Essential Oils 101, Part 2

As promised, here is the second segment of the "Essential Oils 101" post.

First, I want to talk about Young Living's Seed to Seal process, which includes five steps:

1. SEED: Potent essential oils come from plant species that have been authenticated by Young Living and industry experts through scientific research, field study, university partnerships, and on-site planting certification. Selecting seeds that produce the highest value is a vital first step in the Seed to Seal process. 
2. CULTIVATE: Young Living's knowledge of soil preparation, balance of sun and water, responsible weed and pest control, and wild craft harvesting ensure that stringent standards are met, both on our own farms as well as with our carefully monitored partner farms. We continue to conduct research and remain dedicated to growing the highest quality aromatic plants. 
3. DISTILL: Combining ancient and modern techniques, Young Living's low-pressure steam distillation process ensures that the beneficial plant compounds in each batch of essential oil remain uncompromised. This step is completed at just the right time to ensure all beneficial constituents are present to maximize the quality of the oil. Additionally, Young Living uses tree resin hydrodistillation for select oils and cold pressing techniques for most of their citrus essential oils. 
4. TEST: Young Living never accepts diluted, cut, or adulterated essential oils. To guarantee consistent quality, their essential oils are tested in their own internal labs, as well as in third-party facilities, to ensure that they meet demanding specifications, exceed international standards, and contain optimal levels of natural bioactive molecules. 
5. SEAL: Young Living completes their Seed to Seal process by carefully sealing and inspecting each bottle of essential oil at their 107,000-square-foot state-of-the-art clean-room facility and then shipping to members worldwide. Individual bottle labels are encoded with detailed tracking information that allows Young Living to trace each bottle of essential oil back to its source. 

Now, on to talking about each oil in the Everyday Essentials Kit! Click here to order: http://bit.ly/1tKdfHu

Frankincense: an earthy, balsamic aroma that is highly revered for its ability to increase feelings of spirituality and inner strength. Known for its broad range of uses, Frankincense is a prominent feature in Young Living's skincare line.

• Apply 1-2 drops to the face and neck to add a healthy-looking glow to skin and support clear skin
• Diffuse to enrich prayer, yoga, or meditation for a deeper spiritual connection
• Apply 2-4 drops to moisturize dry skin

Lemon: one of the most useful essential oils to have on hand. Great for cleaning, and it also supports the immune system with its powerful antioxidant d-limonene component. Used in NingXia Red, Young Living's superfruit supplement.

• Use Lemon essential oil as a dietary supplement in your daily routine
• Substitute Lemon oil for lemon juice or lemon seasoning to flavor seafood, vegetable, beverages, and desserts
• Keep Lemon in a purse or backpack, or car so that it is always in reach when you need it

Peppermint: The fresh, energizing aroma of Peppermint essential oil helps maintain feelings of vigor and vitality. Great for flavoring drinks. Supports a healthy digestive system. We love it for breath freshening!

• Add 1 drop of Peppermint essential oil to a glass of water and incorporate it into your daily diet
• Add 1 to 2 drops in a capsule after a mealtime to help support normal digestion
• Add 1 drop to herbal tea or coffee to enhance flavor and to help aid healthy digestion 

Lavender: one of the most powerful and versatile essential oils, and the uses for this plant are almost endless. Lavender essential oil is part of many Young Living products because it offers a host of benefits and a sweet, floral aroma.

• Add 8-12 drops to water and spray under beds and in closets for a fresh, pleasing aroma
• Apply 2-4 drops to skin to moisturize and enhance skin radiance
• Diffuse at night for a calming aroma during sleep

Tea Tree: also known as Melaleuca alternifolia and can be found in a wide spectrum of skin care and spa products. Less known are the powerful properties that have made it a skin care mainstay in many cultures. Tea Tree oil can comfort and beautify the appearance of skin. Wonderfully fresh and clean scent.

