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: 
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Check out the "Seed to Seal" video below!

Mexican Black Beans ~ Essentially Summer Recipe Series

Welcome to the Essentially Summer Recipe Blog Series!

We just learned from Courtney how to make Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. Click here if you missed it: http://www.goinggranolablog.com/2014/06/essentially-summer-recipe-series.html

Look what's on the menu today!

I'm super excited about this recipe! I've used a variety of ingredients and the flavor result is delicious.The essential oil additions not only bolster the flavor, but add extra nutritional value, as well. 

Here's the recipe:

Mexican Black Beans
Serves 4-6

(2) 15 oz. cans black beans, drained
(3) ears fresh corn, boiled in water for 8 minutes, drained and cut from cob
(2) tablesp. olive oil
(1) sweet onion or white onion, chopped
(2-3) jalapeños, chopped
(1) red pepper, chopped
(2) cloves garlic, minced
(1) cup beef broth
(1 1/2) teasp. cumin
(1/2) teasp. garlic powder
Frontera habenero sauce or other hot sauce to taste (optional)
(3) drops Young Living lime essential oil 
{http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/lime-essential-oil}
(2) drops Young Living coriander essential oil 
{http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/coriander-essential-oil}
(1) drop Young Living oregano essential oil 
{http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/oregano-essential-oil}
(2) tablesp. chopped cilantro
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Sauté onion, jalapeño, and red pepper in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add beans, corn, broth, cumin, garlic powder, and hot sauce, if using. Bring ingredients to a near boil then remove from the heat and thoroughly stir in lime, coriander, and oregano oils, along with the cilantro.
Serve as is, or use as a filling for tacos, compliment to white or brown rice, etc. 

Are you ready to jump into the wonderful world of caring for your family with therapeutic grade essential oils?
Click here https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?sponsorid=1641212&enrollerid=1641212
to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the "Essentially Summer" blog recipe series!

Next up is Tara at Feels Like Home: http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2014/06/cilantro-lime-rice-with-beans/   
  
Be sure to check out all 35 posts in the "Essentially Summer" blogger recipe series. Click here: http://myblessedlife.net

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 
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Flowers & Citrus: Revamping An Old Recipe

It started probably a couple of years ago. 

My husband said, "No more Febreze in the bathroom. 
I'm tired of smelling poop and flowers." So I created my own aromatherapy sprays, one of them specifically for the bathroom: "Stinky Pete." I launched into full creative mode, and for the next several months sniffed, blended, mixed, and jotted down in my notebook a number of smelly concoctions, maybe a little like Perfume: Story of a Murderer's Giuseppe Baldini in his upstairs office when a moment of olfactory inspiration hit. 
Another blend that came out of the whirlwind of smelly production was "Summer Bloom," a light and fruity floral spray that has a high citrus top note and sweet jasmine middle. 
This one has been in our bathroom serving as a "post-poop" spray for months and it finally ran out. I revamped my old creation with some of my on-hand Young Living oils and I think it turned out better this time. Think bee-kissed blossoms and sunshiny citrus. 
Here's the recipe: 
                               Summer Bloom Spray 
makes a 4 oz. spray 
1/2 cup filtered water  
21 drops Young Living Sensation
15 drops Young Living Lemon
6 drops of Young Living Orange  
Spray as needed to freshen air, or use as a light body mist.  

Orange is an antiseptic, while lemon keeps germs from multiplying. Sensation is the blend I used to make the Couple's Massage Oil last month and adds a mellow floral softness that invites and pleases.   
Young Living oils are some of the finest out there, with a very small percentage of their crops making it to production because of rigorous quality standards. For more info, click on my link: 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!