Monday, March 9, 2015

Making An Impact In Reno

The benefits of essential oils have hit the news!


I was so excited to see this new report that I just had to share it with you.  Essential oils are making an impact on the community here in Reno, NV.  Even hospital staff are starting to experience the benefits that diffusing these wonderful oils at work can bring.  If you didn't know, that's big news!
Watch the 3/5/15 broadcast below. (2:16 minutes)


Are you interested in learning more about essential oils? 
Click HERE for an introduction to the world of essential oils!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Resources For Learning About Essential Oils


I love my essential oils...and I've become a bit obsessed about them.  The truth is that if they hadn't worked so well for my family then it would have been a short-lived obsession, but it's not. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am an eclectic personality...and my husband can tell you that once I sink my teeth into something I burn the midnight oil trying to pack in as much time as possible to learn all I can about it.

Anyone who registers with my organization has the opportunity to take a great 6 week course for FREE!  Once registered I send out the link and passcode to take advantage of the course.  Just message me for more information on registering for a discount on these marvelous essential oils!

The success in using essential oils comes with gaining knowledge.  That old saying that "Knowledge Is Power" can not be argued, especially when it comes to your health.  The first thing I tell someone who is starting off using essential oils is that they should utilize the Everything Essential website and purchase a Modern Essentials book (#1 only list) as soon as possible. There is SO much information about different oils and the benefits that they can play in the life of you and your family.

These are a great starting point for anyone wanting to dig in an learn how to best use essential oils.  If no other book were ever purchased, I strongly encourage that #1 on the list be in your possession as you begin discovering essential oils.  There is SO much information in it from applications, to individual oils and blends, to understanding the chemical composition...trust me, you need this book. You can also find a plethora of books at your nearest Barnes & Noble bookseller.
For use during pregnancy, infants, and children I would suggest talking to your doctor (even though they may know nothing about how to use the oils) and would also suggest the book Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children (5th Edition).  There are also a number of midwives with information on this topic.  Just ask me and I'll get you the info you need.

One of the beautiful things about the community of essential oil users is that we're all looking to find ways to support one another.  Looking to find ways of reducing the chemicals and harmful side effects that medications bring into our lives.  The oils are not a magic potion, do not heal the body, should be used with respect of protocols...and the beautiful thing is that they can help support your body's ability to heal itself.  Just as sleep, diet, and exercise support your body to daily heal.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Spotlight: Grapefruit Essential Oil

The scent of Grapefruit essential oil is so pleasant that it can instantly lighten your mood. It's like ripping open the biggest, perfectly ripe grapefruit during Summer.

This cheery oil has multiple uses and benefits.  It is cold pressed from grapefruit rinds to preserve its delicate nature and potent properties.

Application Methods
Internally, Topically, Aromatically

Skin Sensitivity
Neat - can be applied directly to skin, suggested diluting with a carrier oil for skin sensitivity
(Avoid sunlight or UV rays on area of topical application for up to 12 hours after applying.)



Here are the wonderful properties of Grapefruit Essential Oil:
  • Antidepressant
  • Antiseptic
  • Diuretic
  • Disinfectant
  • Thursday, January 1, 2015

    Vicks Chest Rubs vs. Natural Chest Rub

    It's that time of year when many (MANY) mothers are pulling out the VICKS VapoRub to help their little ones breathe easier through the night.  You just may want to think twice before doing it. 

    Have you actually read the list of active ingredients in this product?  I have to admit that until my son was born, I really never did. I just took a look at the VICKS Baby Rub that I've used in the past on my children...mostly because they couldn't breathe easily when I had used the VICKS VapoRub. (My girls are now 8 & 10 and I had to use the baby brand back in Spring 2014 for the same reasons.) 

    VICKS VapoRub:
    Active Ingredients: Label reads: Special Vick medications (camphor, menthol, spirits of turpentine, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, myristica oil, thymol) compounded by the original Vick process VICK CHEMICAL COMPANY Div of Richardson-Merrell Inc

    VICKS Baby Rub:
    Ingredients: Petrolatum, Fragrance, Aloe Extract, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil.

    Petrolatum, commonly known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of petroleum. Petrolatum is a soft paraffin or wax mixture sold as a topical skin ointment. It is acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved over-the-counter skin protectant and is used in the manufacturing of cosmetic skin care. However the side effects of petrolatum include finding the petroleum byproduct in breast tumors, suffocation of the skin, premature aging and aggravated acne. (LiveStrong.com)

    There is NO WAY that I am putting these products on the chest of my girls or son ever again.  The U.S. already out ranks other countries with an astounding cancer rate...I don't want this to be something that is supposed to help but actually becomes part of a future problem for my children.  I personally have thrown out the VICKS products and am taking a new approach this year to combat respiratory issues. A natural approach which has worked extremely well in the past month.

    According to an article published in the Washington Post back in 2009, (yes, 2009!), there are serious concerns over the product actually causing more mucus to be produced and even inflammation.  Neither of which we mothers want to have to worry about while trying to conquer the attacks against our little ones.

    Dr. Daniel Craven, a pediatric pulmonologist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, said parents shouldn't use Vicks VapoRub, because it has no medicinal value and may even be dangerous.

    "Previous research has failed to demonstrate any respiratory benefits of VapoRub, and conscientious pediatricians have thus usually tried to dissuade families from spending money on this and similarly ineffective therapies," Craven said. "Although the findings are someone limited, this study raises the possibility that this product may not just be ineffective, but possibly might have adverse respiratory consequences -- particularly if there is an intense exposure -- as when it is applied directly under the nostrils."

    Aside from the threat of those issues becoming worse, who really wants to use petroleum on their child any more?  Questions as to its safety have been raised over and over again.  According to an article in The Huffington Post, you actually are suffocating your pores when applying it to your skin. It basically works like placing plastic over your skin to keep things in (moisture, dirt, grease, oils, etc.).


    Homemade Chest Rub
    Ingredients
    1 tablespoon 
    extra virgin coconut oil
    2 drops Lemon essential oil
    3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

    2 drops Lavender essential oil
    (message me to get your oils)

    Directions
    Mix all ingredients together  and rub into your chest and upper back.

    Can be repeated as often as necessary. 
    DO NOT place into nostrils, mouth or ear canals.

    You can double, triple or quadruple this recipe and store it in an airtight container, such as a baby food jar, for future applications.

    References:
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/13/AR2009011301089.html
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/226763-side-effects-of-petrolatum/