September 8, 2014

PUPPPs Essential Oil Blend: Amazing Relief!

As some of you may have noticed, I've been working on researching and testing Essential Oils for PUPPPs relief for some time now. It was important to me to be comfortable with the oils I was using and to be familiar with how they worked before I spread the word. Here are a couple links about Essential Oil safety in pregnancy. (But PLEASE, simply consult your care provider before using Essential Oils while pregnant! My midwives have signed off on my blend, but you'll want to have that assurance from your own provider. Also, I would hold off using any Essential Oils until you're through your first trimester. That is when the risk is greatest for birth defects and miscarriage.)

Is it safe to use essential oils while I'm pregnant?
Essential Oils

I've been working on refining a special blend of essential oils for PUPPPs for over 3 months, and I think I have something pretty exciting! It hasn't completely cured my PUPPPs, but it has kept it so minimal that I consider it a practical cure. I am functioning again!

Like I said, I've been using and refining this blend for over 3 months. I am very impressed with the combination of immediate relief and healing relief. The cooling effect is amazing. It calms the itch immediately and much more effectively than ANY other product I've tried over my 4 experiences with PUPPPs. But on top of that, it appears to keep the inflammation at bay! I chose each oil in the blend for it's anti-inflammatory properties. I have seen two other blends out there for PUPPPs that seem to use oils traditional for itchy rashes. My blend focuses on inflammation. From all the research I've done, PUPPPs seems to be some kind of an inflammatory response.

Here's some pretty impressive proof of my relief!

These photos were taken 1 week apart. The first is my rash at it's worst for this pregnancy after 1 day of using the oil blend. Miserable. The second picture is after 1 week of using the oils, and the third is after 2 weeks of using the oils! The photos are NOT edited at all! The lighting difference is simply that the first picture was taken in the evening under artificial light, and the last two were taken in the morning in natural light. 
As I have posted about before, my rash is not completely gone. It seems to be on a monthly cycle. Once a month, it "peaks," and I develop a couple of small patches (1-2 inches across) of rash. The peak lasts roughly a week, and the oils seem to take it away! I have never been this functional with PUPPPs before! Not even with steroid use! You know I've tried it all!

I've decided to make my recipe available to all of you, because it has been SO VERY HELPFUL for me! It has been more effective than the STEROIDS were with Baby #3. I'm so impressed that it is competing with and even beating the big guns! 

Here is my Recipe for Anti-Inflammation Oil Blend:

Materials: Essential Oils, carrier oil, and 1 oz glass roll-on bottle.
(Click HERE for a link to these bottles, which I have been very happy with. Not ONE leak!)

Makes 1 oz of Oil Blend (which last 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of my rash)

Ingredients:
Peppermint Essential Oil - 45 drops (This number is flexible! I find that I like a more intense cooling effect when my rash is at it's peak, thus 45 drops. However, in-between peaks, I often make the blend with only 30 drops. You can vary this to your preference!)
Lavender Essential Oil - 15 drops
Geranium Essential Oil - 15 drops
Frankincense Essential Oil - 12 drops
Myrrh Essential Oil - 12 drops
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - 7 drops
Eucalyptus Essential Oil - 5 drops
Tea Tree Essential Oil - 5 drops
Organic Jojoba Oil - Approximately 3/4 Oz.

Directions:
Mix all the Essential Oils in a 1 oz roll on bottle, then add jojoba oil until bottle is full. Cap with roller top and start applying for immediate relief! Apply as needed. Note: Be sensible! PLEASE PLEASE test this blend on a small patch of skin first and avoid use in sensitive areas such as the groin, armpits, nipples, and mucous membranes. The oils are no joke, so be careful! Ask your doctor first before using Essential Oils in pregnancy!

My Happy Bottle of Sanity!

A note on purchasing Essential Oils:

They can be PRICEY! Two companies I am very pleased with are Plant Therapy (available on Amazon) and Beeyoutiful (available here). They have reasonable prices and a high quality product. (Note: I am not associated with either company. I'm just a fan.) I have done some reading on other popular companies, and while I believe they have quality products, I also believe they are over-priced. Please don't take offense if you are a loyal supporter of some particular brand! This is just my personal opinion.