• Comfort the skin by rubbing 1 to 3 drops of Tea Tree oil into the palms of your hands and gently massaging over areas of concerns
• Add Tea Tree oil to your favorite massage oil to elevate your massage experience
• Diffuse Tea Tree oil to help moisturize the skin

Joy: the magnetic energy of this blend brings a beautiful feeling of joy to the heart, mind, and soul. Its uplifting aroma inspires romance and love. Joy may also help bring peace to individuals when diffused.

• Wear 1 to 2 drops as a cologne or perfume to inspire a feeling of romance and togetherness
• Diffuse with Peppermint to both promote and uplifting but also relaxing feeling
• Rub 1 drop of Joy between your palms and then spread over the face and neck after a calming shower or bath
• Put several drops of Joy on a scarf or in a diffuse to enjoy and share this beautiful aroma

Purification: Neutralize odors and enhance the air in your home with the crisp, refreshing aroma of Purification. When diffused, Purification helps purify and cleanse the air from stubborn and lingering odors. This uplifting blend is also an excellent choice for cleansing and soothing dry skin. 

• Massage 1-2 drops to cleanse and soothe dry skin
• Combine several drops with water in a spray bottle and spray to eliminate unpleasant smells such as smoke, mildew, and stale food odors
• Diffuse to clean the air and neutralize foul smells
• Put a few drops on your pet's collar to help support a pest-free coat

Thieves: the blend that was inspired by the legend of four 15th-century thieves in France who formulated an aromatic blend composed of cloves, rosemary, and other botanicals to use while robbing the dead and dying. This one-of-a-kind blend can be found in many of Young Living's most popular products. Taken internally, it can help to support a healthy immune system.

• Place 2-3 drops in a capsule and swallow daily for immune support
• Diffuse to support a healthy household during flu season
• For toothache, apply a drop to a cotton ball and tuck inside the mouth between cheek and tooth

Panaway: a soothing blend of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint that is great for supporting healthy joints

• Apply topically after a strenuous workout for a refreshing cool down
• Apply several drops onto the bottoms of the feet for a soothing, relaxing foot massage
• Place 3-4 drops onto a hot towel and hold over abdomen for a cool, refreshing effect

Stress Away: contains ingredients such as Lime essential oil, included for its energizing properties, are coupled with Lavender essential oil with its unique attributes. Copaiba is a powerful Amazonian essential oil, while Vanilla absolute gives this dietary blend a distinct aroma and pleasant flavor.

• Add Stress Away to water following exercise
• Add 1-2 drops of Stress Away to natural fruit or vegetable juice throughout the day when life is demanding
• Diffuse 8 drops of Stress Away and 4 drops of Peppermint to uplift and unwind

Okay! Now that you've learned about all of these great oils and their uses, here's more info on ordering: 

• Become a distributor and save 24% off retail pricing (only $50/year, which is $4.17/month)
• Earn monthly commissions by sharing and signing up others 
• Join a worldwide community of like-minded people
• Share a product that can transform the lives of those who use it

Visit my page here: http://bit.ly/1tKdfHu 

July 13-August 14, enjoy $10 off the Premium Starter Kit (scroll down when you access the link above and you will see all of the kits)

DIY All Natural Perfume Roll-On

This is not a fancy post. I would have loved to create an adorable and attractive meme, but alas, this basic one will have to do! 

I came up with a perfume roll-on recipe using Young Living's Joy essential oil blend, along with a few other Young Living oils, plus a tad of vanilla extract. This blend I think falls into what perfumers call the "chypre" category. Sharp, woodsy, mossy. Its lingering base notes of patchouli, cedarwood, vetiver, and vanilla will last on the skin for a few hours and help to bind together the other elements of the fragrance.
 
Here's the recipe:
6 drops of Joy
2 drops lavender
1 drop patchouli
1 drop basil
1 drop cedarwood 
1 drop rosemary
1 drop vetiver
1-2 drops of vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. coconut butter
sweet almond oil: enough to fill up 1/2 oz roller bottle

Drop essential oils into a 1/2 oz roller bottle (as pictured), add vanilla and coconut butter, and then fill remaining room left with sweet almond oil. Shake well and apply onto skin as often as desired.

