P.O. Box 67, Powell Butte, OR 97753 | (541) 419-1284

Cart | Checkout

T's Tonics

Handmade Natural Products and Organic Herbal Tea

What to Pack For Traveling To The Tropics

girls on logWhat to Pack For The Tropics

Our girls went to the Philippines recently. They had to pack light for the tropics. For Asian air travel between islands, their packs could only be 22 pounds.

They were going some places they would need to backpack. And they had some adventures planned; like hiking, camping, scuba diving, snorkeling and general exploring as well as going to Church gatherings. They needed to cover a few different bases as efficiently as possible.

So when they got home, I asked them what they packed that had worked, (primarily focused on first aid items), what didn’t and what they wished they had brought. Here’s the breakdown for any of you going on a backpack trip to the tropics soon.

The first 5 were sponsored by T’s Tonics, of course, but they said they were all greatly needed and used.

What worked (for them) in the Tropics:

Natural Sun Block, waterproof, lots needed

Sun Soother Spray– they used it all and wished they had more

Traveler’s Spray– disinfectant

Skeeter Beater– bug repellent

Lip balm

Band-Aids

Peppermint oil and ibuprofen for pain, headaches, digestion

Nausea medicine – 1 girl got sick and used it all, they needed more

Melatonin vitamins for the long flights and sleeping

Dramamine for rough boat rides

Vitamin A and E for sunburns

Electrolytes- they used Emergen-C and loved having this when they got dehydrated

Liquid soap (= laundry detergent)

Travel packs of tissue (= toilet paper)

Sarong- (= towel, cover up, beach blanket etc)

Travel Bible

ear buds

Zip lock bags

Granola bars and jerky- wanted more of these too

Comfortable, all purpose sandals/flip flops; they wore their Teva sandals everywhere

Snorkel, mask and fins

Things they wished they had brought:

Tropical ear solution (easy recipe below)

Dry shampoo

Hat

More immune boosters

More quick proteins

Their Advice:

Get small change in the airport – most places couldn’t make change for bigger bills

Buy and drink lots of water –it is easy to get dehydrated

Wear a swim shirt when snorkeling

No need for an electrical adaptor there

Bring more Sun Soother!

Ask around and know prices before buyinggirls scuba diving

Tropical Ear Drop Recipe:

1/3 part hydrogen peroxide (kills bacteria)

1/3 part white vinegar (balances pH)

1/3 part rubbing alcohol (dries water)

To this mixture add vegetable glycerin to make 5% of solution (emollient).

 

Why Travel with a Natural Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizers are available everywhere, cheap and easy, so why use a natural option?

Several reasons: While we need quick sanitizing solutions, especially when traveling these days, evidence is showing that regular anti-bacterial sanitizer gels are not good for you. This is why:

  1. The  anti-bacterial ingredients can stop beneficial bacteria from protecting you. They are allowing harmful bacteria to grow into super bugs instead.
  2. The chemicals used in sanitizers can increase the skin’s absorption of some harmful components, BPAs being one of them.
  3. The chemicals used are not friendly to your skin and can create allergic reactions.
  4. The ingredients used are not friendly to the environment and can stay in our bodies, water systems and soils for a long time.

We encourage you to choose all natural sanitizers to ensure you travel healthy and stay healthy.

Here’s some reasons why we choose Traveler’s Spray:

Facts about Traveler's Spray

Facts about Traveler’s Spray

  • Great for hands, surfaces, cars, bathrooms, beds, luggage, and anywhere else germs and odors may be.
  • Skin, kid, pet and earth friendly.
  • Proven to kill 99.96% of surface and air-borne bacteria.
  • Wonderful smelling with cinnamon, clove, orange & more.
  • Easy to carry with you and easy to use as a spray without touching areas first.
Visiting Ugandan kids

Visiting kids in Kiganda, Uganda

Recently we did some traveling in Uganda. While this was an amazing, heart warming experience, I was thankful many times over for having Traveler’s Spray with me.

We westerners can live with a little bigger bubble around ourselves then in other parts of the world. Especially country living folks like me, who are not used to crowds of people touching me constantly.

In Uganda, we handed out suckers to the kids in some slum areas as a way of connecting and sharing with them. It was a great experience and we learned a lot about life there. These people live close to the earth, animals and each other, with no running water or plumbing. They have a great sense of community and connectedness but not much sanitation like we Westerners are obsessed with. Sickness, garbage and lack were evident everywhere.

