Here Comes the Boom

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As I am the only girl in the house, we tend to watch a lot of boy movies for our Friday night movie night. Even our puppy is a boy…I am outnumbered. The boys love anything that gets their testosterone pumped up! They love the movie Here Comes The Boom. (Kevin James is funny) So, I have been wanting to write about oils that powerfully fight all of the sicknesses that seem to creep in during the winter months.

Cue the theme song … Boom! Here comes the Boom!

Essential oils are immune supporting….bacteria and viruses cannot live in the presence of therapeutic grade essential oils.
Essential oils are highly oxygenating. Oxygen and disease can’t exist in the same environment. So as we head into winter it is good to be prepared with essential oils… bacteria and viruses don’t stand a chance!

Here are the four essential oils that are in our arsenal every winter… Thieves, R.C. Peppermint and Lemon.

Thieves Oil is a blend of five essential oils that are scientifically documented to be highly anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic. Thieves essential oil is a safe and natural way to care for your family’s health. With the concern over swine flu-H1N1, global pandemics, and other infectious disease, this potent oil blend is a powerful way to support your family’s health and wellness.

Thieves oil is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Rosemary and Eucalyptus Radiata

Clove :Immune enhancing, powerful antioxidant
Lemon Oil: Powerful antioxidant, natural solvent and cleanser, supports circulation
Cinnamon Bark: High in antioxidants, supports digestive system, relieves discomfort
Rosemary Oil: Naturally energizing, helps to restore mental alertness when experiencing mental fatigue
Eucalyptus Radiata: Highly antiviral, supports respiratory system, antibacterial

I use this everyday… I use this not only when my kids are sick, but as a preventative measure as well. I put this on my kids feet at night. I diffuse in my diffuser daily. At the first sign of a sniffle… this oil is going on. If I start feeling like a cold or cough is coming on.. I will put in a clear vegetable capsule. I will put about 5 drops in and then swallow. Boom! Symptoms disappear. 🙂

What are the Safety Precautions? Children under 18 months of age should not use this oil. Women who are pregnant should use caution. Can cause extreme irritation to the skin, therefore dilution is necessary. (not necessary to dilute when putting on the bottom of the feet)

This is what a size 00 Vegetable capsule looks like.

R.C. is a fantastic blend of nine essential oils that are specifically designed to support respiratory challenges including allergies, colds, bronchitis, congestion and sinus inflammation.

There are nine different essential oils in the R.C. blend.

• Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil – has antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is a strong antimicrobial germ killer. It reduces any throat infection!

• Eucalyptus radiata Essential Oil (Black Peppermint Oil) is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and an expectorant. It combats bronchitis and sinusitis.

• Eucalyptus citriodora Essential Oil (Lemon Eucalyptus) has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and antispasmodic properties. It decongests and disinfects lungs and sinuses.

• Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtus communis) has antiseptic, antibacterial and decongesting properties. It oxygenates and expels mucus from the respiratory system.

• Pine Essential Oil (Pinus sylvestris) has antiseptic, antibacterial antimicrobial antiviral and expectorant properties. Dilates and opens up the respiratory system, particularly the bronchial tract.

• Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana) has antibacterial and anti-spasmodic properties. It reduces spasms and is relaxing to the body.

• Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It helps relief stress, sore muscles, menstrual cramps and nervous tension in the body.

• Cypress Essential Oil (Cupresus sepmervirens) strengthens the vascular system. It increases circulation and supports detoxification of the lymphatic system.

• Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita) has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and pain blocking properties. It is soothing, cooling and dilating the respiratory system.

A couple years ago, my younger son, got a nasty cough… this sucker lasted for weeks. I found out about R.C. and started using this on him. Once I started using this, he started getting better. I would rub this on his chest and back during the day… sometimes every 4 hours. I would test first or use with a carrier oil if you are using for the first time. It has a strong smell. Really love this stuff!

Cough syrups are some of the most chemical loaded products with artificial colors and flavorings added. While traditional cough syrups are really drugs to suppress or force a cough, essential oils work with your body’s chemistry and not only build up your immune system, but they fight the bacteria & viruses causing your symptoms. So, I think it is better to go the R.C. route for a cough!

R.C. is also good for the croup. You can diffuse in the air and apply to the balls of the feet and the toes 2-3 times a day.

What are the Safety Precautions? RC should not be used by children under the age of 18 months.

Peppermint! The entire plant contains menthol, an organic compound with local anesthetic properties which provides a wonderful cooling sensation while it naturally alleviates discomfort. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and antispasmodic properties.

Did you know that a Kiel University study found that 10% of the peppermint oil in ethanol had the same result as taking a 1000 mg dose of paracetamol? Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic to combat tensions headaches, pain and to reduce fevers.

We not only use Peppermint to help with upset tummies, but we use it for a cold, cough and fever as well. For the upset tummy, rub a couple drops mixed with a carrier oil on the stomach. For sinus congestion you can put one drop on the roof of your mouth. For coughs and fever rub a couple drops on the bottom of the feet. (the Peppermint helps draw the heat out when you put this on the feet for a fever) You can diffuse this and will help with congestion. For a headache, mix with your carrier oil and rub across the forehead, on temples and over the sinuses. Be careful not to get this in your eyes.

(Best recipe for a fever: Put a couple drops of Thieves, Peppermint and Lemon on the bottom of the feet) That virus won’t know what hit it!