Check out all of Young Living's wonderful products here: http://bit.ly/1tKdfHu
 

Creating Aromatherapy: A Day in the Life

Several months ago I created a couple of aromatherapy sprays for a local market I was to take part in. Blending scents is one of my most favorite and relaxing hobbies. Here I'm putting together a blend I call "Woodstock," which is a mix of patchouli, spices, and fir. As a fragrance "snob," I appreciate the high quality products Young Living produces, and have enjoyed using them every day. These pure plant essences create vastly different effects than synthetic fragrances do. Working with these oils lifts my mood and gives me a sense of well being. Their holistic influence is a wonderful side benefit!

 

 

To learn more about the world of aromtherapy, click on the link below and go to the "home" tab. From there you can learn about the many unique items Young Living has to offer. It's an amazing world just waiting to be discovered! 

http://bit.ly/1tKdfHu

                                   

My Post on Sage

I got a new oil in the mail last month from Young Living: sage, not to be confused with clary sage. I was curious to try this, as I love the smell of the herb, fresh or dried. It's pungent and herbaceous; slightly smokey. A fellow massage therapist I knew mixed it with geranium oil and used it as a cleaning spray for her massage chair. I remember loving the smell, which is why I decided to mix it with Joy, (a blend of bergamot, geranium, rose, jasmine and other oils) in my diffuser. I have some diffusing in my living room right now. The blend is clean and relaxing; sweet and spicy; uplifting. I love oils! Use 5-6 drops of sage, and 3-4 drops of Joy for diffusing. 

 

 Sage has been used for many things, including stuffiness, aches & pains, regulation of emotions & bodily (especially female) systems, and cleansing. For many years Native Americans have used the smoke of burning sage to cleanse spaces and other objects. 

As a teen, I would often cure a sore throat by making a cup of sage tea and drinking until the pain had gone. Though I don't have a sore throat right now, I expect to try a drop of sage oil in hot water if I do get one.

Sage oil could be helpful for cleansing the skin, unclogging pores, and toning. Here's a recipe for a skin toner (better for normal to oily skin) with sage oil:

1/4 cup of witch hazel

1/4 cup distilled or purified water

4 drops of sage oil   

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/sage-essential-oil

3 drops of lavender oil  

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/lavender-essential-oil

3 drops lemon oil

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/lemon-essential-oil 

Blend well and store in a glass or aluminum spray bottle. Spritz onto face after cleansing or anytime you feel the need for a pick me up. Could also be used as an underarm deodorant or body spray.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the link below to read more about or order essential oils, or to scroll through the great essential oil kit collections (saves ya tons!): http://bit.ly/1tKdfHu

From Lotion to Music: My Massage Favorites

I am always reading reviews and looking at blogs for help in making decisions to purchase or use a product so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things with you so that you can enjoy these as much as I do!

Quality is important to me, so is a naturally-made product. While plain, cold-pressed oil is still the best choice for massage, it's not always practical when it comes to trying to get the product washed out of hair, clothes, and sheets. The best lotion I've used so far is Soothing Touch Ayurveda Massage Lotion. It's free of parabens, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, TEA, DEA & PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. It is also gluten-free. 
It contains coconut, castor, and mustard oils and produces a very faint tingle. I enjoy smelling it, and I can pick out the mustard and coconut when I sniff it. The glide is perfect too!

I usually order mine from Massage Warehouse: http://www.massagewarehouse.com/products/soothing-touch-ayurveda-massage-lotion/

I have a client who loves lavender and usually comes in for a massage just to relax. I adore the boost and mellow affects even I benefit from when I use a few drops of Young Living lavender oil in my client's massage. The smell is absolutely wonderful. You can order here: 
http://on.fb.me/VIWiNP

Three other essential oils I use regularly in my massage are copaiba, Aroma-Siez, and spearmint. 

Copaiba is an anti-inflammatory and useful for muscle stiffness.

