Balms and Manna Blog - Balms and Manna

4 Remedies for Estrogen Dominance PMS

9/8/2025

You dread those days. And so does everyone else in your house.

You feel anxious, moody and irritable. You try to hold it together but what you really want to do is escape yourself!

When there are more days like this than not.... it's time to take action!

4 REMEDIES FOR PMS FOR ESTROGEN DOMINANCE

1- Switch to organic animal fats and dairy
Animal fats and dairy increase xenoestrogens making estrogen dominance worse.

2- Say good bye to sugar and refined carbs
Sugar and carbs create inflammation and stress. It's really that simple.

3- Avoid xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogens mimic regular estrogens. Choose organic meat and dairy. Avoid plastics (plastic wrap, containers), using microwaves, fragrances, toxic body care products and cleaners.

4- Try magnesium glycinate and vitamin B6
Support inflammation and progesterone- both of which are challenges in estrogen dominance.

You don't just have to deal with it. It's not just how you are.

You can feel better! You can go through a whole month with more good days than bad days!

These are just a few things to get started with. Test to know where your hormones really are.

Join my 180 Days to Wellness for specific eating, stress and supplement plans created just for you and what you need!

Tired of Feeling Tired and Overwhelmed?

9/25/2023

TIRED OF FEELING TIRED AND OVERWHELMED?

We live in a stressful world. No one is exempt from it. Whether it's physical, emotional, financial, relational or chemical stress, our bodies all perceive it as stress.

Why A Hormone Test?

7/26/2023

WHY A HORMONE TEST?

Why would I need a hormone test? And what would it tell me?

WHY:
Although these have become part of so many people's lives, they are all signs that your hormones might need some attention:

Weight gain/inability to lose weight
Mood swings- depressed, irritable, anxious
Poor sleep
Night sweats
Decreased libido
Fatigue
Sick frequently
Intense cravings for salt/sugar
Joint aches
Low energy/energy slumps
Digestive issues
PMS- painful, bloating, breast tenderness
Irregular periods/absent periods

HOW:
When our body perceives stress (whether chemical, physical or emotional stress), it sends a series of signals from our brain to our adrenal glands. This is the body's normal response and increases cortisol and adrenaline to appropriately respond to the stress.

As the body adapts to stress, the hormone levels return to normal. However with ongoing stress, the levels in the body start to become imbalanced.

WHAT:
A Salivary Hormone Profile shows you how your body is responding to this signaling pathway and where you are in the stress response. It gives a picture of whether you are in an acute stage of stress or whether you have been dealing with stress for long periods of time.

It will also show how the stress response is impacting sex hormone levels. It includes the following markers:

Total cortisol levels
Cortisol levels throughout the day
DHEA
Estradiol (the most strongest form of estrogen)
Progesterone
Testosterone

Really, it is a big picture of how your body is responding and handling stress and how that manifests in the things you are struggling with in every day life.

It truly gives you answers and connects what you feel to what is going on in your body! Learn more about salivary hormone testing.

Schedule a Discovery Call to Learn More

Life is Better with Copaiba

3/29/2022

LIFE IS BETTER WITH COPAIBA

Do you struggle with sleep, anxious feelings, poor digestion or poor circulation? Do you wish that you had something that would just make your life better and more comfortable?

Copaiba is an essential oil that most people have never heard about. It comes from the copaiba tree which is native to South America. The main constitute of Copaiba is beta-caryophyllene which is powerfully relaxing, soothing and supports your endocannabinoid system. This system in your body is responsible for managing inflammation and bringing the body systems into balance.

SO HOW IS LIFE BETTER WITH COPAIBA?

Taking a softgel capsule before going to bed can promote a better night's sleep
Using 1-2 drops internally under the tongue or as a softgel daily can support healthy hormones, a stronger nervous system, less discomfort, better digestion, circulation and immunity
Massage on topically to ease discomfort
Add a few drops to your moisturizer to reduce the appearance of blemishes and keep the skin looking clearer and healthier.

WHY I LOVE COPAIBA-

Taking a softgel nightly before bed helps me sleep better and keeps my fingers from falling asleep during the night.
It helps me have an overall calmer mood, less anxious feelings and makes life's challenges easier to deal with.
I notice less congestion in my lymph (think less PMS issues), sinuses, liver (clearer skin and less head tension) and healthy inflammation levels in my veins (think less discomfort and better circulation).
I also notice more hormone balance (less moodiness, bloating and fatigue).

