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Cayt's Chronic Creations, Troy, MO (2026)

03/21/2026

🌿 Backyard Herbal Finds: Purple Dead Nettle 🌿

Sometimes the “weeds” in your yard are actually little gifts from God 💜

I wanted to make purple dead nettle tea for Emma to help her eyes, so I started asking around since I've never seen any in our yard. We do have henbit though— they shares a lot of the same medicinal properties. Our patch of henbit is in a heavy trafficked area so it isn't ideal to harvest.

And then… just a bit ago, Henry came running in SO excited because he found some himself right in our backyard🥹

He was so proud, and of course we turned it into a little learning moment and used it to make a simple tea for Emma during her VKC flare 💜

🌿 Why Purple Dead Nettle?

What most people don’t realize is that purple dead nettle is a powerful little plant:

✨ Naturally anti-inflammatory
✨ Rich in antioxidants
✨ Traditionally used to support seasonal allergies
✨ Gentle support for the immune system
✨ Can even be used topically for minor skin irritation

It’s part of the mint family (you can tell by the square stem!) and grows abundantly in early spring — one of the first plants to support both our bodies and the pollinators 🐝

🌿 What About Henbit?

You might also see henbit growing right next to it — they look very similar and are often confused!

✔ Both are in the mint family
✔ Both have small purple flowers
✔ Both are considered edible and used in herbal traditions

The main difference is the leaf shape:
• Purple dead nettle has more pointed leaves with a slight purple tint at the top
• Henbit has rounder, scalloped leaves

And the best part? They share many of the same gentle properties, so both can be supportive additions when properly identified 🙌

🍵 How We Used It

We kept it simple:
🍵 Fresh leaves + flowers
🍵 Hot water
🍵 Let it steep and cool

We are using this alongside her recommended eye drops and mast cell stabilizers — just adding extra support where we can 🤍

(Always making sure we properly identify what we’re using first!)

⚠️ Harvesting Tips

If you’re foraging in your yard, be mindful to:
🌿 Avoid areas near heavy traffic (road runoff, pollutants)
🐾 Avoid spots where pets frequently go
🌿 Choose clean, untreated areas

🤍 A Little Reminder

Even the plants we overlook have purpose. God didn’t miss a single detail when He created this world 🌿

👇 Let’s Chat 🥰

Have you ever found something helpful growing in your own yard?
Henry grabbed some henbit to compare— can you tell the difference in the two? 💜🌿

03/21/2026

Presenting my ‘simple’ garden idea to Karl… 🌱😂
He’s such a good sport with all my homeschool/homestead ideas—because somehow they always turn into a full production 🤣🥰
Pray for him… we now need raised beds, trellises, and approximately 47 plants 😅🌿

03/20/2026

🌱 Roettger Academy Germination Station is Up & Growing! 🌱

We set up a little germination station this week and the kids are obsessed! Watching them get so excited over tiny seeds going into soil and dreaming about what they’ll become has been the sweetest thing. 🥹

I’ll be honest… this is our first time trying anything like this. I think we’re a few weeks late getting started this season 😅 but we did it—and that’s what matters! And honestly, it just made it even more exciting to finally jump in together.

There’s just something special about getting your hands in the dirt, learning where your food and remedies come from, and slowing down enough to watch the process unfold. They are already checking on their trays daily and cannot wait to see the fruits (and veggies 😉) of their labor!

We kept it super simple and budget-friendly too 🙌
I grabbed two seed kits—one full of veggies and one focused on medicinal herbs—and they honestly came with everything we needed and more. It made getting started so easy, especially for little hands helping.

We paired them with a basic germination setup—seed trays, humidity domes, and warmers—and it has been the perfect cozy little growing space to get things started indoors 🌿

This is hands-down one of our favorite homeschool activities lately… learning, patience, responsibility, and a whole lot of excitement all in one 💛

✨ If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden, this is your sign. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful.

👉 Have you started any seeds yet this season? What are you growing?!

03/14/2026

🌿 Flare-Day Fuel Series — Day 2

Yogurt Bark with a Colorful Twist

Some flare days call for something cold, simple, and already waiting in the freezer.

When your body is exhausted, inflamed, or just not cooperating, big meals can feel overwhelming. But our bodies still need protein, minerals, and steady energy to support healing and keep blood sugar stable.

This yogurt bark is one of my favorite easy snacks because it takes just a few minutes to prepare and can sit in the freezer ready for those days when cooking just isn’t happening.

And the best part? The beautiful colors come from real foods instead of artificial dyes.

🌈🤍 Colorful Yogurt Bark

Mix or swirl in natural color powders in yogurt like:
💙 Blue spirulina powder – rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that support immune health and reduce inflammation.
💗 Dragonfruit powder – full of vitamin C, fiber, and polyphenols that support gut health and hydration.

