Place as Medicine

I just finished reading through Carrie Denning Jackson’s website, Place as Medicine, and wow—I’m more passionate than ever about creating healthy homes! Did you realize that we spend about 90% of our lives indoors? This startling statistic highlights how crucial our indoor environments are to our overall health. As Carrie brilliantly explains, the spaces we inhabit daily can either contribute to chronic illness or foster vibrant health.

Carrie's work connects the dots between our home environments and their direct impact on sleep quality, stress levels, our microbiome health, and even chronic disease risks. Just as we’ve embraced the concept of food as medicine, it’s time to recognize that our homes can serve the same purpose, for better or worse.

As a mom passionate about natural health, this resonates deeply. When Carrie shared her struggle to find genuinely non-toxic furniture while preparing her nursery, it reminded me of my own experiences. It can be overwhelming navigating misleading marketing claims, especially when you're trying to create the safest possible environment for your family.

Here's a quick guide inspired by Carrie’s insights to help you create healthier spaces in your own home:

Healthy Home Essentials:

• Flooring: Ditch the vinyl (PVC) and opt for natural linoleum or cork. They’re non-toxic, naturally antimicrobial, and mold-resistant.
• Paint: Mineral-based paints are ideal, as they're VOC-free and help trap previous toxic chemicals, preventing them from off-gassing into your home.
• Furniture: Choose furniture made with solid wood or metal frames and upholstered in natural fabrics like organic cotton, wool, hemp, or jute. Avoid anything containing flame retardants or PFAS ("forever chemicals").
• Air Quality: Improve your indoor air by regularly opening windows, using HEPA filters, and steering clear of synthetic fragrances and harsh chemical cleaners.
• Water Quality: Invest in a quality reverse osmosis filtration system to significantly reduce harmful contaminants.
• EMF Exposure: Minimize electromagnetic fields (EMFs) by using WiFi router timers, keeping electronic devices out of sleeping areas, and opting for wired internet connections when possible.

Natural Cleaning with dōTERRA Essential Oils:

One of my favorite ways to maintain a healthy home is through cleaning naturally with dōTERRA essential oils. Only dōTERRA guarantees certified pure, tested-grade essential oils, ensuring no hidden toxins. Lemon, Tea Tree, On Guard, and Purify blends are staples in my home for safe, effective cleaning solutions. Plus, they smell incredible!

Until regulations in the U.S. catch up to stricter standards (similar to Europe), we have the power to protect our families by making informed choices. Every step towards a healthier home is a meaningful investment in our long-term well-being.

Here’s to creating homes that heal and empower our health journeys!

With good energy and wellness, Victoria