Celebrate The Balsam Fir Harvest With FREE Oils!

Valid now through April 15, 2009, you can earn a FREE 5 ml balsam fir essential oil and a FREE 10 ml Deep Relief™ Roll-On with your single order of 165 PV or more! These products have a combined wholesale value of $44.50, and you will get them absolutely free!

The balsam fir essential oil recently harvested is exclusive to Young Living and lends its unique qualities to a variety of Young Living products, including balsam fir essential oil and our new Deep Relief Essential Oil Roll-On. Place your order today and experience the therapeutic benefits of balsam fir and Deep Relief for FREE!

Contact me via the Ask the Aromatherapist form for more information or place your order on my website.

Common Scents For Safe Cleaning: Part 2

Essential oils are ideal cleaning supplies. They remove toxic mold, stale air, unpleasant odors, and kill viruses, bacteria, and dust mites. When blended, the synergistic effect of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, Eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary essential oils are highly effective against airborne and surface bacteria.

This EO combination is called “ Thieves” because it was created based on the historical account of four thieves in France who protected themselves from the Black Plague with cloves , rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing victims of the killer disease. When captured, they were offered a lighter sentence in exchange for their secret recipe. I use this blend for cleaning pretty much everything from toys to toilets!

CLICK HERE to read the complete booklet on the Thieves line of products.

Contact me for ordering information or visit my Young Living website.

Imagine your fresh kitchen with the smell of lemon and grapefruit or your clean living room scented with pine or cedarwood.

For a calming atmosphere in the bedroom choose lavender and bergamot for relaxation or ylang ylang and jasmine for a romantic mood.

Brain boosters like rosemary and basil are perfect for the office to enhance concentration and aid stress relief.

Don’t forget to spray the pet pillow with flea deterring lavender and peppermint!

Basic All Purpose Disinfectant: In a 16 oz heavy duty plastic spray bottle add water, a squirt of natural dish soap, and 5 drops each of lavender, lemon, and lemongrass or a capful of Thieves Household Cleaner. You will need to triple or quadruple EOs or Thieves Cleaner amounts for toilet bowls, grease, mold and mildew cleaning. Be sure to test surfaces before using heavy solutions. Do not use on varnished surfaces. Shake well before each use.

Basic Room Deodorizing or Insect Repelling Spray: In a 4oz glass or heavy duty plastic misting bottle, fill with distilled water and 20 drops of your choice of essential oils depending on the purpose. Vodka works well for a misting spray since the alcohol evaporates and doesn't leave surfaces damp, but make sure it is stored out of reach of children and pets! Shake well before each use.

Carpet Freshening Powder: Add 15-20 drops of essential oils to a cup of baking soda. Mix well and place in a covered container overnight. Sprinkle some over your carpet and then vacuum it up immediately. Will keep vacuum cleaner bag deodorized as well.

Carpet Cleaning : Instead of those toxic soaps used by many carpet cleaning services or shampooing machine rentals, use one capful of Thieves Household Cleaner to 6 cups+ of water in the machine.

Hard Floor Cleaner: Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to a bucket of water, then add 5-10 drops of lemon, pine, etc. Or just toss in a capful of Thieves Household cleaning into a bucket of hot water.

Basic Glass/Window Washing: Add 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner to 5 quarts of water.

Fly Repelling Window Cleaner: In a 2oz spray bottle add water and 10 drops of lavender or lemongrass. Shake well, spray, then wipe windows down with a damp cloth.

Dishwasher: Put a teaspoon of Thieves Household Cleaner in the detergent cups like you would use soap or add to natural detergent as a germ fighting booster. DO NOT MIX EOs WITH CHEMICAL/BLEACH DISHWASHING SOAPS OR SPOT REMOVING AIDS! A couple drops of lemon, orange, grapefruit, or Purification Blend tossed into in the rinse water(open the door and drop in the water at the bottom of the dishwasher) helps combat smells of dishes from fish dinners, etc and freshens the drain.

Laundry Deodorizing: Great for pet beds, crib sheets, mattress pads, barn clothes, soiled baby stuff, etc. When washer is full of water and laundry add a capful of Thieves Household Cleaner to wash and then 10 drops of lemon or Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) to the rinse cycle. Soak for several hours or overnight then spin out. Lavender is nice in the rinse cycle for cloth diapers.

Happy Safe Cleaning!

