Updates from Leah Negrin

Essential Oils for Your Menstrual Phase: Natural Support for Period Relief

Essential Oils for Your Menstrual Phase: Natural Support for Period Relief
It’s day one of your period—you’re bloated, crampy, and all you want to do is wrap yourself in a cozy blanket burrito. Sound familiar? Your hormones are at their lowest, your body is working hard to shed the uterine lining, and let’s be honest—everything feels like too much.

But what if you had a simple, natural way to support your body during this phase?

🚨 Enter: Essential Oils for Your Menstrual Phase! 🚨

Essential oils have been used for centuries to support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and ease discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with cramps, mood swings, or low energy, these five oils can help you feel more like yourself—even on your toughest period days.

🩸 Clary Sage → The Ultimate Hormone-Balancing Queen đź‘‘

This powerhouse oil contains phytoestrogens, which studies show can support progesterone levels and reduce period pain by relaxing uterine muscles (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012). Apply it topically with a carrier oil or diffuse it to help your body through this phase.

đź’ś Lavender → More Than Just a Sleep Aid

Lavender is well-known for its calming effects, but did you know it can also lower cortisol levels and reduce PMS-related anxiety? (Phytomedicine, 2013). A few drops in a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil for a belly massage can work wonders on stress and period discomfort.

🔥 Copaiba → Your Secret Weapon for Pain Relief

Think of this as the essential oil cousin to CBD—it supports your endocannabinoid system, helping to reduce inflammation and ease cramps. Apply it directly to your lower abdomen with a carrier oil for quick relief.

🪵 Frankincense → For Grounding & Blood Flow

Not only is Frankincense amazing for emotional balance, but it also supports healthy circulation—making it great for reducing bloating and general period discomfort. Try adding it to a warm bath with Epsom salts for ultimate relaxation.

🌿 Peppermint → Energy Booster & Headache Relief

Feeling sluggish? Peppermint oil can boost circulation, reduce nausea, and relieve headaches. Apply a drop to your temples (diluted with a carrier oil) or add a few drops to your diffuser for a natural energy boost.

How to Use These Oils for Menstrual Support
đź’¨ Diffuse This Blend for Period Zen:
✨ 3 drops Clary Sage
✨ 2 drops Lavender
✨ 2 drops Frankincense
✨ 1 drop Copaiba

đź’†‍♀️ Cramp Relief Belly Massage:
Mix 2 drops Clary Sage + 2 drops Copaiba with a carrier oil and gently massage over your lower belly.

🛀 Hormone-Supporting Bath Soak:
Add 5 drops Lavender + 3 drops Frankincense to a warm Epsom salt bath for the ultimate relaxation.

When I first started learning about natural health, I had no idea how powerful plants could be in supporting our bodies. But now? I swear by these oils every month!

đź’¬ Have you ever used essential oils for period relief? Let me know in the comments!

Lentil and Cauliflower Salad with Orange Tahini Dressing

Lentil and Cauliflower Salad with Orange Tahini Dressing
A hearty and flavorful salad that’s anything but boring! This Lentil and Cauliflower Salad with Orange Tahini Dressing is packed with protein-rich lentils, roasted cauliflower, and a bright, creamy citrus tahini dressing that ties it all together. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, zesty, and satisfying perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a nutrient-dense side dish. Bonus: It’s completely plant-based and loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full and energized!

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup Dry Green Lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 head Cauliflower (medium, cut into florets)
  • 1 tbsp Moroccan Spice Blend
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup Tahini
  • 1/2 Navel Orange (large, zested, juiced)
  • 1/2 Lemon (juiced)
  • 8 cups Arugula
  • 1/2 cup Pitted Dates (chopped)
  • Organic chicken (we do ours from the local farm, this will add some extra protein which can help in so many ways!)
Instructions:
  1. Cook the lentils according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (205ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Toss the cauliflower with the Moroccan spice blend, salt, and pepper until well coated. Arrange the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked and browned slightly, tossing halfway.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, orange juice and zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Place the arugula on a platter and top with the cooked lentils, cauliflower, and dates. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the top. Divide evenly into bowls or plates, and enjoy!

Chicken Yassa on Rice

Chicken Yassa on Rice
This recipe is packed with various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, and B-vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, including immune function, bone health, blood clotting, and energy production.

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 lbs Chicken Thighs With Skin (bone-in)
  • 3 Garlic (clove, minced)
  • 2 Yellow Onion (large, thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsps Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice (dry, rinsed)
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
  1. Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large bowl. Add garlic, onion, lemon juice, mustard, paprika, and cayenne. Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for two hours or overnight.
  2. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
  3. Meanwhile, remove the chicken from the marinade and set the marinade aside. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on each side for four to six minutes or until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  5. In the same pan, cook the marinade for three to five minutes until it thickens and caramelizes.
  6. Return the seared chicken to the pan, add the broth, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked. Divide the rice and chicken evenly among serving plates, top with parsley and enjoy!

