Essential Tip of the Week- Curbing Cravings

Find yourself reaching for yet another plate of holiday goodies?

A great way to avoid those unnecessary calories and reduce cravings is to use Peppermint Essential Oil.

My favorite method to stop the munching and freshen breath is to put a drop (just one!) on my tongue holding it in my mouth until I need to swallow. It can be a pretty intense sensation, so have some water nearby to swish and swallow! Remember, only take essential oils internally if they are labeled as a supplement.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has a strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. One of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency. A drop or two can be mixed with a little vegetable oil or jojoba and applied directly to the abdomen in a clockwise motion to soothe heartburn, cramping, and gas.

Alan Hirsch MD studied peppermint's ability to directly affect the brain's satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals. To aid in suppressing appetite for weight loss, individuals often put a drop or two of Young Living's Peppermint EO Supplement with a quart of water in a glass container, not plastic. Shake well before each serving. This can be sipped warm like a tea, room temperature, or ice cold throughout the day.

What Is Your Wellness Resolution for 2009?

Win An Aromatherapy Sampler

Featuring 9 Essential Oils!

Leave a comment here briefly sharing

WHAT your resolution is

and HOW you plan

to achieve a healthier new you.

Winner will be randomly drawn on January 31st!

Essential Tip of the Week : Fighting Fungi

Those who suffer with discolored, brittle toenails may be grateful to hide their feet in socks this time of year! Now is the perfect opportunity to get those nails on the path to looking healthy in time for sandal season. Toenail fungus can indicate systemic overgrowth of fungi and yeast, so attacking it from the inside and out is the best battle plan.


Many essential oils have very strong antifungal properties. A great heavy duty blend is Melrose, a powerful combination of Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca quinquenervia, naoli, rosemary, and clove. Toenails have been restored to a healthy state, (even after completely falling off) by applying one drop of Melrose directly to the top of the unpolished nail twice daily. A cotton swab can be saturated with the EO and used under the nail to combat the infection beneath. Consistant application of the EO is a must to get good results.

Yeast and fungal infections can indicate improper ph balance in the body, especially highly acidic conditions. Stop feeding fungus by reducing or eliminating foods made of refined white flour, sugar, and yeast such as doughnuts, bagels, and white bread as well as cheese (high in microbes), alcohol, mushrooms, and high fructose corn syrup (skip those sodas!). A daily regimen of Inner Defense EO softgels and Life 5 probiotic is a user friendly one-two punch in fighting fungi on the inside.

Start now to be well on the road to showing off your pretty feet next summer!

Ordering Essential Oils

Please note that clicking the EO links in any blog post will take you to information about the product. You may order here or contact me for more information about purchasing.

Essence of the Season: Scents of Comfort and Joy

Nothing takes us instantly to a memory like our sense of smell. According to The Smell Report by Kate Fox of MCM Research, “The perception of smell consists not only of the sensation of the odors themselves but of the experiences and emotions associated with these sensations. Smells can evoke strong emotional reactions.”

The festive decorations and sparkling lights may come and go from our memories, but the scent of spicy cinnamon baked goods, minty candy canes, or the woodsy sweetness of a real Christmas tree seems indelibly etched into our minds. Often the holiday season can be very emotionally charged with memories of joyful times with loved ones gathering together, painful recollections of family strife, or tinged with the longing for those who cannot be near. All of these experiences are reflected in how we respond to the scents of the season. Because essential oils can activate the deepest emotional center of the brain, they not only can calm the stress associated with yuletide hustle and bustle, but also help soothe and heal the past emotional trauma which often results in anxiety, even depression, around what is expected to be the most joyous and peaceful time of year.

Need a way of taking a break from the holiday pressures, expectations, and tasks that leave you feeling overwhelmed? A nice relaxing aromatherapy bath! Believe me, it is a great healthy excuse to sit still for a few minutes and BREATHE! There is no fancy concocting of bath salts necessary. I just pour in a cup of Epsom salts and a tablespoon of baking soda, then drop in a few drops of pure essential oils while the tub is filling. Lavender, Believe Blend, and Peace and Calming Blend are among my favorites for relaxation.

Diffusing essential oils throughout your home is a wonderful method to create a calm and inviting atmosphere while purifying the air, killing cold and flu germs, and increasing indoor oxygen. Cold air diffusers work best for maintaining the therapeutic properties of essential oils. Avoid candle burners and light bulb rings, keeping in mind that E Os are extremely flammable and should not be allowed to scorch. Interestingly, pure cinnamon oil, whose fragrance is most commonly associated with the holiday season, is also one of the most antibacterial of all essential oils. Christmas Spirit Blend (orange, spruce, and cinnamon) is my top choice for diffusing during the holiday season.