Common Scents for Safe Cleaning: Part 1

The potential danger of household cleaners was brought to my attention as a young girl by hearing frequent retellings of my mother’s nearly life-threatening experience during an attempt to sanitize a toilet bowl. She was cleaning the bowl with ammonia and just for extra power, splashed in some bleach. The fumes just about caused her to flee the bathroom gasping for air. The tissues in her sinus cavities ,bronchial tubes and lungs were burned by the vapor, then some scar tissue developed.

For years she suffered with a chronic cough and bouts of walking pneumonia . At the present her respiratory system still remains easily susceptible to infection. Later, my mom read accounts of housewives who were not as fortunate as she had been, since the cloud of fumes from mixing certain chemicals with chlorine can freeze the lungs, causing suffocation. NEVER, NEVER mix anything with bleach was a continual tape that ran through my head whenever I set out to clean! Actually, I just never use bleach at all these days.

Here’s why :

• Household bleach is an irritant and may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.
  


• Dermatitis may result from direct skin contact.
  


• Ingestion of a few ounces or more of bleach may result in medical complications.
  


• DO NOT mix bleach with acids! Mixing household bleach with acids such as vinegar, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners; and drain cleaners produces chloramine gas which can result in burning of mucous membranes and chemical pneumonia.
  


• If you use "fresh scented" bleach be aware that it may mask your natural ability to nasally detect overexposure to the bleach product.
  


• According to Susan Boothby, an attorney from Denver..."We have a special concern with the use of chlorine (found in laundry bleaches and other cleaners). Whenever chlorine is used, organochlorides are formed. Organocholrides are precursors to dioxins, a deadly class of compounds that cause toxic health effects at levels thousands of times lower than most other chemicals. Dioxins do not break down in the environment and they accumulate in human tissue. Anything bleached with chlorine has organochloride residues. A new EPA draft report on the dangers of dioxin warns for the first time that even trace amounts can cause serious health problems including birth defects, genetic mutations, threats to the immune and reproductive systems, damage to the liver, kidneys and skin and even cancer." (http://www.showmeahealthyhome.com/)

We want to kill the germs lurking in our homes, right? Housecleaning does not have to be hazardous! Bring those chemical cleaning products to the hazardous waste collection and explore some great-smelling, safe alternatives using essential oils.

EO Facts #3: What Makes EOs Therapeutic?

Q: What makes an essential oil therapeutic?

It is the chemistry of an essential oil that gives it the therapeutic properties.

Essential oils contain hundreds of different chemical compounds, which in combination, lend important therapeutic properties to the oil.

Although chemists have successfully recreated the main constituents and fragrances of some essential oils in the laboratory, these synthetic oils lack therapeutic benefits and may even carry risks. Also, many essential oils contain molecules and isomers that are impossible to manufacture in the lab. This is one of the main reason why essential oils cannot be classified as "drugs".

Because essential oils are composites of hundreds of different chemicals, they can exert many different effects on the body. For example, clove oil can be simultaneously antiseptic and anaesthetic when applied topically. It can also be antitumoral. Lavender oil, often called the "Swiss Army Knife" of aromatherapy, is beneficial for various uses such as burns, insect bites, headaches, PMS, insomnia, stress, and hair growth.

One very important thing to note is that because of their complexity, essential oils do not disturb the body's natural balance or homeostasis. If one chemical constituent exerts too strong an effect, another constituent may block or counteract it. A great example of the intelligent molecules of plants working in harmonious synergy within the human body to enable healing!

Synthetic chemicals, in contrast, usually have only one action and often disrupt the body's own balance. So, we begin to understand that not all "chemicals" are created equal!

Essential Tip of the Week: Cold Sores

Cold sores are also known as Herpes labialis. Diets high in the amino acid lysine can reduce the incidence of herpes, however, the amino acid arginine can worsen herpes outbreaks. EO softgels that have an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity such as the Inner Defense formula can be beneficial for fighting recurring viral infections from the inside out.

Peppermint and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) EOs have been studied for positive effects on the pain of herpes. These oils can be used in rotation 5-10 times daily as soon as the cold sore starts forming. Lavender is helpful in healing the skin and reducing scarring when the sore is cracked or in its final stages.

I like to place one drop of oil in the EO bottle cap and soak up the tip of a pure cotton swab then hold the tip directly on the cold sore area for a minute or two.

