Christopher (also a CEHC board member), Jessica, and Dr. Landrigan (CEHC director who presented the award and helped edit Jessica’s book)
The Mt. Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) honored co-founder Jessica Alba with the Champion for Children Award, recognizing her as a leader in the children’s environmental health movement. In front of a crowd of almost 800, Jessica shared how her personal experience with childhood illness—like severe asthma, allergies, and even kidney surgery—inspired her journey to ultimately advocate for toxic chemical reform and create The Honest Company.
“It made me determined to create the safest, healthiest environment for my two little girls and children everywhere,” Jessica said. “The CEHC and director Dr. Philip Landrigan’s groundbreaking research have been a true source of inspiration for our work at Honest and my and new book, The Honest Life…. With [their] vision and commitment to the cause, we’ve been able to turn research into real action — providing solutions to childhood disease and spearheading meaningful regulatory reform.”
In their desire to discover and resolve why today’s children are suffering from diseases that were virtually unheard of a generation ago, the CEHC and Dr. Landrigan have made great strides in researching and identifying the environmental factors that cause them:
As leaders in the children’s environmental health movement, CEHC and Dr. Landrigan have truly made a difference.
The Honest Company was proud to sponsor and participate in the Greening Our Children Benefit Luncheon, work alongside other like-minded vendors at the Green Expo, host a Q&A with bloggers, and support CEHC initiatives through a silent auction. The afternoon was a great celebration of the CEHC mission, one Honest will continue to advance by exemplifying and promoting social, corporate, and government responsibility in children’s health.
To learn more about the CEHC, visit its Web site and check out these great resources for parents while you’re there.
Seasonal allergies can put a damper on the beauty of spring flowers in bloom and green landscapes — especially for the 35 million Americans who suffer from them yearly due to high pollen counts in the air. So, this is the time of the year when many of you may find anti-histamines become your wingman.
Every spring, many of my patients walk into my office blood shot, teary eyed, sniffling, and stuffy. Their seasonal allergies can be very debilitating to day-to-day activities and the medications can be sedative. In my practice, I offer people natural solutions to carry them through the spring and help them actually enjoy the season of renewal.
Natural therapies for seasonal allergies are geared towards three basic goals:
These tools provide relief without the extra chemicals, are non-sedative, and address the underlying cause of the liver’s inability to properly detoxify.
Our liver is our body’s filtration system that traps toxins entering the body through our respiratory system, digestive system, and skin. It is arguably the hardest working organ, as it’s constantly converting hazardous material into safer compounds to be excreted.
Our liver filters two quarts of blood per minute, extracting 99% of viruses, bacteria, environmental toxins, and more before recirculating it through the rest of the body. Pollen is considered an external offender by the body, so the liver packages it to be excreted as well.
Once filtered, these toxins need a way out. Our body’s three exit strategies include the skin, urinary tract, and digestive tract. If these areas are not optimally functioning, they will recirculate back to the liver. Seasonal allergy symptoms are a result of the liver’s inability to keep up with the workload it is dealt.
Here are five strategies for dodging seasonal allergies:
1. Pour a Cup of Nettles Tea
Nettles tea remains my number one seasonal allergy weapon. Nettles is an herb that specifically grows in the springtime for situations like allergies. It is highly nutritive to the liver, and studies have shown its ability to reduce histamine levels. For most of my patients, this alone does the trick.
I usually prescribe 3-4 cups per day in the form of tea instead of capsules because the hydration helps flush toxins more efficiently. You can brew it ahead of time and drink it hot or cold.
2. Decongest – Bromelain & Quercitin
Bromelain is a compound found in pineapples, and quercitin is a compound found in various fruits and vegetables. These antioxidant compounds combat congestion in the nasal cavities and chest by stabilizing immune cells and reducing inflammation. These both typically come in the form of capsules.
3. Up Your Fiber
The average American gets a total of 15 grams of fiber per day, where primal predecessors were getting upwards of 120 grams of fiber per day. Fiber assists in regular bowel movements and also binds to toxins for excretion. Increasing your daily intake of vegetables, seeds, and whole grains improves detoxification and chronic disease in the long term.
