Spotlight: Frankincense Essential Oil ~ Get A FREE Bottle! Only a Few Days Left!!

Frankincense ~ "The King Of Oils"

Frankincense is an amazing oil...the more I learn about it the more I understand why it is touted as "The King Of Oils".  There are so many uses for it on a daily basis.  It has been one of the prized oils for centuries.  Aside from its soothing properties, it is a wonderful oil for helping to keep skin healthy and radiant.  Applied daily it can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

As "The King Of Oils", Frankincense is known to promote cellular health and build & maintain a healthy immune system.  It can be consumed daily for these internal benefits. It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally.

Application Methods 
Topically, Internally, Aromatically

Skin Sensitivity
Neat - can be applied directly to skin, suggested diluting with a carrier oil for skin sensitivity


Here are the wonderful properties of Frankincense Essential Oil:

Analgesic

Antidepressant

Antifungal

Anti-Inflammatory

Antiseptic

Astringent

Cellular Protection

Diuretic

Expectorant

Sedative

Common Health Concerns That Can Benefit From Frankincense Essential Oil

Asthma - Bronchitis - Cuts and Wounds - Dermatitis - Indigestion - Neurological Disorders - Scarring - Skin Disorders - Sore Throat - Stomach Ache - Tumor Reduction 

Mood Balance: Diffuse; Apply to back of neck or bottoms of feet

Anxiety: Apply a few drops into your hand and inhale; Diffuse

Knee Discomfort: Apply a couple drops directly or with a carrier oil and follow with a heat compress

Bug Bites: Apply to itchy, irritated skin

Diffuse for: Peace, relaxation and an overall feeling of satisfaction

Frustration Relief: Apply to wrists and behind ears

Achy Gardening Hands: Apply with a carrier oil to promote healthy inflammatory response

Weak Fingernails:  Apply directly to nail beds

Cough: Apply to neck and throat with a carrier oil

Stress Relief:  Apply directly to temples

Pick-Me-Up: Mix with Peppermint and apply to bottoms of feet

Back Pain Relief:  Apply with a carrier oil to area of concern and follow with a heat compress

Jaw Pain: Mix with Soothing Blend and apply with a carrier oil

Immune Support: Take 1-3 drops in a veggie capsule

Cuts & Scars:  Mix with a carrier oil and apply a few drops to area of concern

Beautiful Skin:  Mix with Lavender and apply morning & night. (helps to promote youthful, radiant-looking skin and slow the signs of again by reducing the appearance of skin imperfections)
 

A very interesting read, check out this article on Frankincense and cancer, click HERE.

Contact me for information to get your hands on this amazing oil.

Ask me how you can register as a Preferred Member (One time fee of $25 for Lifetime Membership) and receive a 20% discount on purchases!

OR register as a Wellness Advocate (1 year membership),  and receive WHOLESALE PRICING, monthly promotional deals, and points back towards products!!

Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

Oh my goodness!!!  I can not even begin to tell you how amazing my home has smells as I write this post.  There is Christmas floating through the air...the scent of apples, cinnamon, and wild orange are intoxicating.

We decided to make these ornaments for my girls' teachers this year.  It just might become an obsession to my daughter Rose.  She enjoyed mixing and rolling out the dough so much. I think that she would have played with it all night if I had let her. Thankfully it was way past bedtime and as soon as they went into the oven my girls were ushered off to bed.

They really are extremely easy to make and appropriate for any child 3 years old or older to help with. 

Take equal parts of apple sauce & ground cinnamon and mix together.  Add more cinnamon if needed to get the consistency you desire. You want the dough to be moldable but not too wet.

Then take some wax paper and with a rolling pin roll out the dough to a 1/4"-1/2" thickness. The thicker the ornament, the longer the drying time. Select your favorite cookie cutters and have at it! Rework any excess dough to make more ornament shapes.

Use a straw to make a hole for a ribbon or string to go through later. 

I decided to score our ornaments to give them a little character. The backside of a regular table knife works just fine.  

Be sure not to score too deep or your ornament will be weakened.

A shortbread cookie press also works well to make designs on the ournaments.

You can either let the ornaments sit out to dry for 2-3 days or bake them for 2 - 3 hours in the oven at 200°F.

Once dried, you can decorate the ornaments with glitter, paint, or other crafty embellishments.  Have fun!

Then the finishing touch, tie off a pretty bow for hanging on the tree.

Merry Christmas!

Cinnamon Ornaments

Here is a very simple craft to trim your Christmas tree...or your office, or your car, or your closet...whatever.

Cinnamon ornaments scented with essential oils! I can't wait to make these tonight with my daughters.  They love to bake and they love doing crafts...and they LOVE Christmas. We're going to have so much fun and my home is going to smell amazing!