When applying EOs to an open sore, a 50/50 dilution with a carrier oil will help reduce discomfort or drying the skin.

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

The Stethoscope

Hope it brings some joy to your heart!

EO Facts #2 : What is Aromatherapy?

Q. What is the true definition of "aromatherapy"?

Currently this term is used to market pretty much any scented item such as candles, potpourri, lotions, and room deodorizers. Its true definition is " the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes". We will explore the crucial meaning of therapeutic grade essential oils in a future EO Facts post.

There are three different models or frameworks followed in therapeutic treatment using essential oils.

• The English model advocates diluting a small amount of essential oil in a carrier oil and massaging the body for the purpose of relaxation and relieving stress.
• The German model focuses on the inhalation of essential oils.
• The French model utilizes the ingestion and neat (undiluted) topical application of therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Note that the majority of aromatherapy books and reference guides available, as well as aromatherapy educators, only promote the English and German models of aromatherapy. The reason for this is largely due to the fact that most EOs commonly sold in health food stores and online are NOT labeled as EO Supplements, and are NOT safe for internal use. If your EOs do not carry this label, don't use the French method.

For an excellent selection of EO Supplements available from Young Living Essential Oils , you may visit my website.

Quote of the Week

"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
Proverbs 15:13

Aromatherapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

I usually don't post articles this long, but it is such an excellent overview of what SAD is and how essential oils can be beneficial. My personal favorites for the midwinter blues are grapefruit and orange. Remember, don't apply citrus oils on skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight as skin sensitivity and discoloration can occur.
Ms. Gist and I have a difference in opinion about the internal use of essential oils and using aromatherapy for children. Research has shown that if the EOs are therapeutic/medicinal grade and labeled as a supplement, they are safe for both purposes. Lower quality essential oils can be harmful. I definitely encourage consultation with an experienced aromatherapist in the French method of aromatic medicine (my Young Living training follows the French method) or sound reference material such as the Essential Oils Desk Reference for self education.
Aromatherapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by Wendy Gist
Wendy Gist MS is Clayton College of Natural Health Honors graduate with a MS in Natural Health. She is a freelance writer; her work appears in Alternative Medicine, Better Nutrition, and other leading international publications.

Winter can be a magnificent time of year to enjoy the smell of nature if you employ the power of true aromatherapy. Plant essences have been used for ages to change moods and elevate emotions. For those feeling down-in-the-dumps due to light deprivation, the time has come to chase those unwelcome blues away.

Feeling blue as the days get shorter? With winter around the bend, seasonal change is upon us, and many suffer from mood swings caused by lack of sunlight. Here’s a tip: consider adding Aromatherapy to your routine.

Aromatherapy is a natural approach employed to relax and restore balance between mind, body and spirit. Aromas have been known for centuries to promote healing. This therapy is a natural management technique consisting of essential oils applied either to the body or inhaled, and is defined as “the use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health.”[1] Consider giving essential oils a try to mitigate seasonal mood swings.
Feeling Blue?
The changing seasons come with bitter cold temperatures, grey skies and lack of sunlight, which can inflict suffering and disruption in our ability to function in daily routines. Furthermore, humans’ internal biological clocks (referred to as circadian rhythms) are affected by lack of sunlight, which interferes with our psychological relationship to the outer world. For many, when moods shift from irritability to depression to non-motivated behaviours and complete exhaustion, winter blues can seriously affect productivity. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects an estimated half a million people every winter between September and April. Most agree the toughest months for seasonal suffering are December, January and February.
SAD Symptoms
“One of the symptoms is decreased levels of serotonin, the hormone that helps us maintain a feeling of well-being,” explains Aromatherapist Virginia Evangelou, certified practitioner and teacher, and a contributing writer for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information for Teens.[2] “It has been shown that essential oils may help combat this hormonal imbalance, specifically Frankincense, Marjoram, Geranium, Bergamot, Lavender, Chamomile and the citrus-derived oils,” she notes.

SAD was isolated as a clinical disorder in the 1980s. However, animals and humans have been affected by seasonal light variation for centuries. Winter depression is four times more common in women than in men.[3] People between the age of 20 and 40 are most susceptible, but SAD does affect all age groups.[4] At least one in 50 people in the UK are thought to have SAD, and one in eight people have the less severe form known as the ‘winter blues’.[5] There are many symptoms associated with seasonality. Do you recognize any of the following in yourself or in a family member?

