should you give it a go?
Oh, the benefits! Where do I start? From promoting relaxation and balance to boosting mood, energy, and even your libido, this little wonder does it all. Plus, it’s fantastic for easing those PMS and menopause symptoms. And guess what? It’s not just about the inside – it does wonders for your skin too! ✨
How do you use it?
Easy peasy! Just a few drops on your stomach, feet, or inner thighs each day, and you’re good to go. Mix it up, rotate the spots – you know, keep your skin guessing! And if you want to supercharge the effects, Young Living’s got some other essential oils and products that play really nicely with Progessence Plus Serum. Clary Sage, Dragon Time, and my favourite, Endoflex – they're like the ultimate dream team! 🌟
Ready to get your hands on this little bottle of awesomeness?
This stuff is the real deal, and Young Living's been rocking the essential oils and wellness game for over 25 years. They're all about quality, purity, and, most importantly, making you feel amazing! So why wait? Order your Progessence Plus Serum today and get ready to embrace the natural balance your body deserves. Cheers to feeling fabulous! 🌺
I am here to cheer you on and help you find the best options to support YOU! Reach out anytime!
Tracie
Sleep isn't just a luxury; it's a fundamental aspect of maintaining optimal physical and mental health. Without enough rest, both adults and children can experience heightened irritability, difficulty focusing, and impaired decision-making abilities. To combat the struggles often associated with achieving restful sleep, several strategies can be adopted, such as establishing a calming pre-sleep routine and creating a conducive sleeping environment by keeping the bedroom cool and comfortable.
Incorporating essential oils into one's nighttime routine can significantly enhance the quality of sleep. Specific oils, such as Cedarwood, Vetiver, and Lavender, are renowned for their calming and grounding effects on the mind and body. Applying these oils to key areas such as the wrists, neck, and bottom of feet, or using them in a diffuser, can help prepare the body for a deeper, more restorative sleep. For those looking for ready-made solutions, Young Living offers pre-made roll-ons that combine the soothing properties of various essential oils to promote relaxation and sleep.
For individuals keen on crafting their own sleep aids, DIY recipes for roll-ons and linen sprays utilizing a blend of sleep-supporting essential oils offer a personalized approach to enhancing sleep quality. Whether applied directly to the skin or used to create a tranquil sleeping environment, these natural remedies embrace the powerful, rest-promoting benefits of essential oils, offering a gentler alternative to achieving the deep, uninterrupted sleep that is so crucial for overall health and well-being.
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