how i found my way to a more natural lifestyle

How I Found My Way to a More Natural Lifestyle

March 26, 20255 min read

How I Found My Way to a More Natural Lifestyle

I never pictured myself diving into holistic health. I was all about modern medicine, never giving much thought to herbs or natural remedies. Even during my first pregnancy, I stuck to the conventional path.

Things started to shift when my daughter was about eight or nine months old. She had a procedure to fix a lip tie, and I was gearing up for the post-op routine, which included some uncomfortable stretches for her. For more about this experience, you can read my blog How Oral Ties Changed My Breastfeeding Experiences. That’s when someone (including my baby’s dentist) mentioned using arnica to ease her pain instead of reaching straight for Infant’s Tylenol. This piqued my curiosity and led me down a rabbit hole of research.

I dug into arnica and found out it’s a plant known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. People have used it for ages to tackle swelling, bruises, and muscle soreness. Topical applications like creams and gels are also popular choices.  

At the same time, I started looking into Tylenol and stumbled upon some concerning information. There have been lawsuits alleging links between prenatal acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) exposure and an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children. While these claims are still under investigation and not definitive, they were enough to make me pause and think. 

This combination of discovering a natural remedy and uncovering potential risks with a common medication for the first time had opened my eyes to alternative options.

I am embarrassed to say this but - I was stunned at how well arnica worked. I had unknowingly had a fear and uncertainty wrapped around trying anything more “natural” but I think that this is totally normal to experience - especially when you are wanting to take the best care of your children and when this is all so new! My baby seemed so relieved and way less fussy from her lip tie procedure and it became a go-to for me!

If you are wanting a link to this product I have put it HERE. I’m an Amazon affiliate, so I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links I share—at no extra cost to you!

arnica tablets natural pain reliever

My thoughts were - “what else is there that I don’t know about?” and my research of all things more holistic/natural began there.

Let’s pause there though. 

I didn’t toss all my meds, cleaners, or foods right away—it felt too overwhelming. Instead, I started by reading and doing research and being more mindful before buying anything. I slowly swapped out things one at a time when I was ready. Living a "low-tox" life feels like a never-ending journey, with continual room for improvement.

I also think it is important to acknowledge that modern medicine definitely has its place, and it’s important not to shame yourself (or others) for using it when needed. Stressing out about making everything perfect can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s all about balance and taking things one step at a time. Over time, you’ll feel more confident, knowing that you’re making the best choices for yourself and your family. And just the fact that you’re here, exploring these options, is something to be proud of!

Now, here’s where I come in! If you ask me about what I’m currently reading or exploring, I’m always diving into something new. I know that not everyone has the time to keep up with this stuff (between family, work, and life!), so if you’re just looking for simple tips—healthier swaps, meal ideas, or support as you make changes—I’m here for you.

One of my first swaps was switching to a more natural laundry detergent. This small change sparked a bunch of other gradual ones. To help me along, I started using apps like Think Dirty and Yuka to check product ingredients.

For more information on apps i have used to help me find healthier swaps, II break down my favorite ones in my blog Finding Healthier Product Options: Apps & Resources I Love. These apps help you make informed choices about what you're bringing into your home.

As time went on, I explored and shared natural products, books on pregnancy and postpartum care, and wellness tips that worked for us. I’ve loved sharing these discoveries, hoping they help others too.

But here’s the thing: perfection isn’t the goal. Trying to be perfectly healthy can be overwhelming. It’s all about making conscious choices and honestly - not stressing over every little detail. If you’re interested, I dive deeper into how I stopped obsessing over the "low-tox" lifestyle HERE.

If you want to reduce household toxins without getting overwhelmed, focus on one thing each month. Small, manageable changes are key to making this sustainable.

A quick note: I’m not a medical professional. What works for my family might not work for everyone, so always check with your healthcare provider before making big changes.

I’d love for you to follow along on The Nurture Nook as I share more about my journey and the products that have positively impacted mine and my family’s health.

For a peek at some of the natural products I use, check out my Amazon storefront HERE as well as my favorite Earthley products I have listed on my website HERE.

As an Amazon Affiliate and Earthley Affiliate I may make commission off of qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Every small step counts, and we’re all in this together!

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