• Drop in energy level;
• Irritability;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Tendency to oversleep;
• Fatigue;
• Weight gain;
• Change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods;
• Loss of libido;
• Weakened immune system;
• Severe depression.

These symptoms can be difficult to live with on a daily basis, and can range from mild to severe. If you believe you are suffering from SAD, consult your physician.
Aromatherapy: Management Solution for Mood

Scent has a profound effect on the emotions. “There is a powerful association between odour and memories which trigger our emotions.” “You never forget a scent, but the memory you associate it with will affect your emotional response, e.g. the smell of your childhood home, a new baby, a walk in the woods, baking cookies, or a lover’s cologne, all of which can conjure up long-forgotten memories, either positive or negative, and consequently have profound and lasting effects.”[2]

In addition, the scent of the ocean after a rain storm may evoke childhood memories, the aroma of freshly baked apple pie may stimulate the appetite, and the prolonged odour from a rose garden may evoke feelings of warmth and joy. Conversely, exposure to unsavoury scents, such as rotten eggs or burning sulphur generally sours the mood. Being aware of the scents that surround you, therefore, can be beneficial.

Teodor Postolache, a Psychiatrist who has worked with numerous SAD patients, found interesting evidence that odours play a role in seasonal depression. Postolache’s studies reveal that people with SAD have a more acute sense of smell than people who do not suffer from seasonal depression.[5]

It is believed that natural plant oils may stimulate regions in the brain, including those controlling endocrine, immune, and limbic (emotional centre) functions. Scientific studies have shown essential oils to produce consistently different patterns in EEG tests on the brain, and that aromas may also have a subliminal or unconscious effect on mental states. Several studies demonstrate the beneficial effects on mood and depression.
Depression

A 2006 study investigating the effects of lavender fragrance on sleep and depression, published in the Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi Journal, revealed that lavender fragrance had a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in female college students.[6]

A 2005 study published in the same journal, using the essential oils of lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint, mixed with carrier oil composed of almond, apricot and jojoba oil, clearly showed that ‘aromatherapy has major effects on decreasing pain and depression levels’, suggesting that Aromatherapy can be a useful nursing intervention for arthritis patients.[7]

Mood : A 2004 study published in Psychological Reports, assessing the effects of water, lavender, or rosemary scent, on physiology and mood following an anxiety-provoking task, revealed that ‘when individual perception of scent pleasantness is controlled, scent has the potential to moderate different aspects of mood following an anxiety-provoking task’.[8]

Agitation :A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry revealed that “lavender is effective as an adjunctive therapy in alleviating agitated behaviours in Chinese patients with dementia.”[9]

Although there are many effective ways of treating seasonal blues, such as anti-depressants, cognitive therapy, light therapy and exercise, other complementary approaches such as Aromatherapy may be considered as a management method, in particular on days when all other options seem to fail.
Implementing Aromatherapy

Essential oils are highly powerful concentrates and must be diluted or blended into unrefined carrier oils, such as coconut, apricot kernel, avocado, jojoba, peach nut or sweet almond. Do not apply undiluted to skin. Here are three ways you can use them:
Cosmetic Aromatherapy “I’m an enthusiastic proponent of long soaks in luxuriously scented hot baths, but do remember that extreme heat destroys the properties of the oils, so the water should be a comfortable temperature”.[2]

Cosmetic Aromatherapy combines essential oils for application to the body. Essential oils applied to the hair, feet, face, skin and body may cause a person to feel rejuvenated, especially when you are feeling down-in-the-dumps.
Massage Aromatherapy

Seasonal depression can make one feel lifeless at times (which causes low energy levels), leaving the body drained, sluggish, tired and unmotivated. With such symptoms, many people who feel downright depressed during the hard-hitting months of winter may seriously consider Massage Aromatherapy as a calming therapy. Aromatherapy Massage involves aromatic oils combined with massage touch, which aid in relaxing the body. Aromatherapy Massages offer relaxation and physiological rejuvenation through the stimulation of the nervous system, whereas inhalation techniques are useful for respiratory conditions.
Olfactory Aromatherapy

Olfactory Aromatherapy is a method of releasing essential oils into the air for inhalation. Inhalation is the most effective way to stimulate the brain and limbic system. The inhalation approach is distributed by spraying distilled water mixed with natural essential oils into the air, and also by diffusion. Diffusion is evaporation achieved through the use of aromatherapy equipment which disperse essential oils into the environment. Diffusers come in the form of aroma lamps and room sprays, and can also be inhaled by placing a couple of drops of oil on a tissue. Place a few drops of your favourite oil on some cotton wool and put it in clothes drawers and linen cupboards.