4. Adequate Hydration
By drinking plenty of caffeine-free fluids, your body is better able to flush toxins from your system. To determine hydration repletion, the general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. Herbal teas (including nettles tea mentioned above) can count towards your daily water goal. For every cup of caffeinated beverage you consume, it’s best to add an extra cup of water to compensate for dehydration.
5. Break a Sweat Daily
This can be a double-edged sword for allergy sufferers. You may want to exercise outside, but you have a flare up every time you try. Consider exercising indoors until you have a handle on your allergies. Our skin is our largest organ and sweat is a great vehicle for excreting toxins. Aside from exercise, dry saunas are another tool for enhancing detoxification if you have the access.
The content presented above is for informational purposes. Please consult with your doctor if you are interested in implementing any of these suggestions to ensure it is safe for your personal health care needs.
- Dr. Thalia Farshchian, N.D.
Dr. Thalia Farshchian is a Naturopathic doctor. As an expert in women’s health, digestive conditions, hormone conditions, autoimmune disease, weight loss, and environmental medicine, Dr. Thalia’s extensive health toolbox includes herbal medicine, diet and nutritional supplements, lifestyle modification, intravenous therapy, bio-identical hormones, and conventional medications when necessary. You can follow Dr. Thalia on her Web site, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter (@DrThaliaND) where she regularly posts her medical insights, recipes, and latest findings in healthy living.
This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for medical advice. Before undertaking any course of treatment or dietary changes, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.
This sleek, classic men’s wallet makes for a timeless gift for dads, grads, or the minimalist-loving guy in your life. Handmade by MotorStreet, an Etsy artisan, the wallet/thin card case is built to last. The leather is hand-picked, stitched, treated, packaged, and sent. The designer shares, “I love knowing that every item I make will find a good home.” We love that, too.
Image by MotorStreet
Here at the Honest offices, we get pretty geeky about our product formulations. Most people cringe at the idea of spending hours and hours poring over scientific studies, but we find it fascinating. And that’s how we end up creating products that are not only safe, but also super effective, too. We keep the nasty stuff out and find the best stuff to put in.
We spend a lot of time thinking about every ingredient that we include in our formulas, and wanted to share some of the exciting things we’ve learned about lavender (which is currently used in our Lip Balm and brand new Healing Balm). It’s a delicate little flower with some amazing super powers!
Here’s a little about what we’ve learned…
Lavender essential oils have been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries and are considered to be some of the mildest of known plant essential oils. Since it’s been used for so long, there’s oodles of anecdotal evidence, but what do the scientific studies say? Although some of the data is still inconclusive, there does seem to be both scientific and clinical evidence revealing some pretty exciting stuff:
During our research, we also found various Web sites expressing concern over the use of lavender – primarily because of estrogenic properties and cases of contact dermatitis. So, we looked into that, too – and here’s what we found:
In 2007, several doctors released a brief report linking tea tree and lavender oil to male prepubertal gynecomastia (breast growth) because three boys who were using products containing these ingredients were diagnosed with the condition. Since then, the report has been mentioned widely online and has caused much confusion and, we’d say, unnecessary worry.
There were many flaws in this report including:
What about other testing for estrogenic impacts? Well, there was a follow-up test that indicated a hormonal effect, but it was in vitro (test tube) testing which simply doesn’t translate to actual human exposure. (Also, it should be noted that over 4,000 components of plants have shown some degree of hormonal effect – that’s just the chemistry of nature and life!) Another follow-up study testing lavender oil as it might impact humans in real life exposures (using the model regarded as the “gold-standard in vivo test for estrogenic activity”) showed NO evidence of estrogenic activity.
And, what about contact dermatitis?
Well, skin allergies to lavender oil can happen, but it appears quite rare – and might possibly be due to oxidization (which happens when the oil is stored improperly). Considering that lavender is one of the most widely used essential oils and the cases of reported allergic reactions are so few and far between, we really don’t feel it should be considered an irritant. (Though, please consult your family doctor if you’re still concerned about it.)
All in all, the long list (and evidence) of benefits far outweighs the concerns of risk – and we’re excited to include it in some of our newest formulations!
