Pet Odors

Dear Jen,

I foster animals (mostly dogs) for a no kill shelter and unfortunately get quite a few urine accidents in my carpet. Is there any effective treatment to get rid of this odor. I usually treat the accidents shortly after they have occurred, but cannot seem to get rid of the odor even after drying. Have tried just about everything on the market and even a vinegar, lavender and peppermint mix but does not seem to eliminate the odor. I have a portable carpet shampoer that I can possibly put some essential oils in so wondering if that might be a possible help. Thanks for you help. Selina.

Pet Odors

Hi!
Yes, lemongrass! It is a natural deodorizer. It's wonderful! You could use it in baking soda and sprinkle on dry carpet and vacuum, or you could dilute it in warm water when you are cleaning. A little bit seems to go a long way.
I also put about 25 drops in a 4 oz. spray bottle w/ distilled water and that is my "febreeze". It works on sofa, car, dog bed, etc.....Jen Knoth

Shingles

Hi Carla!
So sorry to hear about this; how awful. Here are some recommendations that will ease the pain and help the itching. I have heard that the trunk and the face are the regions most affected by shingles. The analgesic and anti-viral properties in certain essential oils are helpful for easing pain, soothing the irritation, combating the virus and drying out the blisters. The oils that we carry that will aid in this, are Tea Tree, Bergamot, and Lavender.
Please be sure to dilute the oils in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, which is the one we recommend since it has antioxidants and will heal the skin. I would use the following in 4 oz. grapeseed. 20 drops Lavender, 10 drops Tea Tree, 10 drops Bergamot, .
Once the blisters are gone and you still have pain, I would recommend using Lavender with Chamomile. A dilution of 25 drops Lavender to 15 drops Chamomile in 4 oz. grapeseed.
Both of these make nice body oils too; very moisturizing and healing. A bonus, is that Bergamot is an antidepressant too! Always nice to be uplifted!
I hope you feel better soon.
Please note that we have a free shipping special on our website right now. www.thehappysoul.com
Thanks! Jen Knoth

Shingles

I was recently diagnosed with Shingles (Herpes Zoster), due to stress and a compromised immune system (extended treatment of steroids for an injury). It broke out on my face only – nose area and around the mouth (it even followed the laugh lines, so I feel like I look like Batman’s Joker!). It has a great deal of pain, itching and burning (I sometimes feel like someone put acid on my face).

Do you have any suggestions? I would prefer not to take the painkillers they prescribed, if I can find a good alternative.

Thank you –

Carla in South Carolina