Safety precautions for Peppermint: I would advise not putting on babies or very small children. (under 3 yrs of age). You could diffuse in the room.

Lemon oil is most effective in warding off or reducing the severity of a virus. You can also rub on the bottom of the feet to help reduce fever as well.

We drink this in water daily (really reduces that gross phlegm) and then layer it with the other oils if they are sick.

**I usually don’t layer blended oils… meaning I don’t put Thieves and R.C. on the feet at the same time. I will put Thieves, Peppermint, Lemon and Lavender on the feet together and R.C. on the chest.**

To sum things up..

Thieves is best for the flu.
Lemon oil is most effective in warding off or reducing the severity of a virus and helps reduce a fever.
Peppermint is best known for reducing or preventing a cold, cough or fever.
RC works well when it’s applied to the chest or when it’s diffused or inhaled for sinus or chest relief.
Thieves and R.C. work well together to combat a cough. The essential oils can ward off the illness if you act quickly as soon as you feel the first signs of getting sick. These oils help reduce the severity of the sickness if you act after you’re sick as well.

Essential oils have helped my family stay healthier and recover faster (when we do catch something). I am so grateful for them. They are truly God’s healing oils. And with these oils as our weapons against sickness… it is only fitting to quote LL Cool J. “Mama said knock you out!”

*Sharing experiences with essential oils is an effective way of learning to utilize these powerful gifts from Nature. With this knowledge we can take control of our personal health. However, we are required by law in the USA to state, “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

Clary Sage

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Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea) essential oil contains natural Phytoestrogens. It has a mellow, warm, herbal scent that is uplifting and relaxing, making it a perfect choice for supporting a normal, healthy attitude during PMS. It is also supportive for menopausal women.

Clary Sage aroma may relieve stress, relax the mind and balance moods. Clary Sage essential oil may be used for Amenorrea (absence of a menstrual cycle in a woman of reproductive age) cell regulation, circulatory problems, depression, insect bites, insomnia, kidney disorders, dry skin and ulcers.
The French medicinal uses are for bronchitis, cholesterol, frigidity, hemorrhoids, hormonal imbalance, impotence, menstrual cramps, PMS and Premenopause.

I have had to take something for my cramps every month for the last 25 years! I used to get them so badly in high school that I had to take a drug called Anaprox. After I had my kids, my monthly cramps got a little better and I was able to take Ibuprofen instead. If I did not take anything.. I would be in big trouble– lots of pain. I also have some crazy PMS… I am not the nicest person to be around at this time. So, I recently had to order a bottle of Clary Sage for my aromatherapy class. I don’t know why I have never ordered this before? Even after seeing so many results with essential oils, I think I did not believe that this oil could actually help my cramps and other issues. It came at the perfect timing… I decided to try it and not take any Ibuprofen. I am still shocked. It worked. I took a couple drops and rubbed on my abdomen (toward the ovaries) and also put some on the bottom of my feet. I applied it twice the first day and twice the 2nd day. No cramps. After 25 years– no cramps! In addition, I did not feel as irritable and I did feel more calm– amazing.

I really didn’t like having to take Ibuprofen and the reason being is that it has adverse effects being regularly linked to: anemia, DNA damage, hearing loss, hypertension, miscarriage and even influenza mortality An article published in Reuters, even went as far as saying: Long-term high-dose use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac is ‘equally hazardous’ in terms of heart attack risk as use of the drug Vioxx, which was withdrawn due to its potential dangers. Oh my.

Here is an interesting historical fact: : Clary Sage essential oil has been nicknamed “clear eyes” because it was used during the Middle Ages to clear up eye infections. It was also widely used for “female issues”, inflammation and kidney and digestive disorders.

Properties: Anti-convulsive, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic. nerve tonic, sedative and soothing.

Clary Sage also helps with hot flashes. Here is a testimony: “For hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, I use Clary Sage for its hormone balancing ability. I dilute like 15 drops of Clary Sage to 4ml of carrier oil. I keep this in a roll-on bottle by my bedside. Just one roll down the bottom of each foot and then a quick massage to work it in and I sleep through the night with no night sweats and no 2 am wake up.” Diane

Well, I am really glad my experiment worked.. this is a huge blessing for me. I hope that this can help with any symptoms you might be experiencing as well.

**Safety issues : Do NOT use in pregnancy. Do not use on babies. Avoid during and after use of alcohol.

Lemon-Aid

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Lemon (Citrus limon) has a strong, purifying, citrus scent that is revitalizing and uplifting! Lemon consists of 68 percent dlimonene, a powerful antioxidant. Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons. It is estimated that it takes 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of oil! Lemons were used in Europe as early as 200 A.D. and were introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

Studies show that inhaling lemon can actually counter occasional feelings of depression. Lemon is also an important ingredient in natural cosmetics that may be useful for cleansing the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is delicious to drink in water and I must confess that I am a lemon oil junkie! (Young Living lemon oil is safe for internal use) Every time I get a glass of water, I add a drop of lemon oil to it. The taste of lemon oil compared to squeezing fresh lemon juice into your water has a completely different taste. The fresh lemon juice tastes more acidic and the lemon oil has a warmer taste. You will have to do a taste test to judge for yourself! 🙂 As this is not very expensive, I tend to hoard this oil. I don’t like drinking water without it. I hope you don’t see me on TLC one day… getting an intervention from family about my lemon oil hoarding problem!