“And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him. Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts , gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

Since childhood, whenever the Christmas story was read, I would be left pondering why frankincense and myrrh were included as gifts for the newborn King. Gold, that is extremely valuable and understandable, but why the smelly stuff, I wondered? I was pretty excited to lay my hands on the missing piece of that mystery when I became an aromatherapist! In ancient times, frankincense was often used as a currency equal to, or in some cases, considered more valuable than gold. It was used to anoint the newborn sons of kings and priests which is why it was a very appropriate gift for Baby Jesus. The value was not purely symbolic, however.

According to Egyptian writings, Frankincense was considered a powerful and versatile substance used to cure everything from “gout to a broken head” , in other words, it was healing from head to toe. Very spiritually uplifting as well and could be found in temples, chapels, and cathedrals for centuries. Researchers are now discovering in recent studies that frankincense contains properties that may inhibit tumor growth in certain cancers.

Kind of a “first aid” oil in Biblical times, Myrrh is highly antiseptic in nature, excellent for skin conditions, oral hygiene, and was customarily used on umbilical cords of newborns to protect the navel from infection. Mary would have had many uses for this ointment to help her own post partum healing and for protecting her new baby from illness. Yes, the Wise Men had their reasons for choosing those specific aromatic gifts and we are blessed to be provided with ancient clues that can benefit our own health in the modern world.

Christians are called to be the “fragrance of Christ” in the world, which is a delightful reminder of how we should celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Heart Disease, Cholesterol, & EOs Part 2

Keeping in mind that it is the oxidized cholesterol that causes heart disease, our focus for a healthy cardiovascular system should be a plentiful diet of antioxidants.

Clove, (Syzygium aromaticum) is the top antioxidant on the ORAC scale, a device which measures both the time and degree of free radical inhibition and can determine the antioxidant capacity of a substance. Besides its high powered antioxidant ability, clove also acts as a hemostat(blood thinner) and an anti-inflammatory. Those taking a prescription blood thinner such as Warfarin or Coumarin should not take clove oil. The EODR suggests 10 drops of clove oil in a capsule per day as a dietary supplement. When taking oils internally I start with one or two drops and fill the remainder of the capsule with olive oil. Best taken with meals.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) is a chelator that lowers and regulates cholesterol and reduces blood clotting. This amazing oil may help dissolve hemotomas (blood clots or blood filled tumor), improve blood circulation, as well as balancing blood pressure. It is imperative that the Helichrysum you use is of therapeutic/medicinal grade. It is a very pricy single oil, but in its purest form, worth its weight in gold!!

Also check out Aroma Life, a blend containing Helichrysum has been formulated by Young Living especially for the heart. A drop or two of pure Helichrysum blended with a few drops of Aroma Life (already contains sesame oil as a carrier) can be applied to pulse points where arteries are close to the surface( neck, wrists, inside arm at elbow, etc). Several drops of each of the oils above can be mixed in jojoba or grapeseed oil for a full body massage as well.

Omega Blue (softgels) is an excellent blend of omega fatty acids from fish oil and essential oils. Best taken daily as a nutritional supplement.

A colon and liver cleanse may assist balance in the case of high cholesterol. ICP powder containing oat bran helps bind up fat to prevent it from entering the bloodstream. This cleansing formula also includes Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) which reduces indigestion and improves cholesterol regulation.

Magnesium acts as a smooth muscle relaxant and supports the cardiovascular system. It acts as a natural calcium channel blocker for the heart, lowering blood pressure and dilating blood vessels. (Dr. Terry Friedmann)

This tip is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Heart Disease, Cholesterol, & EOs- Part One

Butter cookies, gravy, and generous portions of rich meats....'tis the season for cholesterol, right? In Part 1 I will share some facts about the real cause of heart disease and Part 2 we will look at the role of essential oils to support healthy cholesterol levels.
The facts and information below was compiled in a booklet by Ronald Lawrence MD, PhD called 15 New Discoveries That Will STOP Heart Disease



FACT: 150 years ago heart disease was virtually unheard of. Today it is the #1 cause of death in America. It kills nearly 30% of us. In fact, it kills more women than all forms of cancer, chronic lung disease, pneumonia, AIDS, diabetes and accidents combined.

FACT 1 : "High cholesterol alone is NOT the primary cause of heart disease". -Dr. Joseph Mercola

C-reactive protein level is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than the LDL cholesterol level.-Paul Ridker, MD, Harvard Medical School

FACT 2: The real cause of heart disease is OXIDIZED cholesterol.

A 2005 University of San Diego study found that high cholesterol only modestly increased the risk of coronary artery disease. But patients with both high cholesterol and high oxidized cholesterol had SIXTEEN times higher risk.