Aroma-Siez helps muscle spasms, aids circulation, loosens muscles, relaxes, and relieves pain. It also has an uplifting and refreshing smell. 

Spearmint is what I use for the end of the massage on the scalp. It enlivens and awakens after the deep relaxation affects of the massage. 

Here's the link again for the oils: http://on.fb.me/VIWiNP

Another important aspect of massage is music. Have you grown tired of Midi flutes and fake bird sounds? Me too! It's hard to find good albums out there that are conducive to relaxation and a snobby musical ear. A couple of albums I've been using recently that I've enjoyed are Breathe In, by Dustin O'Halloran, and Avalon Sutra by Harold Budd. 


Breathe In is contemplative and relaxing with a bit of an ambient sound, woven together with beautiful piano and violin phrases. 

  
Avalon Sutra, by Harold Budd, is a dreamy, melancholy, and enigmatic album with contemporary classical and ambient flavors. Piano, synth pads, violin, saxophone, and electronic instruments combine to make this a unique and eclectic treat. 

 

I use Spotify (https://www.spotify.com/us/), a digital music service, which is $10 a month. It allows me to stream and download unlimited music, which I play via Bluetooth through a wireless speaker.




 

Sore Throats, Sneezing, & Superpower Plants

I love essential oils! I use them every day. When did this obsession start? Not sure when, but it was a very long time ago...

It's still going. 

Recently I've come to love not just the scent and the emotional benefit of essential oils, but also their physical effects. It never ceases to amaze me how these little "healers in a bottle" do such a big job for our bodies. 

I was down in Florida visiting my in-laws a few weeks ago. Usually when there I am forced to take an antihistamine. I had seen many online posts about using lavender, lemon, and peppermint to combat the effects of allergies. I decided to take my Young Living oils with me and try them instead of the medication if need be. 

Sure enough, after a day or two in the muggy and mildewy air I began sniffing and sneezing. The symptoms would not go away until I popped a capsule (3 drops each) of lavender, lemon, and peppermint. A few minutes after I swallowed, the symptoms would abate for a few hours. Sometimes I rubbed 1 drop each of the oils on my shoulders to give the internal dose an extra kick. It worked every time and I never once had to take an allergy pill. Quite impressed, I have to say! 

Then there was my parent's home, and Tigger, our family's overgrown and very fluffy kitty. I love me some Tigger, but my body doesn't react too well to her fur. I popped the oils and was fine.

My sister graduated this year and Mom did her wonderful and usual thing of making mounds of decadent and delicious food, some of which was off our diet, like the rich, creamy macaroni and cheese, and the almond cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. There were also the nightly binges of ice cream, chocolate, and candy. Got to love a foodie family! 

After a couple of days I started to feel a sore throat coming on. Uh oh. Getting a sore throat on a vacation usually does not end well for me. (insert sad violin track here)

Surprise, surprise, the story had a good ending! Thanks to the hero: Thieves. (applause track here)

Yes, I took 1 drop of Thieves oil (a blend of lemon, clove, rosemary, cinnamon, & eucalyptus oils) in a glass of water once or twice a day for the next couple of days and the sore throat went away. Phew! 

I'm pretty sold on the these oily gems and I'm looking forward to finding new ways to use them! 

Message me to find out how you can start on your own oily journey, or click on the link below: 
https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youngliving.com%2Fsignup%2F%3Fsponsorid%3D1641212%26enrollerid%3D1641212&h=9AQFV5yeJ

Check out the "Seed to Seal" video below!

Accidentally Helped My Heartburn

I accidentally helped my heartburn. In the process of trying some oils for allergies and potential cold bugs going around, I discovered instant relief from another problem I encounter from time to time: acid reflux.
I had read about the benefits of using lavender, lemon, and peppermint in a capsule for allergies. I started mixing this for my husband a week or so ago as he has been suffering with continual styes and weepy eyes for months now. We live near downtown St. Louis and Missouri is known as the allergy state. 
I thought that adding a drop of Thieves would boost the immune-building quality of the mix, so I put the four oils in a capsule for him. I put a lesser amount in a capsule for myself and began taking it, as well. 