Just looking at a lemon makes me happy.

Lemon oil is not only wonderful to drink, but there are so many other health benefits. Lemon oil is anti-infectious, antibacterial (especially with spores), antiviral, antiseptic, and a disinfectant.

Lemon oil can help balance your pH. “The ideal pH for human blood is between 7.4 and 7.6. Preserving this alkalinity (pH balance) is the bedrock on which sound health and strong bodies are built. When the blood loses its alkalinity and starts to become more acidic, the foundation of health is undermined. This creates an environment where we become vulnerable to disease and runaway yeast and fungus overgrowth. The naturally occurring yeast and fungi in the body thrive in an acidic environment. These same yeast and fungi are responsible for secreting a large number of poisons called mycotoxins, which are believed to be one of the root causes of many diseases and debilitating conditions.”

Picture of mycotoxins… disgusting.

“When yeast and fungus decline in the body, so does their production of Mycotoxins, the poisonous waste products and byproducts of their life cycles. There are numerous varieties of these Mycotoxins, many of which are harmful to the body and must be neutralized by our immune systems. When our bodies are overwhelmed by large quantities of these toxins, our health becomes impaired, and we become susceptible to disease and illness.

Many cancers have been linked to Mycotoxins. By balancing the body’s pH and creating a more alkaline environment, you can reign in the microbial overgrowth and choke off the production of disease producing Mycotoxins.” (How to restore body to an Alkaline pH by Evelyn Vincent)

Dr. Jean Valnet, M.D. and medical researcher, has stated that the essential oil of lemon acts as a liver decongestant and diuretic and is a powerful body cleanser. Lemon essential oil is exceptional for the lymph system, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. The vaporized essence of lemon can kill Meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, Typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and Pnuemococcus bacteria within three hours. Even a 0.2% solution of lemon can kill diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria.

Here are some other ways to use lemon:
**To clean non-carpeted floors, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to a bucket of water. Then add 5 – 10 drops of lemon. If the floor is especially dirty, add several drops of dish washing soap. This will clean even the dirtiest floor.

**To make a carpet freshener, add 16 – 20 drops of essential oils to 1 cup of baking soda or borax powder. Mix ingredients together well and place in a covered container overnight so that the essential oil can be absorbed. Sprinkle over carpet then vacuum the powder up.

**Some essential oils can act as gentle stimulants to the limbic system of the brain by their scent, increasing alertness and concentration enhancing the capacity for learning, improving memory, and assisting many other cognitive functions. Lemon is one of these oils!

** Use 1–2 drops to remove gum, oil, grease, grease spots, glue and adhesives, and crayon from most surfaces. Tip: try a test area before to make sure you won’t ruin any finishes.

**To use Lemon oil in place of the zest of “one” lemon – use 8 drops of Young Living Lemon essential oil.

**Combine 2–3 drops with water in a 4oz. spray bottle filled with water to help cleanse and sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

** Soothe or prevent corns, callous, or bunions by rubbing 1-2 drops of Lemon oil on the affected area, morning and evening.

**Fill a bowl with cold water, add 2–3 drops of Lemon oil, and drench fruit and vegetables in the lemon water to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.

**Add a drop to your dishwasher before the wash cycle for spot-free dishes.

** Lemon oil may help brighten a pale, dull complexion by removing the dead skin cells. Simply mix a drop with your cleanser to help promote healthier skin tone.

**Rub 1-3 drops of Lemon oil to clean a butcher’s block or other cutting surfaces to disinfect those surfaces.

**Add one teaspoon of lemon essential oil to one-cup mineral oil for an effective furniture polish.

**Put a drop of Lemon oil on bleeding gum’s caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction to help with healing and disinfecting.

** Rub 4-6 drops of Lemon oil with 1 teaspoon of V-6 Massage Oil on cellulite, may improve circulation and help eliminate waste from the cells. (Thank you, Young Living Oil Lady for these great tips!)

As you can see lemon is pretty powerful and it does come to our aid!

Here is a good lemonade recipe:

Fill a glass pitcher with ice cold water.
Add 10 drops of Young Living Lemon Oil
Add 1 tsp of pure stevia powder to sweeten. Or a couple tablespoons of honey.
Add 1 drop of Lavender (optional)
Stir vigorously and taste. Add more drops of Lemon, Lavender, stevia, or honey to your preferred flavor.
Fill glasses with ice, and stir lemonade well before pouring each glass.
Enjoy!

Purification

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Due to all of our recent flooding… mosquitoes have been breeding like rabbits. I guess they are really breeding like mosquitoes, in lots of stagnant water. My boys either have soccer or football after school and both fields are by a lake or river. Usually this time of year is so beautiful, but the breeding… you can actually see swarms of the mosquitoes in the air. I ran to the car the other night and they literally pounded up against the window trying to take me down. I find it strange that some people are not bothered by them. They love me. And they love my younger son. He actually swells up pretty badly when he gets bitten.

I think they are about this size.

This has led me to write about the oil called Purification.

Purification is a blend of:

Citronella
Citronella has antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal. sanitizing, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties.

Rosemary
Rosemary may help balance heart function, it also may energize the solar plexus, and reduce mental fatigue. It may stimulate the nerves and improve circulation. It is also anti-infectious and antiseptic.