Wellness Goals Aren’t a Luxury—They’re a Necessity

Wellness Goals Aren’t a Luxury—They’re a Necessity
Let me tell you something I wish I had realized sooner: setting wellness goals isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

For the longest time, I pushed my own well-being to the back burner. I was too busy, too tired, too focused on everything (and everyone) else. And honestly? I thought I was fine… until I wasn’t.

The moment things really started to unravel, my body let me know in no uncertain terms. I wasn’t sleeping enough. I was dehydrated. I was reaching for convenient, processed foods way too often (because, let’s be real—just because something is organic, vegan, and gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s actually healthy). And alcohol? It made an appearance at a few too many dinners. 🍷

Then one day, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—puffy, exhausted, and not feeling like the best version of me. And that was my wake-up call.

It wasn’t just about the way I looked. It was how I felt. Sluggish, irritable, drained. I didn’t have the energy to fully show up for my family, my work, or even myself.

But here’s the truth: when you prioritize your wellness, everything shifts. Your energy improves. Your patience expands. You move through your days with more ease, more confidence, and more you. And that, my friend, is everything.

I started small. More water. Less caffeine (I know, I know, but my anxiety thanked me). More whole foods. Less “healthy” junk. I made sleep a priority instead of treating it like a luxury. And you know what? It made a huge difference.

I had more energy to chase my kids without feeling wiped out by noon. I felt lighter—physically and mentally. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again.

I know it’s not always easy. We’re moms. We’re business owners. We wear a million hats. But here’s the thing—when you’re running on empty, everything feels harder.

So if you’ve been putting yourself last, consider this your sign to start making small shifts:

âś” Drink more water. (Seriously, your body will thank you.)
âś” Prioritize sleep. Even if it means letting go of that last episode on Netflix.
âś” Fuel your body with real food. Think more protein, less sugar crashes.
âś” Move in a way that feels good. Not as punishment, but as self-care.
âś” Take deep breaths. Stress is inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference.

You don’t need a full-blown overhaul overnight. Start small. Pick one thing and commit to it. And most importantly—give yourself permission to take care of YOU.

Because when you do? You show up as the best version of yourself—for your kids, your business, and your own well-being. And you deserve that. ❤️



Stop Ignoring What Your Body is Trying to Tell You!

Stop Ignoring What Your Body is Trying to Tell You!
Listen, friend. That bloating, exhaustion, mood swings, or breakouts? They’re not random. Your body is talking to you all the time—sending little (or not-so-little) signals about what’s happening inside. But most of us have been conditioned to ignore, push through, or just accept feeling “off.”

I’m here to tell you: you don’t have to live like this.

đźš« Stop ignoring your energy crashes.

If you feel like you’re constantly running on fumes, it’s not just because you’re “busy.” Those afternoon slumps? The urge to nap right after eating? That’s your blood sugar swinging up and down like a rollercoaster. It could also be a sign your adrenals are overworked from stress and lack of sleep. Instead of reaching for another coffee, try balancing your meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your energy stable.

đźš« Stop ignoring your painful periods.

Cramps so bad you have to cancel plans? That’s not “just part of being a woman.” Painful periods can be a sign your body is struggling with inflammation, estrogen dominance, or low magnesium. Upping your magnesium intake (hello, leafy greens and dark chocolate!) and reducing inflammatory foods like processed oils and sugar can make a huge difference in how you feel every month.

đźš« Stop ignoring your cravings.

Cravings aren’t just about “willpower.” Your body is literally telling you it needs something. Sugar cravings? It could mean blood sugar imbalances or a need for more protein. Craving salty snacks? You might need more minerals like sodium and potassium. Instead of beating yourself up, get curious about what your body is really asking for—and fuel it with nutrient-dense foods that truly satisfy.

đźš« Stop ignoring your gut health.

If you’re constantly bloated, dealing with irregular digestion, or breaking out along your jawline—it’s time to look at your gut. Your gut and hormones are BFFs, and if one is out of balance, the other will be too. Eating probiotic-rich foods, reducing processed foods, and managing stress can help bring everything back into harmony.

When I finally stopped ignoring my symptoms and started supporting my body with food, lifestyle shifts, and intentional hormone balance—it changed everything.
You don’t have to suffer through your cycle, deal with energy crashes, or feel like a hormonal mess every month. Your body isn’t working against you—it’s trying to get your attention.

Start listening. Support it. And watch how everything shifts.

 
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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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