References
Bickers D, Calow P, Greim H et al 2003b A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of linalool and related esters when used as fragrance ingredients. Food & Chemical Toxicology 41:919-942
Cassella S, Cassella JP, Smith I 2002 Synergistic antifungal activity of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oils against dermatophyte infection. The International Journal of Aromatherapy 12(1):2-15
Cavanagh H, Wilkinson J 2002 Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research 16(4):301–308
Cherng J-M, Shieh D-E, Chiang W 2007 Chemopreventive effects of minor dietary constituents in common foods on human cancer cells. Bioscience, Biotechnology & Biochemistry 71:1500-1504
D’Auria FD, Tecca M, Strippoli V et al 2005 Antifungal activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil against Candida albicans yeast and mycelial form. Medical Mycology 43:391-396
Edwards-Jones V, Buck R, Shawcross SG et al 2004 The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model. Burns 30:772-777
Gattefossé RM 1993 Gattefossé’s aromatherapy. CW Daniel, Saffron Walden
Ghelardini C, Galeotti N, Salvatore G et al 1999 Local anaesthetic activity of the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia. Planta Medica 65:700-703
Goiriz R, Delgado-Jimenez Y, Sanchez-Perez J et al 2007 Photoallergic contact dermatitis from lavender oil in topical ketoprofen. Contact Dermatitis 57:381-382
Gould MN, Malzman TH, Tanner MA et al 1987 Anticarcinogenic effects of terpenoids in orange peel oil. Proceedings of the 78th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 28:153
Guba R 1998/1999 Wound healing: a pilot study using an essential oil-based cream to heal dermal wounds and ulcers. The International Journal of Aromatherapy 9(2):67-74
Hartman D, Coetzee JC 2002 Two US practitioners’ experience of using essential oils for wound care. Journal of Wound Care 11(8):317-320
Henley D et al 2007 Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oil. New England Journal of Medicine 356: 479-485
Herz R 2009 Aromatherapy Facts and Fictions: A Scientific Analysis of Olfactory Effects on Mood, Physiology and Behavior International Journal of Neuroscience 119(2): 263-290
IFRA 2009 Standards, including amendments as of October 14th 2009. International Fragrance Association, Brussels. http://www.ifraorg.org
Kerr J 2002 The use of essential oils in wound healing. The International Journal of Aromatherapy 12(4):202-206
Kim HM, Cho SH 1999 Lavender oil inhibits immediate-type allergic reaction in mice and rats. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology 51:221-226
Kunicka-Styczyńska A, Sikora M, Kalemba D 2009 Antimicrobial activity of lavender, tea tree and lemon oils in cosmetic preservative systems. Journal of Applied Microbiology 107:1903-1911
Kunicka-Styczyńska A, Sikora M, Kalemba D 2011 Lavender, tea tree and lemon oils as antimicrobials in washing liquids and soft body balms. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 33:53-61
Lis-Balchin M (Ed.) 2002 Lavender: The Genus Lavandula. Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Meneghini CL, Rantuccio F, Lomuto M 1971 Additives, vehicles and active drugs of topical medicaments as causes of delayed-type allergic dermatitis. Dermatologica 143:137-147
Opdyke DL J 1976 Monographs on fragrance raw materials. Food & Cosmetics Toxicology 14 supplement
Politano V et al 2013 Uterotrophic assay of percutaneous lavender oil in immature female rats. International Journal of Toxicology 32(2):123-129
Prashar A, Locke IC, Evans CS 2004 Cytotoxicity of lavender oil and its major components to human skin cells. Cell Proliferation 37:221-229
Sakurada T, Kuwahata H, Katsuyama S et al 2009 Intraplantar injection of bergamot essential oil into the mouse hindpaw: effects on capsaicin-induced nociceptive behaviors. International Review of Neurobiology 85:237-248
Sakurai H, Yasui H, Yamada Y et al 2005 Detection of reactive oxygen species in the skin of live mice and rats exposed to UVA light: a research review on chemiluminescence and trials for UVA protection. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 4:715-720
Sibel R et al 2009 The antimicrobial activity of high-necrodane and other lavender oils on methicillin-sensitive and -resistant staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15(3): 275-279
Soković M, Glamočlija J, Marin PD et al 2010 Antibacterial effects of the essential oils of commonly consumed medicinal herbs using an in vitro model. Molecules 15:7532-7546
Vakilian K, Atarha M, Bekhradi R et al 2011 Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: a clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 17:50-53
Yang SA, Jeon SK, Lee EJ et al 2010 Comparative study of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of six essential oils and their components. Natural Product research 24:140-151
Zu Y, Yu H, Liang L et al 2010 Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cells. Molecules 15:3200-3210
For the fourth and final Honestly Ultimate Baby Shower, we gathered to celebrate Los Angeles winner Jessica Turner for her dedication to family and friends—truly exemplifying the phrase “love thy neighbor.” Kidville Brentwood was transformed into a sweet hippo haven to honor Jessica and her husband as they prepare for the arrival of baby Jonah. For mom-to-be Jessica, the shower was a special moment to reflect on the meaning of Mother’s Day and the loving spirit of her adopted son’s mother, who unexpectedly passed away. The afternoon was full of love and community, and we’re grateful to have been a part of it.