Myrtle
Myrtle is a decongestant of the respiratory system. It may help improve oxygenation and work as an expectorant in discharging mucus. It is an antibacterial and an antiseptic as well as elevating and euphoric.

Melaleuca
Melaleuca may balance heart function and act as cleanser and detoxifier of the blood. It also has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, immune-stimulant, anti-infectious and antiviral properties.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a vasodilator, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sedative. It may help improve circulation, increase the flow of oxygen, and wake up the lymphatic system. It may also lift the spirit.

Lavandin (Lavandin is a hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender with spike lavender. Lavandin, however, has a higher percentage of the molecule camphor which makes it a stronger antiseptic than the others. It has been used to sterilize animal cages in veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout Europe.)
Lavandin is an antibacterial, an antifungal, a tissue regenerator, and a strong antiseptic.

This blend helps cleanse and disinfect the air. The cleansing effect of Purification has also been found helpful for neutralizing mildew, cigarette smoke, and other undesirable odors. Purification is an excellent deterrent to bugs (MOSQUITOES) and is commonly used to soothe bites from various insects such as spiders, bees, hornets, wasps, and mosquitoes.

So, I decided to test this out… that was a little scary. I really hate being bitten, but I really hate using all the insect repellents, due to all the chemicals. One of the main chemicals used is DEET. Now I know they say that small amounts are harmless, but why do I get the feeling that is not necessarily true? DEET is absorbed through the skin and many people have allergic reactions. DEET is toxic and potentially fatal if swallowed. High doses or long-term exposure to DEET have been associated with neurological damage. This is why I would rather use something natural. Purification is not toxic. So, the other night I took a few drops of the oil and rubbed it everywhere on my body and my son’s body. (make sure your skin is okay with putting the oil on neat…test first or use with a carrier oil) I’m sure people smelled the lemongrass as we went by. And it did not give me a headache like bug sprays do. I am happy to announce that in the midst of the swarming mosquitoes…. I only had one bite around my ankle. I forgot to put this on my ankles. And my younger son did not complain of any bites! Wow. Take that you nasty bugs!

Now you can use just a couple drops like I did or you can make your own mixture.

Here is the recipe to make your own repellent: You can also add Thieves, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint and Citronella to make this more powerful. I found that Purification was pretty powerful on its own.

• Fill an 8-oz. spray bottle with 4 oz. of distilled water
• Add 4 oz. of witch hazel
• Add 10 drops of Thieves and Purification essential oils
• Add 5 drops of lemon, lavender, peppermint, and citronella essential oils
• Shake well before each use and spray a light layer on skin and clothing (essential oils do not leave a mark on clothing- they are not greasy)

Here are some other ways to use Purification in your home.

*Remove paint/ink from clothing.

*Add Purification® essential oil blend to your washing machine to freshen laundry.

*Add 15 drops of Purification® essential oil blend to a gallon of paint to mask the overwhelming chemical small. I have not tried this yet.

*Diffuse Purification essential oil blend to dispel unpleasant odors and clear the air of impurities.

*Add 8-10 drops in a small 4 oz spray bottle filled with water and spray to disinfect and re-freshen rooms, especially after cooking with strong smelling ingredients like garlic or onions.

*Add a couple drops of Purification essential oil blend to shoes to help neutralize odors.

*Add a drop to a mosquito bite or a spider bite…this helps heal it quickly. Also, you can put a drop of Purification on a tick and it will be easier to remove!

You can also use this as a deodorant. Um, I don’t think I have ever just sat, smiled and smelled my armpit. Although it would be a nice lemongrass smell. Another day I am going to write about natural deodorant and the dangers of Aluminum.

I was really thrilled that my Purification experiment worked! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about Young Living essential oils.

Angela- 1 blood suckers- 0

**Note- Purification contains citrus oils.. you should not use on areas of the skin that will be exposed to the sun or UV rays within 72 hours. They may cause an increased reaction to the sun. **

Peppermint

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I was going to write about Peace and Calming, but I had too many thoughts swirling in my head about Peppermint. So, Peppermint it is. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has such a wonderful candy cane smell and it has so many uses. I use this oil daily. I use it if I feel sick to my stomach. I will put a drop in a glass of water and drink that– it always helps! Make sure you are not putting in plastic… the oil will eat the plastic. Also, be careful- this is a potent and hot oil. One drop is plenty. We use this in our house for headaches, fevers, sick tummies, bug repellent and sinus issues. **This should be avoided on infants and kids under 3 yrs. of age.**

PEPPERMINT – (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals. So it is an excellent tool to have available when you are cutting back on portion sizes.

I used to pop a Tylenol any time I had a headache or some type of pain. There have been so many studies about acetaminophen, an ingredient in Tylenol. Did you know researchers have reported that liver toxicity from acetaminophen poisoning is by far the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States?? Oh my word. Do I really want to risk hurting my liver or my kids’ livers? Fortunately, there is an alternative way to help with this kind of pain! When my son starts complaining of a headache, I whip out the peppermint. I dilute this with a carrier oil and put on the base of his neck. I then rub on his temples (diluted) and I will have him sit and inhale it. If my kids get a fever… I will rub on their feet. Yes, their fevers go down. And I am not interfering with the process of the fever, which is the body’s way of fighting infection. Of course, if there ever was a time when a fever got way too high– I would use Tylenol or take them to the emergency room. I always want to have common sense and balance holistic measures with western medicine!