Does this sound like an oil you would like to try? I would be happy to share a sample of this with you so you can also feel power and support of this amazing oil! Or if you don't want to wait, get yours now!

I WANT A SAMPLE

3 Key Benefits to Deep Breathing

2/24/2022

3 KEY BENEFITS TO DEEP BREATHING

1- REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Deep breathing calms the body, helps it feel safe and counteracts the body's "fight or flight" response. It releases tension which can improve things such as high blood pressure, headaches, muscle tension and sleep. It can also help lower cortisol which can help with weight loss, emotional balance and exhaustion.

2- CAN IMPROVE DIGESTION
Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and a hiatal hernia can result from tension and anxiousness. Deep breathing can improve the gut brain connection, improve physical responses to stress and release tension in the solar plexus.

3- REMOVAL OF TOXINS
Our lungs is one of our detox organs. 70% of toxins can be released if we are breathing properly. This makes our body and our brains healthy.

How to Deep Breath
Deep breathing strengthens your diaphragm and allows your lungs to fully expand creating better oxygen exchange and strengthening core muscles.

*Sit in a comfortable position and place your hand on your stomach
*With your mouth closed, breath in and allow your lungs to fully expand. The hand on your stomach should move out.
*Hold your breath for a count of 7.
*Slowly release your breath while blowing air out from your mouth until you have completely exhaled.
*Continue deep breathing for 5-10 minutes

You can also do square breathing for extra support for the nervous system.
*Breathe in for 4 seconds
*Hold for 4 seconds
*Breathe out for 4 seconds
*Hold for 4 seconds

5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

12/29/2021

5 WAYS TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT

January-that time of year when the holiday festivities leave us feeling a few pounds heavier, a little more brain fogged and a little less energetic than we'd like to be. It's a New Year and a great time to reset our routines and choices!

Here are five simple ways to start the New Year off right!

DE-STRESS- Start with noticing signs that indicate you are stressed. Even better is to make a list of these things. Focus on awareness of when you are stressed and listening to your body.

Make a list of 10 things you truly enjoy that you feel refreshed and renewed after doing. As you become increasingly aware of when you are stressed, pull out your list and spend 10-15 minutes de-stressing.

EXERCISE- Just 15 minutes of movement every day, especially outside will help to balance your hormones, increase your energy and mood. Talk a walk in the snow, go sledding, ice skating or a bike ride when the weather is good.

GET YOUR SLEEP- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night is foundation to everything! Your weight, ability to detox, mood, energy, hormone balance, stress levels and even digestion!

Set a sleep and wake time and stay within an hour of that time frame to regulate your circadian rhythms. Take the 30-60 minutes before bed to turn off all screens, do some reading, journaling, devotions, gratitude or a relaxing bath with essential oils.

If falling asleep or staying asleep is hard for you, try Serenity softgels. They promote deep and restful sleep and are truly amazing!

DRINK WATER- Drinking water hydrates your skin, improves digestion and elimination, reduces feelings of hunger and calorie intake and helps flush out toxins. Half your body weight in ounces daily is the general recommendation

REDUCE SUGAR- The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of added sugar daily! Sugar slows down your immune system, increases inflammation, creates brain fog and drains your energy. It's also contributes to heart disease, fatty liver, diabetes and cancer.

Get my Sugar Substitute Reference Guide

]Happy Hormones? It's possible!

5/14/2021

It IS possible to have happy hormones! Yes, I know many of you are thinking that you have been dealing with this for years but it is possible! And not just by masking the issues but by really getting to the root causes.

What it requires is a holistic approach to your hormones with a focus on these areas. Using these, I have been able to help myself and my clients find balance with their hormones. All it takes is a commitment to your health and proper coaching along the way.

Sleep- This is when the body detoxes, heals and recharges. If you aren't sleeping well, your body can't do what it needs to do.

Stress- Stress is a huge player with hormones. You can do all the other things right but if you don't manage your stress, you won't be able to achieve the results you want.

Improve Gut Health- This is where it all starts. If you aren't absorbing nutrients or your gut is inflamed, it's hard to make progress with your hormones

Balance Blood Sugar- Insulin plays a key role in hormone levels as well as weight management.

