December Favorites

Written By Alexandra Mitchell

It feels exciting to be sitting down to write my first post. After 10 years living with chronic fatigue, I finally feel as though I have my body and brain back. I still have a way to go, but I am feeling inspired so let’s embrace it! Here is my first Monthly Favorites list - a way for me to take note of some things that I have learned or that have been bringing me joy each month.

  1. Epsom Salt Baths! SO Simple, yet I haven’t been consistent with these until now. Since getting unwell in 2014 I have experienced chronic bloating and I feel as though I have tried everything without any success. In my last doctor appointment she recommended I try regular Epsom Salt baths. Put super, super simply – these are thought to help replete the levels of sulfur in the body and in a round about way decrease the hydrogen sulfide producing bacteria in our gut. Rather than ingesting high dose sulfur internally, sulfur is absorbed through the skin to avoid digestive discomfort. For more detailed information, check out these podcasts: The Devil in the Garlic with Dr. Greg Nigh, ND, LAc, and High Dose Sulfur for IBS with Dr Kathleen Janel

    Here's what I've learned works best:

    • Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to warm (not hot) water

    • Soak for 15-20 minutes

    • Stay hydrated before and after (I add some minerals to my water because I get very thirsty!)

    • Make it a weekly ritual, not just an emergency fix ( Although I have been doing them daily - and it really seems to be helping)

  2. My friend Gab recently got these cute Casi Myra shoes from Camper. I simply need them! I don’t have a work shoe that I love at the moment and I think these will also work well to add some elegance to my perhaps more daggy or boyish weekend attire. I have never felt drawn to the ballet flat, I don’t love bows…? But these are a great bow-less ballet flat. All about it.

  3. This Living Libation Body Oil. Being unwell for so long meant that I felt quite dissociated from my body, everything about my body felt out of my control. Massaging body oil on my skin daily after my bath has been a really nourishing ritual of giving my bod some love. It’s helped me feel more confident in my skin as well.

  4. Finally – a personalised Homeopathic Remedy from Diana Kopatsy at Bayleaf Wellness. This remedy has helped with my period pain while I am getting root of what is going on. It’s magic! I take 5 drops every 15 minutes and it eases the pain dramatically if not all together. I highly recommend Homeopathy as a tool in your healing tool kit.

Alexandra Mitchell