Peppermint is also good in helping with sinus pressure and stuffiness and I will usually diffuse the oil then. Who doesn’t want their house smelling like a candy cane factory? I know Buddy the Elf would like it!

You can also get a spray bottle and put 5 drops of Peppermint oil mixed with distilled water and spray around the perimeter of your house or baseboards. Spiders and mice hate Peppermint. This will usually keep them from entering if it smells like Peppermint. Hey, I’m on board with anything keeping a spider out!

This has been shown to help women with morning sickness in their first trimester (along with Ginger). I have read many testimonials where women have used this all day to relieve their sickness. Peppermint has been proven safe for pregnant women. There are many oils that are not. They interfere with your hormones and can start contractions. **You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other diet program to determine if it is right for your needs.**

Here are 26 practical uses for Peppermint Oil:

1. Rub 4-6 drops in the palm and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion and diarrhea.

2. Add a drop of Peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn. (careful not to put more than 1 drop)

3. Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the area of injury to reduce inflammation.

4. Apply Peppermint oil immediately to an injured area, to relieve pain. If there is a cut, apply the Peppermint oil around (not on) the open wound.

5. Rub several drops of Peppermint oil on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.

6. Apply a drop of Peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.

7. For poison ivy or poison oak, apply Peppermint oil on location neat or dilute with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil.

8. Inhale Peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.

9. Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the abdomen to relieve nausea.

10. To relieve a headache, rub a drop of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.

11. To stop hiccups, apply a drop of Peppermint oil on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck). (Hiccups!)

12. Place two drops of Peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration.

13. Diffuse Peppermint oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy. Inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.

14. Rub 4 drops of Peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.

15. Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.

16. Add Peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative.

17. To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place along the path or point of entry for these pests.

18. Mix one 15 ml. bottle of Peppermint oil into a 5 gallon can of paint to dispel the fumes.

19. Place a couple of drops of Peppermint oil in a cup of hot water and enjoy in place of coffee. (this one is not for me 🙂 ) **Make sure you are using a therapeutic grade- like Young Living. Do not ingest a low quality essential oil.**

20. To kill aphids, add 4-5 drops of Peppermint oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.
21. Drink a drop of Peppermint oil mixed in a glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.

22. Rub Peppermint oil on joints to relieve arthritis or tendonitis pain.

23. Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath.

24. Inhale the fragrance of Peppermint oil to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.

25. Remove ticks by applying a drop of Peppermint oil on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick. Wait for it to unhedge its head and remove from your pet.

26. Mix Peppermint oil in a foot bath to relieve sore feet. Keep water agitated while soaking feet.

List created by: Frank Seeley

Young Living’s Peppermint Oil is a must have for our home. I don’t know what I would do without it. I highly recommend it…it is a truly incredible product!

Letting it go

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On Facebook a couple days ago, I shared that I was dealing with an unstable neighbor. I have never seen anything like it. I feel really sorry for this lady… she definitely must be very messed up and hurting. We set some boundaries regarding our kids and their safety and her dog… she is now on a mission to harass us and to get back at us. I really had so many sweet comments from people on this post on FB… I felt like people did have my back.

Of course, I want to do the right thing and love my enemy, but loving my enemy looks different in every situation. That is when intimacy with the Lord comes in to play and that is a good time to pray and ask Him… what do you want me to do?? I feel like I got my answer and that she is not a safe person. I feel like now I am to report her behavior to the police and to ignore her. And to pray for her. (that is hard)

It would feel really good to flip her off (as this is her favorite thing to do when she sees us) or to be able to do something nasty back, but I feel like the Lord is restraining me. And that is a good thing. I don’t want to start acting like she does and I don’t want bitterness or hate to enter my heart. This is not saying that the Lord wants me to be a doormat or wants me to not stand up for myself. There was a time when I needed to confront her and I did that. I know that when I listen and let Him go to town on my behalf… things change for my benefit! I have seen many times over the years, that when I hand over my need for vengeance to the Lord– that He does something way more amazing and creative than I could ever have dreamed of doing. I know I’m His girl and He has my back. I am handing my neighbor over to Him. I’m letting it go.

A good verse in 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” I just know that the Lord does not like people messing with his kids. I know the anger that can come out of me if anyone messes with my boys. Wow. I would hate to be in her shoes.

Oh my goodness.. in the middle of writing this my Aunt Regina sent me a couple verses regarding this situation. They could not be more perfect.

Proverbs 11:9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. (man, I do feel like I need to escape!)

Proverbs 11:12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. (help me, Lord to keep my mouth shut) Aunt Regina, this was confirmation for me!

Speaking of wanting to escape, this situation has caused me a wee bit of stress. We all know that stress is so hard on your body and emotions Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. This is why I need to let this situation/stress go… and two perfect oils to help you with stress are Peace and Calming and Lavender. My friend, Brian Patterson, jokingly said my neighbor needed Peace and Calming oil and I totally agree! 🙂 These oils are great in helping manage stress.

The Peace and Calming Blend consists of 5 different essential oils. They are listed below along with a brief description of what each oil is used for.

• Ylang Ylang(Cananga odorata) helps by increasing relaxation; balances male and female energies, helps lower rapid breathing, blood pressure and anxiety levels. It helps by allowing the individual to gather their thoughts by filtering out the “junk”.

• Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin) is strongly grounding and centering. Very high sesquiterpenes that stimulate the limbic center of the brain. It reestablishes mental and emotional equilibrium and energizes the mind.

