OilTalk Tip of the Week: Healing Burns

"My daughter was using a gas grill and when she discovered it had gone out, she bent down to re-light it. A huge fire ball shot out right in her face. Her entire face was burned and she was in a lot of pain. We spritzed Young Living Essential Oils Lavaderm (a aloe/lavender spray) every few minutes for the first few hours--then hourly during the night and the next few days. When the Lavaderm was gone, we continued with Lavender oil because now we were able to touch her face without much pain. She never got a single blister and has healed wonderfully."
~Anita Rueter, Rice, MN

April is National Stress Awareness Month

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and research has linked chronic stress with life-threatening illnesses such as heart attacks, stroke, depression, and chronic pain. For many of us, stress and the anxiety it causes are an unavoidable part of our daily lives. A low level of stress is indeed often necessary to motivate us, but it is important to keep its impact within a level you can tolerate. If allowed to dominate, stress can cause intense anxiety and a general deterioration in health. It can also increase the risk of more serious ailments developing, such as stomach ulcers. Inhaling certain aromas help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation.

Not all scents are created equal however. Synthetic fragrances found in most commercial perfumes, body care, and candles are petroleum based and can cause allergic reactions, one of which is irritability, headaches, and brain fog. Pure, natural plant oils such as Young Living Essential Oils contain carefully preserved therapeutic molecules without any fillers, pesticide residues, or synthetic ingredients.

Lavender is universally most well known for its relaxing properties. For relief from sudden stress, sprinkle 4 drops of Lavender on a tissue and inhale deeply. Other single oils that soothe stress are Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Idaho Balsam Fir, Clary Sage, Cedarwood, and Geranium. Any of these oils are wonderful in a cold air ultrasonic diffuser, which is the best method for dispersing a microfine mist into the air.A few drops may be added to a bath with sea salts and baking soda or in a little jojoba oil for a shoulder massage. An excellent remedy for stress is to simply ask someone who cares for you to hold you close!

My favorite blended oils are Young Living's Tranquil and Stress Away which are packaged in no fuss, easy to use, and portable roll on applicators. These are a must have for on-the-go stress relief! Valor and Peace and Calming blends are very popular choices among my massage clients.

To learn more about therapeutic essential oils, subscribe to the Oils For Wellness free e-newsletter . To order pure aromatherapy products call Jennifer at 715-381-6979 or use my ID #329194 on YoungLiving.com. Ask me about private consultations, spa/wellness parties, and workshops at your home, office, or event!

TGIF: My Happy Place

Welcome Ultimate Blog Party Hoppers!

Yikes! So much partying to do, so little time! If you clicked on over from 5 Minutes For Mom, then you know about my FABULOUS FIVE giveaways. If you haven't checked out the 5MFM prize page, better get on over there and check it out. But I have one more giveaway for just ONE special winner..... Young Living Essential Oils LavaDerm Cooling Mist! The must-have lavender/aloe solution for the kiddos boo boos and over exposure as we head into days of fun in the sun.

First entries must:

Follow Oils For Wellness

AND

Like the Oils For Wellness Facebook Page

Additional entries:

Tweet this post URL

Blog about Oils For Wellness

Sign up for the Oils For Wellness free newsletter

Leave a comment here for each entry with links to be eligible.

This giveaway ends April 30th, 2011.

TGIF: Bee Relaxed

TGIF: Stop and Smell the Lavender

TGIF: Inhale and Unwind!

AromaHelp Tip of the Week: Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of the joints specifically; there are 2 main types.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the connective tissue around joints which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, and is often accompanied by weight loss and tiredness. It seems to affect women more than men and, unlike osteo-arthritis, usually attacks pairs of joints. In severe cases, the joints can become crippled and deformed.

Osteo-arthritis is a progressive wearing away of cartilage which results in severe pain and reduced mobility. The connective tissue thickens and fluid may fill the joint, causing swelling.

Aromatherapy can help to relax muscles and relieve pain, but it cannot renew worn cartilage nor can it always help to relieve pain in the bone. A change in diet plus adding whole food nutritional supplements to reduce inflammation can support and nourish the body on a cellular level.

One of the most effective natural supplements for reducing the pain associated with arthritis is MSM which is an exceptionally bioavailable source of sulfur that restores flexibility to cell membranes and slows the breakdown of cartilage. Young Living Essential Oils Sulfurzyme capsules combine the power of MSM with the nutrients of the Ningxia wolfberry to enhance proper assimilation and metabolism of sulfur.