All types of Aromatherapies, including Inhalation Therapy, Ointment Therapy, Bath Therapy, Massage Therapy and Creams, may be beneficial to this all too real seasonal misery.
Consult a Professional

Essential oils have various effects on the body, depending on the individual’s needs and the type of essential oils used. Safety procedures should be followed. Virginia Evangelou points out that while essential oils are very safe when used correctly, it is important to realize that although they are derived naturally, and contain no harmful synthetic chemicals, they do contain many natural chemicals and so are very potent.

It is important to consult with a registered Aromatherapist who is well-versed on how each oil work. Always discuss alternative approaches with your doctor, especially if you are taking prescription drugs or using other therapies. Get advice on what oils to use since some are toxic and harmful. Aromatherapists are trained on how to blend high quality essential oils to meet an individual’s needs. “A trained Aromatherapist has taken the time to learn about essential oil safety, and can pass on their expertise so the layperson can enjoy them safely,” emphasizes Evangelou.
Safe and Effective Aromatherapy

Using aromas may help relax and relieve stress. Stress is known to cause a myriad of physical maladies far beyond the scope of winter blues and SAD. By no means is aromatherapy intended to cure seasonal moodiness or SAD symptoms, but it may be used to lessen irritability and tension, boost energy, and offer support with emotional issues.

Be cautious of products that do not contain a list of ingredients on their label. It is not advisable to purchase oils with the word ‘fragrance’, or list other synthetic ingredients such as Phthalates which are found in synthetic, petrochemical-derived fragrances. Current research has shown that phthalates can do kidney, liver, and reproductive damage.

One tip is to purchase 100% pure products made from plants with no added synthetic substances. Look for natural and organic essential oils. It is best to use oils that are bottled in opaque (dark) glass, and steer clear of oils that do not list both the common and Latin botanical name. “None should be taken internally, unless under the care of an aromatherapist with advanced training in internal aromatherapy (popular in France, where Aromatherapy treatments are covered by medical insurance),” advises Evangelou. Younger children should not use Aromatherapy. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils, as well as people with certain illnesses such as asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.
Choose Your Mood

Many essential oils possess ‘antidepressant’ and mood lifting qualities, but we should be careful to choose those that best suit our needs. “If you are feeling lethargic and fatigued, sedative oils will only exacerbate the problem. However, if depression is causing insomnia, irritability and restlessness, sedative oil is ideal.”[2]

Rose, Geranium, Bergamot and Melissa can elevate your mood without a sedative effect, while Sandalwood, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage and Lavender possess both anti-depressant and sedative qualities. “Jasmine is an excellent wake-up oil, cheering you up and dispersing mental fatigue. In addition, if you’re suffering from anxiety, try Neroli to boost your confidence.”[2]

Due to essential oils’ stimulating qualities and possible affect on the brain, one may find much hope in chasing the winter blues away with Aromatherapy applications. Look for essential oils that generate a positive emotion in you, then set them up in your daily routine. Evangelou comments on three of her much-loved anti-depressant oils:

• Bergamot : I love the tangy freshness of the citrus family and feel Bergamot is one of the most versatile. Its delicate orange-lemon balsamic scent is refreshing, uplifting, calming and balancing to the mind, body and spirit. It has a multi-layered effect on the emotions, most beneficial in relieving stress, tension, anxiety, depression, frustration and anger. This oil can help you regain self-confidence, while restoring your vitality, building immunity and evoking warmth and joy in your heart;

• Clary Sage: Incomparable is the only way to describe the musky, earthy yet bright, sweet and floral scent of this intoxicating, sensuous oil, which can cause euphoria in large amounts. The effects of this enigmatic oil are primarily psychological; said to give courage and feed the soul, Clary Sage can help regenerate your energy, balance extreme emotions, inspire your mind, encourage feelings of well-being and help you put things in perspective. It may also help with deep-seated tension, sadness, stress and nervousness, bringing about inner tranquility;