• Tangerine Essential Oil (Citrus nobilis) contains esters and aldehydes that are sedating and calming, helping with anxiety and nervousness. When diffused tangerine can help soothe emotions such as grief, shock and anger.

• Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis) helps to bring joy and peace to the mind and joy to the heart, which in turn help to provide emotional support to help overcome depression.

• Blue Tansy Essential Oil (Tanacetum annuum) is highly anti-inflammatory and helps cleanse the liver and lymphatic system both of which hold onto toxic build up from anger and negative emotions. It is also very sedating to the nerves and nervous system.

I definitely want to focus on Peace and Calming in a later post… it deserves special attention for sure. In addition to this oil, Lavender is just wonderful in helping you to relax.

As I lived for many years in anxiety and fear (basically living in constant stress)… the Lord healed me and I have never been the same since then. I now know what it is like to live in peace. I know what it feels like to be in His presence. He is real. He is the kindest person I have ever known. I don’t want to retaliate and act like my neighbor. I don’t want that behavior to put a wedge between me and Him. Or for it to rob me of my peace. Maybe… this was a set up. Maybe he is allowing this situation to not only bring me more truth, but to speak to someone reading this right now. He may have set this up to say to you right now– I love you and I want to be a part of your life. This is how He works– He is always intentional. He never does anything without something good to come out of it. So, I am going to say that being flipped of by my neighbor was a good thing. It led me to write this…. and maybe someone is going hear that the Lord has your back, when you are willing to trust him. I love that our Heavenly Father loves impossibilities! I am wondering what He is going to do for me in this situation… what do you have up your sleeve, Lord?

What are you holding on to today? What does He want you to let go of today?

Just let go! And be encouraged… God cares about you and loves you.

Here is a favorite song of mine…

Thieves

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Thieves oil is just the coolest oil. It not only has a ton of uses but the name is so unique! The name was created based on the historical account of four thieves in France who protected themselves from the Black Plague with Cloves, Rosemary and other aromatics. They would rob victims of this disease and when they got captured, they were offered a lighter sentence in exchange for their secret recipe. Thieves oil is a blend of Clove, Rosemary, Cinnamon bark, Lemon and Eucalyptus Radiata.

Clove:Immune enhancing, powerful antioxidant
Lemon Oil: Powerful antioxidant, natural solvent and cleanser, supports circulation
Cinnamon Bark: High in antioxidants, supports digestive system, relieves discomfort
Rosemary Oil: Naturally energizing, helps to restore mental alertness when experiencing mental fatigue
Eucalyptus Radiata: Highly antiviral, supports respiratory system, antibacterial

This oil has been universally tested and found to be highly effective against airborne bacteria. This is such a great oil to have to fight against colds, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, strep, toothache, poison ivy, and eliminates odors. Research from Weber State University in Utah has shown that this oil has a 99.96 percent kill rate against bacteria. I am such a germaphobe… this is music to my ears! 99.96 percent kill rate– wow. The research shows that the Thieves oil effectively interrupts the life cycle of bacteria and also interferes with the ability of viruses to replicate. Studies also confirmed that most viruses and bacteria cannot live in the presence of many essential oils– including two of the oils found in Thieves– Cinnamon and Clove. Die viruses die!

Once I started using Thieves (probably 3 years ago) I saw how effective this oil really is. We really don’t use it in the summer. I think it is because of all the Vitamin D we get. As soon as the kids start school, we start the Thieves routine. My husband is not really on board with all of my helpful health advice, but I can tell you that he is a fan of Thieves. He was desperate one day and I told him to take some Thieves to get rid of his sore throat. It worked immediately. He now reaches for this at the first sign of a sore throat or cold. I do the same… I either rub some on my feet or I gargle with it (one drop in water), or take 1 drop in some honey or milk. You can also put a couple drops in a clear vegetable capsule and swallow. I have the boys gargle with it or I also will dilute some in some carrier oil and rub over their throat. It usually nips the cold or sore throat in the bud! At night, I will rub this on their feet as well. Be careful– this is a hot oil! Make sure that you dilute it if you are putting on the skin. The feet are okay without diluting it. My boys have not had strep throat for years and no antibiotics for years. This stuff is my strep killer. If you really want to drop the flu bomb…. mix Thieves and Oregano oil in a capsule and take a few times a day.

In addition to the oil, there is the Thieves spray (you can spray in your mouth) cleaning products and toothpaste! I use the cleaner, but I make my own Thieves hand soap.

Here is the recipe if you are interested.

2 TB of castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s peppermint castile soap– can find this at Target or a health food store)
10-12 drops of Thieves oil
5 drops of lemon oil- lemon oil is optional
fill the rest with distilled water and I usually use a foaming soap dispenser

Another great way to use Thieves is to diffuse it…

I will diffuse this off and on all day in my diffuser when I know something is going around.

This also makes my house smell very yummy… Thieves smells like Christmas in a bottle! You definitely need this in your arsenal for winter– such an amazing oil to keep you and your family healthy.

Here are 50 uses for Thieves oil!

1. Dilute with V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex and apply to cuts or open wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.