About five days ago I began experiencing burning up my esophagus, burping, and just a general uncomfortable feeling in my stomach and chest. I've dealt with this off and on for awhile now. After taking my routine allergy capsule, the pain completely vanished and the symptoms went away. I had the same experience yesterday. I started feeling that acid-like sensation and after popping my oil capsule the pain was gone. 
I realize that there is more to this than just taking away the symptom, but it was a blessing to get quick relief when I've usually had to suffer with it for hours until it goes away and this includes after taking enzymes. 
Here's my concoction:
1 gelatin capsule
1 drop lemon
1 drop peppermint
1 drop lavender
1 drop Thieves
Drop oils into capsule and assemble. Take capsule with a glass of water. 
The oils mentioned above come in Young Living's Premium Startup Kit. For more info, click here: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

Deep Relief Lives Up to Its Name

I forgot we had it. It was the free product I received in the mail with my last Young Living order. I went to the medicine cabinet and pulled the little bottle of "Deep Relief" from the shelf. I rolled it on a few sore spots, and I handed it to my husband who applied it to some of his problem areas. 

Wow! The cool spice penetrates through the top of the skin into the muscle, enveloping the deeper layers of the muscle and providing instant comfort. This is probably one of the best topical muscle analgesics I've ever used. My husband was amazed, feeling actual physical relaxation in his tense spots and claiming his sleep was helped, as well. Even the smell is invigorating and not too medicinal. We love Deep Relief! And no wonder! Look at the oils it's made of:
Peppermint oil 
Lemon peel oil 
Balsam fir, Idaho oil
Copaiba oil
Clove flower bud oil 
Wintergreen leaf oil 
Helichrysum oil
Vetiver root oil
Palo santo oil 
For more info, click here: 
https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

Clean Air Aromatherapy Blend

What's in your diffuser today? I'll tell you what's in mine! Today I have a refreshing mix of three Young Living oils, infusing my small loft space with their bright and cleansing scents. 

 

Our diffuser runs pretty much nonstop in our home, and we get rather creative with the oil combinations we use. With spring upon us and the usual itch of deep cleaning, reorganizing, or household decorating that accompanies it, I felt the desire to throw together this bright and refreshing blend to compliment the mood. It also helps clean the air from all the molds, allergens, and bacterias that are floating around right now.


Here it is:

Tea Tree is a warm, clean, and fresh oil that is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal

Spearmint is antibacterial and good for lifting the spirits

Orange is cleansing, safe for children, antibacterial, tolerated by most people, and helps to promote happiness

Want to know more about how you can diffuse oils in your home? Click here: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212

DIY All Natural Couple's Massage Oil Recipe -- {Detox Your Home Series}

Happy Spring! 
I am super excited about the "Detox Your Home" series! I love making natural products. They not only smell great, but are safe and effective. 
Kristi Sawicki just showed us how to make Thieves Household Cleaner. If you missed it, check it out here: http://savingdollarsandsense.com/frugal-diy-nontoxic-household-cleaner.

Today I'd like to show you how to make a wonderful-smelling and exotic couple's massage oil. As a massage therapist, I am always looking for great products to use on the body, especially when they include good quality aromatherapy oils. 
Making your own massage oil ensures that you will be putting an all-natural product on your skin, not something loaded up with animal by-products, harsh chemicals and preservatives, or synthetic fragrances. 

In this recipe, sweet almond oil is the base, or carrier oil. Make sure to purchase cold-pressed oils, and even organic, if possible. Almond oil has a light feel and a mild nutty odor. It is nourishing and well-suited for massage, as it provides the right slip and glide without being too heavy. It is also great for those who are gluten-intolerant. 