Circulating levels of oxidized LDL are strongly associated with angiographically documented coronary artery disease, particularly in patients 60 years of age or younger. The New England Journal of Medicine

FACT 3 : Free radicals ( i. e., superoxide) in the blood cause oxidized cholesterol.

Feeding a diet spiked with oxidized cholesterol caused a 100% increase in fatty streak lesions in the aorta, according to studies at the University of California. Ilona Staprans, PhD. UC, San Francisco

FACT 4: The world's best-selling drugs for heart disease (statins) only treat high cholesterol and do little to prevent oxidized cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol without reducing oxidized cholesterol can be harmful to your health.

Cholesterol is essential for life. It is:

• The building block of hormones that control blood sugar and mineral balance
• essential for creating testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone
• part of every cell membrane in our body
• precursor to vitamin D
• an essential part of bile salts, required for digestion

Patients with chronic heart failure benefit from having high levels of cholesterol rather than low.

Researchers in Hull, UK followed 114 heart failure patients for at least 12 months. They found that for every point on decrease in serum cholesterol, there was a 36% increase in the risk of death in 3 years.

FACT 6: Some antioxidant whole foods are powerful medicines to prevent and treat heart disease.

NEWSWEEK, January 17th, 2005: "but powerful as statins are, a healthy dose of exercise and the right foods are more powerful still."-Howard LeWine, MD, Harvard School of Medicine

In the next post we will look at some of the most antioxidant substances on earth- essential oils, and which ones support heart health.

This tip is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dear Readers

Hi there! I am thinking about the new year ahead with lots of ideas for information to share here. I welcome your feedback, so please feel free to post comments requesting a specific topic/essential oil that you would like learn more about.

Also if you have a blog and would like to share my link, please save the pink Oils for Wellness...diffusing the fragrance banner as a photo to post on your sidebar or in a blog entry. Add http://oilsforwellness.blogspot.com/ to make the photo clickable. The html code for the banner hasn't been working in some places, so that is why I suggest using this method!

Thanks!
Jen

Christmas Spirit Giveaway Winner

The winner of the terra cotta diffuser ornament and Christmas Spirit essential oil giveaway is Cathy Davis! Congrats Cathy!

The Essence of Thanksgiving

Since my childhood it has been a common practice to stuff the turkey and let it slow roast overnight. This year I got a 25 pounder to insure that there would be plenty of leftovers to share with other family members. My roaster just barely accomodated the huge bird, but I was pleased that it did indeed fit into my oven. I was looking forward to that traditional turkey fragrance when I woke up in the morning. My nose detected something unpleasant before I was fully awake. As I decended the stairs I could see a smoky haze over the living room. Uh Oh!

The roaster accomodated the meaty fellow, but apparently not all of the oily juice which was now bubbling over onto the bottom of the oven,creating a nasty burnt greasy smoke. Yucky! I flung open the windows, and hoped the stove and ceiling fan would move the smoky air out of the house. Thankfully we have another stove in the lower level, to which I promptly moved Mr. Turkey so he could continue roasting, minus a quart of oily juice. I turned on the diffuser down there which contained Purification essential oil blend and filled another one upstairs with Christmas Spirit to freshen the air.

As much as I dreaded it, the greasy oven was next on my list. Yay! Oven cleaning before my eyes were open, I groaned. First, I wiped out the pooling oil with several paper towels, then sprayed Thieves Household Essential Oil cleaner on the inside of the entire oven. I let it sit for a few minutes, then wiped. I repeated this a few times just with the cleaner and paper towels. It came clean without any harsh oven cleaners or scouring pads. When my family arrived I told them about the scary incident this morning. The house had a pleasant cinnamony scent and everyone said that they could hardly smell any smokiness at all. Whew, essential oils to the rescue and yes, the turkey turned out delicious to my great relief!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Avoid Flame Resistant PJs for Kids

Please read this before buying your little ones sleepwear this winter!

http://www.5minutesforgoinggreen.com/299/avoiding-flame-retardants-in-cozy-childrens-pajamas/trackback/

Winterize Your Body With Inner Defense

Just like draining the sprinklers, putting on snow tires, and checking the furnace in preparation for winter, our bodies also require special maintenance during the cold time of the year.

Young Living has pioneered the formulation of therapeutic/medicinal essential oils for internal use. In Europe, the internal use of essential oils is commonly called aromatic medicine. Here in the US, it is still a fairly new concept. First of all, few essential oils are available that are pure enough to be called a supplement. If you plan to take an essential oil internally be certain it has a white "supplement facts" label on the bottle otherwise it isn't meant for internal use.