So when we would hop back in the car, everyone would ask for the Traveler’s spray and wipe their hands. I always want to bring Traveler’s spray with me traveling. I used it in lots of other ways and places too; on my pillow, wrinkly clothes, suitcase, shoes and as deodorant when I forgot it.

Bonus Uses:                                                                                            

Athletic wear: Odor can stay in athletic clothes even after they are washed. The essential oils in the Traveler’s Spray kill bacteria which can help to neutralize the odor of sweaty gear.          

Stinky Shoes:  Liberally spray the insides of shoes with the Traveler’s Spray for added foot health, protection and odor control!                                          

Wrinkly clothes: While you are traveling or just on the go, you can use the Traveler’s spray to help get the wrinkles and static cling out of clothes: just mist lightly over clothes and smooth down!                    

Bed Bugs: Spray pillows and sheets in hotel rooms just in case!    

Mold: This essential oil blend helps kill molds naturally.

Deodorant: A great way to beat smells without clogging your pores from aluminum anti-breathing antiperspirants                                           

Car air freshener: we keep one in the car to spray in the air or on ourselves to freshen up when needed.

Bathroom freshener: Clear the air as needed. Also can be used as a counter and germ cleaner.

If you are traveling soon or use sanitizers often, consider a healthy option. Choose Traveler’s Spray here.

 

Simple Health Hacks for a Cold-Free Winter

Staying Healthy This Winter – Simple?

Winter has shown up in Central Oregon! Winter HealthSo much so, in fact, that I joked with my friend the other day that “it’s hard to tell Bend from Mt. Bachelor.”  It’s snowed so much in the past month that I’ve been forgetting what everything looked like without a colossal blanket of white over it. However, if you think that a little snow is stopping locals from getting outdoors, you’re wrong. The residents of Bend are as active as ever, because they’re getting creative. How? Just look outside –Bendites these days are getting their errands done by snowboarding and skiing around town!

While you may be one of these winter go-getters, playing in the snow does have its drawbacks if the correct measures aren’t taken first. During the cold weather season, bodies become more susceptible to catching bugs like the cold, the flu and pneumonia. In fact, as you expose yourself to cold weather, your air passages and skin dry out. This means that you become dehydrated faster which makes it all the easier for viruses to sneak in. Now, I know that I’m not the type of person that likes to spend hours mixing up cocktails of vitamins and supplements to find the perfect cold cure. So instead, I’ve found two quick, and ridiculously simple immune fixes that are easy to administer daily at your own home in under a minute.

This first winter health remedy is one that I’ve been loving for external protection –an incredibly handy organic balm by T’s Tonics. It’s called “Grab Salve” and it works on pretty much everything you want to grab it for.

Grab this salve for dry cracked skin and lips

Grab this salve for dry cracked skin and lips

Enthusiastically built for cuts and burns and infections, this salve has proved itself the perfect winter friendly pocket accessory for chapped lips, noses and hands as well. In fact, I’ve successfully used it in place of chapstick probably more times than I’d like to admit! It’s great for cracked heels too. It can be found in Bend at the Patagonia store.

My other favorite winter hack is easily green tea. Loaded with vitamins and nutrients, I’ve made it a point to drink at least one cup per day since fall began. green teaDid you know that one cup of green tea has up to 10% of your vitamin C for the day? To further the healing properties, I’ve been loving adding in a special Jamaican flower called hibiscus. In addition to boasting beautiful pink petals, this flower is wonderful for helping the body with its naturally high vitamin C and antioxidant content. Besides being warming to the soul, green tea with hibiscus is also the perfect way to give your immune system that vital boost! T’s tonics has made a deliciously health-conscious tea that includes both of these goodies, PLUS orange peel, lemon peel, rosehips and more boosters and you can find the link here: Citrus Hibiscus 

Citrus Hibiscus TeaIt’s easy to stay healthy for all the winter fun, all it really takes is a little know how and a couple quick tricks –like tea and a pocket-sized multi-use balm. If you have any stories or quick natural fixes that work for you, feel free to share them in the comments below. After all, exchanging experiences is what helps us grow and stay healthy for the stuff that matters –like skiing, sledding and snowball fights!

contributed by Isabella Moseley

 

A Tea That Can Help the Memory?