Spread yogurt onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Then drizzle with:
🍯 Local honey for natural sweetness and trace minerals
🥜 Peanut butter for added protein and healthy fats

Freeze for 2–3 hours, break into pieces, and store in the freezer for an easy grab-and-go snack.

You end up with a protein-packed snack that feels like a treat but still fuels your body on the hard days.

🌈 Why I Love Using Natural Food Colors

One of my kids favorite things about this snack is that you can create beautiful colors and one of my favorite things is we are doing that by using real fruits, plants, and spices instead of artificial dyes.

Many natural powders also bring extra nutrients and antioxidants, which can be helpful when your body is already dealing with inflammation or stress.

Here are some other natural color options that work really well:

💜 Blueberry powder
Packed with anthocyanins that support brain health and help fight oxidative stress.

❤️ Beet powder
Adds a deep pink or red color and contains nitrates that support circulation and heart health.

🧡 Turmeric powder
Creates a warm golden color and is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

💚 Matcha powder
A beautiful green with antioxidants called catechins and a gentle, steady energy boost.

💛 Mango powder or turmeric + honey swirl
Adds a sunny yellow tone and natural sweetness.

🌿 Spinach powder
A subtle green that adds minerals like iron and magnesium.

When you swirl these into yogurt bark, you get bright, fun colors without the artificial ingredients, plus the added benefit of nutrients from whole plants.

Living with chronic illness in our family has taught me that nourishment doesn’t always have to be complicated.

Sometimes it’s just having simple foods ready that support your body when you’re struggling.

Beautiful, nourishing food can also bring a little joy to hard days — and sometimes that matters more than we realize.

“And He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
— Isaiah 40:29

03/13/2026

🌿 Flare-Day Fuel Series — Day 1

No-Bake Protein Balls

Some days the body says “slow down.”

Whether it’s a chronic illness flare, a sickness running through the house, or just one of those exhausted mom days… cooking a full meal can feel like climbing a mountain.

But our bodies still need protein, nutrients, and steady energy — especially during flares.

These no-bake protein balls are one of my favorite things to keep on hand because they take about 5 minutes, require no baking, and the kids love them too.

They’re simple, filling, and made with ingredients most of us already have.

🥣 Easy Protein Balls

• 2 cups gluten-free oats
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips (we use an allergy-friendly brand)
• ¼ cup local honey
• Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon

Mix everything together in a bowl, roll into small balls, and store in the fridge.

That’s it.

Quick, easy protein for when energy is low but your body still needs fuel.
One thing I’ve learned living with chronic illness is that simple systems help on hard days.

Sometimes the most nourishing thing we can do is just have something ready when our body needs it.

✨ Day 2 tomorrow: another easy protein snack that takes almost no effort and bonus... the kids love it! 🌈

💬 Do you have a go-to flare day snack that helps you get protein in when you feel awful?

03/10/2026

Some days the world feels loud, heavy, and overwhelming. The news, the noise, the endless scrolling… it can steal our peace before we even realize it.

But I’m learning that the best reset isn’t found on a screen — it’s found in His Word and in the quiet, beautiful work of pouring into the life God placed right in front of me.

My marriage.
My children.
My home.

Those are the things that truly matter.

God reminds us what truly builds a strong home:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1

So sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply put the phone down, pick up our Bible, and be fully present with the people God entrusted to us. 🤍

A peaceful home doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built intentionally with love, faith, and time together.

What’s your favorite way to spend intentional time with your family? 🤍

03/10/2026

Whew… today feels like the kind of day where you finally sit down and realize just how much happened over the last few days.

It’s been a full, beautiful, busy weekend in our house. The kind that fills your heart but completely drains your energy too. Between everything going on and the usual homeschool/life chaos… I think we’re all feeling it tonight.

One of the biggest moments though — Emma and Henry got baptized this weekend. 🥹 What an incredible thing to witness as a parent… watching your children choose to publicly give their lives to Jesus. My heart is still processing it all. God is so good!

But right now?

We’ve officially hit the “everyone is tired, cranky, and hungry” phase of the evening. The kind where your body says nope and the kitchen suddenly feels 10 miles away.

So dinner tonight was a keep-it-simple survival meal.
I grabbed some meat from the freezer, sliced up whatever peppers and onions I had on hand, and threw together steak fajitas. I used a Kinder seasoning packet because it’s one we know is safe for our house — and honestly, sometimes easy is best when you’re out of energy.

No fancy recipe. No perfectly planned dinner. Just feeding the family and calling it a win. 😅

So tell me…

What’s for dinner at your house when everyone is tired and your body just isn’t cooperating?