The Young Living oil blend I've added to the base is called "Sensation," which is made up of rosewood, ylang ylang, and jasmine. 
Rosewood: encourages feelings of tranquility and works as an antidepressant.  
Ylang ylang: an aphrodisiac; relaxing, helpful for frigidity, promotes arousal. 
Jasmine: also an aphrodisiac; dissolves apathy, and encourages confidence. 
These are all great ingredients for a couple's massage oil! Sensation has a rich, floral smell with earthy and spicy notes. A heavenly fragrance that is sure to put you in the mood!

Here's the recipe:
(Recipe credit to Melissa Poepping, author of "The Chemical Free Home.")

 














 Next, learn how you can make a homemade shower spray from Denise Bowen: http://wp.me/p4gx5D-39.


Be sure to check out all 30 posts in the "Detox Your Home" Spring blogger series! Click here: myblessedlife.net.
Sign up today with a Young Living Premium Starter Kit and receive a free copy of Melissa Poepping's "The Chemical Free Home." This invaluable resource contains information on the benefits of essential oils, harmful ingredients in household products, and natural recipes to help you keep your environment and your body safe.  

Are you ready to jump into this wonderful world of caring for yourself and your family naturally with essential oils? The time is now! Click here: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212 to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to "Detox Your Home" Spring blog series! 

ADD? Go Back to Your Roots

Go back to your roots. 

Vetiver oil, that is. It's extracted from the root of the vetiver grass. I purchased a bottle from Young Living a couple of weeks ago because I'd read that it benefits people with ADD. 
My husband has struggled with this condition off and on his whole life. After getting on Adderall a couple of years ago, his life dramatically improved. Being the natural couple we are (some would say "hippy"!), however, we would like to not be so dependent on drugs to regulate symptoms like this. We realize this is not always possible, and medications definitely have their place.
We are trying the oil combo Valor and Vetiver. It's only been a couple of days, but I've been putting the Valor on the back of my husband's neck and the Vetiver on his big toe, or on his wrist. 
I asked him today if he's noticed anything in particular. He says that it hasn't been long enough to report significant symptom changes, but one thing he has noticed is less anxiety. 
No surprise there. Vetiver is a wonderful earthy smell, and as it fades, becomes sultry and exotically powder-like. It lingers, and even after applying it to my hubby, I've benefited from its calming effects.
We will keep you posted! 
 

Cedarwood Oil & Sweet Dreams

I asked my husband before our much-adored nap today if he'd like me to diffuse some essential oils. Occasionally I'll do that before we sleep to help us drift off better. He said, "Sure!" That's one of the many things that I love about my husband. He enjoys natural fragrances as much as I do, so it makes it especially fun to experiment. 
I did some poking around on Pinterest to see which oils might enhance sleep. I came across a Young Living pin on cedarwood oil that recommended dabbing a drop on the wrists and forehead to promote rest. 

After I anointed my husband and I, we lay down and soon were floating away to a slightly narcotic slumber, the earthy and grounding woody fragrance penetrating our subconscious. We will be trying this again before bed tonight.
Later this afternoon, I mixed and burned in the diffuser rosemary, cinnamon, fir, black pepper, and nutmeg for a very stimulating and energetic blend. It filled the air with a robust aromatic scent that was stimulating to inhale.

Raindrop Therapy?

Aromatherapy. I've been interested in this subject for years now. I love me some plant oils! On my shelf in the laundry room sits a big tackle-like box of various kinds of bottles: eucalyptus, spearmint, orange, rose, lavender, fir, geranium, frankincense, black pepper, and others, including some rare and precious ones, jasmine (I think a night-blooming variety), and sandalwood in tiny dram bottles.
I have often thought that if I could just work with oils every day I would be so happy! Right now, in fact, I have Roman chamomile, jasmine, peppermint, and rosemary diffusing. It smells heavenly.

Lately I've been looking into Raindrop Therapy, a technique using essential oils in massage developed by Young Living. I am excited about it, but still researching all I can before I can chunk down the money to buy the kit required. 
If you read this, and have used Raindrop or been successfully treated by the therapy, please take a moment to comment on this blog. I'd love to hear from you!