Inner Defense was put to the test for me last winter. A friend and I decided to do a mid winter getaway to stay in a cabin( yes, it was heated-somewhat!) for the weekend. It was 20 below zero outside and when my friend got home she developed bronchitis and used an inhaler and antibiotics for a few weeks. I immediately started taking Inner Defense 3 times a day with meals. I could tell something was trying to lower my immune system on our trip because my throat was starting to get a little scratchy. Long story short, I took these high powered oils for about 10 days and never got sick even though I was directly exposed to the germs/virus all weekend besides being chilled in subzero weather.

What is Inner Defense?

These liquid gel caps are filled with some of the most potent immune supporting essential oils.

Including Thieves Blend: Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus radiata, Rosemary

Thyme, which is a rich source of thymol, a substance known to create an unfriendly environment for yeast and fungus.

Oregano, which is high in carvacrol, known to support well-being when the body is distressed.

Citronella has mild cleansing properties.

Don't let the cold and flu season get you down; winterize today with essential oils on the inside!

Available on my website or contact me for more information.

Essential Tip of the Week-Freshening Bathrooms

No need for those synthetically fragranced toilet paper roll deodorizers!

Simply apply a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the inside of the cardboard tube. The fresh scent can last for days while purifying the air.

For bathrooms with moisture/mildew issues, I recommend Purification Blend.

Favorite Holiday Scent Giveaway

Win a terra cotta diffuser ornament and Christmas Spirit, a festive blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce essential oils!

How the giveaway works:

Leave a comment about your favorite scent of the holiday season and why you love it!

Winner will be randomly drawn on December 1st.

Essential Tip of the Week-Headaches

Headaches can be due to hormone imbalances, shortage of oxygen, sinus pressure, stress, muscle tension/injury, sugar imbalance (hypoglycemia) or colon/liver congestion. Other triggers for migraines can be monosodium glutamate and other food preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and environmental allergic reactions.

Essential oils boost the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and oxygen infusion into the cell. They can also soothe inflammation which can reduce pain.

Here are some EO's that work well for specific headache types. I like to mix a drop or two of a single EO or blend with a few drops of pure jojoba oil in my hand and apply to neck and shoulders. Holding firm pressure under the protruding bones at the base of your head (brain stem) with thumb or fingertips can bring great relief as well.

Hormone Imbalances: Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Fennel, Bergamot, Dragon Time Blend.

Hypoglycemic Migraine: Peppermint, Lavender, Dill, Di-Gize Blend

Migraine: Helichrysum, Frankincense, Lavender, Basil, Rosemary, Peppermint (great for migraines with nausea), Eucalyptus radiata.

The vast majority of migraine headaches may be due to colon congestion or poor digestion. I use Young Living's Cleansing Trio for an annual or bi-annual cleanse.

Note: Lavender and Basil, layered (not mixed together) on the forehead and temples, have relieved migraines.

Muscle-Related Headache: Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Frankincense (my personal favorite).

Sinus-Related Headache: Lavender, Eucalyptus radiata, RC Blend, Raven Blend (the BEST!).

Structural-Bone-Related Headache: Lavender with Wintergreen, Basil, Lemongrass, PanAway Blend.

Please keep in mind that the oils that can produce these benefits MUST be pure, therapeutic/medicinal grade. I use Young Living's EOs because of their exceptional purity, potency,consistant quality and excellent results. All the EO blends listed in this post are either trademarked or formulated by Young Living.

My Son Gunnar, The Aromatherapist

PMS Clinical Aromatherapy Research Project

Got moderate/severe PMS symptoms? I am looking for 10-12 women to participate in a clinical aromatherapy research project using pure, therapeutic lavender oil.

To receive your free lavender oil and simple feedback form, please send me an email at Wisdom4wellness@aol.com including your name, address, and phone number. Serious inquiries only please.

Participants must be willing to apply lavender essential oil (premixed with pure jojoba oil) to abdomen, low back, legs, or wherever needed prior and during menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive months. Then circle outcome on an easy questionaire each month.

The relief from stress and cramping has been phenomenal with this oil, so give it a try and help me finish my research project!

Essential Oils and Hormone Balance

The following is a compilation from the Essential Oils Desk Reference regarding how essential oils affect hormones. By the way, if you want to have a user friendly book at your fingertips for the practical use of therapeutic and medicinal essential oils please get one! You will be glad you did! (For the best price order from my blog. (See button at left side of page).


Essential oils-through their fragrance and unique molecular structure-can directly stimulate the limic lobe and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, acting as our hormonal control center. It releases chemical messengers that effect everything from sex drives to energy levels.