2. Mix with a tablespoon of water, gargle and swallow for a sore throat.

3. Apply undiluted directly to the skin of your upper chest and throat for bronchitis.

4. Place a drop on your thumb and apply to the roof of your mouth for a headache.

5. Put 10-12 drops in a size OO (clear vegetable capsule- you can order on my website) capsule undiluted and swallow. (this is the ultimate flu bomb)

6. Put one drop of oil on your toothbrush to disinfect.

7. Put directly on the soles of your feet to protect you from colds and flu.

8. Breathe in the vapors when you have lung congestion.

9. Use to clean pet cages, creating a healthier environment for them.

10. Add to your dishwasher for cleaner dishes.

11. Add to your laundry cycle for cleaner clothes.

12. Add to your mop water for cleaner floors.

13. Mix with water to make a spray to repel insects on your flowers and plants.

14. Use to dissolve the gummy adhesive on price labels.

15. Apply to bee and wasp stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.

16. Apply to gums to prevent and treat gum disease.

17. Apply orally to maintain healthy teeth and reduce cavities.

18. Apply to gums and teeth for pain relief from toothaches.

19. Diffuse in homes or business to solve mold problems.

20. Add to orange juice and drink to reduce phlegm and congestion.

21. Apply to broken bones or joints for pain relief and to hasten healing.

22. Put a drop in your cup of tea for flavor and to maintain health.

23. Put on the tip of your tongue to help you stop smoking.

24. Put on cold sores and canker sores to make them disappear.

25. For warts, apply topically, inhale and ingest in capsules to make them disappear.

26. Rub on sore joints to relieve arthritis pain.

27. Drink a few drops in water or juice every three hours to stop a cold.

28. Place a drop on the tongue and a drop in a glass of water every day for herpes.

29. Rub on the bottoms of children’s feet for protection before school every day.

30. Diffuse in the house as your children come home from school every day to kill airborne bacteria.

31. Mix 50:50 with V6 vegetable oil and rub on daily for relief of shingles.

32. Apply a drop (diluted) on wound of a cat or dog to enhance healing.

33. Diffuse in the home or office to stimulate a cheerful mood.

34. Diffuse in the office to increase concentration and work efficiency.

35. Diffuse in your place of business to ward off germs.

36. Diffuse in the classroom to reduce student sickness and absenteeism.

37. Put a few drops in your carpet steamer/cleaner to disinfect carpet.

38. Mix a few drops with honey or agave in a teaspoon for cough relief.

39. Breathe and apply for sinus headaches.

40. Put a drop on a pimple to make it shrink and disappear.

41. For laryngitis put a drop under your tongue to restore your voice.

42. Inhale for relief of allergy symptoms.

43. Take a capsule full every day for relief of Lyme disease symptoms.

44. Carry a bottle on every flight to protect you from germs on the plane.

45. Drop in the heat/AC vents of a hotel to rid it of airborne germs.

46. Mix with baking soda to clean bathtubs.

47. Apply undiluted to the toes and feet to combat fungus.

48. Apply to poison ivy rashes (may need to be diluted with vegetable oil) to relieve the itch.

49. Drop Thieves Oil Blend on a cloth to remove permanent marker stains.

50. Sanitize pierced earrings by cleaning with Thieves Oil Blend.

Few tips: Never use water to dilute an essential oil.

Thieves essential oil should be always be used with a carrier oil because it contains essential oils that are considered ‘hot’ (spicy) which could irritate skin. The essential oils in this blend that are considered hot are: clove and cinnamon bark.

In most applications, mix 3-5 drops of Thieves essential oil with 1 teaspoon (carrier oil). If you find that the application still feels a bit too warm to your skin, simply add more carrier oil to dilute.

Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Always dilute before applying to the skin or taking internally. Keep out of reach of children.

Sharing experiences with essential oils is an effective way of learning to utilize these powerful gifts from Nature. With this knowledge we can take control of our personal health. However, we are required by law in the USA to state, “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

Lavender

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Lavender. I use to hate the smell of Lavender. It actually made me feel sick. Little did I know back then that I was not really smelling true Lavender. Most of the Lavender products on the market are synthetic Lavender or they have very little pure Lavender oil in them. Once I smelled 100% pure Lavender, I was shocked. It smelled delicious.. kind of like grape flavored gum. Then I started using it on a daily basis and it quickly became my favorite oil. I started using it to help relax and to sleep at night. I rub this on my feet and wrists right before bed every night. Or I mix it with some almond oil (you can use extra virgin olive oil or a good veg oil too) and add to an Epsom salt bath at night. You will literally feel drugged (good drugged) after a Lavender Epsom salt bath. I also put this on my kids feet every night before they hop into bed. Sometimes I will hear my youngest son yell downstairs, after I have put him in bed, in his cute deep 8 yr. old voice, “Mom, I need some more Lavender.”

If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one oil with me- what would that be? You got it… Lavender. It is the most versatile oil and it helps so many things. If in doubt– use Lavender. It has been labeled the “Swiss army knife” of essential oils.

Lavender has been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects. The fragrance is calming and relaxing. I know this is true because I have seen my kids calm down immediately after putting this on them. I keep a bottle in my kitchen (for possible burns- because I am spastic in the kitchen) and one upstairs for bedtime. Lavender oil is not only an anti-fungal, it is also anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antispetic and more!

I use Lavender daily and here are the three ways you can apply it:

1. Neat- You can put directly on the skin… don’t have to mix with a carrier oil. You can not do this with all oils. Some oils are very hot.