Easy ideas welcome — crockpot saves, 10-minute meals, or the honest “we ordered pizza” nights. 🍽️

03/09/2026

“Why do you post about your health on social media?”

Because if somebody sees me like this… they won’t feel so alone.

Living with multi-system chronic illness is one of the most isolating things a person can go through. You can look completely fine on the outside while your body is in absolute chaos on the inside. And when you start searching for answers, the road can be long and discouraging.

For many of us, finding knowledgeable doctors is incredibly hard. Gaslighting can be strong. Being told “everything looks normal” while you’re clearly struggling is something far too many chronic illness patients experience.

And when you go searching online for answers?
There often isn’t much there either.

Part of the reason is because some of these conditions are still relatively new to modern medicine.

For example, the diagnostic criteria for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) wasn’t established until 2012. That’s not very long ago in medical terms, and many doctors were never trained to recognize it.

And conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can be incredibly difficult to diagnose because symptoms overlap with so many other things — dizziness, heart rate spikes, fatigue, brain fog, fainting, GI issues, and temperature regulation problems. Many people go years searching for answers.

So yes… sometimes you’ll see the highlight reel of life here.

But sometimes you’ll also see the IV fluids, the tremors, the heart rate spikes, the near-syncope episodes, the blood pressure crashes, and the days when getting through normal life takes everything.

Not for attention.
Not for sympathy.

But because someone out there is scrolling tonight wondering if they’re crazy… wondering if they’re the only one… wondering if anyone understands.

If one person sees it and thinks,
“Wait… that happens to me too,”
then sharing it is worth it.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

God has carried our family through so much, and even in the hardest moments, He continues to show His strength in the middle of our weakness.

If you live with chronic illness — seen or unseen — you are not alone. 🤍

If you feel comfortable sharing, what was the hardest part of your journey to getting answers?

03/06/2026

There’s a lot of conversation right now about therapy, healing, and mental health — and I want to say something that might not always be popular but is deeply true for me.

Therapy can be helpful.
I’ve seen benefits from it, and I’m grateful for the tools, perspective, and support it can provide.

But I’ve also learned something even deeper along the way.

The greatest counselor I have ever had… is God our Father.

No human therapist knows my heart the way He does.
No one understands the depths of my fears, my pain, my struggles, and my hopes like the One who created me.

When the world feels overwhelming, when illness feels heavy, when motherhood, healing, and life all collide — I bring it to Him first.

Prayer has been my safest place.
Scripture has been my grounding.
And God’s presence has brought a peace that no earthly advice ever could.

That doesn’t mean counseling is wrong.
It simply means that for me, true healing always begins with the One who designed my mind, body, and soul.

The best therapist I’ve ever had doesn’t charge by the hour.
He listens at any moment.
And His wisdom never fails.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:7

If you’re walking through something heavy right now, you don’t have to carry it alone. Bring it to the Father. 🤍

03/06/2026

🌿 Two Things I Stopped Buying at the Store
…and started making at home in about 2 minutes.

When you start paying attention to ingredients — whether it’s because of MCAS, food sensitivities, celiac, or just wanting cleaner food for your family — you start realizing how many everyday staples are loaded with unnecessary additives.

Two of the easiest swaps we made in our house are pancake syrup and ranch dressing.

Both take just a few ingredients and taste better than anything from a bottle.

⸻

🥞 Homemade Pancake Syrup

Most store-bought pancake syrups contain 15+ ingredients, including:

• High fructose corn syrup
• Corn syrup
• Artificial flavors
• Caramel coloring
• Sodium hexametaphosphate
• Preservatives

Instead, ours has just 4 ingredients.

Our Syrup Recipe

• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup organic brown sugar
• 1 cup filtered water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Bring to a gentle simmer until sugars dissolve. Let cool and store in the fridge.

That’s it. Sweet, simple, and no mystery ingredients.

⸻

🥗 Homemade Ranch Dressing

Most bottled ranch dressings contain 15–25 ingredients, often including:

• Seed oils
• Artificial flavors
• MSG or yeast extract
• Preservatives
• Stabilizers and gums

Our homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients instead.

Our Ranch Recipe

• ¾ cup mayo
• ¼ cup plain yogurt (we use dairy-free)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 3–4 tbsp milk of choice (we use dairy-free)

Seasonings:
• 2 tsp basil
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 1 tsp dill
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• ¾ tsp onion powder
• salt + pepper to taste

Whisk together and store in the fridge.

⸻

🌿 Same foods. Fewer ingredients.

Sometimes “clean eating” doesn’t mean complicated recipes or expensive specialty foods.

Sometimes it just means making the simple things yourself.