The hypothalamus is referred to as the master gland because it governs the production of:

Growth Hormones ( for youth and longevity)
Sex Hormones (menstrual cycles, sex drive, conception)
Thyroid Hormones (controls energy)
Neurotransmitters (like seratonin)

Essential oils can exert a profound effect on the body and mind by way of the hypothalamus. Not only can inhalation of essential oils be used to combat stress and emotional trauma, but they can stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus.

Some essential oils that are especially stimulating to the hypothalamus and endocrine system:

Frankincense
Myrrh
Peppermint
Bergamot
Spearmint
Spruce
Pepper
Helichrysum
EndoFlex Blend
En-R-Gee Blend
Brain Power Blend
Hope Blend
3 Wise Men Blend

There can be many different factors contributing to infertility. To bring our bodies into balance, instead of masking symptoms and forcing conception, here are some core issues to examine.

Stress levels and emotional trauma (past and present)

Relationship with your spouse

Vitamin B6 and B12 deficiencies

Calcium/Magnesium deficiency(ALWAYS choose calcium citrate for best absorption)

Mineral deficiency

Colon/Liver function

Yeast/Fungus overgrowth

I know my readers will have many questions about the applications of the essential oils, so feel free to comment with your questions or send me an email for a free personal consultation. Oh, and remember to get your copy of the Essential Oils Desk Reference!

National Infertility Awareness Week

Before I posted my last article on perfume and infertility, I did not know that there was a National Infertility Awareness Week! So this is a very timely subject for the focus of my blog this month.

Here is Part Two of The Fragrant Deception: Perfume and Infertility.

We can grumble about the onslaught of chemical fragrances out there but where does the true responsibility rest? There are some environments we cannot control, but we can make choices about what we put in our shopping carts and allow in our homes. If you have products that are synthetically fragranced there is a way to solve this problem. THROW THEM AWAY and replace them with unscented items.

Be aware that labels can say "natural", "green", and "botanical" and contain synthetic chemical fragrances. Look for anything on the label that lists FRAGRANCE OR PARFUM--do not purchase.

Here are some ideas for items to toss in your Toxic Box:

Perfumes and colognes, cosmetics

Scented powders, lotions, creams (remember baby stuff too)

Scented laundry soap, softener, dryer sheets

Scented candles, gels, potpourri

Air freshener sprays, Plug Ins

Scented shampoos, conditioners, hair spray

Scented deodorants, anti perspirants

Household Cleaners

Toilet tank drop ins

Scented toilet paper and feminine products

Scented toys

In an effort to keep my posts fairly short, I will share information about using essential oils for fragrancing and hormone balance in the next entry.

A Fragrant Deception:Perfume and Infertility Part 1

An attractive young man exchanges lusty glances with a scantily clad, heavily airbrushed supermodel as a breath of wind seductively tousles her hair.....what fragrance ad is it for this time? Allure? Sexy? Irresistible? Illusion? One was accurately named....Poison!

Let's take a closer look at the fragrances that ingenious marketing promises will turn the average female or male into ravishing sex magnets.

Many of the ingredients mimic estrogen which in high levels have been known to cause cancer. Instead of worrying about how large her breasts can look, a woman who indulges in synthetic fragrances should be concerned about just keeping her breasts. But then, another advertising scheme selling a PINK fragrance may appear, with all proceeds going to breast cancer awareness of course!

The big sell is attracting the opposite sex. What does that usually lead to? Babies, eventually. For millions of couples around the world that is occurring naturally less and less. As you will read below the fragrance extenders called phthalates can damage the DNA of sperm in adult males and cause genital abnormalities in male babies. And that cologne will bring out the "real man" in you?Generations to come will be affected by the deception of synthetic fragrances.

" The European Commission is proposing a ban on the use in cosmetics of two of the most potent forms of phthalates amid fears they cause genital abnormalities affecting up to 4 per cent of male babies.These genital abnormalities - which can include undescended testicles and malformation of the urinary tract - are blamed for soaring levels oftesticular cancer in young men. Cases of the disease have risen tenfold in the past century. About 1900 British males, some as young as 15, are diagnosed every year. Nine out of 10 cases are cured, but doctors are worried by the trend. Scientists believe the phthalates could be absorbed into women's bloodstreams through the skin or inhalation." (The Australian 2002)


Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper pigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. They can also trigger asthma.

Pthalates are used to keep fragrance chemicals in solution. They are found in almost all fragrances and manufacturers are allowed to list them under the name fragrance or parfum. Phthalates are used to enhance fragrances, as solvents, and to denature alcohol.
These chemicals have been shown to enter the bloodstream and concentrate in fat cells. They are extremely potent estrogen mimics and some are 10 000 times more potent than estrogen itself. High levels of estrogen have been known to cause cancer.