Here is an article from the Beeyoutiful company that does a fantastic job explaining the ins & outs of essentials oil quality: Essential Oil Quality

Even with purchasing from companies with reasonable pricing, getting all the oils you need to make this blend is a financial investment. I have found it to be EXTREMELY worth the money, but I understand that some of you may be wary about spending a bunch of money not knowing if the oils will work for you. I am considering selling my oil blend on Etsy, just for some of you who want to be able to try it before making the plunge to buy all the oils. Is anyone interested in this? If I get a positive response, I'll get serious about setting up an etsy store!

UPDATE (November 1st, 2016): I'm riding out my 5th case of PUPPPs. My oil blend is still helpful for itch relief. I wanted to try making a blend that wasn't so oily, as it tends to make all my clothes oily. I whipped up a batch with witch hazel as the base instead of jojoba oil. My conclusions? It burns more, so don't use it in sensitive areas or on places you've scratched til they bleed. It'll hurt. And the relief doesn't seem to last quite as long. But I like alternating it with the oil-based blend. It cuts down on the greasy factor!

UPDATE #2: A fellow PUPPPs sufferer is selling my blend on Etsy! Find it here: OhioEssentials

59 comments:

  1. I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! Its great to hear you have finally found some relief! I hope I can find some relief soon. My MW Has me going to a dermatologist today on emergency basis cause my rash is now on my face and it is horrible... Hopefully they can help with some relief for me. If not i'll be looking into doing this very soon.. Wish me luck and again I am so happy you found something to help!.

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    1. On your face!? Oh no! That's crazy!! I hope whatever they suggest helps!! I'm so sorry!

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    2. I first noticed it creeping up from my chest to my neck.. Now its on my chin line and starting on my lip right below my nose ( not sure what that area is called) The Dermatologist had no answers for me today but she did take 2 biopsy's. Sadly she looked at me like I was crazy when I told her my MW said it was PUPPPs. It was almost like she had no clue what it was. She kinda made me very nervous. Of course now they have me worried it maybe something else .. I'm not sure what else it could be. I have already had my liver tested so my MW ruled out ICP. I hope I get some answers soon, I'm worried if its not PUPPPs if my baby can get it... Not a happy sane momma right now.

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    3. Ugh. I'm not surprised she looked at you like that...have you read my post about the dermatologist? I was a novelty. Nobody seems to know what to do with us. I've done quite a big of reading on pregnancy rashes, and unless you have blisters, I can't think what else it could be other than PUPPPs. But it is weird for PUPPPs to be on the face!! I have gotten it on my chin and ears before, but not really my face. Wish I could instantly zap you some of my oils to try!

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    4. I do have a few blisters. Mainly on my hands only. The rash that is on my chest looks like it once blistered and opened. This has got us all going threw loops here trying to figure it all out. Some days I wish I could live in the shower, its the only mild relief I seem to get lately. I have literately tried every home remedy I have seen online. I do kinda get a mild relief from the pine tar soap but its just for about an hour after I get out of the shower. When I see my MW I'm going to ask her about the essential oils and if they could be of help.

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    5. Ugh, blisters. Have you read about Pemphigoid Gestationis? Here's a link: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology_and_obstetrics/abnormalities_of_pregnancy/pemphigoid_gestationis.html

      I don't know anything about it other than it's like PUPPPs with blisters. :-/ Not cool. Hope it's something else entirely. Something treatable! Let me know if you need any other info about the E.O.'s if you and your midwife want to give them a try! Medical mysteries are SOO frustrating!

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  2. Yay! I'm so glad you've found something that is working for you! =)

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    1. Thanks! I'm so thankful to have it! It's truly the difference between a sane me and a crazy me.

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  3. Shame you have suffered - I developed this blend 4 years ago - it too works extremely well and in most cases, very quickly - the recipe is different from yours though. Al the best!