And when you’re feeding a house full of sensitive bodies like we are… those small swaps add up.

What’s one store-bought food you’d love to replace with a homemade version? I’m always looking for ideas to experiment with!

🔗 for dispensers- https://amzn.to/40SwwsB

03/04/2026

🌿 Our Natural Ear Ache Protocol 🌿

My oldest daughter started complaining about an ear ache last night. With the crazy weather swings lately, pressure changes can really aggravate the ears and sinuses — especially in kids with sensitive systems.

Before reaching for anything stronger, we started with our home support protocol that focuses on reducing inflammation, improving drainage, and supporting the lymphatic system.

Here’s what we’re doing:

✨ 1. Warm Salt Compress
We warmed sea salt in a cloth tea bag and used it as a gentle heating pad over the ear.
Heat helps relax the area, improve circulation, and ease pressure.

🌿 2. Homemade Mullein + Garlic Ear Oil
A few drops in the ear. Do not use if there is any drainage or if there are tubes.
Mullein and garlic have long been used traditionally to support ear health and soothe irritation.

🌸 3. Herbal Oil Massage
We mixed basil + lavender essential oils with avocado oil and massaged it along the outside of the jaw and around the ear.

This helps:
• reduce tension
• encourage lymph drainage
• support circulation

💡 4. Red Light Therapy
A few minutes of red light over the ear and jaw area to help calm inflammation and support healing.

💆‍♀️ 5. Lymph Node Massage
Gentle massage along the neck and under the ear to help move fluid and relieve pressure.

So far the warm compress and massage has been her favorites, and we’re rotating through the other steps to keep the inflammation down. Today, she is feeling better. Still complains about pressure when she "goes upside down" (gymnasts, am I right?) but the pain is gone!

In a house where we navigate things like MCAS and sensitive immune systems, starting with supportive, low-toxin options first is usually our go-to.

Sometimes the simple things really do help the most. 🌿

Sharing what works in our home — not medical advice.

-Cayt

Muslin tea bags- https://amzn.to/4r9GyQM
Mullein Leaf- https://amzn.to/3MIuisH
Red Light Therapy panel light- https://amzn.to/47jFtif

03/04/2026

🌙 Sleep Disturbances in Kids with MCAS 🌙

One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough with MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) in kids… is sleep.

Many parents notice their child:
• Struggles to fall asleep
• Wakes frequently during the night
• Has night sweats
• Experiences restless sleep or vivid dreams
• Wakes up wired, anxious, or uncomfortable

And it often gets labeled as behavioral, anxiety, or “just a phase.”

But for many kids with mast cell issues, there may actually be a biological reason behind it.

Mast cells release many chemical mediators — including histamine. Histamine isn’t just involved in allergic reactions… it also plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle and nervous system regulation.

When histamine levels are elevated at night, it can lead to:
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Frequent waking
• Itchy skin or flushing at night
• Racing thoughts or restlessness
• Increased heart rate or temperature swings

Some children may also experience parasomnias (sleep disturbances) such as:
• Night terrors
• Intense nightmares
• Sleep walking
• Bed wetting, even after previously being dry

These events can be really scary for both kids and parents, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere. In some cases, they may be linked to nervous system dysregulation, histamine surges, inflammation, or mast cell flares.

Many MCAS families notice sleep worsening during:
• Illness
• High histamine foods
• Environmental triggers
• Weather changes or barometric pressure shifts
• Periods of stress or inflammation

In fact, we’re currently seeing this in our own house right now. My son is in the middle of a flare, and the crazy weather swings lately seem to have pushed his nervous system and mast cells into overdrive. Nights like that remind me how connected inflammation, mast cells, and the nervous system really are.

Other overlapping conditions that can contribute to sleep issues include:
• POTS / dysautonomia
• Hypermobile EDS
• ADHD or neurodivergence
• Gut inflammation or food sensitivities

When a child’s nervous system is constantly in a state of reactivity, restful sleep can be hard to come by.

Things that may help support better sleep:
🌿 Lower histamine diet (for sensitive kids)
🌿 Consistent bedtime routines
🌿 Nervous system regulation during the day
🌿 Supporting gut health
🌿 Identifying and reducing triggers
🌿 Magnesium or calming herbal supports (when appropriate)

Sleep struggles are exhausting for kids and parents — especially when the root cause isn’t obvious.

If your child seems like they just can’t settle at night, there may be more going on than simple bedtime resistance.

Sometimes it’s not defiance.

Sometimes it’s biology.

And when we understand the “why,” we can support our kids with more compassion and better tools.

💛 To the parents navigating chronic illness with their children — you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

✨ This post is for education and shared experience only and is not medical advice.

— Cayt

Cayt's Chronic Creations

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