Articles

BY MARILEE NELSON

If you are extremely chemically sensitive, then it is very important that you realize how essential it is for you to thoroughly pay attention to your diet and the environment that you live in. For the fastest and most complete recovery you should eat only organic whole foods (eliminate all processed/chemicalized food) AND you should do everything possible to eliminate your exposures to plastics, VOC’s, SVOC’s, certain molds, and their metabolic byproducts – mycotoxins. All body-care and cleaning products used should be replaced with safe unscented products or human safe products.

NOTE: Sometimes the body is in such an alarmed and loaded state that it is unable to tolerate scents (VOC’s) from even a natural source. If you are diligent in your avoidance, then the body has a chance to repair and heal. The following is a list of products that have been used during the strict recovery phase of healing by the very chemically sensitive. All members in your household must also use these safe products. After you have improved you can move to the human safe products that will help you detoxify more aggressively – these are described in the following pages.

Please investigate the program developed by Karen Slimak to help understanding of why even natural scents inhibit healing in a chemically sensitive person. Her comprehensive program is described on Special Foods. If you have no access to a computer obtain a copy of printouts from the website or call 703-644-0991 to order an information packet. One of the sections entitled “Comprehensive Intervention Program for the Autistic Child – Special Environment Program” scientifically documents what a difference following certain guidelines can make in regard to recovery from illness. This website is also very helpful as a way to educate friends and family about how our environment and food affects the health.

The following unscented products are acceptable for use for the extremely sensitive, but note – please test each product carefully (start with very small amounts) because everyone has a unique biochemistry and what works for one person does not necessarily work for another – also it is a good idea to rotate products so that you do not have a lot of exposure to one product – you can overdo anything. Moderation is always best.

When recovering from chemical sensitivity, it is always best to use a fragrance-free, non-toxic product.

LAUNDRY CARE

Unscented Borax – (NT) ¼-½ cup per load. Use alone or as a laundry booster. Borax softens the wash water so that soaps and detergents work better.  Borax helps remove odors in laundry and also has a mild bleaching action.  Buy in bulk from a local chemical supply company.

Sodium Sesquicarbonate –  (NT) ¼-½ cup per load of wash. This is old-fashioned washing soda. (Arm & Hammer Washing Soda is a brand of washing soda with a synthetic scent that you do not want.) Order sodium sesquicarbonate from Dr. Stig Erlander (Dr. Erlander’s Jubilee Washing Compound 626-797-7004) or for a more economical source like a local chemical supply company

Baking Soda – (HS) ½ cup per load. Can also be used as an abrasive with a little water.  If use baking soda consider, purchasing it in bulk from a chemical-supply company to save money.

Miracle Cleaner (Sodium Hexametaphosphate) Can be used as a water softener, used in laundry in conjunction with other cleaners, gives whiter whites, dissolves mineral buildup, dishwashing powder, hair rinse, window cleaner. Available from Needs (1-800 -634-1380) or Special Foods (703-644-0991)

Seventh Generation – Unscented Free and Clear Laundry Powder, Free and Clear Laundry Liquid, Free and Clear Dishwashing Liquid  - Seventh Generation Free and Clear All Purpose Cleaner – Available from Whole Foods and other health food stores. There are some extremely chemically sensitive people that are able to use this product, but it should be tested. Free and Clear products are:

Non-toxic
Hypo-allergenic
Biodegradable
No dyes
No fragrances or masking agents
No phosphates
Safe for septic and greywater systems
No petroleum based cleaners
No optical brighteners
Stain-removing enzymes
Not tested on animals
Kosher certified

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING

Hydrogen Peroxide – Regular 3% hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with equal parts water and used for decontamination – wipe down of walls (test), baseboards, all non-porous surfaces. To order in glass, go to Special Foods or call 703-644-0991.

Bon Ami - Generally safe and is unscented. At grocery stores.

BODY CLEANSING

Baking Soda – (HS)

As shampoo: Wet hair thoroughly. Take a handful of baking soda and rub into scalp. Rinse thoroughly. This will help to detoxify the head and scalp. If hair is dry, this will initially be drying, but as the scalp is cleansed, the natural oils from the scalp will be released and dry condition corrected.