DEP is the phthalate found in the highest levels in humans and a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (December 2002) found that DEP is damaging to the DNA of sperm in adult men at current levels of exposure. DNA damage to sperm can lead to infertility and may also be linked to miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and cancer in offspring. Recent product tests found the chemical in every fragrance tested in the United States.

Why choose a fake, potentially fatal fragrance when pure essential oils are so beautifully balancing and life-promoting? Read more in Part 2!

Essential Tip of the Week

This tip is from another Young Living distributor, this is pretty much everything I personally use the Thieves cleaner for. I also love washing my son's toys and highchair tray with it since I don't have to worry about chemical residues lurking around. One capful in a 16oz spray bottle of water keeps this wonderful cinnamon smelling cleaner at your fingertips for quick cleanups anytime!

"I am using Thieves Household Cleaner for everything. It feels so good to be able to say no to the big chemical companies by not buying their products.I use one capful of Thieves HHC in my dishwasher instead of detergent. This works wonderfully, the dishes are very clean and there are no spots.

I also use one capful of Thieves HHC in my laundry instead of detergent. It works as a stain remover as well.If you would like to ditch the dryer sheets and fabric softener, you can put 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle of your washer. Simply put 10 drops of your favorite EO on an old sock and throw it in the dryer to make your clothes smell good. Dryer sheets are so toxic because the chemicals in them heat up and penetrate our clothing and then we put this clothing against the largest organ in our bodies, our skin. I just learned about the dryer sheets at a class we had Saturday.

I also use Thieves HHC to clean everything in my home. I put a capful in a pan of warm water and do the entire house. For glass I use microfiber towels, one in the Thieves water and a dry one to buff off the residue. It works wonderfully.I use this mixture on my furniture, floors, sinks, toilet, shower, basically everything.

I measured one capful and it is equal to one teaspoon. I wanted to do the math. My measuring spoon indicated that one teaspoon is also 5ml and the bottle contains 428ml which is 85.6 "servings" per bottle. I wanted to find an easy way to compare it to what people are currently using so I could show them that they could go green and save money at the same time."

May God Bless You With Abundance-Dana Christisen

Quote of the Week

"It is not about having the greatest of faith, but rather having faith in the greatness of God."
Unknown

The Gift of Comfort

Recently my mom, sister, and I went to visit my 87 year old grandmother who lives in a nursing home 2 hours away. One of the nurses had told us that Grandma was not wanting to eat and was feeling pretty low. We hoped a visit from the three of us would cheer her up. Grandma does not want flowers, balloons, stuffed animals etc, so I often feel at a loss as to what I can give her.

Grandma was in a blue state of mind when we arrived, lying motionless curled up in her bed. We talked a bit and coaxed her into sipping on a cup of soup. She perked up somewhat and wanted us to take her outside. Before the end of the visit, we asked her if she would like a massage. She indicated an enthusiastic yes, which surprised us because sometimes she doesn't want to "bother" us for a massage. Being that she has arthritis, back pain, and mild nausea we applied a few drops of PanAway and Ortho Sport massage oil that have a minty uplifting aroma. A note: do not use these oil blends if a person is taking aspirin, blood thinners, cortisone, or is epileptic because they contain wintergreen which has a cortisone type activity.

Her blissful sighs as my mom rubbed her back were so wonderful to hear. I was grateful there was something we could give her that brought her some happiness and showed how much we cared. I rubbed the oils gently up and down her thin, frail arms thinking about how many people lay in hospital, hospice, or even beds at home longing for this simple human connection. The sweet aroma of the essential oils filled the room, transforming the stale atmosphere as she enjoyed a foot massage punctuated by more peaceful sighs.

When applying oils to the ill, aged, or those in recovery, be sure to let them smell the oils you will be using before rubbing them on. Light gliding strokes are very soothing. Use just one or two drops of oil mixed with jojoba or a massage oil base. Lavender is always a good choice for basic relaxation. Diffuse citrus oils or blends rather than topical application to avoid skin sensitivities. Some patients cannot be moved to receive a back massage, but a gentle hand and/or foot massage will still be wonderfully effective.

Give the gift of aromatherapy and touch to someone you care about, it will mean more to them than words can say!

Quote of the Week

"Consistent persistence will win out over talent every time."
-- Kevin Reilly (formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles)

My Lavender Story

With its historic reputation for healing burns and promoting relaxation, Young Living Lavender has always been a part of my first aid kit. I discovered the truly amazing therapeutic power of sweet and simple lavandula angustifolia when I was pregnant with my son. Early on we became aware of a few potentially serious complications including placenta previa because of a large fibroid tumor that was growing on the outside of my uterus. I had been using lavender for years to soothe monthly cramps with great success, so when I went into premature labor with contractions and bleeding at 16 weeks I put this little oil to the test.