Below are just a few essential oils useful for arthritic conditions:

German and Roman Chamomile,Wintergreen

for inflammation.

Juniper, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Lemon, Rosemary, Helichrysum

are useful for swelling.

Black Pepper, Marjoram, Ginger, Nutmeg

are warming, help relax muscles, relieve mild pain.

Peppermint has been studied for its ability to kill pain by blocking substance P and calcium channels. *

*Gobel et al., "Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimeteric headache parameters."Cephalalgia. 1994 Jun;14(3):228-34;discussion 182

Bath: Warm soaking baths can help to relax muscles and relieve pain. Sprinkle 2 drops each of Lavender, Rosemary, and 3 drops of Eucalyptus with several drops of carrier oil and/or a cup of sea or epsom salts in the water. If pain is severe, add a further 2 drops of Roman Chamomile.

Massage: Blend 5 drops each of Juniper, Eucalyptus, Roman Chamomile, and Lavender in 2 oz carrier oil or unscented lotion and apply a generous amount regularly to affected areas.

Caution: Apply only gentle pressure and avoid massage of painful or inflamed joints.

Be Well,

Jennifer

Aromatherapy Benefits Cancer Patients

Aromatherapy works because of the effect of molecules of odor on the limbic system. The limbic system is like the emotional hub of the brain. “Aromatic oils may exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects,” as well as emotional effects.

For those who struggle with chronic illnesses, like mesothelioma and other cancers, essential oils and aromatherapy may provide twofold relief.

Physical:
Mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous cancer. With a very low survival rate, mesothelioma patients tend to become easily depressed and can suffer from side effects of treatment. As is true for most cancer patients, mesothelioma treatment can be painful and ongoing, including traditional methods like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Aromatherapy works as complementary treatment and can remove stress, improve sleeping habits, reduce pain and lower blood pressure. This may help all cancer patients push past the damaging physical effects of traditional treatments.

Emotional:
As an alternative treatment, aromatherapy can help to reduce the stress and depression that many cancer patients endure. Even those with terminal cancer can find relief through the affects of the essential oils on the limbic system. With new clam and the ability to rest, patients have seen overall improvement in their quality of life.

In a Nut Shell:
According to a study on aromatherapy as “A Supportive Care Agent in Cancer,” Chamomile, Lavender, and other oils may have the following effects on cancer patients:

- Reduction in anxiety
- Reduction in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
- Reduction in physical and psychological symptoms
- Improvement in quality of life
- Reduction in pain
- Improvement in mobility
- Improvement in sleep
- Reduction in depression

Those with terminal cancers, like mesothelioma patients, and even those with stage 1 cancer, can benefit from Aromatherapy treatments. After seeking advice from a physician and, of course, after serious prayer and deliberation, it may benefit you or anyone you know who may be fighting cancer to find out if aromatherapy can help.

Submitted by Krista Peterson, student, writer, health and safety advocate.

For more information on the benefits of therapeutic essential oils visit the Oils For Wellness website.

Essentials For Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

I have been thinking about compiling a "nutshell" list of what supplies one should have on hand to become an efficient user of everyday aromatherapy. You can add other first aid items to this list of course such as bandages, etc. These are the necessary tools for using essential oils safely and easily instead of commercial products and OTC medicines. This is what I use for my family's health care!

Essential Oils:

The Young Living Essential Oils Everyday Oils Kit detailed below will provide nine basic single oils and blends needed for your medicine cabinet. It is available for purchase here at retail or wholesale prices. The wholesale kit includes a coupon for 50% off the Home Diffuser. You can also watch a video presentation on these 9 oils on the website also.
Lavender
Apply 2-3 drops lavender oil on a minor burn or sunburn to decrease pain or on a rash to relieve itching.
Apply one drop on a cut to stop the bleeding.
For nosebleeds, put a drop of lavender on a tissue and wrap it around a small chip of ice, press under middle of top lip to the base of the nose and hold as long as comfortable or until bleeding stops, careful to not freeze lip or gum.

Peppermint
Rub 4-6 drops in the palm and rub over stomach and around navel to relieve indigestion, flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea.
Add a drop to a mug of warm water to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.
Rub several drops on the bottoms of the feet to reduce a fever.