Spotlight: Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano Essential Oil...It's not just for pizzas and pastas!

I have always only thought of Oregano in the terms of cooking...mostly in reference to pasta and pizza.  (I love me some homemade pizza!)  So finding that Oregano Essential Oil is good for a number of other things just amazes me.

Click HERE for an excerpt from The Dr. Oz Show where Dr. Oz talks about the benefits and uses of the anti-bacterial properties of oil of Oregano.  He makes the statement that he wants us all to have this in our medicine cabinets...not just kitchen cabinets.

Diaper Bag Makeover

There are plenty of creams, ointments, and wipes that contain chemicals that aren't necessary especially when you have a natural alternative.  Here are some simple ways to makeover your diaper bag with essential oils.

1.  For Momma - Keep hydrated.  Dehydration can lead to exhaustion.  Add essential oils like Lemon or Wild Orange to your water throughout the day.

2.  Diaper Cream  -  This recipe is free of petroleum and artificial ingredients that can cause even more irritation to baby's skin.

3.  Peppermint Beadlet -  A burst of Peppermint will freshen breath and soothe tummy discomfort.

4.  Essential Oils -  Gentle oils like Lavender and Melaleuca are must haves.

5.  Coconut Oil -  Moisturize and protect skin without any oily residue.

6.  Baby Wipes -  Commercial wipes are made with ingredients that can actually irritate a baby's sensitive skin.  This easy recipe is good on the go, just place the wipes in a wet bag.

Taking The Sting Out Of Diaper Rash Naturally

Babies definitely have my sympathy.  I can't imagine having to rely on someone to keep on top of when I've gone to the bathroom...even 5 minutes in a dirty diaper can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.  My poor little son's booty is extremely sensitive.  He tends to get diaper rashes very easily and much more frequently than his sisters did.

This week he developed an ear and throat infection, which I had no idea he had.  Unlike most babies he had not pulled on his ear or cried when laid down.  I was more concerned with the sound that his cough had developed into while he's been teething.  (which turned out to be no big deal)  With the news of the problem being an ear and throat infection, I gave into antibiotics to help clear them up before his scheduled immunizations, and along with the medication came the side-effect of strong diarrhea. His little booty did not stand a chance.

Spotlight: Wild Orange Essential Oil

I wish that there was some way for you to smell Wild Orange essential oil through your screen.  It's like ripping open the biggest, most perfect Valencia orange you've ever seen.  That initial smell of the release of precious oils from the orange's rind...WHO doesn't love that smell?!

This top-selling oil has multiple uses and benefits.  It is cold pressed from orange rinds to preserve its delicate nature and potent properties.

  

Application Methods 
Topically, Internally, 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 Wild Orange Essential Oil:

• Antibacterial
• Antidepressant
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Carminative
• Choleretic

PTSD Blend - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

My husband served in the Navy during the first Gulf War.  So many of our service men & women have paid a high cost while serving our country. 

My husband was recently diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome...which is not the same as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but is still a price that was paid while in the service.  While the two differ from one another, we have a great deal of respect for all of our military servicemen and anything that I can pass along to help one will be shared.  There is something about being able to give back to those who have been willing to sign their lives away for our freedoms.  (It's the very least I can do.)

Tummy Troubles Big and Small

James at 7 months

As all of us moms know, tummy trouble does not hit at the best of times.  It tends to rise up in the middle of making dinner, sleeping or while we're out and about.  Neither do they only attack the young, but us more matured as well.

This is my little James.  At 7 months old I have had countless battles with tummy trouble since the day he was born.  All of my children have had tummy troubles as babies, my oldest Grace and youngest James had it the worst.  They couldn't tolerate my milk...which is so frustrating as a new mommy.  Our milk is supposed to be the best thing for them and yet mine caused so much pain.  Was I watching what I ate?  Absolutely.  I was ridiculously careful about what I ate.

For both Grace and Rose the use of gripe water instantly soothed their little tummies.  James was a totally different story.  It took about 15 - 20 minutes for his tummy to begin to settle when I gave him the gripe water.  Mylicon drops never worked either.  For the past two weeks I have been taking a few drops of olive oil in my palm and adding 1 drop of Digestive Blend to it.  Then with my finger I mix it in my palm and then rub it on my son's lower tummy.  Within 4-5 minutes the pressure begins to release and little gas bubbles make their way through his system. It's amazing! 

First, I didn't think it would work so fast.  Second, I didn't know if it was going to irritate him.  So far there has been no skin irritation and I have a much happier baby within minutes.  To me that is priceless.

