Bug Season

It is wonderful to be outdoors except when the mosquitos, black flies, deerflies, no-seeums etc. strike! Deet products without a doubt work well against these flying critters but they also work against our bodies. Deet is a very toxic chemical and it is best to be avoided at all costs. (At worst spray them on your hats, shoes and clothing taking care not to inhale the vapours) For direct application to skin, make use of cleaner sprays. Using and reapplying natural sprays for the outdoors made from essential oils and neem oil is a lot healthier approach. Here are a couple of recipes for outdoor sprays: ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2-3 tablespoons organic vanilla (stuff you bake with) 15 drops of lavender essential oil 10 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil or Into a spray bottle pour witch hazel and add the following essential oils: Citronella Oil (must) 15 drops Lemongrass Oil (must) 15 Optionally you can add a few drops of the following: Lavender, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Geranium essential oils. Have a safe and fun summer outdoors! Pop into The Ninety Ninth Monkey for more info.

Unusual Alternative Remedies for Pain…..Jewellery

From joint pain, arthritis to baby teething pains, we are always searching for a means to alleviate our hurts without horrible side effects. Two of these natural pain remedies are baltic amber and hazel wood that through centuries have been acknowledged as having healing properties. Even from ancient times, going back to the times of Hippocrates (460-377 BC) Baltic amber was recognised as having medicinal properties. It is a fossilized tree resin that contains Succinic Acid which is believed to be a natural analgesic and healing agent. As the amber is warmed against the skin the succinic acid is absorbed through the skin. Amber bracelets and necklaces are made for babies(teething pain) and adults(arthritic pains). Some even believe that the succinic acid improves balance and energy flow. Hazel wood is also a popular alternative to aid in teething pains, diaper rashes and eczemas. The Hazel wood trees are indigenous in regions of Quebec where the First Nations people discovered the healing properties of the hazel wood itself. (Aborigines of Australia also use Hazel wood therapeutically.) Hazel wood works by creating an alkaline environment in your body; because the wood is alkaline it absorbs the acidity in your body as it lies against the skin….. Being too acidic causes health problems. Therefore sometimes simple solutions like wearing jewellery made from amber and/or hazel wood can be helpful in some everyday ailments. These necklaces, bracelets, anklets etc are not only attractive but offer healing benefits. The Ninety Ninth Monkey offers both amber and hazel wood jewellery.

What's Lurking in Your Toothpaste?

It is a good idea to check out the ingredients in your toothpaste and even more so if you have young children in your family that may be swallowing as they brush. Many brands of toothpaste contain toxic ingredients when ingested or absorbed. Although many dentists insist that sodium fluoride is necessary to help prevent cavities, fluoride is a known neurotoxin, endocrine disruptor, developmental toxin and a carcinogen. Even the FDA considers fluoride “an unapproved drug”. Too much fluoride can cause discoloration of the tooth enamel or fluorosis. If a child swallowed a tube of fluoridated toothpaste it could be extremely toxic and dangerous. Perhaps safer methods to promote dental health can be used rather than the toxin, fluoride. Other ingredients to avoid are: sodium lauryl sulphate, a strong degreasing agent, triclosan, although very antibacterial it is also a dangerous pesticide, harming our health and environment, parabens which are used as preservatives but are also hormone disruptors, propylene glycol which helps keep the paste moist but is an irritant, FD & C Blue Dye #1, #2 etc, artificial colourings easily absorbed and known to cause allergic reactions and even cancer. Like the food you eat, you should also check out what is in your toothpaste. Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided. Take a few minutes and look at your toothpaste’s ingredients the next time you brush your teeth! Be informed. The Ninety Ninth Monkey promotes cleaner options in toothpastes.