As deodorant: Pat under arms after bathing.

Organic Facial Cleanser, Scrub and Mask from Dakota Free – A fragrance-free, clarifying cleanser, scrub and mask for use on the face, chest and back. Helps to exfoliate areas of dry or flaking skin, absorbs excess oils, decreases redness, inflammation and acne. Use daily as a cleanser and scrub, or weekly as a mask for the face, chest, or upper back. This is a soap free facial cleanser. Can be used overnight as an overnight spot treatment for blemishes. Dab paste on insect bites and stings to decrease inflammation and draw out toxins. Use paste to soothe and diminish diaper rash. Ingredients: Pure Kaolin Clay and organic Whole Oat Powder.

Fragrance Free Massage and Body Oil from Dakota Free – Use for adult, child or baby massage. An unscented massage and body oil with numerous uses. Absorbs quickly and is gentle enough for everyone - even on a baby’s tender skin. Use to soothe and moisturize the skin. Makes a great fragrance-free baby oil. Add to warm bath water as a fragrance-free bath oil. Ingredients: Expeller-Pressed Safflower Oil Natural Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)

SunGold Soap – Unscented soap specialists. No possibility of cross contamination in factory because no scents used on any of the product line. Soap can be used for shampoo, body and face wash. Must order online from: Sun Gold Soap

Pure Prairie Soap from Dakota Free – All natural, gluten-free, fragrance-free, hand-made vegetarian soap.  Can be used for shampoo, shaving, face and body soap.  Ingredients: Palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, expeller pressed safflower oil and Shea butter that has been saponified. Saponification is the process of turning fats into soap, as it has been done for centuries, using distilled water and a strong alkali; in this case, sodium hydroxide, commonly called lye. Once the soap has cured, there is no free lye left. The fat and lye have reacted together, changed their structures, so they are no longer fat and lye. Instead, the separate ingredients have become a gentle, luxurious soap.

Soaps from Special Foods – This soap is especially useful for those people that suffer from chronic itching and tingling.  This soap is a multipurpose soap. It can be used for shampoo and personal care.  If you are on a rotation diet, the soaps can be matched to the days of your diet, eliminating extra exposures. Simply select the oil you desire and match the days on your diet. Ingredients for all: listed oil, calcium hydroxide, and distilled water. This soap is available in liquid (8 oz). To order, go to Special Foods or call 703-644-0991 for a special foods catalog.

Clearly Natural Unscented Soap – Available from Health Food Stores

Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Soap – Available from Health Food Stores

BODY/LIP MOISTURIZING

Fragrance Free Moisturizer from Dakota Free – A moisturizer that absorbs quickly to soothe, soften and protect your skin without feeling sticky or greasy. Use for the face as well as the hands and body. Will not clog pores. This premium quality moisturizer contains more emollients and less water than most others on the market, so that only a small amount is needed to give you excellent results. Use Dakota Free Moisturizer to remove eye makeup. It is a great leave in hair conditioner for dry, coarse or over processed hair. Can order trial/travel size. Ingredients: Organic aloe vera gel, organic emulsified expeller-expressed soybean oil, expeller-expressed safflower oil, distilled water, grapefruit seed extract, natural lemon oil, natural vitamin E oil, vegetable glycerin.

Baby Your Skin Balm from Dakota Free – This versatile skin salve is welcome relief for any area of skin that needs extra protection or moisturizing. Originally designed for baby skin, it is popular with people of all ages and occupations. This excellent balm is used to moisturize, soothe and protect skin, while it promotes healing. Ingredients:  Expeller pressed safflower oil, North Dakota beeswax, jojoba oil, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E oil), organic grapefruit seed extract, natural lavender oil (optional; Order without the Lavender Oil.)

Directions for use: Apply after bathing and as often as desired to any area of skin.
Perfect for use on rough or cracking feet, hands, knees & elbows.
Makes a great facial night cream, especially around the eyes.
Use to soothe areas of dry, scaling or itching skin. Can order trial/travel size.