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    1. Your blend inspired me to combine some of the oils I had on hand to see if I could find relief! Thanks for having your product out there!!

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  4. You are so awesome to post your potion recipe friend! (sorry I'm not an interesting new commentor. haha!) What a lot of trial you've had to work through in order to refine this. I'm really excited for you!

    Hugs

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    1. Thanks, friend! You know I love your comments. :)

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  5. I just went and bought all these oils to make this blend - the itching is misery! I developed PUPPPS postpartum - I've had it for about three weeks and it is the worst. Within the last week, it has spread all over my body. Since I'm nursing, I've been looking for something natural to help with the itching (steroids will be my very last resort). I just slathered all this on and I already feel the cooling relief - let's see if it lasts!

    Thank you so much for sharing! I hope to have the same results you did!

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    1. Ugh! It's so hard to enjoy your newborn when you itch everywhere!!! I sure hope the oils help you as much as they helped me!

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    2. I'm so curious if the oils have helped! It took two weeks before I saw huge relief, but have you seen anything change yet? I hope so!

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  6. I developed PUPPPS between 35-36 weeks and it lasted until about 5 weeks post partum. I'm now 6 months post partum and it has come back with a vengeance! I never thought it would come back. I just bought all of these oils to make my own, crossing my fingers they work. I'm currently on prednisone, hydroxyzine, dandelion root, yellow dock and using Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap and Sarna anti-itch lotion. It came on FAST this time and is all over my arms and legs. I tried the leesscience blend at 1 week post partum and didn't notice any changes, so hoping this one works.

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    1. Oh man, I'm hoping it works for you too! That's miserable! I'm sorry. I wish we knew what caused the flare ups! I'd love to hear if the blend works for you! Thanks for commenting. It's encouraging to hear about my page giving people new things to try.

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  7. I cannot thank you enough for posting this recipe! Ive only been using the oils a day or so, but its enough relief that i can go to work and be a functional human being again! Two weeks left til my due date, and i didnt think I'd make it that long with this awful rash. Thanks a million!

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    1. I'm SO SO happy to hear that it's helping you too!!! That's awesome!! Thank you for the feedback! I've got 6 days left (give or take), and I couldn't stand it without the oils!

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  8. I am def interested in your blend. I had my baby 4 months ago and just now experiencing PUPPP. It's horrible. I have tried many steroids now and nothing is helping!!! Please let me know if you will be selling your blend. So nice to have others to relate to!

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    1. I'm so sorry you're getting it!! Message me at pupppsmom@gmail.com for more info on my oil blend. I might be able to set something up for you!

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  9. I am looking at the oils and I see geranium bourbon and geranium Egyptian which one do you have?

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    1. The scientific name on the bottle is pelargonium graveolens. I'm not sure which that is. I buy my geranium oil through BeeYoutiful, in case you want the exact same kind. Hope that helps!!

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  10. Any reason you didn't choose bergamot?

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    1. From my research, it wasn't as strongly antiinflammatory as the other oils.

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  11. I couldn't wait to try this blend and ran down to Whole Foods once I found it! I've tried e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g without much relief. I often joke that if flying to Africa and riding a zebra would help, I'd buy a ticket for the first flight out. No need! I tried the oil blend on a patch of the rash and had instant relief lasting longer than all of my other remedies. Thank you for your suffering - it's led to easing mine and hopefully, countless others as well.

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    1. It makes me SO SO happy to know the oil blend is helping you so much!!! Thank you for posting your feedback so others can know whether or not to give it a try! Hooray for relief!!

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    2. I developed PUPPP at 35 weeks, I'm now 38 and have had no relief and every single day the rash gets bigger and more inflamed. I'm going to try your oil blend but I'm just curious as to how often you would use in throughout the day to find significant relief??

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    3. Ugh, that sounds JUST like my first pregnancy with PUPPPs!!! I'm SO sorry! It's awful!!! I used my oil blend as often at a dozen times a day when my rash was at its worst! Pretty much whenever I needed it! I hope it works for you like it did for me!

