For many years I have been less than confident in our government's ability or interest in supporting the American publics health and general well being. As a child, I learned about the world in front of the TV during Vietnam. I grew up buying into the products advertised to me, and as I developed into a young woman I had horrible menstrual problems. I went to many different doctors, and they all said the same thing: "You have cramps, go home." About ten years ago, I became involved in the special effects industry where I learned about and use many toxic chemicals. Five years ago, my menstrual problems had become so unbearable that, again, I actively searched for help. Finally, I met a lady OB-GYN who was willing to listen to me, not just collect her $50 for 15 minutes and say, "Next." She told me she thought I might have endometriosis, and that I may want to consider surgery. She went on to suggest that I not eat so much red meat and dairy products, as they contain lots of estrogen that has been pumped into the cows. She also said, "Did you know that some countries will not buy meat from the United States due to the FDA's standards?"

I went home and started reading anything I could get my hands on about endometriosis and estrogen. I cut way down on the amount of meat and dairy I consumed, and went out and found a lady acupuncturist. She began treating me and put me on a Chinese herbal supplement called Lindera, from Seven Forests. Although I did begin to feel some relief after 3-4 weeks, my condition had progressed to a point that surgery was necessary. I had the procedure done, and started to make the appropriate changes in my lifestyle. My surgeon found that not only did I have endometriosis, but adhesions had wrapped themselves around my large intestine, and my uterus was not only inverted but upside down and backwards - she actually took pictures and gave them to me! She removed the endometrial tissues and the adhesions, and told me that my uterus' position was genetic and inoperable - and may have to come out if I continue to have problems. She went on to say that the Lindera I had been taking was indeed helping, and she recommended that I stay on it for at least a year. After the surgery, I experienced a great deal of relief from most of the horrible symptoms of my condition. My period is still very painful, but it has become much less complicated. I still suffer from very bad depression/anxiety and lack of libido, which will only become more pronounced if I don't get to keep my uterus. I do not see hysterectomy as an option. For twenty years I was in pain and getting worse. Twenty years of doctors telling me that I was fine. I have come to believe that I was ignored by the medical community because I did not have insurance. The surgeon that finally helped me was one in a thousand, and even she told me to go out and get insurance before she could fully help me. My condition progressed for twenty years because no one would listen to me. How many have died this way?

Some months after this ordeal, my girlfriend Sha sent me a package that has changed my life style. It contained a tube of toothpaste, some little bottles of oil, and a book about essential oils. How could such a little package make so much difference? By opening up my eyes, and giving me alternatives. Like I said, I am in the special effects industry, and casting models out of a petroleum distillate called polyurethane is one of the things that I do. This stuff and its kin are highly toxic, so toxic in fact that in order to use them one needs to wear a "clean suit" and have a supplied air unit because there is no respirator unit made that can safeguard against these fumes. What's the connection you ask? Petroleum distillates, or petro-chemicals, are in our toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash, and many other commercial products sold today for consumer use. Did you know that ibuprofen is a direct derivative of petroleum?

It was scary to realize that the chemicals I make so much effort protecting myself from at work are also in the products that I put in my mouth and all over my body. How can it be in our best interest to allow and take profit in "pushing" toxic chemicals to the public, without giving them enough information to make an educated choice? I could go on and on, but that's for another story. The point is, this little package that I received has helped me in so many ways.

First, it's offered me an effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. I have been treating my depression and anxiety with essential oils of Lavender and Frankincense. I've also noticed that Frankincense oil seems to have a mild aphrodisiac effect. I've come to realize that there are healthy alternatives to toxic, commercial personal hygiene products. No more sodium laurel/laureth sulfate, which has been found to penetrate and be retained in the eyes, brain, heart and liver. No more propylene glycol, which has been found to induce seizures and kidney disorders, and should not be absorbed or ingested. Go to your bathroom and read the labels on your toothpaste and shampoo, then count how many of these toxins are in each product that you're using every day! I no longer use commercial, toxic personal care and household cleaning products. I make my own floor cleaner, disinfectant, and air deodorizer using essential oils. For other cleaning I use vegetable-based soaps: Seventh Generation dish washing liquid, Ecos laundry detergent (both purchased at Trader Joe's), Dr. Bronner's Sal-Suds for surface cleaning, and Bon-Ami (contains no bleach!) for things that need scrubbing. My house is clean, smells good, is toxin free and costs me lots less to do it! For shampoo, bathing and shaving, I use Dr. Bronner's All-In-One natural Castile soaps, usually Aloe or Almond spiked with an essential oil. It's actually the best shave I've found, too, and I save even more money by not buying shaving cream! I no longer spend my hard earned money supporting those establishments which I now perceive as unfriendly. Oh, and no more over the counter drugs, or any other type of pharmaceuticals, either. I use essential oils instead!

Three weeks ago I lacerated my index finger washing glasses, I was alone with no car and no insurance. The cut was pretty bad, I'd gone through two veins and part of a tendon. It could have definitely used a few stitches. I put pressure on the wound, taped it up, and a few days later when it had fused back together I treated it with essential oils of Lavender (to prevent infection, inflammation, and boost regeneration) and Rosewood (to moisturize and improve elasticity in the skin), and Rose Ointment to protect the wound. It healed up nice and with minimal scarring. This little fiasco cost me nothing.

I have become more educated in the last four months about everyday issues that I never thought about before, and now have an avid interest in. I have an answer to that nagging age old dilemma, "What can I do? I'm only one person, how could I possibly make a difference?" Start with yourself! Ask questions, research, educate yourself, and then share with others. By using all natural products, I no longer support those who would poison us for profit! Not only are my physical and emotional conditions improving, I am also feeling better about my personal impact on the planet's environment.

It has been four months since I started to take effective control of my life by educating myself and making healthy changes in my body and home environment. Although I still deal with monthly discomforts, and will until after menopause, I have not consumed a single over the counter or prescription drug - these oils have been helping me get through it. For me, a combination of dietary changes, detoxification, essential oil therapy, personal knowledge, and recourse are helping me where modern medicine has failed to. There are usually alternative ways to do things, you just have to be willing to make the effort to find them.