I put 4 or 5 drops of lavender directly on my abdomen and rubbed it in well with some pure jojoba oil. After 2 of these applications, the bleeding and contractions stopped within 24 hours. I continued using lavender on my belly every night after that because the doctors were still very concerned about a premature birth.With lots of prayer and partial bed rest for five weeks(I was told I could be on FULL bedrest for 5 months!), this did not occur again for the duration of the pregnancy.

Our healthy son safely arrived by C section because my water broke at 36 weeks and he was full breech. He is a content and happy little guy who loves his crib, sleeping 11 or 12 hours through the night since he was 3 months old. Is it genetic or was it the relaxing effect of all that lavender he got secondhand from mama? :)

The added bonus to slathering myself daily with this skin nourishing oil is that I don't have a single stretch mark anywhere!

Quote of the Week

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain

One Bottle of Lavender

Friends, this is what it takes to make one bottle of pure Young Living lavender! More tips coming up for using this wonderful oil.

Lemon-Essential Tip of the Week

Use a drop or two of Young Living Lemon essential oil to remove stubborn tar, paint, goo, or scuff marks from floors. Drop oil directly on mark or scuff. Also works well on hands after a messy project. Let it sit for a minute then rub out the spot with a paper towel. Reapply oil if needed. Lemon oil may rub off some varnished surfaces so test in an inconspicuous area if planning to use on wood flooring.

Then when you are done put a drop of Young Living Lemon essential oil ( other brands are not safe for internal use) in a glass of water for a refreshing and purifying drink!

The New Ultrasonic Diffuser

Here it is!!! The latest in diffuser technology launched last month at the Young Living Essential Oils convention. I just took mine out of the box and gave it a whirl.

Wow, is this thing sooooo much more user friendly than any other diffuser that I've used.

It wholesales on my website for $85($112 Retail) and includes a 5ml bottle each of Lavender and Citrus Fresh.

Ask me how you can get one for 50% off!

Here are some the fabulous features:

1. It is silent......no annoying hum of a motor.

2. Has its own one touch button timer. Automatic shut off.

3. Soothing light spectrum option--very cool!

4. Uses one cup of bottled or distilled water.

5. No glass nebulizers to break.

6. Easy to clean with no clogging.

Some benefits of cold air diffusing pure essential oils:

Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them. They also increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Many essential oils such as lemongrass, lemon, Purification blend, Citrus Fresh blend, and Thieves blend are highly antibacterial and are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.

Research shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may also:

· Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.

· Help with weight management.· Improve circulation, alertness, and mental clarity.

· Stimulate neurotransmitters and secretion of endorphins.

·Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity.

· Improve digestive function and hormone balance.

· Relieve headaches.

A cold air diffuser is designed to atomize a microfine mist of EOs into the air, where they can remain suspended for up to several hours. Unlike aroma lamps or candles, it disperses oils without heating or burning, which render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and even create toxic compounds.

(From Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, Essential Science Publishing)

Marketing, Magical or Medicinal?

Did you know that they make "aromatherapy" TRASH BAGS??? Sadly, these commercial advertising schemes have created a whole lot of confusion about what the difference is between "scented" versus "aromatherapy". Hence the reason why I often get THE LOOK when introducing myself as an aromatherapy practitioner.The only way to attempt to describe it is a combination of puzzled amusement and skepticism.


Aromatherapy....the definition is so murky these days! Those beautiful packages decorated with a twig and a leaf in the "wellness" section of the store may not even contain a single drop of pure essential oils yet it is touted as aromatherapy product. Nope, those candles don't have any therapeutic benefit either. In fact, they can be more polluting to our bodies and atmosphere than we realize.


History is a great place to find clues about true aromatherapy. It is certainly NOT a New Age idea, but has been the medicine of many cultures since ancient times. Mysticism and magical attributes have been assigned to herbs and essential oils over the ages. As one browses the internet sites that come up with a search for "aromatherapy", there it can be found alongside the tarot cards, magic rocks, and Goddess t-shirts. In fact, a teacher at my massage school initially turned me off to aromatherapy by encouraging the female students to brew up potions to cast evil spells on the men in their lives!

Later on when I was introduced to therapeutic and medicinal essential oils, I started focusing on WHO made the plants that produced these oils with healing properties. As I delve further into botanical chemistry, I am in awe at the sheer complexity of these created molecules which were so compassionately designed to work in perfect synergy with the human body, enabling the innate healing process we all possess.