Lemon
Saturate a cotton swab and use between toes to clear athlete's foot.
Put a drop on bleeding gums caused by gingivitis or tooth extraction.
Rub a drop on to help reduce corn, callous, and bunion twice daily-am and pm.

PanAway Blend
Apply topically on sore muscles, arthritis, or injured area to reduce inflammation and bruising.
Rub a few drops on the temples, forehead, and back of the neck to relieve a headache.

Peace and Calming Blend
Diffuse in the room to calm autistic, ADD, overactive or hard to manage children.
Diffuse while sleeping to help stop nocturnal teeth grinding.

Purification Blend
Put a drop on insect bites to neutralize the poison and stop the itching.
Rub a drop on the outside of a sore throat when it is first beginning.
Rub a drop on a blister, cut, or scrape to cleanse and disinfect.

Thieves Blend

Place 2-3 drops in honey or a capsule or apply to the bottoms of the feet for immune system support especially during flu season.
Diffuse to eliminate bacteria, mold, allergens, and odors in the air.

Valor Blend
Massage into neck, chest, or shoulders to release tension.
Drop onto the wrists to ease anxiety and encourage confidence.

Frankincense
Massage several drops on the temples and back of the neck for stress relief.
Drop onto the skin to minimize or soothe scarring and stretch marks.
Apply on the face to minimize oil production and acne.

Other essential oils and items to keep on hand:

Melaleuca alternifolia (basic antiseptic/fights super germs)

Eucalyptus globulus (fights super germs/respiratory infection)

Eucalyptus radiata (for kids-respiratory illness)

Young Living Essential Oils Di-Gize Blend (stomach flu and food poisoning)

Young Living Thieves Antiseptic Spray (for cleansing minor abrasions and wounds)

Young Living Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Young Living Thieves Hard Lozenges (sore throats)

Young Living Essential Oils LavaDerm Spray (minor burns and sunburn)

Young Living Essential Oils Inner Defense softgels (for flu, candida, and infections-instead of antibiotics)

Young Living Essential Oils Life 5 Probiotic (restores intestinal flora-to be used with Inner Defense

Order Young Living products at the Oils For Wellness website, click through to enter the site and Get Started Now to access product catalog.

Aromatherapy Supplies You Will Need:

Storage case to hold at least 16 essential oil bottles

Cold air ultrasonic Home Diffuser

Glass droppers/pipettes for filling bottles, samples, or capsules

2 ounce amber or blue glass bottles for mixing/storing blended oils

2 and 4 Ounce solid white plastic bottles for creating bath gels or lotions.

Preprinted Young Living essential oil labels for bottles/samples.

Glass roll on applicators-great for applying diluted oils/blends for perfume and therapeutic use.

Half ounce plastic dropper bottles for administering EOs blended in a carrier oil

The aromatherapy supplies listed above are available at Abundant Health.

Carriers To Blend Essential Oils:

Pure jojoba (*my favorite-doesn't go rancid), grapeseed, almond, or Young Living V-6 Massage Oil (for topical use)

Pure aloe vera jelly or juice (burns, skin abrasions).

Honey or organic agave nectar, olive oil (dietary use)

Empty vegetarian capsules for dietary supplementation of essential oils.

Alba Botanica Unscented Body Lotion for creating your own scented lotions using EOs.

Young Living Essential Oils Bath Gel Base for making your own bath gels.

Epsom or sea salts for baths or foot soaks (injury, bruising, sore muscles)

Subscribe to the Oils For Wellness free e-newsletter to learn more about using therapeutic essential oils! Call me if you would like to order or need more information on becoming an everyday oiler! 715-381-6979

Be Well,

Jennifer Nordin

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Groundbreaking Cancer Research

by Michelle Allen

"While acceptance by the mainstream of conventional medicine may be a ways off, essential oils used in aromatherapy are proving themselves to be potential potent allies in the treatment of cancer. The alternative medicine called ‘aromatherapy’ might actually suffer from a misunderstanding of its name — aromatherapy, often confused with the use of a Glad Plug In Air Freshener, is actually an entire branch of medicine with specific treatment protocols for a wide variety of illnesses. This practice is slowly gaining credibility with patients (perhaps more slowly with doctors) partaking in the conventional medical system of the United States. Their healing power, like that of most natural therapies, can not only transform difficult disease states, but can have a long-term positive effect on one’s overall wellness. They are readily available, inexpensive, and just happen to smell nice — but there’s a whole lot more to them than that…

Research into the area of medicinal applications of essential oils has been significant in recent years. Many oils have been proven to have significant antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal action. Now, the body of evidence of essential oils being strongly anti-tumorial, with specific anti-cancer action is growing, too. A search of Pub Med, the National Institute of Health’s online research database produces 391 results for the search ‘essential oils cancer’ and 444 results for ‘essential oil tumor’. MANY of the studies show a direct correlation in tumor and cancer cell line eradication with the use of essential oils. A great many have conclusions that indicate the studies results warrant further investigation of essential oils for the development of accepted therapies.