Lipbalms and Lotions from Special Foods – These lip balms and lotions are made from beeswax and listed oil only. There are no added scents or flavors. Choose a lip balm made from plant sources you tolerate. The lip balms are available in small 5-gram glass containers. To order, go to Special Foods or call 703-644-0991 for a special foods catalog.

Honey Lipz Lip Balm from Dakota Free – An all-natural and fragrance-free lip balm that moisturizes with just the right feel on your lips. Ingredients:  Expeller-expressed safflower oil, North Dakota beeswax, jojoba oil, natural vitamin E oil, organic grapefruit seed extract, vegetable glycerin. Call 701-539-2256.

DEODORANT

Baking Soda – Can apply this directly with a cotton pad. To make it smoother, mix 3 Tbsp baking soda with 2 Tbsp cornstarch and apply directly. Or 3 Tbsp baking soda with 3 Tbsp melted Shea butter with 2 Tbsp cocoa butter. (Recipe from Angry Chicken) Do not shave immediately prior to usage.

Fragrance Free Deodorant from Dakota Free – An all-natural, solid-stick deodorant with all-natural essential oils combined in a gentle base to stop odor and soothe sensitive skin. This fragrance-free deodorant is also ideal for bird watchers, bowhunters, sportsman and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Any situation where you want to blend in with the natural surroundings because it is made of plant oils with nothing to attract attention from insects or animals. This fragrance-free deodorant comes packaged in a convenient wind-up tube, it is not an antiperspirant and some individuals may need to reapply during the day. Ingredients: Beeswax, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable glycerin, zinc oxide (a natural mineral), tocopherol (natural vitamin E oil), grapefruit seed extract, natural tea tree oil, natural lemon oil, natural cypress oil and natural blue cypress oil.

HAIR CARE

Nature’s Bounty Milk Shampoo and Conditioner - Developed for the allergic and those sensitive to dyes and perfumes. Goat Milk's unique blend of proteins, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins formulated into natural body care products. No dyes, perfumes, detergents, or deodorants. This frequent use conditioning Milk Shampoo is great for normal to dry, very fine, or damaged, heat-styled, bleached, tinted, and processed hair. Leaves hair static and tangle free, full of body, with a healthy shine. The goat’s milk provides a naturally rich source of conditioning proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Available from The Living Source (1-800-662-8787)

Druide's Pur & Pure Shampoo – Fragrance Free. Specifically designed for the hypersensitive person. Absolute mildness for very sensitive scalp. Simple formula. Balanced pH 5.5. No sulfates. Well received by attendees of the 2003 CIIN Conference.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Extract**, Lauryl Gucoside*, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside*, Sorbitol (vegetal), Glyceryl Oleate, Glycerin (vegetal), Panthenol, Rice Amino Acids, Olive (Olea Europea) Oil**, Anise (Pimpinella Anisum) Extract, Citric Acid, Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Extract, Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis)Extract,Tocopherol.
*Biodegradable
**Certified Organically Grown (ECOCERT) or wild-crafted plants.
Available from Needs (Needs 1-800-6341380).

Magick Botanicals Fragrance Free Shampoo for Thinning Hair – Fragrance Free Shampoo for Thinning Hair - keeps the scalp clean and free of follicle clogging dead skin and sebum. It strengthens the hair shaft and helps hair achieve its maximum growth potential. This gentle formula is safe for colored or treated hair. Plant extracts have been removed due to sensitivities.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Cocomide MEA, Panthenol, Biotin, Cysteine, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Retinyl Palmitate, Nucleic Acids, Keratin Amino Acids, Germaben, Annatto.
Note: This product is not as safe as the other products, but other people in the family may want to use this.  If extremely sensitive try the other products first. Available from Needs (Needs 1-800-6341380).

TOOTH CARE

Pascalite Clay Products – Tooth and gum care, powder. Great for babies, bath powder for skin soothing and healing, clay packs for burn/wound healing, draws infections out, poultices. Call 307-347-3872.

SUNSCREEN

UV Natural Sunscreen – 1-888-586-9719  All Natural Cosmetics  

SPF 30, no fragrance, non-greasy, grape seed oil, safflower, macadamia, sesame, plus green tea, zinc oxide, PLEASE TEST THIS PRODUCT.