About
Welcome to the Healthy Gringa!
Hello, I’m Lynn and I live in a small fishing town on the beautiful coast of Ecuador with my husband and two boys (ages 2 and 5 with a third boy on the way!).
We’ve been living here in Ecuador for over five years (and closer to ten if you count when we first started visiting Ecuador for months at a time). We love being here for its laid back lifestyle, smiling faces, incredible weather, being right on the beach, and of course tropical fruits and fresh seafood!
Even though we originally were drawn to Coastal Ecuador for its promises of a laid-back life, my husband and I ended up as super busy working parents instead, running our own real estate and construction company.
Ummm…yep. This is something I might actually say.
Meanwhile, I am also what many people might refer to as “crunchy.” I make most of my own beauty products and household cleaning recipes, enjoy whole foods, and implement daily wellness routines using supplements and therapeutic essential oils. The goal is to keep me and my family healthy by avoiding products that lead to illness (think processed food, toxic household chemicals, etc.).
Here in a small village of Ecuador, it can be a real challenge to find some products that would usually be within arm’s reach back in the US or elsewhere (No boxes of baking soda?! No coconut oil?!…even though coconuts are literally EVERYWHERE!). At the same time, there are so many awesome new things I’m learning about living “naturally” while being here.
I am creating this blog to share my experiences not just with other crunchy mamas out there but also with people who may be new to some of these alternate approaches to creating vibrant health. My hope is that this site my assist others to become their own health and wellness advocates. Please join me!
Barbara Scott October 25, 2015 at 11:14 am
Are the essential oils and coconut oil available in any of the larger stores in Bahia, Manta, Portoviejo etc., Lynn, or should I bring them from Canada?
Lynn Saunders October 25, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your comment! After some searching, I found a woman who makes coconut oil herself who is located just outside Vilcabamba and she can ship to wherever you are in Ecuador for about $5 in shipping costs. I usually buy 1.9 liters at a time and it seems to last for quite awhile. I´ll send you an email with her contact info.
Regarding essential oils, high quality therapeutic-grade oils are not typically sold in stores. Young Living ships oils all over the world, including to your doorstep in both Canada and Ecuador. If you are in Canada frequently I would recommend buying from there to have a wider variety of oils to choose from. If you are mostly in Ecuador you can sign up to receive your oils here (shipping is also about $5).
I´ll send you sign up options for both locations via email so you can purchase oils from wherever it makes the most sense for you.
Many of the most common oils (lemon, lavender, etc) are available here. Young Living actually has their own organic farm in Ecuador where a number of their oils are grown and distilled. They also have a spa where they offer many kinds of treatments using essential oils. It makes for a great day trip if you´re in the Guayaquil area. Here´s a blog post about my recent visit to the farm: http://www.thehealthygringa.com/index.php/2015/09/30/field-report-a-day-at-young-living-ecuador/
Mary Macdonald November 6, 2015 at 12:56 am
Love your new blog ! Great info
Lynn Saunders November 6, 2015 at 1:07 am
Thanks, Mary!
sherry December 20, 2015 at 9:14 pm
Hi Lynn! I am wondering how much she charges for that amount of coconut oil. So far it has been $15 for 500 ml so it might be worth ordering a larger amount. So pleased to have found your blogs!
Lynn Saunders December 28, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Hi Sherry! Sorry I’m just getting back to you! I’ve been buying 1.9 liters for $52 including shipping. A gallon (~4 liters) comes to $96 with shipping so there is a bit more savings in buying in bulk. Feel free to send me a message and I can put you in touch with the seller.
Mary Guthrie September 17, 2016 at 12:42 am
What is needed to be a distributor? How do I order peppermint oil and thieves? Is there a discount for distributors?
Lynn Saunders September 17, 2016 at 1:23 pm
Hi Mary! Thanks for reaching out. I will send you an email.
Jackie de Prado October 21, 2016 at 8:27 pm
So thrilled to have found your blog! I am trying to find pure unscented lavender oil as well as tea tree and thieves here in Quito, Any suggestions? Thank you so much.
Lynn Saunders October 24, 2016 at 2:25 pm
Hi Jackie! So glad you found my site as well! You can see more on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/thehealthygringa/
I will send you an email about how to get quality essential oils here in Ecuador.