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  12. where could i buy your oils to try it for me? plsss...
    im only at 17wks and have this all over my chest and bump.

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    1. 17 weeks! I'm so sorry!!! Email at pupppsmom@gmail.com, and I'll send you the info about buying the oils.

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  13. Hi! I just found your site, which has given me a lot of hope.
    I am in my third pregnancy, only 10 weeks along, and for 2 weeks, I've had this increasingly worsening blistering, itchy, painful rash. One dr has already suggested PUPPPs, so of course google is my bff.

    I am already using essential oils in every day life, so naturally I was so excited to find your recipe. THANK you for sharing it freely. How long did it take for you to notice improvement with the oil blend?

    The pine tar soap hasn't seemed to help me, either, which I was hoping it would with all the rave reviews online! So far, no matter what I do, my rash keeps getting worse and worse. I'm going to try to see a dermatologist tomorrow and have an appt with my naturopath (who specializes in women's health) on tuesday. Which seems like an eternity away. So. all that to say - THANK you for your blog. And you are one of the strongest, bravest women, going through FOUR pregnancies with this. I've already told my husband this is the last one...!

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    1. Thanks for the comment! I'm so sorry you've got a horrible rags!! 10 weeks. :( So early! I'm glad you're seeing some more docs, because blisters aren't typical with PUPPPs. There is another pregnancy rash called Pemphigoid gestationis that does usually have blisters. Might be good to ask about that. :) But definitely let me know how the oils work for you! I'm always curious how they work for other people, since they were so awesome for me. They helped right away with the itch relief, and I really noticed the rash healing up after only a week!! I hope that's the case for you too!

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  14. Hi!! Your blog has been a breath of fresh air. I'm 31 weeks and I've had it for 5 days. I can't see myself like this for another 7-9 weeks. I'm using oatmeal bath in the shower as a scrub, coconut oil, and Sarna. Dr. gave me an Rx prescription of prednisone 10mg but I feel awful taking it :( Astana seems to be the only thing to stop me from going super crazy but I still itch. Sleeping is foreign and I cry at work. Definitely not something I would wish even on my worst enemy for sure. Do you sell your oil remedy online? Is so, I would really be interested in buying it. Thank you so much for sharing! :) - Jess

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    1. Hi Jess, I'm so sorry!! 9 weeks can feel like an eternity when just getting through one day seems impossible! I hear ya on the taking prednisone. I hated taking it with my first too. It did help big time, but prednisone is a nasty drug. I felt more comfortable using a steroid lotion. But when I discovered the essential oil blend worked just as well as the steroid lotion for me, I was so happy! I do still sell it. Email me at pupppsmom@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more. Hope you find relief!!

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  15. Although the peppermint provides cooling relief, if you are a nursing momma and are having any lactation issues, consider eliminating peppermint from your blend post-partum. While there really aren't any studies that back it up, many believe it does affect milk production and it is commonly used during weaning to aid in reducing milk production.

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    1. Thanks for sharing! If anyone has personally experience, please let me know! It's great to be aware of in general. I haven't had any problem with milk production decreasing personally, but different oils can affect everyone differently.

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  16. I have PUPPS at 17 weeks too! It started 3/4 weeks ago and they did labwork to rule out colestasis and in good, so they say it's PUPPPS. I'm going to make this blend! I have a lot of those oils at home! Hope it works!!

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    1. I'm so sorry you have it so early! :( I really hope the blend works for you as well as it did for me! It would be really nice to hear some feedback, if you get a chance. I really enjoy hearing whether not the blend was helpful!