Pagans and saints alike used essential oils for healing, much like we understand the common use of toothpaste today. The Egyptians utilized oils and spices for their temple rituals and mummification processes and the Levitical priesthood were given this instruction to appoint makers of ointments for the Tabernacle in 1 Chronicles 9:29-30. "And some of them were appointed over.....the oil and the incense and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests made ointment of the spices." What an honor to be an aromatherapist in the LORD's service!

Chemical Free Insect Repellant

Ever since I can remember it seems that I have had a flashing neon sign over my head advertising "Free Buffet" for bugs of all varieties, especially mosquitoes. The first five years of my life we lived on the bank of the Mississippi and every summer my chubby arms and legs were decorated with quarter size welts that did not become any more attractive with my scratching. I still can't chat over the fence with a neighbor at dusk for five minutes without become a "movable feast"!

Being a natural born multi-tasker, I use an essential oil blend called Purification that both repels insects AND soothes insect bites of any kind. Ticks really hate this stuff! I put several drops in my palms and rub them together until the oil is ALMOST gone then rub my hands thoroughly over my shoes, socks, pant legs etc. Keeping in mind that everything we inhale or put on our skin ends up in our bloodstream, I don't want to inhale aerosol sprays or rub chemical insect repellants on myself or my toddler son. I make my own natural "bug wipes". I always carry a pack of the fragrance free diaper wipes with me, so to make bug wipes on the go, I just pull out a wipe, put 2 or 3 drops of Purification on it and wipe it all over bare arms and legs until it is almost dry. If sitting outdoors, I'll set the wipe on or under the table for continued bug repelling.

Lemongrass, sage or thyme would work, too, but might irritate your skin so put it on your pant cuffs and shirt sleeves. As for your pets, you can put oils such as Purification, around their necks and backs, but watch to keep oils from around their eyes. So there you have it. Non-toxic pest control.

After-Bite Remedies by David Stewart, Ph.D., R.A.

Therapeutic grade essential oils are not only good insect repellants, they are also excellent after you have been bitten. Essential oils are great detoxifiers for insect bites because their chemistry can break down the poison and render it harmless. Because the molecules of essential oils are all lipid soluble and very tiny (less than than 500 amus) they all transdermal. Thus, when applied to a bite, they pass through the skin in seconds, reacting with the toxins injected by the insect and reducing their toxic effects. I was stung by a wasp recently and, within a few minutes, put Purification oil on it the area that had become red and swollen. The stinging sensation soon resided and within a few hours I could not tell that I had ever been stung.

PURIFICATION can be used directly on the skin to cleanse and soothe insect bites, cuts, and scrapes. When diffused, it helps to purify and cleanse the air from environmental impurities including cigarette smoke and other disagreeable odors.

How to use: For topical or aromatic use. Diffuse, apply topically on location as needed, or put on cotton balls to place in air vents of home, car, hotel room and office. Diffuse and rub on feet for cleansing. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.

Purification Ingredients: Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida), and myrtle

That Necessary Disclaimer

Many of you are looking forward to discussing tips and usage of essential oils which makes it necessary for me to clarify that I cannot diagnose or prescribe for any disease or illness. Holistic aromatherapy is about wellness and helping the body enable itself to heal rather than curing or treating symptoms of illness.I can tell you about my experiences or what I may do in a certain situation. Most of the time I will refer to the one of the best user friendly resources about therapeutic/medicinal essential oils, The Essential Oils Desk Reference by Essential Science Publishing.

I intend on freely sharing my philosophy about aromatherapy, medicine, and healing from a Christian perspective, however this is not a "Christians only" blog. Everyone is welcome and I ask that contributors in discussions would extend grace to any opposing opinions of other commenting visitors.

Since this blog is related to my aromatherapy business, there will be promotion of Young Living Essential Oils which is the world leader in production and distribution of therapeutic/medicinal grade essential oils and supplements. I have used these extremely pure oils with consistent satisfaction and results for over 8 years which is why I continue to be an independent consultant with the company. The quality of their product is simply outstanding. However, please be aware that while I wholeheartedly promote Young Living's products, I do not personally endorse all of the content and philosophies on their website/links, trainings, or publications. Young Living appeals to customers with a wide spectrum of beliefs, so please bear that in mind. Essential oils do have the ability to affect the emotional and spiritual dimension of our health.... and that is a WHOLE other post!

Welcome

Welcome to the unveiling of my very first blog! Thanks goes out to my dear friend Shelly who encouraged me though the "thinking about it" phase to actually getting the keyboard clicking on this idea. Writing in general has been on the back burner for me over the last decade. I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to combine the two interests that are such a vital part of my being-writing and aromatherapy.