• Lemongrass: The pleasantly sharp, sweet lemony scent is like a cool stimulating shower. Not traditionally thought of as an ‘anti-depressant’, this oil has an intense radiant energy which has an invigorating and revitalizing effect – perfect to pick you up and get you going on those cold dreary winter mornings. This oil can help combat grumpiness, irritability and tiredness, especially when travelling. Reviving and energizing, it stimulates the left brain, aids concentration and brings about fresh ideas – helpful if you are feeling blocked and in need of inspiration.
References

1. Dictionary.com. Aromatherapy. Retrieved 8 July 2007. dictionary.reference.com/search?q=aromatherapy.

2. Personal Interview. Aromatherapist Virginia Evangelou (Ms). Greece. Certified practitioner, teacher, researcher and consultant.

3. Rosenthal and Norman E. Winter Blues. The Guilford Press. New York. 1998.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Patient UK. May 2003. Retrieved 17 Aug. 2007. http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/27000232/

5. Postolache T. Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder Have Lower Odor Detection Thresholds Than Control Subjects. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 59: 1119-22. 2002.

6. Lee IS and GJ Lee. Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy on Insomnia and Depression in Women College Students. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 36(1): 136-43. 2006.

7. Kim MJ et al. The Effects of Aromatherapy on Pain, Depression, and Life Satisfaction of Arthritis Patients. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 35(1):186-94. 2005.

8. Burnett KM et al. Scent and Mood State Following an Anxiety-provoking Task. Psychological Reports. 95(2): 707-22. 2004.

9. Lin PW et al. Efficacy of Aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) as an Intervention for Agitated Behaviours in Chinese Older Persons with Dementia: a Cross-Over Randomized Trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 22(5): 405-10. 2007.

Ask The Aromatherapist

Announcing the launch of the brand new Ask The Aromatherapist feature located on the left sidebar! When I started this blog my goal was to create an interactive place where visitors could ask specific questions privately if they wish, without it being a public comment.

Please note that I do not diagnose illnesses, treat disease, or prescribe cures, but rather share my personal knowledge and reference materials for tips on how to use essential oils as tools to support the body's natural ability to heal.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Essential Tip of the Week: Soothing Stomachaches

• This week we had a stomach bug visit our house which meant a weekend of messy diapers for my little guy. I began feeling the yuck yesterday after lunch. It wasn't a full blown flu thing, but icky enough to not want to eat with lots of rumbling in the tummy and frequent diarrhea. No pink stuff in our medicine cabinet, just a wonderful blend of soothing essential oils that never ceases to amaze me at how well it works! The added bonus of this combination of essential oils is that it feels warm and cooling at the same time and helps me drift off to sleep which is such a welcome relief when experiencing night time heartburn or cramping.
  
  Here are some details about these awesome tummy treasures:
  
• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is antiseptic and combats internal parasites and urinary tract infection. Soothes inflammation and spasms, prevents fermentation.


• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is antiseptic and has been traditionally used to combat nausea, gastro-intestinal fermentation, and indigestion.


• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the most highly regarded herbs for improving digestion and combating parasites. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract and promotes peristalsis . It kills bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and mold.


• Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and J.scopulorum) works as a powerful detoxifier and cleanser and amplifies kidney function.


• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is antiseptic and stimulating to the gastrointestinal system. It is antispasmodic, antiseptic, and used for flatulence and nausea.


• Lemongrass( Cymbopogon flexuosus) has been documented to have poweful antifungal properties. It is vasodilating, soothes inflammation, and improves digestion.


• Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is antispasmodic, antiseptic, and increases bile flow. Combats spastic colitis, indigestion, and intestinal pain.
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a powerful digestive aid that combats nausea. Antimicrobial, fights inflammation, and reduces fluid retention.

Di-Gize is a blend of all the oils above. It is also an EO Supplement which means it can be taken internally. Here are some easy ways to use Di-Gize:

• Massage 2-4 drops EO blend with 1 or 2 drops carrier oil into abdomen in a clockwise motion (the way digestion moves). A warm compress can be applied if desired especially for cramping.
• A drop or two of Di-Gize can be mixed in a warm cup of water and sipped like a tea.
• Two or three drops of Di-Gize can be put in a empty capsule, the rest of the capsule filled with olive oil, then taken before each meal.

To order Di-Gize Essential Oil Supplement please visit my website or contact me jennifernordin@marketingscents.com .

Quote of the Week

"The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day." Hippocrates