      Herbs for the Brain

What they are and how they work:

Jasmine Green Tea-Rich in polyphenols which are powerful anti-oxidants that strengthen immune systems and rejuvenates our bodies. They are shown to inhibit and help kill cancer cells! Also helpful in fighting infection. Supports the cardiovascular system and helps lower cholesterol. Other positives are increased metabolism, energy, and help with rheumatoid arthritis.

Peppermint leaf is also a powerful anti-oxidant and combined with the green tea works overtime to support the heart, digestive and nervous systems. It is also good for strengthening the immune system and is good for the skin. Stimulating to the brain yet calming to the emotions enables this herb to help with concentration and focus.

Lemon Peel -has many positive benefits that work dynamically in combination with green tea and peppermint. It is wonderful for digestion and metabolism. It balances the pH and increases energy, circulation and mood levels. It is rich in vitamin C which supports the immune system.

Ginkgo leaf – antioxidant, stimulates circulatory system, reduces inflammation, improves memory and brain function, anti-aging benefits. High in iron, calcium and vitamin C.

Sage leaf– antibiotic, antioxidant, immune building, helps memory retention and concentration, drying to mucus membranes, dries milk in nursing moms, helps balance hormones for menopause, decreases inflammation, good for skin and bones, eczema, acne.

Rosemary leaf– sister herb to sage with similar benefits: helpful to digestion, brain stimulation, immune system, and healthy hair growth. Together, they are shown to equal the benefits of some Alzheimer medications.

Gota kola– Known as the herb of “enlightenment”, gota kola has many benefits including increased cognitive abilities, circulation, oxygenation, treats gastric ulcers, helps regulate blood pressure, decrease anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue, increases libido, a mild diuretic, it can help pass toxins out of the body, helps wrinkles and aging of the skin.

Infused with therapeutic essential oils of peppermint & sage.

Thinker’s Tea

Bonus: This tea also makes a great hair rinse for darkening graying hair and increasing shine!

Recipe: Herbed Chicken

Combine 2 Tbsp Thinkers Tea with 1 tsp sea salt and ¼ tsp black pepper and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Use as a rub on 2-4 chicken breasts and grill until done. Enjoy!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” Prov. 1;7Thinker's Tea

Balloons Over Bend is Family Fun

Balloons Over Bend

balloons over bend

Beautiful, breathtaking, it’s Balloons over Bend. Floating over the treetops in a happy array of bright colors, blotting out the morning sun just for a moment. I am a kid again, and jumping with joy as I point out each balloon, fancifully picturing myself inside them. I love the way their carts look, and the tiny waving people inside. Ever since I was little, Balloons over Bend has been a staple part of my summers. And each year, my excitement grows once again as I anticipate them rising from the trees to rival the morning sun.

Among the variety of other fun and funky family events Bend hosts, Balloons over Bend is one of my favorite. A picturesque attraction for tourists, businesses and Bendites alike, this lovable festival is so fun to go to with friends, co-workers or family. In fact, it’s even been called, “The biggest family festival in Central Oregon!” The launch began at 6am at Jewell Elementary School, but that’s not where the fun ended. After the balloon take-off, The RBC Wealth Management and Children’s Festival continued the celebrations in Riverbend Park! Face painting, bouncy houses, activities and other family fun began at 10am and lasted until 2pm. Although I have to admit that the balloons may always be my favorite, the events didn’t fail to entertain! From beautiful balloons to spirited social activities, Balloons over Bend really has taken its rightful place as one of Bends most cherished traditions.

One of the things I love about Bend is how much it does to contribute to society. Although Balloons over Bend festival was free and open to the public, wristbands were sold starting at $10 for admission to bouncy houses and other activities. But wait, here’s the awesome part! With each wristband purchase, Balloons over Bend made a donation to Saving Grace. It was such a fun event and I loved that both families and friends could come and enjoy themselves. It was very hot sunny however, so I made sure not to forget my
Sun Soother! It was the best thing to wake up to beautiful hot air balloons and then adventure over to Riverbend Park to continue the fun. What better way to spend a Sunday than with family, friends, great food and Balloons over Bend?

By Izze Moseley, guest blogger izze pic

Mo-Tea-To Recipe with Lemon Refresh-Mint Tea

Refreshing Mo-Tea-To

This “Mo-Tea-To” green tea version of a Motito was well liked when it made it’s appearance at the Bend Art Walk.