Here’s a review of some very promising results:

Frankincense has had a place in medicine for as long as medical practices have been documented. The resin from these stout trees of Africa and the Middle East is highly revered for its curative and preventative action (with many spiritual uses as well). In 2009, the journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a studied that outright said Frankincense essential oil kills cancer cells while sparing normal, healthy cells. The oil distilled from the tree’s resin acted specifically on bladder cancer cells, with the study concluding that Frankincense might represent and alternative agent for treatment. Odd that the mainstream media has not made much of this finding — it took a subscription to these abstracts for many interested parties to be notified — otherwise it easily could have gone unnoticed!

Frankincense essential oil is well known to be non-toxic, with many people able to put the oil directly on their skin, and even ingest the oil in small quantities*(Jen's note: Oil MUST be therapeutic grade and labeled as a dietary supplement to ingest) without any negative response. Though it can induce cell death with incredible specificity, a feature that absolutely suggests further investigation should be performed — hopefully the medical establishment will agree.

The oil distilled from the leaves of Lemongrass, an herb with a long medicinal history itself, also shows similar action. In an evaluation of the essential oil from the Lemongrass species Cymbopogon flexuosus, the oil was found cytotoxic to a number of cancer cell types, and was active particularly in affecting that ‘hallmark of cancer cells’, the ‘dysregulation of apoptosis’ — the natural process of cell death. One study concluded “The easy and abundant availability of the oil combined with its suggested mechanism of cytotoxicity make CFO (Lemongrass Oil) highly useful in the development of anti-cancer therapeutics”. Inexpensive, easy to make, and effective: virtues of all of Nature’s finest medicines!

Another groundbreaking study revealed the potential efficacy of a component of many essential oils. The study suggests the potential for one very common constituent can destroy liver cancer cells at very low concentrations — it may be possible then that an essential oil with similar properties found in one’s own region of the planet can have these same effects, offering the same healing or protective action without needing ‘exotic’ medicines to do so. The chemical ‘linaolool’ lends itself to the sweetness of many aromatics. The higher the linalool concentration in Lavender oil, for example, the sweeter it will be. So this constituent of so many essential oils completely eradicated a liver cancer cell line in a very, very low dilution. The constituent decreased the activity of metabolic pathways producing ATP in the cell, essentially killing the cancer cells by cutting of their energy production. While the study did not conclude anything about further investigation (or not), it was profoundly interesting for those regularly using essential oils in their lives. These folks will naturally absorb the amounts of linalool used in the study in their daily inhalation or topical application of oils, perhaps invoking a protective effect for themselves and their families…this would certainly be an interesting piece of research!

While the studies above show essential oils potential efficacy at treating cancers of internal organs, a number of studies show oils can both eradicate skin cancers and act as protectants from cancer-causing agents.

Sandalwood has a very long history in Ayurvedic medicine, the paste from the wood being used in a great many treatments. The oil distilled from the heartwood of the Sandal tree has been the subject of many studies demonstrating its protective action — the oil has a significant effect in the prevention of tumors when skin is exposed to tumor-inducing chemicals and even UV radiation. Tea Tree oil, a well known antiseptic, exhibited anticancer action by impairing the growth of human m14 melanoma cells — and even showed great effect on those melanoma cells which are resistant to other treatments. Many essential oils have significant antioxidant activity, and may be excellent additions to pre-sun skin lotions to lessen radiation absorption and oxidative radical formation.

Components of Thyme and Oregano essential oils have been shown to actually protect human DNA strands from breaking when exposed to extreme oxidative stress. DNA damage is a leading cause of cancer development, as this can lead to an abnormal cell life cycle, essentially turning off the process of natural cell death. Carvacrol and Thymol were singled out in a study by Slovakian researchers in 2007, though they also note that other components of these oils may have chemoprotective effects as well. Other spice essential oils that have demonstrated cancer preventative effects include Ginger, Tumeric, Basil, Garlic and Sage.