Grace, 9 years old

My oldest daughter had a couple issues last weekend that needed to be remedied quickly.  She's a Drama Queen so it takes a few minutes to really find out what's going on.  Two issues this time were plaguing her: 1) Diarrhea and 2) nausea.  Again, I took a couple drops of olive and mixed it with 1 drop of Digestive Blend and rubbed it onto her lower tummy. Her nausea diminished and was completely gone within 8 minutes and her diarrhea never resurfaced! 

She now knows exactly what to do if either return in the future.  Talk about a Drama Queen's answer for relief...actually, it's probably more like my answer for relief.  She can carry on and on about something and turn the littlest "1" into a "10", so just imagine what it's like in my house when she has a real "8 - 10".

Last but not least, my hubby who I affectionately call Charming.  Charming is a Gulf War Veteran who was recently diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.  One of the many symptoms is diarrhea...not for just a day or two but more like everyday with a breather of maybe a week if you're lucky.  Imagine how it is to go to work every day hoping that you don't have to sprint (or speed walk) to the nearest restroom.  Everyday he asks me for his cocktail...which is a blend of essential oils in a vegetable capsule.  He's been taking a capsule with 3 drops of Digestive Blend, 1 drop of Frankincense, 1 drop of Oregano, 1 drop of Melaleuca  and 2 drops of OnGuard for the past 3 weeks.  According to Charming, his bouts have dramatically lessened and he's thrilled with the results that the oils seem to have aided in soothing.  

Digestive Blend contains a blend of:

• Ginger: renowned for its ability to soothe stomach upset and ease indigestion
• Peppermint: supports healthy gastrointestinal function and aids in digestion
• Tarragon: promotes healthy digestion
• Fennel: helps relieve indigestion and a myriad of stomach issues
• Caraway: acts as a natural carminative while supporting a healthy gastrointestinal tract
• Coriander: eases occasional stomach upset
• Anise: promotes healthy digestion

Contact me for information more information and to get your hands on this amazing oil.

Ask me how you can register as a Preferred Member (One time fee of $25 for Lifetime Membership) and receive a 20% discount on purchases!

OR register as a Wellness Advocate (1 year membership),  and receive WHOLESALE PRICING, monthly promotional deals, and points back towards products!!

Carrier Oils...Diluting Essential Oils...What The What?!

Carrier Oils, that term is going to come up over and over again in the world of Essential Oils.  You may know exactly what they are, may think you know, or admit that you have no idea whatsoever.  That's why this post is here. 

Here's the low-down on Carrier Oils:

What is a Carrier Oil?

A Carrier Oil is simply an oil that "carries" another oil.  We use Carrier Oils to dilute Essential Oils before applying them to the skin.  "Hot" oils like Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano need to be diluted with a Carrier Oil before applying them.  Most Essential Oils are still just as powerful when diluted up to 5%.

When would I use a Carrier Oil?

Carrier Oils can be used for several reasons.  First, they are used as a safety precaution. This helps to insure that sensitive skin is not irritated by the Essential Oils.  Essential Oils are a powerful thing. As mentioned above, always us a Carrier Oil when applying Essential Oils to infants, children, the elderly or someone with sensitive skin.

Second, they can be used to help apply Essential Oils to a large area (like the back or chest).  This is especially useful for massages using the Essential Oils.

Third, they help the Essential Oils absorb into the skin rapidly.

What oils qualify as Carrier Oils?

Any vegetable based oil can be used as a Carrier Oil.  That being said, there are a few that are more desirable than others. 

• Fractionated Coconut Oil is a wonderful Carrier Oil.  The difference between Fractionated Coconut Oil and coconut oil you may find at the grocery store (even if it is raw coconut oil) is that the Fractionated Coconut  has some of the fatty acids removed.  This is why it remains liquid unlike cold-pressed, raw coconut oil. 

• Olive Oil, unscented body lotion and the like.  These can also be used as Carrier Oils.  Olive Oil is a heavy oil and great for moisture. I have used it when just needing to grab something to get an oil on whoever needed it right away.  Unscented body lotion can also be used.  

• Sweet Almond Oil is very light and has a nice fragrance.  It is also commonly used by massage therapists.

How much Carrier Oil do I need to use to dilute my Essential Oil?

This all depends on how you are using your oils.  Here is a chart from the Modern Essentials guide on how to dilute Essential Oils with Carrier Oils.  It never hurts to dilute an Essential Oil, in fact it is safer and could even be more effective. Infants are not listed on this chart, so it is suggested that 1 drop of Essential Oil be diluted into 1 Tablespoon of Carrier Oil. Overall, when in question, DILUTE!  Remember that Essential Oils can maintain their therapeutic benefits even when diluted down to 10% or 5%.

What do I do if I get an Essential Oil in my eye?

Essential Oils should not be used in the eyes or inside the ear canal.  In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with a Carrier Oil NOT water.