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  17. I have PUPPS 17 weeks pregnant I've had it for 3/4 weeks now. They tested my blood to rule out liver problems but everything cake up clear.. Sounds like PUPPS ... It's miserable! Going to try the oils! I've been doing everything else! Dandelion , pine tar soap, oatmeal baths, nettle tea, Utica urens homeopathy , ... Creams , Benadryl , you name it :(

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  18. Hi - I'm not sure if I'm developing PUPPPs, but at 15+ weeks I sure am itchy (and have been for 3 weeks)! Upon finding this blend, I'm going to try it, but my main EO site recommends against using Myrrh in pregnancy because it may be fetotoxic (according to Robert Tisserand): http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/06/essential-oil-safety-during-pregnancy/

    She also recommends occasional use as opposed to continuous use. I wanted to put that out there not to dissuade people from trying your blend, but just as a bit more info about EOs. I'm super itchy and may throw caution to the wind, but after a miscarriage in September I'm trying to be reasonably cautious and wanted others to know that there are potential risks to using EOs every day, whether pregnant or no.

    (Also - I don't know how you survived with puppps with 1,2, and then 3 girls to take care of on top of being pregnant! GO MAMA.)

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    1. First of all, PUPPPs at 15 weeks is no picnic! I am so so sorry. I hope it doesn't turn into a full blown case.

      And thank you for the extra info. I always recommend you discuss the use of my blend with your OB or midwife. And if you're uncomfortable with any of the oils, simply omit them from your personal blend. Even if many people tolerate certain oils just fine, body chemistry varies greatly. For me personally, I could not cope without something to help. The mainstream option was a steroid. I felt more comfortable taking the risk of the essential oils over the steroids. But we all have to make that decision for ourselves. It's tricky!

      One thing I have found difficult is that it seems if you google any essential oil name plus "pregnancy," you are bound to find at least one source saying it's dangerous. I would guess that goes back to the concept that everybody's body chemistry is different.

      So ladies, read what you can, weigh the risks, ask your doc, talk to your husband, and go from there. I hope you all find relief! PUPPPs is miserable!!

      And to address your last comment...I'm still not sure how I made it through 4 times! It's all a blur now! Phew! But I am so very thankful for my girls. I'm glad I couldn't know the future when I got it the first time. :)

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  19. Hey there! I have been dealing with this awful rash for about 3 weeks, using all kinds of oils and all the remedies everyone suggests. I'm 32w5d. It got so bad my midwife had me go see a MFM specialist who put me on a hard regimen of prednisone for 4 weeks. I've been taking it for 6 days now and it IS helping, but I'm noticing new, painful patches popping up! �� I'm wondering what your experience on steroids was? Did you still have patches popping up while ON the medicine? My anxiety is through the roof. Thanks for this blog, by the way, it has been a big help to me mentally knowing I'm not alone!

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    1. Ugh, I'm so sorry you had to be on prednisone! But I know what's it's like to be that bad!! I didn't notice new patches popping up while I was on it, but I only took it for 4 days before I went into labor. I then stopped taking it, and my rash was still pretty itchy, but fading for about a month. I hear ya about the anxiety! It makes you feel so crazy and touchy. I would lash out if anyone even brushed by me! I hope the prednisone kicks in even more soon! And if those new patches are causing you trouble or acting differently, go back and see that specialist ASAP!

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  20. I literally tried everything! I even tried steroids. Nothing worked until I tried the puppp cleanse. the blog has tons of information. www.pupppcleanse.com

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  21. I had puppps with my first AFTER he was born for like 2 months! Now I'm 36 weeks with nine 2 and it's coming back�� SO happy to have found an oil recipe this time around!

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  22. Hi. I have had PUPPPS for nearly 3 months, started at around 14 weeks. I have seen two different dermatologits but their cremes only provide temporary relief for a few days and then it is like the rash reactivates. Second doctor told me to wear only cotton and cut several things from my diet and it all helped but again rash hasn´t gone away and some days, and specially nights, it is really bad. I live in Mexico City and none of my friends or relatives have ever heard of PUPPPs so I felt pretty lonely and very much jelous of my pregnant friends who are symptom free. I started to felt depressed from my skin looking so awful, the uncontrolabble itching at times and thinking I still have to go a trimester like this. So today researching for other natural remedies online, I stumbled upon your blog. I cannot tell you how awesome it felt just to know I am not alone and that others have gone through what I am going through. Just knowing it is normal to feel desperation and cry from this made me feel better. I have spent hours today reading all posts and have made a list of at least 10 things to try includind your essential oil blend. I ordered all oils and I will eagerly await 2-3 days from them to be deliver and try. In the meantime I found the dandelion tea and will start drinking it. Will post back in a few days to update on how the oil blend worked. Just wanted to let you know your blog had tremendous impact on me today and helped a poor lonely PUPPP suffering pregnant women in Mexico.