2. Inhalation- put a couple drops in your hands and breathe in or diffuse

3. Ingest- Not all Lavender oil is the same, so if you get something at the store and it says do not ingest– do not. You can ingest Young Living Lavender. I will put a drop in my water to help relax or you can add to lemonade– delicious. You can also buy clear vegetable capsules and put a couple drops of Lavender in that and swallow. This is great to take every day for allergies.

Here are 30 ways you can use Lavender oil:

1.) Rub Lavender oil on the feet for a calming effect on the body.

2.) Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and then apply to your pillow to help you sleep and for insomnia.

3.) Put a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling.

4.) Put 2-3 drops of Lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain and help prevent scarring.

5.) Drop Lavender oil on a cut to stop the bleeding.

6.) Mix several drops of Lavender oil with olive or coconut oil and use topically on eczema and dermatitis.

7.) To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil on the end of the tongue, around the navel or behind the ears.
8.) To stop a nosebleed, put a drop of Lavender oil on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice. Push the tissue covered ice chip up under the middle of the top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until the bleeding stops (do not freeze the lip or gum).

9.) Rub a drop of Lavender oil over the bridge of the nose to unblock tear ducts.

10.) Rub Lavender oil on dry or chapped skin.

11.) Rub a drop of Lavender oil on chapped or sunburned lips.

12.) To reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue, massage Lavender oil on and around the affected area.

13.) Rub 2 drops of Lavender oil over the armpit area to act as a deodorant. ( I might try this 🙂 )

14.) Rub a drop of Lavender oil between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.

15.) Rub several drops of Lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.

16.) Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in your linen closet to scent the linens and repel moths and insects.

17.) Place a drop of Lavender oil in your water fountain to scent the air, kill bacteria and prolong the time between cleanings.

18.) Place a few drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw into the dryer which will deodorize and freshen your laundry.

19.) Put a drop of Lavender oil on a cold sore.

20.) Diffuse Lavender oil to alleviate the symptoms of allergies.

21.) Spritz several drops of Lavender oil mixed with distilled water on a sunburn to decrease pain.

22.) Drop Lavender oil on a cut to clean the wound and kill bacteria.

23.) Apply 2-3 drops of Lavender oil to a rash to stop the itching and heal the skin. (Good for Eczema)

24.) Apply 1-2 drops of Lavender oil in your iron to freshen your clothes.

25.) Apply 1-2 drops of Lavender oil on a wet cloth and place in the dryer for an all natural dryer sheet.

26.) Rub Lavender oil on the back of your neck, chest, and in between your eyes to alleviate sinuses, sinusitis, allergies.

27.) Add Lavender oil to your recipes. (Lavender Blueberry Banana Bread)

28.) Add drops of Lavender oil to your favorite beverage: tea or lemonade.

29.) Rub a drop of Lavender oil on your temples to alleviate a headache.

30.) Rub a drop on the base of the neck to relieve stress and anxiety.

As you can see, Lavender is an essential oil that can uplift your life (and mood) and help your health in a variety of ways. It’s a great secret weapon to have on hand at all times!

Please leave a comment below with any essential oil questions and tell us what your FAVORITE uses for oils are!

Essential oils… let’s do this thing!

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Well, I have not been blogging in about 3 years… I really have missed it. Such a good outlet for me. As my family is pretty tired of hearing me babble on about essential oils, I decided to make this a career! So, I am studying to become an aromatherapist and am pretty excited about being able to study, think and talk about essential oils. God has infused aromatic molecules of plants, not only with the power to heal us when we are ill, but to nurture and preserve our health when we are well. Pretty amazing– God is the original aromatherapist!

I was trying to figure out what I wanted to call my blog and was thinking about just calling it Lavender. Since this is my favorite oil and it has many special meanings for me… I decided on the French translation.. Lavande. I find it funny that I don’t speak a bit of French, but this just seemed to fit. I know a few words in Spanish.. gracias por leer mi blog.

A few years ago, my sweet friend’s mom introduced me to essential oils. I had never used them before. Marilyn, my friend’s mom, whipped out her case of oils and I was just in awe. She was going to apply some Oregano to a wart I had on my hand. (gross, i know) Anyway, I reeked of an Italian eatery the whole way home and reapplied it a couple more times to my hand. Drum roll please… my wart totally vanished! And I have not had any since then. I can tell you that it was way less painful than having it burned off at the doctor’s office. Let’s just say I was instantly hooked. I started pouring over any material about essential oils that I could get my hands on.

Oregano is a very powerful oil… it is a natural antibiotic. Oregano deserves its own post, so I will give it special attention soon. Oregano has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.

Essential oils can be used topically, can be used as a dietary supplement, and in aromatic form. (must be therapeutic grade to ingest) Just by smelling oils.. it can create a powerful response in the body. I could start talking about olfaction and how it affects the brain but that is another blog for another day. An example would be: when my son has a headache I will have him sit and just inhale the peppermint. It has helped him many times in the past get over his headache more quickly.

So, my goal in starting this blog is to be able to share what I know and also what I am learning as I am studying. Eventually, I would like to put what I have learned into practice into some type of coaching aspect.

If you are taking the time to read this… thank you. Next post will be about all things Lavender! Au revoir and Adios!

Lavande Aromatherapy and Wellness

Improving your body, mind and spirit with essential oils!

Here Comes the Boom

Clary Sage

Lemon-Aid

Purification

Peppermint

Letting it go

Thieves

Lavender

Essential oils… let’s do this thing!

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