Beyond the direct effects on tumor cells, essential oils have been shown to positively effect the immune system on a chemical level. They can enhance the activity of white blood cells, making them more efficient and removing foreign material and microbes from the body. This would likely result in more effective cancer outcomes. Futher, there’s the psychological component of any disease, and many essential oils have demonstrated anti-stress activity in scientific investigations.

So, like many plant medicines, essential oils work on a number of levels for many diseases, with cancer being one of them. While its important to recognize that essential oil use is in-fact contra-indicated during chemotherapy (as they may reduce the cytotoxic effects of the treatment), they can certainly be an integral part of any cancer preventative protocol. For any application where an individual has already been diagnosed with the illness, it is important to check with their physician to ensure essential oils and aroma-medicine is an appropriate choice.

The overall picture is very bright for the use of essential oils in cancer treatment, and further investigation is certainly warranted by the scientific and medical communities for the development of effective medical protocols for this profoundly life-altering condition. "

Subscribe to my free e-newsletter to learn more about the amazing healing benefits of therapeutic grade essential oils!

Yours in wellness, purpose, and abundance,
Jen

AromaTalk Tip of the Week: Diminish Wrinkles

Everyone knows that lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils. Not only does it have a beautiful aroma, but it also helps your body adapt to stress or imbalance. But did you know you can also use lavender to help beautify your skin? Try this easy skin regimen and see what changes lavender can make for you!

Before putting on any moisturizer in the morning, put a couple of drops of lavender essential oil on your fingertips and apply directly to your face in outward circling motions. Make sure to avoid the area around your eyes. Repeat daily for at least two weeks.

Here is what one Young Living lavender user had to say about following this regimen herself:

“I have been using lavender full-strength on my face for the past two and a half weeks and have seen a marvelous change in my skin. I only do it once a day, usually in the morning. I apply the oil before I use any moisturizer. My pores are getting tighter and my wrinkles are diminishing. I can't wait to see what changes occur in a month or in a year! I love my YL essential oils now more than ever.” —Mary Jane Cushing

Help Young Living Help Haiti

Help Us Help Haiti!

Tuesday, January 12, the worst earthquake in 200 years struck the island nation of Haiti, leaving utter decimation in its wake. While we still don’t know the full extent of the damage, we can be confident that an already fierce, daily struggle to survive has taken a disastrous turn for many Haitians.

Thousands are feared dead, and without adequate water, food, shelter, and medical care the survivors won’t last long. There is an immediate need for worldwide support of the Haitian people.

In order to provide much needed funds, Young Living has partnered with The D. Gary Young Foundation: Young Living Outreach, and from now until January 31, 2010, 10% of all proceeds from the sale of lavender and Peace & Calming® essential oils will go directly to relief organizations working in Haiti.

We have the opportunity to help make a difference. Haiti’s infrastructure is completely demolished. The people of Haiti have no clean water to drink, no electricity, and all hospitals and aid centers have been severely damaged or destroyed entirely.

If you or anyone you know uses these oils, help us give more by increasing your order this month, and pass this message on to anyone who would be interested.

You can also make a monetary donation through The D. Gary Young Foundation: Young Living Outreach.

The need is immediate. Please help.

Lavender
Item No.: 3575

Retail customer Price: $27.30
Wholesale Price: $20.75

Peace & Calming
Item No.: 3393

Retail Customer Price: $43.09
Wholesale Price: $32.75

Please order these products through my secure Oils For Wellness website and the proceeds will automatically be donated to Haiti emergency efforts.

Thanks so much, Jen

Winter Treatments For Your Tresses

Tis’ the season for holiday styles and updos—and for winter weather to wreak havoc on your hair. Did you know that the cold, dry weather can cause hair to be brittle and unhealthy? On top of that, indoor heating can dry it out even further, causing extra frizz and making it even harder to style. So to help combat bad hair days during the holidays, here a few essential oil-infused recipes to help you protect and repair weather-worn hair:

Hot Oil Treatment for Damaged Hair
Ingredients:
1/2 c. organic soybean oil or organic sunflower oil
8 drops Young Living sandalwood essential oil
8 drops Young Living lavender essential oil
8 drops Young Living geranium essential oil

Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Warm oil to a comfortable temperature and apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover hair in a plastic wrap and apply a hot towel for 20 minutes. Shampoo.