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    1. Fernanda,

      I'm so sorry you felt alone with your suffering! It's hard enough in the states! The amount of trouble the itching causes is so hard to explain to people so they can understand. It's unbearable! I'm so glad you found the blog! You are just who I created it for.

      If you find success with any of the remedies, please feel free to post again! I'm always interested to hear what works for people. Especially right now, as I am pregnant with my 5th, and my rash is just kicking in!

      PS I actually spend a month in Mexico City in college. :)

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    2. I got the oils in the mail today!!!! Made the blend and applied to a rash area to test. Relief was instant, the itching went away and hasn´t come back yet. This is the first time ever I actually want to itch somewhere else to keep using it to see if it works. I also have been drinking the dandelion tea as well for two days now and while I still have been itching it seems a bit more manageable. We shall see, I know I have to let time pass to see if this works. Will post an update again in a few days

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    3. That's miraculous news!!! I'm so happy to hear it!

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  23. I'm only 16 weeks too! I had it all over my breasts and bump, also nursing my 20 month old a couple times a day. This mixture was the first time I tried EOs and I swear by them now. I've been using it for a week and have foundsoooo much relief! My bumps were soooooo itchy I thought I was going insane and I was getting super depressed ... people would say, calm down its in your head, think positively. I about strangled them lol. Praise Jesus for this post and the potion of EOs you mixers up!

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    1. I'm so sorry you got it so early! But WOW!! I'm so glad the oil blend has helped you that much!! Super encouraging! Thank you for sharing!!

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  24. Hello! I'm currently pregnant with twins and my Pupps rash is horrible. I'm desperate for a natural remedy. May I ask the size of the essential oils you purchased? I see a price difference between 0.5 & 1oz bottles. I just want to be sure I have enough to make more than one roll-on bottle.

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    1. Hi! Twins! Oh my. I'm so sorry you're miserable. As for how much of each oil to buy...the 0.5 oz bottles of all the oils will be plenty, except for the peppermint. You'll want to buy 1 oz of that. I hope it works for you!

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  25. Hello, PUPPPsMom! I hope you don't mind, but I went ahead and set up an Etsy shop where other moms can buy your blend. I'm selling it at cost-just so other moms can get relief from this horrible condition. Anyone can buy the blend here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/488048590/puppp-relief-blend?ref=shop_home_feat_1

    I'm 27 weeks into my pregnancy now. I still have clear skin and have no problems sleeping through the night, thanks to you!! I use the oils about 2-3 times a day, just to keep things in check. But, so far, so good! Thank you, PUPPPsMom, and I hope you're doing ok!!

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    1. Hi Maura, I went ahead and published your comment, as I think it's great that you are providing an easy source for PUPPPs sufferers to give this blend a try. And thank you for giving my blog credit on your shop. :) I did actually have an avenue for people to buy it (for the very same reason you're doing it...not for profit, just because I have HUGE compassion for anyone suffering from it.), but for legal reasons, linking my blog to my shop is not allowed. However, I fully support your efforts to provide the same service to PUPPPs sufferers and hope lots of women are able to find relief! It's so wonderful to hear that it worked so well for you! There really seems to be something to that blend!

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  26. To Anyone Desperate Enough To Read All The Way Down Here...

    Hi. I just want you to know I still regular maintain this blog and monitor comments. I'll likely get back to you within a couple hours if you leave a comment. I'm so sorry you are miserable. I'll do what I can to help!

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  27. Your recipe has been a lifesaver. Can't thank you enough.

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