It is a flavorful, sparkly and refreshing drink with a feel-good peppermint finish. The green tea gives the traditional summer time recipe more depth and interest, I think.  People were asking for the Mo-Tea-To recipe, so here it is:

Mo-Tea-Tos

4 oz T’s Tonics Lemon Refresh-Mint Tea, prepared, (follow directions on back).

mo-tea-to Ingredients

mo-tea-to Ingredients

2 Tbs Raw Honey Simple Syrup

2 oz. Spritzer or Sprite

2 slices lime

10 pc. Mint leaves (optional)

2 oz light Rum (optional)

 

It was very easy to make as the T’s Tonics Refresh-Mint Tea itself has the 3 main ingredients of Green Tea, Peppermint and Lemon.

Green Tea Lemon Refresh-Mint

Prepare a cold infusion of lemon Refresh-mint tea.

You can do this by steeping a tea strainer of the tea in 16 oz. (or 1/2 cup for a gallon) of hot water for 4 minutes and then cool it down in fridge with a ziplock bag of ice submerged in it for speed.

You can also make a sun tea by putting 1/8 c lemon Refresh-Mint in a glass jar, activating the leaves with a covering of warm water, then filling the rest of the jar with cool water and placing covered in a sunny window or warm spot for a couple hours until ready.

 

Make a simple syrup. I made a honey mint simple syrup for my recipe.

Here’s how:  A simple syrup is simply made by heating 1 part sugar to 5 parts water.

I used raw local honey instead and steeped a few sprigs of fresh peppermint leaves in it as it was heating. I then strained it honey mint simple syrupinto a glass measuring cup and put it in the fridge to cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slice lemons and limes. I juiced 1 lime and 1/2 lemon to add to my gallon of tea.

tea art

tea art.

Blend the cold tea, spritzer or sprite, some lime juice, the simple syrup and light rum, if desired, together. Add ice cubes, slices of lemon and lime and fresh mint sprigs to garnish.

 

 

 

 

 

Serve and enjoy!

mo-tea-to art walk

Angelinas Organic Skincare art walk

 

5 Simple Ways to Speed Sports Recovery

Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Speed Sports Recovery

nature works

nature works

Whether you are training for an event, just exercising, or doing school sports, when you work your body hard, recovery is needed.

Here are some easy, proven ways to help speed your rebound time and get you back on your feet faster.

  1. Replace fluids: Drinking water after exercising is important for recovery but even better is adding Vitamin C into that water. Vitamin C helps repair tissues and replenish your cells.
    • You can do this with lemon, lime or orange squeezed in water or use an electrolyte recovery drink like Emergen-C.
    • Drinking green tea also helps, being high in anti-oxidants, inflammation reducing properties and tannins which help healing
  2. Compression Clothing: Lycra is your friend. It doesn’t have to be special or expensive, leggings or under-armor clothing will work to support recovering muscles and joints.
  3. Shower stretching: Or a bath, even better; with Epsom salts or dry mustard added to the water to pull toxins and lactic acid build up out of your muscles. Gently stretch sore muscles under water. Rotating from hot to cold water speeds recovery even faster.
  4. Inflammation reducers: Arnica Spray helps reduce swelling and speed healing.Arnica Spray Tincture
  • T’s Tonics Arnica Spray has peppermint oil added which also helps relieve pain and re-energizes muscles!
  • Taking ginger and turmeric internally or on food can help reduce inflammation also.
  1. Eat Protein: Before exercising and after, it is important to eat the right foods. Protein helps to build muscle and endurance and is important for sustainable energy.

You will be back on your feet in no time with a little rest, recovery and following these tips.

“In times of Stress, be Bold and Valiant!” -Wallace

New Balm Sticks!

Leave a Comment

Our Balms Roll On

Relieving balms now come in roll-up sticks for easy, finger free application!

We are in love! Our favorite balms just got easier!

And now we are carrying them around and using them more than ever!

Because it’s so fun and simple!

Arnica Balm Stick

Arnica in a stick

Arnica in a stick

  • Potent inflammation, bump and bruise reducer
  • Take the lid off, roll up, and apply. Relief at your fingertips!
  • More potent than ever with White Willow Bark for pain relief
  • Slips into your pocket or purse
  • reach the spots you need without getting sticky fingers
  • stocking stuffer worthy
  • proclaimed “the million dollar treatment”
  • long lasting, soaks in deeper & deeper for long relief
  • Easy for athletes to take in their bags

 

Breathe Better Balm

Breathing Better made easy

Breathing Better made easy

  • Infused with 5 herbs and 7 therapeutic oils for decongesting support.
  • Great for noses, glands, & chest
  • easy to take along with you
  • no bad smells
  • Organic coconut oil & pure bees wax to ease dryness pleasantly
  • same amount, same price, better ease, more potency
  • What’s not to Love?