OR rinse with MILK! It may sound strange, but the fat and cream in milk are a safe means of diluting and rinsing Essential Oils from eyes and the cold cool milk brings quick, safe, effective relief from burning. Tilt head back and dump small lid or capful of milk directly into eye, then tilt head forward to drain, and wipe clean with dry towel. Repeat once or twice more as needed.

For more information on using Essential Oils safely, click HERE.

To purchase fractionated coconut oil and essential oils from my Retail Shop click HERE.

Cold & Flu Season, Are You Ready?

Every year parents across the country brace for it, dreading the impact it may have on their loved ones.  Flu Season, it seems is growing to be one that lasts from late Fall to late Spring these days. 

Well, the first cases of the 2014 flu season have already been confirmed and reported by Oklahoma City's FOX25 News been reported as of October 23rd.  This year I feel much more empowered to battle what lies in wait.  This year there are new elements at my disposal to help prevent and take down the runny noses, sore throats, fevers, and upset stomachs that may try to ruin the days and nights of my children.  This year I have a knowledge of how to use essential oils to build our immune systems and halt what may try to take us down.

This is the time of year that anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are everywhere...especially in (my children's) classrooms.  What I did not know is that many contain a dangerous chemical called "triclosan"?  (which is also found in some toothpastes)  It is what has caused some states to start banning those products. You can read more about it in this article from CNN.

In 2013, ABCnews.com reported the following:

"'The virus is likely to spread across the country,' ABC News' Dr. Richard Besser said Sunday morning. 'I expect that it's going to hit the whole country.' Enterovirus D68 comes from a family of enteroviruses that can cause cold-like symptoms,typically during the month of September. Besser warned parents to watch out for symptoms of coughs and wheezing among their children, especially if their children are asthmatic."

"Children who contract enterovirus D68 first suffer from what appears to be a common cold, with symptoms including a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, according to Besser. The symptoms then escalate to difficulty breathing. Besser said parents should look out for their children exhibiting signs of wheezing, difficulty eating or speaking, and blueness around the lips." - Taken from ABCnews.com Click HERE for Full Story

 

Here are the TOP FIVE oils that I recommend you have in your arsenal to deal with the oncoming Cold, Flu, and Enterovirus Season:

Respiratory Oil Blend - When inhaled from bottle, or hands, helps to open up airways. Apply thin coat of Fractionated Coconut Oil to protect skin on chest and throat, then apply Breathe blend to chest and throat to open up airways and make breathing easier. On very small children and babies, apply oil blend to bottoms of feet and cover with socks. This also will help to keep airways open and make for more restful sleep when sick.

Lavender - Coat skin beside nostrils with a small dab of Fractionated Coconut Oil, then apply one drop of Lavender to stop a runny nose dead in it's tracks. On very small children and babies place the dab of coconut oil and Lavender behind child's ears to avoid them rubbing it into eyes. Also applying lavender oil to the bottoms of feet will help with more restful sleep. (Lavender oil is also always great to have on hand for burns, bites, cuts, scrapes, stings, bites, and itches.)

Peppermint - Apply coat of Fractionated Coconut Oil to forehead, temples, and back of neck, then apply 1 - 2 drops Peppermint Oil to relieve headaches. Peppermint oil aromatically inhaled can also relieve nausea and help open airways. 

Digestive Oil Blend - put 1 - 2 drops in 4 oz of juice for a child, or 3 - 4 drops in a 4oz glass of water for adult (do not use a plastic cup for this as the oils will eat away the plastic - use glass) mix well and drink. Also apply topically to areas of discomfort on stomach to relieve gas, bloating, upset, and other symptoms of stomach flu or food poisoning. On very small children and babies apply this essential oil blend with fractionated coconut oil to stomach and bottoms of feet.

Protective Oil Blend - Apply this antibacterial and antiviral blend to bottoms of feet twice daily to build immunity and protect against bacterial infections and viruses. Also make into a spray for hands, doorknobs, countertops, and other places viruses and bacteria can spread.

Contact me for information to get your hands on these amazing oils.

Ask me how you can register as a Preferred Member (One time fee of $25 for Lifetime Membership) and receive a 20% discount on purchases!

OR register as a Wellness Advocate (1 year membership),  and receive WHOLESALE PRICING, monthly promotional deals, and points back towards products!!

Using Essential Oils Safely

A few things to keep in mind when using Essential Oils. Essential oils can be used safely by your family for a variety of wellness applications. However, there are several safety guidelines that you should follow when using essential oils and essential oil products.

1. Use only 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil products.

2. Essential Oils can be used Aromatically, Topically, and Internally, HOWEVER not all can be used in each of these ways. Be sure to read and follow all label warnings and instructions prior to use. (bottle labels, packaging labels, product catalogs or online information should be considered)