Lavender & Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment
Ingredients:
1/2 c. organic soybean oil or organic sunflower oil
5 drops Young Living rosemary essential oil
10 drops Young Living lavender essential oil

Directions:
Mix all ingredients well. Warm oil to a comfortable temperature and apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover hair in a plastic wrap and apply a hot towel for 20 minutes. Shampoo.

Super Deep Hot Oil Treatment
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. almond oil
1 Tbsp. jojoba oil
1 tsp. evening primrose oil
5 drops Young Living rosemary essential oil
5 drops Young Living Roman chamomile essential oil

Directions:
Melt coconut oil in a double broiler on low temperature. Add other carrier oils and allow to cool. Add essential oils. Apply to hair and wrap in a towel for 30–45 minutes. Shampoo.
By treating your locks to these hot oil treatments, your tresses will not only survive winter, but will also be beautiful and healthy come springtime.

And if you’re looking for additional cold weather hair protection, try implementing the following tips into your daily hair care routine:

Wash your hair with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your hair of moisture, and during the winter you need all the moisture you can get!

Use a quality conditioner. If you have dry hair to begin with you may want to look for a hair conditioner that is made for dry hair, such as Young Living’s Rosewood Moisturizing Conditioner.
Use styling tools designed to lock in moisture. Using hair tools such as ionic hairdryers and ceramic-plated straighteners will style your hair without drying it.

Don’t go outside with wet hair. If you expose wet hair to cold winter weather, you risk the possibility of your hair freezing, which leaves it prone to breaking and getting severely damaged.
Use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment at least once a week. Your hair needs this extra attention to help repair and undo winter damage. Check out the end of this post for some essential oil-enhanced recipes for home hair treatments!

Wear a hat or wear your hair up as much as possible. Choose a hat that will not flatten your hair completely, but one that will just cover up most of your hair. Fortunately, there are lots of cute style choices that can make this attractive as well as functional. Wearing your hair back and up will also help reduce exposure to the cold. Just remember: This doesn’t have to be the typical ponytail. Experiment with cute updos or sleek chignons to help protect your hair.

Rub a fragrance-free dryer sheet on your hair brushes and combs to minimize static electricity. This might sound silly, but it works! Because most people have their heat on and their house closed up, static cling is a huge problem in winter. This simple little trick will save you that highly undesirable frizz frenzy.
—Rebecca Jarvis
Product Manager, Essential Living

AromaTalk Tip of the Week: Dry Eyes

"I have had dry eyes for many years and when I had Lasik surgery about 6 years ago, it was discovered that my tear glands did not work well at all. I used many, many bottles of liquid tears over the next couple years.

Then I read in a testimonial that Lavender essential oil caused the tear glands to work when it is placed on the bridge of the nose. I immediately began to do that and it is wonderful. When I put oils on my feet in the a.m. and p.m., I apply a drop of Lavender to the bridge of my nose and if I need some in the middle of the day I reapply it. It works better than anything else I have ever used. AND I'm not getting all the chemicals etc from the liquid tears." ~Grace Hays

NOTE: Essential oils are never to be dropped into the eyes, just safety FYI!

AromaTalk Tip of the Week: Enhancing Exercise With Aromatherapy

"A tip for runners: Use Young Living essential oils to help keep you going on races-or just that jog before or after work. Use a terrycloth or fabric headband. Put a small amount of lukewarm water in the sink or a bowl, soak the headband, and gently squeeze out the moisture. Then add drops of lavender and peppermint essential oils in a few spots across the headband where it will wrap at the back of your neck and at temples.

Or you can try other oils, such as Citrus Fresh essential oil blend (don't apply to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight) or Clarity essential oil blend-the oils work with your intention to help you reach your goal!" Nancy Davis

Jen's note: I really like the Highest Potential EO blend during exercise!

Aroma Help Quick Tip: Soothing Burns

For fast relief of first degree burns, spray burn immediately with Young Living's Lavaderm Cooling Mist (lavender and aloe). Continue misting as necessary to cool the area. Spray as often as 4-5 times an hour for the first two hours and follow with 2-3 drops of lavender diluted 50:50 with jojoba or grapeseed oil.

Please note that it is very important to be using pure lavendula angustifolia species of lavender. Other species can be higher in camphor which will irritate and inflame burns rather than heal them.