Get to know a little bit more about Jessica in her own words…
Honest: What surprised you most about winning the Honestly Ultimate Baby Shower?
Jessica: I am Honestly so shocked because I know how many deserving moms there are in the world and I never would have dreamed of being honored or recognized in this way.
Honest: Would you share your favorite quote or excerpt from your friends’ nomination essays?
From my friend Traci’s essay: “Jessica has dedicated the past year to helping this little boy overcome his challenges and teach him how to serve others in the way that she has always selflessly dedicated her life to.”
From my friend Leigh’s essay: “She’s inspired me so much to pay it forward and do something selfless; I am now 11 weeks pregnant with my friend’s baby. I’m a surrogate because of Jessica and how she inspired me to do something bigger than myself.”
WOW. So humbling!
Honest: Please share with us a little about your story and what it means to your family to win the shower.
Jessica: Almost a year and a half ago, one week before Christmas 2011, my downstairs neighbor and dear friend, Deanna collapsed in her home. Her son, Sean, came running upstairs to tell me that his mom, a single mother, needed help. When I found her, she was unresponsive and taking her very last breaths she would ever take on her own. Deanna died just a few days later from a Pulmonary Embolism. Sean has been with us since that night and after much discussion amongst our family and Sean’s, we decided to pursue permanent guardianship of Sean, which was granted in March of 2012. It has been a tough year dealing with all of our emotions in the wake of our loss. Sean had some pretty major behavioral problems that we have had to correct and also was incredibly far behind in school. I am so proud to say that, today, Sean is thriving in all respects and we are honored to call him our son.
Winning this shower was so unexpected and the word “humbling” doesn’t even come close to explaining it. My husband works 3 jobs to provide for us… I have never seen a man so tirelessly commit himself to his family….To be spoiled a little bit is incredibly fun! We are so grateful!
Honest: What are you looking forward to most once your baby arrives?
Jessica: I am SO excited to see all of my boys together for the first time. Our last experience as a family in a hospital was the most devastating experience of our lives. I can’t wait to deliver (at a different hospital of course) and have Sean and our 3-year-old Elijah come to the hospital to experience our joy and happiness as a family. It will be such a positive thing for all of us to grow as a family together and I can’t wait until we are complete with Jonah in our arms!
Honest: What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other parents about creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing home?
Jessica: I think the most important thing you can do for your kids is to teach them compassion for others. When your children can respect other people’s circumstances and recognize a person in need, they immediately become a valuable person to society. We always stress to our kids that we go through things in life so that we have the opportunity in the future to help someone else go through the same things. Sometimes the road gets bumpy… Life is not without many struggles but if we are there to hold the hands of those in need, we are serving God’s greater purpose for our lives.
Thank you so much for sharing our story! XOXO
DISCLAIMER: Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, treatment, dietary, or safety advice, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified expert with any questions you may have regarding a medical question, condition, or safety concern. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of others and does not represent the opinions and views of The Honest Company. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy or efficacy of any content generated by our users or bloggers.