 

 

 

“These are better than ever!” – Catalina K

“Glad you thought of this. I love the containers and we love the arnica.” – Steve H

Thanks to all for your support and feedback so we can keep bringing you what you need.

They are available online here, arnica balm, breathe better

 

 

12 Reasons We Love Skeeter Beater

Leave a Comment

Why do we love Skeeter Beater? 

The bugs have been really bad this year and so they have been the topic of a few conversations. Recently we were having a discussion about bug repellents and why we prefer T’s Tonics Skeeter Beater (besides the fact that we make it).

Skeeter Beater bug spray

Skeeter Beater

Here is 12 reasons why:

The most obvious reason is because:

  • it is natural, organic and great for our skin!

But there is a lot more:

  • Proven effective for over 2 hours of protection against mosquitoes and other flying insects. (Effective for as long as DEET products, but has better results)
  • 10 therapeutic grade organic essential oils
  • 25% active ingredients, more than most other products
  • Easy PET free spray bottle
  • Safe for kids, animals and sensitive skin
  • More than a bug protection! Good for your skin and you too.
  • Relieves bites and itches
  • Smells great!
  • Soy Free, chemical free, all organic goodness
  • Won’t harm your clothes, belongings or you.
  • Friendly on the environment too: safe for water systems, oceans and coral reefs

Here’s what other people are saying:backpacking

Skeeter Beater Testimonials

“The Skeeter Beater worked great in Africa! I need two more bottles to share with friends.” -Lashae

“I had a large spider bite and after I sprayed it the swelling and discomfort went right down.” –Tena

“The deet sprays others in our group brought weren’t working. By the end of the trip everyone was using my Skeeter Beater. I didn’t get one bite and I smelled great!” -Jenay B.

Pick up your Skeeter Beater today! You’ll love it! The bugs won’t! Click here to order on-line. Thanks!

How arnica helps pimples shrink and other uses

Leave a Comment

How arnica helps pimples shrink!2012-06-16_15-48-59_91

We have found many more uses for arnica spray than just to relieve aches and pains, (although we are always amazed at how fast it does that.)

We use our arnica spray to quickly lessen pimple bumps! It takes the inflamed skin down within 10-15 minutes, lessens visibility and speeds the healing of skin eruptions.

We love how fast it does this because a big pimple always seems to appear right before an important evening out!

Arnica spray is fast at disappearing the blemish; just spray directly on site, then follow with your cover up, if you wish. Note: Do not use on broken skin or open sores.

Arnica can help eczema, skin irritations, and shingles!

We have an elder in our life that daily uses the arnica spray to help relieve the pain and inflammation of a strange skin condition. I also know a few having challenges with eczema, shingles and tricky skin issues that the medical community doesn’t have many good solutions for.

If it causes inflammation, arnica spray can help relieve the swelling and discomfort. It is not a cure, but it is a great aid in helping speed healing, because inflammation is usually a major factor in keeping the body from being able to heal itself.

Arnica saved us from social services.

Arnica usage in our home reached a whole new level when our third child, Arianna, reached the age of two. For some reason she started running into walls; on purpose! She was always getting bumps and bruises and we were concerned that she would have a permanent knot on her forehead, she hit it so often. We were sure someone would start to wonder if we were abusing our child!ari climbing rock

That same child started gymnastics and finally had a channel for her energy and daring. The wall banging stopped but the sore muscles and injuries increased.

Around that time, my sister-in-law mentioned seeing arnica growing in the hills. Bells went off in my head. I was experimenting a lot with combining essential oils and herbs, using them to doctor our family. Pain relief was a big factor in them.

It took many attempts at making salves before we found a combination which was pleasing as well as powerful! And then we went to a straight tincture and loved the quickness.20150216_142621

We are still amazed at it and also love the stories of others:

“I it on my dog’s leg when he was limping around and had been listless for days. The next day it was like nothing had happened. He was all better!”- Marjie O.

“I gave it to a woman that gets headaches often and she sprayed it on the back of her neck. Within moments she looked at me and said the pain was gone.” – Greg C.

“I got hit on the forehead by a falling metal bar and it quickly started growing into a good sized bump. I sprayed arnica on it right away and several times that day. By the end of the day you couldn’t see that anything had happened; it was gone!” -Jason S.