Purchase pure, Young Living Therapeutic Grade EOs!

Aroma Help Quick Tip: Seasonal Allergies

Rub a drop of lavender EO between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate symptoms of allergies.

Oiling Myself Well

So sorry, dear followers, that I haven't posted for an entire week. I was busy battling a nasty respiratory bug of some sort, ahem, gathering research for my blog. I am rarely sick, but this was a tough one that hit me like a truck. Started with a fever, a swollen gland and ear, possibly tonsillitis, raw throat, massive mucus overload in my sinuses, and then congested lungs. My whole lymphatic system ached, no doubt clogged with mucus and the lymph node under my left arm was hard as rock down into my breast. It is my nature to stay positive and believe me,I worked at getting well, using every essential oil in my arsenal to move this bug along.

I don't do Nyquil or any Quil for that matter. Over the counter decongestants, cold medications, pain relievers? Nope. Here is how I used essential oils for this recent bout of yuck (remember these are medicinal, therapeutic grade essential oils--DO NOT take EOs internally unless they are labeled as a dietary supplement!).

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia):
Applied these EOs 2 or 3 times daily for congested ears/glands. A drop of each EO mixed with a drop of jojoba or olive oil on a cotton swab then inserted halfway into ear, twisting gently to coat ear canal. Never drop EOs directly into ear!

For tonsillitis, I swab undiluted Tea Tree over the back of my throat--not pleasant to do, but almost immediate relief! Followed by hot water with fresh squeezed lemon, great for breaking up mucus and encouraging lymphatic circulation.

Thieves Hard Lozenges : I went through a whole box of these little gems! Great to suck on to soothe sore throats and cough and contains a powerful blend of EOs to fight bacteria in the ear, nose, and throat.

Inner Defense softgels: These are my silver bullets for respiratory issues, very , very strong thyme and oregano and other heavy hitting bacterial fighting EOs! I took 2-3 during the day with meals.

Life 5 Probiotics: These amped up my healthy intestinal flora that was struggling with mucus overload. Took one capsule at night.

Frankincense cleared out the congested lymph node and breast duct like nothing else! A 50/50 dilution of Frankincense in jojoba or olive oil rubbed over area, then I put a warm compress over it....ahhhh.

Eucalyptus globulus and Pine : I diffused these EOs like crazy throughout the house! Pine is a bronchial dilator and really helped expel the stuff lodged deep in my lungs.

Feel free to contact me for information about how to order these EOs and products for YOUR medicine cabinet or visit my online catalog for purchasing.

Essential Tip of the Week: Yeast Infections

Some essential oils, particularly Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) and Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), have been shown to inhibit the growth of thrush and other fungal infections. When used in a diluted solution, they can bring relief by alleviating the itching and inflammation and soothing the infected areas.

This recipe for the yeast essential oil mix comes from the book Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby by Allison England.

In a small amber or dark blue glass dropper bottle add:

One and a half teaspoons (8 milliliters) of tea tree oil
One third of a teaspoon (2 milliliters) of lavender.
Mix well.

Some methods for using the above EOs to combat yeast:

• Add 2-4 drops of the EO mixture to a warm bath. Soak in the water for ten minutes. Never use commercial bubble baths, soaps, and cleansing gels if you have a yeast infection. They are too alkaline and can irritate the vagina.
• Create a gentle yeast infection cream by mixing 7 drops of EO mixture to one ounce of pure, unscented lotion ( I like petroleum free Unscented Alba Botanica available at most stores) or pure aloe gel. Use this cream to soothe the delicate vulva. Apply three to four times daily.

Use a slightly damp tampon without applicator (100% Organic Cotton Only-the synthetic fibers in commercial tampons will interact with the EOs!). Mix one drop of just tea tree oil with enough organic, plain, live yogurt to make the tampon wet and well coated. Insert the tampon immediately into the vagina, and leave it in place for 2 or 3 hours. Repeat as necessary. Do not leave tampon in more than 3 hours and not overnight.

Don't use any other oil on a tampon but tea tree oil--it is a powerful antifungal agent and the only oil mild enough for the very delicate vaginal area. It must only be used in low dilutions. Tampon method should never be used during pregnancy, instead try the external methods for easing yeast infections. In the case of a severe yeast infection either during pregnancy or postpartum, seek the advice of your midwife or doctor.

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