Reduce Toxins- Many toxins are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interrupt the hormone function in our bodies. It's essential to remove them from your body and your environment.

Nutrition- If your body doesn't have the minerals and vitamins it needs, the body systems can't function like they should. Nutrients are the building blocks for hormone function and production.

Would you like to get started with me to change your hormones? I offer several options for coaching you with your health.

3 month plan- A Whole Body Reset

Establish a nutritional foundation
30 day cleanse
Create a personalized plan for lifestyle and diet

6 month plan- Personalized Wellness Plan

Testing, physical assessment and health history

Address root causes
Establish mutual goals
Monthly coaching sessions
Allows time to create new habits

Chat With Me to Learn More!

Why Detox?

3/29/2021

Spring is the perfect time to detox! Your body is already naturally detoxing to help it move from winter to spring.

But why do we need to detox? Overtime we pick up toxins from our environment in the air, the chemicals added to the ground, food and products we use and from the things we put on our bodies.

Toxins disrupt our hormone balance, contribute to inflammation, digestion & respiratory problems, weight gain and poor sleep to name a few.

Detoxing promotes:

Better digestion
Better skin
Better metabolism
Better mood
More energy
Less weight
Less inflammation

What is the best detox for you?

Detox can be diet changes such as eliminating dairy, gluten, sugar and process foods.
You can eliminate toxic cleaners and body care products by replacing them with non toxic cleaners such as doTERRA's OnGuard*, Verage or Essential Skin Care lines.
Or you can use herbs and essential oils to focus in on the areas you want to detox.
- Whole Body- Cellular Detox*
- Focus on Chemicals- EnviroDetox*
- Hormone- Indole 3 Carbinol*
- Skin and Body Odor- Liquid Chlorophyll*
- Heavy Metals- Heavy Metal Detox*

If this seems overwhelming, contact me and I would be happy to customize a detox plan for you!
*Can be purchased at the Country Cupboard in Fairbury, IL.

Tried and True-For Me and You!

12/30/2020

It was one of those days....
I had a rough day at work and needless to say, I didn't come home in the best mood! I was cranky and whiny and my poor sister patiently listened while I vented. She quietly went to diffuser in the kitchen and put in a few drops of Balance.

After 10 minutes of being home, I was feeling much better. In fact, I thought to myself that my day wasn't really that bad and I totally over reacted. I shared this with my sister and she smiled and said, "That's because I put Balance in the diffuser!"

This was my first experience with Balance and after feeling the difference, it has become part of my daily routine. I roll it on the bottom of my foot in combination with Serenity essential oil. I also have a small bottle of it that I keep in my purse and I feel anxious and stressed, I open the bottle and smell it or rub a little drop on the insides of my wrist.

I have seen this oil calm babies, anxious dogs and confused grandmas! It's an oil that I recommend to almost everyone because who of us doesn't need a little bit more grounding and a little less stress in our lives?

If you don't have this amazing oil and would like a sample, please let me know and I would be happy to send one to you! Or you can get a whole bottle for yourself!

Hormones...We all Have Them but Don't Always Like Them!

7/1/2020

In my daily interactions with women, it seems like the topic of hormones frequently come up.

I hear conversations like, "I think my hormones aren't balanced. What is the best way to know?" and "I'm suffering from really bad mood swings for no reason," and "My husband says 'Please ask Becky to help you with your PMS'".

We all have hormones and they are beautiful, amazing things when they are balanced. Hormones are responsible for our metabolism, regulating body temperature, healthy inflammation levels, building muscles and bones, sleep cycles, stress levels, weight, energy and many other body functions.

But in the society we live in, it's easy for hormone imbalance to be a real thing that many women deal with! Pain, irritability, fatigue, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, poor digestion, food sensitivities are all symptoms of imbalanced hormones.

Stress, nutrition, exercise and toxins are fundamental building blocks of healthy hormones. With a little awareness of what your body is telling you, some education about how the body works combined with diligence and time will go a long way to bringing your hormones back into the balance that God intended them to be.

I would love to encourage you on that journey! I offer a 6 month personalized program to help you restore that balance using supplements, lifestyle modifications, nutrition education and encouragement along the way. Email me to schedule a time for us to start your program!